A week later, it was the evening before Rotor and Sir Charles's demonstration. Once Sonic had informed Sally of what he and her father spoke about, the princess wasted no time in informing her Royal Council and along with her parents arranged to have the demonstration in the large Council Chamber. Also, the prince and princess decided that along with the Council, that if they were going to forward the demonstration to GUN if approved by the Royals, they decided to invite Shadow and Rouge to represent GUN and the President in Central City and relay information back to them.
Once they were informed, Shadow and Rouge accepted without hesitation and the royal jet was sent to bring them to the palace. Shadow though hadn't seen the point in having the royal jet pick them up especially since he could just Chaos Control them there, but Rouge insisted that it would be rude not to take up the offer, especially since the Jet was a private one, and they had the luxury of it all to themselves and complimentary champagne.
Now the hedgehog and bat agents had arrived at the palace. A young male lizard servant wasted no time in showing them to their quarters. Rouge looked around the hallways at the paintings and décor as she followed the lizard with Shadow walking alongside her, also taking in his surroundings.
"Right this way guvs!" the lizard called over his shoulder.
"Thanks so much," Rouge said gratefully. "Wow, I could get lost in this castle. It's five times the size of GUN Headquarters."
Shadow nodded in agreement then saw the lizard arrive at some double doors.
"Here we are guvs!" he said before pushing the doors open and Shadow and Rouge gasped as they looked at their quarters.
The room was decorated in cream and gold, there was a large living room that was light up with a sparkling crystal chandelier, with a sofa, armchairs, and a chaise along with a shiny wooden table with a bowl of fresh fruit and an ice bucket with complimentary champagne and two crystal glasses. There was a bedroom, also decorated in gold and cream with a large four-poster bed, wardrobe, a dressing table and mirror, and an ensuite bathroom consisting of a large bathtub and a glass shower could be seen next to the bedroom.
"Oh wow!" Rouge cried as she walked in with her suitcase, and Shadow followed her, also taking in the suite.
"Very nice," he said quietly and impressed.
"One of our best royal suites in the castle sir, m'lady!" the lizard said proudly. "Hope it's to your liking!"
"Thanks kid!" Rouge said not turning around.
The lizard then bowed. "I'll let you two get comfortable, and also, the prince and princess have invited you to dinner in the royal dining room at 7PM."
"Thanks," Shadow replied. "We'll be there." He then fished out a twenty-dollar bill and handed it to the lizard whose eyes widened in surprise.
"Wow! Thanks, guv'nor!" he said. "I'll inform their highnesses at once!" He then departed from the doorway leaving the bat and hedgehog to get settled in.
"Nice kid," Rouge commented as she placed her suitcase on the bed and Shadow did the same.
Shadow replied with a nod then looked around the room "Hmmm, looking at this room here, makes you wonder what the rest of the castle looks like."
Rouge nodded in agreement then she saw the French doors leading to a balcony outside.
"Oh sweet!" she said excitedly. "We got a balcony!" She flew over to the doors and opened them before stepping onto the balcony and seeing the view of the shining city of Mobotropolis. "A room with a view!"
Shadow followed her and looked out over the city all shining and standing out against the blue cloudless sky.
"Wow!" said the bat as she looked at the sight before her. "This is truly amazing! The view from my personal suite at Club Rouge doesn't compare to this! You can see how different it is here compared to Central City back home!"
"It is quite the sight, isn't it?" Shadow agreed as his red eyes surveyed the city and he stood next to Rouge.
"Absolutely," Rouge agreed. "Huge difference from five years ago, that stinky metal polluted Robotropolis."
Shadow folded his arms and closed his eyes. "Hmm. Can't say I have any memory of it, seeing as how Omega and I weren't activated until afterwards."
"Yeah, I know," said Rouge as she remembered the day she and GUN had found them, two weeks after Sonic and Sally had destroyed the Doomsday Device. 'Even more lucky that GUN and I found you before that evil man completed you,' Rouge thought to herself. 'Such dark times that was.'
"I still remember it like yesterday," she said out loud.
"Part of me wonders what life would be had the doctor had the chance to finish his work on us," Shadow said.
"You think about that often?" Rouge asked looking at her partner curiously.
Shadow shrugged still with his arms folded. "Just about how life most likely would be different than what we know I as." He then quickly added, "Don't misunderstand - I enjoy the life I have. I just wonder what could have been you know?"
"I can understand that," Rouge said before sighing. "I sometimes wonder what life would have been like if GUN hadn't captured me and gave me the chance to change my thieving ways."
"Seems we both could have taken very different paths in life," said Shadow.
"That we could have done." Rouge replied. "But I'm grateful for everything I have now." A smile came to her face. "A good life in GUN, a very popular nightclub in the city, best friends and partners in you, Omega, and Topaz."
Shadow turned to Rouge, nodding. "Yes, I agree."
Rouge then stepped a little closer to him then leaned into the black hedgehog and hugged him. "I mean it Shadow. I am grateful."
Shadow was surprised from the sudden hug, but he didn't pull away, but stood still as Rouge kept speaking.
"After all we Mobians have been though, I couldn't be more grateful than be where we are now. I never had any real friends or comrades until now. You, Omega, and Topaz are my nearest and dearest. I've always been a loner, but you, I trust you above everyone else."
A small smile graced Shadow's face as he listened and he saw Rouge look up at him, her cheeks a little pink.
"That's the truth Shadow," she said firmly.
Shadow's smile got bigger, and he wrapped his arms around the bat and returned the hug. The two of them held each other for a while on the balcony, staring at the city and enjoying the late afternoon air then Shadow spoke.
"If I'm being completely honest," he began. "I wouldn't want life to be any different. After all that's happened, and all we've been though together, I can't picture it any other way. As you said, I'm grateful for all that I have in life, you included."
Rouge hugged Shadow tighter feeling happy at his words. "Oh, Shadow I'm so happy to hear you say that."
She felt Shadow squeeze her tighter and they continued to stay that way, holding each other and soaked in the moment. After a few minutes, they realized they were still in each other's arms, and both pulled away feeling slightly embarrassed.
"I... I'll just go and unpack, shall I?" she asked, a blush appearing on her face.
Shadow cleared his throat, also going pink in the face "Yeah. I'll do the same."
Rouge led the way back into the room. "I should think about what to wear if we're meeting the prince and princess tonight."
"True," Shadow agreed. "Though knowing that hedgehog, it wouldn't surprise me if he came on the loudspeakers right now and said 'Come as you are.'"
The bat chuckled as she opened her suitcase. "That's a thought. Hmmm..." She held up some dresses. "I wonder what I should wear tonight? I bought a few suggestions."
Shadow chuckled and shook his head. Even though they were only staying in the castle for two nights, Rouge still packed enough to last a month as she was never sure what to wear and brought back-ups. In fact, before they left, he quipped she had brought everything but the kitchen sink.
"Need help with picking out something?" Shadow asked.
"If you're offering then yes, please!" Rouge smiled.
"Alright then." Shadow walked over and sat on the bed. "Show me what you got."
He gestured with his hand and Rouge pulled out four outfits and lay them on the bed. The first dress was a figure-hugging purple gown that stopped at the knees with hang off shoulders, the second dress was a simple black strapless dress that stopped halfway down the thighs, the third dress was a red velvet strapless dress with a split on the right-hand side and the fourth dress was a backless shimmering silver gown.
"There we go," said Rouge before looking to the hedgehog. "Which one Shad?"
"You weren't kidding about having a few suggestions..." Shadow said a bit under his breath. 'At least it's not like the GUN Christmas Party last year,' he thought to himself 'She couldn't choose between twenty outfits and Omega and I had to narrow them down until she finally chose one.'
Rouge laughed. "Yeah well, you know me!" she said. "So, which one do you like best?"
Shadow rubbed his chin as he studied the outfits then finally, he placed his white gloved hand on the second dress. "I'd say the black one," he said. "Shows off just enough of you while at the same time being modest. And besides, sometimes simple is best. What do you think?"
Rouge looked at the dress, picked it up and held it against herself looking in the full-length mirror. "I agree! Thanks Shad!" she replied. "And if I know that prince, he's not for anything flashy. Well, same can be said for Sally," she added with a chuckle.
Shadow nodded and stood behind Rouge, looking in the mirror with her. "But at the same time, I know you like flashy," he said. "So, if you'd prefer one of the other dresses, then it's completely your choice." He cleared his throat. "You'd look nice in any of them."
Another blush found its way onto the bat's face. "Thanks Shadow," she said looking back at the mirror. "I'm gonna go with your choice and jazz it up with some pretty jewelry."
Shadow smirked and nodded. "Sounds good."
"And what about you?" Rouge asked as she picked up a small black velvet box from her suitcase and opened it revealing her diamond jewelry.
"I suppose it's fitting that you're dressing in that one," Shadow answered as he opened his suitcase and pulled out a fancy looking black suit with a red trim.
"Love it!" Rouge praised. "I think we're sorted for tonight!"
"Well then," Shadow placed his suit on the bed. "Shall we?"
Rouge nodded. "For sure!"
Just as evening arrived, Shadow and Rouge got themselves ready to meet Sonic and Sally in the royal dining room. Rouge focused as she applied some mascara and checked herself over in the mirror. She was dressed in the black dress Shadow picked, but she also wore her diamond necklace, earrings, and bracelets. Shadow was dressed in his black and red trim suit, as well as some yellow gold and ruby encrusted cufflinks Rouge had given him for Christmas. Finally, Rouge stood up from the dressing table and Shadow took notice.
"Heh, well look at you," Shadow said, impressed as Rouge gave him a twirl.
"You like?" she asked.
"Definitely," Shadow said. "You look great."
"Thanks! And so do you!" Rouge said as she slipped on some black stilettos with diamond detail as well as picked up a shimmering silver shawl which she put around her shoulders.
"Well, looks like we're both ready," Shadow said as he held his arm out to Rouge who took it gratefully.
"Shall we then?" Rouge asked with a smile.
"Lets," Shadow answered before they left their suite to head to the Royal dining room.
Meanwhile, in the royal dining room, the large room was dark as the sun had only just set and the many candles on the walls, the other tables and everywhere else in the room were the only source of light, giving it an intimate and warm atmosphere. Sonic and Sally were sitting at one table in the middle of the large room. Sally was wearing a silk strapless cream and gold dress with gold jewelry along with her tiara in her auburn hair that was loosely tied back with golden bands and Sonic was wearing a smart blue suit that was slightly lighter than his fur and his crown.
Sally stroked her swollen stomach and laughed as she felt the twins moving about. Sonic stroked his wife's belly and kissed her cheek.
"The Littles making noise?" he asked.
"Yeah," Sally answered. "They're kicking, they're gonna be speedy that's for sure." She kissed Sonic's lips. "Just like you."
Sonic laughed and nuzzled Sally. "Heh! Them's my babies!"
Sally placed her hands on Sonics as they rested on her belly. "I can't wait to meet them," she said as she leaned into Sonic, imagining him holding the twins after their born, playing with them as they grow up and running with them, teaching them how to use their speed. 'He's going to be an amazing dad,' she thought to herself.
Sonic chuckled again. "I can't wait to meet them either!"
Sally nuzzled Sonic again then saw his crown was slightly crooked, so she reached up and adjusted it slightly.
"Thanks babe," Sonic said as he looked up at his crown. "Where would I be without you?"
"You're welcome," Sally giggled. "Awww, I'm sure you'd be fine!"
The couple soon heard the doors to the dining room open and they saw Shadow and Rouge walk in.
"Looks like the company's finally got here!" Sonic said with a smirk.
"Looks like they did," Sally replied standing up, Sonic not far behind.
Rouge admired the lighting in the room and as she was thinking about doing the same for a night back at Club Rouge, she saw Sonic and Sally in the middle of the room. "There they are," she said as she walked over to them with Shadow. As she approached the table, she curtsied and Shadow bowed.
"Princess Sally, Prince Sonic," the bat said politely.
Sally smiled. "Agent Rouge, Agent Shadow, thank you for coming."
"Thank you for inviting us," Rouge replied.
"I hope the suite is to your liking?" Sally asked.
"Very nice indeed," Rouge answered. "Thank you, princess."
"Indeed," Shadow agreed.
"Well, by all means!" Sonic said. "Have a seat and join us!"
Shadow then reached out his hand to Sonic who took it, and they shook hands.
"Thanks for having us," Shadow said.
"Don't mention it!" Sonic smirked and winked.
"You both are the best, dedicated and most loyal agents to GUN and you have provided the royals with your services in the last five years, for which we couldn't be more grateful," Sally said, sitting down carefully with one hand on her bump.
"It's our duty princess," Rouge replied as she saluted.
Shadow copied the gesture and nodded. "Just doing what we signed up for."
"And everything you've done so far!" Sonic agreed. "And will continue to do, I'm sure. Like Sal said, we couldn't be more grateful than we are and we thank you both!"
"You're welcome, Your Highness," Rouge said.
Sally smiled then decided to move on with the conversation. "So, how're things in Central City?"
"All's well," Rouge replied. "Not much different from Mobotropolis."
"And your club?" Sally asked.
"Still as popular since I opened it," Rouge said with a grin.
"Always a hustle and bustle there," Shadow agreed.
"Heh! I bet!" Sonic quipped. "Who knows! Me and Sal might swing by there when we're in the neighborhood!"
Rouge chuckled. "Well, you know you're always welcome. Although I'd avoid it during Spring Break…" She couldn't help but roll her eyes. "My goodness..."
"You had trouble?" Sally asked, cocking her head on one side.
Rouge rested her chin on her hands and gave a drained look. "Let's just say I've never been so glad to have good insurance on the joint. The number of drunk students...And four suites trashed by the fraternities and sororities..."
"Oh dear!" Sally groaned.
"I remember those days," Shadow said, memories of those hectic days coming back to him. "Omega and I had to do security duty more than usual."
"That fun huh?" Sonic asked.
Rouge nodded. "Well since then, I've put in stricter rules now and anyone too rowdy is out the door."
"Well done!" Sally praised.
"Well, a girl's got to keep her business well!" said the bat. "And the club is open to all. Families, students, even the odd bingo night for the oldies. You name it."
"Well right on!" Sonic cheered. "Right on you for making sure the wild and crazies are dealt with!"
Sally nodded in agreement.
"Thanks," Rouge replied. "And I'm lucky to have Shadow and Omega helping. When they dealt with the drunks and rowdy idiots! Let's just say people thought twice about being morons with a bottle!"
"And Rouge herself isn't afraid to get her hands dirty when kicking out the rowdy ones," Shadow added, patting Rouge's shoulder proudly.
"That's good to know," Sally smiled. "Though…" she asked curiously. "How bad was the damage from those students if you'll forgive me for asking?"
Rouge rolled her eyes. "Oh boy where to start..." She said then started to count on her fingers as she spoke. "Beer stains on the bedsheets, trashed furniture, broken glass, cigarette burns, spray paint….and the bathrooms…oh, you don't even want to know about those..."
"Please don't!" Sonic said quickly. "We're about to have dinner!"
Shadow couldn't help but smirk at his blue counterpart's grossed out face.
"But anyway," Rouge continued. "I was glad I had good insurance, as it covered criminal damage and those students, boy did they regret it as I sued them for the damages."
"Good on you!" Sonic said clicking his tongue.
"I agree. Well done, Rouge," Sally added.
"So how has things been here?" Shadow asked, deciding to change the subject.
"Pretty good," Sally said as she looked down at her bump and stroked it.
"How's the baby?" Rouge asked.
As the bat said those words, Sally looked up and smiled warmly along with Sonic, as they hadn't told the two GUN agents the news.
"Babies, actually," Sally said.
Rouge's eyes widened. "Whoa! You mean…?"
Sonic grinned. "Uh huh! We're having twins!"
"Really?" Shadow exclaimed his red eyes widening "Well how about that?"
Rouge grinned and clapped her hands. "Oh wow! That's so wonderful! You've been blessed twice!"
"We sure have," Sally agreed, chuckling. "Everyone's been saying that."
"I'm happy for you," said Rouge, returning the smile. "I can't wait to tell Omega and Topaz" She then noticed Sally look slightly worried and she quickly added. "Don't panic Your Highness. I'll make sure their lips are zipped." She did a zip motion on her lips.
"I give you our word you can trust them not to say anything to anyone," Shadow added.
"What do you think Sal?" Sonic asked placing a hand on his wife's.
"If they are to be trusted, then you have my permission," Sally smiled with a nod.
"Agent's honor princess," Rouge said reassuringly. "I've known Topaz and Omega for a long time, and they know how to keep a secret."
"That soothes my soul," Sally replied. "Sonic and I have only told our closest friends, you included, as we plan for it to be a surprise for the rest of Mobius when they emerge."
She stroked her stomach and Sonic reached over and did the same, a smile gracing his face as he felt the babies move again. Just then, a female possum waitress walked over to place some drinks on the table which included white and red wine, some fruit juice and water, as well as take their orders for dinner. As she saw Shadow and Rouge, she got excited, and she curtsied as she held up her pad.
"Good evening your highnesses…Agent S-Shadow, Agent R-Rouge!"
"Hey there, as you were!" Sonic grinned.
"Sorry your highness," The waitress blushed. "Erm…what can I get you guys?"
"Guests first," Sally gestured to Shadow and Rouge.
Shadow smirked in thanks then turned to Rouge. "Ladies first."
Rouge smiled cutely at Shadow. "Why thank you!" she looked at her menu again then up at the waitress. "I'll have the watermelon Salad to start followed by the Sushi platter please."
"You got it Agent Rouge!" the waitress grinned as she jotted it down. "And you Agent Shadow?"
"An order of fish and chips to start and the blackened shrimp alfredo sounds nice, if you would, thanks," Shadow replied.
The waitress wrote down the orders then turned to Sonic and Sally. "And for you, Your Highnesses?"
"The green salad with walnuts to start please, then the vegetarian chili," Sally requested.
"Some of the boneless wings to start me off and then three chilli dogs, extra chili please!" Sonic grinned.
Sally shook her head as she watched the waitress take down her husband's order. "You and your chili dogs!" she chuckled to which Sonic shrugged and pulled a face.
After the waitress had made sure she had gotten the right orders she turned to Shadow and Rouge and looked a little shy. "If it's not too much to ask..." she began. "...can I get an autograph?"
Rouge grinned. "Certainly Hun!" she said taking the note pad and started to write her name on it.
Shadow couldn't help but chuckle under his breath. Even though he and Rouge had made names for themselves as top GUN agents and were famous for their missions, partnership, and their close friendship with the royals, he still found it rather surreal people admired them so much.
"What's your name sweetheart? Rouge asked as she handed the pad to Shadow.
"It's Emily," the waitress answered. "May I just say, it's an honor to serve you two tonight. I've read so much about you."
Her eyes widened as she saw Shadow write on the pad then place twenty dollars on it.
"There you go kid," said the hedgehog. "A tip."
"Oh wow!" Emily gasped. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" She then cleared her throat to try and get herself to be professional again. "I'll place your orders in right away!" she curtsied again then left for the kitchens with a spring in her step.
"That was very generous of you Shadow," said Sally.
"Just a way of saying thank you to her for serving us tonight," Shadow informed to which Rouge smiled at her partner.
"Well look at you big spender!" Sonic smirked.
"And I'm sure she appreciates it," Sally smiled as she looked to where Emily had gone.
Rouge chuckled then decided to move onto another subject. "So how are other things in general?"
"Pretty good," Sally replied. "Tails and Amy are doing wonderfully as tutors to the younger generation as well as dedicated members of my council, and young Cream is working very hard with her training, give it a couple of years and she'll be joining Tails and Amy as a teacher."
"Nice!" the bat exclaimed.
"I couldn't be prouder of them," Sally smiled.
"Seems like they are both are coming along really well," Shadow said.
"They sure are!" Sonic agreed.
"And Mina Mongoose has opened another school in Southern Mobotropolis for upcoming singers and talented musicians," Sally continued. "She's hoping to open another in Emerald City, as well as Central City."
"That's fantastic," said Rouge. "That girl definitely has a talent. And it's great that she wants to teach and mentor others. I remember when she sang at your wedding."
"Oh yes," Sally smiled. "She was one of me and Bunnie's bridesmaids as well as the wedding singer. She sure was busy that day."
"And man did she kill it when she started to sing!" said Sonic.
"I remember it well," Shadow nodded.
As the foursome continued to talk, Emily soon arrived with their food. Rouge and Shadow were amazed at how beautifully arranged the food was. Even Sonic's chili dogs were done in such a way King Max would be proud.
"Wow!" Rouge exclaimed. "Never seen food this well presented! Not even in the Ritz!"
"Oh, ho ho!" Sonic grinned as his eyes gleamed at his chili dogs. "Tell me about it!"
Sally laughed then winced a little as she felt a rather hard kick in her stomach, she was feeling hungry, and she could tell the babies were feeling it too.
"You okay princess?" Rouge asked in concern.
"I'm fine," Sally replied as she stroked her stomach. "Just getting kicked. The babies are hungry too."
Sonic chuckled and placed his hand on Sally's belly. "Hey!" he playfully scolded. "Give mommy a break, you hear?"
Rouge laughed. "Restless, eh? Just like their father!"
"Agreed," Shadow added.
As the friends began to tuck into their food, a young female crow in a silver dress walked over to the grand piano in one area of the dining room and began to play some relaxing music.
Sonic grinned as he heard it. "Ah yes! Now we got some nice tunes whilst we enjoy dinner!"
Sally nodded with a smile, enjoying the music being played.
"Nice!" Rouge commented as she took a sip of wine. "I should have someone do this at my club, especially in the restaurant area."
Shadow nodded his head. "I think the guests would enjoy it."
After fifteen minutes, the foursome had gotten through their meals and continued talking as they listened to the gentle piano music that drifted around the dining hall.
As Rouge sipped a glass of wine, she began to remember a certain event four years ago. "You know, it's just come to me, a month and a half from now will be the fifth anniversary of the founding of GUN."
Sonic and Sally looked up from their meals, Sonic had half a chili dog in his mouth which he quickly shoved in his mouth.
"Of course, yes," said Sally. "How could I forget?"
Sonic nodded in agreement since he had his mouth full.
"It's alright." said Rouge. "I still remember the first time we celebrated it…"
A solemn look appeared on the bat's face. Shadow looked at her, a knowing look in his eyes. At the same time, Sally touched her forehead and Sonic frowned.
"I know it was four years ago," Rouge continued. "But it's still fresh in my mind."
"Mine too," Sally agreed. "And Sonic and I can only be grateful that yourself and Shadow had sharp senses that day."
"For sure," Sonic agreed, having swallowed his mouthful. "Who knows what would have happened had you both not been there."
"We were only doing our duty, Your Highness," Rouge replied.
~Flashback - Four Years Ago~
Sonic and Sally sat together in the royal coach as they were taken from Club Rouge to the City Center where the celebrations of GUN's first anniversary were taking place. As part of their royal tour of Mobius, they were to oversee the newly founded organization's first year of being active and in service after Robotnik's defeat. Out the windows they could see the crowds were gathered, all cheering, shouting and waving flags. Most of them were screaming Sonic's name and even had signs and photos on banners in honor of the famous hedgehog hero.
"Looks like almost the entire city came out for this," Sonic said as he looked outside.
"Looks like it," Sally agreed as she peered out her window then turned to her husband seeing the nervousness on his face. She reached over and placed her hand on his. "Are you okay?"
"Oh yeah, I'm good," Sonic said turning to his wife and wiping his forehead with his white gloved hand and the cuff of his sleeve. "Just still not used to this, is all, the whole royalty thing."
"I know," Sally said, smiling gently. "But trust me Hun, you're doing great. And don't fret, I'm here to support you, I promise." She squeezed his hand. "I promised you on the day we married, until the end of time, I'm here for you."
"And I for you Sal, always," Sonic grinned back at her.
"Believe me Hun," Sally encouraged. "You're Mobius's hero, a Prince of Acorn, and these people admire you. For all you have done, you should soak it up. You deserve everything you get from them. And trust me when I say I, along with all the other Freedom Fighters, all the denizens of Mobius, and even my parents and yours, we're proud of you."
At that, a rare blush came to Sonic's cheeks. "Aww man!"
"It's true Hun," Sally insisted and scooted closer to Sonic before stroking his cheek. "Although can I tell you a secret?"
"You can tell me anything Sal," Sonic replied placing his hand on the hand that cupped his cheek 'What's up?"
"Seeing all this, when you say you're not used to royalty, I'm with you despite my experience, part of me wishes I were back in Knothole, when there was no rank, that I was like everyone else." She took a breath. "Just Sally, a citizen like the others, the simple life, when all was quiet, when we were not scouting in Robotropolis, or fighting, we were living like everyone else."
"I remember those days," said Sonic. "Like they were yesterday."
"Those peaceful days," Sally said. "I hope we can experience them again."
"We definitely will Sal, I promise," Sonic winked.
"Peace and quiet," Sally breathed. "And maybe some running? The way you carry me in your arms as you race through the Great Forest and loop de loop?"
"Absolutely!" Sonic replied.
"I can't wait," Sally grinned excitedly and nuzzled her husband. "Despite the royal duties, we'll have our days off, I promise."
Sonic smiled back and leaned in to kiss his wife, but before he could do so, the coach stopped and the footman, a male bloodhound opened the door.
"Your Highnesses," He spoke. "We've arrived."
"Thank you," said Sally, running her hands over her hair and making sure her tiara was straight. "You ready Hun?" Sally asked her husband.
"Ready and willing!" he grinned, despite his nerves and he felt Sally kiss his cheek.
"If you feel unsteady, just hold onto me, okay? I'm right here, I promise you!"
"Got it!" Sonic said holding her arm and taking a breath "Alright, I'm ready!"
Sally smiled and after they exited the coach, they began to walk up the red carpet that had been laid out for them that lead to the large stage outside the GUN Headquarters where the President and Gun Commander stood, along with several GUN agents behind them and standing in front and beside the stage all in their uniform. The royal guards lined the sides of the pathway for the prince and princess to keep the crowds under the control as they walked and waved out to the many Mobians who kept screaming, cheering, and calling out to them.
Sonic grinned and waved to the crowds and Sally did the same. On his side of the red carpet, Sonic saw several females crying and sobbing as well as swooning and screaming his name and Sonic felt a pang in his stomach, looking at these girls reminded him a little of when Amy used to fawn over him during the days in Knothole, though these ones were more extreme.
"We love you Sonic!" one girl screamed in tears.
"You're our hero!" the others sobbed.
Sonic wanted to go over and reassure the girls over their tears, that hero side of him who didn't like seeing girls cry, yet the guards kept giving him looks to just keep walking as they knew that as soon as Sonic got close enough to the girls that they could swamp him.
Sally glanced at her husband, and she knew how this overwhelmed him, seeing how many people on the planet looked up to them. "Soak it up Hun. You deserve the praise and love."
"Man," Sonic breathed. "We've touched so many people."
"Yeah," Sally agreed. "It's so overwhelming." she squeezed his hand as they got closer to the stage and the GUN agents saluted to them. "If I'm being honest, I feel a bit nervous."
"It's okay," Sonic smiled. "Like you said, I'm right here with you."
"Thanks Hun," Sally replied. "It's my first big public appearance outside of Mobotropolis since Robotnik's defeat, so I do feel a little overwhelmed and nervous."
Sonic kissed Sally's head in comfort as they approached the stairs to the stage, and they were soon faced with the president and commander who bowed to them and the agents behind them saluted. Sonic and Sally acknowledged them with a nod and smile, and they could see Shadow and Rouge in the front, both standing to attention and looking smart in their full GUN uniforms.
"Prince Sonic, Princess Sally," President Nathaniel greeted them, and Commander Abraham saluted. "It is an honor."
Sonic smiled at them as he remembered what Sally taught him in situations involving not just royal subjects, the court but also government officials. "The honor is ours."
Sally smiled proudly at Sonic then then turned back to Nathaniel and Abraham. "Thank you for inviting us to Central City during our royal tour."
"It's our pleasure princess," Abraham replied. "Central City welcomes you with open arms."
As he said that last bit, the crowd went wild and threw balloons, streamers and waved flags. Sonic and Sally smiled in thanks then saw Nathaniel walk to the podium and waved his arms to quieten the crowd which it did, apart from a few cheers and he began to make a speech. As that happened, Shadow and Rouge who were standing on the stage together behind Abraham watched Sonic and Sally preparing to make their own speeches after Nathaniel had finished speaking.
Rouge gently nudged Shadow and pointed to Sonic. "He's nervous. I can see from here. His free hand is trembling."
Shadow observed as well and gave a slight nod as he saw the nervousness coming from the blue hedgehog.
"Poor guy." Rouge said.
"He's to give a speech along with Sally," Shadow commented then smirked. "Let's see how he does."
Rouge nodded and crossed her fingers for luck as she watched.
Meanwhile, Sonic squeezed Sally's hand as they watched Nathaniel speak to the crowd then looked at her.
"Man, I'm nervous." He admitted and Sally looked down at his trembling hand and smiled up at him.
"You got this, okay? I'm right here with you, and remember that tip I gave you? Just imagine everyone in their underwear." She couldn't help but giggle. "Always helps me."
"I'll keep that in mind!" Sonic laughed.
"…And without further ado my friends of Central City!" Nathaniel gestured to Sonic and Sally. "May I present their Royal Highnesses, Prince Sonic and Princess Sally of Acorn from Mobotropolis!"
The crowd cheered louder and chants of 'Sonic' and 'Sally' were heard, and many flashes went off from the cameras of the press and onlookers.
"You ready Sal?" Sonic asked.
"Let's do it to it," Sally winked and she and Sonic did their secret handshake from Knothole before approaching the podium.
"Good day Central City!" Sally spoke confidently into the microphone. "And may I say, it is an honor to be joining you on our royal tour on this very special day, the first anniversary of the founding of the Guardians of the United Nations, better known as GUN!"
The crowd cheered in agreement and Shadow smirked before leaning to Rouge. "Sally's off to a good start."
Rouge nodded in agreement. "Well, she is used to all this, being a princess and all. Sonic however, different story."
"Since the defeat of Julian Kintobor, known to us as the evil Tyrant and Dictator Dr Robotnik, we have worked hard to clean up the mess he left behind after Sonic and myself destroyed the Doomsday Device!" Sally continued.
As Robotnik was mentioned there were a few boos and jeers as well as joyous cries at the fact he had been defeated.
"And since that day we have sworn that as a world-wide community, as Freedom Fighters, as soldiers, as comrades, and as friends, we have sworn that this will never happen again!"
The crowd cheered again loudly, and Sally turned to Sonic as it was now his turn to speak. The hedgehog felt his stomach lurch and he stepped towards the microphone. He pulled at his collar and coughed a little.
"If you'll give me a sec…" he said as he waved his hand. "This is kinda my first day on the job, so to speak!" he chuckled, and a few laughs were heard in the crowd as well as a few encouraging shouts.
"You got this Sonic!"
"You can do it Sonic!"
Rouge bit her lip and crossed both fingers.
Sally also mouthed encouraging words to her husband and Sonic took a deep breath and looked out at the crowd.
"As my wife said," he began loudly and clearly. "We've been working and doing all in our power to make sure that an evil like Robotnik won't rise again. And I give you my word, as your Prince, that those days of constantly living in fear are gone. The days of not knowing whether the breath you're taking will be your last is no more."
He raised his hands.
"We are now walking down a path and living lives that promises nothing but a brighter tomorrow. And we'll continue to do so as one! Here's to a peaceful Mobius! Now and forever more!"
He shouted the last part and at that moment the crowd cheered and shouted louder than ever, clapping, jumping up and down and throwing streamers, balloons and waving flags as well as flashing their cameras.
"Nicely said Sonic!" Rouge applauded.
"Hmm, well I'll be," Shadow exclaimed. "He actually did it."
Sally clapped and winked. "Well done Blue! That was amazing! I knew you could do it!"
Sonic blushed and wiped his bow glad that hard part was over, and he could relax and enjoy the celebrations.
After a while, the celebrations got under way and everyone was just about to relax, yet as Shadow and Rouge were about to leave the stage, Rouge stiffened and sniffed the air.
Shadow noticed and turned to her. "Rouge? What is it?"
Rouge frowned and her ears twitched. "Something's wrong. I can sense it."
Shadow narrowed his eyes and looked around; he knew Rouge had heightened senses as well as some sixth sense for anything out of the ordinary, being a huntress. Rouge scanned the area then she looked towards a building on her left-hand side and saw movement on a balcony on the sixth floor that wasn't there before.
"Sixth floor balcony!" she reported nudging Shadow. "10'o'clock!"
Shadow frowned as he saw what his partner saw.
"Got it." He tapped an earpiece on his ear. "Omega, do you read me?"
"Read you loud and clear Shadow," Omega's voice was heard in the hedgehog's ear.
"What's your current position?" Shadow asked.
"Opposite the stage," Omega reported. "Twenty feet from your left."
"Advance to the sixth floor balcony across from the stage. Rouge spotted a suspicious figure there," Shadow ordered.
"Affirmative," Omega replied.
At the same time, Rouge looked to Topaz. "Be on your guard. I sense trouble."
"On it!" Topaz nodded with a frown and squared her shoulders.
Just then a shooting noise was heard as a large shot was fired from the balcony Rouge had spotted the figure and a huge explosion went off above the crowd like a massive firework. The crowd ducked and screamed, yet many started cheering thinking it was all part of the celebrations.
Nathaniel jumped out of his skin and Abraham covered him.
"What the hell?!" Nathaniel shouted. "That wasn't supposed to happen!"
Sonic also covered Sally as they saw the explosion.
"What in the name of Mobius!?" Sally yelled in shock.
"What the hell was that!?" Sonic shouted as he glared.
Abraham took out his gun and looked up. "Soldiers! To arms!"
As that happened, the crowd began to realize this wasn't a display but rather something worse and began to scream and scatter. Rouge spread her wings and flew upwards so she could get a better look and she soon saw someone dressed in black running towards the stage then throw a grenade on to the stage and it landed near Sally. Luckily Sally saw it, but to Rouge's fear and horror, the princess grabbed it intending to throw it away.
"Sally no!" Rouge shouted and flew down to assist, but luckily Shadow appeared via Chaos Control, snatched it from Sally and threw it into the air where it exploded sending shrapnel everywhere.
Things just got worse as the crowds scattered and the GUN agents on the ground as well as the Royal Guard tried to calm everyone and get everyone and everything under control. Rouge landed on the stage, relieved Shadow had stepped in, but she gasped in fear as she saw Sally had been hit by some of the shrapnel and was bleeding from the forehead near her hairline.
"Are you alright?" Rouge asked in concern, but she cried out as she was kicked to the side along with Shadow as the figure who had thrown the grenade jumped onto the stage and grabbed Sally by the back of the neck.
"Sal!" Sonic yelled in concern for his wife then looked to see the figure stop by the front on the stage and hold Sally at arm's length by her throat.
"Who the hell are you?" Sonic snarled.
At once the figure removed his hood and everyone gasped to see it was a male, green hedgehog who looked exactly like Sonic, with blue eyes and sharp teeth.
"Hello Sonic," he hissed licking his lips and teeth menacingly.
"Scourge!?" Sally gasped yet choked as the green hedgehog squeezed her throat and she winced as the blood from her head wound ran into her right eye stinging it.
"Let her go!" Shadow growled.
Rouge reached for a taser in her belt, but Scourge held up a finger and wagged it.
"Don't even think about it Batgirl!" he warned. "You make one move, and the pretty princess here is dead meat!" He looked around at all the GUN agents. "And that goes for all you motherfuckers as well!"
"Let her go Scourge!" Sonic shouted clenching his fists. "Right now!"
Scourge laughed scornfully. "Giving orders are you, Prince Sonic?" A scoff escaped his lips. "Prince Sonic? Ha! What a fucking joke!"
"What kind of a man are you?" Rouge hissed. "Laying your hands on a woman?"
Scourge smirked then looked to Sonic again. "I have to say Sonic, you've gotten soft! Once a speedy adventurer, now a prince? Living your best life now?"
Shadow glared at Scourge as the green hedgehog monologued. Then he looked up at the balcony and saw Omega pointing his blaster at the figure who was standing with their hands in the air, and he smirked within triumphantly. A few seconds later he heard the robot's voice in his earpiece.
"Shadow, I have apprehended the suspect on the balcony. After a scan, the suspect has been identified as Fiona Fox."
"Well done, Omega," Shadow praised then coughed at Scourge getting his attention before pointing at the balcony to which the green hedgehog's eyes widened.
"Shit! Fiona!"
As he was distracted, Sally saw her chance and lifted her foot before kicking Scourge in the crotch causing him to yell and double over in pain, then she grabbed his arm as he let go of her throat and performed a judo move on him throwing him over her shoulder and slamming him down.
At once, everyone stared at the princess as she stood up again and kicked Scourge as he lay there winded.
"Nice move!" said Rouge.
Scourge coughed and glared at Sally. "Fucking dirty bitch!"
"Go to Hell, you bastard!" Sally spat then almost stumbled as she held her head.
Nathaniel was amazed at Sally's skills, knowing full well she was once the fearless leader of the Freedom Fighters and was able to hold herself in a fight, yet he didn't expect that.
Sonic, furious at the fact his evil clone had threated his beloved Sally ran forward at lightning speed and jumped on him before punching him over and over. Rouge along with Topaz went to help Sally whilst Shadow went to Sonic before attempting to pull him away from beating Scourge to a pulp.
"Agents! Surround that green hedgehog!" Abraham ordered to which the nearest agents ran forward and grabbed the bruised and bleeding Scourge before apprehending him.
Shadow pulled the furious Sonic away. "We got him, Sonic! Calm down and go to your wife!"
Sonic, despite his fury, remembered Sally and instantly went over to her where Topaz was dabbing Sally's forehead with a cloth.
"Sal?" he asked in concern as he hugged his wife. "Are you okay?"
"I think so…" Sally started then cried out as the blood from her wound stung her eye "Argh, damn it!"
"Jeez!" Topaz exclaimed. "That's a nasty wound! Might need stiches!"
Sonic held Sally close as she leaned into him grateful for his comfort.
"Don't worry Sal," He soothed "It's gonna be okay..."
A couple of hours later, everyone was at GUN Headquarters. In a holding cell, Scourge was chained to a chair being interrogated by Shadow and Sonic whilst Abraham, Nathanial, Topaz, Rouge, and Sally watched from behind a two-way glass. Sally winced as she touched her wounded head. She had been given stitches for her head wound but instead of resting in the infirmary insisted to witness Scourge's interrogation. Fiona Fox, who Omega had apprehended, was in another cell to be questioned later.
"I can't believe that bastard and his skank showed up and ruined the party," Rouge growled as she folded her arms.
"Me neither!" Topaz agreed. "Makes me sick!"
"It was a cowardly act from both," Nathaniel agreed "But I'm curious as to why they did what they did."
"You and me both, Mr. President," Abraham added.
Shadow leaned on the table and glared at Scourge who smirked in defiance. "Start talking. What was your motive?"
"You're really asking me why? Experiment?" Scourge spat to which Shadow glared.
"You know," Sonic seethed. "You've pulled a lot of heinous and crazy things, but what you did to today…" he paused and took a breath.
"Really pissed you off eh Blue Boy?" Scourge smirked. "Ten points to me."
"Why pull of such a cowardly act Scourge?" Shadow demanded.
"It would have gone brilliantly if your Bat-Whore hadn't smelt us out!" Scourge hissed.
Sally sighed as she watched her husband and Shadow interrogating Scourge. "I should have done away with them years ago," she lamented. "Especially after I found out Fiona had betrayed the Freedom Fighters; my father would have had them executed."
"Don't blame yourself princess," Rouge cut in, patting Sally's shoulder. She then glanced at a TV in the corner of the room where the News Channel was on speaking out the event that had taken place earlier. "Damn!" she cursed. "It's all over the news now!"
Sally went pale as she realized that everyone in Mobotropolis, including her and Sonic's parents and their friends would have been watching. "Oh God...They must have seen it live...Mother, Daddy, Jules, Bernadette, Sir Charles, the others...They must be having kittens..."
"Hey," Topaz said in an attempt to soothe the worried princess. "The important thing is you're alright, Your Highness. And no one was seriously hurt or killed, thank goodness."
"Yes, that's ery true," said Nathaniel before remembering the weapons that Scourge and Fiona were armed with. "The artillery those two were using...It was like they were ready for war."
"Yeah," Rouge added. "It's a huge relief. It could have been a lot worse. And picking up that grenade princess? What were you thinking? You could have been killed had that thing been set to go off any sooner."
"To protect those from harm," Sally replied. "After all I've gone through as leader of the Freedom Fighters, I did the same when in Robotropolis."
"It was reckless and dangerous princess, but then again, that's what you've done practically your whole life," Abraham spoke.
"I have yes," Sally nodded. "And I'll do it again if I must. That's how much the people I helped free from Robotnik's rule mean to me. I am their princess and one day will be their queen. It's my duty."
Rouge smiled proudly, as did Topaz, Nathaniel, and Abraham then they turned back to the two-way glass to watch the interrogation.
"What were you trying to do and hoping to gain?" Sonic growled. "You should have known you weren't gonna be able to get away with that, with the Royal Guard and GUN there, and thinking Sal would just stand there and let you have your way with her? You must be more stupid than I thought you were."
Scourge licked his lips and teeth, the smirk still on his face. "Your wife does hit hard. Still has that fighting spirit. Not surprised."
"Got you in the family jewels, she did," Shadow smirked. "If you have any?"
"Got any yourself? Project Shadow?" Scourge challenged before scoffing again. "You're not even a real Mobian."
Shadow glared but Sonic spoke again.
"You haven't answered my question!" he shouted. "Why? Why did you do what you did?"
"Fine, fine..." Scourge sighed. "Always the impatient one. I have a bunch of reasons, okay? Robotnik wasn't the only one who enjoyed causing chaos, you know."
Sonic blinked in shock and Shadow also stared speechless at the Green Hedgehogs answer.
"Chaos?" Sonic stammered. "Causing chaos? You're telling me...you did it...just for fun?"
"Exactly. And why not?" Scourge shrugged. "Chaos along with you being pissed off." A sick smile appeared on his face. "Makes for one hell of a beautiful combination."
As Scourge began to cackle like a madman, Shadow narrowed his eyes but before he could do or say anything, Sonic strode over to Scourge and stood beside him.
Scourge looked up at Sonic, his eyes meeting his look-alike's and he began to speak while still laughing. "All it take is one bad day! Just one bad day! And you'd be just like me!"
Behind the two-way glass everyone watching stared in disbelief.
"This hedgehog…" Nathaniel said breathlessly.
"Oh God," Rouge whispered. "He's as bad as Robotnik..."
Then they saw Sonic look furious and grab Scourge by the throat. Sally gasped in horror and at the same time Rouge got close to the glass and watched in worry.
Sonic snarled and gripped Scourge's neck tightly, yet Scourge continued to laugh manically.
"Sonic, no!" Shadow whispered as he stepped towards Sonic to stop him if he tried anything yet to his relief, Sonic let go of Scourge and stepped back.
"That was pretty dark for you Sonic!" Scourge coughed, still letting out laughs. "How much would it take for you to cross that line?"
Sonic glared and clenched his fist, but Shadow placed his hand on his shoulder to keep him calm.
"One day Blue boy!" Scourge cackled. "One day, something will cause you to snap! You might be Mobius's hero, but how long will that last? Will you continue to live up to your title that you love oh so much? Or will the shit really hit the fan?"
Sonic leered t Scourge before stepping back to him, leaning down so that he was looking him directly in his face. "Let's get this straight Scourge. I'm not you. I'm nothing like you and never will be."
"Oh really?" Scourge goaded. "You truly believe that? You tell yourself that every day?"
Shadow frowned and he watched Sonic carefully. The blue hedgehog was seething and if looks could kill, Scourge would be dead meat before them.
"You know what?" Sonic growled. "You're not even worth my time." He stood up straight and turned to walk out of the room.
Shadow instantly followed him, but Scourge shouted after them.
"It'll happen Homes! Mark my words! And when it does, I'll have a front row seat to the show!"
A flash of bright yellow energy soon came towards Scourge, and it barely missed his head, but it did make slight contact with his face. "Fuck!" he yelled out as the energy blast hit the wall behind him. Scourge looked up and saw Shadow holding his right hand out towards him, showing he had used his Chaos Spear on him.
"That was a warning," Shadow snarled as he blew on his smoking fingertips. "Next time, I won't miss."
Scourge growled but then chuckled darkly. "You would have been the perfect weapon had Robotnik finished completing you, Experiment. Pity GUN has made you soft."
"Don't push me," Shadow warned, his red eyes flashing he then walked out of the room and shut the door making Scourge's yells and shouts muffled and he turned to Sonic.
"Your Highness? Sonic? Are you alright?" He placed his hand on Sonic's shoulder and he could feel how tense the hedgehog was.
"Yeah…" Sonic muttered yet his voice was quavering. "I'm fine."
"Don't let him get to you," Shadow said firmly. "You're better than that."
Sonic turned to Shadow. "I won't. I might have lost my cool for a sec, but I'm good."
Shadow nodded in response.
"That hedgehog has always been good at getting under my skin," said Sonic, crossing his arms over his chest. "I suppose this time he knew what right buttons to push."
Both hedgehogs then saw the doors to the viewing room open and Abraham, Nathaniel, and Topaz exited followed by Rouge would was supporting Sally, who looked rather drained and pale.
"That Scourge," Nathaniel said. "He is certainly a master of mind games."
"Indeed sir," Abraham agreed. "Not only did he get to Sonic, but to Agent Shadow too."
"But he's in custody now," said Rouge. "He's going nowhere, neither is that vixen of his. We'll have to question her later and I'd love nothing more than to be the one doing the questioning."
Abraham turned to the bat and saw how tired Sally looked as well as in pain over her wound. "Rouge, Topaz, see to it the princess is taken care of."
"Yes sir!" Topaz saluted and Rouge followed suit. "Right away sir!"
Both women turned to help Sally, yet the ground squirrel took a turn for the worst and she fell forward.
"Sal!" Sonic shoot over in a blur before his wife hit and ground and he scooped her up bridal style, Shadow not far behind.
"Princess!" Rouge cried in worry as she saw that Sally had fainted due to her head wound and sighed. "She should have stayed in the infirmary like the medics told her, but she insisted on accompanying us..."
"She's a stubborn one," Topaz agreed shaking her head. "Stubborn and resilient, but then it hits her like a ton of bricks."
Shadow, Nathaniel, and Abraham looked grim, and Rouge rubbed Sonic's shoulder as the hedgehog looked down at his wife softly and kissed her forehead.
"We're really sorry Sonic," Rouge said in an attempt to comfort him. "This wasn't supposed to happen. Once you're both ready, we'll accompany you back to Club Rouge."
"Thanks Rouge," Sonic replied gratefully then looked back at Sally. "I…I just want Sal to be alright."
"She will be Sonic," Shadow assured him then motioned with his head. "She just needs to rest. Come on, we'll take you both to the infirmary. Once again, we apologize for what happened, but now Scourge and Fiona are in custody. They won't attempt any more schemes again; they'll be locked away for life."
~End Flashback~
"…And they did get the maximum sentence," said Rouge. "They're in the Central City High Security Penitentiary as we speak."
"Good riddance!" Sonic agreed, his eyes narrowing as he remembered that day.
"And despite that first anniversary," Shadow added. "The others that followed have gone on without incident."
"Thank goodness," said Sally. "But thanks to you and Rouge's sharp senses that day, Scourge and Fiona are where they belong."
Sonic agreed with a nod.
"And for the rest of their natural lives," Shadow said. "And should they attempt to get out, we'll be on them like a pack of wolves."
"We trust you completely on that," Sally spoke then took a breath as the twins gave a kick within her. "And the twins agree too."
Sonic placed a hand on Sally's stomach. "They're being pretty active tonight!"
"Little Speedys eh?" Rouge laughed and Shadow smirked.
"That they are!" Sonic said proudly.
"You wanna say hello to your new friends?" Sally asked as she looked at her swollen belly before she felt movement again.
"I think they do!" Sonic laughed.
"Say Hi to Shadow and Rouge!" Sally smiled then said in a high squeaky child's voice, "Hello!"
Both Shadow and Rouge chuckled and waved.
"You're invited to the Gender Reveal Gathering in 2 weeks as well!" Sally revealed.
"Are we now?" Shadow smirked.
"Sure are!" Sonic winked.
"Sweet!" Rouge grinned. "We wouldn't miss it!"
"Omega and Topaz as well" Sally added.
"We'll let them know," Shadow replied.
Sally smiled at them both. "Honestly you two, Sonic and I are forever grateful for your services. Not just to us, but to the rest of the royals and the planet. Thus, why we invited you for the demonstration tomorrow."
Shadow nodded. "We're happy to come, and we're looking forward to seeing what Rotor and Sir Charles have come up with."
"Likewise!" Rouge agreed.
"You've done a lot for us," Sally continued. "You've saved our lives, looked after us, and captured the ones who tried to assassinate us."
"It was our duty, princess," Rouge spoke. "Well, not just that, we will not let any innocent life be taken."
"We know, but because of that, Sonic and I wish for you both to play a part in our children's lives as well."
"What do you mean by that Sally?" Shadow asked.
"Well, me and Sal gave this some serious thought." Sonic spoke up holding Sally's hand. "And we'd like to ask you both something."
"Yes, Your Highness?" Rouge asked.
"Sal?" Sonic turned to his wife. "Would you like to do the honors?"
"Thank you." Sally smiled then turned to Shadow and Rouge. "Agent Shadow the Hedgehog, Agent Rouge the Bat, Sonic and I would like to request if you would be godparents to our twins?"
Rouge's jaw dropped in surprise. "Godparents?"
Sally nodded. "As well as honored aunt and uncle, after all you have done for us, to the Royal Family, and to the planet, we can think of no one better."
Shadow blinked also in surprise. "Are you both serious?"
"Oh gosh..." Rouge breathed. "I don't know what to say..."
"If I may," Shadow spoke up. "This is a really big decision and something you'd ask one of your long-time friends."
"Trust me, I know," Sally replied. "And we have, especially those who stood with us during the war and resistance. But we wanted to ask you both as well, especially after all you have done for us."
Sonic nodded. "All of them agreed without hesitation! Especially Lil' Bro Tails! Oh boy was he one excited fox!"
"I can imagine," said Shadow before he turned to the bat beside him. "So, what do you think Rouge?"
Rouge turned to Shadow and placed her hand on his. "It's a big thing Shadow. But I'm honored to accept."
Shadow looked her in her eyes a bit longer before nodding. "Then if you are, then I will too."
"You mean…?" Sonic asked.
"Yes," Shadow replied. "We both accept."
"Oh, that is wonderful!" Sally cried.
"Thank you both so much!" Sonic grinned. "This means more to us than you'll ever know!"
"The honor is ours, Your Highnesses," Shadow replied with a salute, and Rouge followed suit with a wink.