Shadows of the Night
At Canterlot castle we find Shadow in the tea balcony with Celestia and Aleena. He was standing over the two royalties, and talking to them about the mission, and about what's gonna be next. The Sun Princess was obviously nervous, as she was worried about her little sister, obviously.
"Shadow are you sure you did everything you could to convince her?" Aleena asked. Shadow sighed deeply in response, and gave her a look of a man, who gave up with arguing with woman.
"Yes, your majesty." He said simply and calmly, "I swear to you with everything I have, but you know how Luna can be." He stated. Aleena sighed and giggled a little. "Yes I know. After all I have known her for sometime now. She can be quite a stubborn one." She said with a little laugh. Celestia performed a small chuckle too, as she knew her sister's character perfectly. She then took a sip of the tea from her own cup. "Alright, Shadow." She spoke as her voice sounded playfully, "Are you sure, you tried your best to dissuade my sister?"
Shadow looked at the sun princess, still being serious, "Yes, Princess." He said solemnly, after this, Tia gave him a devilish grin, "Are you sure, agent Shadow?", She said again, this time more teasingly, than before, and Aleena started to chuckle over her colleague's teasings, as she realized, what Celestia means. But the dark hedgehog was the one, who didn't get that, and his eyes arched in a questioning manner. He was too much concentrated on the mission for understanding what Tia means. However, he soon heard the sounds of male's chuckles behind his back, and his eyes became wide. Looking back over his shoulder, he saw two guards who were standing on the doorway chuckled quietly over Shadow's misunderstanding of Celestia's words. But Shadow was still unsure of what the Sun Princess means. Looking back at her, he crossed his arms in the chest area, and lifted up his eyebrow in puzzlement.
"Princess Celestia, what do you mean?" He asked as he tried to sound balanced and calm, but through his calmness gave this strong note of quizz. Before giving him a wordy answer, the Sun Princess rolled her eyes to the ceiling, and took the cup of tea.
"I just wanted to be sure that you tried every single way of convincing her, including..." She spoke as she still sounded very much playfully, "... well you know…" She then took a sip of tea, "Including the way that might convince every woman in the universe.", After Celestia finished her sentence, everyone who heard this reacted differently. The guards couldn't remain discipline, and they started their hard laugh, while almost falling on the floor. Aleena started her laugh, which were still typical for the royalty, as she was hiding her mouth behind her hand. However, the one who didn't get the joke was Shadow, whose eyes were wide as a plates for turkey, and his left eye even twitching.
"Princess." He said, shocked by Celestia's suggestion, "How can you even think that I can make such a terrible act? I have a girlfriend, in the name of Chaos gods!", However, Tia giggled simply as she was smiling innocently, and her eyes are running from wall to wall, "Well, you're a handsome, powerful, and very tough man, agent Shadow." She mentioned, "Besides, to think better, it doesn't consider as a cheating, when we speak about dream."
Shadow gasped, as he blushed like a tomato, "Princess!" He was about to almost shout in awkwardness of the situation. However, Celestia was only about to smiling innocently, and running her eyes over the ceiling, while humming the song to herself as she made a look that she knows nothing, or maybe hinting. Knowing that the it was useless to resist, Shadow hunched and lost about ten inches of his height, before he looked at the guards over his shoulder, to see them laughing and literally lying on the floor. He then humph's in annoyance, and straightened up to his full height, and looked back at the royalties. Closing his eyes, he bowed at them solemnly.
"Thanks for your gesture, Princess and Queen." He said through the gritted teeth, what caused another giggles from Aleena and Celestia, "I'll promise you… *growls*... Princess Celestia, that I'll do anything for your little sister didn't get any harm." He then opened his eyes, and looked back at the guards, while his face was wearing that annoyed and angry look. When he reached two lying guards, he stepped strongly onto their hands, and that stopped them from laughing as they then returned back into sitting positions, and grabbed their hands as they whined in pain. Meanwhile, the two high royalties, stopped their laughing and looked at each other again. Aleena then took her purse, and took out five golden rings from out there and gave it to Celestia.
"Alright, I admit, that I lost this round, but the next time, I'll return my debts." Aleena commented, as she sounded playfully. Tia giggled at her simply, as she counted her rings, and placed it on the top of tea table. The two then returned back to tea drinking.
Later that evening, in Espio's apartments.
Espio had unscrolled a map. "So from what I can gather likely possible places for a base of operations. The mountains, deep in the forest, or Canterlot's Underground Society." He said. "However even though we've limited down the areas we still don't have an idea where to start looking considering how huge these areas can be." The others though for a bit until Luna had an idea as she pointed down on a set of mountains. "Might I suggest we start our search here?" She suggested. "Let's think about this for a minute. They would need somewhere close by where they could strike Canterlot, but far enough so no one would have an easy time finding it. As well as the mountains near ponyville are filled with tunnels and caverns making it easy for those who search to become lost."
Rainbow nodded. "Yeah if I were a criminal that's where I would hide. The thing as well is that these caves are mostly uninhabited. Except for dragons but they rarely ever nest there" She said with a stern look in her eyes. Trixie and Espio looked at each other and nodded. "Agreed Rainbow." Espio said. "Now that we have our starting place might I suggest that we start at day time first thing?" Everyone then looked at Espio in puzzlement.
"Day time?" Luna asked in a surprise.
"Espio, honey." Trixie spoke, surprised as well, "Are you feeling fine? Daytime? Seriously?", Rainbow chuckled over Trixie's statement, as she crossed her arms in the chest area, "Yeah, man." She spoke, "The daytime can be good only if you want the bad guys to see us coming.", Espio, though looked still, calm, and balanced. He just nodded at Dash, and continued his thought.
"That's right, Dash." He spoke, "The daytime is very risky, because all of us might get ourselves caught, however, there's another thing yet… The daytime is not the time when the enemy is usually checking his territory. That is, they're not in a expecting somebody to attack, and we might use it as an opportunity for some exploration.", the girls pondered after he clarified his suggestion and explained the reason of this move.
"Actually… It really does make sense." Luna said out loud.
"Yeah, Trixie agrees." Trixie said in agreement, before they looked at him again and smiled, "Well, you're a professional after all. You know better.", Espio smirked at them proudly in response, thus appreciating their praise. That's when there was a knock at the door. Their eyes sharply went wide, and they turned their heads toward the door. Espio then walked over to the entrance door, and opens it. He then smirks, seeing Shadow, who was standing in front of the door with narrowed eyes.
"Had a hard talk with woman?" Espio asked in a teasing manner, but Shadow huffed simply, and entered inside the apartments. The Chameleon chuckled over Shadow's behavior, and closed the door.
Meanwhile, Dash and Luna smiled happily, seeing Shadow's silhouette approaching to them, and they both stood up at the same time. However Dash walked over to Shadow with opened arms and hugged him tightly, which he gladly accepted, Luna shot a puzzled look on her face, surprised somehow by her own behavior, and then she shook her head hard, and formed a solemn look on her face, and nodded to herself to cool down her nerves. Rainbow then eased off the hug to look at Shadow. "So Shadster… where have you been?"
Shadow then kept a neutral look on his face. "Just had a little conversation about 'approval'." He said as he turned to Luna, "Princess, I know about your status of royalty, but your sister is… *sigh*... She's very much worried for your fate, and I'd like to tell you to stay as close to me… and us of course as you only could." He said, not really wanting to say of what really happened back in the Castle. Luna just nodded at him silently, as a smile flashed across her face. "Don't worry, Shadow. I shall do everything you say." She said with her voice sounded very much confident.
Shadow nods as Luna walks by him. "It's becoming late. I must raise the moon. Might I suggest some rest?" She said as she walked out to the patio. Shadow understood what she was meaning and turned to the other three. "Luna's right. We all are gonna need our strength. So we're gonna need to stay here for the night. That ok?" Everyone nodded in agreement as Espio spoke. "Alright. But there's one thing I need to note. We have only one guest bedroom, but it has two beds. If you want, then you, Rainbow, and Luna may use it if you wish." Espio said. Shadow crossed his arms in question before he insensibly looked first at Rainbow, and then at Luna. However, he then sighed and nodded agreeing to the idea.
Espio gave him a responsible nod, before he walked over to the kitchen. "Can I offer you guys anything to eat?" He suggested some tasty dinner. Hearing this, Rainbow smiled happily.
"Of course, I will." She said, a happy tone in her voice, as she spread her wings and flew after him, "I'm just starving." Trixie giggled over her friend's behavior, and walked over to the kitchen to help her boyfriend with cooking. Shadow, however, wasn't too hungry, so he just raised his hand in an apologetic manner.
"I have to refuse, I'm not really hungry." He said in unison with Luna, and that was a surprise for them both. The Ultimate LifeForm and the Night Princess then looked at each other with their eyes widened, and stared at each other blankly. The spirit of awkwardness filled the room, and neither Shadow nor Luna couldn't find the words to speak. Both of them were waiting for a question from the side of the rest of their company, but when they looked toward the kitchen, they noticed Trixie and Espio are busy with cooking, and Rainbow Dash was hovering over them and looking on what they're doing. After relaxing a bit they decided to return to their personal business, and headed both back to the couch in the living room. They sat down on the couch and started exploring the map of Equestria.
Nighttime.
The full moon was shining brightly through Espio's opened balcony, and the stars were giving it a company in shining. Everyone's were sleeping already, except the owner of the house, who was sitting on the balcony and meditating quietly.
Inside the guest's room, Shadow was lying silently on the bed, with Rainbow Dash is sleeping on the top of him. He was caressing her head and running his fingers through her multicolored hair, while having a depressed look on his face. He tried to get some sleep, but he couldn't get it somewhat. Why? He didn't know. The only thing he worried about is tomorrow's mission. Or may that was not the case? Maybe it wasn't the only thing he was worrying about. He then looked at Luna who was enjoying her dream and sleeping peacefully on the nearby bed. Seeing her beauty sleep, Shadow couldn't help, but smirked at the sight. He then sighed and looked back at Dash as his smirk gave way to the tender smile. He then sighed and took her off him, and laid her comfortably on the bed, prompting her to moan. When he stood up, he put on his jeans and socks and walked out of the room. He decided that fresh air might help him to unwind his head. As he appeared outside, he looked at the balcony to see his Mobian friend meditating. Sighing, Shadow walked down the stairs.
Espio was still meditating by having a calm look on his face, however, he perfectly heard the steps behind him and gave a smirk.
"Troubles with sleep Shadow?" He asked in his usual manner. Shadow smirked upon hearing him, and walked closer. He then sat down next to Espio.
"Mind if I join you?" He asked, prompting Espio to open his eyes and look at him with a smirk, "Do as you wish." He said. Shadow then took a meditative pose, and the two turned their heads forward. They then closed their eyes and took a deep breath as they resumed their meditation process.
Meanwhile, back in the guest's room, a certain pegasi girl opened her eyes wide, and took a sitting position. She then looked toward the balcony to be sure that her boyfriend isn't doing anything rash, but she then sees him meditating with Espio, she threw off the blanket, thus leaving her unclothed, and jumped on Luna's bed. She then grabbed her by the shoulder, and shook her hard to wake her up.
"Princess Luna." She whispered as she shook her so hard, that Luna might think that it was an earthquake happening around. The Night Princess then frowned in her sleep and stirs as she bared her teeth.
"Aw… come… on…" She moaned in her sleep, before her eyes has finally opened and she looked at the one who dared to wake her up. However, her angry look then replaced by a blanky eyes of shock, when she spy absolutely naked Dash is sitting next to her and smirking, and then she backed away from her and covered herself by the blanket. Rainbow chuckled quietly over Luna's reaction to this, and then she shook her head and looked at her back.
"Oh, calm down, Princess." She said calmly, "I just want to talk to you, that's all.", Luna blinked twice over Dash's words, but then she made a deep sigh to relax herself, and frowned at Dash, obviously displeased with the fact that Dash woke her up so late.
"Rainbow, do you know what time is it?" She asked, an annoyed whisper in her voice, "Can it wait till the morning?", Rainbow then sat closer, "Princess, I just want to know if there's anything between you and Shadow." She said, prompting Luna to widen her eyes in shock. The Princess then smiled nervously and scratched the back of her head as she blushed.
"Rainbow… hehehe…" Luna giggled, "What makes you think that there's something between us two?", Dash then frowned and crossed her arms in the chest, "Because today you told me that you regret that he's not your BF." She said with her voice has a slight hint of demand. Luna's face became blank again.
"Did I say that?" She asked nervously, and Dash nodded at her, still frowning. Luna realized that there's no way to get out of it, as she then gave a sad look and lowered her head down.
"We were together about two months, before you started dating him." She said quietly and sadly. Hearing this, Dash's jaw dropped to the floor, and her eyes went wide as a dishes, "What?" She asked shocked. Luna then opened her eyes and looked at Dash sadly and apologetically, as she sat closer and took her by the hand.
"Rainbow, please it's not what you're thinking." She spoke almost pleadingly, "We were a couple in the past, but it doesn't means that I'm going to stand between you two. He's with you now, and…"
"Whoa, whoa, wait…" Rainbow interrupted her as she looked at her suspiciously, "Do you still have something to him?", Luna sighed again and collapsed on the pillow. She was still looking sad and depressed with this conversation, as she knew that she can't lie neither to Dash, nor to herself.
"Yes." She whispered. Hearing this, Rainbow sighed deeply, but then she suddenly smirked and crawled closer to Luna. She then took her by the shoulder.
"And what about Shadow?" She asked in a whisper.
Luna sighs as she closed her eyes, "I don't know." She said in a whisper, and almost sobbing, "I'm not sure about him. Better ask him yourself, Dash.", Rainbow then chuckled slightly and shook her to get her attention. Luna opened her eyes and looks at Dash to see her smirk.
"Well, truth be told, I had some suspicious about you and him." She said with a playful tone in her voice. Luna's eyes sharped wide, "You knew?" She asked her nervously.
RD shrugged, "Well… you could say that." She said, still smirking, "Of all the princesses, he prefers to train with you. After Scourge's attack, you was the last one who left his hospital room. Back on the beach, when he asked about the legends, you managed to convince him to say his point of view on the mere ponies." She shrugged again, "Don't be scared. It's not like I'm gonna putting a hurtin on ya for that… I understand your situation.", Luna then rose into the sitting position, "Who?" She asked.
Rainbow then smiled softly, "Sonic." She said in a surprisingly girly intonation, and seeing her like this, Luna couldn't help, but giggled as her mood arose again, "But I think it's too obvious."
"You still have feelings for Sonic?" Luna asked in a playful manner, and Dash giggled in return, "Yeah, I do." She answered, "However, this is only a part of what I have left after that night with Shadow." She then wiggled her eyebrows, "If you know what I mean." Luna couldn't help, but giggled charmingly again, and gave a nod of understanding, "Oh, I do know what you mean." She said in a joking whisper. The night pony then felt herself tired again as she then she yawned softly. She then looked apologetically at Dash.
"Look, if we figured out our feeling toward one man, maybe I could get some sleep?" She asked, a sleepy tone in her voice. Rainbow gave her a wink, and patted her on the shoulder, "Good night, Princess." She said, before she stood up and returned back to her bed again. Meanwhile, Luna yawned again, and hide under the blanket as she rested her head on the pillow and got her eyes closed. Meanwhile, Dash rested herself on her own bed and still wearing the smile on her face. She didn't know why, but she felt strong relief after knowing the truth. Sighing, the girl rested herself more comfortably and closed her eyes to enjoy her sleep.
Meanwhile Shadow and Espio were still meditating trying to clear their minds of all distractions. However, Shadow then sighs as he loses his concentration and awakes his eyes. Espio took notice and spoke.
"Can't seem to concentrate as you usual can I see?" He said both mocking and pointing out the obvious. Shadow smirked upon hearing him.
"Funny… I just have a lot on my mind." He said calmly, before he looked at his friend, "I think that the meditation is not enough to free my mind from the thoughts that are kind of driving me nuts." He said. Espio gave a look of understanding, as his smirk grew more. He then stood up. "Follow me." He said as he lead his friend to the kitchen as he poured some tea for him and Shadow. Shadow then took his cup and took a sip. Soon, as he swallowed the tea, he uttered a sigh of relaxation.
"Yeah, that helps a lot." He said quietly, and gave him a thankful look, "Thanks.", Espio nods back, as he poured some tea into the cup. Espio drank some tea too, and took another look at Shadow.
"I hope, that the girls won't be offended because we're drinking the tea without them." Espio commented, causing a small chuckle from Shadow. "I don't think they'll mind." He said. "After all… I don't think Rainbow would be very much interested in tea… She prefers drinks she considers… "20 percent cooler"..." He then chuckles some more. "Swear that girl reminds me too much of that faker." Espio couldn't help but join in chuckling.
"Yes I must agree with you on this." He said. Though that's when Shadow spoke. "Though now I have two to worry about instead of just one." He said. Espio though gave this a thought and thought back to when Luna first arrived and how they looked at each other.
"Refrain me from asking but… Is it possible that you and Luna once had a special bond between you?" He asked trying to be considerate. Shadow then set his mug down and turned away as if trying to hint he did not wish to answer. However he then sighed as closed his eyes and spoke. "I would be lying if I said no." He said. It was a brief silence before Espio spoke.
"So that's it hmm… And when did it happened exactly, and the most important is, how long?" Espio asked, as he took another sip of the tea from his cup. Shadow felt slight annoyance. When he raised his eyes and looked at Espio, the chameleon could see the same look, that Celestia saw earlier this day. But he simply gave a smirk, as he could read Shadow's thoughts thanks to his detective skills.
"Pretty long, huh?" Espio suggested. Shadow knew that he has nowhere to go, and nodded at him.
"Yes." He answered, "Two and a half months to be exact.", He then looked forward and took his cup of tea, "It was three months ago before Rainbow Dash came into my life.", Shadow then took a sip of the tea to cool down. After he seemingly finished his thoughts, Espio realized what bothered Shadow at this moment, and decided to cool his worries down.
"Shadow, whatever you are worried about , I want to remind you that they both are great warriors." He stated, a calmed and balanced tone in his voice, "Maybe even one of the best I've ever knew. Rainbow Dash is standing on the same level as Sonic, Silver, Tails, Knuckles, Mighty, and others, and Princess Luna even standing on the same level as you.", Shadow, though, remained cold and skeptical mind over Espio's statement.
"I know, man." He said quietly, "However, Scourge and his gang might know about their status. If they realize who Luna is, she might become their goal. Such a high status hostage is a very strong trump card." He then looked at Espio, "And do not forget that they perfectly know about how important Rainbow Dash is to me." He then sighed and closed his eyes in some dismay, "If anything goes wrong, I might lost two women who mean so much for me…"
Espio couldn't say anything in response, as he knew what Shadow feels. After all, Trixie is not a fighter at all. She may be a great magician, but she is not a fighter at all. Even more so, she is an anti-fighter. She almost knows nothing about the fight moves, she doesn't have the speed as a trump card, and she might be very easy catch for them. Shadow's worries also brought a huge amount of worries to him, too. He then sighed deeply, and closed his eyes as his position equaled with Shadow's. Shadow heard his sigh and opened one eye. Seeing Espio's pose, and his face full of worries and dismay, he decided to finish this conversation, and stood up.
"But there's one thing cools my nerves down." He said, what prompted Espio to open his eyes and to look at his colleague, "The mission we're going to is an intelligence mission and not the eliminate mission. I think everything will go fine.", Espio smirked as he realized that this was the exact way of Shadow to calm him down and then he nodded to his partner.
"Thanks Shadow." He said, as he stood up as well, "Want some more tea?" He asked. Shadow though shook his head. "No thanks. I need to get some rest before tomorrow. Plus I think I have had enough of that stuff." He admitted. Espio chuckled and nodded. "Alright then. Let's get some rest. Have a good night Shadow." He said. Shadow then got up and walked away. Espio meanwhile put away the rest of the tea and went back into his room.
Upon entering he finds his girl wrapped under the covers of the bed. Smirking at this he then slides under the covers and wraps an arm around his girl as she smiled feeling his precious touches.
"Espio?" She whispered. He smiles of course as he sees her turn over to look at him. "Who did you expect? Cleopatra?" He asked. Trixie giggled at the comment a bit finding it somewhat amusing. However Espio then leaned over and kissed her cheek. He then snuggled to her from behind, and closed his eye by trying to get his sleep, however he failed with that, as his mind continued giving him the images of Trixie in the troubles. He then signed deeply, and opened his eyes by trying to get rid of these thoughts.
"Hey, what's the matter?" Trixie's gentle voice asked him sadly, what prompted him to look and her to see her concerned look on her face.
"I think you already know what the answer is." He whispered by sounding in his trademark manner of speaking. Trixie, however, gave him a smile, and rolled over the bed until she appeared on the top of him. She rested herself on the top of her boyfriend in such a way that her breasts were in a tight contact with his chest and her eyes were right in front of his. The feeling of her warmth, and the look of her eyes was actually enough for Espio felt better. He even managed to return a smile that she gave to him. Trixie, though, started rubbing his head softly. Espio then decides to ask one question, he wanted to ask a long ago, but always was too modest for asking actually.
"Trixie." He spoke in a gentle whisper.
"Yes?" She asked, whispering as well, and still smiling.
"Are you fine to live with me?" Espio asked, but instead of an answer, Trixie leaned closer to him, and gave him a kiss on the lips. Espio accepted the kiss gladly, and wrapped his arms around her even tighter, than before. When they kissed enough, their eyes have met again.
"That was such a silly question, Espy darling." She whispered tenderly, and rested herself on the top of him as she cuddled to him tightly, "Trixie is just happy to live with you." she whispered again as she closed her eyes and started to caress his chest. Espio's smile grew wider upon the appearance of his girlfriend, and he wrapped his arms around her tightly. He then closed his eyes and sighed deeply, before lying more comfortably, and slowly drifting into sleep.
Shadow upon entering the room they were staying in finds the two ladies laying in bed asleep if it should even be considered that. He then hops in the bed and looks at the ceiling for a bit just wanting the silence to think. Shadow had a liking of it being quiet and prefered it over any type of racket. He then turned to his girl who was certainly still awake and knew of his presence. Shadow moved his hand over to her and started brush her mane. He looked at her and smirked because he knew better.
"Alright you can stop playing fake sleep RD" He whispered. RD smirked back as she opened her eyes a bit. "Well I had to try and throw you for a loop" She said. Shadow quietly chuckled at this. "So may I ask where you went?" She asked curious about Shadow's sudden disappearance.
"Nowhere far. Just out to the balcony for fresh air." He said. RD smirked at this however the smirk went away as she showed something was bugging her. Shadow noticed this and soon his smirk faded. "Something wrong?" He asked. RD just looked at him for a few seconds and reflected back to what Luna had said earlier and decided she wanted an answer. "Kinda… Shadow?" She asked however she was hesitant because she didn't want to sound like she was blaming Shadow for itm but she just needed to know. Shadow was waiting for a response and the RD spoke some more. "Were you… were you with any other girl besides me at one point in your life?"
Shadow smirked at her, "Don't make me point out the obvious things, Rainbow." He said in a teasing manner. Rainbow sighed, "Shadow…" She whispered, "Just yes, or no.", Shadow shook his head instead, and closed his eyes, as he hid his arms behind his head, "Yes." He said simply. Rainbow leaned over his head, "Like who?" She asked in a whisper, "Like… simple girls, or… well… royalties?"
Shadow hearing this let this go through a thought process,
He thought. He then faked yawn and spoke. "Look it's late alright. Lets just get some sleep." He said as he turned away and closed his eyes. RD just sighed figuring this would be his response and just smiled as she wrapped her arms around his stomach and snuggled very close. She then closed her eyes, too, and slowly drifted into the good night's sleep.
The next morning.
The sun shone brightly over the highest mountains. The thick forest which was lying at the mountains bottom, looked quiet and peaceful, and only the wind gust caused some swaying of the tree tops. On the eastern border of the forest, you can see our team members, fully prepared for the mission, and heading right toward the forest. They were already dressed in a special outfits, made for missions like that, and consist of black colored overalls, black boots and gloves. On their backs they were wearing the bags with weapons, food, and sleeping bags just for the case if they'll have to spend the night in the mountains. They all looked serious and concentrated. Shadow, of course was heading first, with Rainbow Dash followed, Luna walking third, Trixie fourth, and Espio was closing their pack.
As they were on the approach Shadow spoke. "Come on we need to keep moving to the mountains. The caves aren't far." He said. Luna nodded but gave a small yawn showing she was still tired. Shadow heard this and sighed as he figured they were still tired from last night. Luna then spoke. "If you would wish I will patrol the skies for any air assaults." Shadow though shook her head. "Negative on that your highness. It's better if we stick together as a group instead of giving the enemy a chance to pick us off one by one."
"Strength in numbers?" Espio asked. Shadow nodded but deep down there was more to his reasons that he did not wish to share. No one took notice but RD spoke. "Well then I'll go with her to back her up. After all if they do attack from the air we'd have a shot of defending if we had some aerial protection right?" She asked. "Besides I would be all the back she would need." Shadow then turn to her with a frown showing he was not amused with her idea of funny. "Do you want a repeat of what happened at the stadium?" He asked.
RD hearing that then just backed down and looked away. "It was just a joke." She said trying to be confident. She then turned back and walked forward past him. "But don't sweat it. This time I'm not letting them get the drop on me." She said as she winked with a smirk. Shadow smirks back and nods. "I know you are." They then came to a part of the forest where a tree stump was and decided to take a small break as Shadow took out the map of the mountain. "Alright so here's the ordeal. I've marked specific locations for us to check out. Luna..." He said as he pointed to several points on the map. "You take Espio and Trixie with you to these locations and see what you can find. In the meantime. RD and I will inspect the rest. If you happen to find any signs of them don't engage or do anything rash." He said as he turned to Rainbow.
Rainbow rolled her eyes because she knew he was mainly talking about her in that case. Shadow then rolled the map up and spoke. "Everyone understand their assignments?" He asked. Everyone nodded and Shadow spoke. "Very well. Let us be moving then," Luna nodded at him confidently and attaches her headset to her ear. After that, they separated on two groups, with Luna, Trixie and Espio headed to the left, towards the mountain top, and Shadow and RD headed down towards the mountains bottom. While they were walking away, Luna suddenly stopped, and her face formed a sad look, as she then turned around over her shoulder.
Shadow was walking along with RD, who was walking in front, stopped suddenly, and shot a dramatic look on his face, as he felt that someone's watching him. When he turned around, he noticed the Night Princess is standing and staring at him sadly, and worrying. He felt worried as well, and he had a lot of reasons to become worried, but then he managed to give her a smirk as if saying that everything will be fine. Luna couldn't help, but smiled at him in response, and gave him a wink, before she turned and approached after Espio and Trixie. Shadow shook his head over her wink, and sighed. He then turned towards RD and headed after his girlfriend.
After thirty minutes of walking, Shadow and RD were already deep inside the forest. They were examining the mountain's caves, they found, but unluckily for them, they didn't find anything inside. On and on, their eyes caught the sight of the small caves. These caves were too small for the fully grown Mobian, or Equestrian to enter inside, however, you never know what on the criminal's mind. For the next fifteen minutes, they checked like twenty caves, but all they could find were animals, water, and smell. An ordinary smell, that you can only imagine.
Shadow then sighed in disappointment, and looked at his girlfriend with an annoyed look on his face. He wasn't annoyed by her, though, he was mostly annoyed by the fact that they didn't find anything. Rainbow, though, was annoyed as well.
"Ugh nothing I guess…" She muttered obviously disappointed. Shadow shook this in response, and then he turned away and went deeper into the forest.
"Wait." Rainbow called him out much to his surprise. He then looked at her over his left shoulder to see her staring at him a bit nervously.
"I wanted to ask you a question." She said to him. Shadow turned to her. "What is it?" Rainbow though instead of asking right away flies above and lands in front of him. "Well… it's more of I need to confirm something.: She said giving a serious look. Shadow then crossed his arms giving a look of question himself. Rainbow then took a quick breath of air before speaking. "Confess." She said to him.
Shadow was confused. "Confess what?" He asked. Rainbow just patted his shoulder. "That you and Luna are a thing." She said with her voice had a slight hint of demanding. Shadow's eyes became wide after these words said by his girlfriend about his ex-girlfriend. He even thought that the word 'girlfriend' is slightly overused by him. Though, he then performed a deep breath in/out to cool his nerves down and decided to make a look that he knows nothing. He returned his trademark look of indifference on his face, and made his arms crossed in the chest area.
"Who said this to you?" Shadow asked as he tried to sound indifferent and talking these words as a crap, "Huh… Me and Luna? That's even sounds ridiculous…"
Rainbow deepened her frown, "Aw, you won't get rid of it so easily, Shadow the Hedgehog." She spoke as her voice sounded as it usually sounds, "She confessed it this night." Shadow's face didn't change, however in his mind he started twitching, jerking and tearing his hair.
Shadow shouted in his mind,
Outside, however, he looked as he usually looks, "She did?" He asked simply and calmly. Rainbow nodded instead and spread her wings wide. Inside his mind Shadow became outraged again.
The voice in his head started to shout again,
Shadow then sighed deeply to cool himself down and to keep his mind sane, and then he narrowed his eyes deeply, while still looking at his girlfriend.
"I should've guess that you weren't sleeping." He said with a slight hint of shame in his voice, prompting Dash to answer his words with a smirk as she felt proud by making him a fool. Shadow then sat down on the log nearby and leaned his head on his left hand as he lowered his eyes and looked at the ground.
"Yes, we had a thing before I started dating you." He answered her question, thus confirming Luna's confession, "We were together for two and a half months, and it happened three months before I started dating you." Rainbow ceased to smirk and formed a look of seriousness on her face, "I had troubles in my sleep and she came to me in a dream and helped me to fix my problem by giving me a company for talking. We knew each other well enough and became friends, and then one week later, we had a… thing in Manehattan's hotel." After hearing this, Rainbow's eyes went wide like two giant snowballs, as she dropped the jaw to the floor.
"WHAT?" She shouted in shock, but Shadow simply gave her a nod, "Yeah, and after that we became a couple for the next two and a half months. We're remaining just as friends and not as lovers, Rainbow." When Shadow finished, Rainbow found herself a bit puzzled by what he said, however, soon she developed a look of sadness on her face. She looked deep into his eyes, and walked closer.
"Why didn't you tell me about this before?" Rainbow asked, a sad tone in her voice, to which Shadow answered by taking her by the cheek, "Because I didn't know it was so important." He said softly, "Like what happened in the past... always remains in the past, and it was long before…"
"Do you still feel something for her?" Rainbow interrupted his sentence by asking him a question, "I mean, she's tall, smart, old and sexy. Do you Shadow?"
Shadow sighed deeply, "Yes." He answered as he tried to be honest with Rainbow, "I am. But…"
"But what?"
Shadow gave her a smile, "But my feelings for you are much stronger." He answered, "If you think I wouldn't feel something strong for you, would I still be with her. Luna and I are friends now and we're trying to keep out friendship indestructible, and nothing more, no matter what we feel." Even such a tomboy like Dash found Shadow's words incredibly adorable. She melted into a gentle smile and sobbed heavily as she then attacked her boyfriend with a strong embrace. Shadow gladly accepted the hug and started caressing her, thus letting her know that their love is safe with him. The pegasi girl, however, quickly recollected her mind and she managed to keep her emotions under control. The two then broke the hug and looked deep into each other's eyes to exchange soft smiles. Shadow then wiped off Rainbow's tears, what prompted her to giggle. Shadow then brought her into his arms and held her closer.
Rainbow performed a moan, "Mmmmm… What you just said is true right?" She asked him in a tender manner.
"Of course." Shadow answered, looking deep into her eyes, "Why should I lie to you?" Rainbow then lifted herself up, "Because she's beautiful, powerful and sexy." She said teasingly, "There's no man who could stand before her."
"As well as there's only one man before whom she can't stand." Shadow teased Rainbow back, as he started caressing her thighs gently, "And this man is your boyfriend. And if you have such a strong crush on her and want her to become third in our bed, then you can just ask her and she will join."
"Hey!" Rainbow moaned, prompting Shadow to chuckle. Rainbow then made a dirty smile and shoved Shadow on the shoulder as she spoke, "Don't be a pervert, Shadow." She said. Shadow then stopped his laughter and looked at her with a smile on his face, "Alright, if we figured it our, let's continue our mission." He said, and Rainbow nodded as she then swayed her wings and took off. Shadow stood up and before he started walking further, he felt Rainbow landed on his shoulder, and sat on the top of it. He then sighed and looked at her up to see her loving smile and fluttering eyes. He did nothing against it and only wrapped his arm around her legs and started rubbing them as he loved her legs very much.
"Let's keep going, you parrot ky." He said, prompting RD to perform a small parrot like squeak. The two then proceeded onwards to go scout out and find at least one sign of Mobeus in these mountain forests.
Back to Luna, Espio and Trixie.
The group continue trekking through the forest trying to find signs of entry to where their enemies are hiding. However Trixie could not help but take note how Luna seemed distracted by a thought in her mind. Trixie then got Espio's attention by hitting her elbow to his arm. Espio taking notice of this turns to her as she motioned at Luna. It took a minute for Espio to catch on but once he did he turned to Trixie and nods in understand to what she is asking of him.
"Princess Luna? Is everything alright? You seem a little distracted,"
Luna hearing this snaps from her thoughts and back to reality. She then turns and tries to give a fake smile. "Um yes Espio I am fine. Just thinking of where Scourge and his gang of thugs could be hiding that's all." She said trying to throw them off the trail. However Espio knew better than that. "Princess please do not try to fool me. I have been watching closely and you have been bothered ever since the other day. I doubt that was what plagued your mind even now." Trixie nodded. "Trixie must agree with Espio your Highness. Please…. Whatevers bothering you… you can tell Espio and Trixie." She said. Luna tried to keep walking trying her best to resist the urge to speak out, but after a bit of walking and noticing Trixie and Espio were still in the same spot waiting for a response. She eventually sighed in defeat
"Very well…. I suppose I should tell someone eventually." She then turned to them. "The thing is my friends…. I'm bothered by a memory from the past…." She said as she turned away and looked upwards at the blue sky. Trixie was still confused, though.
"What past?" She asked, "What memories? Tell us, please." Luna sighed. "The memories about… me and Shadow the Hedgehog." Upon hearing this Trixie grew a shocked expression on her face, however Espio who knew their time together crossed his arms. Looking at how calm he was Trixie had to ask. "Wait Espio….did you know about this?" She asked. Espio nodded. "Yes. Shadow had mentioned this to me last night."
"Why did you not tell Trixie?" She asked him. Espio then moved his crossed hands down. "He made me promise not to tell another soul about it…. It wasn't my intentions to keep it from you, but I could not break my promise to my friend." Trixie however became mad by him and smacked him a bit. "So you're saying you don't think Trixie can be trusted with such secrets?" She asked as she turned away from him. Luna then stepped forward. "Please Trixie do not be mad with Espio. He did not think this of you. He merely was trying to keep his promise with Shadow."
"Trixie please understand I do trust you with all my soul, but I made a promise to Shadow I wouldn't say a word. Besides it's not my place to say it. That is something only Shadow can as well it's something personal and right now he needs to figure this out with Rainbow Dash… since she now knows as well." He said. Luna then gives a sigh. "I...I apologize for bringing this up with you both… I...I will take to the skies and look for signs of any other surprises." She says as she takes to the air a little.
Trixie then looked at Espio and for a minute it was a little silent before Trixie sighs. "Well… Trixie can't say she is pleased with this… but Trixie understands why you did it Espio." She said with a smile. "Now shall we get back to looking for signs of the enemy?" Espio gives a nod a that as they continued scouting ahead.
Three hours past as Luna was hovering above the ground a little and then looks upward. "I will ascend higher and see if I can spy anything else." She said as she started to raise to the sky a little.
Espio nodded, "Alright but be don't fly off to far. Remember we're stronger together than divided." He said as he then looked at the Night Princess, "Can you carry us both up there?"
"Only by turn, Espio." Luna answered, "Wait for me here." She ordered as she then spread her wings and with one mighty sway she took off sharply. Espio couldn't help, but smirked at this. Right now he thought that he's not surprised that Luna was with Shadow, especially seeing her movements and her character. He then shook his head and turned his gaze at his girlfriend, but only to see her annoyed look and her eyes fixed on the ground. He couldn't help, but formed a questioning expression on his face and walked closer to her to figure out what's going on.
"Trixie?" He asked.
"Hmm?" Trixie hmm's as she looked at him without changing the look on her face. Espio narrowed his eyes as he guessed that she's still offended that he didn't tell her the truth.
"Trixie, please…" He said as he tried to sound soft, "Do not be offended…"
"Who said that Trixie is offended, Espy, sweetie?" Trixie asked as she sounded suspiciously acidly, "Trixie is not offended. Trixie is happy." She then formed a goofy grin on her face and barked as she turned away to demonstrate her displeasure. Espio decided that he's done with this and frowned deeply. However, before he started figuring out the details, the Night Princess landed next to the two, what prompted them both to look at her, to see her smiling proudly and adjusting her cloth.
"Alright, gang." Luna spoke, a joking tone in her voice, "The way is clear." She then silenced herself to wait for an answer, however, when she noticed the looks on the faces of the two, she herself formed a questioning expression on her face.
"Eeehhh… Is everything okay here?" She asked in a quizzical manner.
"Yes, everything is fine, Princess." Espio answer as he wanted to low the tension, and then he glanced again at his girlfriend, and spoke with her calmly.
"Alright, Trixie." He said, "You can teleport up there yourself, if you want."
Trixie, though, formed a glare and glanced at him, "Trixie can't teleport on the place Trixie don't know and see." She said with a strong hint of anger in her voice, "Why it's so hard to remember?" Espio widened his eyes, "Why it's so hard to remember that it's never hurt if you will share some secrets with your girlfriend?"
This was a last straw for Espio's patience, who glared at Trixie back and growled in annoyance, "Oh, come on." He groaned, "Why it's so hard to remember that this is Shadow's personal business?" Luna formed a nervous look on her face, "Um, my friends?" She spoke, "Can you, please leave it for later?" However, the two didn't stop and continued their quarrell.
Trixie then gave a glare to her boyfriend, "I don't know." She groaned, "And was it so hard to remember that Rainbow Dash is Trixie's friend, too, and Trixie would do anything to support Rainbow Dash?"
Luna then lifted her left hand on the level of the her chin and gave a nervous grin, "Espio, Trixie." She tried to call them out again, however, it was pointless.
"Trixie…"
"What?"
"The relationships between Shadow and Rainbow Dash are the deal strictly between Shadow and Rainbow Dash." Espio tried to reason his girlfriend, "I don't think that Rainbow Dash told you the same thing you'd tell me the whole truth." He then frowned and crossed his arms, "And moreover, let me remind you that you never share your own secrets." Trixie just gave a annoyed look as her face puffed a little.
"What….you… we… how dare you to speak like that?" She snapped, "Whatever the deal is… we still need to support them for no matter what… especially when it comes to Rainbow Dash!"
Luna gave a sigh of annoyance. She knew the arguing was all part of being a couple but she had to admit to herself she had enough of it. So she then turned to them and spoke out in her "Royal tone".
"SILENCE! I have had enough of this pitiful arguing you will seize this right NOW!" She said exclaiming that last word. Trixie was beyond frightened after that as she dove behind Espio's back. Espio wasn't as frightened to hide but even he had to admit he had many chills going down his spine from that. The found themselves very nervous, and the blue Alicorn girl wasn't even able to walk out of Espio's back. Seeing this, Luna cooled down, and gave her trademark look of importance and royalty, and humphed.
"Thank you" She spoke calmly, "Now I understand it's quite common among couples but we are on a very important mission and I do believe that means we must maintain silence at all times." Trixie's head then peeked out of Espio's left shoulder and her pretty frightened rosy eyes looked apologetically at Luna. She then nodded to her princess, so as Espio, whose eyes were wide as dishes. Luna then took a deep breath in/out and resumed the wandering back and forth process to led her steam out of her body.
"it's okay, Luna." She muttered to herself, "Calm down. Nothing bad happened. Just a little misunderstanding."
Shadow's voice. Luna stopped her wanderings, when she heard his voice she then grabbed the radio and lifted it to her lips level.
"Hey, Shadow." She said with a strong hint of sarcasm in her voice, "Nice to hear from you again. We're climbing the mountain."
Luna sighed deeply upon hearing an immodest question, as she then pondered if she should tell Shadow about the quarrel between Espio and Trixie. However, she decided to skip it.
"Oh, it's… It's nothing… Just nerves." She said as she then heads out and hung the radio back on her belt. She then looked at the two, who continued to stand on the place where they could be seen in the very beginning of their quarrel, and Trix was still hiding behind Espio. Luna then frowned and charged her horn to levitate them both. The dark blue aura surrounded the two, and they started floating in the air. Espio, though, gave her a questioning look.
"Um... Princess." He spoke carefully, as he knew that she was still a bit angry, "I hope you don't mind me asking…. is your magic strong enough for levitating us both, and flying with the help of your wings at the same time?"
Luna nodded, "Yes." She said, "It is. Why?" She then widened her eyes as she guessed his thoughts, and then she bared her teeth and smacked herself on the face. A groaned of annoyance flew out of her mouth, much for the two felt nervous again.
"Princess…" Trixie spoke calmly, and carefully. Luna then gave an annoyed glare.
"Not another word!" She ordered coldly, "That is an order!"
The couple nodded to their princess, not wanting her to become angry again. Luna then shook her head hard and spread her wings. With one sway she took off the ground and flew high on the cliff top, levitating her teammates next to her.
Back to Shadow and Dash.
After Shadow hung up his own headset on the belt, he returned his left hand on the top of Dash's things and sighed deeply. Rainbow saw that the expression on his face wasn't really happy as she then narrowed her eyes, knowing that the second team maybe screwed up.
"What happened this time?" SHe asked.
"Looks like Espio and Trixie decided to get married a bit earlier than we expected." Shadow answered sarcastically, to which Dash responded with a chuckle, knowing what he means. She then placed her right hand on the top of Shadow's hair, and started rubbing his hair.
"Maybe we should take Luna with us?" She asked jokingly, to which Shadow answered with a smirk of his own. He hen looked at her up and gave her a wink. When he looked forward, he deliberately slipped his left hand down on her knee level and started tickling her sensitive spots on her leg. Dash began to laugh.
"Ahahahaha… stahp!" She pleaded, as she grabbed him by the hand, though, he didn't stop, "We're on the miss… pfff… hahahahahaha…" Shadow then stopped tickling her as he grinned devilishly and looked at her up.
"What?" He asked, "You can't stop me, you rainbow haired sexy daredevil?" Rainbow just looked into his eyes, as she felt a bit joyful, however, when her eyes accidentally looked forward, she noticed some bullet cartridges lying on the ground not far from there. She formed a surprised expression on her face and pointed her finger to where she saw it.
"Shadow, look." She said quietly. Shadow curiously gazed upon the place RD was pointing at to see a bunch of used bullet cartridges lying not far from where they were. That could mean only one thing, that those who they're looking for are here and can be somewhere in the bushes, and watching them. He then formed a deadly serious look on his face and looked at Dash.
"Dash, pick it up quick!" He ordered to which Rainbow nodded confidently, before she dashed around the zone and picked up a few cartridges and quickly landed back next to Shadow. She then gave it to him, which the hedgehog guy lifted up to his nose and sniffed the cartridge. However, that's when the two heard several strange noises comes from the place where the cartridges are lying, and after they glanced there they noticed the snares come out of the trees and fell on the ground right on the place where Dash found the gun cartridges and where she was just a few moments ago. When the trap stopped working, Shadow frowned deeply and took out his radio to wart Luna about the traps.
"Luna, this is Shadow here." He spoke, "Dash and I found the trap nearby, so keep an eye on your surroundings and please be cautious!"
Meanwhile, with Luna, Espio, and Trix.
A very much annoyed Princess of the Night was sitting on the stone with her legs crossed, her head is leaning against her left hand, and her right hand holding on the radio. Behind her back, the couple of her partners were handing a few meters over the ground, tied up by the snares. Espio had his arms and legs tied, and his face annoyed by that fact, but he wasn't as annoyed as Trixie, who had not only her WHOLE body wrapped tightly by the same very snares, but also her horn.
"I told you to be careful with where you're going!" Espio complained at his still girlfriend, to which Trixie shot an enraged glare as she looked at him, "How many times do I have to repeat this to you. For you finally to remember it!"
"Do not speak with Trixie in a tone like that!" Trixie shouted back through her gritted teeth, "Trixie perfectly knew where she's going and what she sees! It was you who distracted Trixie with your life lessons and your so called… Experience!"
Espio glared at her back before he spoke, "Yeah, says the girl who dressed a sleeveless top, miniskirt and high heel shoes on a dangerous intelligence mission as if you were walking into a nightclub!" He barked back, to which Trixie gasped in shock, but then she glared back.
"You're such a bastard, Espio the Chameleon!" She complained, "You're absolutely not appreciating what Trixie is doing for you… Jerk!"
Luna then sighed as she decided that she had enough of those family talks, and pressed the button on her radio.
"Roger, Shadow!" She said emotionlessly as she the stood up and turned around to observe the state of both of her partners. Seeing them in the state of a couple arguing with each other, she sighed deeply and pondered if she should leave them in a state like that or not. Shaking her head, she spread her wings and flew over to them as she thought that their argue will lead to the worth.
Back to Shadow and Rainbow Dash.
As the two continued to explore the cave's for a bit looking for any signs of what their looking for.
"Ugh… I hate this." RD said complaining.
"Hate what? The fact that we haven't found our objective or the fact that we could be walking in for an ambush?" Shadow asked.
Rainbow just shook her head, "No it's the fact I feel so limited in here. These caves are so enclosed I can barely even fly in here without bonking my head on the ceiling or hiting a-"
BONK!
Rainbow holds her head as she sets down on the ground holding her head as she grunted. Shadow just smirked and looked at what she ran into.
"Were you about to say stalactite?" RD nods as she holds her head.
Shadow just waves his hand, "Come on reckless wreck. I thought I saw something at the end of the cave." He said sounding serious with the tease.
RD just got back up and shook her head before speaking. "Yeah yeah whatever..." She said to him as Shadow continued to walk ahead. Rainbow then just stuck her tongue out at him while his back was turned though Shadow raised his eyebrows while walking forward.
"Real mature RD now come on." He said. Rainbow followed from behind as they continued onward.
"Ok you need to tell me how you-"
"Shhh!' Shadow said firmly. RD just raised an eyebrow.
"Um did you just shush-"
"Shhhh! Keep quiet and listen skittles." He said using her nickname but using it in a firm silent tone. RD though mift followed his orders and listened closely hearing what they knew were voices. However they couldn't quite make out anything they were saying. They then notice some lights up ahead. Shadow gave RD a hand signal to follow but to go slowly this time. Now Rainbow isn't one to be slow but for everyone's sake she knew she had to suck it up and follow Shadow slowly and quietly. The two then found their way into a big cavern filled with torches though the minute they entered Shadow noticed something and pulled RD behind cover with some big rock pillars. Shadow put a finger on RD's lips telling her to be extra quiet and not let out even a pep. RD nods as the two look over and noticed Fang and Scourge talking… well more of arguing.
"You listen here you poor excuse for a theft. Your not exactly the one to tell me what to do and your saying your crew's better? HA! Your crew has had more losses than mine." Fang just gave a big hmph at Scourge's insult.
"At least I never ended up staying in a multi prison for what… 5 maybe 6 years? Oh and… How long did it take your crew to find and bust you out? Oh and didn't that plan almost go south for you as well? At least me, Bean, and Bark make sure to time everything so we get in and out in a flash" Fang said back. "Oh and wasn't it not to long ago your girl friend failed in eliminating Sonic not to long ago?"
Scourge then growled and slammed Fang into the wall. "YOU LISTEN HERE YOU COWPUNK! I don't want to hear another word about that mission you got me?! Both Sonic and the bitch that did that to her are going to get what's coming and I will make it hurt! Now if you so much as bring that up again I will make sure to rip your tonsils out so you can never speak again! GOT IT?!'" He spoke with a growl and his teeth greeted threateningly. Fang had a nervous look on his face as he knew how strong Sourge is and how bad his fists can punch.
"Alright, alright…" He muttered, "Chill out…"
Scourge then him go off, and jabbed a finger into his nose, "Do not dare to tell me to chill out!" He snarled, "I'll be chilled only after I'll take my vengeance against that bitch who dared to hurt Fiona!" He then turned away and kicked the boulder that was lying nearby, "And I'm still not allowed to do so! What the fuck?!"
Fang then lifted up his eyebrow as he took the bottle with a drink and raised it to his lips, "Scourge, I think that boss said it clearly!" He said, prompting Scourge to glance at him over his shoulder, still enraged, "No one makes a move, until he gives his orders! I think he's planning on something that may allow us to gain the victory this time!"
"Why should I care when someone like him saying anything to me?!" Scourge asked angrily, much for Fang's shock.
"Ummm, are you mad, or something?" He asked as if Scourge was dumb, "DId you see what's his abilities are?"
"I don't care what his abilities are, Fang!" Scourge grumbled as he then turned to face with Fang, "My girl is lying there unconscious and all because of them! And he's not allowing me to take my vengeance and just sit here and wait…"
Fang then sighed, "Why don't you just go and ask him if you're so brave and bold?" He asked sarcastically, to which Scourge huffed in anger.
"I will!" He said as he then turned to walk deeper into a corridor, "Right now!" After he left, all Fang is about to do is drinking off what he had in his bottle and then he followed Scourge to see what their boss will do with the bold, but dumb and hotheaded green hedgehog guy.
Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and Shadow accompanied the leaving criminals with wide eyes as their mind left some issues about it. Shadow though was left in curiosity.
RD looks at Shadow, "Um Shadow do you have any idea what those two were talking about?"
Shadow shakes his head, "Well it sounded like it was mostly about what Sonic had said occured in Rainbow falls…. Only… it sounds like Fiona got injured far worse than what I thought… which is strange…" He said
"Remind me who Fiona was?" She asked.
"The red haired fox remember?" Shadow reminded her, to which Rainbow thinking about it then recalled the memory about said red haired fox breaking her wing and at that thought she growled.
"Oh yeah the same Bitch who broke my wing… Hmph well whatever the case it sounds like she got what she deserved if you ask me." She said. Shadow sighed and shook his head.
"Well whatever the case we should tell the others that we found their little secret hideout. Before we're spotted." He suggested. Rainbow showed no signs of arguing and nods in agreement.
Several hours later, somewhere in the Mountain forest.
The fire was burning softly, and the woods were cracking. The two tents were settled nearby, and the three out of five teammates were sitting next to the camping fire. Luna was sitting in a cute pose, by bending her legs, and resting the upper part of her body against the one big wood, as she was watching at Espio and Trixie with a smirk on her face. She saw them two sitting with their backs turned to one another, as well as their eyes closed and their faces twisted in an offended fashion. She was watching them for the last ten minutes, and in fact she herself had to build the tents and setting the fire, while those two continued on their silly mental quarrel.
Luna then rolled her eyes to the skies and shook her head over the behavior of the two, and then she looked at them and decided to play the family psychologist.
"So, are you going to be silent, or you start to speak with each other?" She asked as she then rested her head against the wood, "Just ignoring the existence of one another will not help you to resolve the problem."
Trixie and Espio, however, never gifted one another with the looks or displeasure, and the unicorn girl huffed simply as if saying that she's not going to do that. Espio was quiet. Ninja quiet. Luna then sighed as she gave up with reasoning them two, and then she stood up.
"That's it, I'm done." She said, "Go to sleep, and tomorrow, we will form the new groups." She then heard the crack sounds somewhere in the forest and turned wide eyed as she then looked towards the source of the noise, but only to sigh in relaxation and smiling respectfully as she noticed that it was Shadow and Rainbow Dash.
The two intelligent fighters came out of the woods with well noticed looks of wearnes on their faces and went up to meet with Luna as she then walked over to meet them. As soon as the gap between them disappeared, Luna spoke.
"How was it?" She asked a bit worried, "I hope your rant was successful at least."
Shadow sighed, "More than we expected." He said as he then threw his narrowed look towards Trixie and Espio, and seeing their positions he frowned deeply, "Those two didn't get along still?" He asked, much for Luna's annoyance, as she then looked at them with a frown.
"Nope, they didn't." She said weary, "I tried everything, but the result was always the same."
"NEvermind." Shadow said, attracting the attention of his ex, and his now girlfriend, "You two and I still have things we need to discuss."
Rainbow Dash, though, didn't really want to talk about it again, so she then yawned deeply and looked at the two with a weary smile.
"You two go." She said, "I need to take a short nap. Shadow, I know the details, so tell it for Princess Luna, and I'll inform those two." She then walked over towards Trixie and Espio, leaving Shadow questioned about it, though, he then sighed in disappointment and looked at Luna. He then nodded to her to go for a walk, which she responded with a nod of her own, and then the two left the camping territory.
Meanwhile, Dash sat on the wood between Trixie and Espio, as she then folded her knees together and put her hands on the top of it, while smiling jokingly.
"So…" She spoke, trying to bring them both up from their trance, and it was somewhat successful, as both lovers looked at her, "You wanna hear how I spend my day? Or you both want me to… well… to become a guide between you?" Trixie and Espio both widened their eyes as RD then grinned and threw each of her arms over the shoulders of one another, thus holding them closer, "I mean, since you're in the state of quarrel you'd probably need the one who will prevent you from killing one another in your sleep." She then looked at Trixie and nudged her eyebrows up and down, "Am I right?" She asked with a hint.
Trixie blushed a bit at this, but only later to smile awkwardly and giggling silently as she thought that it was very much embarrassing situation.
Meanwhile, with Shadow and Luna.
"Where?" Luna asked Shadow as the two held their way through the forest, and looking at one another with concern.
"We found the secret cave down there near the bottom of the mountain." Shadow answered as the two stop near the huge fallen tree, "Fang and Scourge were talking about their teaming up, which is weird, and that they're listening to someone's orders which is more than weird." He then sighed, "The closer we're getting to them, the more unusual the situation becomes." He then crossed his arms, "Those two were rivals in the crime world of Mobius, and only an idiot would think of their team up, but now... "
"It means that that someone who forced them to team up is more powerful foe than both of them." Luna deduced as she frowned, "Please tell me that you know who they were talking about."
Shadow sighed helplessly as he then turned away from her and closed his eyes, "I wish I could, but…" He said, "I have no idea."
Seeing that he's in the dark no less than her, Luna sighed in defeat as she then sat down on the tree and lowered her head. She formed a sad look on her face as she then spoke.
"I am very disturbed by the events that might happen very soon." She said sadly as she then looked at him up, "Shadow." She called out to him, to which he responded with opening his eyes and looking at her over his left shoulder, "What they're planning…" Luna continued, "Is it can be dangerous?" She asked a disturbed tone in her voice. Instead of an answer, the dark hedgehog sat next to the dark blue pony, still keeping his eyes on hers.
"Do you remember what happened with me on the stadium?" He asked, to which Luna narrowed her eyes as she remembered him lying on the hospital bed, as she was almost about to cry, "That was only a tip of an iceberg." Shadow finished his sentence.
Luna then took him by the hand as she sat closer, "I was worried." She whispered sadly. Shadow learned that she loses control again, but he couldn't do anything with it, as he felt the same she felt.
"I know." He whispered back. After that the Night Princess fell into his arms. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against his shoulder. Shadow answered her embrace with his own hug and held her closer as he knew that it's helping very well with calming her down. Luna then started rubbing her charming face against Shadow's strong shoulder and could feel a small tear ran on her cheek.
"I still feel something, Shadow." She whispered lovingly, "I don't know how to fight it back, but it's still haunting me… ever since I saw you on the hospital bed."
"I feel it, too." Shadow whispered, "I feel it, too, Lulu." He then caressed her long sparkling hair, "But we can't cross the line, remember?"
"I'll never do that." Luna said, as she then lifted her head up to look into his eyes again, "I just wanted to let you know."
"I know." Shadow whispered wisely, "And I hope that now you know why I feel myself so uncomfortable by having you here. If they'll learn that you're her with us, this Mr Question might show up himself, and if he's as powerful as we're thinking, it won't end up good for you." Hearing that he's so worrying about her, Luna couldn't help her giggles, as she found it adorable and sweet of him. She then gifted him a beautiful smile of hers as she then fluttered her eyes.
"My dear, Shadow." She said softly, "If I can cope with you, then I can cope with everyone." Hearing this, Shadow chuckled back. After that, Luna closed her eyes and rested her head back on his shoulder, as she as glad to be in his arms again. She then threw her legs on his laps, as if mentally asking him to hold her. Which he quickly answered and held the Night Princess as close to him as he only could.
"I want to finish them here and now." Luna said, referring to the Mobian gangsters, "Once and for all."
Shadow smirked proudly over her confidence, "I'll help you, princess." He whispered back, "But only if tomorrow you'll stay close to me! I won't let them hurt you despite your being powerful and strong… they can find the way to get you! And I won't let them do that!"
They stayed silent and in each other arms for a few more moments, before they finally headed back to their camp to take a good night sleep. Tomorrow they'll have to tell the others of their plan.
NSH: Alright finally after so long we have the chapter done. Sorry this took so long guys. Truth be told me and BHG have been well… occupied with stuff.
BHG: Yeah, we had our other projects to work on, and so little time for the MAOE.
NSH: However rest assured we do intend to pick back up when we can so do not worry. Also I have seen reviews asking for more chapters of Sonic and Twilight's honeymoon and well we have a solution after focusing and getting this to flow we will include chapters of there honeymoon kinda like… extras if you will.
BHG: And moreover, the story is called Many Adventures of Equestria, and not Sonic and Twilight honeymoon, so please be patient, because we want focus our strengths on the other characters as well.
NSH: That is correct BHG anyways so thats going to do it for now so thanks again guys for reading and we'll see ya next time. Till then this is NSH saying peace out and catch ya next time.
BHG: Eh, you know my line anyways.
NSH: Yeah but I will say it for them to remember. STAY EMPOWERED!
BHG: Actually it's Stay in Power, NSH. *chuckles*
NSH: Oh well I was close. Anyways see ya guys.