Later on in the day after finishing his rounds with Rouge, Shadow had decided to go to the GUN gymnasium to work out. It was empty so he has the place to himself, just the way he preferred. As he was bench-pressing, he looked at a nearby window and saw that during his time in the gym night had fallen outside. Lifting the weight back up onto the bar above him, Shadow sat up on the bench and wiped his brow. Reaching over and picking up a bottle of water off the floor near him, Shadow took a few sips from it while looking at the clock above the entrance to the gym and saw just how late it had gotten.

'Just about that time for Rouge and I to clock out for the day.'

Downing the rest of the bottle, Shadow stood up and stretched out his body, feeling his muscles pulse before throwing the empty bottle across the gym into a trash bin. Smirking from his small feat, the hedgehog proceeded to take his leave from the room.

Inside her office, Rouge took a deep breath as she sat back in her seat, stretching out her body as she looked at the stack of document papers sitting on the desk in front of her. A few seconds later, she heard a knock at her door. "Enter!" she called out. The door opened and she saw Shadow walk inside. "Oh, hey Shadow! You alright?"

"I'm fine," he answered, closing the door behind him. "Just finished working out."

Rouge chuckled. "You sure do love your workouts, don't you? Especially when the gym's empty."

Shadow nodded as he approached her desk. "Makes it easier to concentrate and focus."

"Understandable," said Rouge before she leaned forward to double-check the documents.

"Got some paperwork done, I see," said Shadow as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Yeah," Rouge replied, leaning back into her chair. "Just some last minute stuff."

"Need any help with anything?" Shadow asked.

"Nah. I wrapped it all up just a few minutes before you came in," said Rouge as she stretched out her body again, this time looking at the clock in her office. "Good timing too. Its just about time for us to head home."

Shadow nodded. "Yeah, I know. That's why I'm here."

"Well then, ready to head out of here?" Rouge asked.

Shadow nodded in response.

"Alright," said Rouge as she stood up from her chair. "Let's clock out and be on our way."

"Shall we check in with the commander and president before we leave?" Shadow asked as he walked over to the door.

Rouge walked to retrieve her coat from the rack in her office. "Yeah, lets."

Shadow opened the door as Rouge put her coat on. Adjusting her coat and smoothing it out, Rouge walked over and flipped the lights off in her office before taking her leave with Shadow.

After arriving outside the president's office, Shadow knocked on the door and waited patiently alongside Rouge for an answer. A couple seconds later, Abraham opened the door and Shadow and Rouge both saluted.

"Good evening sir," said Rouge.

"Ah Shadow, Rouge." said Abraham, a small smile appearing on his face. "At ease."

"Rouge and I were heading out and we wanted to swing by before we did," said Shadow as he and Rouge lowered their hands.

"And all is well sir," said Rouge, placing a hand on her hip. "The reports have been written and organized."

Abraham nodded his head proudly at them while Nathaniel walked over from his desk to join them. "Excellent job, you two."

"Thank you sir," said Rouge.

"Can't thank you both enough for all you do," said Abraham. "You deserve all the rest you can get after such a hard day's work."

"Oh believe me, we both plan on doing just that," Rouge said with a grin.

Nathaniel nodded. "We'll see you both later."

Rouge returned the nod and saluted once more along with Shadow. "Goodnight commander, President Chandler."

"Likewise Rouge," said Nathaniel.

Shadow and Rouge put their hands back down and bid Nathaniel and Abraham farewell before walking down the hallway away from the office.

"Mmm, what a day!" said Rouge as she can Shadow approached her car in the parking lot of the United Federation HQ, unlocking it and opening the driver's side door.. "Cannot wait to get home and chill out for the rest of the night!"

"I'm inclined to agree," said Shadow, opening the passenger side door and having a seat. "It'll be good to get off our feet for a while."

"I know that's right!" said Rouge as she sat down in the driver's seat. "And see how the club's getting on as well!"

Shadow nodded. "Omega should be there, as well as the rest of security. I'm sure everything's fine."

Rouge closed the door and started her car up while also letting the windows down. "We'll see when we make it back huh?"

Shadow closed his door as well and just as he and Rouge were about to pull out of the parking lot they heard a voice.

"Hey Rouge!"

Looking out the driver's side window to the direction of the voice, Shadow and Rouge saw a human woman with peach-colored skin, a slim figure, blue eyes and sandy brown hair coming towards them. She was also wearing blue government uniform.

A smirk crept on Rouge's face as she saw the woman. "Topaz! Hey girl!"

"Hey yourself!" said Topaz as she approached the car. "Whew, I'm glad I was able to catch you before you headed out! I knew it was close to your clock out time!"

"Yeah, same to you!" said Rouge. "You get off this time too!"

"Yep! About to head right home because that bathtub is calling my name!" Topaz said with a laugh before she looked across from Rouge and saw Shadow. "Oh, hey Shadow!"

Shadow rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. "Oh, now you recognize me?"

Both Topaz and Rouge laughed, to which Shadow gave a "Hmph" and turned his attention to looking at the windshield.

"My bad!" Topaz said after her laughter subsided. "So did you guys get everything on your end taken care of today?"

"Yep. All wrapped up," said Rouge. "And you?"

"Just finished not too long ago," said Topaz. "Sure had a lot to do but I managed."

"Atta girl!" said Rouge before a thought crossed her mind. "Say, you got anything going on tomorrow night?"

Topaz was silent for a couple seconds, thinking before she answered. "Nope, not that I know of. Why? You got something in mind?"

"Maybe you can swing by the club," said Rouge before a smirk appeared on her face. "Or better yet, we can go out clubbing and see what trouble we can get into."

Topaz returned the smirk. "Sounds like a plan to me! Just give me a call whenever you're ready!"

"Will do!" said Rouge, excitement in her voice. "See you tomorrow!"

"Definitely!" said Topaz before she looked over to Shadow, waving at him. "See you later Shadow! I know we're going to see what trouble we can get into but you stay out of trouble alright?"

Shadow narrowed his eyes a bit as he turned to look at her. "I make no promises."

Rouge and Topaz shared another laugh with one another before they bid each other farewell. Topaz made her way across the parking lot to her car, unlocking and getting inside before starting it up and pulling out of the driveway, making her way home.

"Looks like you two are going to have another girls' night out tomorrow," said Shadow as he and Rouge watched Topaz drive off. "And if history tells me anything, there's no telling what you two are going to get into."

"That's how Topaz and I get down," said Rouge, a grin on her face. "Whenever my girl and I link up, we always have a great time."

"Believe me, I know," said Shadow as he readjusted himself in his seat. "So, ready to head home?"

"Been ready! Let's roll!"

Rouge started her car up and after turning on her radio, she and Shadow pulled out of the parking lot and began to head home, the sounds of smooth jazz filling both of their ears.

After about a half hour drive, Rouge and Shadow arrived at Rouge's nightclub Club Rouge. "Finally back," said the hedgehog as Rouge pulled up and parked in the parking lot.

"Yeah, home sweet home," said the bat, turning off the engine of her car. "Come on, we'll go through the back entrance."

Shadow nodded. "After you."

"Thanks."

Both Mobians unfastened their seatbelts and exited the car, walking up to the building where the sounds of music and people laughing and having a good time could be heard from inside.

"Still lively," said Rouge, grinning. "Not that its never always lively."

"It's usually always packed," said Shadow.

"Sure is!" Rouge responded proudly.

Shadow looked at the building again. "Just means you've got good business coming in."

"Yeah," said Rouge. "Makes me feel good, you know? Knowing that people have a good time here."

"How about we do the same?" Shadow suggested.

Rouge looked over to him, a smirk forming on her face. "Sure, if you got the energy for it."

Seeing the smirk, Shadow returned it with one of his own. "Always."

Rouge nodded and then recognized she and Shadow were still in the GUN attire. "Okay, might as well change first. I've been dying to get out of these clothes. And I'm sure Omega's got a handle on things in there."

"Right," Shadow agreed. "Its been a long day. We should get comfortable."

"Okay, come on."

Rouge and Shadow walked behind Club Rouge where there was a lift. Entering, it proceeded to take them to the highest part of the building - Rouge's penthouse suite.

"Here we are," said Rouge as she exited the lift.

Shadow walked out along with her, stretching out his body. "Its good to be home."

"Yeah, and thank God we got a couple days off," Rouge added, already beginning to unbutton her top.

"Definitely," said Shadow as he walked over to the living room, having a seat on the couch. "Its been a crazy couple days."

Rouge unbuttoned her shirt halfway, letting out a content sigh. "I'm grateful to have a break!"

Shadow leaned back into the couch, letting his muscles relax. "Aren't we all?"

Rouge looked over at Shadow, chuckling at how comfortable he was. "I'll be right back. Just gonna freshen up."

"Take your time," said Shadow as he kicked his shoes off.

Giving the hedgehog a smile, Rouge proceeded to walk down the hallway towards her bedroom, which also happened to be the largest of all the bedrooms in the suite. Closing the door behind her, she walked over to her closet and opened it, seeing her large assortment of clothing inside. Looking through the closet until her eyes fell on a particular robe, she smirked and began to peel her GUN outfit off her body.

Shadow had gotten relaxed on the couch, having already taken off his shoes as well as the top of his GUN outfit, leaving him in only a tank top and his pants. A few moments later, he heard humming coming from the hallway. Turning his head to look, he saw Rouge walking back into the living room wearing a silk robe and ruffling her hair. "You wasted no time."

"Heh, nope," said the bat, walking over to the couch and leaning against it behind Shadow. "After all the hard work we've put in, I'd say we deserve this."

Shadow nodded his head in agreement.

"So, what poison can I get you?" Rouge asked.

"I'm up for whatever," said Shadow. "I'll let you call it."

Grinning, Rouge leaned off the couch. "Coming right up!" She made her way over to the kitchen towards the drink cupboards, taking out a bottle of brandy as well as two glasses and filled them up before going back to Shadow. "Here we go."

Shadow reached out and took one of the glasses. "Thanks."

"You're welcome!" said Rouge as she had a seat next to him on the couch.

Shadow held the glass to his lips and took a sip of his drink. "Mmm, the good stuff."

"Sure is!" said Rouge before she did the same. "I only keep the good stuff here!"

"Believe me, I know," said Shadow before taking another sip and then going silent.

The hedgehog's silence didn't go unnoticed by Rouge. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I was just thinking," said Shadow.

Rouge was immediately interested. "About what?"

"Memories."

A small smile crept on Rouge's face. "Of when we first met, huh?"

Shadow nodded. "You guessed it."

The smile remained on Rouge's face as she took another sip of her drink. "Seems like yesterday."

Shadow leaned back into the couch more, having another drink as he went silent for a couple more seconds. "It's crazy how much time has passed since then."

"Yeah, sure is," said Rouge as she crossed one of her legs over the other and held her glass to her lips once more. "Mmm, what a great way to spend the evening."

"Glad you're enjoying yourself," said Shadow.

Rouge nodded before looking over to the hedgehog beside her. "You know Shadow, I don't think I've ever said this but you and I have really been through a lot since we first met, us and Omega."

Shadow met her gaze and acknowledged her statement. "We've definitely been through a lot together."

"That we have," said Rouge. "That we certainly have."

~Flashback - Five Years Ago~

A little while after the destruction of the Doomsday Project, agents of the newly formed GUN, led by Topaz, had traveled to the location where Dr. Robotnik's fortress stood, under orders from the commander and president to see if there were any remains left in the rubble.

Topaz looked around at the agents surveying the area, herself looking as well. "Find anything yet guys?"

"Negative Agent Topaz!" the agents answered. "But we're still looking!"

A frown appeared on Topaz's face. "Hmm, very well. Continue on."

As the agents continued to search, Topaz's eyes fell on another individual among them - a female white bat. 'Look at her,' Topaz thought to herself. 'She's probably just waiting for the perfect chance to escape. Not while I'm on the job.'

The bat had a look on her face that looked as if she wanted to be anywhere but there and it irked Topaz. But she knew that they could very well use her help, despite the fact that she was nothing more than a jewel thief. A sigh escaped her lips as she began to walk towards her. 'May as well try to make this work.'

The bat was snapped from her thoughts as she looked and saw Topaz approaching her.

"Rouge, any luck finding anything?" Topaz asked once she reached her.

"Not at the moment," the bat answered, crossing her arms under her chest. "But I got the feeling something's here."

Topaz raised an eyebrow. "What gives you that idea?"

Rouge's eyes narrowed in slight annoyance. "I feel it in my bones."

Topaz scoffed and placed a hand on her hip. "So its more or less a hunch."

Rolling her eyes, Rouge began to walk away from Topaz. "If you want to call it that." After taking a few more steps, Rouge felt her boot hit something. Looking down to see what she hit, her eyes widened. Hey!"

"Huh? What is it?" Topaz asked.

Not answering Topaz, Rouge knelt down and began to dig at what her foot hit.

Walking over and seeing that Rouge had probably found something, she called out to some of the other agents. "Hey guys! Come over here!"

Hearing Topaz, a few of the other agents immediately came over, seeing that Rouge was digging at the ground.

"We might have something here," said Topaz before frowning again. "Hope its worth our time after being here for so long."

The agents looked at her in slight confusion. "Topaz?"

"We've been out here for a while now and haven't found a thing," said Topaz before she knelt down and began to help Rouge move the rubble. "Hopefully what Rouge thinks is here is worth it. Now come on guys. Lend us a hand here."

"Ma'am, yes Ma'am!" said the agents as they began to help her and Rouge.

Soon, the rubble was removed and a heavily armored doorway was revealed.

"Hmm, a secret entrance," said Topaz as she observed the doorway. "And its been heavily fortified."

Rouge nodded. "Seems that way."

Topaz looked to the bat. "It looks like your hunch may have been on the money."

Rouge pursed her lips some and looked away from her. "Thanks."

Topaz frowned a bit at the bat's response before checking the doorway and seeing it had loose hatches. "Looks like when this place blew it knocked these loose. With a bit of muscle it should break off."

With that said, all the agents began to work on trying to get the door open.

"Wonder what down here," Topaz wondered out loud.

Rouge impatiently tapped her foot, seeing how long the agents were taking. Before too long, she scoffed and walked through them to the door. "Allow me!" Leaping up in the air, Rouge swung her foot at the door, delivering a kick so hard it knocked the door off all its hatches and to the ground.

Topaz, as well as all the other agents, were taken aback by the bat's strength. Moving bangs from her face, Rouge began to walk through the now open doorway, her eyes focused.

"Hey, wait up!" Topaz called out before looking to the agents. "Some of you, come with me and Rouge! The rest of you, stand guard out here!"

"Yes Ma'am!"

Joined by some of the agents, Topaz began to make her way down through the doorway to catch up with Rouge.

"Sure did have this sealed off heavily," said Topaz after a couple minutes of walking down a long hallway with Rouge and the other agents. "I wonder what that bastard had down here. Must've been something worthwhile."

"Wonder if its treasure for the taking," Rouge said, smirking.

Topaz looked at Rouge with a look that was a mixture of anger and annoyance. "Is that all you ever think about?"

Rouge looked over at the woman with an incredulous look. "No, I also think about dirt too, don't you know!"

Topaz had reached her limit when it came to tolerating Rouge. "You know what, I've just about had it up to here with...!" She never finished her statement as the group came to an abrupt halt. The agents all gasped and Rouge stood in shock at what was in front of them. Looking ahead of the group, Topaz's eyes went wide. "What the hell...?"

The agents had to come a laboratory and in the center of the room was a huge capsule, many tubes and machines connected to it. Not taking her eyes from the capsule, Rouge carefully walked to it and placed a hand on it. Topaz joined her and looked the capsule up and down. "What is this?"

Rouge looked inside the capsule and upon closer inspection, she saw something inside it. "It looks like...a hedgehog."

"A Sonic clone?" one agent suggested.

"Perhaps," said Topaz as she took another look at the hedgehog inside the capsule. "And a black and red one, by the looks of it."

"And everyone, look!" said another agent on the other side of the room. "There's a robot here as well!"

Topaz, Rouge, and the rest of the agents looked over and saw a huge red and black robot beside the agent that found it. All of the agents began to draw their weapons and took aim at the robot.

"Hold it!"

The agents looked over to Rouge, who had yelled out the order for them not to fire and saw her walking over towards the robot.

"What is it Rouge?" asked Topaz, having her gun at the ready, long with the other agents.

Reaching the robot, Rouge looked it over, seeing that it was completely motionless. "This robot, its not even activated. It looks like its in standby mode."

Giving the agents a look, Topaz walked over and examined the robot herself, seeing what Rouge said was true. "She's right. Hold your fire guys."

The agents lowered their weapons as commanded and Rouge looked at the robot a bit longer before turning her attention back to the hedgehog in the capsule. Topaz did the same and after a few seconds, she activated her earpiece and radioed in back to the United Federation HQ. "Commander? Come in. This is Agent Topaz."

While Topaz was radioing the commander, Rouge walked back to the capsule and placed her hand on it, looking at the hedgehog inside and took note of the fact that the hedgehog was a male. "Who...or what are you?"

As Rouge observed the hedgehog, Topaz had contacted the commander. "The team and I have located something very peculiar here. It would appear Robotnik was in the process of creating...well, I don't know exactly what it is. But it appears to be a hedgehog of some sort. And there's a robot here too, one the likes we've never seen before. ...Yes, it would appear so sir. What do you suggest we do? ...Yes sir...Got it sir. And we'll survey the area to see what other information we can find. Over and out."

After ending the call to the commander, Topaz looked to the other agents. "Guys, we have new orders." She looked and saw all of the agents stand to attention before continuing. "Both the hedgehog inside the capsule and the robot, we're to take them back with us as well as anything else we can find around here that pertains to them."

"Ma'am, yes Ma'am!" said the agents.

Rouge looked back to the hedgehog inside the capsule, examining his face. 'What happened here? How did Robotnik manage this?'

Topaz looked over at Rouge and narrowed her eyes slightly before turning to the agents. "Look around and see what else you can find."

The agents saluted before spreading out and looking over the laboratory for anything else they could. Topaz joined them and after a short while of not finding anything, she made her way over to a table. Seeing there was a drawer slightly ajar, she opened it all the way and looked inside.

A few of the agents walked over to join her. "What have you found?"

Reaching into the drawer, Topaz grabbed a hold of something and pulled it out, revealing it to be a folder.

"What's that?" an agent asked.

"Don't know," said Topaz as she opened the folder. "But we're about to find out."

As Topaz skimmed through the folder Rouge was listening intently, waiting to hear what she had found.

Reading the folder to herself, Topaz was silent for a moment before looking at the capsule containing the hedgehog. "Project Shadow..."

"Shadow?" Rouge repeated. "That's his name?"

Topaz nodded. "Looks like it."

Rouge looked back at the hedgehog. 'Shadow...'

Topaz read the folder more before turning to the robot. "E-123 Omega, the final and most powerful of the E-Series robots..."

"Wow..." said the agents in unison.

"And there's more information here as well," said Topaz before she closed the folder. "Everyone, I believe we've found all we need. Let's get the others in here, gather what we need, get out and then we level this place."

"Aye aye!" said the agents.

"Alright, let's roll!" said Topaz.

Some hours later after destroying the remains of Robotnik's fortress, the agents returned to the United Federation with Shadow and Omega in tow. Topaz and Rouge were standing outside the front entrance of the HQ alongside the other agents and beside the capsule containing Shadow. They looked ahead and saw Abraham and Nathaniel approaching them.

Upon reaching the agents, Abraham's eyes fell on the capsule and then looked behind and saw Omega in the back of one of the GUN trucks. "Fascinating."

Topaz held the folder of paperwork out to Abraham. "Here you go sir. This was all the information we could find."

Abraham took the paperwork and looked through it. "Project Shadow...E-123 Omega..." He read a bit more before looking to Topaz and Rouge. "Robotnik had these in his lab?"

Rouge nodded in response.

"They were hidden inside a sealed room," said Topaz. "From what we were able to find, he was in the process of creating these two when the Doomsday Project was destroyed."

Nathaniel walked up to the capsule, looking at Shadow and then looking at Omega. "Hmm...So he never finished his work on these two."

"Looks like it," said Abraham.

"I wonder how far he got with them," Rouge thought out loud.

"As do I," said Nathaniel before he went silent, catching the attention of all present.

Abraham noticed the deep thoughtful look on Nathaniel's face. "Mr. President?"

Nathaniel looked at the hedgehog and robot once more. "Perhaps there's still a chance for these two."

Rouge raised an eyebrow, wondering what the president meant.

Nathaniel was silent again before nodding his head. "We'll finish creating them ourselves."

"We will?" Abraham asked, a little surprised.

Holding out his hand, Nathaniel placed it on the capsule and patted it. "The way I see it, this could be a blessing in disguise."

Abraham thought for a moment. "Perhaps you're right sir. They were to be used for evil but we can turn them into something good."

Nathaniel nodded. "My thoughts exactly."

Abraham nodded back, seeing that this could possibly be a good idea. "Then let's do it."

As Abraham began to give the other agents instructions, Nathaniel turned his attention to Topaz and Rouge. "Topaz, good work. And to you as well Rouge."

"Thank you sir," said Topaz, saluting.

Rouge, however, placed a hand on her hip and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure."

Topaz narrowed her eyes at the bat while Nathaniel simply let her comment pass. "Let's not waste any time. Let's move them inside and to the lab. And Rouge?"

Rouge raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"

"You will be assigned to overseeing the progress of these two," said Nathaniel.

The bat got an incredulous look on her face. "Me?" she was about to retort when she remembered the deal that the United Federation had given her - help them and they would not only give her a free pass and excuse her for her thievery, but also make her a GUN agent. And at this point, she would do and say what she had to in order to avoid jail time. "Yeah fine, whatever."

Nathaniel nodded before looking to the others. "Alright everyone, let's get to it."

The agents began to move the capsule containing Shadow as well as Omega into the building as instructed. Rouge and Topaz walked alongside the capsule and Topaz crossed her arms under her chest. "Never thought I'd see this happen."

Rouge remained silent, keeping her eyes on the capsule.

"What's up with you?" Topaz asked. "You've been focused on that hedgehog ever since we found him."

"And your point is?" Rouge responded curtly.

"Well why?" Topaz asked.

Rouge looked over at Topaz. "Look, I may be a jewel obsessed bat, but that doesn't mean I don't care about others alright?"

"Could've fooled me," Topaz muttered.

Rouge's ears twitched, hearing Topaz clearly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just the way you act," said Topaz. "What else was I supposed to think?"

Rouge simply scoffed and continued to walk along with Topaz and the other agents taking Shadow and Omega to the lab.

"In any case, this should be very interesting," said Topaz. "Two of that crazy bastard's creations in our possession and trying to finish up their creation in the hopes that they'll be on our side. Who knows how this one's gonna turn out."

A couple months had passed and the GUN scientists worked hard day and night on both Shadow and Omega until at long last their construction was complete. And the whole entire time, Rouge kept her word and watched over the entire construction process. She, Topaz, Abraham, and Nathaniel were standing along each other inside the lab, awaiting when the scientists brought the hedgehog and robot before them.

Topaz moved a stand of hair from her face. "So, this is it huh?"

"Indeed. It's been a long couple of months but the moment of truth has finally arrived," said Nathaniel before looking at Rouge. "You did well watching over them Rouge. Great job."

Rouge crossed her arms under her chest. "It was nothing."

"We have waited a long time for this day, but keep in mind everyone we don't know what we're getting ourselves into," said Abraham. "Be prepared for anything."

Topaz nodded. "Roger sir."

Not too long afterwards, a few of the GUN scientists walked forward, bringing the capsule containing Shadow with them as well as Omega. The whole while, Rouge's eyes fell on Shadow and they never left.

One of the scientists stepped forward. "President Chandler, everyone. Thank you for coming."

Abraham nodded, while everyone else acknowledged the scientist.

"It's taken us some time," the scientists began. "But we've finally finished our work on Project Shadow and E-123 Omega."

"And the end results?" Nathaniel asked.

"That's what we're about to find out sir," said the scientist.

Rouge was becoming slightly anxious. "I wonder what they're going to be like."

"You and me both," said Topaz. "No matter how this goes, we're ready for whatever."

Rouge nodded her head.

"President Chandler, Commander Abraham," said the scientist. "We wanted you both to be present when we activated these two."

"Very well," said Nathaniel. "And I believe we all have waited long enough. Please proceed."

The scientist went back to join the others. "Yes sir." Together, the scientists began to drain the liquid from Shadow's capsule as well as activate Omega. Everyone watched as once the liquid was completely gone from Shadow's capsule, the hedgehog's eyes opened, revealing them to be a crimson red. At the same time, Omega's eyes glowed a dark red.

"They're awake..." Rouge said in almost a whisper. Topaz, Abraham, and Nathaniel all remained silent but watched intently.

The capsule containing Shadow opened and he stepped out of it, his crimson eyes nearly glowing while Omega slowly stood to its full height. Narrowing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Nathaniel stepped forward to the two of them. Abraham joined him and the two of them stood face to face with Shadow and Omega.

The head scientist stood along with the others, watching in anticipation. "Time to see if all our hard work paid off."

Topaz watched as well and leaned to Rouge. "Let's see how this goes."

Rouge nodded.

Shadow looked both Nathaniel and Abraham up and down, his eyes narrowing warily.

"Greetings," said Nathaniel. "My name's Nathaniel Chandler." He motioned to Abraham. "And this is Abraham Tower. And your names are?"

Machinery sounds came from Omega as it looked at Nathaniel and Abraham. "E-123 Omega."

Shadow was silent a bit longer before finally answering. "I'm Shadow."

Nathaniel nodded, smiling. "Pleased to meet you both."

More sounds began to come from Omega as its eyes glowed bright.

"They seem harmless," said Abraham before he heard footsteps. Looking behind him, he saw Rouge walking towards Shadow and Omega. Nathaniel watched along with Topaz and the scientists as rouge approached the two. Looking between the two before looking at Shadow, Rouge held her hand out to him. Shadow looked at the bat with a look of caution and remained still.

"It's alright," said Rouge. "We're your friends. We won't hurt you."

Shadow frowned at the bat before slowly extending his hand towards hers.

Topaz kept her hand over her gun holster just in case as she saw Shadow hold out his hand. "Be careful Rouge."

Rouge stood her ground but was slightly nervous as Shadow moved his hand closer. Everyone watched as Shadow slowly placed his hand in Rouge's and the bat gently shook his hand, a smile appearing on her face. "I'm Rouge. It's nice to meet you Shadow. You and Omega have nothing to worry about. You're safe here."

"Rouge is right," said Nathaniel. "You both are."

Omega's eyes stopped glowing bright red. "Hostile environment, not detected."

Abraham breathed a sigh of relief. 'That's a relief.'

"Whoa, hold up," said Topaz as she stepped forward to Omega. "You mean to tell me you were scanning the entire area just now? As in, this entire building? And you did it that quickly?"

Omega nodded its head. "Affirmative."

Topaz couldn't help the smile that appeared on her face. "Not bad."

Nathaniel smiled proudly as he saw Rouge and Topaz interacting with Shadow and Omega and the scientists looking on in awe and excitement. "I think this is going to work out."

"I think it will as well sir," said Abraham.

As the commander and president continued to watch the scene before them, Rouge and Shadow kept their eyes on one another, their hands still intertwined with one another's and her still giving him a warm smile. Shadow continued to frown at her until he slowly began to relax because of her smile, feeling somewhat at ease and his expression softened slightly.

~End Flashback~

Shadow took another sip of his drink. "Sometimes its hard to believe that was five years ago."

Rouge nodded. "I know right? Hell, Topaz and I were nowhere near as close as we are now."

Leaning back into the couch, Shadow looked over at her. "And now look where we all are.."

Meeting his gaze, Rouge smiled at the hedgehog. "Yeah."

"Five years," said Shadow, realizing again just how long ago it was that he and Omega first met Rouge and the others. "Time sure does fly."

"It has," said Rouge. "But its been good."

"So much has happened since then," said Shadow before going silent, a thoughtful look appearing on his face. "I have a question."

Rouge's ears perked up as she looked to Shadow, giving him her full attention. "What's up?"

Shadow took another sip before he turned to fully face her. "Did you think that when we first met this would've happened?"

This time it was Rouge's turn to go silent. She wasn't expecting Shadow to ask her that. "Honestly, I'm not sure."

Shadow nodded. "I can say the same. When Omega and I awoke that day, I had no idea what was in store for us. But I'd say since then and joining GUN, things couldn't have gone any better."

Rouge smiled in response, gently patting Shadow's shoulder.

Shadow was about to say something when he happened to look at the clock in the living room. "It's gotten late. You ready to call it a night? It's been a long day for us both and I'm sure you're tired."

At that moment Rouge yawned and stretched out her shapely body. "You ain't lying."

"How about you go get some rest?" Shadow suggested.

"Don't have to tell me twice," said Rouge before giving Shadow another soft smile. "Thanks. What about you? You heading to bed too?"

Shadow nodded. "Yeah, I'll probably be right behind you shortly."

"Alright," said Rouge before she downed the rest of her drink and stood up, stretching again before looking back at Shadow. "Goodnight Shadow."

"Goodnight Rouge."

Rouge leaned down to Shadow and gave him a quick hug before beginning to head back down the hallway towards her bedroom. Shadow watched her until she was out of sight and finished the rest of his drink as well and relaxed back into the couch, taking a deep relaxed breath. He was more than ready to call it a night as well but he knew that before he did there was one more thing he wanted to check on before he did.

Omega was on the roof of Club Rouge, looking out at the bright lights of the city when it heard footsteps. Turning its head around, it saw Shadow approaching it. "Shadow."

"I had a feeling I'd find you here," said Shadow as he approached Omega and stood alongside it. "Its where you usually come to after a long day's work."

Omega turned its head to look back out over the city. "Completing the day's tasks at the United Federation combined with maintaining order at Club Rouge."

"Exhausting work, isn't it?" Shadow asked, smirking.

"If I could feel exhaustion I would agree with you," Omega answered.

Shadow couldn't help but chuckle. "Rouge and I finished up all our work as well. Couldn't wait to return home."

"How is Rouge?" Omega asked.

"She's fine," said Shadow. "Actually just turned in for the night. I'm going to do the same myself. Just wanted to check in with you first and make sure all was well."

"Everything is in order," said Omega.

"Good to know," said Shadow. He looked out and took in the amazing view of the city as well before looking over tot he robot. "You know Omega, Rouge and I spent a good bit of the evening talking about the past. More specifically, when we first met her."

"Five years ago," said Omega.

Shadow nodded. "Yes. Amazing how much time has passed and all that's happened since then. Us meeting her and the others, becoming apart of GUN, all the missions we've been on, and even Rouge allowing us to stay here with her."

"Things worked out the best for us," said Omega. "And we shall continue to do all we can to help GUN."

"I couldn't agree more," said Shadow. "We have a purpose and will do all in our power to continue doing what we can for the greater good." The hedgehog stretched out his body and yawned. "Well, I'm going to head to bed now. Been a long day and I'm looking forward to finally getting some rest."

"Affirmative," said Omega as it turned to face away from the city. "I'll retire as well. My hard drive could use a break after today."

Shadow chuckled again. "Come on then."

Omega began to walk towards the stairs that led back to Rouge's penthouse, followed behind by Shadow. As Omega went down the stairs, Shadow stopped at them and looked up into the sky, seeing the stars above him as well as the full moon and acknowledging their beauty.

'Such radiance,' he thought to himself. 'Signs of what's sure to be a peaceful night.'

After looking into the sky a bit longer, Shadow followed Omega down the stars, more than ready to get some much needed rest.