#either way yeah shadow and rouge were fun

[squeiky]

Had a dream about shadow the hedgehog and rouge the bat and all we did was solve puzzles and then did customer service in a very elaborate hotdog stand.

It comes to concern that I had tried to sleep again to continue said dream but no avail. It wasn't even fantastical or anything. I was originally on the heroes team, and everyone just sucked ass so then I just joined the dark team and then somehow we managed to do everything at 100 times the speed it was incredible.

I remember walking down an aisle where everyone was stuck on a puzzle and grinning with my sharp tooth, knowing that we beat everyone faster- and I got it done better because I switched to a team I work better in.

Rouge, at some point even found us this cool area in the ceiling (that was still be renovated) for us to chill in as some kind of base- just for us. It was so cool (but we never got to use it.)

It was fun, I had a lot of fun in the dream.

I think afterwards there was the rollercoaster ride that had a creepy carnival theme to it? and the seats for it was so out of wack. (it was literal seats- akin to that of those rise and drop ride chairs)

we had to split up because one of the seats only had 2 chairs, and there were more coming in and we didn't want to wait for 3.

Then things got.. weird.

I'd say while riding down the rollercoaster (by myself) there were some tom and jerry-esc antics, but there were LITERALLY TOM AND JERRY ANTICS. yeah! so tom and jerry were just... there trying to cartoonishly kill each other during and with the ride I was STILL on.

then when I got off the ride- I WAS A CAT! not just any cat. An actual, real life cat. Not only that, but I expected both Shadow and Rouge to be cats as well.

Some really weird logic leaps occurred when I saw this black cat that got shaved on its side (it was so disheveled. even had scars) and I was like "shadow is that you?!? what happened?!" I was so distraught because I was expecting him to be a fully furry not disheveled at all black cat- but here we are. He didn't even say nothing- I though he could only meow ;-;.

then I ask where rouge is (contemplating if shes also a cat or a bat because apparently rouge defies all catification spells?) and I notice a grave stone (can't read it) and a white cat there and then I go into so much denial (I was saying "she must've turned into a bat! thats why she's not here")

and then I look at Shadow (the cat) and he goes "you've been gone for 20 years" and then I was just having the worst cat crisis imaginable. I think I said "20 YEARS?!?" and I just realized that rollercoaster tom and jerry ride must've taken 20 years but it was only a few minutes for me.

Then I realize there are humans where I am (this place looks kind of like a daycare but.., instead of for children its similar to that little backyard where that poky the little puppy in the book would play.) and I ask them about the 20 years thing and how to return everyone back to not cats. I can't remember what they said and I can't recall if the humans even had facial features to begin with.

I believe the humans dismissed my fears and complaints and then I was left alone with Shadow the shaved cat and I think I passed out?

Then I woke up, just casually walking (still trying to mentally process whatever the fuck just happened) when I come across Rouge and Shadow! they're completely fine but now they're doing what is the equivalent of papa's pizzeria working but for hotdogs, hamburgers and lettuce (but they called it a hotdog stand.)

I was scared to interact because i still imagined that I'd be GONE FOR 20 FUCKING YEARS- and I just watched them do some kind of superspeed teamwork shit in customer service (honestly it was intense)

and I got sad because they had to get these 2 extra helpers involved and I thought i got replaced for good ;-;.

(btw i'm 90% sure Rouge might've just handed me a doggybagg (the resturant plastic box thing) that had a bunch of salad in it and told me to eat. So I did and watched them as I casually (and a little guilty) ate salad and one hotdog without a bun.)

but then they eventually left, and I was asked if I could continue being apart of the team and they were like "yeah here's your hat n' aprin" and what not, so they finished up.

I didn't have much to do (they were almost done) and Rouge just told me to look at the tabs to see what order to do- and I saw this strange looking one with a long list of foods. I ask about it and Shadow comes over and he looks at it and is like "we're done" and then Rouge and Shadow highfive up in the air like they had just won the greatest award and I'm all sad because I wanted to do that and feel the award-ness to! (I believe this might've been another mini-game esc thing. For awhile I really just thought the game ended and they got jobs at.... whatever that was.)

so I apologize for not completely ditching them at some point and they're like "nah it's cool" and then I cried cause they were the best and then my dream ended and I didn't want it to end.

so now I'm writing this because I had experienced something so visceral and desire so badly. I didn't want to stop dreaming about all the fun games and puzzles and shit. Lucid dreams surely are a treat. plus, I love winning.

[bloodmoon24]

What Each Sonic Characters Are Like To Moon the Bat

Sonic: With Sonic, he and Moon bonded like if they were siblings. She laughs at his jokes and gives him any confidence boost if he was down, just like he did for her. Moon would even help Sonic with her Chaos Magic to make him a bit faster. Heck, they even enjoy having lunch with their favorite foods; Sonic with his chili dogs, and Moon with her chicken sandwiches

Shadow: Moon’s relationship with Shadow is somewhat neutral. They have a few things in common, like losing someone they’d cared about, can get very angry easily, enjoys coffee (Moon loves Frappuccinos), they’re both autistic, the fact they both have red and black colors. So yeah, neutral relationship

Silver: These two have a positive relationship. These two would look like the type that talks about fanfics about a series they both like with Moon making an illusion spell of how the fanfic would look like. They seem like the type of people that can make some fun entertainment for their friends and bring their stories and theories to life. They have their good moments

Miles “Tails” Prower: They’re like “big sister, little brother” type of friendship. Moon helps out Tails with his machines and always ask curious questions on how they work, and Tails is always happy to answer them. He enjoys how Moon is fascinated by science. Moon even tells him she loves zoology, biology, and astronomy. So they both can get their science on as their bonding time

Amy Rose: These two have somewhat of a good friendship. Moon would show Amy some magical spells and Amy helping Moon with her anger and how to deal with it. Moon would even show Amy that her Talistrum, Trixx, can be in the form of a hammer like Amy’s, so the two can spar each other with their own hammers. So I would say these two have their best moments

Rouge: The two would barely bond, but what they have in common is that they both love to collect things, especially gemstones. Moon would show her the stones she’s collected over the years and tells her about their secrets and history of them. Rouge would either be jealous of her collection, or she might steal them from her. If she did, Rouge better have strong wings to fly away. They even enjoy Sonic and Shadow’s relationship

Knuckles: Her and Knuckles’ relationship is somewhat normal. Knuckles would ask Moon to bring something to life so that he could be a stronger fighter. Moon would know if things would go too far, and if Knuckles gets hurt, she’ll know to cast a healing spell on him

Cream: These two are the definition of “big sister, little sister”. Cream would draw pictures of the two, and Moon would use her magic to bring them to life and make them play with each other. Like playing catch or having a tea party. Even sometimes, Moon would let Cream nap underneath her wings like a blanket

Vanilla: Moon always loves how Vanilla takes care of her, her daughter, and everyone else around her. She always tells her she’s a great mother and that she’s very kind to her. Vanilla would always say that anytime she needs anything, she could always ask her

Blaze: Blaze and Moon would make great friends. They would spar with each other, but like to show off their powers to see who would it impress more. And like with Rouge and Amy, Moon would show Blaze her magic stones and spell books and what they do and how to control the energy within them

Vector: These two are like father and daughter (or big brother and sister. Either way you wanna make it). Like if Moon’s wings were hurt, Viktor was there to hold her up and get her to safety and bandage her up. They both looked over their friends to always make sure they’re safe and can get any job done

Tangle: Again with the sisters. These two have can high energy and likes to play around with their opponents. Moon would even let Tangle use her tail to sling her around to get more speed when she flies. Spoiler alert, she kept almost crashed into a lot of trees

Whisper: These two have a good friendship. Moon would listen to Whisper whenever she has a problem or just wanted to talk, and Moon would always think of a solution for that problem or to cheer her up

Espio: These two have a neutral bond as well. These two trust each other enough to share some secrets about their powers/abilities. Like him showing his ninja skills while Moon shows her own cloaking powers. These two have a good bond

Sticks: They bond they have are odd. Whenever Sticks have a conspiracy theory, Moon would always backs her theory up. Like “planets aren’t real. They’re holograms being projected by aliens”, then Moon would say, “Wait, wouldn’t that mean that we could also be holograms of extraterrestrial beings?”. And then the conversation would keep going until someone breaks it off

Big and Froggy: Moon with Big and Froggy have a calming friendship. Whenever she gets bored, she relaxes with Big and fishes with him and see if she could catch anything

Jet: These two have a frenemy type of relationship. They would get at each other’s throats and someone like Wave would have to break the fight up. Occasionally, Moon would knocked him out before he could at least expect it for annoying her. She and Sonic would always chuckle at that

Eggman: Like any villain and hero moments, these two hate each other. Whenever Moon sees her friends in danger or if he insults her, that’s when she goes into “beast mode” on anything Eggman throws at her. And because of this, he’d get a bit terrified of her. I mean, do you want to get pummeled by an angry Chaos Magic welder that has a staff that can turn into a different weapon? Yeah, I think not

[baratiddyslut]

Yall.

Looking back at my history with Sonic... it's so fucking surreal that I got to witness the births of 90% of this fandom's pairings.

I remember when Sonails used to be the absolute norm along side Sonally because most people were on the fence about whether Tails was a boy or not so they just defaulted to making him a girl. I still remember reading fanfics that referred to our little yellow menace as "she". This quickly got shut down though when Sega confirmed Tails as a "he". Sonails fell into obscurity because "GAY BAD" and it hasn't quite recovered from it... I dont think the people of today really want it to... but you can't really blame them. Nowadays it's hard to even imagine that Tails could've been mistaken for anything other than a dude. History is so fun lol.

I remember when Sonadow was invented. With the rising popularity in anime (specifically shounen anime), Shounen-Ai was creeping its way up there. Gay relationships were so goddamn taboo compared to nowadays but goddamnit if the taboo didn't capture your heart in some weird demented way- then I guess people got tired of the soft and fluffy "Shounen-Ai" and just wanted the gay porn, the "YAOI" and by god if Sonadow wasn't the most popular yaoi ship in existence... It still very much is but it's toned down in it's depraved raunchiness over the years. I still remember when it used to have like 5 names because people were so into trying to categorize it in the "Seme/Uke" fashion. Shadic/Shadonic/ShaSoni for Seme!Shadow and Uke!Sonic- which was and still very much is the most popular iteration of the ship, then you had SoniSha/Sonadow for the Seme!Sonic and Uke!Shadow version. Somewhere down the line, Westerners got too lazy to categorize and decided that "Sonadow" sounded the best because it rolls off the tongue nice and has a good mouth feel so it shall be the umbrella term for every iteration of Sonic x Shadow x Sonic. Sonadow has literally withstood the test of time for a whole 20 goddamn years and counting, if ANYTHING, yall HAVE to give this ship mad props for that. Not even Sonally can compare to that and Sonamy is a close second. I say Sonamy is a close second because it was never really enjoyed as Sonic and Amy being cute together (yes, like every ship, there are people who actually genuinely enjoyed it but the climate was the complete opposite). Sonamy was "enjoyed" because it was either better than Sonally or because it wasn't "gross gay yaoi shit" like Sonadow and other upcoming ships.

NEXT IS SONKNUX. It's always been an understated ship but it definitely became a little more popular when Sonadow got big because "MORE YAOI". I remember not having very strong feelings for the ship. I didn't hate it but I didn't care for it either, it was more like "yeah ok that makes sense if you're going to make it gay". It was never "OMG SO POPULAR" but it did have a following you had to acknowledge, like even the most delusional people couldn't deny this ship lol. There was also Knuxadow but at the time it was barely even a thing, it was an obscure rarepair but not so much anymore.

Now the go to for Knuckles ships was and still definitely is Knuxouge. God I remember all of the misogynistic flavored fan art and fan fics for this pairing- like, I get it. Rouge got nice curves, big ass, and fat tiddies while Knuckles got that big dick (which I'm going to say he doesn't because there's literally nothing there... there's nothing there except for smooth red fur... nothing-) and hypermasculinity. I get it. I loved this ship tho, there was more porn of it than genuine fan art and fan fics, but I mean yall get the picture. Im pretty sure yall can grasp the climate that surrounded this ship back in the day.

Knuxpio is also a ship but it was super obscure, like only deep divers got into it. I guess that still kinda rings true today because although there are definitely more people to appreciate it, it's still not on the public stage like alot of other ships. Same goes for Knuxighty and most other Knuckles ships.

CRAILS... TAILREAM... TAILS X CREAM. I am almost positive we still don't have a definitive ship name for these two but boy do I remember when these two little demons blew up. I used to like this ship because I thought it was super super adorable- like, here you have Sonic with all of these love interests but what about Tails? Tails should have a little someone of his own. In walks Cream in all of her adorable little bunny glory..... and Charmy too- BUT EVERYTHING WENT SO BAD SO FUCKING FAST. IT WAS NO LONGER CUTE. Welcome to the big popularity boom of shotacon and lolicon outside of Japan.

This post is already miles long so look out for a second one... probably... it's just so fun recalling the fruition of all of these ships and comparing some of them to how they're received today. Much nostalgia very punch to the gut~

[yanderegrizzsworld]

I'm making yandere Sonic headcanons and you can't stop me

Considering what Shadow has gone through it comes to no surprise that he has his weak moments and just needs a shoulder to cry on, also you're like the only one that's seen him like this. And that says a lot.

Imagen the Sonic crew taking care of you while you're hibernating, like obviously Sonic, Shadow, Silver and any other hedgehog or animal that does that is gonna hibernate like Rouge or Knuckles. Do you know how fun it would be to just hang out and chill before going into what's basically a coma for 4 months straight? Watching movies and emptying the entire fridge, you will eat entire boiled eggs if you have to “in the terms of survival” as you put it. And at the end of the day you end up snuggling. Just imagine the maikshist piloforts and pillow nests. And considering that Shadow is a biological constructed entity he might have the ability to growl or even pur, “sigh” that would be heaven to me. But knowing Shadow he'll probably make you go to a hidden bunker with Rouge to sleep in while Omega is guarding the entrance because you know Shadows has a lot of enemies. I bet Rouge caught you both fast asleep on the couch onec. Also if the reader is an animal with fur then it's gonna grow a lot, believe me i haven't gone to the barber in almost 4 months either. So one of the first things you do when you wake up is go to the barbershop if you can get a reservation. But there's plenty of mammals who need the same treatment so if you don't get a chance then expect shadow to groggily offer to cut your hair for you, Rouge is quick to protest though. I Bet the barber is used to this. And imagen those who can't hibernate and just wait for you, like Metal, he would make sure your house is neat and clean until you wake up. It's also a great opportunity to (eliminate your rivals) investigate what you like through your decor (and even your phone) for educational purposes only.

And now that we're talking about animal behavior, think about the bihaver the reader would have depending on the animal they are. If they were a bunny then they would stomp their foot when they're mad, or if they are a deer that's super sensitive to loud sounds and jumps whenever someone shuts a door too fast. Or being forced to put up your feathers every morning because they get in the way, btw i'm referring the reader to a silkie chicken.

An interesting scenario between Knuckles and the reader is a damsel in distress kind of situation where the reader is kidnapped to distract Knuckles so Eggman could get the master emerald. Oh how delightfully evil it is to think of his worry over your safety while the emerald is obviously being taken away. A bubble appears over his head of you in great distress until it pops due to Knuckle's growing anger and he lets out a roar of pure rage and runs in the direction the robot took you. (like that one scene in the Sonic mania animation series)

The only situation in which Mephiles would be kind to you is if you were a being similar to him, or maybe he just wanted to see if you could be “fixed” if he just acted kind enough. His way of showing love is by sharing the universe with you and letting you destroy it with him, material things mean nothing to him so expect no valentine gifts. Or christmas presents… or anything really, man this guy is a drag what do people see in him… oh wait i'm one of those people.

Now remember in that one poste you made about the difference between final yanderes and bizarre yanderes? And how i meantun on my second blog how it reminded me of a dream I had? Yeah I've got some insight on that, basically to make a long story short you're struck by a disease in your heart and after your death Shadow can't get the words you told him on his last visit out of his head. So he makes it his mission to find a way to bring you back to life much to the dismay of his “friends”, blinded by determination and the thought of getting you back he sets off to find a solution, which he does but the outcome can be catastrophic. But he doesn't read the warnings, before leaving he silently whispers to you that he's coming and smiles.

Now this is optional but my idea of what happens next is in the perspective of the reader, as a blinding bright light wakes you with a vision that flashes before your eyes. Starting off bright but then takes a sudden turn and becomes dark with an eerie undertone, but you don't get to inspect them for long as you suddenly see the sky but its absence of any clouds. You try to listen for the sounds of life but only the sound of nothingness fills your ears, as you sit up you see that the world has succumbed to being an endless wasteland of ash and dust. And before your eyes stod the monster Shadow had become, a hulking mass of limbs grasping for something to kill, his mouths dripping with a craving, empty eyes full of anticipation staring down at you. He was pining you down with his gaze alone, you stared back in unforetold horror as his mouths started moving, mouthing something you can't hear but it didn't take long for you to figure it out.

I missed you…..

Now that i think about it i forgot to mention that i have a spotify account and i've made a yandere playlist and a “Shadow” playlist, it's based off of the ongoing Sonic destruction series on youtube. So if you haven't seen it then the playlist won't make sense but to put it simply, an AI wrote a Sonic movie script and definitely all of the OG Sonic fandub voice actors are there to reprise their roles, also 26:10 minutes into the second video is what inspired me to make it. Btw now that we are on the topic of youtube i feel obligated to tell you about the “Shadows mind control (sketch)” vid cus its great, love ya bye

Yandere playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6NxPipijREZxCGjVhpoXQt

Shadow playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3glsRcV4yDK9v8FY6ZvFwi

Keep making them yandere Sonic headcanons!

Shadow's Vulnerability

Shadow's probably very cold & distant with others since he's afraid that those close to him will end up suffering the same fate as Maria. But y/n makes him feel like that's not the case, they make him feel like it wasn't his fault for Maria's death. Y/N just lays Shadow on their lap & embrace him telling him that it's okay to be sad, that it's okay to cry & to feel fragile. By those words he breaks, he's quietly sobbing on your shoulder as he apologizes but you tell him not to apologize, that those tears are a reminder that he's real & there with you. (The amount of angst/comfort, fucking unparalleled)

Lowkey wanna draw this to see how it turns out

Hibernation

Having Sonic, Shadow & Silver spend the while time with you would be so fun. Sonic & Silver are a chaotic duo while Shadow is the "straight man" but is just as chaotic as the two. I can imagine Rouge definitely joins in on the fun. & the everything ends with snuggles, feeling everyone's fur brush against you so softly. Shadow has prepared the bunker with lifetime supplies of food, water & heaters with Omega outside the door with no complaints, happy to be securing his buddies. & yes, Rouge has seen Shadow & y/n fast asleep on the couch...on more than one occasion.

Also y/n & Rouge needing to get a cut after they hibernate can lead to some funny scenarios like,

Y/N: The barbershop was full of others wanting a cut & I forgot to book a reservation.

Shadow: If you want, I can cut some of your fur-

Rouge, rushing into the room: No!-

Metal makes it his personal duty to make sure your home doesn't have a speck of dust when you return. He also takes the opportunity to eliminate any rivals check around your home & phone to see who you've been chatting with & who was that goat that asked to go get some coffee. For educational purposes, of course. I mean he could also just have you turn him off so you could "hibernate" together.

Y/N & animal behaviors

Y/N as a rabbit & stomping for foot down when either mad or excited makes characters like Sonic, Amy, Rouge & Silver smile at just how cute you are! While y/n, being a deer who's sensitive to loud noises, has Shadow, Silver or Knuckles cover your ears as they put your head on their chest to calm you down. But y/n being a silkie chicken is just– Sonic definitely has layed on top of you before because of how fluffy you look & he uses you as his personal pillow. I don't make the rules.

Yandere Knuckles scenario

This idea for a romantic/platonic scenario is so brilliant. Eggman using you against Knuckles to get the Master Emerald, you trying to break free from the robots grip but to no avail as rage builds up in Knuckles. But the moment you scream for his help, he snaps. Pure rage as he runs up to the bot & demolishes to bits, ripping each part off for every second it held you captive.

Me thinking of how I’ll execute the story 

Yandere Mephiles w/ y/n being similar to him personality-wise

When I read he wanted to see if you could be "fixed" if he just acted kind enough, it made me cackle cause it almost gave off a "I can fix them" vibe. If y/n was similar to Mephiles, then that might the one way he'll choose not to kill you...as much. Y/N & Mephiles just being the ultimate power couple in a fucked up way as buildings crumble & all that can be heard are screams of agony as the scent of smoke lingers in the air.

Shadow quest to revive Y/N

@fluffymintz That's you!?

I'm shocked– In a good way. As for this scenario, I can sense the suspense of this. Rouge & Sonic attempting to reason with him as he doesn't bother with their presence as he strives to bring you back. He already failed Maria, he won't fail you too. He caresses your cheek whispering "We'll be together again, I promise" before he smile & is off to fulfill his promise to you.

I've heard of Sonic Destruction a lot before & I've seen a few clips & snippets of Sonic fandub, I should revisit it. & love ya too dear! Now if you'll excuse me, I have more writing to do with your brilliant ideas.

[mandos-sluts]

The Ambiguous Bet

The Mandolorian x Fem!Reader

Rating: Explicit

Wordcount: 2.5k

Warnings: Smut, rough sex, mentions of sex work

Summary: Mando doesn’t think you could handle being a sex worker and you set out to prove him wrong

A/N: This is our first time writing any sort of fan fiction (much more to come) so we would really appreciate reblogging/reposting! We would LOVE feedback as well!

You’ve been working on the Razor Crest for about six months ever since the Mandalorian hired you to be his live-on mechanic. With everything the Crest has been through, Mando knew he had to hire you once he observed your mastery mechanical skills…you being drop dead gorgeous had nothing to do with it, Mando told himself.

Of course, Mando’s attraction was not one sided. You had watched him take down ruthless criminals with no problem at all. It didn’t matter that you had never seen his face. His strength, composure, and confidence (perhaps cockiness) made him incredibly attractive. Not to mention his rock-hard body. Every night you would lay on your cot and wish that he would just storm in and fuck you sensless. Alsa he never did, so you defaulted to pleasuring yourself and imagining that scenario.

Mando would never act on his desire for you, however. In fact, he often went out of his way to give you more than enough space or make the conversation more than appropriate. But this was becoming harder and harder for him to do. Before hiring you, Mando would relieve his stress and sexual tension at the local brothels on whatever planet he was hunting a bounty on. But once you came aboard, he stopped this practice as he could never find the time or excuse to leave the ship without you for enough time. Since you had started accompanying him on his bounty hunts to assist him in whatever he may need.

***********************

You were pleading with Mando. The two of you were walking back to the ship after acquiring a new puck, and you were starving and there was no food back on the Crest.

“Fine.” Mando snapped with his low modulated voice. “We can stop quickly at the cantina and grab something to eat.”

The two of you walked through the door. “Alright, hurry up–” Mando said, turning to you.

But before he could even finish his sentence, you were running up to a random group of girls, none of whom he recognized.

“OMG hiiiiii‼!” One of them screeched.

“Y/n what are you doing here?!?” Another one exclaimed.

Mando just stood a few feet away watching you excitedly greet the four girls.

***********************

They were old friends of yours. It turns out, they all worked at the brothel down the road. While catching up with them, they told how fun and effortless their jobs were. They made great money having great sex for a living. It was a high-end brothel, and it was completely safe and clean; clients had to pass health and background tests before purchasing services. Your friends made thousands of credits and spent them travelling the galaxy, going out to fancy clubs, and buying luxury goods.

After getting a drink with them, you walked back to the ship. Mando had already returned. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t want to join you and your loud friends for a drink.

You step into the Crest. You take in the filthy floors and musty smell and can only think about the flashy and cushy lifestyle that your old friends are living as sex workers. You honestly love working with Mando and travelling with him as a mechanic/assistant. But a lot of the excitement of the job revolved around your flirtatious relationship with Mando, and you couldn’t help wonder how much longer that would last. You let out a deep sign, and climb the ladder to the cockpit.

“Finally.” Mando says standing up and facing you. You stood in the doorway. “You need to rewire the calcinator before we take off. Get to it.” He said shortly.

You stand there, and simply stare at Mando.

“...What?” Mando says with his modulated voice.

“Ohhhhhh nothing.” You sign crossing your arms and slouching. “I’m just thinking about how much more glamerous my life would be if I were a sex worker instead of a rouge Mandalorian’s mechanic.”

Mando scoffs. “That’s funny.”

You tilt your head as you stare into his visor.

“You would never last as a sex worker. Trust me, y/n, you’re much better suited being my mechanic.”

“What?!” you say, feeling slightly offended. “Excuse me, but I would be an amazing sex worker. Trust me, Mando.”

“Yeah…definitely not.” Mando says.

“And why is that?” You shoot back.

“You’re too stuborn to be a sex worker.” Mando says nonchalantly, leaning back into his chair. “You have to put up a lot of shit. You basically have to do whatever your client wants you to do. You have to let creepy guys fuck you any way they want.” Mando says.

“Creepy guys like you?” You say with a smirk, staring directly into his visor.

“Exactly.” Mando expresses, maintaining “eye” contact with you.

You take in a breath. “Alright, Mando, I’m bored, and our next bounty isn’t due for three days.” You say stepping closer to the chair he’s sitting on.

“I’m going to work at the brothel tomorrow and prove that I can be a great sex worker.”

“Ha, I bet you won’t last a day.” Mando spits, crossing his arms.

“You’re on.”

***********************

The terms of your bet were unclear or nonexistent? But it didn’t matter to you, and apparently not to Mando either.

You weren’t a registered sex worker, but your friends pulled some strings and you were able to work at the brothel for the day under the pretence that you were “shadowing” one of your friends to see how the job worked.

Inside the brothel, you sat in the area where the girls hung out. This was a lavish, very expensive brothel. The procedure was simple: the sex workers all lounged around this beautiful gold hotel loby. Clients who didn’t already know which sex worker they wanted would enter and observe the sex workers, speak to some of them, and choose one (or more).

You sat comfortably in a big velvet chair. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t nervous. But the deal was that you only had to make it through a day. Maybe you wouldn’t get any clients at all! There were a considerable number of sex workers, and perhaps no one would choose you. Just as you were starting to feel better at that thought, the manager called your name.

“Y/n! You have a client. Head up to room 279, they’ll be up there shortly.”

Your heart starts beating fast. Okay, so you have a client within the first five minutes of starting your day, no big deal!

You head up to the room with your heart still racing. It’s a really nice room. It’s gold pleated and there’s a lounge area, a bar, and a huge bed. You walk over to a large mirror and examine yourself. You’re wearing a red silk and lace two-piece set. You look super hot, this is definitely the hottest you’ve looked since taking the job on the Crest. You take your hair clip out to redo it when the door swings open.

Your heart drops and your head swings around to see who your client is. To your surprise, Mando stands at the door. He stands tall and confident, legs a little further than shoulder width apart.

“Mando! What are you doing here?” You say in confusion.

He doesn’t say a word, but takes one step into the room.

Your confusion is written on your face.

“Mando, you have to get out of here. I have a client on the way.”  

He still says nothing

“Seriously! They’ll be here any moment, you really need to go!” You say with urgence.

His silence continues as he slowly creeps forward, slamming the door behind him.

“Why would I leave?” He purrs. “I paid for this.”

“Wait, you're my client!?” You ask.

Mando stops just a few in front of you. In a slow, deep voice, Mando says “Y/n, you can quit now, admit you were wrong... and we’ll head back to the ship.” You can tell he has a devilish smirk under his helmet.

You pause for a moment. “Ha…..no way, Mando. I’m not backing down.” You say nervously.

“Are you sure about that, pretty girl?” He says, taking another step closer to you. He looks down on you, staring directly into your eyes. Your “gulp” is audible. Your pussy starts to pulse as you take in everything that’s happening.

Towering over you, he puts his fingers under your chin and lightly tilts your head up to meet his gaze. “Because I won’t hold back.” He asserts. “I’ll be as rough with you as I am with every other whore I’ve fucked.” He says, pulling off his gloves.

“Good.” You say. “Don’t hold back.”

With that, he steps forward grabbing your neck, shoving you into the wall. You whimper loudly and he grinds his rock hard cock onto your crotch before turning you around and pushing you harder into the wall, and rolling his cock against your ass. You could tell he was big, very big. He quickly pulls back and shoves your shorts down with a grunt, exposing your bare ass. You gasp and he rubs the soft skin on your butt before slapping it hard. You let out a yelp as your mouth falls open. He aggressively slaps your ass several more times.

He chuckles lightly. “You said you could take this, so show me how good of a slut for me you can be, little girl.” He says. Your pussy throbs at the filthy language he’s using.

He drags you to the bed and bends you over. One finger enters you as you moan. “I spent a lot of credits on this, it better be worth it.” He says as he pumps his finger in you repeatedly. You cry out.

“Damn this pussy is fucking tight!” Mando says through his modulator. You moan loudly as his thumb starts circling your clit.

Still bent over the bed, and his free hand moves up your body and roughly grabs and kneads your tits. He aggressively rips off your shirt. You can feel your pussy dripping on Mando’s hand as your arousal pulses through. He continues to tease you as he circles your clit. “Fuck, this pussy is wetter and tighter than I imagined. Why you so wet, little girl, you like it rough?” Mando says.

All you can respond with are light, breathy moans. And then, Mando pulls his fingers out and lightly slaps your pussy. You let out a yelp. “Answer me.” Mando commands.

“Ye– Yes. Fuck, I like it rough Mando.” You respond.

“Good. Let’s see your skills, my little whore” he says as he kicks your feet apart to spread your legs. You feel his finger flick your clit and you whine loudly.

Without warning you feel his thick long cock enter your pussy. The pain was so pleasurable that you see stars. He sets a brutal pace. He continues to rail into you as you scream his name. “Mando! Fuck Mando, ahh!” You hear his heavy breathing through his modulator.

“Fuck.” Mando spits out. “This is the tightest pussy I’ve ever fucked.”

“You– you ha– have the biggest cock– cock that has ever fuc– fucked me.” You return. Your pussy starts to throb. Without warning you cum and release a rush of fluid onto his cock as your entire body shakes.

“Ahhh, what a good girl, cuming around my cock” Mando says as he pulls out of you.

Your leg muscles give in, you sink forward into the bed. Mando flips you over so you’re lying down facing up toward him. “What a desperate little thing you are.” He growls. Mando takes a moment and admires your completely naked body all spread out for him. You are so small underneath him. Your doe-eyes are wide, your mouth still agape, panting for breath, and your pussy glistening from your cum.

Mando then grabs you by your waist. “On your knees.” He orders as he shoves you to your knees. He takes his length in his hand and strokes his cock in front of your face a few times.

You quickly gather your composure and take a second to admire his enormous member. You bite your lip and look up to him. Mando puts his hand on the back of your head and takes a fist full of your hair. You stick your tongue out and lick his cock up and down a few times before putting the tip in your mouth. You try your best to tease him, but before long, Mando pushes your head further down his cock. You start bobbing your head up and down, trying each time to take more of him in your mouth. Mando remains still at first, just using his hand to guide your head up and down his shaft. You start moaning and move your eyes up to his helmet, with this Mando begins thrusting into your mouth. His cock hits the back of your throat. “Fuuuucckkk.” Mando lets out while face fucking you. You hear his little moans in between your gagging. “I love the sound of you gagging on my cock.” Mando asserts. “And you look so pretty on your knees with it shoved down your throat.”

Doing your best to breathe through your nose, you can feel his length tensing in your mouth. “Mm gonna fill that pretty mouth of yours up with my cum.” You let out a moan and can feel his hot liquid shooting into your mouth. Mando pulls out of you and puts himself back in his pants. You’re now naked kneeling in front of him while he towers over you fully clothed and armored. You’ve never been so turned on in your life.

You pant and look up at him. Your face is covered in spit and cum and your hair is a mess. He bends down and runs his thumb across your bottom lip before putting it in your mouth. You suck his thumb. “Good girl.” Mando purrs.

Mando pulls his thumb out of your mouth, stands up, and takes a few steps back. You slowly rise up and take a deep breath, trying to comprehend everything that just happened. You turn around to reach for your clothes.

“Thanks for destroying my new work clothes, Mando.” You say picking up the ripped pieces of the tiny top he tore off of you.

“You won’t need them anymore, you’re only working here for a day.” You grab a short white silk robe hanging on the wall, and put it on. “And what if I have other clients today?” You say mockingly.

“You won’t.” Mando says. “I purchased you for the entire day.” He says walking to the door. You stand there feeling a mixture of astonishment and arousal at the knowledge that Mando paid a ship load so that only he would be able to fuck you.

Mando opens the door. “After you.”

“You realize that this means I win the bet, right? You understand that you paid me in order for you to lose the bet?”

“Sure, sweetheart. Congratulations. Now, we need to get back to the ship, and you need to rewire the calcinator.”

***************************************

Masterlist

[diamaker-moon]

Moving Forward - Chapter 4

Chapter Four

First day and investigations

—————

"Haven't you heard?" She asked back in a cold tone.

"Heard what?"

"You're class... drove Marinette to transfer schools. All because of you guys." She said in an icy tone before passing by him then rest left him in the locker room— gaping.

— previous chapter... —

Adrien was stunned.

'Marinette transferred schools?! When did that happen?!'

He stood there for a few minutes before fishing up his phone and texted Marinette, he waited for a reply, but nothing came. He came back to his classroom in a daze.

He didn't bother sharing the information with anyone, thinking that Lila might steal the spotlight again. And besides, he was too busy thinking why Marinette needed to transfer, and why she didn't inform him— her friend.

Nino was worried for his best bro. Adrien barely spoke throughout the day.

Meanwhile, Marinette was given a few hours in the morning to roam and get acquainted inside campus grounds. She was joined by Allegra, who happily toured her and introduce her as well to every student they pass by.

She was enjoying her time in Jeanne.

But behind all the happiness she was feeling at the moment, there's a huge responsibility whispering in her ear. The Cat Miraculous is currently in camouflage mode in her right ring finger as a rose gold ring. She needed to find either a new permanent cat holder or a temporary one. Part of her wants to trust her dormmates. She couldn't trust her temporary heroes anymore, aside from Viperion and Ryuko. 

She could imagine Allan using the Turtle miraculous since he is already protective of his friends. She was stuck between Claude and Allegra for the Fox miraculous.

Claude is a theatre kid, he can imagine a lot of things and that can help during battles but he's more of a fighter than hiding in the shadows. Allegra, however, can do the opposite.

But for now, her main priority is to find a cat holder, even if it has to be temporary. It was a good thing that she had bought a mini fridge for Plagg's camembert stash and stored it in her room or else her dormmates might think she's a cheese hoarder!

All the teachers and students in Jeanne were very welcoming. Her classmates were friendly to her, and her teachers are fair educators. When there is a disturbance in the class, they reprimand both students not only one, and Marinette noticed that there's no 'model student' treatment like the one she had in Dupont.

It was lunchtime, she and her dormmates decided to eat in a nearby restaurant. She missed how she just goes home and eats lunch in her home then sometimes returns with a bag of pastries as snacks. She missed her home and her parents' bakery.

Marinette and Allegra were busy chatting about Marinette's current state in Jeanne, while Claude and Allan are busy bickerings on who will win if Batman and Iron Man fought.

Félix just observed them, and from time to time read on his book.

None of them saw a blonde looking at them with a melancholic look. The blonde smiled bitterly before they left the restaurant.

"Are you all done? Lunchtime is almost up." Félix announced.

The other four nodded and paid for their meal, then walked back to school.

Marinette wants to thank her luck and Tikki, for not having any Akuma throughout the rest of the afternoon.

Upon returning to the dorm, she went inside her bathroom and stared at the mirror. She was looking at her reflection, but somehow it felt unfamiliar to her.

The girl in the mirror, has her hair down, wearing a white button-up shirt underneath a black blazer that had red accents and trimming, the school crest sewed on top of the front pocket and a red tie. Paired with it is a plaid red, white and black skirt that reaches up to her mid-thighs, she also wore black knee-high socks and strapped two-inched heels.

She moved her hair on the right side a bit and saw her signature black stud earrings which are actually the camouflaged ladybug's miraculous earrings, then the rose gold cat miraculous on her right hand that moved her hair.

It was a huge change.

She was used to seeing her previous look since Dupont doesn't require school uniforms but Jeanne does.

Marinette sighed then stripped out of her uniform to take a short shower.

Once she came out of the bathroom, she was wearing light pink high-waisted shorts, a white halter-top with her signature flower design, then a sheer black cardigan.

She turned the soundproofing on then locked her bedroom door before she let the kwamis out of the miracle box.

"Did you have fun on your first day, Marinette?" Tikki asked.

Marinette hummed before answering. "Yeah. It was quite strange to see all the students wear the same outfit, but everyone was very welcoming. Quite different in Dupont. And there were no Akuma attacks today!"

Tikki smiled at her holder. The kwami thought that the girl deserves it. She needed a new environment away from the previous one since it was toxic.

Marinette was skimming through the Grimoire, and the kwamis knew not to be close enough since it is prohibited to know about the knowledge inside the book.

Shadowmoth. A unified Butterfly and Peacock miraculous holder.

Hawkmoth was becoming stronger, and Marinette needed to be ten steps ahead of him. She cannot use her previous temporary heroes.

Rena Rouge, Carapace, Pegasus and Roi Singe betrayed her in their civilian lives, unknowingly. She cannot trust them in battle, even if they were efficient heroes.

She was alone at the moment. No temporary allies, and no partner.

But she might have a lead on who Hawk—Shadowmoth is.

She looked at her bulletin board that is hanged on the wall.

If anyone ever saw the board, they might think she is a detective, due to having a map of Paris wide opened, with marks, sticky notes, red strings, etc.

She closed the book before putting on a sleeve cover for the book then plainly placed it on her desk together with a stack of books.

"Marinette?"

She hummed before looking at her left seeing the kwamis stare at her.

"We finally might have a lead on who Hawk—Shadowmoth is. Why does he need to change his name? The hawkmoth is already a stupid name, but he had to change it to Shadowmoth! Ugh!"

The kwamis laughed at their guardian's frustrations.

"Who do you suspect, Master?" Wayzz asked.

"Plagg, do you know where your previous holder got the book and tablet?" She asked the cat kwami who's busy eating a wheel of Camembert on top of her chaise.

Plagg looked to her before swallowing the rest of the whole wheel then answered.

"In his deadbeat of a father's office. That's where we found the book first, inside a safe behind her mother's painting."

Marinette hummed.

She had valid points at the moment to suspect him. And no one can prevent her from suspecting the fashion guru like before when she had Chat Noir as her partner. He was adamant that the guru isn't Hawkmoth, but now she understood. The man was his father. If the fashion guru is Hawkmoth, he'll be losing both his Mother and Father.

Something clicked in her mind. The alternate reality that she prevented: Chat Blanc.

She gasped. Then hurriedly grabbed her notebook that has all her points and suspect list with a list of reasons. She flipped the pages towards Gabriel Agreste's page.

Possible Suspect: Gabriel Agreste

Affliation: Fashion Designer

Relationships: 

◈ Emilie Agreste (Wife)

◈ Adrien Agreste (Son)

◈ Nathalie Sancoeur (Assistant)

  Reasons why suspected?

- Mme Agreste has been gone for three years, can use the ultimate power to wish her back.

- Secluded from the outside world.

- Assitant is very devoted, can possibly be the ally— Mayura.

- Another possible ally— Lila Rossi. Got akumatized after leaving from the first bathroom confrontation looking all smug, and has been akumatized repeatedly. Also might be involved with the Heroe's day illusion of Dark 'Ladybug'.

- Akumatized when suspected before. Hypothesis: possibly to divert attention?

- Very attentive and tried to reach for earrings and ring before during 'The Collector' after getting de-akumatized...

- Briefly saw an intrigue look on his face when he saw Chloé open a miraculous box in public.

- Has the Grimoire. Now, he also had Master Fu's tablet (stolen possibly during Miracle Queen battle)

-Theory: Chat Blanc said that Hawkmoth was a reason why the alternate timeline was destroyed by Blanc, Marinette is almost akumatized before (in original timeline), is it possible that in that timeline, Hawkmoth tried to akumatize Marinette then accidentally finds out Chat Noir's identity, leading up to a possible confrontation? It is quite hard to choose between a family relative and a relationship...

Marinette observed the page. If she was impulsive, she'd probably march up to the Agreste Mansion, but if her possible suspect is truly a villain, she cannot impulsively attack since he had two miraculouses that can create an Akuma and a Sentimonster.

She was a tactician. She always thinks about how she can use her lucky charm, and mostly in the most complex ways on how to use it.

The only thing she can do for a while is observing the Older Agreste.

"It's decided then," She looked at the kwamis then continued her sentence.

"We're going on a stake-out outside the Agreste Mansion, and possibly the inside as well. But that mansion is heavily guarded with cameras! How am I going to enter it?!"

She annoyingly said the huffed.

"Kwamis can help with the cameras and if there are alarms!" Trixx reasoned.

"Hmm... That can be useful... But how am I going to get an inside look? If there's a hidden safe behind Mme Agreste's painting in M. Agreste's atelier, I need an entrance."

Plagg thought about it before gasping.

"I can look around! I've been in the mansion for a long time, I can search around that room to see any open windows or entrance!"

Marinette actually smiled at that statement, she scratches Plagg behind one of his ears which made the cat kwami purr in happiness.

"Looks like someone earned a prize!"

The kwamis laughed in seeing the stubborn cat kwami happily purring due to the young guardian scratching him. Marinette needed a thorough plan. A plan to look around M. Agreste's atelier without being detected. And if she is lucky maybe retrieve one of the missing miraculous.

—————

"Nathalie!"

The woman flinched before she composed herself and made her way towards her boss's atelier with a tablet in one hand.

"Yes, M. Agreste?"

The man was seething, and she didn't know why. The last time she saw him like this was when they caught Adrien taking the miraculous book to school.

"Where's the Grimoire and the tablet?"

Nathalie blinked. "It's in your hands Monsier. Or maybe safely hidden in the safe."

Gabriel sighed deeply. "The book and the tablet is missing. I check the cameras, Adrien got it again, but when I asked for it back, he said you had it."

"I'm sorry, M. Agreste, but I didn't even know that it was in Adrien's possessions. I'll look around the mansion, maybe Adrien misplaced it, I'll also ask him to remember where he left it."

Gabriel nodded and dismissed her.

Inside Nathalie's head, it was trouble. They were fortunate to steal the previous Guardian's tablet that has a translated version of the book, to fix the Peacock miraculous. They had also found a translated pages about the power-ups but we haven't figure out what it actually means. They also don't have a backup copy of the translated pages!

"Adrien? Adrien."

Nathalie knocked on the younger Agreste's door. She heard a faint 'wait, Nathalie!'. Soon the door opened and revealed a dishevelled Adrien who was currently drying his hair with a towel.

"Yes, Nathalie?"

"I heard from your Father that you had the book and tablet he's looking for. Do you remember where you left it?" She said and noticed how Adrien paled.

"I was only looking at it, I left it on my desk but the next morning it was gone. I figured that you might've found it on the desk and took it back to Father... That's the only place I left it before going to bed."

She observes the young boy and hummed. She instructed Adrien to try and look around thinking that it might've been misplaced.

'I have a bad feeling about this. It's already bad that it's missing, but if my theory is right that it is in Ladybug's possession, we might be at a disadvantage.'

Chapter 3 — Moving Forward: Masterlist — Chapter 5 

[ganymedesclock]

a thing about your headcanons that really intrigues me is that, much as Knuckles seems to have originally been done as a contrast or rival to Sonic back in the Genesis days, your take on them has a opposite approach to the responsibility they feel, but done in opposite ways. Sonic runs from responsibility and doesn't want to think about it, while Knuckles feels guilty about NOT being responsible to an extreme, and since people don't often deal with how they're similar, i really like this

Honestly, this is a thread that is not exclusive to Sonic and Knuckles, but actually ties in heavily to a major theme I'm considering and working in Worlds AU.

Basically, "freedom" has always at least nominally been a theme associated with Sonic. It's in his motifs, it's in his attitudes, it's the quality that people tend to envy when they compare themselves to him- whether that's Knuckles who feels bound by fate and obligation, Tails who feels like he might not be enough or can only keep up, Amy who dreads the drudgery of her ordinary life by comparison. Hell, one could say it's even in the many one-off characters who are introduced with Sonic blowing into their life, changing things, inspiring them to grow, and then leaving- Elise, Merlina, Chris Thorndyke, Chip, Shahra.

But it's a theme that's kind of been weakened in the direction that the games took.

In Sonic SatAM, the concept of freedom vs. tyranny was rife in the setting. Robotnik had his boot down on 90% of the world and the remaining pockets are either actively dwindling, or struggling along as best they can through limited resources. All characters are- at any time- in danger of losing specifically their freedom; not their minds, but control of their bodies. And it's a compelling hook.

But the gameverse has very long not been that, and since Sonic Adventure, the world of the games has been very metropolitan. There's a bunch of cities and countries and everybody's going about their daily lives and Eggman's still a wannabe conqueror but he's now become abstracted, a supervillain, who might have this big scheme or that, but- basically until Sonic Forces- we have never had Eggman really decisively in control. And in his absence, there are not really ever any consistent or clear threats to freedom except that, yeah, we guess if we let someone like Solaris or Perfect Chaos or Black Doom run wild long enough that would kill people and then nobody would be free, but... that's an abstract and inelegant way to speak to one of your main center themes.

(and I personally don't like Forces basically trying to reinstate- even if temporarily- the SatAM status quo, even if I think some people like the IDW comics have done interesting things with that, but that's my personal relationship with the character of gameverse Eggman and how I view him distinctly from SatAM Robotnik, as absolutely iconic as the latter is)

I don't think you need an encroaching dystopia per se to make a meaningful discussion out of freedom- I think using the modern gameverse's more colorful, populated world opens up a lot of possibilities for that. So, a major thematic thing I've landed on is that abject tyranny- while the easiest 'threat to freedom' to scan and oppose- and an important one!- is not remotely the only thing that challenges freedom.

A big thing is responsibility.

Responsibility is the thing that most of us sacrifice our freedom to on a daily basis. That may sound dramatic, but it's true; we may have other reasons for it, but we don't just run off somewhere else or go have an adventure or leave our job because we feel responsible to things. And responsibility isn't a bad thing- it's good to feel reliable or trustworthy. If you enjoy your job or your coworkers, you want to do well at it. Having a house is a responsibility, we take care of them. Having a relationship of any kind is a responsibility; so is having kids. If none of us were ever responsible, society would fall apart and we'd all live lonely lives. Moreover, we'd have very little power- ironically a lack of responsibility can lead to a lack of freedom in some regards.

But also, it's very easy to give too much of yourself away and not have any left. I mentioned before that many characters are consistently depicted, across many continuities, idealizing Sonic- because Sonic's free! Sonic doesn't buy groceries or pay taxes or do boring stuff, he certainly isn't stuck in a frustrating or isolating situation, and this can even tie into one of Sonic's major themes- he refuses to be talked into accepting lesser evils.

In Sonic and the Black Knight, Merlina tries to explain to him why she's using Excalibur's scabbard- why she's doing bad things, trying to justify it that she can't just let the kingdom end, even if that means needing to twist it into a horrible place to live- to which she at one point, in frustration, asks if Sonic understands, to which he responds, "No, and I don't want to."

While it's not exactly a perfect moral stance (those don't exist), there is something to be said powerfully for the idea that Sonic as a person has a certain rejection of responsibility as a chain to let bad things happen. He rejects loyalty to a thing that drives you into cruelty.

And this is really interesting, when we consider- specifically in the very first game that featured Shadow and featured him explicitly as a dark antithesis to Sonic- that is exactly what happens to Shadow.

Shadow is not, by default, an amoral person. Pre-trauma, we see that he doesn't want to hurt others, and frankly, as much as "ow the edge" circles (and is somewhat warranted), we can often see that he's standoffish but fairly civil; someone who is dealing with a lot of stresses and problems, but doesn't often relish hurting others unless he's already desperate, frustrated, or looking for an outlet or solution. And in adventure 2, Shadow is led into nearly ending the planet on account of loyalty; to the idea of Maria, to what he believes she asked him to do (and what he believes is owed to the people who killed her)

It's kind of conspicuous that if you think about it, most of Shadow's arcs in various games that focused on him are about questions of what's owed- to him, or to the world. Does he owe a debt to Eggman? Rouge? Black Doom? Gerald? Maria? Does the world owe him a debt of anger and pain to be paid back in vengeance, or, is he the one who owes the world a chance? Does he owe himself a chance? These are questions of Responsibility.

So to bring this back to Sonic and Knuckles, I think that's an interesting context to set them apart, because both of those two definitely have a special relationship with the Chaos Emeralds. Knuckles is the guardian of the shrine that doesn't just have positions for the Master Emerald, but all seven smaller ones as well; and Sonic... well, Sonic consistently and regularly does stuff with the chaos emeralds nobody else does. He transfers super forms to other people, or even awakens them in people who haven't done it before (as implied with Burning Blaze in Sonic Rush). And at least according to Sonic 3&K, his arrival (?) was foretold.

But Sonic... does not feel responsible about the chaos emeralds. If something's happening with them he wants to know but it's about curiosity. When the chaos emeralds are corrupted, tarnished, and lose power, Sonic... juggles them, while he's confused about his own (related) corruption. It's weird, it's concerning, but it's not an obligation. He gets distracted buying ice cream in the same scene.

By contrast, the only time Knuckles feels confident shattering the Master Emerald, it's as an obligation- he has to protect it from Eggman even if it creates more work for himself, and he later freaks out and nearly crashes the shuttle he and others are on when a near-miss scatters the master emerald pieces he's collected across the ARK. I can only imagine half of the plot of Sonic Unleashed would've given Knuckles an ulcer if he'd been around for it. You did what to the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic????

Basically, I think while freedom vs. tyranny is definitely Sonic's brand, you can have a lot more fun and shore up the thematic strength by also factoring in "responsibility" as a secondary theme and this strengthens or illuminates many characters and their arcs.

[thr-333]

Just Another Class Trip :) Part 4

Marinette has a nice peaceful night, besides from having to outrun Batman, but come on thats just normal field trip stuff, and after that absolutely nothing remarkable happens.

First< Previous >Next

-------------

“It wasn't just me right?” Marinette asks her Kwamis, “Aunt Selina was acting really strange,”

“She dragged you through secret tunnels in one of the most prevalent companies in the world,” Kaalki deadpans, as she hangs something up in the wardrobe, “Everything was strange,”

“Yeah, I’m not really one to judge,” Marinette says, to the god that can fit in her pocket, “Done,”

She straightens out the portable house she had made for Tikki and Kaalki. It was made out of fabric with just a few pieces of cardboard for better support. It had bedrooms, living rooms, even a little kitchen. It was quite like the ‘doll house’ she has for them back home. She had made a replica of that one for Tikki to bring into the miracle box as a gift for the other Kwamis.

“Oh the others would love this!” Tikki squeaks, flying around inside, Marinette can see her through the little cut out windows.

“Well I can’t hold all of you,” Marinette laughs, falling back on her bed, “I guess I should get some sleep,”

“You aren’t going out for patrol?”

“I thought that was a one time thing?”

“But you had so much fun,” Tikki looks at her with thos big round eyes, “You should go again Marinette,”

“You know Tikki I was actually about to make a responsible decision and go to bed early,” Marinette sighs, getting back up, “But you ruined it,”

“It’s midnight and we both know that you would just keep designing dresses,” Kaalki pushes away one of the many wads of paper littering her bed and room.

“Touche,” Marinette pulls over her mask, “What about the miracle box?”

“It’s your choice Marinette,” Tikki assures, her smile telling Marinette there would be no hard feelings either way.

“Well it was safe last night, Hawk Moth isn't around to try and steal it,” She puts on her cape, “And it would be pretty bad if it got damaged during a fight,”

“So you’ve made your choice?”

“Yeah,”

Starling finishes zip tying the crooks hands when she feels eyes fall to her. She doesn't directly look around, instead stretching and yawning to survey her surroundings. Above. A flash of color, yellow, Robin.

Instead of going back up to the roof as planned she turns and walks out the alley into the street. The victim of the mugging is there waiting and she smiles brightly, letting them relax. When the police arrive she slips away, having no illusions of Robin, or whoever else is watching, actually losing sight of her.

Obviously they wanted her alone for whatever reason. That just means she has to stick to populated areas. Luckily she is in a seedier part of town but not enough that people are too cautious of roaming the streets. There's a few drunk people around, she’d have to find denser crowds if she wants to give them the slip.

She sees an older woman struggling with her bags, full of fresh produce.

“Hello,” She steps out of the shadows, “Would you-whoa!”

She backs up from the gun that is pointed right at her head.

“Tell your boss to fuck off,” The woman scowls

“Sorry, but I don’t have a boss, Milady,” She smiles kindly, “But I can leave if you want, just thought I’d offer to help with the bags,”

“You a bat?” She raises and eyebrow looking over Starling.

“No Milady,” She can dodge a bullet right?

“Good guy?” The gun inches closer.

“Good enough to not get shot, I hope,” Starling smiles a crooked grin.

“Eh, you would have tried to disarm me if you were a threat,” She puts the gun into her cardigan pocket decorated with embroidered cats.

“Try?” Starling picks up the dropped bags.

“And fail,” She nods, taking the bags from her.

“I’m starting to think I need your help more than you need mine,” Starling chuckles, rubbing her neck.

“Well you can still carry all of this,” She passes the bags back.

“Is there a market at this hour or something?” Starling asks, following after her leaving enough distance.

“Well you see dear late at night is actually when it’s safest,”

“Oh I see,” Starling nods along, scanning the rooftops, “Bats,”

“And you can sell nasty looking fruit in bad lighting,” The older woman cracks a grin, Starling mirroring her.

“I guess that's true,”

“Plus also works as a front for drugs,” Starling chokes out a laugh.

“And you would know,”

“Of course, your now an accessory to crime my dear,” There's a sparkle in her eye and Starling can’t help but laugh.

“I never seem to be able to stay out of trouble,” Starling sighs dramatically, sagging to the side.

“That's because you wander Gotham's streets in a costume my dear,” She says kindly, then turns a shrewd eye to her, “Just who are you?”

“Starling, nice to meet your acquaintance,” Starling bows, easily managing even with the bags.

“You’re not from around here are you dear?” The lady raises her brow.

“Am I that obvious,” Starling chuckles, a skip in her step.

“Cheerfulness is a dead give away,” Starling nods along to the advice? “You’re either from out of town or crazy,”

“I’ll pick out of town then,” Starling tilts her head to the side, “Tho I can’t guarantee the second one,”

“Batman is not hospitable to rouges my dear,” She ignores Starlings hopefully-a-joke.

“No kidding,” Starling mutters, glancing back up to the rooftops, she was definitely still being watched.

“... Well if you wanted to help more old ladies with their groceries tonight just head back the way we came go straight and take the first right,” She stops in front of a door holding her hand out to take the bags back.

“Thank you,” Starling smiles, giving another bow, “I think I will,”

“Stay out of trouble my dear,” The woman calls as Starling heads down the street.

“Sorry!” Starling calls over her shoulder, “I’m a really bad listener! Have a good night!”

She sees the older lady shake her head before disappearing into the building. Taking her advice Starling walks towards the markets. Those watching don’t approach her on the way to the market. Either they don’t know she’s aware of them or are confident enough that they can keep track of her. She’ll have to check for bugs regardless.

She reaches the market, weaving in between people. She waits for the perfect moment where she's sure she’ll be in a blind spot. The people milling around watch her curiously and cautiously, a high chance she's a villain a higher chance she's a vigilante. This unfortunately means people give her some personal space, not ideal for hiding.

It’s when a group of tall built men walk past her she sees her opportunity. She darts behind them, none backing off from her, a brief glance or two then just ignore her, part of some gang or rather. In a fluid motion Marinette pulls off her cape and scarf with one hand, flipping the skirt inside out to hide the distinct patterning. With her other hand she brings her bun down into a ponytail, being able to just pull it out.

She must of lost them for a second so she quickly but discreetly leaves the spot, not letting them connect her build to Starling. Now that she's out of costume she is able to hide in crowds. She dips behind some people pulling on her skirt quickly and zipping it up, she then unzips the hood to make it look like a pattern against her skirt. With the scarf in place around her neck turned to the pink side and a pair of glasses, she is sure she looks to the world like a different person.

The next hurtle are the bugs. They probably can’t track her in the market if she stays close to others. There's one on her skirt, shoe, elbow, and belt. She drops them off in any crates that are full of white powder that is certainly not flower. Might as well send them after something useful.

When she’s sure that she’s untraceable she heads back to the hotel a spring in her step. She does indeed run into someone on her way home that needs help with some groceries. If Marinette does indeed notice something suspicious in their bag no one needs to see her slip in the number of some people that can help out.

“Tikki! That was so great!” “My costume worked perfectly! They didn’t even see it coming!”

“Great job Marinette!” Tikki cheers, flying out of her pockets as they enter her room.

“I wonder what they wanted,” Kaalki asks, as she settles on the bed.

“They were probably going to be like,” Marinette brings her fingers up to make 'bat ears', “Get out of the city Starling' or 'don't stand on that gargoyle its my brooding gargoyle,”

“Probably shouldn’t have wrote ‘Starling was here’ on it,” Tikki sighs, more of a piece of advice than a lecture.

“Well I wanted to write ‘dibs’ on it, sooo,” Marinette falls back on her bed, lowering her voice so Adrien sleeping next door wont wake up.

“At least you’re having fun,” Tikki giggles.

“I did, but I need a sleep in,”  Marinette snuggles further into the bed.

Tikki flys off over the edge of the bed. Probably to get her little sleeping bag or something.

“Marinette!”

"What?!" She darts to Tikki's side, to see an empty backpack. An empty backpack where the Miracle box should be.

“Where's the Miracle box!”

Fuck

-----------

Taglist

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[beryligator]

Sonic Movie 3 Script Fun

Spoilers duh, no shit, you stupid? Can't figure out they're might be spoilers for a what if predication for a sequel to a movie? This is why no one loves you. Except me, I love you. You need me, but that's not healthy. Find love in yourself okay?

Just to warn you. I uh...it's long

Alright so Shadow's is going to be in this movie. That's a fact.

That also got me thinking. We just skipped all of Sonic Adventure 1, but just like the second movie combined the story beats of Sonic 2 and Sonic 3. They could do the same here.

So here's my spin on how they could do it, while still making sense.

So starters:

The movie will begin with Cream being introduced into this world. She's lost and scared. Until she comes across Amy, who is also lost, but is able to fend of that fear to comfort this child.

Cream is going to take over the role the flicky provided in SA. One because I think it's a great way to introduce Amy outside of Sonic, but two it also gives her someone to bounce of off. All while Omega is hunting them. (Yeah Omega is replacing Gammas story a little bit. He's basically going to have this arc of him wanting to be one of Eggmans greatest creations by destroying that Hedgehog. Unfortunately he thinks it can be any hedgehog, not just sonic due to some faulty programming. He was abandoned after being deemed a failure to a robot that could actually rival sonic. "Oh wow, who could that be?" He's going through the robot learns empathy, and his one sided hatred of Eggman is going to be much more now. It's going to be him proving that Eggman made a mistake throwing him away. By being his greatest invention, and teaming up with Sonic instead of destroying him)

During the entire time Amy is trying help Cream go home she comes across numerous news outlets from whatever (TV, Phones, commercials IDC) That are talking about this hero Sonic. She's not love stricken like her usual counterpart, but instead see's him as someone who can help her and Cream get home.

Shadow and Eggman are going to have a similar story like they did in SA2. Eggman frees Shadow and thinks that Shadow is his puppet while it's actually the reverse. Shadow escaping the GUN base with Eggman. It diverges in that Shadow and Eggman steal the master emerald together. He's going to wreck Knuckles and force him to break the Master Emerald. It of course splits into the chaos emeralds. In quick thinking he uses the rings Sonic had given him (I doubt Sonic wouldn't give him and Tails some to help them) and just throws them and the chaos emeralds. In this confusion of portals opening and Eggman and Knuckles being sucked into separate ones. Shadow is able grab onto a green emerald

Next we're going to have Sonic be arrested and put into a maximum prison for something Shadow did. (and Shadow can be introduced to him the same way he was before). Tails was going to try to rescue him solo, but just can't do it alone. He's going to have help from knuckles to break him out. Knuckles agrees in part to help his friend, but also because he can sense emeralds from inside too.

During this Knuckles will meet Rouge. In this universe she's still a jewel thief, working for GUN. She was kept under a tight leash, but ever since Sonic became a more public figure she was allowed out on the field. (Also keep the flirting but keep it fun I'm messing with you vibes) GUN also knows about the Master Emerald shattering and has ordered her to find the emeralds. (It's going to kept vague whether it's to keep them from Eggman or to use for themselves) Either way Knuckles doesn't trust her and wants to find them before she does. She's already found 2 of them. Now unlike SA2 Knuckles is staying with Sonic and Tails. No flying solo yet buddy.

Meanwhile were going to introduce the human characters with.....Vector. Vector is going to replace Bigs story. For a few reasons. One, Vector is a great character to bounce of anyone so he could make the human sections actually a joy to watch. Two, a thing about Bigs story is that while it was relevant to the plot, it was mostly filler until it actually was. It will also act as a way to converge these separate story lines into one, and allow for the audience to find out more about Shadow.

Vector was hired to look for Cream. He explains that warp rings have just gone haywire, and now people from his world are being trapped in theirs and vice versa. He was hired to find this lost girl and at the moment is just doing it for the money. (some character development won't hurt him). He also needs to find a way back. He's told about the warp rings.

Due to Amy and Cream being on the search for Sonic, Vector and the humans unintentionally follow the trail leading to Sonic, and because Vector has not met him yet. Mistakes him for Shadow and so follow those clues. (and yes the running joke can be the humans confused but accepting the logic because this is a "professional" detective) It can also be ascertained that he is wondering how a 6 year old is connected to all of this. Remember is his and the humans eyes they are trying to find Cream and just happen to come across this background of Shadow and the arc.

This is where we as an audience find out about Maria and the dark past of GUN. In this universe the space colony arc still existed, but was teleported into Sonics world. It turns out Sonic wasn't the first one here. It won't be stated who came, but just that they helped create this technological marvel in the 90's. Now that everything's gone array, it is now is "our" world. They will discover a security tape that showed Marias last words to Shadow, but it's old and corrupted and appears to have saying that Shadow should get revenge on humanity for what they've done. They also find something about a project Chaos along with project Shadow. They rush to find Sonic.

Now back to the A plot.

Sonic and co manage to find 3 of the emeralds. (Rouge has two, Shadow has one, and Eggman himself got his paws on one too)

Omega has actually found the final one. During the portal incident one of them dropped on him. He doesn't know what it is, but feels like it's important so keeps it safe. Basically after his run in with Amy, Cream and his character growth. He gives this emerald to her, and stays with the group. Acting as a bodyguard of sorts.

Holy fuck this is long, but Shadow. I have not forgotten about you.

Now you'll notice. Shadow isn't doing much yet, and I've done that on purpose. I want it to be a mystery of what he's doing. With clues of what will happen being discovered by Vector and the humans, and Sonic, Eggman, and unintentionally Amy and Cream all being his unwitting pawns in putting this plan together.

Now we focus on him, we see him flashback to what happened to Maria. Unlike SA2, where going to see more of Maria. This is a whole scene that should make the audience sympathize with Shadow. Make us feel the loss he felt. During this we see a kind Shadow. We see how he could lower his guard around her. He was designed as a weapon, but Maria was the one person who treated him like a friend. In his eyes she was a sister to him. We see the Arc in space being taken over by the same species that had kidnapped Knuckles prior. During this time GUN in a desperate attempt to keep the invasion from reaching earth pushes neurotoxins into the arc. Killing everyone but Shadow. (Maria manages to get him into an escape pod but when it malfunctions sacrifices herself to help Shadow escape) The last thing Shadow remembers seeing before blacking out

In the present day we see Eggman in the wreckage of the Arc. It's destroyed and has been left to the elements. There's a machine. He was asked by Shadow to fix it. Claiming that it would the ultimate weapon to defeat his enemy and become the leader of the whole world. A weapon so powerful, no one would dare touch him. Rouge would also be with them now. Basically doing her own thing, she figures working for Eggman is better than being under his control. She's betrayed GUN, and has supplied her emeralds to this machine. (It needs the Master Emerald to function)

Meanwhile Sonic and Amy finally meet up. He's of course taken aback by Omega, but is convinced not to destroy him. He has a deal of respect for her. Admiring that she and Cream managed to follow his trio all this time never giving up. Amy responds that she'll do anything to help someone in need.

All of this will happen in the Arc. They are looking for the last chaos emeralds and according to what tails machine and Knuckles sixth sense. The rest are here.

Rouge appears and immediately get's them away. Stating that Eggman is trying to create a powerful weapon but she was able to give him some fake emeralds. She begs Knuckles to give her there emeralds so she can take them to GUN where they can be kept safe. Knuckles hesitates, he was meant to protect the Master Emerald at all costs, but how he can protect it has changed ever since he's gotten into this world.

As if on que Vector and the humans will appear frantically warning them about Shadows plan. The machine being repaired isn't a weapon. It was the main way it was able to travel between dimensions. Shadow plans to use the Master Emerald to overpower it, allowing it to teleport an entire planet. This will cause it to smash into Sonics world. Causing a extinction level event.

Rouge after learning about this joins the heroes to help them. She's a greedy jewel thief who looks out for herself, but isn't a sociopath. They all reach Eggman and Shadow. After a nearly one sided fight he defeats everyone. He puts the humans into danger which forces Vector and Tails into rescuing them. Amy and Omega help Rouge escape with Cream being separated in the chaos.

This leaves only Sonic and Knuckles left. Knuckles is forced to fight eggman (He has his eggwalker okay?) and is trying to get the emeralds out of this machine.

During this the emerald rouge had placed falls into the chasm below. (Or whatever, man I'm just trying to add that iconic race) Shadow and Sonic both race to the bottom to grab it. Sonic is able to reach is first, but is surprised to find out that Shadow knew all along this emerald was a fake. (I think he could put two and two together on what gems rouge had acquired and just put faith into her not lying)

Shadow appears in front of Amy, Omega, and Rouge. Teleporting them all back with him. (He decimates Omega and practically just leaves him as a head) He tells Rouge that he knew she had given them fakes, but isn't mad at her. Citing that she still gave him what he wanted. While knuckles is distracted and Sonic is racing to the top realizing just what's about to happen. Shadow forms the Master Emerald. The machine activates locking it behind an impervious barricade. Shadow has won.

The cast panic and try to figure out how to stop it. Eggman is brought up to speed about Shadows plan when Shadow himself tells the doctor. He then walks outside where he see's Cream. Sonic urges everyone to get to safety. Amy panics and says she can't find Cream and can't leave her alone. Knuckles refuses to leave the Master Emerald and claims he will protect it no matter what. Tails won't leave sonic out loyalty. Then Vector and the humans points out it's not over. The humans had taken a photo of the things Vector found, and one of them is the schematics of this machine. Tails is able to find a way to turn the machine off, but with the changes Eggman made to accommodate the Master Emerald he's struggling. Eggman not wanting to be blown up offers his help. The two of them work out how to stop the machine.

Outside Shadow is with Cream. This is where we get that one scene with Amy, but it's Cream instead. We of course get the "help humanity" flashback that completes what was blacked out before in Shadows mind. Shadow realizing that he would have hurt someone like Cream. (To him a very similar person to Maria, someone that see's the good in everyone) He realizes he has become no better than those who killed Maria all those years ago.

While Eggman and Tails hack into the system trying in vain Shadow appears. Immediately Vector and Knuckles stop him, predicting that he would appear to stop them and set up a trap. Knowing that he no longer had the Emerald that allowed him to teleport. Cream rushes in and explains Shadows change in heart. When asked if it's genuine Amy replies that she didn't know if Omegas was genuine but still gave him the benefit of the doubt. Shadow himself points out the lesson he learned from Maria. That in this world the act of compassion is what makes someone worth respecting.

(So I'm at a bit of pickle here. I want to have Shadow sacrifice himself, but I also feel like it wouldn't work too. So...we gonna be skipping that sorry)

Tails and Eggman were able to stop the portal and is just appeared. It's the size of a large house, and according to there calculations. Permanent. Knuckles goes to grab the Master Emerald and bring it back before Chaos final form appears from it. Powering the machine and causing the portal to grow.

The whole place becomes flooded. Shadow is able to teleport Amy, Cream, and Omega to safety. Vector helps the humans and rouge swim to the surface. Tails saves Sonic from drowning by doing the same.

Now the way they defeat this monster is going to be that Knuckles needs to get to the emerald to shatter it again. Supersonic is going to be needed to put this old corrupted guardian back into sleep.

Vector is the strongest swimmer and is able to get the Master Emerald out of Chaos body. He's put of of commission and Rouge is able to grab it right before he goes out. She's forced to throw it too Tails before she's hit. Tails barely makes it to knuckles who jumps to punch the emerald. With the help of Amy and Cream who tag team a fly hammer combo to get it to him. It shatters and the emeralds are caught by Sonic and Shadow as they race to grab them before the monster does.

Blah blah blah Super Sonic, Super Shadow, Chaos defeated, the portal is now huge, but harmless and being permanent allows for Sonic his company to freely travel between the worlds. GUN is exposed for what they did by an article written by one of the humans. Exposing them to the world. Vector takes Cream to her mother Vanilla. He doesn't charge her. We see the results of what happened. The world is much closer to how it was in the Dreamcast era. With humans living in Sonics world, and Sonics species living in the human world. Omega is fixed by Tails. Rouge takes advantage of what happened with GUN and gets promoted to a more leadership role. The rest of the cast are just having fun. (Does that include Shadow...I don't' know he might be "dead") Ya know what, we deserve two credit moments. we also see the remaining Chaotix as they point out they still need to make rent, and there only client in a long time wasn't charged. Vector points out they'll have even more work in this new world and the camera pans to show that they've moved into this world. Pointing out that there next client can show up at any minute. Knuckles, bursts in stating that the Master Emerald was stolen and he can't even sense it. (I've heard he's getting a solo movie, and I'm just saying Knuckles Chaotix wouldn't be a bad solo film for him....also sorry Mighty. I don't think your allowed to be a part of this)

and then of course Metal Sonic. Cause. Well I don't know. He's cool.

Is this long convoluted and probably would be a bit much.

Yes.

Just know this is a literal first draft, and my plan was to get the most memorable parts of the SA and SA2 while also changing it up to work in this new universe. Yes Chaos is meant to kinda come out of nowhere just like the Prototype lifeform was in SA2. It's an excuse to have Super Sonic and Shadow. Vector was chosen instead of Big because well one. He's my fave. But also I think he would work of well with the main human cast and actually help give them purpose. (I think those sections would be set up as a comedic mystery)

Amy is tricky, and I still don't think I did her all to well. I actually like her character when she's used well but that can be tricky. As for Cream. Honestly I think she deserves to have a bit of the spotlight, and it allows Amy to have someone to talk to before she meets Sonic. Omega was chosen as even though Gamma would have worked well. In the end Omega is the one that actually has stayed in the sonic universe and became a mainstay. I also think giving him more to do besides get revenge on Eggman is beneficial. It also gives Amy and Cream (Mostly Amy) and obstacle to overcome.

Also I wanted more of Maria beyond just the brief scene she has. Maybe even have a pre story moment that shows her and shadow before everything goes to shit. I want her to death to have an impact. I want it to break people.

As for Vanilla, and the Chaotix. Vanilla exists, and unless we want to pull another twist I think her being the one to hire Vector to look for her daughter makes sense and seeing them reconnected would be nice. The Chaotix is just because Knuckles only solo game is Knuckles Chaotix, and while I doubt the movie will take much from that story. I think the Chaotix would be a great supporting cast for him. (I don't want Sonic in that movie, it is Knuckles movie)

Finally the worlds combining. Honestly, I just think it allows for future movies more flexibility in location. Also Metal Sonic just seemed like the most appropriate character to introduce as a post credit. (The others would be Blaze and Silver, but I just chose Metal.)

Also this whole thing is a mix of what I want, but also what I predict will happen. Basically I do think were getting a story that combines SA with SA2, but how it's actually done. Complete mystery.

[bitter-sweet-coffee]

Henlo! I'm curious what your fave Sonic character(s) is ^^ and do you have any headcanons for them?

oh boy! okay i'm going to do my best to answer this but i have been in this fandom forever and could write a dissertation on just like,,, one character. so instead i'll sparknote some cute things about my top 4 and if you want to hear a more elaborate response i can do separate posts for each of them! it was hard enough to pick a couple characters since i love them all 😊

1) espio the chameleon

i love this little purple man so much oh my god. for starters, i'd like to think he isn't as serious as a lot of people make him out to be. yeah he seems chill but let's be real, he's arrogant and i love every second of it! he definitely radiates hot topic vibes but we're talking ronnie radke, hollywood undead vibes. definitely an e-boy but not in the fake alt way, he just radiates soft-grunge vibes? he's bisexual with a male lean and definitely dated mighty at some point, but i personally ship him with wave (more on that in a second!) his best friend is silver (i ship them too tbh) but his friends are rouge and shadow for the most part. he's the character closest to shadow (personality wise, not emotional proximity) and i adore their interactions in shadow's game so i sorta ship them too...? ahhh this is supposed to be about headcanons! anyways, i think he's fun to be around and has a thing for people with good stories to tell: wave about the past, silver about the future, and rouge/shadow with the present as agents. i think the cooperation between the chaotix detective agency and GUN is something people should write more often! oh, and he likes green tea boba ✨

2) wave the swallow

god, she made me realize i like girls and i still absolutely adore her. it was taken down but at one point years ago, her birthday was listed as november 11th which makes her a scorpio, and as a fellow scorpio i stand by it! she's also definitely bi but with a female lean, and her best friend/occasional partner is rouge. they remind me of maddy and cassie from euphoria, but wave isn't as bitter as maddy ofc. i feel like people forget that storm and jet are pretty damn incompetent without her, she literally does everything for them and that's a big nod to her people pleasing. yeah she's arrogant, but she's not wrong in being self absorbed because she keeps things running! she radiates hayley kiyoko, p!nk, 100gecs, and paramore vibes. she's a baddie but a softie! i think her and espio would be amazing together (even platonically) because he loves learning and debates, and she has a lot to say and needs someone to respond, as opposed to zoning out. i feel like she could be a famous rollerskater on tiktok or something, and would have her own line of custom gear! she might be cold and competitive, but she's really sweet and just has no way of expressing it... poor girl. i think her and sonic could be amazing friends, and i'd love to see more art of them being pals and going on adventures together!

3. shadow the hedgehog

hehehehehe oh boy, as the current love interest of my fixation character, shadow is getting more attention than usual these days! i always liked him but my fave boy and girl were espio and wave for the longest time, so finally getting to fixate on shadow is great for me! shadow is neurodivergent, basically in canon. his memory issues are both trauma related and just a part of his programming. something that i admire about espio and shadow being friends is that the former loves authority and doesn't need it, but the latter despises it but needs it. shadow was created to obey, and so even if GUN wrongs him a thousand times, he needs them. it's why he keeps going back to eggman, and helps sonic when asked. shadow might not admit it, but he has a saviour complex! although i agree that with modern music he'd listen to like mcr and pierce the veil etc, i think he'd also resonate with sex pistols and other music from the decades he missed while in stasis (footloose is probably one of his fave movies just because of the killer soundtrack!) he loves flowers and does his best to take care of plants, has nervous tics, and the reason his quills turn upwards is because of all the chaos energy he has! super sonic's quills turn up when transformed, and shadow is constantly tapped into that energy: even with inhibitors it's a lot to manage. shadow also loves reading, and i think his favourite book would be The Wars by Timothy Findley (amazing read, please check it out because it reminds me so much of Shadow oh my god)

4. INFINITE!!!

okay i have to keep this one short but he is currently my favourite character, and i could talk about him forever. i know SEGA claims his real name is Infinite, but i headcanon that in the village he came from he wasn't given a name because he was considered a burden and a curse (due to his heterochromia and other reasons). for me he was called araperi or ara (nothing/no in Georgian) because they only referred to him via negative reinforcement. the scar on his eye is because either he or another jackal tried to claw it out when he was little because it made him an outcast and he wanted to belong. he only started school when he was in highschool and never really learned how to read english (i base a lot of his village lore around Georgia and my experiences with Georgian culture- even though my culture was erased when i got adopted lol). he only learned english through musical theatre, and is fluent but not very literate in english (can't read or write very well). he radiates younger sibling vibes so i headcanon that he has 4 older sisters who all treated him pretty bad on varying levels. after a year or two of highschool he ran away with some friends and after meeting more nomads, squad jackal was eventually formed! infinite (or finn as i sometimes call him) was definitely into theatre (his favourite musical being sweeney todd) and he's an AMAZING singer, acting too (which is sorta canon because he adopted shadow's personality and fighting style after their first encounter and rehearsed a whole monologue lmao). his singing voice sounds like clem turner's but with a bit more rasp, probably because i feel like he'd listen to bring me the horizon and kim dracula! infinite is actually a big puppy once he likes you, he's just secretly awkward and insecure as hell (maybe the last part isn't a secret, haha)

wow, this was longer than expected and i feel like i hardly said anything, but this is sorta where i'm at with these four! i could talk about them forever though, so feel free to ask follow ups or request a full post for them, any ships i mentioned (or didn't) or if you want a post about anyone else!

[soft-glitch]

Through Thick And Thin

Fandom: Sonic the Hedgehog

Type: hurt/comfort, platonic fluff

Word count: about 2700 words

Author’s notes: this year was a mess. But I’m grateful for a few things that happened to me in 2020. One of these things is getting into the Sonic fandom, which helped me find joy in being creative again. Another is a budding friendship with someone really cool, that I can only hope will last for a long time.

This fic is kind of a gift to that person for New Year’s Day. To everyone, but especially to you O, I wish a happy new year and many good things to come.

- - - - -

It was not an easy morning.

Shadow had always been an early bird. He never needed much sleep compared to other mobians, thanks to his bio-engineered origins. This was both a blessing and a curse, depending on the days.

Being able to stay up most of the night during missions proved useful more than once. On the other hand, when ugly thoughts would assail him and sleeping them away was not an option, well… It was suddenly much less interesting.

On this last day of December, the hedgehog could not shake uneasy feelings. Between Eggman’s plotting and his own personal issues Shadow always had rough times, but this year had been… a lot.

Walking silently in the empty corridor, careful not to wake up anyone in the household, the dark mobian reached the kitchen and started preparing hot chocolate. Since most of his friends knew about his sweet tooth he didn’t bother hiding it anymore, and Rouge always made sure they were stocked up on cocoa.

While waiting for the milk to warm, he glanced at the clock on the wall. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

The eerie calm of early hours often made Shadow slightly uncomfortable. Despite his introvert side enjoying the peaceful solitude, it was also a moment where his thoughts would simmer in his mind, either awoken by confuse dreams or simply emerging as the day started. He would often put some music or read a book to avoid thinking too hard about it.

Didn’t always work, though.

Taking a deep breath the hedgehog felt some relief at the sweet scent of chocolate. He took a small sip before moving to roll himself in blankets on the large couch. With a long and noisy yawn he reached for the remote and pointed it at the large TV screen in front of him. Maybe there was something nice to watch while waiting for his roommates to get up.

- - - - -

When Shadow opened his eyes again, sunlight was gently glowing through the translucent curtains of the living room. Which meant it was probably kind of late already. It seemed he fell back asleep at some point.

With a frown, he rubbed his dishevelled quills and took a look at his phone. Almost 11am, and no sign of Rouge or Omega... This was odd, especially since they planned on spending the New Year’s Eve together.

That’s when he noticed an envelope lying on the small coffee table, next to his now empty mug. It was plain kraft, with a small card inside that only offered an address and the words “At noon, don’t be late hun”.

Obviously from Rouge. She loved putting mystery and drama in everything she did. Shadow huffed and shook his head.

Irredeemable.

Did that mean his friends got up without waking him and prepared some kind of surprise? However silly it was, this simple envelope brought some warmth to the hedgehog’s heart. He got up to take a quick shower and prepare for the day, a small smile peeking at the corner of his lips.

- - - - -

The location was one Shadow didn’t particularly recognise, a small intersection in a popular part of the town. Since Team Dark lived in a suburban area and their job at G.U.N was usually all over the world, his knowledge of the city was lacklustre. Right as his phone displayed 12pm a text popped up on the screen.

Rouge Right behind the shoes store, a cafe.

The striped mobian rolled his eyes with a hint of amusement. Even for something as simple as a New Year between friends, the bat couldn’t help making some kind of fun game to play. Shadow would gladly proclaim it futile and childish, but he actually enjoyed these quirky adventures his best friend always peppered in his life.

What he saw next filled him with pure joy. Of course Rouge wouldn’t choose a random cafe to meet. She had to make it extra one way or another, and she just knew how to please him.

The Gentle Garden Chao Café & Flower Shop

Almost giddy at the idea of having some sweets surrounded by chao, the ultimate lifeform stepped into the small establishment. A quick glance around made him happy beyond words: soft muted lights and warm colours complemented vintage furniture, large potted plants adorned all sides of the place, and —most importantly— chao of every kind were all over the place, either walking, being cuddled by clients or sleeping on small pillows.

In the back of the room was a large counter, behind which a massive chalkboard displayed both the cafe menu and prices of various flower arrangements.

Before Shadow could go and talk to the barista, a familiar face caught his attention. Rouge was there, sitting nonchalantly and sipping some drink in the most ostentatious way possible.

The hedgehog smirked and sat in front of her.

“So...?” he started with a raised brow. “So what? Did you think I’d let you stay home for this special day?” Rouge huffed between two exaggerated sips. “It’s just New Year’s Eve, not an anniversary or something...” Shadow said, glancing at the table.

He realised an order of white chocolate cappuccino —his very favourite drink— and forêt noire —one of his favourite sweets— were set in front of him. For a second he felt something rise in his chest. A mix of gratitude and that odd yet pleasing vulnerability he could only feel with his closest friends.

“I know it’s just the new year.” the bat leaned on the table, her eyes both tender and serious. “I also know you haven’t been doing great lately. It’s been a difficult time, and of course it won’t magically be over as midnight comes, but...”

She looked in the distance, her eyes piercing through the windows and their cold winter lighting. Shadow could very clearly feel the bittersweet essence of her expression. This year had also been hard on her.

“We’re in this together, y’know.” she resumed, turning a gentle smile towards him. “And while I can’t resolve every problem we have, I can at least invite my emo bestie to enjoy some chao and indulge in sugary treats!”

The hedgehog chuckled at this, then raised his cappuccino mug. “Let’s have a good time, then. To us bitches.” he said with a knowing grin. “To us bitches!” she exclaimed happily. ”Now drink that ‘ccino, we have chao to cuddle.”

Some laughs and friendly banter later, two chao had found their way on Shadow. One was sleepily nested on his legs while the other was playing on his head, brushing his quills curiously.

“You really have your way with them, just like Omega...” Rouge remarked. She loved the little creatures very much, but she never seemed to attract them as easily as her two partners. No one really knew why and she honestly didn’t mind. It was fun enough to observe them from a distance: no risks of ruined haircut or having one mess with her wings.

“This is the best.” the hedgehog whispered, his voice full of emotion. His friend chuckled. Shadow was endearing in many ways, but his love for plants and creatures was unparalleled in an extremely wholesome way.

“Did you ever consider adopting one?” she asked before biting into her remaining pastry. Shadow’s expression became slightly somber as he looked at her. “I…” he sighed and scratched the sleeping one’s head. “I always wanted to, I guess. Even on the Ark, once we learned about them with Maria, we used to pretend having one. There was a plush, I don’t remember its name. We would play parents, bring it along for walks across the Ark, this kind of things.”

Rouge nodded sympathetically. Maria was less and less a sensitive subject as years went by, but Shadow was still defensive about these memories. Sharing them was one of the most intimate things he would do, and she felt honoured every time it happened.

“Maybe one day.” the hedgehog shrugged with a tired smile. ”Right now our lives are too dangerous. I can’t raise one properly as long as we keep fighting and going on missions Chaos knows where. – Let’s hope we get Eggman and his clique once and for all, then!” Rouge said with a grin. “Can’t wait to have you pester us with photos of your ugly little baby.”

The genuine laugh that followed made the bat beam with happiness.

- - - - -

The very specific atmosphere of New Year’s Eve was not lost to the two mobians as they strolled in the city. Streets were bustling with activity, but in a way that felt distinct from other winter holidays. The ambient anticipation was less frantic, almost… solemn. Instead of rushing for gifts and food, people seemed determined to enjoy the final hours of this year.

Shadow found it interesting, not without its charm. He was more used to strolls in mountains, lonely forests and small paths undulating through fields. The buzzing activity of the city was something else —very nice, though. Plus Rouge knew every neighbourhood surprisingly well, and offered him little fun facts and stories about all sorts of buildings and places.

“It’s a real shame we don’t get more free time between G.U.N and Eggman.” the bat lamented. “There are so many nice spots I’d love to visit with Omega and you. – We do have vacations once in a while.” Shadow replied. “Yeah, but they’re either ruined by some apocalyptic event or by an intense need for rest.” she sighed. “We can’t enjoy the Museum of Arts if we’re falling asleep every two paintings.”

The dark mobian nodded. Technically Omega and him didn’t need a lot of sleep, but being world-saving heroes brought its own kind of mental fatigue. Moments of calm and respite were too few and far between.

“Well. Next time we have some days off we’ll organise a Team Dark afternoon.” Shadow offered. “An exhibit or two, some games at the arcade. Maybe a small concert at a cafe. – Oh my. Hun, I’m impressed to see you take this kind of initiatives.” the bat replied.

The hedgehog gave her a friendly nudge. “Shut up, can’t let you make all the decisions. – I don’t see why not.” Rouge shrugged with a knowing smile.

They suddenly stopped. Without really realising it, the duo had reached the large avenue leading back to their house. As they exchanged a glance, Rouge winked. “Omega must be waiting for us. Let’s move!” she said cheerfully.

- - - - -

An immediate wave of relief filled Shadow as soon as they passed the front door. “Finally some warmth.” he sighed, removing his large coat and thick scarf. “I was expecting your lowered body temperatures.” Omega’s robotic voice answered from the kitchen. “Hot tea and biscuits are ready for immediate consumption. Made with love.”

Rouge snickered and Shadow repressed a chuckle.  Both knew Omega was absolutely unable to cook anything without setting fire to it, so the biscuits were probably store-bought. They still appreciated the gesture greatly.

Everyone gathered around the table, remembering stories about the now-ending year and its numerous developments. Adrenaline-filled fights, obscure investigations and exhausting assignments went alongside hilarious mistakes, glorious teamwork… and even celebratory moments with all the other heroes of Mobius.

“Okay, but the award for the best party of the year still goes to Knuckles’ surprise birthday.” Rouge said confidently while helping Omega put on a colourful crochet beanie. “Ughh please. Let’s not talk about it.” Shadow groaned, knowing exactly where this was going. “It was extremely fun. The fireworks accident made it over 200% better than any other celebration.” the robot insisted. “Oh right, I almost forgot about that!” the bat laughed. “Poor Knuckie, having to deal with a fire hazard on his cherished island…”

Memories of the furious echidna shouting frantically brought a grin to Shadow’s face. “But!” Rouge added, ”I mostly remember someone having a few drinks too much and— – NOPE!” the hedgehog exclaimed as he brandished his hands. “No talk of this specific event shall happen in this house. Ever.”

Omega tapped his fingers on the table as he eyed his smaller friend. “It is a shame I did not record it for ulterior viewing.” Shadow’s glare was so intense the former badnik recoiled slightly.

“Oh well, it’s all in the past now.” Rouge mused teasingly. ”Good times, good times...”

- - - - -

The closet was absurdly full of useless trinkets and Shadow was very, very close to “fix” it with a Chaos blast.

Of course he wouldn’t, knowing how preciously Rouge kept all those odd items from her past. Jewels, foreign souvenirs, postcards, old plushies, photographs… All her memorabilia was kept there, in a mismatched mess mixed up with cleaning supplies, spare beddings and various tools.

“They should be somewhere near the bottom!” the bat shouted from across the flat. The hedgehog growled, his eyes desperately scanning the clutter in front of him. Finally he found what he came for.

Fairy lights. The essential accessory to any LRCS —Living Room Camping Session.

Shadow walked back to the main room, where a drying rack and several chairs formed a structure covered by sheets and blankets. Omega was evaluating whether the improvised tent was big enough for him. “It is perfect, Rouge. We will be able to fit within the designated comfy area.” he said before crawling underneath the colourful construction.

The hedgehog carefully hung the string of lights around and inside the tent before plugging it. Rouge grabbed some snacks and scuttled against the large robot, who fiddled with the remote until a title screen showed on the TV.

“Are we really watching this?” Shadow asked hesitantly. “Shadow. We all know your inclination for romance between organic beings. Please come cuddle so we can start the movie.” Omega said. “Don’t tell me you suddenly decided to hate cheesy fiction, sweetie.” Rouge added. “I would rather perish than lose your snarky remarks and teary-eyed spee— – Alright, I get it, I’m coming.” the hedgehog replied with a frown. “This better be good, though.”

It was everything but good. Outbursts of laughter and incredulous stares followed one another as the movie —a romantic parody of the famous blockbuster Attack On Mobius— kept getting more and more absurd. Omega threatened to turn himself off as he struggled to find any reasoning behind what was happening, and Rouge almost choked on her pop-corn near the end of the second part.

When the credits started rolling, the three buddies snuggled together. The winter night cold was no match for a group hug and thick quilts. Shadow eyed his phone and hummed.

“It’s almost midnight. – Does that mean we have to prepare a wish?” Rouge asked in a sleepy voice. “We don’t have to.” the hedgehog replied, glancing at his two friends.

Has to be an odd sight, he thought. A haphazard team with so many differences, united by pure luck in a challenging world. Chilling together in a makeshift tent in the middle of a flat like nothing else mattered. He closed his eyes and took a moment to appreciate the warm feelings. Being surrounded by such amazing souls for whom he really mattered. Knowing all the affection and dedication hidden behind that seemingly cold name, “Team Dark”.

“I wished for a pony.” Both Omega and Shadow looked at their bat friend with tilted heads. “What? They’re cute, I dunno.” she shrugged with a shit-eating grin. “What would you guys wish for? – Dual plasma swords.” the robot replied. “Maybe I should ask Miles when we cross paths again.”

Rouge rolled her eyes, then shouted curse words as she realised midnight was mere seconds away. Omega startled, making the whole tent fall on the team. The striped hedgehog quickly covered his muzzle with his hands, trying to suppress an irresistible laugh. No matter how hard life was, no matter the obstacles in his way, one thing was certain as the year came to an end.

Friendship was all he could wish for.

[charlthotte]

Breaking Through the Iron Wall - Aone Takanobu x Reader

Chapter 7

While sitting at the table eating breakfast, my father practically sprinted down the stairs to greet me with a cheery smile plastered upon his face like usual. He quickly engaged me in conversation, "Soooo... About that Aone guy... You seem pretty close to have only known each other for a few days. Might there be something between you?"

I had half the mind to face plant into my plate of food, "No, Dad.” I replied unenthusiastically, rubbing my browbone.

"Then why were you walking home together?" He cupped his hands in his face playfully, taking part in the typical annoying parent trope.

"You know how I'm the manager of the boys' volleyball club?"

"Yes..." He cooed in a sing-song voice.

"Well, Aone's just a member of it." I stated, bored of his prying behaviour.

"Just? Alright then..."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I raised my eyebrow, genuinely puzzled.

"I just know my child..." He declared, completely dodging the question. I scrunched my face in confusion, but not bothering to probe him any further.

It wasn't long until my train set off, so I waved my father goodbye - my mother nowhere to be seen - as always. The sun lightly shone through the clouds, a beautiful contrast to the day before. And of course, when I entered the train carriage - Aone was situated in the very same seat as the two previous days; and once again I sat next to him. Unfortunately, I never harboured any doubts that he wouldn't be by himself, the fact of that was a little disheartening - but, I guessed that people here were always pretty quick to judge a person. "So Aone, are you feeling any better than yesterday?" And as always, he met my question with a swift nod. But what followed that was perhaps the most unexpected thing I had heard in quite a while. A sneeze. But not just any sneeze, it was so high pitched and just delicate - it was a shock to hear it coming out of his mouth. I almost reacted with an 'awe' but stopped myself before. It probably would have been a little embarrassing for him if I did. "Ah, so you caught a cold? I'm sorry, you didn't have to stay with me yesterday." He closed his eyes then shook his head, as if to say 'it's all fine'.

I couldn't think of anything else to say, so I fumbled around in my bag for my book. The black-eyed susan was the subject of my present page. Although its core meaning was justice, it could be given in two very different scenarios. The first was if long awaited justice had finally been awarded to you - the flower was congratulatory. However, it could also be given as a condolence, for example if the justice system had wronged you or you or one of your loved ones were in need of the sweet glory of justice. The base meaning was still justice, but how the little branches of its subliminal meaning could bend was just fascinating. But no matter what, giving that flower to someone always signified injustice being present in the first place.

As always, I made sure to turn the pages slowly so Aone could read alongside me - side by side in silence. However, the train ride felt to have flown by in a matter of minutes and we were soon on our way to school, relishing the cool air lapping at our faces, not a single word was spoke between us at that time but it still felt like we hadn't stopped talking ever since I stepped onto the train. Maybe to an outside perspective, we would have seemed to be ignoring each other. It was anything but that, it could be described as something similar to telepathy - but without the communication.

-

Everything before lunch break rolled by pretty smoothly, it was fair to say there wasn't even a single little mishap. When I sat at a bench by myself, I felt a familiar overwhelming presence making their way towards me. "Hey, (Y/N)!" Hiroko squealed, as much a ball of energy as always.

"Hey Hiroko, you okay?" I asked, at a much lower energy output to her.

"I'm doing amazing! How are you doing?" She bounded around the ground, not caring about the eyes she brought our way.

"I'm fine I guess. By the way - where's Rea?"

"Rea! She got pulled away to talk to the teacher at the end of the lesson! She's so cool and pretty isn't she?!" Hiroko chortled, her eyes filled to the brim with child-like excitement.

"Sure she is." Normally I would be slightly agitated by a person exuding her level of energy, but something about her was just somehow... enthralling. Maybe it was her free spirited-ness, or something else entirely...

"(Y/N)! How's the volleyball club going? Did you decide to join? If so, what's everyone like?" Hiroko bombarded me with questions, I was unsure of which to answer first.

"Yeah, I joined and its good, I guess."

"Wait! That's so amazing! You're so cool! What are the players like?" It amazed me how she was even at high school, yet alone her second year.

"Oh, they play really well - I can really see where they got the iron wall nickname from. It's actually quite fun watching them play."

"No, silly! I meant the people, what are they like out of the court?!" She laughed at my mistake, but in an innocent manner, not a condescending one.

"The captain seems like a good guy. Their number six is... I don't think he's even human, and not in a good way. Aone doesn't speak much but I guess I know him the most - if that makes sense. And I don't really know the rest of the team very well yet."

"Huh?" She titled her head to the side, "How do you know him the most if he doesn't speak?"

"I guess communication is more than just conversation." I don't know why that came out of me, it wasn't a thought I had been pondering on at all - I guess it was just my thoughts from somewhere coming into the outside world.

"That sounds a bit weird." She snickered, uttering a childish giggle.

As I tried to eat my lunch - undisturbed - Hiroko still carried on bombarding me with questions about random facts about how cool Rea was. Their friendship was sort of peculiar to me - Hiroko was a firecracker, never afraid of people's thoughts nor was she afraid to express herself fully. On the other hand, Rea was much more reserved - from what I could tell. She didn't ever seem like she had any passion for anything either. It seemed as if Rea was just dragging her feet behind Hiroko whilst following her, however - from what I could sense, it was Hiroko who was the puppy walking behind Rea - looking up to her as if she was a big sister figure.

The rest of the day went by as smoothly as it could. After all, I had social studies - the feared class where I sat next to the grimace. However, he didn't try to provoke me once - which was very strange - instead, he sat his arms folded and expression blank, a rare but pleasant sight to see. I couldn't complain, even if his silence was a extremely strange occurrence.

But after school had ended, he sneakily snaked his arm around my shoulders, "So your highness... I heard you went to Aone's house last night - do you mind explaining?"

"For god's sake, Futakuchi. My Dad and I just dropped him off at his house." I tried to push his arms away from me, but he only clung onto me tighter, "Could you kindly let go of me?"

His arm returned to his side, only for him to bow with his arm flourished to the side once again, "Of course your highness, but I do have one other question..."

"What would that be?" I spoke through gritted teeth, trying not to smack him in his smug little face.

"May I inquire as to why you too were together in the first place?"

"I don't have to tell you anything, Futakuchi." Once again, I tried to up my pace to escape his leering sneer, but it just kept clambering onto my steps.

"My, my, my - your highness... That sounds highly suspicious." He snickered into my ear, my body began slightly shivering with rage.

Suddenly, a huge shadow loomed over the both of us - and of course it was the snowy mountain himself, Aone. As if on cue, Futakuchi began to scuttle away with his tail between his legs, it was simply a heart-warming sight. I mouthed a quick 'thank you' to Aone as I too, shuffled away - in order to get the bibs to hand out. Last night, someone must have left them to dry on the viewing deck. And they were right there. Climbing up the ladder was no problem, nor was climbing back down - though I must admit, with the bibs, it was slightly more difficult than before. I then proceeded to hand them out to their respective players. However, as I was handing the last bib to the libero, a rouge volleyball just started flying through the air as if it had been spiked.

But spiked directly at my face...

[wontlastimokwiththat]

Witches Mates- Chapter 2

Part 2 of Witches Mates. Hope you guys like it. Let me know what you think!

Warnings: Witchcraft, Blood (not gore) 

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6

As I walked outside to the backyard, I was met with cheers and applause. I smiled and waved before joining the crowd and talking to as many people as I could. Eventually, I made my way to Liam and his friends.

"You look beautiful," Harry greeted.

"Thanks," I smiled.

"This is one hell of a birthday celebration," Calum told me.

"That's not what this is. I don't like celebrating my birthday," I said.

"Then what's this?" Ashton asked.

"This is the best Halloween party in New Orleans. And since the queen can legally drink, it'll be the best in history," Damien said, walking up with two drinks in his hands.

"Queen, huh?" Michael quizzed.

"J's Halloween parties are as iconic as Mardi Gras on Burbon Street. After her first one, she was branded the queen of All Hallow's Eve," Damien told him as he handed me one of the drinks he was holding. As I went to take a sip, someone walking in caught my eye.

"Um, Damien," I said, pointing in the direction of the door. He turned to look and his smile fell quickly.

"Who's that?" Calum asked.

"Someone who shouldn't be here," Damien hissed before walking towards the door. I looked at Liam.

"No one leaves," I told him.

"Is that who I think that is?" Liam asked. "Jonathan Moore?"

"Yes," I nodded. "Just, stay." I started walking away.

"We're not dogs!" Louis yelled at me.

"I wonder sometimes!" I yelled back as I made my way through the crowd and into the house, where I'd saw Damien drag Jonathan. Damien had Jonathan cornered in the empty house.

"Why are you here?" I hissed. Damien moved so Jonathan was facing me but Damien pinned his arms behind his back.

"Can't I come wish my little girl a happy birthday?" Jonathan asked.

"No, you can't," Damien growled. "Not now, not ever."

"Why are you really here?" I demanded.

"To warn you," Jonathan said.

"Warn me about what?" I asked.

"My kind who are coming for you. They know you're the most powerful of your kind and they want you stopped," he told me.

"You could be killed for being here, why come?" I quizzed.

My dad is a vampire who was turned when I was nine. When he turned, he left as a way of protecting my mother and I. Unfortunately, he wasn't turned by the good type of vampire. He was turned by the kind who hates witches and everything we stand for, which is what he must do as well or he'll be killed, for good this time. Witches are the glue of the supernatural world, we keep the peace and make the laws. We're the judge and jury. We protect the supernatural world from mundanes and mundanes from the supernatural world. Most supernatural creatures respect us but there is a few who don't. Rouges are the name we use for the vampires and werewolves who stand against us.

"I might not like what you are but you're still my daughter and I'll still protect you at every cost necessary," he said.

"She doesn't need your protection," Damien told him. "And you have no right calling her your daughter. Not after everything you've done." I heard the door open and turned to see Zayn and Ashton walking in.

"Let him go," I told Damien. Damien looked at me warily but released Jonathan's arms. "Message received, you need to go."

"Jessica, I'm serious. Th-"

"She said go," Damien growled, shoving him towards the front door. "So go before I change my mind." Jonathan looked between me and Damien before nodding and walking out the front door.

"Is everything okay?" Zayn asked. I turned to look at him.

"I told you to stay where you were," I said.

"Liam said he was bad news," Ashton told me.

"He is," Damien nodded. "And he ruined a perfectly good night."

"Who is he?" Zayn quizzed.

"My dad," I said.

"If you'd have said that sooner, I'd have killed him," Zayn told me.

"I've been trying to get her to let me for years," Damien said. "It's pointless."

"I don't know the story of what happened but there's still an awesome party going on outside. Maybe that'll cheer you up," Ashton said. I smiled.

"You guys go on. I should reach out to Mom and let her know," I told them. "I'll be out there in a minute." They nodded and walked outside. I went into the kitchen and grabbed a piece of paper from a drawer. I quickly wrote down that rouges were coming for me before folding the paper into a paper airplane and sitting it on the island. "Air, I need you to take this to Mom." The paper airplane lifted into the air and flew out of the house. I went back outside and met back up with Liam and his friends.

"You okay?" Liam asked, hugging me.

"I'm fine. I just stopped a murder but I'm fine," I told him, pulling away.

"That was a quick call with your mom," Ashton said.

"Um, yeah. She's busy and couldn't talk long," I lied. Damien smiled and mimicked throwing a paper airplane. I laughed and nodded.

"What was that?" Michael asked.

"Inside joke," Damien grinned.

"Well, let's have some fun," Louis said before climbing on top of the bar. "Can I have everyone's attention?" he yelled over the crowd. I saw Damien make a down motion with his hand and the music went quiet. Everyone turned to look at Louis, who held his cup up in the air. "A toast! The wonderful Jessica Lebeau, the queen of All Hallows Eve, has done it again! To the queen!"

"TO THE QUEEN!" everyone yelled with their cups in the air. Damien magically turned the music back up and Louis jumped off the bar.

"C'mon," Calum said, grabbing my hand and pulling me into the crowd of people. I smiled as we started dancing with everyone else. Eventually, we went back towards the bar, but our friends weren't there anymore.

"Can I ask you something?" I quizzed.

"Of course," he nodded.

"You're friend, Luke. He doesn't like me, does he?" I asked.

"It's not like that," he shook his head.

"Can you tell me how it is?"

"I heard you and Ash talking earlier about how you know about witches, do you know about Liam?" he asked.

"Liam's a werewolf," I said. "Like Harry, Louis, Niall, and Zayn. Why?"

"Ash, Mike, and I are vampires," he told me.

"That's cool," I nodded. "But Luke isn't?"

"Luke's a hybrid, half werewolf and half vampire," he explained.

"So, why does he hate me and you don't if he only has half the bloodlust?" Calum smiled.

"Well, Luke's a lot younger than us so even with half the bloodlust, it's hard. Plus, you aren't a normal girl," he said.

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"You're our mate," he told me.

"Our? You and Luke?"

"And Mike and Ash," he said.

"I didn't see that coming," I admitted. "So, Luke hates me because of what?"

"You make him feel vulnerable," I heard a voice from behind me say. I turned to see Ashton standing there. "And he doesn't like being vulnerable."

"Who does?" I asked.

"Luke's just a dick," Michael said, walking up. "He'll adjust."

"Until then, I'm gonna need a drink," I told them, motioning for the bartender to pour me a drink. "Why did ya'll come with Liam anyways?"

"We were visiting him and the boys and he told us about a girl who throws awesome parties," Michael told me as I took a sip of the drink the bartender had made.

"And we never turn down a good party," Calum smiled.

"Jessica!" I heard a woman's voice call. I turned my head to see Annette, Damien's girlfriend. She was in her usual attire, a blue shirt and green jeans with blue eyes shadow and a black choker that had a blue pendant dangling from it. Her dark pink hair was down, ending just below her shoulders, and her caramel skin seemed to be glowing. I smiled as I walked to her and hugged her tightly.

"I thought you were in Paris with Mom," I said in her ear.

"I came as soon as she got your message," she told me as we pulled away. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I assured. "Damien made sure he didn't lay a hand on me."

"Is everything alright here?" she asked. "No spirits? No unwanted creatures?"

"Everything's great." I paused. "Kinda."

"What do you mean?" she quizzed.

"Those guys I was with at the bar. Those three are vampires and a hybrid's somewhere around here. The four of them are my mates," I told her.

"J, four mates for a witch isn't good. It never ends well," she said. "And you're a Firelight. You're easily one of the most powerful witches to ever exists, even in your bloodline."

"Which is why I haven't told them what I am. You can't tell them either," I said. "They think Damien and I are mundanes."

"Okay, so I'll pretend to be a mundane," she nodded. "Got it." I looped my arm through hers and led her to the boys. Liam and his pack had joined Calum, Ashton, and Michael.

"Liam, do you remember Damien's girlfriend, Annette?" I asked.

"Of course," Liam smiled, giving Annette a hug.

"It's been a while. What? Was it last Halloween that I saw you?" she asked, pulling away. Liam nodded. "Damien told me about Dani, congrats."

"Thank you," Liam grinned. "Where have you been? Normally, you're at Damien's side."

"I just got back from Paris," she told him as Damien walked up between us. I felt him slip something in my back pocket before he wrapped his arm around her waist.

"That must've been a long flight," Michael said. I saw Liam fight back a laugh as Annette nodded. Annette's best powers are space and time, meaning she can travel from one place to another without a portal and she can freeze time.

"It was but I wouldn't miss one of J's Halloween parties for anything," she said.

"Wow. You really are the queen, huh?" Ashton asked.

"You have no idea. There's people over there from Sweden," Damien said.

"Oh, those are some of Mom's friends from one of her work trips," I told him. "They've been in town for a few days."

"Not to ruin the mood or anything, but I haven't seen Luke since after the confrontation with Jonathan," Niall said.

"I'll go try to find him," I announced before walking away from the group and towards the house. As I walked in, I pulled the paper from my back pocket and read it quickly:

Use a spell of protection around the house, one that keeps out anyone who means you ill will. I'll be home soon. Love you. -Mom

I threw it in the trash before I walked around the house, looking for Luke. I found him in the study sitting on one of the couches with his head in his hands.

"Are you okay?" I asked, slowly walking closer to him. He held one of his hands out to stop me so I stopped.

"Go away," he said, not looking up at me.

"You know, Calum told me about ya'll and why you don't like me," I told him. "Honestly, I don't blame you but that's no reason to miss a party as epic as this."

"That's not why I'm here," he stated. He looked up at me and his eyes were glowing a bright red color, which I knew happens to vampires when they need to feed.

"Oh," I mumbled. "Give me a second." I left the study and ran down to the basement. I opened one of the refrigerators and pulled out an O negative blood bag. I grabbed one of the whiskey glasses and pulled open the bag, pouring it in the glass before walking back upstairs to the study. "This should help." He looked between me and the glass in my hands.

"Why do you have a glass of blood?" he asked.

"With all the people I come across in this town, I have a variation of friends. This is good to keep on hand." I sat the glass on the table in front of him. "When you're ready, you're friends are looking for you." I left the room and walked back outside to the bar they were still standing at.

"Did you find him?" Ashton asked.

"Yeah," I nodded. "And I handled the situation."

"The situation?" Michael asked.

"J, ten till midnight," Damien told me. Liam grabbed my waist and helped me get on top of the bar as Damien turned down the music before he and Annette jumped on the bar on either side of me. Everyone turned to look at us and went quiet without us having to yell over them.

"Thank you all so much for coming tonight," Annette said, wrapping one of her arms around my waist and I wrapped one of mine around her waist.

"Halloween is a night where everyone gets to be themselves, humans and supernatural creatures alike. It's the night to celebrate our differences and embrace what makes us stand apart from everyone else," Damien told them as he wrapped his arm around my waist from the other side. I wrapped my other arm around his waist.

"As All Hallow's Eve comes to an end, we wish you all merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again. From our family to yours, blessed be!" I exclaimed.

"BLESSED BE!" everyone yelled as we did a small bow. Damien and Annette jumped off the bar and offered me their hands, which I took as I jumped down.

"That sounded witchy," Calum told me.

"I run a witchcraft shop," I shrugged. "Gotta stay on brand." He laughed.

Everyone was gone around one a.m. so the rest of us went inside. As Damien, Annette, Liam and his pack, and my mates made themselves comfortable in the living room, I went upstairs to my room and changed. I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail before changing into a pair of black leggings and a tank top. I went back downstairs and sat in the floor at the coffee table that had five elemental candles sitting on it. I noticed they were no longer burning.

"Should we light them?" Annette asked me. I looked at her.

"Why would you?" Ashton asked. "Aren't they elemental candles?"

"They are," I nodded. "Who blew them out?"

"What do you mean?" Harry quizzed.

"I lit them before the party," I told him. "They shouldn't have gone out."

"Wait, are you a witch?" Michael asked.

"No, but I do believe in asking the elements for help, like my family," I said. "Tonight, I asked for their protection."

"They were blown out when we got in here," Zayn told me.

"Damien, did you do it earlier tonight?" I asked. He shook his head.

"It would've had to have been done between the time of your speech and the time we sat down," Luke said. "They were still lit when I came back out there."

"So, they were blown out and we don't know if the person who did it thanked the elements or not," Annette mumbled. "Awful thing number three tonight." I nodded.

"We could relight them and send them away properly," Niall suggested.

"I wouldn't be against that but I'd need representatives," I told him.

"And the elements don't take to kindly to werewolves," Damien added.

"Oh, I have an idea," Annette said. "J called them in the first place and all four of her mates are here so let's use them." I sent her a death glare.

"You're the only person I told," I said through my teeth.

"Oops," she frowned.

"Hold up, mates?" Liam asked, looking at Luke.

"I'm not the one who told her," Luke shrugged.

"Calum did," Michael said.

"Dude!" Calum exclaimed, punching Michael's shoulder.

"Can this wait until after we properly dismiss the elements? I'd rather not have them angry with us longer than need be," Damien said, standing up.

"Where are you going?" Louis asked him.

"Outside. The best place for something like this," Damien told him.

"Right. Okay. Here." I handed Ashton the blue candle and Michael the green one. "Ashton, you'll be water. Go outside and find west. Michael, you'll stand in place of earth at true north." I handed Calum the yellow one and Luke the red one. "Calum, you'll represent air in the east and Luke, you'll be fire in the south."

"Hate to burst your bubble, but I don't know south from north," Luke told me. I sighed, grabbing the purple spirit candle and a box of matches.

"Follow me," I told them before walking outside the the back yard. "Michael, stand there." I pointed to the north as Annette pulled up a chair where I was. I sat my candle on it and turned to the east. "Calum, there." Calum took the place I pointed at and I turned again to face south. "Luke, you'll be there." He nodded and stood where I directed. I turned to Ashton, who had already completed the circle by standing in the west. He had an adorable smile on his face. "Ashton, you're perfect."

"Yay!" he grinned.

"Okay, so I'll light the candles then dismiss the elements. Once I dismiss your element, you'll blow out the candle. Understand?" I asked.

"Got it," Michael nodded.

"Yep," Calum agreed.

"Sounds good," Ashton smiled.

"This is stupid," Luke mumbled.

"I heard you and it's not. Trust me," I said as I struck a match and walked to Michael. As I lit the earth candle in his hands, I was able to smell the grass like it had been freshly cut. I looked at Michael.

"Do you smell that?" he asked.

"Earth likes you," I smiled before walking around the circle to Calum. "Ready?"

"Yeah," he nodded and I lit his air candle. I felt the wind blow through my ponytail quiet hard and watched as it rustled Calum's hair a bit but it didn't blow out the candle. "That's awesome."

"I know," I grinned and walked to Luke.

"Do I have to-" He stopped talking when the fire candle lit itself and it immediately got really warm around us. "What the hell?"

"Still think this is stupid?" I asked, walking to Ashton. I smiled at him as I lit the water candle he held. As soon as it was lit, I was able to hear the ocean and feel the waves hitting my feet.

"Wow," he breathed out. "Can you hear it?"

"I can," I nodded. As I walked to the center of the circle, I noticed there was a silvery white line floating in the air, connecting each of the boys. I made a mental note to look through some of my family's old grimoires to find out what that meant before lighting the spirit candle still sitting in the chair. Once it was lit, I got a tingly feeling up my spine.

I faced north once more before speaking. "Earth, thank you for your presence here tonight. I apologize for not properly dismissing you. You may go." Michael blew out his candle and I was no longer able to smell the freshly cut grass. The silver line between him and Calum and him and Ashton disappeared as well. I turned to Calum and spoke to the air. "Air, I thank you for your help here tonight. I apologize for not properly dismissing you. You may go." Just as Calum started to blow out his candle, it went out on it's own. With it, my hair stopped being blown around and the line between Calum and Luke vanished. I turned to look at Luke, who still seemed wary of the whole thing. "Fire, thank you for the protection you provided tonight. I apologize for not properly dismissing you. You may go." Once Luke blew out his candle, I got a little cold and the line between him and Ashton was gone. I turned to Ashton with a smile. "Water, I thank you for the safety you brought into my home tonight. I apologize for not properly dismissing you. You may go." Ashton blew out his candle and I was no longer able to hear the ocean or feel the waves. I picked up the spirit candle and looked to the sky as I spoke. "Spirit, thank you for allowing the happiness to flow from one person to the next. I apologize for not properly dismissing you. You may go." I blew out my candle and smiled at the sky.

"That was so cool!" Louis exclaimed as we all walked inside. The boys sat their candles on the coffee table and I arranged them in the respective spots before sitting on the couch between Ashton and Calum.

"I've never seen a circle like that," Harry stated.

"At least, the elements are happy with us," Michael smiled as my cat walked in the room. She looked at all of the people before jumping into my lap and laying down. I ran my fingers through her soft, white fur.

"Who's this?" Ashton asked, reaching out to pet her. She hissed loudly at him and he pulled his hand back quickly.

"This is Snow," I told him.

"Snow doesn't like anyone except J," Damien said. "I've been her friend since we were kids and Snow still won't let me pet her."

"How old is she?" Calum quizzed.

"Seven," I lied. Truth be told, Snow is twenty-one, like me. She's my familiar and she won't die until I do. A familiar is a companion a witch gets at birth. A familiar takes a shape of an animal but is actually something created by a coven at a witch's birth to keep them company and offer protection. Most familiars do well with other people/supernatural creatures but Snow doesn't seem to care for anyone but me. She doesn't like Damien, Annette, my mom, or other witches in our coven. She certainly doesn't like Liam and his pack, normally she doesn't come around if they're in the room.

"Guys, it's getting late," Liam said. "We should go to the hotel."

"You're more than welcome to stay here," I told him. "There's a room for each of you and it's a lot homier than a hotel."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yeah, of course," I nodded. "Damien and Annette are in the room opposite of mine but the rest are empty."

"What time do you have to be at the shop tomorrow?" Harry quizzed.

"I'm have the morning shift and Damien has the afternoon," I said.

"No, you should hang out with them before they go," Damien told me. "Annette and I will work the shop." I looked between the two of them. Damien was sitting on the ground with his back against the hearth of the fireplace and Annette was resting against his side. Damien's arm was thrown around Annette's shoulders and she was almost asleep.

"How about none of us go in?" I suggested.

"An off day would be nice, considering the last one we had was, like, two months ago," Damien nodded.

"So, it's settled. We'll all go to breakfast at the café down the street from the shop," Niall said.

"I'm out on that one. I'm sleeping in," I told him.

"Meaning she might be up by dinner time," Annette said sleepily. Everyone, except Luke, laughed. Liam and his pack called their rooms and went up the stairs, followed closely by Damien and Annette. I led Luke, Michael, Calum, and Ashton to the rooms they would be staying in.

"Are you going to bed?" Michael asked me.

"No," I shook my head. "I'll be in the study for another hour or so and my room's that one if you need anything." I pointed to the door at the end of the hallway.

Taglist:

@lukeshemmo @hybrid137 @liati2000

[stardancerluv]

The Adventures of a King and his Queen

Part Three

Summary: Ghosts of the past visit. Will Roman become a monster?

Warning: lots of angst and pain.

Silently, the four of you went back to nightclub.

“Take me to the back door.”

Once there, you and Doll-Face got Roman upstairs up to the penthouse. You walked him to the closet, “Fuck,” Roman barked, shaking his head, “At least they didn’t take my right arm.” His blue eyes were frozen chips. You and Doll-Face had managed to cover the bandages and dress him in a fresh suit and glove. After some struggle, you slipped the glove onto his only remaining hand, he grabbed yours.

“Y/N, this is gonna be a long fucking road ahead of us. He swallowed.

“I know, but I will be right here.” You were combing his hair so it looked good around the mask. “I will always be here.” You gave him a soft smile.

Wincing, he held up his hand gesturing his new face. “I am sorry I’m no longer the man who wooed you, who you fell in love with. Now, I truly look like the monster I really am. It can be seen by everyone.”

His words made your heart hurt, acting on impulse, and grabbed gently both sides of his face and kissed the now black cool lips. “You are still the man I love.”

You felt, as those lips kissed you back, he exhaled raggedly. “Y/N who the fuck did I pay off in heaven to get you.”

“No one. You were just who you are and I still love you. We will always love you.” Meeting his eyes, you smiled and brought his one day to your growing tummy.

“Damn, Y/N you might. But it will scare the baby. Their daddy is a monster.”

You shook your head. “No, they will love you like I do.”

“If you say so.” He remarked bitterly.

You adjusted the sling, so it looked liked his arm that was now gone forever was simply broken.

It would be awhile before a prosthetic would be made. Till then no one would know that they stole one of his limbs. Taking a comb, a final time you made his hair hang just right over the features of his new face.

He looked in the mirror. “Alright, let’s get down there and show them they messed with the wrong fucking man.”

*****

It was a usual Friday night at the Black Mask. Before you had headed down, you changed into something more appropriate. A sweet little dress with just the right heels. You watched as he managed to get to the center stage with flare. Singer giving him space. That was the Roman, you loved.

“Moving forward, I will take either a seltzer with lime or a ginger ale with some cherries.” You told to the bartender when he came over. He looked confused.

“It’s better for my health.” You were still in that early stage of the pregnancy. You were in no mood to tell anyone, just yet.

He nodded and smiled. “But still a martini for boss?”

You smiled and nodded. “You better believe it.”

You really wished for a real drink but you would have be strong. You were glad the bartender didn’t ask anything further about your drink. You didn’t feel like sharing the news at the moment, especially after what happened a few mere hours ago. As you took your drinks, you made your way over to the stage.

*****

Roman, made a slicing motion under his throat. The room instantly silenced.

“How is everyone doing?”

People held up glasses, their hands and cheers rang and bounced off the walls.

“That’s how we do it here at the Black Mask!” He paused and smiled. As you he looked down at you, he smiled. He took his drink from your hand and held it up. “Drinks on the house!” He downed the drink, then put the glass down on the piano. As drew close to him, he pulled you close. As you kissed him on the cheek, more cheers and woops filled the club.

“Roman....Roman...” a small group in the crowd chanted..and it grew..and grew.

“It’s working.” He whispered to you, he made a gesture after enjoying the chanting. “Alright, you’re in luck, shots on the house too!” He announced.

Together, you went and sat at table that the two of you sat at when he wanted to look out and watch things.

*****

A week later, you went downstairs and found Doll-Face. You found her wrapped up in the shawl. Your heart broke.

“Doll-Face?”

She looked up at you and rubbed her eyes.

“I buried him.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have helped.”

“I’m sorry.” She sighed. “But you’re pregnant I didn’t want to strain you.”

“Alright. But I’d like to visit. Perhaps the next time?”

She nodded. “I think he’d like that.” She paused. “I am going to get that bitch.” Her eyes turned to stone and she stood up.

“Please do.” You paused. “Doll-Face, please don’t leave.” You pressed your lips together. “I know there are memories here but I feel safe with you near.”

“I won’t be going anywhere for awhile.”

“Good. Thank you.”

****

You tried to work on new projects but it got increasingly more and more hard. It was because the baby was growing but it was because you occupied with finding away to help Roman. You were determined to find away to get that mask off his face. Seeing how angry he was made you said. You knew he had always been a bit and also liked a bit of a surprise when he carried things out but now the mask stole that from him.

You loved him no matter what. He was your man, he would be the father of the baby you were carrying. It killed you that he only would get really close to you in dark of the night. You could feel that he had grown ashamed of himself in the mask. Nothing you said seemed to make him feel better.

****

2 months later

You were in the nursery, the walls were finally painted. With the use of his good arm and the prosthetic Roman helped you bring a rocking chair. It slipped from his good hand.

“Fuck!” He barked. He reached down, grabbed it and lifted it again. “Let’s get it that in there.”

He couldn’t get a good grasp on it.

“I wish I could fucking do something right.” Once, it was in there he sat down in the rocking chair. He covered his face with his hand. “Oh, Y/N I am sorry.” Tears, fell from his blue eyes. Roman, never was one for crying. He had not cry over the death Victor, but now he did.

You went and knelt beside him. “Roman, it’s ok.” You’re still negotiating with your new limb. “And look you already have stopped using the cane!” You happily pointed out.

“Our baby will be fucking terrified of me.” He spat out. Anger and bitterness brimmed in his voice.

“No, it won’t.” You stood up and took his hand. “Feel that?” You took his hand. “It’s kicking. They can’t wait to meet their daddy.”

Roman’s voice lightened. “They’re strong.”

“Well it’s our baby.”

****

That had been the only time you had seen Roman cry. You wished desperately you could find a way to desperately get the mask off his face. To change what happened. You continued to search high and low there had to be some way.

Doll-Face and Roman, along with Tattoo were acquiring more territory. The newspapers spoke of blood on the streets. Frankly, you did not care.

After, what happened you wanted blood as well. They killed Victor, a man who had been violent but there were plenty of others out there who where much worse. What they took from your Roman that night filled you with rage.

Getting ready for the baby consumed your hours during the day but at night you looked for a way to restore Roman to his former glory.

In the violence, that increased you began to see less and less of him. He had more to handle, to take care of. You had tried to, touch him...to kiss him but he had begun shrugged off all advances. He’d disappear into his office or stay in his corner of the club for all hours of the night.

******

As the months on went on the frequency of Roman waking up screaming beside you became common place. Because of that, it broke your heart when sometimes, he’d retire to his office and sleep on his sofa.

Waking with a start, one particular morning, the sky was still a cold bluish purple. His screams had made you heart race faster. You saw as his shadow looked over at you, breathing heavily. The shadow resembled his old self. You yearned for those days.

“Y/N, are you there?” He rasped.

“Yes, are you ok?” You whispered to the shadow.

“Yeah. “ He mumbled.

You felt as he shifted on the bed. Your eyes finally adjusting in the darkness, you saw that he turned his back to you and was silent once again.

You reached for him but you pulled back your hand. You couldn’t handle it if he were only to shrug it off again.

When you awoke up later that morning, he wasn’t there. Sighing, you got up and went about your business. Taking your vitamins for the baby. You went and looked out the window.

Ghosts of the past, swirled around you.

Moulin Rouge was playing on the tv, Doll-Face and you were drinking absinthe when Roman and Victor finally finished their games of pool. The girl talk and the gushing over the male had come to in end. Though when, Come What May was sung or Roxanne played you two sang at the top of your lungs despite the looks the boys had on their faces. Their lips curling, wondering what made the two of you enjoy such a silly movie.

There had been another night where the girl talk went on with no interruptions. You both shared stories where Roman and Victor would surely blush or perhaps not but it had been fun to be able talk to another girl who understood your love for Roman.

There were was some of those crazy afternoons, where you all had lounged...yelled...laughed and conspired while playing an array of board games. Popcorn had been munched on. Hot chocolate sipped despite the chocolate mustaches it would cause.

There was the day of Thanksgiving! All four of you cooked and baked. Happiness and laughter had filled the otherwise empty club.

You remembered Roman, making hot chocolate and popcorn just for you to enjoy watching the Thanksgiving day parade with him.

There was also that night Roman, helped you the night you almost died. The chloroform a bunch of thugs used on you. That was the night Doll-Face and Victor carried out revenge in your name. Your friendship with them sealed. You had always known Roman carried...loved you but he had always been spare in his use of words. That night he spoke and showed you.

******

Holding onto the memories in your heart, you straightened your shoulders, you were going to go and see him. Enough was enough. Going, to his office you heard him, you knocked and went in.

“What the fuck, Y/N? Did I tell you that you could come in?” His voice was ice. It felt like a slap in the face.

You walked right back out. You went to your studio.

That’s when you finally let yourself cry. Till that moment, you had not. Maybe he had been right. Maybe the mask really was turning him into the monster the press said he was.

*****

A hand came to rest on your shoulder. Your heart shook. You remembered feeling his hands on your shoulders before he left that night. The pain of the memory was unbearable. Those bitches had destroyed your life.

“Y/N.” His voice was a whisper.

You didn’t nor could you answer right away.

His hand squeezed your shoulder. “Look, now, I’m just the monster that was hiding behind that handsome face.”

Your heart broke at his words. You turned to face him, “You can’t let them win.”

You stood up, “Roman, I love you. Our baby loves you.”

He looked away. When he looked at you, his eyes were far away. “You love the man who could have had anyone. Now people shrink away and whisper.”

“I don’t. I’ve have wanted to kiss you...to be in your arms for so long that I hurt because I barely remember those times.”

“You have?”

“Yes. Damn you.” You wrapped your arms around him and sighed when you felt his arm.

“I’m barely floating.”

“Hold onto me and we can do this together.”

He kissed you then. His lips may have become that black metal but his tongue was soft and warm. Easily, you melted as your tongues finally met once again in what had felt like a lifetime.

*****

Sometime, later that afternoon a message was sent to you. Your heart lifted. Perhaps, now you could finally bring some peace to Roman and yourself.

******

You peered into Roman’s office, him, Doll-Face and Tattoo were plotting something yet again. They hung over a huge map. You wrapped your scarf around your head and headed to the elevator. It came soon, it wasn’t long before you hailed a cab and headed to Chinatown.

*****

Taking a breath, you entered the restaurant. You were there for your baby and Roman. You could do this you, you thought to yourself.

Six men drew their guns on you, you gasped and brought your hands to your stomach. But then you swallowed, you were not some cowering girl. Reaching up you took off your sunglass, you tossed them on table beside you and then the scarf you were wearing.

“I am Mrs. Y/N Sionis. I am the one hoping to have a talk with Ras Al Guhl.”

“We will have to search you.”

“Certainly.” You put your purse down and held up your hands. “Please be careful. I am almost due.”

The one closest to you out his gun down and preceded to pat you down. “Oh! You really are pregnant.” He paused and grimaced at you. “I am terribly sorry. He apologized.

“It’s alright its part of the reason I am here.”

“She’s clean.” He looked at you. “You can sit here.”

“Thank you.”

A guy came in where a fancy robe and smiled broadly. “Why hello Mrs. Sionis! Welcome, let us talk come and sit down.”

You stood and rose an eyebrow. “You are not him.” You just knew in your gut that it wasn’t him. Being around Roman, you just knew this guy didn’t feel right.

“Yes. I am. How dare you challenge me.”

“I don’t mean to offend you, but you are not the man.” You paused, your hand balled into a fist. Your anger was growing. “Now please listen. In these last few months, I’ve tried to find something to bring my Roman back to his former self.” You took a breath to continue. “I am not doing it because I miss his handsome face.” You looked around the room.” I am doing it for my, for our child. Our child, should have a complete father. One that can hug him with both arms, or be around him and not be scared of what has become of his face.”

A man appeared behind the other. The man in the fancy robe, moved aside. “Mrs. Sionis, you must be aware of what kind of man you are pleading a case for.”

“Look, I know Roman had a violent past. And a violent future. But I and our baby didn’t deserve this.”

You took another breath. Rubbing your stomach as you felt a kick. “There is some good in him. I’ve seen it.” You looked at the man, came out from behind the man in the fancy robes, you looked him in the eye. “Also from what I know, the connections, the territories he has are intact, despite it all. That should show how strong he could be as an ally.”

The man pulled on his rather fancy, goatee. “Mrs. Sionis, you make several valid points. I will extend an olive branch, if he accepts then I will allow him access to one of my springs and if things continue to go well, perhaps since you have honor I will allow to bath in it as well, after the baby.”

“Thank you, thank you.” You said, your heart racing. “How can I tell you he accepts?” He slid a card on the table over to you.

You took it, and smiled.

“Go now, he has one week. If he doesn’t accept, I only offer once. He says no then that’s it. No second chances...no negotiations”

“I understand. Thank you.”

You headed back to the club...to Roman.

You were over the moon elated as you made your way back. You could only hope that Roman will accept and life would begin to look much brighter.

@darling-i-read-it @spn-obession @vintagemichelle91 @xxxeatyourh3artoutxxx @ewanfuckingmcgregor @zodiyack @angel98624 @starwarsprequelfangirl @nebulastarr @emyliabernstein @thepeachreads @itsknife2meetu @whyisgmora @theblackmaskclub @omghappilyuniquebouquetlove @nomnomnomnamja @poe-kadot26 @top-rumbelle-fan @primadonna-girl23 @hazel-nuss @vcat55 @feelthemadnessinside @rosionis @queenofgotham800 @brookisbi @peachthatdrinkslemonade @johallzy @foreverhockeytrash @frostypenguinoz @scarlett-black1 @smoltiddygf @starwarsslytherin @shantellorraine

[another-sonic-blog]

Stages: The Favor

Stages: Casual Friends Pt.2: The Favor (Chapter 7)

Pairing: ShadAmy (Friends to lovers SLOW BURN)

2K800

Previous: https://another-sonic-blog.tumblr.com/post/190413740165/stages-short-memories

.

It has been a tough week for Amy. She had to quit from her job to go look for Sonic and Tails along Team Dark. Her boss wasn't one to give her vacations and when she asked for a couple of days off, her boss fired her on the spot.

It was a bit sad, she disliked the job, but she liked the restaurant.

Now she was trying to look for a job but it was hard when she didn't have a proper education.

She finished high school and wanted to strive for university, but looking at her financial situation, that wasn't going to happen any time soon.

She didn't have a proper apartment either. She lived on one of the dormitories the Resistance provided. It was alright. It got a little bit cold at nights but she had a lot of blankets, so she was fine. Water, light, and everything was provided as well.

She tried to be as positive as possible but it was hard when two of her agents left the Resistance that day.

.

"I am sorry Captain, we can't just keep working here." One of the agents said, "I am sorry, but we need to look for a place that can provide enough for us."

"I completely understand," Amy said smiling.

"Captain, sorry for the comment I am about to make but..." he added, "G.U.N. is offering a lot of entry-level jobs. There is even an academy you can join for free if you are good enough. With your abilities, I am sure-"

"I didn't ask for an advice agent. If you may do so, please leave now."

.

She regrets now talking to the couple in such away. They were just trying to help after all. Now, they were only 10 members in the Resistance. Five worked on the building and the other 5 were outside agents, the ones who did missions.

The Resistance needed sponsors, but the Resistance was no G.U.N.

In a way, it worked as the celebrity industry.

Let's take Omega as an example. Omega was known for being a hero and was part of G.U.N's Team Dark. People once saw him drinking Royal Purple synthetic oil. The next day, the company that produces the oil, contacted G.U.N and they both made a contract that Omega and all vehicles of G.U.N should use Royal Purple oil.

It was a 25 million ring contract.

But enough of explanations.

She was ready to take on the world again. She had several interviews today and hopefully, by the end of the day, she will have a new job.

.

"Agent-Sh-Shadow?"

"Yes?"

Shadow tried to remember the agent's name. Was it, Molly? Holly? He was bad at remembering names.

The girl trembled and she looked nervous. She looked at the ground, trying to avoid eye contact with Shadow, which annoyed him.

"Can you look at me in the eyes?" He said as he picked up the girl's chin, so she could look at him.

He didn't mean to tease her or anything like that, he just didn't like it when new agents wouldn't make eye contact.

Of course, the young cat girl blushed at his gesture but it gave her the courage to continue.

The brown cat gave a quick look at her friends who were hiding, whispering encouraging words.

"Would you ..." The car girl looked at Shadow in the eyes and continued, "Would you like to go out with me?"

Was that it? All of this fuzz for her just to ask him to go out with her.

"Alright," Shadow said, "Let's go right now."

The brown fur cat girl wasn't expecting it to be so fast. She could hear her friends giggle and high fiving each other under the office's desk.

"Right now? But we are at work," she said.

"And? Let's go now."

Shadow walked past the girl as she followed him. This was so exciting for her, she was actually going to go a date with no other than Shadow the Hedgehog.

 Shadow and the girl stepped right out and entered G.U.N's private garden.

"Alright," Shadow added, "We are out."

Alright, she wasn't expecting this to happen. Was Shadow the Hedgehog really that dense?

"I meant...to go out as a ...date." The girl quietly asked.

Oh, so that was why she was so nervous. For Shadow, it was normal for girls to ask him out on dates. But he will always give them the same answer.

"My apologies, I don't-"

"He would love to take you out for dinner today, Ellie" Rouge suddenly appeared behind the couple as she placed her hand on Shadow's shoulder.

So, Ellie is her name? Shadow really thought it was Molly or something like that. His bad.

"What? No, I-"

Shadow stopped himself as he looked at the young cat girl. Her face shone as she smiled and she seemed just way too happy.

Shadow couldn't say no.

"I'll see you at 7 p.m. today,"

.

Amy was finally done with her second interview. The first interview was looking for a waitress at a fancy restaurant. The second one as a retail salesperson for a clothing shop. Her third interview will be later on, at a restaurant similar to the one she worked before.

She was hungry, however, and decided to look for a convenience store to buy a sandwich or something that could satisfy her hunger.

She walked a few streets down and through a store's window glass, she found her favorite red and black hedgehog.

Well, the only one she knew.

She entered the bookstore where she spotted her friend and walked towards him, trying to be as quiet as she could as she sneaked upon him. He was holding a book, 'How to date for dummies'

How interesting.

"Hey, Shadow!" Amy said loudly and he jumped a little. "What are you reading?"

"Nothing!" He said as he hid the book behind him.

Shadow didn't want to do it, he was actually going to back off and tell the girl he had other errands to do. However, Rouge stopped him mid-track as she made him remember the favor he owned her. Shadow now needs to pay his debt off to Rouge.

Amy smirked at him as she crossed her arms. "How to date for dummies?"

"It's been a long time," Shadow said defeated. "I don't think I am ready."

"If you don't think you are ready, then why do it?"

"Rouge obliged me to."

"I see," Amy added, "When is it?"

"Tonight,"

Amy looked at Shadow, he looked lost as if he was under big stress.

"Alright, let's go," Amy said as she took away Shadow's book and put it back on the shelf. "Follow me."

"Where are we going?" Shadow asked.

"We are going on a date!"

.

"Rule number one! On the first date, never take someone to the movies! Go eat! You can't have fun with an empty stomach."

"Is this why you took me to this hot dog food truck?"

"Yes...but I was actually hungry too."

"Of course."

Amy had a few hours left for her next interview and so, she was going to use her time to teach Shadow how to properly date. She was enjoying her cheap hot dogs but stopped eating as soon as noticed that Shadow wasn't eating.

"You won't eat?" Amy asked.

"I follow a strict diet," Shadow replied.

"Says the guy who eats three dark cholate cakes in one night."

"Touché."

Shadow asked for a hot dog and the vendor gave him one right away.

It was really good, better than he expected.

Amy smiled as she watched Shadow happily eat his second hot dog. He ate like a little kid, he had leftover ketchup next to his mouth.

"Wait," Amy said and Shadow looked at her. "You have something here."

She used her thumb to clean up the ketchup and lick the leftover of her thumb.

"Remember to be clean when you eat with your date."

"Says the one with ketchup all over her white shirt." He replied.

Amy looked down and indeed, she was dirty.

"Ugh, for the love of Chaos!" Amy said angrily and this amused Shadow.

He left out a small laugh.

.

"Rule number two! After eating, go and do fun activities together!"

Shadow and Amy entered an arcade. New and old games were at display but Amy was going straight to her favorite one. Pump it Up Prime 2!

"Let's dance!" Amy said as she went on top of the game, where the arrows showed and step on the central yellow button.

"I don't dance,"

"Yes, you do! You danced at the ball, didn't you?"

How the hell was Amy so good at these comebacks?

Shadow sighed, defeated he stepped on the game and stomped on the yellow button and clicked play.

Amy picked a song and they began to play.

Shadow was a natural at playing the game. Amy was barely level 7, she just couldn't keep up at how fast the arrows showed at the screen. But after a few rounds, Shadow was level 23.

Of course, he would be level 23, he is one the fastest hedgehogs she knows.

"Fine, I accept defeat," Amy said as she pointed at Shadow, "But you won't beat me at Racing Storm!

Racing Storm was a famous shooting game, and Shadow knew he was just made for it.

"Too easy," He added, "You know I will beat you."

"No, you won't!" Amy and Shadow walked towards the game as they approached the shooting game. "I am really good at this game! You know what, let's make a deal!"

This peeked in Shadow's interest. He picked up the plastic gun, "What kind of deal?"

"If you win, I will own you a favor." Amy added, "But if I win, you need to ask your date to go on a 2nd date with you."

Shadow looked at the game as he thought about the deal.

But there wasn't much to think about.

"Deal."

It was a tie. So, they both compromised. Amy owns Shadow a favor, and Shadow will ask Ellie on a 2nd date.

After, laser tag, bowling, air hockey, and even racing games, in which Amy and Shadow were very competitive, Amy was done for the day.

"Well, I have to go now!" Amy said as she looked at her watch.

"What? Why?" Shadow asked a bit disappointed. He had to admit he was ... enjoying himself just a little.

"I have an interview in 30 minutes," Amy added, "I need to go to the Resistance really quick and change my shirt."

Amy looked down at her white shirt and mentally damn the hot dogs she was eating earlier.

"What happened to your previous job?" Shadow asked as they both exited the arcade.

"I um ... got fired." Amy said quietly as she looked down to the ground, embarrassed.

"Why?"

"Um, he wasn't one to give free days to go look for Sonic and well ... yeah." Amy felt embarrassed and she didn't want to look at Shadow in the position she was. "It's a bit disappointing, I actually liked the restaurant."

Shadow hated when people wouldn't look at him in the eyes. So he did the same thing he did to Ellie. He picked up Amy's chin and made her look at him.

Shadow sighed as he took off his jacket and placed it on top of Amy's shoulders.

"Take my jacket, it will cover your stain and it makes you look more professional," Shadow said.

"Yeah, I am not fond of wearing jackets that have your name on the back." Amy added, "But considering that I don't have much time and it's actually a bit chilly ... I'll take it."

Amy smelled the jacket and of course, it had Shadow's cologne all over it. "Also, I think you put too much cologne."

"I am not wearing any," Shadow replied.

"If you say so," Amy teased, "So, you are giving me your jacket?"

"No, I am just lending it to you-"

.

"You are giving me your jacket?"

"No, I am just lending it to you,"

.

Shadow didn't finish his sentence and Amy noticed that it was him now not looking at her in the eyes.

"Shadow?" She asked, but there was no response. "Shadow?!"

"Uh, yes, yes. You can keep it, I have more of them anyways." He replied, still lost in thought.

Amy knew that this must mean something to him. He looked relaxed before, but now he had that anxious look on his face, terror, even.

And she dared to ask.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Amy asked, "You know ... about her?"

Words wouldn't come out of his mouth as he couldn't stop remembering.

.

"You promised wouldn't do it again," Shadow said.

"Sorry babe, I promise you this time, I will change."

.

"You are late again," Shadow waited two hours at a dinner table, waiting for her to appear.

"Sorry, I had to organize some papers."

Lies.

.

"It's alright if you don't want to talk about it!"

Amy's voice made Shadow jump back to reality. Breaking him free from his trance.

He sighed relieved as he nodded at her. Another day could go by without him having to talk about her.

Amy smiled at him as she patted his right shoulder softly. She didn't know the details about what happened between Shadow and ... his love interest. However, she wasn't going to put any pressure on him.

"If you ever want to talk about..." Amy added, "I'll be here. I'll wait until you are ready."

Shadow appreciated the kindness of Amy and he softly gave her a small smile as he looked at her.

A few seconds passed without saying a word and Amy decided to break the silence.  

"Rule number 3 for dating!"She said excitedly, "Never kiss on the first date. That will scare her away."

"Noted,"

Shadow felt confident now. After two years of not dating, he thought he wasn't ever going to be able to do it again.

But thanks to Amy, he had changed opinions about himself.

.

The next day arrived, and Amy woke up at the sound of someone entering the Resistance without permission.

She walked downstairs quickly and received the young man who looked lost.

"Sorry, is this the residence of Amy Rose?" The young green wolf asked her. He was dressed in a suit and looked very professional.

"Yes, that's me." Amy responded, "How can I help you?"

"Oh, nice to meet you, my name is Alexander and I need you to sign some documents."

Was this it? Was the government finally take away the Resistance from Amy?

"Look, I promise I'll pay soon. I just got a job and-"

"Pay? No, it's nothing about that." He replied, "You have become the new owner of MoMo's restaurant."

"What? There must be a mistake, I used to work there only." Amy said.

"Yes, but yesterday, Shadow the Hedgehog bought the restaurant and he named you the complete owner of the restaurant." The green wolf added, "In other words, this is a gift from him to you."

Amy couldn't believe it and she denied it as he moved her head from side to side, "There's no way I can accept it."

"He told me you would say that," The wolf smiled as he pulled out the documents and a pen from his briefcase, giving it to Amy.

"And he told me to tell you ... that you own him a favor."

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

A/N: Here is a fluff piece for today's chapter. On the next chapter will see how good (or bad) Shadow's date went. And course we will be seeing a little more of Shadow's backstory.

The next chapter will probably come out next weekend. I am going to have a busy weekend but if I have time, I'll write a chapter this Sunday.

Anyways, thank you so much for reading!

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to the beloved: @lonelysadblob​ thank you so much for your support! I am happy you like this story of mine <3 I am also such a big fan of your artwork! It’s amazing! @lonelysadblob

Next: SOON

[cutegirlmayra]

Commission receipt: Ember’s Story, another chapter

Ember’s Story Commission Receipt

@marydragneell Commission for The Flares That Come From Ashes (Another chapter to Ember’s story)

Time: about 2 months or so.

Review: @marydragneell :  OMG IM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH IT ❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤ The beginning is so cute 😍 how ember and manic are with each other. Her being in manic's band❤❤❤❤How cute and adorable they are together. Love the sinister appearance of mephilis perfect for him. Manic being a awesome badass for his girlfriend. Shadow acting jealous in such a cute sibling way. The perfect reaction to her trigger of seeing someone she love hurt 💔 ❤The recomforting ❤🖤❤🖤❤🖤❤ Just manic calling shadow big bro XD and pocking fun of shadow. All the " i wanna get your blessing ". Perfect representation of the duality of ember mental state, her nature and how she act. AMAZING BATTLE SCENE!!!!!!!!!!! The characters grow 👌 And the fact that you show that the fusion did left a permanent impact on her.

Me: Boy it was fun! Thanks again for the opportunity. ^//u//^

Paid Amount: 60$ for 50+ pages to add to the wonderful story of Ember the Immortal Wolf, prototype to Shadow The Hedgehog, and embedded with the rejected Cursed Emerald.

Product Preview: With permission from @marydragneell, here is the ROUGH DRAFT of the product.

The Flares that Come From Ashes

Another short story for the amazing Mary!

By: Cutegirlmayra

"La, la, la~" Ember tapped the mic, then garbled some gibberish to clear her throat. "Do, ray, me." She spoke, smiling nervously as she seemed a bit spooked by the stage lights. "Come on, Manic. You really think I'm ready for all this?" Ember twiddled her claws lightly against each other, ducking her head slightly as she tried to see through the blinding spotlights and turned to see the rest of the band practicing in their own respective places on stage. "It just seems... like maybe I'm not cut out to be in a band." She rubbed her arm, shyly admitting her fears of joining his group.

"Nah, girl. You really are ready." Manic, leaning against the side of the stage, finally walked out to reveal himself and stood beside her, drumming her shoulder, then her head, then her mic as she giggled and pulled her head slightly away from his reach. "You just need some confidence singing in front of others, is all."

Ember smiled sweetly, blushing at his cute charms. "This will be a lot different than helping Shadow at..." she gagged, not wanting to say G.U.N's name and still having a biased against them.

"Right. No more secret missions." He winked to her, then leaned with his arms crossed on the mic. "Babe, you really think you can't have a first debut with my band?"

"I'm just..! Psyching myself out!" she shook her head, her long coat swishing with the motion as her tail fluffed out in hopes of getting herself pumped. "Let's practice, just one more time!" she gripped the mic and he moved for her, but placed a hand right where hers was on the mic, then moved it up to show that he would stand there as emotional support. He gripped the mic to hold it steady for her, and for a second, their fingers intertwined, just the pinkie and ring finger, making Ember smile at his tender touch of compassion.

"Remember your diaphragm is your strongest tool, use it well. But it needs to breathe." He teased, leaning to her cheek to and letting their faces touch. His breath was warm, and the scent of their last home-cooked meal made her giggle and wiggle her nose a bit. Tingles came from her hands up to her cheeks, and she blushed at how close he was.

Nodding and swooning at his flirtations, she finally took a deep breath... honing all the knowledge about music, tempo, and breath-control he had been teaching her and began to sing lightly.

"Louder, Ems!" he bounded towards the edge of the stage, "Louder, girl!" then jumped off, moving back and spreading his arms out. "We gotta hear ya in the back!" he started drumming on the chairs, "I can't hear you, and I'm up in the front!"

She tried to sing a little louder, swishing her body back and forth but still nervous and more focused on what he was doing.

"Where's my girl's voice? I thought this was a rockin' concert!" He drummed louder, since she couldn't see through the lights, letting her know he was now towards the back of the venue they were playing at tonight.

She took both hands and pulled the mic's stand towards her, the wires whiplashed and she hoisted it up above herself, belting as loud as she could a powerful note that suddenly blasted through the speakers like an avalanche on a mountain's side.

The whole of the arena shook in the vibrations, making the band behind her almost lose balance and a few plug or stuck a finger in their ears from the deafening sound.

"Whoo! Now that's what I call a lion's roar Friday and no canary Saturday! Yeah!" He seemed to be hyped about her new found sound but his band mates all shook their heads and itched inside their ears again, hearing a ringing from that loudness.

They clearly weren't thrilled about her almost blowing out the mics, but she patted it lightly and whispered, "Sorry." with an embarrassed smile. She just wanted to get back at Manic, trying to prove a point that she didn't want to—literally—bring the house down.

However, Ember was only focused on pleasing Manic at the same time. She still wasn't the best at making friends, but with the ones she was able to gain, she treasured them dearly and without hesitation.

She trusted Sonic and his gang, Shadow—obviously—and lastly Manic... first and foremost.

She was still a little hesitant about Rouge... but that was just because she worked close with Shadow, and she didn't like how close they seemed to be in more ways than just work...

Either way, this was family. What she had wanted from the very beginning. To not feel alone or useless... Manic and the others accepted that she was dangerous, but also that she was loving, funny, and sweet.

Sure, she could be sassy, but only when provoked to and by appropriate means... sometimes.

She giggled, thinking of times she's purposefully ticked Sonic off just to make Shadow smile. Though he'd scold her, it would be a light whack on the head, and she knew by the light pat afterward where he hit her that he was glad she shut his annoying mouth for a change~

Most of the time, she acted a bit like the gang's grandmother. She would pick flowers with Cream, try and help Amy to learn to sing, and duke it out with Knuckles! She wasn't always keen on the technical stuff Tails liked to do, but even then, she let him research her powers every now and then. Showing off her strength was fun too, but Shadow always told her to hold back a bit... which was hard, since Ember could get super competitive!

"Hey, let's go over some songs real quick. We still got time." Manic hopped up to the stage and sat on the edge, pulling out some sheet music and pointing to some parts. "You struggled before with this one but I think you've nailed it since. Still, no harm in rehearsing and making sure it's picture perfect right?"

'Perfect..?'

Ember lowered her mic's stand back down lightly to the stage. sorrowfully, she was pulled out of her funny, perfect memory and placed in another conflicting stance. There was no better word to dampen her spirits than that one... and it hadn't been so long since she felt so imperfect and dangerous. It was definitely something she struggled with, but worked hard to overcome within herself.

Those children... they were still screaming for food or hugs. Maria... and Dr. Gerald Robotnik... they were still marveling at Shadow before he had awakened.

Some things never changed, but her memories of not being able to save anyone... those were the hardest to lock away and turn her mentally gazing eye from.

"Huh? What's wrong, Ems?" Manic got up, noticing her change in demeanor. "Uh oh, did I cramp your style?" He moved his hand in an old 90's way and she shook her head, realizing he was trying to cheer her up again.

"Shadow's the ultimate life form... the perfect cure or whatever..." She swished her body to the side, ignoring his cuteness for a moment to try and explain herself. she nervously held her hands behind her back and rubbed them together too, trying to hide her fidgety nature. She sighed a long, breathy wind out onto the mic from her nose and then felt arms around her waist. "H-hey!" she blushed, getting lifted up into the air, her arms coming out by her sides.

"Well, it's true no one's perfect." Manic tickled her with his long, hedgehog nose by her exposed belly, making her fidget to get out of his grasp. "But your perfect for me, babe. I don't need you to do the world's sense of perfection, but only your very best self should be on this stage. Alright? Otherwise... I'm gonna have to have a private session with you in the back..." he turned her around and began to kiss her neck, making her laugh at his suggestion.

"Oh, no audience, eh? Taking the pressure off?" She teased, patting his chest lightly to pretend to get him off of her.

"Emm... something like that." He head-bumped her forehead affectionately, "Just us two. Playing... somewhat what we're supposed to do." He took her hands and pulled them out a little to her sides, just messing with her and helping her loosen up.

Her tail wagged slightly and she looked up with a red muzzle. He really was a charmer... "Are all hedgehogs born charming?"

"Naaaah," Manic let one of her hands he was holding onto go and waved her compliment off in a comical way, "Your brother was created with his natural, flaring smile." He gestured to his smirk and she fell to the ground laughing. "Engineered to be devilishly handsome, I suppose. Your family has good genes."

"Hand-selected." She teased back and the two fell in howling laughter on the ground, rolling to their backs and having their arms grasping around their waistlines, the tip of their heads right up by each other's.

"Yo, can you two stop acting so precious?" One of the band mates smiled to them, "We need to get back to practice, you know. And you two would be wise to do the same, as well!"

Manic just nodded, pretending to be serious again. "Right, mate. Of course, don't let us stop you guys from your hard work either." He held up a hand and as soon as the member turned around, he expertly threw a lightly spinned drum stick to hit his head.

"Ow! Why you-!" Then the whole of the band started laughing, jumping in to dog pile Manic.

Ember smiled at the ruckus, wagging her tail as she got up to avoid the squabble. Seeing how close he was to them, made her happy... but... She crawled away from the fight, hugging her legs to resist the urge to join them. Though she really, really wanted too jump in and roughhouse with them. She knew she was a bit too powerful to do that though... So her ears bent back and she placed her head on her legs, waiting patiently and enjoying the boys' playful wrestle match, all in good fun.

"We don't care if you bring your girlfriend in to sing, but do you have to be so cute with her, Man!?" one stated and she blushed. They never really officially told anyone... maybe just Shadow, but he denied it fiercely.

She wondered why... after all, Manic kept her away from Shadow most of the time. She stayed out of trouble too... so why was he so opposed to him?

He had stated he was fine with her having friends, so why not a boyfriend? Last time he saved her from Scourge, Shadow had admitted Manic wasn't so bad a guy... maybe he was prejudice against his hippie vibe persona? Though she knew in her heart he was raised in the rough streets where he had to steal most of the time... maybe that could be a player in Shadow's obvious disapproval of him?

"Lay off, dude, I can't help but want to hold her. Got a problem with that?!" Manic grinned from ear to ear, hitting the blokes off in their tussling sport before they all seemed to be done with messing with him. Panting and looking tired, they probably just needed to blow off some of the nerves they were feeling. It was their big night too... Ember couldn't screw it up.

"Whatever, just keep to a schedule. Kiss and coo after the performance, okay?" One went to get his fallen shades for his eyes and shook his head, just making fun of his friend.

"Yeah, at least we can avoid it then." Another stated, giving Manic a nudge in the shoulder as brothers would do.

"The love police, Ember. They're everywhere!" Manic got up with a quickened step, stumbling over as fast as he could back to her, scrambling to stay on his feet but really just crawling to her. She just couldn't help but fall for him over and over again... as he kept falling over and over trying to get to her.

He helped her up and she jumped to her feet, "Maybe we do need to just go solo then."

The band groaned and they laughed, "Don't take our best drummer, Ember." They teased in reply.

But as all seemed to go back to normal, the band rehearsing and Ember warming up her voice, a strange wind storm picked up... there was a rustling in the leaves as they flew up towards the stage lights... causing gentle shadows over the harsh beams of white. The wind blew a warning sound, bellowing as though trying to speak over Ember's singing voice. But in the darkness of the sky there twisted out a small, purple portal. It's mouth gaped wide, spinning with loops of different shades of darkness like blues and purples into a wavy effect in the black sky.

Finally, looking away from Ember a moment as he drummed, Manic sensed something off as his quills picked up in the wind's fierce direction. He stopped by reaching out and touching his drums, stopping the beat and vibrations to look around. "What is that?" Manic held up a hand for the others to also cease a moment... and listen. He then turned to his band, "Get on guard, dudes. There's only one thing that makes me this chilly." He began, getting off the drums and clutching his magical necklace a moment, "Dangerous schemes..." he narrowed his eyes towards the purple portal.

They all hurried to the back of the stage as something misty and liquid dropped like runny goop from the rift in the sky. It began to form from the shadows around it, rising from the ground in what looked like a misty, disfigured water fountain. A figure solidified... rolling its head into place and crooking its two arms out like a scarecrow in the isle of the arena...

The figure had distinct hedgehog quills... then a white tuff that looked almost grey a moment... bluish gleams from its silhouette.

It almost looked like... That obsidian color...

"...Shadow?" Ember stated in disbelief as the rift blasted away as though something fiery were on the other end. Flames that torched the sky and even blinded the band who tried to shield themselves with their arms. "Ahh..!" Ember felt like the flames were brighter than the stage lights... At last, the figure looked itself over, as though checking to make sure it survived whatever had brought it here.

The colors were slightly wrong, the grey instead of the red... what was this? An illusion? Some sort of trick?

His eyes were covered in what seemed like a green glaze, though it was clear it did resemble Shadow, in a striking way.

"Strange... this time was my only escape... I don't have long before Sonic and his friends blow out my other half..." He then sharply looked over to Ember, narrowing his eyes as he felt the pull of an odd chaos emerald. "Interesting... I sense a great sorrow in your chest... mind if I remove it?" he slowly, creepily moved in a zombie fashion with flimsy gestures with his hand to point at Ember. "It won't take long... but it will be painful... hahahaha." He laughed as though an axe hacking at stone.

"This doesn't look so good!" Manic grabbed the silver necklace that dangled loosely by his chest and a set of magical drums—different than his band's—sprung into existence through sparkles from the arena. "Get out of here, Ember. I don't think this guy is anywhere close to being your brother."

"B-but..." She covered her cursed emerald, and looked to Manic. "What about you? I'm not just gonna run while you take on this... this thing!" She was clearly spooked, but would never abandon Manic.

'It could be a clone,' was her first thought, remembering Shadow's stories and how Eggman had cruelly tormented him by making him think he—himself—was nothing more than a fake. Luckily, he was the original, and Ember could tell that right away... though she had never seen a clone.

"Shadow... I haven't heard that name in a long time." The figure slid his foot up to step forward, "Nor have I heard... Brother?" He seemed to twist his head as though stretching his neck back. "I wasn't aware there were more of his kind... but that explains why that dark essence hasn't eaten your life away just yet..." He was like a ragdoll, and quickly seemed to regain himself, rolling his spine as up to straighten himself, but instead his back lurched back and his arms dangled again to his sides. "I need a host soon, or my very being, the will and mind of Solaris, will be destroyed fully in my flame body, Iblis... Which Sonic currently is trying to defeat." His words made no since to them, but Ember gathered that he knew Shadow.

"You know Shadow The Hedgehog?" She stepped forward, but Manic just looked back at her, worried.

"I... drew my form off his shadow." His head lowered as his eyes seemed to pierce like spears through to her core. "And soon... I'll draw form from you as well..."

"Ember, don't listen to him! I can feel his vibes, he's no good!" Manic tried to warn her, getting antsy on his drum seat. However, she seemed entranced with the idea of someone that looked like Shadow... maybe another experiment?

Though she had a perfect memory, she knew for a fact that Gerald hadn't created any similar copies of Shadow...

'Flame body?' she wondered, her ears flicking as she pondered his words. 'Form?'

"Ah, I see you're of the sensible kind... excellent. Hahahaha..!" The figure laughed in his sadist way again, plotting something... "I was ripped apart from my other half by your... brother..." He gestured to his body, "I assume his form now only to survive, but since I have failed after merging with my glorious true form again... I have no choice but to rewrite time while I still have a silver of flame left in me... Reunite me with a new half, and I can tell you what will befall Shadow in the future... The persecution... the misery of his shamed life." He wildly swung a hand out to her, the side of his body faltering as he tilted with his outstretched hand, down and to the side.

Ember was immediately pulled into that promise, wondering what he meant and if he was somehow tied to another time. She stepped forward again, but this time Manic grabbed her arm back, "Ember, don't-!" he warned, but this figure only laughed at his attempt.

"Ember... what a befitting name... the last flares of my life... mixed with the ashes that shall soon be the remainder of your own... It's perfect poetry... hahahaha!" The figure stood like a scarecrow again, laughing as more dark flares formed around him, rolling his head back in dark humor.

At that last sentence Ember stepped back, and the lure he had over her lessened.

However... for Shadow's future's sake... she wanted so desperately to know more.

"I escaped a deadly fate, I only want to release you from your imprisonment... and allow it to be my salvation." He gestured his hand out to speak, seeing he had her strung on his previous words, "But not just my own... but to save your fellow immortal... as well..."

"He has answers. I knew G.U.N would betray us!" she began to grow angry, her fangs bared with her clamping bite as she gritted her teeth and growled.

"Yes... the world will never accept you... After all, we're both of the dark." He lowered his head, having her emerald embedded in her chest glowing the same purple mist with darkness lining its power in his crystallizing eyes with magma red glowing from the sockets... "Together... we can change the future." He flashed in a light and seemed to crystallize fully, "Now then... with the last of my power, I have altered time and come to this world... Ember... Give me of your power!"

"Ember, please." Manic didn't like holding her back, but he knew something was off. "You've accepted yourself, remember? The world doesn't matter, but those who love you do!" he gently tugged on her arm again, trying to get her to stand behind him on this one. "Please... this guy doesn't have your best interest at heart! Isn't that obvious?!"

"But he might have Shadow's..." Her eyes softened, but she didn't want to just shake Manic off. She knew in her heart that would be wrong, "If there's a way I can help Shadow..."

"Keeping you alive and happy will help Shadow!" Manic spun her around, turning her gaze from the figure, who lifted his head in a twitching jolt at losing sight of the cursed emerald... "If Sonic defeated him and he's running, don't you think that's a bad sign?" Manic tried to convince further, "I just can't have you go with him, Ember. Please, listen to me. Just this once, okay? You can ignore me the rest of the concert but hear my words now, at least now, Ember!" He was struggling to have her look at him, but she just kept ducking her head. She hadn't seen him this worked up before, but the idea that Shadow's future could be spared... But was he really a bad guy from another time and world? Would Sonic know of him?

She longed to have joined in that playful wrestle with Manic and his friends... If she was rid of the cursed emerald, could she live a normal life? Would her immortality fade and she could have a life with Manic? Finally end this suffering? Would her super powers fade and she could be a regular lady without a single care in the world?

Or would the world be better off without her... if she was so dangerous, maybe at least... she could leave Shadow with some hope for his future...

Impatient, the figure's being rose in the air. "I am Mephilis the Dark. I'm your only means for salvation." He began to form what looked like a crystal in his hand. It carried down to form a crystal around his body, and soon, he blasted into a hardened form with seemed to have a silver tuff that looked strangely like a bird... "Come to me, chaos emerald! Join your form to a more suitable host!" he formed a purple sphere in his hand and threw it towards her, a large dark beam flung behind her to block the other members of the band from interfering.

A huge ridge was created in the stage, and the others moved away to escape the glowing beam before Manic turned to see Mephilis charging through the air towards Ember, reaching for her emerald.

Ember's eyes looked ready to reflex... but relaxed... as though thinking it was time to accept whatever fate had in store... maybe for the greater good.

"No!" Manic slammed his drum sticks against his magical drum set that blasted out a sonic boom.

Mephilis pulled back to block the attack,... "Grr...ahhh!" In frustration, he was held back.

Manic looked to Ember, a sense of urgency and concern in his eyes, "Look, I've lived on the streets! Take my advice and get outta here or I'm gonna have to fight this guy!" he seemed really serious, "Go!" he was done saying please, and Ember could see it.

With regret at not trusting him right away, she looked back at Mephilis, then Manic. "You run too, then!" she cried out, but he was already locked in a battle with the strange figure now known as Mephilis... as dark orbs launched towards him but Manic played a sick beat that blasted them away.

"No! Go find Shadow! I'll stall him!" He seemed dedicated to the fight. "Trust me, I'll be okay! You guys go too!"

The bandmates all hesitated as well, but then took hold of Ember, trying to pull her back and let them flee with her.

"Noo..!" She shook them off, almost throwing one of them, "I won't leave you!"

However, the bandmates looked to each other and one put their hand on her shoulder, "Look, Ems. He's Sonic's brother, right? If he says he's got this, we gotta trust him." He nodded to her, "That weirdo's after you, right? He's only trying to protect you. Come on, we can fight another day. Especially when we learn more about this impostor!"

She took one final look back at Manic... "Promise?" she knew he would never go back on one...

Manic didn't say anything... but gave a light nod. "Take care of her for me, boys... her brother can keep her safe and I'll figure out more about this dude. Go now!"

"Manic..." She felt tears coming to her eyes but with an orb being sent her way, a bandmate stepped forward and whacked it back with his guitar. At least, he tried, but upon impact the guitar exploded and sent the bandmate flying back.

Ember outstretched her hand and grabbed him, moving with the others to retreat. "You better promise me... in your heart! I'll be waiting for you! Otherwise... I'm... I'm coming for you!" she was rushed with the bandmates out through the back...

"I don't take lightly to people trying to rip my girlfriend apart!" A side of Manic that Ember hadn't really seen in him came out, a protective and hardened side of Manic she didn't know was there.

She knew he lived on the streets, was a thief and all, but he always talked about having honor with it.

As she took off, she could hear him bantering with Mephilis, and knew he'd be somewhat okay. She could picture him winking to her, blowing her a kiss, and saying to find somewhere safe. But the only safe place right now would be... ughh...

She groaned in her thought process, "Shadow's going to be so mad..."

G.U.N HQ

"I didn't bail on Manic! He's not into fighting, true, but he knew something was up and I just didn't listen to him. I wanted to know what future that look-a-like was talking about for you, can you blame me?" Ember tried to explain herself, but Shadow turned around abruptly to cut her off from any further justification she would have thrown at him.

"Yes, and I will." He moved to the other side of the room, "This is bad timing. I get a headache when you say his name, and I can't remember where I would have met him. You say he has my form?" he looked back at her as she nodded, once figuring out he wasn't talking about Manic.

"Truthfully! I thought it was you at first..." she held her head down, worried about Manic again, and then tried to give him her best 'pleading little sister wolfie eyes' to get him to help.

Shadow just sighed, taking a moment to accept that she wasn't making things up for his attention. "Fine. I'll look into it, see if Gerald-"

"No! I know his secrets, this isn't one of them!" She swiped her arm out, declaring it thus. "Let's not waste time with reading insignificant files! We have to go and get Manic!"

"Calm down, sweetie. Your boyfriend's defeated but he isn't dead... yet." The womanly voice flew down from the rafters, flexing her wings out and patting Ember's head. However, the action was taken as a insult, Ember thinking she was demeaning her by making her feel like a child being comforted, "There, there. What a whiny little sister you can be sometimes. Especially since you're a number one target for that escapee recently."

"Rouge." Shadow's eyes narrowed to her, as if telling her to remain silent on that.

"Escapee?" Ember thought a moment, moving her fingers as if trying to put two and two together, then her eyes widened in shock. "SCOURGE!?" Ember gripped her head, then looked wildly to her figurative brother, "Scourge is out now, too!?"

"Apparently, seeking revenge." Rouge walked around her and headed towards Shadow, folding her arms. "You were instructed by G.U.N to track him down, yet you didn't even warn your own sister yet?"

Shadow just verbally let out a groan at her spilling the information without going over it with him first. "I didn't want to worry you." He looked to Ember, "I would have handled it silently, no need to get you fired up over a rematch."

Ember would have liked the idea but now was not the time, "E-Everyone's after me cursed emerald!" she shouted out like an Irish leprechaun, but stuttered in trying to make the atmosphere lighter than what seemed like impending doom... "So he's broken out of prison, there's a time traveling—I guess—looney now. Anything else I missed?" The room remained silent, eyes turning away from her. "Great, this is too much for a young, single, totally attractive immortal wolf to handle." She dramatically leaned against one of Shadow's desks as he glared at her.

"Knock it off. Try and act seriously for a change." He scolded.

"Isn't that why G.U.N... 'let me go'?" she did the bunny ears, but clearly she was fired from working alongside Shadow.

"You were a menace to them. You couldn't see it the way I... no, the way Maria wanted us to see them." He turned back to her, and she was slightly triggered on her name, but just shook her head.

"I've handled way worse before... than just losing Maria." She turned her head away, but knew Shadow was probably throwing daggers into her back with his eyes as she said that. Those kids... it was more than just Maria at this point, so... much more.

"...Look," To break the tension, Rouge stepped in-between, holding her hands out to calm Shadow and try and reason with Ember. She seemed to be struggling finding a good way to accomplish that... however, "You can't stay at G.U.N if you don't work for them, and since your last boot, Shadow and I have lovingly referring to you as the new apprentice to that hippie." She seemed to lower her eyes as if annoyed by that.

"Boyfriend, and I'm not a hippie." Ember folded her arms in protest, then stuck her tongue out at Shadow, knowing he didn't want to refer to Manic as that.

"Is it official, though?" Rouge raised a shoulder up over her cheeky look, disguising her clear curiosity but also sinister ploy to get her to admit that nothing had really happened yet between her and Manic...

Ember flinched, holding back wanting to fight her.

"Either way, your brother doesn't like that crowd, apparently." She looked over to him, "Jealous, maybe?"

"Enough, Rouge. He protects Ember, that's all I need to know." Shadow turned back to the door of the facility, having it open as guards waited with shields and guns, ready in case Ember 'acted up' again.

"And he's not a hippie!" Ember was humored by their efforts but was too busy with other important problems to 'play on G.U.N's fear' though she wanted too... badly.

"I disagree." Shadow kept walking and she walked behind him.

To lessen G.U.N's concerns, Rouge also walked behind her. "Seems to be the underlining case... I think you disagree wholeheartedly." she shrugged her arms out.

"Thank you, Rouge." he didn't pause in his stride.

"-That maybe he doesn't like the fact that you're spending so much time with another hedgehog other than himself." She covered her mouth with the back of her hand as Ember gasped and Shadow tensed up, turning his head around.

"Rouge!" he scolded.

"Uh oh, did I touch a nerve?" Playing innocent, Rouge smiled and looked away from him, seeing as Ember also seemed touched and went to hug him. However, he outstretched his hand in an attempt to hold her back.

Upon exiting the steel facility of G.U.N, the team decide to drop in on Sonic, seeing if the team of adventuring friends had any luck with remembering this enemy... but to their surprise—"Huh?"

"I've never heard of someone with the ability to shape-shift like that..." Tails placed a book down, trying to look through his journals but nothing was popping up about this strange Shadow figure...

"Maybe you have an admirer, Shadow." Sonic tilted his head back and to the side, giving Shadow a cheeky grin sneakily, but Shadow was too observant for his teases. He just rolled his eyes at Sonic's antics, choosing not to entertain him with a response.

"According to Ember, you were in battle with him before." Shadow explained, giving his full attention to Tails as Sonic dipped his head down and smirked, seeing as Shadow was trying to take everything too seriously again for his tastes.

"Oh? Must have trounced him then!" Sonic gave himself a hearty fist swing, as though to celebrate his victory that he didn't even understand had happened or would happen yet. "Maybe he's from the future? We could ask Silver..."

"No good, there's nothing about him here. Technically, if what Ember says is true, he does sound like it's his 'past' to him..." Tails deciphered through Ember's perfect retelling, trying to pinpoint terms that could lead to an answer.

"You assume I'm not?" She played, looking to Sonic to show that his sense of humor wouldn't go unnoticed.

He gave her a quiet snicker with his eyes closed, enjoying the fact that at least one immortal had some charm.

"N-no, of course not!... heeeyyy..." Tails worried he had upset her, but seeing her and Sonic's shoulders bouncing and grins, he knew they were laughing together. "Don't pick on me..." He whined cutely.

"Oh, never Tails." She swished her tail behind her, "Never without the intent to sweetly embarrass you."

He sighed and continued, "Anyway,... we don't know if it's our future or past. Not for certain, but it does sound like something that was currently occurring for him, and he knew he wouldn't be around much longer in that time-frame of space..." Tails tried to think over what Ember said, it was still hard to identify where this villain would have originated from in their timeline.

"Another world? Dimension, maybe?" Sonic questioned, trying to help him out with half the thinking.

Tails scratched his chin, moving his torso around before gripping his head in frustration, "Oh, I just can't figure it out! I need more information..." He looked downhearted, unable to help. "I'm sorry..."

"Don't worry, Tails." Ember lightly patted his head, "Maybe he's just some jerk, that's all we need to know, right? A bad guy..?" She still wasn't sure about that... he seemed to know about Shadow's future...

She was still curious about his origin... but mostly about what he knew of whatever future he had seen or known for Shadow...

"A-Aren't you curious?" Ember turned to Shadow, who walked over beside the couch and folded his arms, facing away from her. "Whether he's an enemy or not? He tried to take your emerald, which I believe sustains your life since you are a prototype. He openly admitted that Sonic had fought him and was winning. Wouldn't that mean he is?" He turned to look at her over his shoulder. "I've always known my path would be full of human fear and deceit. But I don't do it for myself... you know who I promised. I can't withdraw from this life, even if I know it will be misfortune in the end. My form will only be useful for such things as pertain to this world... If this Mephilis uses my form and seeks to remain in this world by your power, then he is corrupting both our purposes." He tightened his fist.

Ember rubbed her arm, sensing she had struck a nerve. She didn't want to push the subject and trigger the tragedy, but she also knew he didn't understand what she was actually asking, "That's not quite what I-" but before she could finish, the door to Tails's workshop slammed open.

"Get this kid some place to lay down!" Rouge had shoved the door open with one hand and holding Manic by her other arm. He was slumped over, his head down and slowly looking up with a bruised eye, squinting it open slightly to look around. He was clearly hurt, his arm around Rouge to support himself as she tried to get him over the step and into the house.

"E..Em...Ember..." he spoke faintly with a weak strength that barely let him slide a foot under himself to help Rouge move him easier.

His black eye shut again as Rouge looked over to Shadow, "Let's get him on the couch. I went to check on him like you asked me to... but..." Sonic and Shadow moved swiftly, lifting him from Rouge's care and placing him on the couch as Ember's eyes trembled, seeing someone she loved so much in pain...

She covered her mouth, "No... no more... no more hurting..." she shut her eyes, unable to bear the sight any longer.

So many memories... of the ones she's grown to care about hurting so much... because of her.

Manic coughed, being laid on the couch as Sonic gave him a worried smile, "Like old times, eh? What happened to you, Manic? At least tell me you won... right?" He meant to say 'are you okay?' but that was just how him and his brother spoke to one another.

"Oh yeah, I did decently." He tried to open his eye more for his brother, giving him a playful wink. "Ouch..." He flinched, the action might have been too strenious. But that didn't stop Manic from trying to pull it off.

She had pictured that wink... but now it was so very, very different...

He was hurt.

It was all her fault...

Though that villain should be to blame, Ember couldn't help but direct the guilt to herself.

"They got the better of me... still, my Bandmates got Ember to Shadow, and they themselves found me pretty banged up... but those two... they made a deal." Manic's last words had caught the attention of everyone in the room.

He looked over to Ember, seeing as she was lost in her own thoughts, looking anxious. "Hey, don't be afraid, Ems. I'm okay... really..." He tried to grab her attention, but she was lost in her own self-grief and pity. "I just got beat up by some powerful, wicked bad dudes, no biggie. I'm still here, see?" He smiled kindly, though worse for wear, he outstretched a hand in compassion towards her.

He wanted her to come to him... even though he had gotten hurt for her sake?

She slowly approached, but her memories of the fallen were a lot for her to take.

She didn't want him to suffer the same fact as others who had known her.

"Shadow was right." She fell to her knees and cried, unable to grab his hand as the others watched her in shock. "Our only future is misfortune... especially for those around us..."

They all looked worriedly towards her, but remained silent in her sorrowful display, not knowing how to comfort her.

"I should have stayed!" she cried out, "You should have let me fight beside you..!" She wiped the tears from her eyes as he smiled at her gentle display of compassion towards him, but also knowing she didn't want anyone's sympathy, just like Shadow. He was too prideful to comfort her, so he just let her cry, closing his eyes to give her a moment of respectful distance.

"Look at my girl... so strong, like her brother." He looked to Shadow, almost like to mock him for not being emotional about his tragic fate either. "Heh, I didn't want to see you hurt either, Ems. I did what a man should do." He nodded his head back to her, dismissing Shadow, who opened his eyes to try and judge what he meant by that. "Protecting the people you love isn't easy, it isn't easy for anyone, but that doesn't mean you don't take risky chances to ensure their happiness."

"How does this make me happy!?" Ember gripped and shredded some of Tails's wooden flooring... "How does this make anyone happy!?"

"... I am happy, knowing you're not hurt, or worse." He tried to get up, but began to show the pain and couldn't quite do it. "Now come on, Ems. Come sit with... me." Ember worriedly raced to him, skimming his back and letting him rest his head on her lap as she gently eased him into letting her sit down and look after him.

"Dummy, I can heal faster than you!" she helped him relax again and he gave her a huge, dorky grin.

"Does this mean you'll take care of me? Man, so worth it!" he joked, settling into her loving care.

She gently massaged his shoulders, rubbing his chest, and trying to self-comfort herself that he was alive. "I am glad you're alive... but I refuse to just let you talk me into running off like that again... I don't care how mad you get."

"Heh... I guess saving your life is only good for a one-time thing, eh?" Manic closed his eyes, and even with everyone staring at him, he leaned his head towards her and began to try and take it easy. "You're so used to Shadow always partnering up along side you... I just wanted to be a daring, brave hero for you... at least once."

Shadow twitched an eyebrow, but moved swiftly over to Sonic and Manic, seeming to want to change the subject and ignore the two's intimate moment. "We need you to tell us exactly what happened." he spoke with a lot of authority, but also with a hint of annoyance... maybe he just wanted to get more details out as soon as possible?

Manic turned his head slightly to Shadow, then smiled weakly. "What's up, big bro?"

Shadow flinched again, "I asked you a question. It's urgency couldn't be more dire."

"...Isn't that the same thing?" He looked jokingly up to Shadow and then to his brother, "Did you see him march over here like I'm some kinda crook?"

"You do have your head in his sister's lap, bro." Sonic folded his arms, giving him a sly look.

"Ha, I'm not the dog here." He looked lovingly up to Ember, "I'm a gentlemen."

She leaned down to his head, lightly kissing it. "You're a gentlemen rogue." she teased, "Stealing my heart and all."

"But she gave you her lap freely." Sonic snickered under his gloved hand, giving a sideways glance to Shadow, seeing his reaction.

Shadow refrained from making a comment, but it was clear he was starting to get upset.

Ember tilted her head, "Shadow? Does this really bother you?" She couldn't understand why, but wondered if he really was protective of her or not.

Shadow turned his head away, and after a long, awkward silence, Manic spoke up again.

"Can't a man catch his breath first?" he turned his head to Rouge, "Can I get some water? My mouth's a little dry here..." But Ember bent down and kissed him again, instead. "Woah..! Did I die and go to heaven already?" he marveled at her, but she just giggled as Rouge covered her mouth and seemed to enjoy the young lovers having their 'catching up' moment before retreating to the kitchen. She slid her hand over Shadow's arm, whispering something for him to relax and then came back with some water, handing it to Ember to help Manic drink.

"Let him rest a moment, Shadow. There's no use in pushing him too far." Rouge stated, nodding towards Ember. "Besides, your sister can get more out of him than you ever could~" she teased. Ember smiled up to Rouge, realizing she wasn't as bad as she thought...

At least she was siding with her and Manic, for now, anyway.

After gulping down some sips of water, Manic gave out a long, happy sigh. "Ahhh... now that hit the spot. I feel much better, able to talk more now, too." He looked to Shadow. "That guy called himself Mephilis the Dark, right? While we fought, he was insanely strong! No matter how much I hit him, he never seemed to fade in strength all that much... however, I think I almost figured him out, at least his fighting style, but..." He trailed off and looked away, seeming disappointed in the turn of the events, "That's when that Scourge guy showed up with his gang." Manic narrowed his eyes a moment, remember the encounter. " I remember his name alright... They jumped me and my drums formed back into my necklace... they held me down and beat on me as Scourge demanded to know where Ember was, but Mephilis must have saw him as an opportunity to find her as well."

Ember bit on her lower lip, worried about them tag-teaming to find her...

"I don't know why Scourge agreed, but I have a feeling he's not gonna be honest in that arrangement... but then again, I don't think Mephilis was too keen on honesty or trust either... They all look like backstabbers to me, and they're all after your Cursed Emerald, Ember..." He looked up at her again, lifting his hand to cup her face a moment. "But don't sweat it, I'll make sure they never get you. Mark my words, babe." They touched foreheads a moment, as Sonic and Tails looked to each other, concerned.

"We'll try and figure out where Scourge is and what he's up to with this guy. If they are hunting Ember down, we should plan out if we're gonna bait them or hide her." Tails gestured a hand out, stating the necessity for a plan, but Shadow immediately stomped up to him.

"There won't be a need to use Ember." he stated, looming over Tails. Tails moved back a bit, but Sonic countered by moving up towards Shadow, stopping him from intimidating his friend.

"If they've teamed up, who knows how powerful they are now. He interrupted Manic's fight, and are probably after the other emeralds. Me and Tails will try and split up our gang, find out if they're heading to Angel Island or are abandoning everything to find the impure emerald." Sonic tried to bring reason and logic into his actions, which calmed Shadow down a bit. "If you and Manic take Ember, Rouge can go off on her own to try and spot them and stay as a spy. We'll cut them off before they can cause any further trouble. But let's hope they're only after Ember... that trouble we can ambush, sound good to you?"

"...Ember doesn't do well with plans." Shadow glared back at Ember, as though implying that she needs to agree to this too.

Ember nodded her head, looking determined to get back at Scourge for hurting Manic, and also hoping to find out what this Mephilis the Dark guy knew about Shadow... and if it was true or not.

"You've gotta let me come with you, Shadow." Manic winced in pain as he got up, which made Ember panic and grab his arm to help him. "I care about her just as much as you do... I may not be as strong or accomplished at saving things like Sonic is... but I'm just as good as my brother when it comes to protecting those I cherish..."

Sonic nodded, giving his brother a thumbs up for his bravery. "You won't find a better man, Shadow!"

"...Alright." Shadow conceded. "I don't need any further convincing. If Ember wants you along to help, I won't oppose." He began to walk out the door, "But listen... heed this warning... Scourge, we understand his ways, but Mephilis, we do not. We need to be cautious, for Embers sake." He looked to her as if saying she really needed to act mature during this, and Ember just embarrassingly looked away, still holding Manic's arm as he kissed her cheek to try and cheer her up.

"Ugh." Shadow turned away, disgusted by the display of comforting affection, and walked to open the door. "Come on, we should keep a constant movement..."

"Your brother once protected the president before, right?" Manic wanted to encourage Ember that he probably knew best, but she just laughed.

"And tried to destroy him."

The room grew silent.

Then Sonic let out a huge roar of laughter, gripping his stomach.

Scourge and Mephilis, on the hunt...

"We've scowered everywhere for this girl! Why is she so hard to find?!" Scourge kicked over a burning trashcan, watching it's tin tink against the dark street... there were people screaming to escape the fires, and Scourge just looked at his hand, gripping it tightly. "What good is causing mayhem and panic if I know I'm not the most terrifying thing out there!?"

Mephilis had his arms crossed, standing next to him, looking like stone... "I think we'd get along... if you weren't so deranged." He mused to himself, turning to him as Scourge got right up in his face.

"I only make friends with subordinates. We agreed you'd let me do this my way! Flush out the rat with flames!" he threw his hand back to the burning city. "Besides, you look as twisted as I am..." he muttered under his breath.

"I have no issue with you burning the world... but as for sniffing or snuffing her out, I doubt you'd find her." He moved with strange elegance, and placed his hand on the ground. Shadows of whispy, black vines began to mutate around him, "If what you say is true... then her emerald has negative chaos energy... compared to it's seven, pure siblings... it's power can't be controlled or harnessed... It's a mad stone. One who needs a host able to contain and manipulate its madness..."

The darkness began to grow, dodging the fires but being born from their flickering shadows cast to the walls as well, upon the walls they danced... and began to search for every living soul... Like a reign of purple and misty hound dogs, falling over each other as they searched for the same... strange... energy...

"What's that your doing?" Scourge growled, scowling at him doing something without an order from himself. "I don't like things done behind my back!"

"...Finding the diamond in the rough..." Mephilis laughed, his dark power moving under screaming feet, the fires burning everything they touched. He had missed this feeling... but soon, with the Cursed Emerald, he'll have it all over again... "The shadows I'm made of are linked with a strong connection to the ultimate life form... if she is at all with Shadow, I shall know of it... and take what I need to survive."

The shadows, almost like the fire from which they were spreading, continued forth out of Mephilis and searched with a lapping, slithering haste that seemed to crawl everywhere in a furious urgency.

Soon, they were outside the city, spreading themselves into the forest. Little Flickies hid in their tree truck holes and cowered from the impending doom they seemed to send.

One of the shadow tips lingered as though to spike through a piggy that was holding its bunny friend, shivering in fright. It came closer before it sensed something, and immediately slithered towards where Shadow was, diving into his shadow...

Mephilis tilted his head, as Scourge once again grew frustrated. "Did you find something..? Care to share with the rest of the class?" He bent down and gestured a hand up as Mephilis just creepily turned to him, but didn't look directly at him.

"I found him... I'm... listening and looking to see where they are..." He heard Shadow speak and was pulled back to the moment at hand.

Shadow, hiding behind a bush with Manic, were clearly alone for right now. "She's well hidden?"

"I told her to stay put." Manic grumbled, "But you know Ember... she's always excited about a new test of strength."

"This isn't a game, she'll listen to you." Shadow was once again so serious, and it was really bumming Manic out.

"I know, I know. But she'd do anything for you." He smiled to Shadow, "You know, she's really attached to you. It broke her heart when G.U.N said she couldn't work with you anymore. It felt like they were taking something else away from her too." He explained, wondering if Shadow knew.

Shadow remained silent,... a moment went by before he sighed quietly and spoke up again, gentler this time. "I tried to warn her. She wouldn't follow orders... G.U.N is different from the past, they're trying to live better than they were..."

"You forgave them, which I respect." Manic nodded his head to him, "But for Ember... it's kinda a betrayal."

He looked away, "G.U.N was run differently in the past. They've learned to accept my power as long as it's used for good means."

"Their means." Manic countered, fiddling with a twig as Shadow glared at him. Manic was momentarily distracted with the twig, playing with it and bending it but not to the point of snapping before looking up to Shadow and then throwing his hands up in apology, and hoping he may calm down and back off a bit from the intense glare of annoyance. "H-hey, now! I'm only saying what Ember's told me. You know, you two should really talk more... she misses you." He gently put the fallen twig back into the bush. "She feels like this twig here... broken off from every family she ever made. Too dangerous to stay with anyone for too long... and mostly hunted down for her power. You can understand how she feels, can't ya?" He gave him a half-forced smile, "You have to understand... how much she longs to be in a real family..."

Shadow 'hmph'd to the side, "She's always been sensitive." but there was a warmness in that tone... A bond that Manic was happy to see shine through.

"Hey... is that a smile?" He teased, gesturing to the gentle curl in Shadow's lips.

Shadow patted Manic's accusing finger away and flicked his nose, "So she's gathering berries and other wild provisions?"

"While we remain lookout, yeah... she didn't like that plan all to much." Manic made a face and Shadow only chuckled.

"That is Ember." He joked,"And you were pretty useless in that condition... I'm... glad you recovered well." the two shared a mutual moment of fondness for her, and then looked to one another. It was as though Shadow had accepted that fact, that Ember loved Manic, but also that Manic was a good man. For a moment, he gave a look of acceptance, before looking off again. "Ember... Heh." He seemed to be thinking back on their adventures together. "She's headstrong, like Sonic. Doesn't stand still for a moment... all this and more... is why she's who she is. Which is exactly why I worry she may never find a decent job in this world..."

"She's doing pretty good at singing." Manic volunteered the idea, trying to lighten the downplay on Ember's talents but Shadow only made a face. "What? Singing don't jell right with you, big bro?"

"Don't call me that." He looked annoyed again.

"All I'm saying is maybe Ember isn't cut out for army or military stuff. She's not like Rouge, a secret agent and spy. She can't always be stealthy," Manic started.

"She longs too much for the attention." Shadow mused to himself while Manic just lowered his eyes and looked back at him as though thinking he was purposefully being a downer now.

"She's powerful, yes. But she also has a powerful, beautiful soul to her as well." He started drumming the ground, "We each have our own rhythms, Shadow. Maybe her's is better suited to things outside of fighting?"

"Yet, she loves to tumble." Shadow joked again, which made Manic just throw his arms up and laugh.

"You're not gonna give my thoughts on Ember the time of day, are you?" He seemed to realize Shadow was blocking him out, but Shadow just pushed his head down, done talking about this for now.

"Just duck down low and do as you're told... Ember wants you here, that's why you are here." He warned him, but Manic just scooted on up to him, moving his hand and seeing a brotherly side of Shadow showing.

"Hey," he grinned widely. "I've been meaning to ask you... I never did get your blessing on asking Ember to date me."

Shadow seemed to lose the slight smile he had, turning to one of more worry and anxiety.

"I wanted to make it more official after I talked with you about it, but you were always caught up with work," Manic continued, but didn't notice Shadow's shifting eyes, and the fact that he adjusted his squat away from Manic. He seemed so unsure of the topic... but what was really bothering him? "And I didn't want to tip Ember off too early about it... Mind if I ask now?"

"No." Shadow abruptly stated, closing his eyes as though to tune Manic out.

Manic took a moment to wait and process that, before speaking up again, "No..? On the timing or..?" he finally turned to try and read Shadow's expression, but Shadow kept a low-profile when it came to his emotions.

"Ever." Shadow moved away from him, and as he did so, the shadows began to move and peer around him, as though fading and glitching out of reality.

"Now hang on a sec-" Manic got up with him, trying to stop him from retreating during an important—and vulnerable—conversation before seeing the abnormality start rising up and swarming the shade around Shadow's silhouette on the ground.

"W-woah!" Manic got up from his squat, "Shadow, what is that!?" He pointed, as shadows seemed to spray out like vines whipping the ground, like an octopus's tentacles lashing out from a spaced hole on the ground, in the shape of Shadow...

Suddenly, they faded into nothingness... Shadow's shadow... was immediately gone.

"Grk..! GAHH!" Mephilis pulled his hand up, the shadows quickly retreating as if being drained back to him forcefully as he gripped his wrist. Scourge had stomped on his hand, seeing him flicker, and thinking he was going to leave them.

"Where ya going, friend?" he sneered, grabbing him and pulling him up as he continued to glitch out and in of reality, causing Scourge to barely have a hand on him. "What are you thinking of doing? Running!? Getting out of the deal!? WHERE IS SHE?"

in his wildness, Mephilis was also held back by Scourge's team: The Destructix. However, in a flash of light, Mephilis completely broke free of them and sent a blast out to knock them back. Slowly moving towards Scourge in his strange movement way, he then fired out a huge beam of power to skim Scourge's ear, spooking him back...

"You're not king... yet." Mephilis landed a manipulative intimidation, faking that they were one in the same goal. He looked at his hand again, examining the strange rift of time and space... his time was running thin. "I could erase you all from ever being born... but I chose to use my power to aid you... if we don't move now... my existence in this timeline will fade... and my own world events... vanish." He glared, threatened by the limited moments he still had.

Scourge may be in a hurry, impatient without question, but he could tell that Mephilis was trying to deceive him just as much as he was trying to trick Mephilis... "You gonna back-stab me, Dark? Better do it while I'm in a good mood..." He smirked, getting up in his face again and not fearing the power he demonstrated earlier; or at least, shaking it off. "Ember's mine. I'll rip the gem out, then you take it as host, and I control you. We all in accord again?"

Mephilis just stared at him, and as though dismissing conflict, moved Scourge aside with a soft swing of his arm. "When I am host to the Cursed Emerald... you shall have a world that will burn in black flames..." He continued on, dipping as though sinking down into the shadows...

Scourge was getting ticked off, "He'll set me aside for the last time... do you have what I asked for?" the team showed him that the portal Mephilis created did in fact lead to a forested area, and seemed to have Manic with Shadow.

"Excellent..." Scourge put his sunglasses back into place, then adjusted his crown. "Let's stick to the plan for now... we'll deal with Darky later..." he then snapped his fingers for Fiona to speak up again. "What about Sonic and the other Chaos Emeralds?"

"They've fortified the island. It will be tricky... but with Mephilis's portals, we should be able to-" She stopped as he spun around, grabbing her waist, and gripped her to him.

"Shh... you're so fidgety lately..." He cooed, lowering his sunglasses, "Babe, all I'm asking is that we plan for that guy to be smoke and dust by the time I get the Cursed Emerald..."

"R-right." She sweat-dropped, knowing that he planned to ditch Mephilis as soon as possible. "In that case~" she flung the paper back behind her, letting it drift in gentle sways to the burning grounds behind them. It was clearly her report from her spy mission, and decided to loop her arms around his neck, "We'll need a long rope... or you'll have to chaos teleport our merry band of thieves..."

"And I, their king." He shoved his face into hers, kissing her as the others waited while they messed around...

Rouge watched as they all disappeared into the portal... behind them, thousands upon thousands of burnt ruins... and flying pieces of flaming fabrics blew in the wind...

"I have to warn them!" she worriedly began to fly into the alley but turned when someone cried out for help, and flaming beams from streets and houses began to topple over one right after the other, some in the distance and others sparking as lamppost exploded as they hit the ground. "...They need me too, though." In her moment of conflict, she flew towards the burning city...

"Please be alright... Shadow... Manic... Ember..." she pleaded under her breath, "I'm leaving them to you all now."

Ember was forging but finding it hard not to pluck a berry with her claw, and then lick the juices and call it 'not eating' her bundle.

She knew Shadow would disapprove but Manic? He'd probably think it was funny. She hummed as she tried to not think about all the evil people that were after her. After all, it wasn't new, it was just kinda exciting. She was immortal, never really aged, but seemed to have never truly lost her immaturity at finding humor in even the most outrageous and life-threatening circumstances.

Sure, you get hurt, but as long as its only her getting hurt she's okay with it.

She thought back to Maria and Gerald Robotnik, how no matter what went wrong, they were always together.

The kids she'd look after and who'd treat her with their skits and plays to entertain one another... they were always together.

Shadow, however... seemed to be more concerned about his 'duty' then spending much time with her.

She loved going on missions with him, trying to impress him. He always acted like she was a liability though... even though he knew how powerful and capable her abilities were.

She could control some chaos, she could do some amazing feats, why did he always scold her on her strength and acting first before asking questions later? She was very much the same with doing something and apologizing later, her simple mottoes, she supposed. It was just her nature, and it seemed to bother Shadow... Was it truly her downfall? Curiosity only killed cats though, not wolves.

Even so, Shadow was kinda always protective of her, now that she thought of it. Even before he accepted her as his experimental prototype for his creation, he seemed to have a distaste for leaving her be too long. Isn't that what brothers are supposed to do? She couldn't really know... but seeing how Manic and Sonic joked around, verses Sonic and Tails, or Manic with his bandmates... it seemed like Sonic and Manic could goof off, wrestle, and even tease without worrying too much about the other.

So then... what was Shadow's deal? Why didn't he trust her... why didn't he want her around..?

She felt her tail swish down to the ground at the thought... She had always taken care of others, maybe that was Shadow's way of showing affection too?

Wasn't she overprotective? Wasn't she always on-guard? Perhaps she just hoped her and Shadow would be different. A true sibling bond.

She would want to return the favor, but how? He didn't even like hugs... but they did trust each other, right?

She trusted him... he seemed to trust her... was Rouge right? Was that why G.U.N kicked her out? Simply because they did trust each other but maybe two experiments was too much for them.

She paused and looked at the food in her hand, growing sorrowful again. Was the world jealous, or just Shadow?

He was the perfect weapon... the cure to all humanity... and yet, she was meant to protect him.

Then why... does it seem like he's protecting her?

Were they really... ever gonna be like a real family?

Or were they already one? But an imperfect one?

She slowly... let her hands fall and the berries drop out of her arms. Sighing, she looked to where she knew Manic and Shadow should be, "I got the food... some of them aren't stabbed... hehe..." She tried to play off her pondering emotions and licked her claws again. "They're good, at least." she teased.

No one answered...

"Shadow?" she called, trying to look over the foliage and tree trucks. "Manic?"

But no one answered.

She narrowed her eyes... and began to sneak around to see what she could find.

As she twisted herself through the bush, she let out a quiet gasp and plugged her mouth, seeing Manic and Shadow each tied up by what looked like shadowy vines that clung and tightened with their struggling movement.

In her surprise, she comically looked for somewhere that could conceal herself. So while still covering her mouth, she dived into what looked like a mossy patch near some water, and let the moss cushion her hasty fall to hide.

"Chaos... Spear!" Shadow was able to shoot out some beams to hit back Mephilis and Scourge's team, but Scourge took out a knife with a refined blade and held it to Manic, then a gun with a black coating and held it to Shadow's head.

The others had successfully dodged the spears, and snickered at their futile attempts.

"You can't contain me, I'm-!" Shadow began but realized these shadows had a strange power to them... he didn't realize they were infused with his own shadow... thus making them successfully able to contain him and his own power.

"Quick the light spectacle and realize when you're beat." Scourge pressed the gun's barrel against Shadow to move his head back against the tree they were tied up too. Manic couldn't reach his necklace, but Mephilis saw his attempts.

Floating on some shadows with his arms out wide, he turned to instruct Scourge, "Rip that silly trinket by his neck... Let him know true despair, when one holds no power, and takes everything away from you..." sadistically, he held up his hand, as if a dark sense of torment was awakening once again in him. He crushed his fists together, "I want to see the look of helplessness... as I take that light of hope from his eyes..."

"Oui! What'd I say about you giving me orders?!" Scourge flicked the knife under the necklace, "Only I'm allowed to do that!" twisting the sharp side of the blade to his necklace's bond around his neck, he yanked it off of him, pulling back the band and making his neck snap a little back as he tried to resist having his precious, childhood power and gift removed from him.

"Nooo..!" Manic saw the magical necklace fly through the air, glistening in and flipping through the gaps of light through the trees... his most precious possession left to him, which reminded him of his beloved mother... like having his family torn from him when he was an infant. It fell to the dirty soil and barely made a noise, due to the soft ground beneath...

He hunched a little, already seeming defeated by not having any special abilities, and now... not even having his only means to fight back besides his natural struggling force. "Now... I'm really mad." Manic gritted his teeth, some tears forming on the sides of his eyes. "I won't let you get away with this... with hurting Ember... or with taking any of my family from me!" he looked up with eyes full of righteous vengeance.

Shadow had never seen this side of Manic before, and it surprised him somewhat, but now was not the time to be in awe. Instead, he noticed that Manic and Scourge had created a kind of opening. This distraction allowed him to sneakily reach back and get a firm touch on his communication device. Swiftly, and trying to be discreet about it, his G.U.N training kicked in and he began typing in coordinates for Rouge and Tails. Hoping the signal wouldn't get spotted by the others... Shadow hid the device under his gloved wrist as it sent the code, however, transferring it to the others remotely was going to take some time...

Mephilis, highly sensitive to Shadow's movements, rose his head in Manic's defiant spirit and tenacious attitude, but sensed something off with Shadow. He was delighting in Manic's sorrow and frustration, but that would have to wait for now...

"He's fidgeting too much..." Mephilis lifted his hand and in a whirlwind of speed, slashed Shadow in the head and knocked him out. "There... that's better... Hahahah!" his infamous laugh carried through the forest, as Ember's hands twitched in rage.

Her Cursed Emerald began to glow...

"Heh, I like your style." Scourge used the bunt side of the gun to knock out Manic from his neck, "Now what? Where's the girl!?" Scourge turned to Mephilis, pointing the gun to him... "I think you already figured this out but... I don't like to be kept waiting..."

Ember couldn't contain her rage anymore, the insanity from the Cursed Emerald drove her out of hiding, her emotions spiraling out of control. This wasn't the first time, but she wanted it to desperately be the last time anyone messed with her friends and life. 'I'm tired of people telling me not to fight!' she felt her body lose control as she ran on all fours to defend her beloved family...

"RRAHHH!" She jumped into the air, the curse in full swing as her entire body was filled with her insanity mode flaring to life. "Let them go!" Black flames burst from her purple emerald, and Mephilis's eyes reflected their glow.

"Yeeess... You'll do nicely." He seemed fixated on the dark power it contained, seeing it as the perfect host for this new timeline.

Her eyes burned white as she came down, but Mephilis moved quickly back, floating on his shadows as the earth shook and cracked under her power.

"Alright! An ultimate showdown! At last!" Scourge readied himself, but Mephilis drifted in front of him, his shadows like a catching up behind him. "What!? What are you..? Out of my way, freak!"

He shot the back of Mephilis's head, "I'm tired of this game!" But Mephilis's head just bent forward with every shot, and it was clear nothing was penetrating through his crystal hide... The bullets looked squished and condensed upon impact with his quills.

He slowly turned back... "I'll deal with you... after my form becomes permanent in this world..." He was fading, but reached out to Ember, "I can kill Shadow, and he has the power to destroy your beloved friend as well..." He then gestured to Scourge and Manic. "What will you choose? Immortal... a prototype? You were made to be a mistake, to learn from... But with me, I can give you your ultimate purpose..." He lifted his arms up into the air, showing the half-destroyed moon. "There must be revenge that you seek... much like your figurative brother..." He slowly turned his attention back to her. "I have the means to control your cursed emerald... join to me, child of error, and I shall make you the key to all destruction!" he clenched a fist up by her, showing his resolve to want to 'help' her.

However, Ember—still wild—had already broken through Scourge's goons that had come around from behind, and slowly hunched over at Mephilis's words.

The Destructix's lay panting on the ground, remembering last time... and knowing they're efforts were futile.

Even Scourge looked pathetically over to them, seeing that without Mephilis, taking Ember head-on again might be a bad idea...

Her eyes seemed vast and hollow, as though Mephilis's words meant nothing in this state. Instead, they were simply filled with the power of negative chaos energy...

"You have a choice..." Mephilis began, speaking plainly as he could tell that Ember was no longer present, but only the Cursed Emerald's protective recognition remained. "Surrender yourself to me... or let me take over your current host's form." he flicked his fingers out, before jamming his claws into Shadow's side again. "Otherwise... I make your host's life even worse... more alone than ever before... and you, the soul who reigns over her... forever. Hahahaha!" he had figured it out, her emotions got the better of her and let out it's full power. He truly was clever, and using Shadow as a trigger, hoped the Cursed Emerald would be fueled off of her emotions, and get even stronger. "Do you now see where my loyalty lies? Now... let us join together! We shall rule this world with a burning blaze!"

Ember's power skyrocketed as her body jerked forward and then back, seeing Shadow reel back in pain before going unconscious again. It was as though the amount of empathy felt in that moment gave Ember's body the same amount of pain as it saw Shadow endure.

"Mortal... immortal... nothing escapes fate." Mephilis pulled out his claws, his shadows released Shadow from his bonds around the tree truck and he fell forward. Mephilis never ceased in his dark pleasure of torment and pain, laughing and laughing in his sadistic delights, leaning his head back as though to gloat and strike envy. "It never gets old... seeing the fear and hatred on their faces... when I kill all they care about..." Was he speaking to himself? Or to Scourge?

Now it didn't matter what he knew about Shadow's future, it was clear he wanted a ill fate for him, and for Ember as well... Though trapped inside her own mind, Ember clawed for redemption. 'Manic... everyone... if I let this fiend live, he'll tear apart the whole of what I've found!' she pounded against the dark energies that kept her locked up tight. 'My emotions... they're not meant for evil! Cursed Emerald... you're not cursed anymore! You're my power! And I choose to use you to protect my family!"

Mephilis all at once... became her new G.U.N.

Getting a momentary grip on herself, Ember reached into her chest, scratching and digging to try and pull the Cursed Emerald out of her. 'I can't lose him!' she began to cry through the searing pain as her claws bore into her flesh. However, it was instantly healing itself, burning to seal the scars she was making. She couldn't pull it out, and it wouldn't be ripped from her either... soon, it back-lashed and forced her into a full state of control, meaning that it now had full power over her... and was completely consumed in her emotions once again.

"Join me, Cursed one!" Mephilis spread his shadows around her, but the Cursed Emerald controlling Ember's body tilted its head, only interested in destruction.

Bursting into raw chaos energy, Ember's body looked more like a giant, standing wolf than anything else... her power radiated into a beast in it's rising aura...

Mephilis was slightly taken aback, "This power... Iblis would be pleased." He laughed, "Very well, I shall take you on!"

Dark orbs were thrown towards Ember's body, but she shredded through them with her dark energy claws, her true form hidden within the massive dark aura-wolf. It blasted the shadows away that tried to consume the Cursed Emerald, showing that it wouldn't be taken without a fight.

Manic's head looked up, feeling the shadows loosen and weaken from around him as he fell down from the tree he was tied too. "What... what happened?" he looked to his necklace, and reached for it in a sudden moment of clarity.

"Ah-ah-ah." Scourge kicked it away, mimicking Sonic's infamous finger wiggle and grabbing him into a choke hold. "Who said you were allowed to wake up!?"

As Manic struggled, trying to reach for a punch, it was clear Scourge was stronger than him. "Hahaha! Pathetic! She chose you over me!?" He raised an eyebrow, "I'll let Mephilis weaken her down a bit first, after all, I tried to fight her and look where that got me?"

He threw Manic as he slammed against the tree, falling back down and struggling to get up.

"But you? That's the easy part. You don't have your precious little girlfriend to protect you." He pulled out his gun, firing off some bullets as Manic rolled on the ground to dodge them. "Darn that Dark... he took all my bullets like it was nothing..." Scourge rolled his shoulders back, arching his steps around Manic and tossing the gun after it seemed emptied of bullets. "Guess we'll do this the old fashion way..." He took his knife and and then stomped directly on Manic's necklace, making Manic look up and glare in his pain.

"You're gonna end up just like him..." Scourge flicked his head to Shadow's limp form, as Manic gasped, seeing it.

"Shadow! No!" he cried out. "Shadow! Get up! Ember needs-!"

"Nothing but death!" Scourge laughed, "Same's gonna come to you, and I'm not sorry. Let's consider it a mercy kill, eh? You don't have to see your doggy dame maimed before your eyes!"

But as soon as he said that, Manic jumped at him and began to push back, grabbing his arms. "I may not be as strong as you... but I'm ten times more clever than you!" he slid his foot between Scourge's feet, then pulled it back around his foot to have him trip and fall backwards.

Manic's drum necklace skidded from the action over the ground. Manic reached and grabbed it with a tumble, rolling before having it glow in his hands. "And she picked me because I'm handsomer shade of green than you! The ones that not representative of envy!" Manic summoned his drums, then took out his drumsticks and began warming up with a drum roll. "I don't think you can take this beat, Scourge!" he began to fire off sonic booms from his drums, pushing and shoving Scourge down, as the knife in his hand was pulsed back by its sonic power.

"Grr..! No!" Scourge used his super sonic speed to start moving to dodge each drum beat. "You think you're stronger than your own anti-brother!?" but right before reaching the drums and seeing the white in Manic's worried eyes as Scourge reached out for him...

"HRRAHH!" Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles jumped from the bushes, tackling into Scourge as Manic stopped playing in awe.

"Everyone!" Manic's eyes widened and then relaxed in relief. "Thank you." He breathed out, and then looked to see Shadow starting to get up on his feet, gripping his torn and pierced side.

He crawled towards Ember's insane, dark aura-wolf form as though desperate to reach her.

"Em...ber..." He stumbled to his feet, but looked a bit woozy from the loss of blood. "I'm... com-...ing..."

"Shadow!" Manic unsummoned his drums and kept a firm grip on his magical necklace, but grabbed Shadow to help him stand better. "What'd he do to you?"

"Urk... She... needs my... help." He tried to move forward, but Manic helped him not fall.

"I know, I know! But she'd never forgive me if I didn't help you first!" Manic looked to see Scourge's crew start coming too, and Ember's insane form fighting Mephilis. "This looks ugly... I know you guys recover fast, what do you need me to do?"

Shadow gave him one look, and he knew.

Save Ember...

for me, in my place.

Mephilis began compiling all his being into one, super mass of his collective consciousness. "Now... you're mine!" as though a miniature storm, flashes of lightning formed around the purple mass as the shadows circled all around it quickly, helping to move it towards Ember's insanity frame. Diving into Ember's form, other shadows leaped up from the shade of the trees to tie her down as she remained on her feet, growling and straining against their takeover.

"At last... though not Iblis... you and I shall be... Cursembaris!" Mephilis's ball of dark energy blasted the dark aura-wolf as it howled in defiance, but was absorbed into his purple and blue darkness, which then engulfed Ember's body.

No matter the power of the Cursed Emerald, Mephilis the Dark soon sealed himself in fire within it's core...

The shining emerald suddenly dulled with shadows, and soon...

"I can't waste another moment..! You're power must fuse with mine, or I will fade from existence of all worlds! I can't fight any longer without a host... You will do nicely! Hahahaha!" Mephilis got her down to her knees, as her form took on a crystallized state, and her eyes shifted to Mephilis's own...

Suddenly, her form was overwhelmed by flames, bursting up and spreading out to form her into light that mixed with his shadows.

The fire raged and burnt the ground beneath as she was lifted into the air, and then made into a black flame, crystallized, large wolf.

Cursembaris looked at it's new body... moving up to its full height, it laughed manically in a monstrous howl that blasted the wind back and forced the others to brace against the wind storm.

Suddenly, with the power of a cursed chaos emerald, it summoned many shadows. All resembled his previous form: Mephilis, and a deadly horde began to materialize to finish off Mephilis's original goal as Solaris.

"Now... to finish off this world... and burn it all, as I have promised you, Scourge... Hahaha!" Mephilis's voice was mixed with Ember's, and their laughter was more fine-tuned, making it sound even more sinister than before...

"Grk..!" Manic forced himself up, his drums ready for battle again. "I've fought you once and held my own! Release Ember, now!" he hit the drums hard, but the fused creation just flicked his wolf's paw, and thousands of the shadow-horde began to run towards Manic.

Cursembaris laughed through it's crystallized body as though cackling howls from rocks banging against an echoing cave... Ember's voice being drowned out by Mephilis. It stalked around the battlefield as though eyeing its prey, watching Manic desperately fight back against the horde. It kept it's head low, readying to pounce at any moment...

The shadows were destroyed by different drumbeat sonic booms, but Manic was already feeling the weariness setting in. Gritting his teeth, he tried to send the blasts where they needed to go.

"This world will be too easy..." Mephilis mused, holding a clawed, crystal paw out, as though ready to hunt. "I will destroy the ultimate life form... take out Sonic once and for all,... and then leave you as a toothpick for when I'm bored!" Cursembaris's snarl spewed fire through its bared teeth. This was driving Manic insane, he hated it with a deep passion and anger, hearing Ember's lovely voice mingled with such evil.

Shadow, still hunched over, brought out his hand to his side, 'I can't let this stand... I won't lose her. I won't lose anyone else!' He looked up at his sister, seeing a form which he didn't know or understand. His fist tightened, "I had to let you go once... I won't do it again!" He took off his limiters, preparing himself as he stored his power up. "Chaos... spears!" he was able to successfully target a few spears that pierced through the shadows, having them automatically disintegrate and then strike through Cursembaris's crystal hide. They were made of pure light and chaos energy, stabbing with an effect into a dark being like Mephilis and the Cursed Emerald meant it began to weaken the shadows around it, causing actual damage.

It's crystal wolf body was jammed back with each successful spear glowing an area of effect around it, spreading light through its being...

"Hopefully... you can... push through it..." Shadow fell back to his knees, then fell down as his body began to recover and forced him to yield.

It's head slowly looked up to Shadow after examining itself, and almost with concern, it stared... until Mephilis's voice, the dominant sound, rang through again in it's muffled cry. "You'd injure your own sister..? For the sake of the world..? Shadow... I never thought you so cruel..."

Shadow frowned openly, his fangs bared, gripping his injured side as he twitched helpless on the ground. "I'm not aiming for her..!"

Cursembaris tilted it's head, then turned to see Scourge had fought off Sonic, throwing him off of him but seeing his team still apprehended. He glared to it and charged, jumping and grabbing the Cursed Emerald in glowing purple as he was burned by its natural protection of itself. "My turn!" his eyes blazed with power... though the Cursed Emerald wanted to lash back and fight, it was being controlled by Mephilis... So it could only sear him for now...

"This power is meant to be mine!" Scourge used all his imbued Master Emerald strength to try and force the Cursed Emerald out. The natural repulsion was actually working in his favor... The gem began to move out from the spiraling flames and dark purple mist... Thanks to Shadow's Chaos Spears still giving the creature splotches of yellow glowing light to weaken Mephilis's control and power over it.

"N...Nooo!" Mephilis, weakened by the now exploding Chaos Spears Shadow had thrown, felt them pulse off with every hit from Manic's other light and sound based attack...

Soon, Scourge's tug-o-war was actually succeeding, as his gloves were consumed in flame, his insane smirk never left him.

Manic's feelings pounded the drums with a powerful beat that exploded his sonic booms to push Mephilis back and Scourge closer to pulling the Cursed Emerald out. Shadow watched as he flicked his fingers and wrists, letting the Chaos Spears go off one by one in rhythm with Manic's attacks.

Howling into whimpers, Cursembaris reeled its massive form skyward, leaning its head back in the pain and slowly defusing at Scourge's persistence.

"Nooo..! I refuse to lose! I must at least destroy Sonic The Hedgehog! The Iblis Trigger!" Mephilis began to fade... his time running out. He turned to Sonic and his gang, who were unsure of how to approach the creature without getting burned. Bringing out the pure Chaos Emeralds, Sonic turned Super, and stared into the magma stones that made the being's eyes... dead in their centers as his form glowed the same way the Chaos Spears had...

"You want some?" He gestured to his new, light-based form. "Come and get me!" he bolted off at incredible speeds, flying behind Cursembaris and charging into it's neck. Digging his way through, Sonic pushed and punched the Cursed Emerald towards Scourge, helping to remove it.

According to Tails, if the Cursed Emerald was removed from Mephilis, Ember would return. He noticed the shift of polarity around the two converging timelines that were still being affected by Mephilis's presence, and determined that if they stalled long enough, Mephilis the Dark would fade from this reality, his own being wiped out in the process...

"Why... can't I... fight back?!" Mephilis's voice rang through as Cursembaris swung it's head around, trying to resist the urge to create more destruction and hacok. With all these forcing whamming into it, causing great damage to the Dark forces controlling it, the light side began to shine through...

It leaned it's head up, it's eyes filling with the white fire that Ember's would have had if still in her insanity mode.

"I ... won't... hurt... my family."

Ember's voice... was finally in control.

Scourge—at last—had gripped a Chaos Spear that hadn't exploded yet, feeling his hands burn from the light of that as well as the whipping backlash from the Cursed Emerald, and ripped it out of place. He forced it deeper into the beast, jamming it behind the Cursed Emerald and desperately trying to excavate it out as he wiggled the Chaos Spear around to hopefully pull it lose. Finally, he ripped Ember's fusion out from Mephilis as he faded away in a blaze of glory.

"Ah... HAAA...ahhhhh..." Mephilis's form began to drift towards the ground, as Ember's landed in ashes... "Now... I shall truly be... forgotten..." Mephilis's consciousness, a purple mass of shadows, slowly dwindled out on the ground... a puddle becoming less and less... before all at once... getting blown gently out of reality and time...

Ember opened her eyes gently, seeing the ash below her clawed fingers drift as scourged sunglasses tank'ed against the ground near her. As Mephilis disappeared, Super Sonic slowly returned down to the ground, and looked around for Scourge. "Where is he..? What..?" He saw the sunglasses, as Ember seemed to refuse to reach for them.

Super Sonic remained silent, horrified but also dropping his jaw at the fact that the heat had been so intense that perhaps... Scourge was was burnt into oblivion too...

He turned his head down and closed his eyes, but in his moment for the dead, Scourge was glowing green behind him. "Aw, I'm touched." and then sucker-punched Sonic. "But if that emerald won't budge, I'll kill her and take it for myself!" Hearing that he may try and fuse with the Cursed Emerald, Ember slowly got up, clutching her now completely black and soot-covered chest... forcing herself upright.

Shadow gripped his side and stumbled over to Manic, giving him a nod. He knew now that Manic would do whatever it took to protect Ember and keep her safe. Giving him a thumbs up... he turned to Ember, mouthed words she only wished she could have heard... and then collapsed.

"Shadow!" Manic didn't leave his drums again, seeing Scourge crash Super Sonic against multiple trees and then grab Ember, still trying to control her power.

However,...

"You never learn..." Ember muttered, sending him back in a backlash as she moved her arm and let him grab the Cursed Emerald again, but was blown so far away in its fury... She then, seeing the damage done, knew what last thing she should try.

Surrendering fully to its cursed power, she leaned her body back. "Shadow... I love you too. I won't forget again... that you accept the good I see in Manic, and that you don't want to lose me just as much... as I'd hate to lose you too." She let out some tears, as the Cursed Emerald began its last stand at defending itself. "Manic... I've seen you struggle, and do everything within your power to protect me... I won't forget this... I won't forget your love and devotion. Even if you only have the power of a mortal... you fought an immortal cause. You have gained your victory... And I will love you forever." Then she spread her arms out, "I'll remember... but you won't need too... This awful fate... that threatened my friends and family... will never be again." She closed her eyes, as Manic tried to run to her, "Chaos... Unleashed." A huge white light engulfed the entire area...

Time was rewritten, as is what the power of the Chaos Emeralds can do... though this power was reversed in that it could completely rewrite fate only if severely threatened by removal and/or death.

Ember was sitting down with Manic after the concert, leaning on his shoulder. 'Finally... Peace.' she thought to herself, proud that she was able to muster the courage to perform after all the emotional and painful turmoil of the time that never was...

Only she alone remembered... Shadow's figurative blessing to Manic in a simple accepting thumbs-up, and that mysterious figure that she still didn't know who or what he was... She had already called Shadow to warn him about Scourge's escape and they found him right away. It was as though she saved her family without a single soul knowing about it.

'Good... who needs another gloat, anyway?' she joked within her mind, smiling as Manic kissed her forehead, still thinking she was just calming down from stage fright.

Shadow's Chaos Spears had weakened both Mephilis and the Cursed Emerald's power, allowing Scourge to pull her out. Then, when the spears disappeared, Ember had control over her insanity power for a split second, and used it to go back... knowing Mephilis wouldn't be there to screw up her future this time... But the unleashed Chaos came with a price...

She leaned up to look at Manic, "When I predicted Scourge's eventual escape, I also told Shadow how much you cared about me... I think he's willing to see that I want time with him... and with you, too." she gently put her hand into his, grasping it lightly. "Is that alright?" she looked down as though shyly to his hand.

He chuckled to himself, growing nervous. "W-what? What brought that up all of a sudden?" He rubbed behind his quills, but she fiddled with his long-hanging bangs as he smiled warmly to her. "Did you learn my secret?"

"What secret?" she looked away, pretending like she didn't know he wanted Shadow's blessing. She had heard a lot through Mephilis's fusion with her, and his shadows and knowledge of them were something she was able to discover. Though... she still didn't understand his reasoning when she searched his mind for 'Iblis Trigger' or 'Solaris'. It was all too confusing, anyway, and she didn't stay fused for too long either.

But his influence over her was still there... the longing for destruction, the cunning and manipulation... her Cursed Emerald's flame would never glow the same...

"Never you mind how I know things~" she teased, fanning them away and disregarding her own sinister thoughts that she would push away. She was strong enough to resist whatever power was still infused in her emerald... she didn't care. She only wanted to use her power to protect those she cared about. The power would be used for nothing else, "Just come here and tell me what a great singer I was tonight..." she cupped his face, knowing he really did try everything to protect her in that other, erased timeline now. They kissed very sweetly, but he soon pulled her into a deeper, more passionate moment.

"You sang like a dark angel." he slowly moved over her, as she spread her back slowly against the stage's floor, letting him make his way over her. "Like a siren through the sea of lights..." She was feeling her heart rate escalate with the moment when...

Suddenly, a voice came from the rafters.

"Now, now, you two." The alluring woman's voice slyly added, "Play nice! After all, I'd hate to tell Shadow that when he sent me to look after you, that you and your new boyfriend —who he so graciously allowed for you to be with —were being naughty..."

Rouge's voice rang a thousand times in Ember's ears and mind when she pulled away from Manic and shook her fist in frustration. "SHHHADDDOWW!" she whined in disapproval, not liking that he sent Rouge to spy on her, still thinking her a child.

"Hmph!" she folded her arms, turning from Manic and pouting. "He still can't trust me!?"

Manic just laughed, "Ohhh, now I see the family resemblance!" he pointed to her frown and then clutched his head and stomach, belting out a hardy, but joyous cascade of laughter.

She couldn't help it, she may be imperfect but so was the rest of the world. She had a family... and no matter what twists in time or space was brought their way, they would always love each other, and want to spend time with one another.

That brought her peace. Love and family, imperfect people being perfect for each other.

She hugged Manic and laughed too, enjoying the moment with him, as Rouge smiled sweetly down to them and then flew off, giving them their alone time and space... since this was the timeline within this universe's space that they could do so... without any distractions or restraints~!

END.