{"sf1_id":709015,"sf2_id":null,"title":"Sonic The Hedgehog: The Series - Part 2","author":"diosoth","words":22419,"posted_at":"2014-05-24T20:37:00.000Z","tags":["Bat","Cunnilingus","Fanfiction","Human","M/F","Romance","Sex","Sonic The Hedgehog","Supernatural","Yiff"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/709015-sonic-the-hedgehog-the-series-part-2","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/view/709015","image_url":"https://www.sofurryfiles.com/std/thumb?page=709015\u0026ext=.jpg","description":"","content":"Knuckles was in awe. Echidnas. \"I don't believe this! I'm not alone!\" He paced   \nthe island eagerly. He had family, he had his own kind. He had been alone his   \nentire life. True, he had friends, but no one like him. And fate had dictated   \nthat the first echidna he'd met, Tikal, was long dead. True, Rouge had flirted   \nwith him many times, but in the end, she wasn't an echidna.  \n  \n\"Saw you come here with the others,\" a voice interrupted his thoughts.   \n  \n\"What? Who was that?\" he asked, turning.  \n  \nA dark orange female echidna in a skirt approached him. \"Hi. You're not from   \naround here. I'm Karen.\"  \n  \n\"Karen? Hi...\" A woman was talking to him. \"No, I'm not from around here,\" he   \nexplained.   \n  \nShe tapped his chest. \"Good muscle tone\"   \n  \n\"Hey! That wasn't-\"   \n  \nShe shouted, \"RELAX! Can't take a compliment? You act like you've never even SEEN   \na woman before. You live under a rock or som'tin?\"  \n  \nHe grinned, embarrassed to answer. \"Actually... I'm from Angel Island.\"   \n  \n\"Oh... I see...\" She wasn't impressed by his answer. \"You're from the old tribe.   \nThe one that created the god of death.\" She turned away.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"NO! I mean, the tribe is gone. I'm all that's left. I thought I was the only one   \nof my kind left on this planet. But now... I don't know what to think!\" he   \nshouted.  \n  \n\"I don't know... primitive and rough. Good body, but rough. I'm the island   \nboxing champion. Come by the ring later and I'll put you to the test!\"   \n  \n\"YOU?\" he yelled.   \n  \nTurning to face him, she carried a mean expression. \"What, a girl can't be boxing   \nchampion? I'm seventeen, well beyond qualified to fight in the tournaments! I   \nheard the men of the old tribe had big egos, but WOW!\" Storming off, she left   \nKnuckles alone.  \n  \n\"Way to blow it!\" Sonic shouted as he ran over.   \n  \nKnuckles gave him a nasty look. \"Shut up...\"  \n  \n\"They have been, they are, and they will be... that is the way of the Great Old   \nOnes.\" Herb remained silent after that.   \n  \n\"We do indeed have the Chaos Emerald that fell here a month ago. I'll show you.\"   \nThe mayor led him to the vault. Behind the heavy metal doors, the Chaos Emerald   \nsat, protected.   \n  \n\"Good. The Chaos Emeralds are their only key,\" Herb explained.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"The Necronomicon... Al Azif as it may be called... is not a book that exists   \nin our world, so they cannot use it to their advantage. We should be thankful   \nsuch a tome does not exist here. For even the Chaos Emeralds combined would be   \nnothing before the evil will of that horrible book!\"  \n  \nThe mayor led Herb outside. \"Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, this is Mayor Periwinkle!\"   \n  \n\"Periwinkle?\" Sonic joked.   \n  \n\"Yes, that is my name,\" the yellow echidna replied. \"Do you have a problem with   \nmy name?\" Sonic shook his head violently. \"NO! No, it's a cool name!\"  \n  \nKaren walked by. \"I'm going to the ring to practice, be back later, daddy!\"  \n  \n\"Okay, daughter, you be careful not to get hurt!\" She ran off.   \n  \n\"She's your daughter?\" Knuckles inquired, stunned.   \n  \n\"Ah, yes! My beautiful daughter, Karen. The island boxing champion for two years   \nnow. And you must be Knuckles, the islander of the old tribe. How... sad to hear.\"  \n  \nHerb cleared his throat. \"Knuckles, here, is the only one. Until an hour ago,   \nhe thought he was the last of his kind. I only told him due to the urgency of   \nthings. I know you value your seclusion.\" \"Nonsense!\" Periwinkle replied. \"You   \nshould have told the boy about us some time ago! If he were willing to abandon   \nthe old ways and come here, he would find life vastly improved.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Knuckles flinched. \"I'm not embarrassed of who I am!\"   \n  \n\"Neither was she,\" Sonic interjected. \"She was hitting on Knuckles earlier.\"   \n  \n\"Really?\" Periwinkle mused. \"My daughter doesn't draw herself to just anyone so   \neasily. Perhaps... there may be hope for you, after all.\" Knuckles looked up.   \n  \n\"That means you go after her, my boy!\" Herb shouted.  \n  \n\"Umm, sure...\" He ran off.   \n  \n\"Knuckles is a bit slow, mentally, I'm afraid,\" Herb apologized.   \n  \n\"Oh nonsense! I was that way at his age,\" the mayor responded.   \n  \n\"Hrm... the matter of the Chaos Emerald. You do know it may not be safe here.\"  \n  \nPeriwinkle wiped his glasses. \"I am aware.\"   \n  \n\"What defenses do they have here?\" Tails asked.   \n  \n\"The Emerald is locked in a heavy duty metal vault, impenetrable by explosives.   \nThe door uses a key code, it can't be picked. But I suspect this cult will still   \ntry something. They have to know we're here.\" Herb tapped his cane in   \nfrustration.  \n  \n\"We can try to replace it with a fake,\" Tails suggested. \"I can make a fake   \nChaos Emerald that is almost undetectable from the real one, but will cancel   \nout the others. But... I don't have the tools to make one right now.\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"What do you need?\" the mayor asked.   \n  \nTails explained, \"a lab with specialized equipment and material to make the   \ncrystal!\"  \n  \n\"Oh, we have a fine laboratory on the island, I'm sure they have what you need.   \nCome with me, boy!\" Tails followed the Mayor.   \n  \nSonic was left alone with Herb. Westwood sat on the nearest bench. \"Sonic...\" He   \nchecked his watch. February 15th, 11:10 PM. \"You've saved the world numerous   \ntimes. But I... I've never done anything REALLY special like that.\"  \n  \n\"Hey, you're working your butt off to save the world right now! Don't give up   \nyet!\" Sonic gave him a thumbs up.   \n  \n\"That's not it. I am an aging man with a cane and a bad heart. Even in my prime,   \nmy abilities were merely adequate. I am just a human. I don't have your speed, I   \ncan't fly like Tails, Charmy, or Rouge, I don't have the strength of Knuckles...   \nI am plain. I'm jealous of you and your friends. Just once, I want to save the   \nworld.\"  \n  \n\"Oh. I think I see what you mean. Actually...\" Sonic held up a finger, a thought   \non the edge of his mind. \"... you aren't plain. You know what's going on better   \nthan any of us! You've united us, even me and Eggman! You do have a skill. Your   \nbrain.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Herb smiled. \"Even if I don't survive this, just knowing that I saved the world   \nwill be enough.\"   \n  \n\"I'm sure you'll live through this! I should go find Amy... she's wandered off   \nagain!\" Sonic ran off after his friend.   \n  \nHerb pulled out his phone. \"Ivo!\" \"Yes?\" the reply came.  \n  \n\"You monitoring that spot on the ocean floor?\" Herb asked.   \n  \n\"Yes, no activity, no city. But I'll keep monitoring.\"   \n  \nHerb sighed. \"Tails is going to produce a false Chaos Emerald,\" he explained.   \n  \n\"Ah, an excellent plan! He almost fooled ME with that one once...\"  \n  \nKnuckles followed Karen to the boxing arena. She was practicing on a bag. \"You   \nshowed up!\"   \n  \n\"Yes, I... well...\"   \n  \n\"Stop mumbling!\" she shouted, annoyed. \"You must REALLY have problems with   \nwomen!\" She tossed him a pair of boxing gloves. \"Put those on.\" She replaced her   \nown gloves with a pair of sparring gloves.  \n\u0026nbsp;  \nKnuckles asked, \"what are those?\"   \n  \n\"I wanna see how good you are. No bag, punch at me. I'll catch your blows.\"  \n  \nKnuckles threw the gloves to the floor. \"I... I can't.\" The look of embarrassment   \ncovered his face, his muzzle turning bright red. \"I almost punched a defenseless   \nwoman yesterday. I'm sorry\"-   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;A sweep of her foot sent Knuckles down. \"You did WHAT?\"  \n  \nFear plastered his face, he hoped it would cool her anger. \"I didn't mean to! I   \nwas... I couldn't control myself!\"   \n  \n\"You'd hit a woman? WOW! I mean, I'm a boxer, yeah? I box against men, I'm   \ntrained. It's a sport. But that... you need to leave that island. You're a   \nthrowback of the old ways we abandoned!\" She helped him up. \"Still... if you   \nreally ARE sorry... did you even apologize to her?\"   \n  \nHe shook his head. \"No. I'm afraid to go near her.\"   \n  \nShe jumped onto the ropes, balancing herself in a seated pose. \"Well, maybe you   \nshould. You're afraid of yourself. I can work with you. Still, the great Sonic   \nthe Hedgehog is here, and that man is back, so I'm guessing the world is in   \ndanger?\"  \n  \n\"You could say that,\" Knuckles sighed.   \n  \n\"Well... tell you what! Tomorrow, we'll both go, and you can apologize to her.   \nI'll be there in case you do anything stupid! Hit her and I'll break your arm!   \nYou tell her you're sorry, and you MEAN IT... and MAYBE I'll go on a date with   \nyou!\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He considered the offer. 'A date, an actual DATE with a woman? But can I face   \nRouge?'  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nRouge stretched. Grabbing her clothes, she dressed, slipping on her white boots.   \nThe necklace went on, followed by the gift bracelet. \"Tom, you hungry?\" she   \nasked. No answer. She found him in the living room. A small book was opened   \nbeside him. He looked shaken. \"What's wrong?\"   \n  \n\"Huh? Nothing, why?\" he responded.   \n  \nShe looked at the book. It was a book on bats, something she'd had on her shelf.   \nThe page was opened to the mating section. \"I see...\"   \n  \n\"You aren't like that\" he said. \"You wouldn't sit with me in the hospital if...\"  \n  \nShe closed her eyes. \"The nature of bats is to mate and raise our children   \nalone without the father. I never even knew my own dad. And my mother...\" she   \nsighed, wincing at the thought. \"She had a lot of boyfriends, most for a day.   \nYou don't like your parents much, I don't like mine.\" Taking his hand, she   \ncaressed his skin. \"I'm not leaving you, no. Don't worry. I promised I would   \nnever do that to anyone.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I knew it was silly to think that. Stupid book,\" he said, tossing it away.   \n\"Still, you do seem awfully... experienced and kinky for someone who claims   \nto be a virgin before they met me!\" She took an evil smile. \"I can say the same   \nabout you. But I'm a bat, even abstaining, I still have my fantasies. Some so   \nsecret, I'll never tell you what they are.\" She rubber her hand through his   \nhair. \"Just understand that any fantasies I had before I met you, I can change   \nmy partner in the fantasy at any time to be you.\"  \n  \nHe stood, his eyes following her. \"That's... I could stare in your eyes all   \nday.\" Rubbing her ears, he smiled.   \n  \n\"Thank you. I never thought a man would perfer to look into my eyes... rather   \nthan at my breasts.\"   \n  \n\"We should get something to eat,\" he suggested, his stomach rumbling.   \n  \nShe shook her head. \"No, that question about my sex life was a bit offensive...\"   \nShoving him, he landed back on the couch. She flew, standing on the sofa, pinning   \nhim down with one of her boots. \"I'll have to punish you!\" She straddled him   \ntightly, smiling her devil grin. \"Hands to yourself. You do as I say! No   \narguments, no complaints, No disobeying! You're about to see one of my fantasies.   \nHands OFF or else I'll-\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"BOSS!\"  \n  \nIt was the intercom from the casino. \"Not now... what do they want?\" She jumped   \noff him, pressing the button. \"This had better be good!\"   \n  \n\"It's that red echidna you told us to look out for! He says it's urgent!\"   \n  \nShe slammed her fist into the wall. \"Stupid Knuckles, why now? He had to kill the   \nmood!\"   \n  \nTom rose. \"I'll go with you in case he tries something stupid.\"  \n  \nDownstairs, Knuckles waited. Rouge was angry. \"This had better be good! If not   \nI'll have you arrested!\" she shouted.   \n  \nKnuckles shuffled his feet. \"Rouge, I- that is-\"   \n  \n\"He's here to apologize to you,\" the strange voice explained. \"You- you're an   \nechidna? But how?\"   \n  \nKaren smiled. \"You must be Rouge. I'm Karen. Knuckles, go on...\"  \n  \nThe echidna puffed up his chest. \"Er, right! Rouge, I am genuinely sorry for   \nwhat I did. I had no right.\" He let his chest back in. \"I hate myself for   \nalmost hurting you. I know we have history, not a very good one, but even if   \nyou liked me, I turned you away, and when you needed help I accused you of   \nthings and tried to hurt you. And for that... I am deeply sorry. Please forgive   \nme.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Rouge considered is apology. \"Well, you're a stubborn echidna, but... looks   \nlike you have a girlfriend now! Maybe you've learned how to treat a woman! I   \nmust say, I'm impressed. Maybe I'd have even been jealous of her at some   \npoint.\"   \n  \n\"Karen isn't my girlfriend!\" Knuckles corrected.   \n  \nKaren nudged him. \"Not yet, anyway.\"  \n  \n\"I accept your apology,\" Rouge said, patting Knuckles on the shoulder.   \n  \n\"Thank you.\" He was proud of himself.   \n  \n\"Even if your timing was lousy. We were in the mid-dle-of-some-thing!\"   \n  \nHer expression told Knuckles that he should leave. \"Eh, right, let's go, Karen!\"   \nhe walked away.   \n  \n\"Knuckles has a hot body, but his personality needs work. But I'm a boxer, I   \ntold him if he ever pulls that with me, I'll break his arm!\"  \n  \n\"Boxing, huh? I don't know... Knuckles might not like a woman who can beat him   \nup,\" Rouge commented. \"Or maybe he will. Tom is the opposite of Knuckles. A   \nvery good mind...\" she patted him on the butt as he jumped. \"But I'm working   \non his body still. I'll have him my cute muscle hunk soon enough!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Karen turned away. Looking back at Rouge, and downward, she commented, \"I'm a   \nbit jealous of those.\" She walked off. Rouge was stunned. \"Did she just...\"  \n\u0026nbsp;  \n\"Comment rudely on your chest?\" Tom looked away. Rouge cocker her head.   \n  \n\"Does she even think before she talks? What a thing to say to another woman!\"   \nTom grinned. \"You don't get mad when I say nice things about them!\"  \n  \nShe smacked his backside harder. \"Upstairs, now! You're just racking up the   \npunishments!\"   \n  \n\"You call it punishment, I call it- HEY!\" She smacked him much harder.  \n  \nAt the entrance, Herb waited for the echidnas. \"Westwood! But-\"   \n  \n\"I followed you when you left.\" He took Knuckles' spiked gloves from his coat.   \n\"You faced yourself and triumphed. You've earned them. Now, time is fleeting.   \nBesides, I'm not comfortable here. It's barely eleven in the morning and it's   \ndark out. I prefer sunlight during the day. You two get back to the island and   \nwait for Tails to finish his task. I'm going back to the fortress to look   \nsomething over.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;  \nTom ducked through the doorway, the frame built for smaller animals, not humans,   \nshort as even he was by human standards. But the whole apartment was built more   \nfor Rouge, and adjusting to it hadn't taken much effort. \"Now, then, where were   \nwe-AH!\" A hard shove landed him onto the couch.   \n  \nCrawling up onto him, Rouge stood, grinning, her eyes squinted down at him.   \n\"Bad boy... I told you not to talk! Remember the rules? No talking, no touching,   \nno arguments, no complaints! You sit there and do as I say!\"  \n  \nUnclipping the heart-shaped chest plate, the tossed it gently to the carpet,   \nsliding her fingers into the edge of her black spandex suit. Easing it down, her   \nnipples popped free as her breasts became visible. \"Keep staring like you know   \nyou want to...\" she teased, easing the suit downward, stopping when she reached   \nher boots. Feeling her naked skin seductively, Rouge ran her fingers through the   \nsmall, trimmed patch of pubic fur, a neat heart-shape she kept neatly cut at all   \ntimes.  \n  \n\"You like that, don't you? Mmmm...\" Hunching forward, she rested her vagina   \nbarely an inch from her lover's face, explaining, \"you slung a lot of dirt at   \nme with what you said, Tom... now lick it off! I know your tongue is up to the   \nchallenge...\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"You mean lick your-\" He was silenced as she pressed her love against his mouth.   \n  \n\"NO TALKING! Lick... slowly...\" she ordered, enjoying this far more than she had   \na right to. With minor hesitation, Tom stuck his tongue out and began his   \npunishment, gliding up and down the opening. His breath offered an extra bit   \nof stimulation, tiny gusts of air against her exposed clitoris. Moaning, she   \nleaned into it. \"Yes, that's very good... keep going...\" Sparks of orgasmic   \nbliss began, his tongue now comfortable with the process, working faster and   \npushing inside her hole, dancing around the clitoris.  \n  \n'Oh, wow... he's very good... damn...' she thought, fighting the temptation to   \nfinger herself, like she'd done so many nights before she'd finally slept with   \nThomas Adriani. Fondling her clit was one thing, but this mans tongue was   \ndifferent, so much more gentle, but so much more forceful. Soft, but invasive.   \nBreathing heavily, Rouge was on the border of climax, resisting the urge to   \nscream out. This was his punishment, after all, no need to make him like to too   \nmuch.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Unfortunately, she remained on the border. As well as he licked her, as good as   \nit felt, she could not orgasm. Her mind cluttered with the sensations, the small   \npart that remained rational knew why. \"Tom... grab my tits... grab my ass...   \nNOW!\" she screamed, her human boyfriend complying, fondling and squeezing   \nwhatever part of her he could grab. The touches, gentle, forceful fondling set   \nher off. \"Tom. I- I- I'm gonna.... oooOOOOOOHHHHH YEAH!\"  \n  \nHer body tensed and shook, knees giving way as she fell to the couch, straddling   \nTom, moaning in pleasure. Regaining minimal control, Rouge leaned forward,   \nkissing him hard, her tongue down his throat, her hands reaching for her cunt,   \nfingers dancing on her clit to enhance and extend the feeling.   \n  \nFinally finished, she broke off her kiss, gasping for air. \"Sorry... you know I   \nwas just playing a game, right... oh, yeah....\"   \n  \n\"I know,\" he answered. \"Feel good?\"   \n  \n\"Yes, yes, it was... great! But if I EVER tell you not to touch me again, and I   \nmean EVER, you ignore me! Damn, I thought I was never gonna cum...\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He asked, \"I wasn't doing so great, then?\"   \n  \n\"NO! You were doing a VERY good job... but I need your touch. Oh... I've been   \nlooking for love so long,\" she replied, running a hand through his hair, \"I need   \nyou to touch me. Speaking of which...\" She could feel his erection under his   \nsweatpants. \"Someone's ready for the real deal!\"  \n  \n\"Not yet,\" he said, gently hoisting her and setting her on the couch. Pulling off   \nher boots and stripping off the spandex, \"I wanna do this the right way!\" Kissing   \nher inner thigh, he moved inward. \"You taste good, Rouge, very good...\" Making   \nhis way to the sweet spot, he kissed and teased her pussy as if he was making out   \nwith her.   \n  \n\"OH! Tom... oh, yes!\" she screamed. \"NOW! Use your fingers... and remember what   \nI said, direct stimulation on my clit! Don't be afraid, I like it that way!\"   \nTeasing the opening, Tom slid in a finger, slowly feeling inside. Ever since   \nhe'd first made love to Rouge, he'd been wondering what a bat's natural body   \ntemperature was. It was very warm, not to mention very wet from the earlier   \norgasm. Her internal muscles seemed to fight back, squeezing down hard on is   \nfinger, but still he slowly worked it back and forth, twisting around, enjoying   \nhow she felt inside.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I was wondering,\" he asked, \"human women have what's called a g-spot. You bat   \nwomen have that, too?\"   \n  \n\"Of course we do! Just... I never got to play with mine... stupid hymen in the   \nway,\" she said. Sliding an extra finger inside, he began twisting and prodding.   \nSparks went up her spine. \"THERE! I think you... you just found it!\" She screamed   \nloud in delight, his lips kissing her, his tongue working her clit, and fingers   \nticking her newly-discovered g-spot. \"TOM! Oh.... god.... that's it baby....   \noh-oh-OHHHHHHH! I'M GONNA CUM! DON'T STOP! I love you, Tom... ohh...... YES!\"  \n  \nMuscles tensed, nerves reacted, Rouge screaming with a fiery passion as she   \nclimaxed, her legs closing in on his head like a vise, her tickled g-spot   \nreleasing a strong blast of ejaculate, squirting Tom like a hose. He choked and  \nspat out the fluid, not enough to drown but enough to get in his nose and mouth.   \nPulling free of Rouge's love grip, he waited as she stopped shaking. Panting,   \nshe pried her eyes open. \"Whoever said sex wasn't exercise... has to be a   \nvirgin... whoa, what happened to you?\" she asked, noticing her boyfriend.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I think you came on my face...\" He was soaked, his hair messed and dripping,   \nhis shirt wet.   \n  \n\"Oh... I know what I did,\" she remarked. \"I read about this in that sex ed book   \nI have... I'll let you read it later. Come here,\" she waved a finger invitingly,   \nTom crawling up to her. Leaning in, she began to lick his face off. \"You're   \nright, I do taste good...\" Reaching for his shirt, she tugged at it, pulling it   \nover his head. Playfully reaching her foot out, she brushed against him, feeling   \nhis hard rod. \"Enough of this... carry me to the bed. Your turn to get off!\"  \n  \nLifting Rouge off the couch, Tom paced to the bedroom, setting her on the floor.   \nThe naked bat girl stood, looking up. Tom was nearly two feet taller than she   \nwas, though that fact never bothered her. It made it easier for her to pull down   \nhis sweatpants, slowly, gleeful as his cock sprung back up. Taking it in hand,   \nshe tugged slowly, sliding his foreskin back and forth. \"Sit down...\"  \n  \nResting on the bed and propping against the wall, Tom waited, Rouge mounting him,   \neasing down on him. \"Should go in easy... I'm SO wet...\" she said, sliding his   \npenis inside, rocking back and forth.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Don't rush, huh? I'm in no hurry!\" he said, enjoying the movement. \"I love you,   \nRouge... take your time. I wanna feel this as long as possible.\" Thrusting his   \npelvis to bring her up slightly, she pressing against him, their noses touching.  \n  \n\"I know you love me... but it doesn't mean you can't grab my tits!\" Taking the   \nhint, he took one in hand, fondling her nipple slowly.  \n  \n\"You have really nice breasts... and a nice body, too.... and I love it when you   \nsmile... and hearing you so happy...\"   \n  \n\"Happy, huh?\" She gave him a seductive stare. \"That mean when I'm screaming my   \nhead off when we're making love?\"   \n  \n\"Part of it...\" he answered. Pulling her as close as possible, he kissed her   \nslowly, passionately, thrusting upward on his own. Getting the idea, Rouge   \nresponded by grinding up and down, her legs springing to give her the motion   \nneeded.   \n  \nTheir intensity increased, passionate noises buried under the kiss, Tom thrusting   \nharder as he grabbed her ass to help. The vibrations tortured Rouge's clit, the   \nhardened dick grazing her g-spot, Tom careful now to angle himself in such a way   \nto do so.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;She felt it. Sperm pumping out, gushing from the tip, filling her inside. Again,   \nshe came, the feeling of Tom's cum pushing her over the edge. Pulling back from   \nthe kiss, she screamed in pleasure, Tom forcing moans out under his breath, still   \nthrusting her with all his might to prolong the feeling.  \n  \nIn minutes, the two began to catch their breath, Rouge leaning close, holding   \nonto her man. \"You got real good at this,\" she complimented.  \n  \n\"I had a wonderful teacher,\" he replied. \"Any man who turned you down before you   \nmet me is an idiot... glad those guys were so dumb, though. I'm one very lucky   \nman...\"   \n  \n\"With what almost happened to you, you don't know the half of it, Tom...\" she   \nsaid, sliding up of him, leaning back on the bed, inviting him to join her. The   \ntwo lovers looked into each other's eyes. \"You tired?\" she asked.  \n  \nHe replied, \"not really, no... soaked, sweaty, dirty, yes.... tired,  \nno...\" Gently, he kissed her, running a hand through her fur. \"You're  \nsweaty, too... can't blame you.\" Wiping off her arms, the sweat   \ndripped from her hand.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"They don't call it the 'fires of passion' for nothing.\" She felt slightly  \nembarrassed, watchign her sweat drip so heavily.  \n  \n\"Fires... speaking of which, I know why they call it a 'bun in the oven' now...   \nI mean, damn...\"  \n  \nSmiling, she said, \"ninety-nine point seven.\"   \n  \n\"Huh?\"   \n  \n\"Bat's body temperature. Higher than yours, human.... tub time. Come on, lover   \nboy....\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nHerb poured over the papers. \"Something had got to be here...\" Many of the   \ndocuments were old and had begun to fade. He'd read the works of Lovecraft too   \nmany times. Taking the book in hand, he threw it in the garbage. \"Racist,   \nbigoted son of a...\" Shadow looked at the wastebasket. \"Sorry. Lovecraft was in   \ntune with the Great Old Ones, but he was a typical hatemongering bigot of his   \nworld. He hated anyone who wasn't his skin color. How's Ivo doing?\"  \n  \n\"The work on the attack robots is moving along. Do you really think they will   \nbe necessary?\"   \n  \n\"They had a saying on that world I went to,\" Herb replied. \"Never take a knife   \nto a gun fight.\" Shadow left the room. Herb yawned, he'd been awake for well more   \nthan a day. Shortly, he fell asleep, the old books his pillow. His dreams flashed   \nto the past...  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;  \nIt was the great Sumerian expedition. Herbert Westwood was the only human on   \nthe trip. Archaeologist Clara, a young brown cat, had hired him. A brown   \nhedgehog named Spike was their photographer. A local eagle, Soar, their desert   \nguide.  \n  \nHerb adjusted his hat, the sun beat down without end. Under his thin jacket,   \nthe holster held his prize, a custom-made eight-shot Magnum revolver, chromed   \nwith a gold-plated handle. An 'emergency' weapon. The 26 year old \"paranormal   \nexpert\" never needed it, but he wanted to be on the safe side. \"The vault is   \nalmost open.\"  \n  \nClara was standing beside him. \"Good, good! The Sumerian tribe was led by the   \ngreat Vulture King some 6000 years ago. All that remains...\"   \n  \nHerb swept his hand across the desert. \"Hard to believe. You were careful of tomb   \ntraps?\"   \n  \n\"Of course!\" Clara replied. She was a four foot brown cat, two years younger   \nthan he was. Thick glasses hung off her face, betraying otherwise good looks.  \n  \n\"Why'd you drag me out here? You don't believe the old stories of the Vulture   \nKing haunting his old kingdom, do you? It's a myth to scare people away!\" So   \nfar, in nine years, he'd yet to encounter a ghost.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Ivo Robotnik recommended you. A good scientist, he'll have a bright future in   \nrobotics. His grandfather was a brilliant man as well,\" she explained.  \n  \n\"Shame all that had to happen on the ARK with that accident. You know, in nine   \nyears, all I've found are old writings, tablets, statues, NOTHING to prove a   \nghost! 'Paranormal', poppycock! They're all stories to scare people!\"   \n  \nShe sighed. \"Do you believe in the soul?\"  \n  \nHis mouth cocked into a nasty curl. \"Soul... a hope for people who want to live   \nafter they die. No ghosts, no souls... hey, I know why you hired me. You've   \nbeen staring at me like a piece of meat since you walked into my office!\"  \n  \nHer tail fluttered. \"So?\"  \n  \nHe tossed his hat away. \"Stupid thing... you're a cat! That's... it's creepy!\"   \n  \n\"What? A human and a cat? The world won't end because of it!\" she yelled.   \n  \n\"It's not that...\" Herb sighed. \"I had a pet cat. Died of old age last year.   \nIt's...\"  \n  \nShe slid her glasses down. \"I'm not some little animal that mews for food and   \nplays with yarn! I'm a professional archaeologist and a determined woman. You   \nthink I'm not entitled to the same treatment you are?\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Fine, I'm an idiot who doesn't see things the way you do.\" Patting his back,   \nshe started walking away. \"I don't care what anyone thinks, I'll date any   \nspecies I like. As long as both are consenting adults, there's no problem!\"  \n  \n\"Wait!\" She stopped. \"Fine, after we get this treasure, I'll take you on a...   \ndate. An apology date! Not romantic! An apology!\"   \n  \nShe paused for a moment before responding. \"I pick the place. Lets go.\"  \n  \nInside the tomb, they opened the grave. \"Wow, this guy was big!\" Spike   \ncommented, taking pictures. Indeed, the Vulture King was a brute at over seven   \nfeet tall.   \n  \n\"No wonder this guy was in charge!\" Herb mused, noting the inscriptions.   \n  \nClara saw the jewel in the crown. \"Beautiful... give me a knife!\" She dug at the   \nrusted crown until the jewel was free. \"The legend was that this jewel gave him   \ngreat power.\"  \n  \n\"You mean like those... Anarchy Crystals?\" Westwood inquired, still staring at   \nthe walls.   \n  \n\"You mean the Chaos Emeralds. Yes, something like that.\" Clara sighed. \"It's   \nmine.\"  \n  \nThat night, they rested in the desert. They would leave in the morning. The   \nthree animals slept, while Herbert sat awake. 'Scorpions, snakes, who can sleep   \nout here?' The jewel was also under his watch. He knew why, of course- he had   \nthe gun. They didn't want desert thieves taking their prize. Checking the chamber,   \nagain, he closed the gun and returned it to his holster for easy draw. The night   \nwas boring, if a bit cool. The sun was down, at least.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He thought he heard something shuffling outside. Peeking out, he saw nothing.   \nClosing the flap, a large blade tore his tent apart, barely missing him. 'Oh   \ndamn, raiders!' He grabbed the jewel and ran, away from the tents to lead these   \nthieves from the others. Some distance away, Herb ducked behind a rock. The top   \nof the stone went flying as the massive blade again assaulted him.  \n  \nHe saw his attacker. The Vulture King. The animated skeleton howled.   \n\"You-y-y-you're a... GHOST!\" Pulling his gun, he cocked the hammer and fired.   \nAnd again. Two shots that passed through. \"Right, a gun against a ghost!\"   \nRunning, the Vulture King gave chase.  \n  \nHerb tripped over something unknown, sending the jewel flying. As it landed on   \na rock, the Vulture King flinched. Herb noticed. Taking out his flashlight, he   \nfound the jewel. A corner was chipped. \"So... his power is this jewel.\" The   \nKing approached, sword ready. Setting the jewel down, he took his Magnum by the   \nbarrel. 'Hope the bullets don't go off,' he thought, smashing the jewel. Each   \nhit caused the King pain. Finally, the jewel shattered. The Vulture King   \nwailed, his bones crumbling to the sand.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Flashlights headed his way. \"We heard gunshots and- and-\" Clara saw the broken   \njewel. \"What did you do? The jewel!\" she grabbed him by the collar, shaking   \nviolently. Herb struggled.  \n  \n  \n\"Hey, calm down!\"  \n  \nHis shout caught Shadow and Eggman off guard. \"Bad dream?\" Eggman asked.   \n  \nHerb shook. \"You could say that.\" Grabbing his cane, he rose. \"Nothing new in   \nthese papers to help us. I wasted my life. Know what I was doing when my parents   \ndied? Crawling around some jungle, or temple, or castle, or who knows where. I   \ncut off all contact with them for my work.\" The cane was in his hand. It slammed   \nthe desk. \"AND FOR WHAT?\" The cane slammed down again and again. \"An empty life?   \nNo love? No home? No happiness?\" The desk had noticeable dents in the surface.   \n\"I wasted my life!\" He dropped the cane. Both of them were staring at him.   \n  \n\"Herbert?\" Eggman asked, afraid too approach. They thought they heard crying.   \n  \nNo, it was laughter. \"Cthulhu has begun to influence my dreams. He found my   \nweakness. I hate my life. My regrets, my misgivings, he has exploited them. I   \ncoasted along with no thought to being happy, and that is MY failing. And if I   \ndo not face that... Shadow, my boy. Contact Sonic. I want both of you to come   \nwith me.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nThe steam from the water was barely noticeable in the dim light. Rouge closed   \nher eyes, leaning her head against Tom's shoulder. \"Wanna go out tonight... or   \ndid I wear you out?\" she asked gently.   \n  \n\"Wear me out?\" He placed an arm around her. \"I'm not that physically unable!   \nNot that you don't try...\"  \n  \nThe bath water soothed both of them, muscles tired. Bubbles covered them, not   \nas if anyone could see them. Rouge had enough sense not to install windows in   \nher bathroom. It wasn't as if the sun could shine through anyway. \"You said you   \nhad problems with your mother...\" he commented. \"That have something to do with   \nthe jewel obsession?\"   \n  \nShe answered, \"I grew up poor. My mother had no ambition to do anything but work   \na cheap job to meet guys at. I didn't have much. What I had, my mother usually   \nstole. You said you had problems with your parents?\" She turned to place her   \narms around him. \"My mother really messed me up. She made me selfish. When I   \nwas thirteen I ran off and started stealing jewels. I wanted to be rich.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Money isn't everything... I know that. I think you do too,\" he said, kissing   \nher forehead, asking, \"Will you still be stealing jewels?\"   \n  \n\"No, of course not!\" she spat back.   \n  \n\"Sorry,\" he apologized, realizing he'd offended her. \"It's not that I mind you   \nbeing a thief, but it seems like an unnecessary risk... you could get hurt, or   \nthrown in jail for it!\"   \n  \n\"I know... I don't need to steal anymore. Just that once I thought I could be   \nindependent,\" she answered, \"for a long time I didn't trust men. Especially   \nother bats. They always left before my mother woke up in the morning. They didn't   \ncare about her. That's why... that's why I could never just give myself away for   \nsex. I didn't want to be some object that men threw away when they were done. I   \nknew men looked at me, I made them want me... and they couldn't have me. I wanted   \nthem to see what they couldn't have...\" Rubbing her ears, he began washing her   \nfur with a sponge, forcing a \"that feels good!\" from her lips.   \n  \n\"But you couldn't keep that up, could you?\" he said.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"No, I couldn't. Shadow... he was damaged. He needed emotional support. I tried   \nto get close to him, but he wouldn't open to me. And then when I met you... I saw   \nthe same thing.\"  \n  \n\"You're drawn to damaged men.\"   \n  \nShe replied sadly, \"yes. I saw you were lonely, and sick... and I wanted to help.   \nI wanted to redeem myself. My selfishness, I couldn't stand it. I wanted to help   \na lonely, broken man be whole again, and I thought that it would make him like   \nme- don't misunderstand me, I-\"   \n  \n\"It's okay,\" he eased. \"I think I know why you like me. I was the first guy to   \nnotice you back as a person and not a pretty object.\"  \n  \nShe ran a finger across his chest playfully. \"When did you find me attractive?\"   \n  \nHe thought for a moment. \"At the hospital. I think that was the   \nfirst time I really appreciated how pretty you were. I saw you before, but I   \ndon't think I really appreciated your looks until my mind cleared. Funny...\"   \n  \n\"What?\" she asked.   \n  \n\"... that I liked you for your persistence and your willingness to keep dropping   \nby long before I cared how hot you were. And as much as you think otherwise...   \nyou're not dependent by having me around.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I was... never really independent.\" Nuzzling him, she continued, \"I had an   \nobsession with material goods. I had a need to drive men crazy with my looks.   \nI had my dependencies. But I prefer this. Now, don't think I'm keeping you on   \na leash-\"   \n  \n\"We have been almost glued to the hip!' He cut in.   \n  \nShe continued, \"-but after what happened, I am afraid to leave you out of my   \nsight for too long. But... that will wear off. We've been moving fast, I did   \njump you that first morning I had you here. I guess I should have thought about   \nthat more, but-\"  \n  \n\"It's okay! We're not moving too fast... just DIFFERENT than the norm, but...   \nno, we're doing just fine,\" he assured.   \n  \n\"Really?\" She kept her eyes closed. \"Okay, hot stuff... what color are my eyes?\"   \n  \n\"GREEN! That's an easy one!\"   \n  \nOpening her eyes, she met his gaze. \"You didn't even have to think about that  \none! I guess we're moving at the proper speed then. Not too fast, not too   \nslow...\"  \n  \n\"I know when you like it slow and fast,\" he teased, forcing her to give him her   \ndevil grin.   \n  \n\"We'll never get dressed if we keep this up! By the way, I prefer the slow part...   \nthe fast part means it's about to end! What a joke, though... the part you work   \nso hard to get to, means the fun's over.\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Nah, the fun won't be over for a LONG time... not with your dirty mind!\" he   \nremarked. \"And I don't think I've ever heard you complain when it's about to   \nend!\"   \n  \nShe gently sighed, responding, \"well, so much for getting dressed any time   \nsoon...\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \n\"Clara.\" Herb entered the office.   \n  \n\"Well... I never thought I'd see you again.\" The cat watched him take his seat.   \nHer fur as beginning to go gray. \"You never took me on that date,\" she said.   \n\"Why didn't you get in touch with me?\"   \n  \nHe looked away. \"You DID threaten to claw my eyes out.\"   \n  \n\"You thought I was serious?\"  \n  \n\"At the time, yes!\" Breathing heavily, he finally spoke. \"I wasted my life. Maybe   \nI should have made contact with you, rather than continuing my work. But it's   \npast. You've been happily married for 18 years, and I am a lonely old man.\"   \n  \n\"HA!\" She threw her head back at the suggestion. \"Happily... more like unhappily.   \nI regret not making contact with YOU. I married a colleague that I didn't love to   \navoid loneliness.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Westwood played with his cane. \"So we both have regrets.\"   \n  \nShe pulled a small box from her desk drawer. \"For you.\"   \n  \nOpening it, he found his old gun. \"I left this behind in the desert. I wanted to   \nget away from the Vulture King so bad that night... why'd you save this?\" It   \nstill had the scratches from where he'd broken the jewel.   \n  \n\"For what its worth, what you did may have been a setback in my career, but you   \nprobably saved my life.\"   \n  \n\"And for what it's worth,\" he replied, \"you're still good looking. I probably   \nlook like something an animal spat up.\"  \n  \n\"I thought you'd be back in my life,\" she replied. \"And here you are.\"   \n  \n\"Too late to matter,\" Westwood finished.   \n  \n\"You could have had your work, and me. We were in the same line of work. You   \ndidn't have to settle for one.\" She removed her glasses and gave a faint sigh.   \n\"Sonic the Hedgehog is with you. I take it your theories of the Great Old Ones   \nhold some weight?\"   \n  \nHe answered, \"yes. I once laughed at the idea of the soul. Now, I will save the   \nsoul of everyone on this world. Or at least I will try.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Herbert... save the world. For me. For yourself. Do that... and your life will   \nnot have been wasted.\"  \n  \nHe stood. For once, he felt good about his life. In the hall, he found the to   \nhedgehogs. \"You heard us, I assume?\"   \n  \n\"Yeah...\" Sonic wondered why he was here.   \n  \n\"She had a point, my boy... that I could have had both. Amy, the pink one who   \nfollows you. Do you love her?\"  \n  \nSonic jumped at the question. Shadow chuckled. \"NO! That is, she follows me   \neverywhere!\"   \n  \n\"But you let her,\" Herb replied. \"And I take it she's helped you. You like   \nadventure, do you believe that if you fall in love with her, you must give that   \nup?\"  \n  \nHe pondered the question. \"I always did...\"   \n  \nHerb began walking. \"Then, my boy, you will end up like me. Old and alone,   \nwondering on your life with regret. But I don't believe you would ever sit   \nback so easily. I believe it would motivate you more than ever. Would you sit   \nback and watch as your wife, your children were threatened? No, not you. You'd   \nrush to stop the threat. You're young, a thrill seeker. You're a hero for the   \nexcitement, but you lack something... something to really care for.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nThe three landed on the island. \"Sonic! The fake Chaos Emerald is done,\" Tails   \nwaved a metal box. \"This box also shields the Chaos Emeralds from detection!\"   \n  \n\"Good, my boy... then we make the switch tonight, no one will know. If they try   \nto steal it, their fate will be sealed.\" Herb walked towards the mayor's   \noffice.  \n  \nThe door slid open. Herb stepped in, the Chaos Emerald beckoning him. 'Gotta do   \nthis quick,' he thought, opening the box, placing the false Emerald on the   \npedestal, and locking the real one away in a quick motion. Running from the   \noffice, he exited the back way. In the alleys, he slinked around, avoiding   \neyes. Thinking he was safely away, he stopped as a gun met his face.  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \n\"Herbert!\" Sonic, Shadow, Knuckles, Tails, Amy, and Karen searched the island.   \nWestwood was long overdue. No sign anywhere. \"You think they got him? Amy   \nasked.   \n  \n\"I don't know... just keep looking!\" Knuckles saw something in an ally. Stepping   \nforward, he pulled back in horror. \"I FOUND HIM!\" They ran to the alley.   \nWestwood was lying on the ground.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Is he...\" Sonic stuttered.   \n  \nShadow felt Westwood's pulse. \"No. Just unconscious.\"  \n  \nHe stirred. \"I think a truck hit me...\" Herb felt around. \"It's gone.\"   \n  \nShadow asked, \"what happened?\"   \n  \nHe remembered the details. \"Someone put a gun in my face. I think the gun jammed,   \nbecause the kicked me in my leg wound. Set off a few fires in my nervous system   \ntoo. Then they bashed my head in. Stop spinning me around!\"  \n  \nThey stood back. Tails replied, \"we're not.\"   \n  \n\"Oh... all that work for nothing,\" Herb muttered, feeling for his cane. Grabbing   \nit, he tried to stand. He dropped the cane as his chest tightened. Air sucked   \ninto his lungs erratically.   \n  \n\"Westwood!\" Shadow panicked. \"Sonic, get a doctor! He's having a heart attack!\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nEggman waited. He'd been in this position before, sitting in a hospital while his   \nonly friend in his lifetime was dying. Spotting the echidna doctor, Eggman   \ngrabbed his coat. \"How is he?\"   \n  \nThe doctor shook Eggman's hands free. \"Please! You're concerned about someone?   \nHow many times have you tried to take over the world now? How many people have   \nyou put in danger?\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Eggman stared downward. \"It's because of pain towards people like him that cause   \nme to hate the world. Are you done judging me?\" he asked furiously.  \n  \n\"Ahem... we aren't equipped for HUMAN patients here, you understand. But he has a   \nskull fracture and a severe bruise on his leg. His heart is a ticking bomb   \nwaiting to go off. The injuries, combined with recent heavy caffeine use caused   \nhis heart attack. He should be awake soon...\" The doctor breathed in before   \nspeaking, \"... but I would give his heart no more than a week before it gives   \nout. If he does not receive a transplant soon, he will die.\"  \n  \nSighing, Eggman sat down. Sonic walked into the waiting room. \"How's he doing?\"   \n  \n\"Get lost you stupid hedgehog!\" Eggman shouted, waving his arms wildly to shoo   \nSonic away. He calmed down quickly, saying, \"I'm sorry. The doctors say he will   \nbe awake shortly.\"  \n  \nThe mayor paced. \"No sign of any strangers by air,\" one of the workers reported.   \n  \n\"Nor by the mining tunnels,\" another said.   \n  \nA third reported, \"and no sign of any boat or flying craft having approached the   \nisland.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;On the fortress, Knuckles communed with the Master Emerald once more. Karen   \ntouched the jewel, hoping to help. Focusing, Knuckles picked up the Emerald held   \nby Shadow, as well as the fake on the island below. Suddenly, a faint blip   \nappeared in his mind. A new Chaos Emerald. He had to now focus on its location.  \n  \n\"We found one!\" Knuckles pointed at the world map, somewhere in the Amazon   \njungle. \"I believe it's underground. We'll have to go before they can get to   \nit!\"   \n  \n\"I'll go!\" Sonic said eagerly. \"But how are we gonna get there?\"   \n  \nKnuckles thought. \"Eggman has a few smaller jets on board, we'll have to take one   \nof those! But I don't know how to fly them,\" Knuckles explained.  \n  \n\u0026nbsp;\"I can figure it out! Let's go!\" Sonic ran off, Knuckles in tow.   \n  \n\"What about me?\" Karen was huffy over being left out.  \n  \n\"We've done this before! I'm... sorry, but stay here in case something happens!\"   \nKnuckles apologized.  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nIn a half hour, the duo reached the jungle. \"There!\" Knuckles shouted, spotting a   \ncave entrance. \"I almost wish Rouge was here, she can find these things in her   \nsleep!\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Where is Rouge, anyway?\" Sonic asked. \"Don't tell me, you wish she was here! I   \nknew it, you like her, don't you?\"  \n  \n\"SHUT UP!\" Knuckles was having none of Sonic's attitude. \"No, not anymore!   \nRouge... that's none of your business anyway! Besides, Karen is- nevermind! Let's   \nGO!\" The two ran into the cave. The lights from the old mining team still worked.   \n  \n\"Hey, a mine cart!\" Sonic jumped in.   \n  \n\"I hope the tracks up ahead are still intact...\" Knuckles muttered, jumping in   \nand releasing the brake. The cart rolled, speeding up down the hill.  \n  \nKeeping ahold of the brake lever, Knuckles prevented the cart form gaining too   \nmuch speed. Their trip went smoothly, until a small dip in the path and a bent   \nrail sent the cart flying. Screaming, the two landed hard as the mine cart   \nslammed into the wall. Sonic asked, \"you okay, Knuckles?\"   \n  \nHe rubbed his head. \"Probably not...\"  \n  \nThe wall crumbled as Knuckles dug through. On a ledge, the Chaos Emerald rested,  \nwaiting to be taken. \"How'd it get here?\" Knuckles mused. Indeed, how a Chaos   \nemerald ended up this deep in a cave was a mystery. The two climbed through,   \nslowly approaching the emerald.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;A blue flash filled the room. \"What the-?\" Sonic watched as a robed figure picked   \nup the Chaos Emerald and disappeared in a second blue flash.   \n  \n\"NO!\" Knuckles punched the walls. \"Ten more seconds! I HAD to argue with you   \nabout Rouge! Sonic!!\" Knuckles gave him a death stare.   \n  \n\"Sorry! But wasn't that Chaos Control?\" Sonic pointed out, hoping to avoid a   \nbeating.   \n  \n\"Wait, yes, that WAS Chaos Control! And that wasn't Shadow! Whoever that was,   \nthey were wearing some odd robes. And I don't think they were human, either.   \nToo short. Unless it was a midget, but I'd doubt that. Humans can't do Chaos   \nControl!\"  \n  \n\"Another hedgehog, huh?\" Sonic gritted his teeth. \"Wonder who it could be?\"   \n  \nKnuckles shook his head. \"Doesn't matter. Lets get out of here.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nShadow sat by Westwood's side. \"Sonic mentioned that you didn't believe you   \nwould live through this... did you know?\" he asked no one in particular, as he   \nexpected no real answer. He heard a phone ringing. It was Westwood's. Shadow   \nfound it in the coat pocket hanging from the wall. \"Hello?\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I take it from your voice this is Shadow the Hedgehog?\"   \n  \nHis eyes narrowed. \"Who is this?\"   \n  \n\"That doesn't matter now. I have a close friend of yours captive. If you wish to   \nsee that person alive ever again, you had best present me your Chaos Emerald! I   \nwill be at the Station Square Casino. As I am aware of your ability with Chaos   \nControl, I will expect you immediately.\"   \n  \n\"Station Square Casino? Don't worry, I'll be there!\" Shadow said as the caller   \nhung up. He thought about who it could be. Sonic and Knuckles were likely safe.   \nTails and Amy were still on the island, Eggman- even if hardly a friend- was   \nhere, which possibly left the Chaotix, hired by Westwood. It left only one person   \nhe could think of. \"Rouge. They have her!\" Vanishing in a blue light, Herbert   \nawoke.   \n  \n\"Shadow? Station Square Casino what?\" No one was there.  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nShadow appeared near the casino. It was already late, probably past 9:30. He   \nhadn't checked the clock in some time. \"Come out! I'm here! You had better not   \nhurt her!\" No one answered his demands.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;The casino noises masked the vehicle. Struck by a car, Shadow went flying as his   \nChaos Emerald bounced away. The driver stopped and retrieved the Emerald,   \nspeeding away. Shadow gave chase, but quickly lost the vehicle into the city   \nnight. \"NO!\" he shouted, panicking.  \n  \nIt had been a half hour. Shadow had searched for the car with no result. Tiring,   \nhe sat on a bench. A bright yellow flash landed Herbert Westwood in front of him.   \n\"I've never let Ivo teleport me anywhere before. That was unusual,\" he remarked.   \n  \n\"You're awake, I see,\" Shadow greeted.   \n  \n\"I woke up at the end of the phone call, actually. I haven't been to Station   \nSquare in some time. I'm lucky I landed near you, Ivo used long-range   \nteleportation to get me here, I thought I'd have to search for you.\" Herb pulled   \nout his phone and twirled it between his fingers. \"I wonder how they got this   \nnumber... this is a cheap phone I buy minutes for. My name isn't listed with it.   \nMy only listed number was the office. They have your Emerald, right?\" Shadow   \nnodded. \"How?\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I thought they had Rouge hostage. They told me to come here immediately,\" he   \nexplained.   \n  \n\"Did they say her name?\" Shadow again shook his head 'no'. \"Say it was a woman?\"   \nAgain, he shook his head. Herb sighed. \"Still, they COULD have her hostage, but   \nthey were awfully vague.\" Tossing his phone to the ground, he smashed it with his   \ncane.  \n  \nA pay phone beckoned nearby. Picking up the receiver, Herb pressed the operator   \nbutton.  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nRouge felt the sun on her face. Tom sat beside her in the fields of the winery.   \n\"I never thought the sun could feel so good,\" she said, eyes closed as the warmth   \ntook her.   \n  \n\"I know, I was at your home so long, I almost forgot what the sun was like.\" Tom   \ntook her hand and squeezed.  \n  \n\"Mommy, mommy!\" Rouge looked down at the little bat child. \"I caught a butterfly,\"   \nthe child said, the insect perched on her finger.  \n  \n\u0026nbsp;\"That's beautiful,\" Rouge replied, smiling.   \n  \n\"I'm gonna play in the field! I'll leave you alone mommy and daddy!\" The child   \nran off.   \n  \n\"I'm so proud of her,\" she said.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I know, so am I.\" Tom squeezed her hand again.  \n  \n  \n  \nRouge woke, squeezing the pillow. \"A dream... Tom?\" she asked.   \n  \n\"In here!\" She found him sitting in the kitchen, reading the newspaper. \"You   \nlooked like you were having a good dream for a change! I thought I'd let you   \nsleep and enjoy it.\" she looked at the clock. A bit past 10:30 PM. Smiling   \ngently, she walked over and gave him a gentle kiss. \"What was that for?\" he   \nasked, slightly confused.   \n  \nShe kept smiling. \"I need a reason to kiss you now?\"   \n  \n\"That's not what I mean,\" he stated, setting the day's newspaper down. \"Wanna   \ntell me your dream?\"   \n  \nTaking a seat, she grabbed a banana from the basket on the table. \"Well... maybe   \nlater. But it felt so good what I saw, that... I never thought it could. But now,   \nI know that we will have a long and happy life together. I know I've been playing   \nthe dominatrix lately, for now, let's do things a bit slower and gentler, okay?\"  \n  \nHe took her hand and squeezed. \"You must be in a good mood, you're wearing those   \nlight blue pajamas again. Usually you wear some naughty lingerie. So, that piece   \nyou bought the other day... how much does that cloth cost per YARD anyway?\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;She laughed at the thought. The pants were baggy and let her tail poke through.   \nHer shirt, however, let her show off as it was barely large enough. \"This time...   \nif you wanna say nice things about certain parts of my body, I won't smack you on   \nthe butt for it.\" The laughed at the private joke they shared.  \n  \nTheir joy was cut off by the wall phone. The light indicated it was the casino   \nfront desk. \"It's the casino, I'd better see what they want,\" she explained,   \nrising to take the call.   \n  \n\"Boss? We're not interrupting anything are we?\"   \n  \n\"Of course not,\" she said calmly. \"What's the problem?\"   \n  \n\"We have a gentleman on the line who wants to speak to the manager! He sounds   \nangry,\" the employee explained.   \n  \n\"Put him through.\"  \n  \nThe call clicked. \"You the manager?\"   \n  \n\"Yes,\" she replied.   \n  \n\"GOOD! I was in your club an hour ago, and I think someone stole my wallet! And   \nno one has been any help at all! If I don't-\"   \n  \n\"Sir! Sir, calm down!\" She twirled the phone cord eagerly. \"I'll have security   \ncheck the tapes, can you tell me where you were and what you look like?\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Thank you! I'm an eagle wearing a brown sport jacket and a hat, I was at the bar   \nall night! I expect something done about this now!\" the irate caller yelled.   \n  \n\"Of course, I'll take care of this right away!\" The caller hung up.   \n  \n\"Trouble?\" Tom asked.   \n  \n\"No. Just some drunk, probably drank so much he can't remember WHAT bar he was   \nat! He wasn't even here, we don't even have a bar or a liquor license!\" she   \nlaughed heavily, rolling the number of times in her mind. \"We get these calls   \nthough on occasion. It's nothing.\"  \n  \nPicking up the newspaper, she turned the pages slowly. \"I think in the morning,   \nI'll get you started on helping me run the club. My staff respects you enough I   \nthink, and they'll do as I ask.\"   \n  \n\"You sure about that?\" he asked. \"I don't have a lot of business experience.\"   \n  \n\"The staff here is perfectly aware that you and I are a couple, and they know   \ndamn well what we're doing up here. They'll have to get used to it eventually,   \nBOSS! And I can't just let you sit around and leech!\"  \n  \n\"Leech?\" he shouted. \"I DO have several million dollars in the bank, you know!\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"So do I,\" she responded. \"I like you being here though.\" Grabbing a pen, she   \ntapped the newspaper gently. \"Wanna do the crossword puzzle?\"   \n  \n\"Sure,\" he answered. \"We haven't done a nice QUIET activity together for a  \nwhile.\"   \n  \nShe chuckled. \"You like the noise we make, admit it!\"  \n  \nHe gently stroked her tail as mild shivers hit her spine. \"What? I can't help it,   \nyour tail is just SO cute!\"   \n  \n\"Do you even have an interest in human women?\" she asked, her spine still   \ntingling as he kept fondling her tail.   \n  \n\"It's... I haven't thought to look at another woman since I met you. And yes, I   \nfind your tail very, very cute. Your wings and ears too, I don't care what anyone   \nsays! They're a part of you, an attractive fireball of a woman!\" Lifting from her   \ntail, he twirled a finger through one of her fur spikes.   \n  \n\"You haven't done that before,\" she said, eyes closing slowly. \"I like it. You   \nknow how to turn me on with the slightest touch.\"  \n  \n\"I know why you prefer love making to sex,\" he remarked. \"The emotion.\"   \n  \n\"You understand,\" she replied, eyes still closed. \"The emotion makes it so much   \nbetter. I feel your touch, even the gentle ones, and know it means something.   \nLike the jewels you gave me. They mean something. The ones I already had, they   \nhave no emotion attached.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"What about you, you have any regrets about falling for a human over a bat or   \nsomething else?\"   \n  \nShe looked at him, her eyes still narrow. \"You're NOT the first human I ever   \nfound attractive! A man is a man. But physical attraction isn't everything! But   \nI... TRY not to stare at other men now.\"   \n  \n\"Don't worry,\" he told her, \"I won't get mad if your eyes wander. Bat's nature,   \nafter all.\" She rested the pen on the table. \"The crossword can wait. Why don't   \nwe sit on the couch and cuddle?\"   \n  \n\"No request for intimacy?\" he asked.   \n  \n\"We did that two hours ago! Now, lets just sit and hold each other.\" He led her   \nto the couch. \"You want to watch TV?\" he asked, resting her against is body.   \n  \n\"Why? I wouldn't pay attention to it anyway!\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nHerb hung up. \"Rouge is just fine! Rather calm, actually, and I TRIED to be   \nirritating. I doubt she or that guy are in any trouble!\"   \n  \nShadow banged his head against the back of the bench. \"Stupid, stupid, stupid...\"   \n  \n\"Don't be hard on yourself, my boy,\" Herb told him.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"You're not mad?\"   \n  \n\"NO! You thought you were doing the right thing! You never had a real father, did   \nyou? I never had kids, and I wish I had... my father was a good man, always   \nencouraged me, never got mad when I screwed up. He was proud I was alive. That's   \nwhat you needed, I think... pity how the world works at times... and I know you   \nwill do whatever it takes to fix things.\"  \n  \nShadow looked up at him. \"You have faith in me? You met me a few days ago, how   \ncould you know me that well?\"   \n  \n\"We all have to have faith in something, my boy, no matter what it is. Without   \nfaith, we have nothing to look forward to!\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nMidnight. 'What an awful night,' Herbert Westwood thought. \"How hard is it to do   \nthis Chaos Control, anyway?\"   \n  \n\"Shadow can do it as long as he has a Chaos Emerald. I've done it before... but   \nit wasn't easy,\" Sonic explained.   \n  \nHerb picked up his revolver and handed it to Shadow, ordering, \"point it at my   \nface. It's not loaded, don't worry.\" Shadow did so, Herb noting the angle.   \n\"That's what I saw. I dropped to my knees when I got kicked... maybe punched, but   \nwhoever attacked me was short. I didn't consider it at the time because you   \nusually don't notice the small details when someone puts a gun in your face! So   \nthey have at least four of the Chaos Emeralds now...\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"...I understand,\" Shadow muttered into his wrist communicator. \"My contacts in   \nGUN report that a Chaos Emerald went missing in Soleanna. They now have five.\"   \n  \n\"We have to find the other two!\" Knuckles shouted as he punched the air.  \n  \n\"You see what you can do,\" Herb replied. \"Meanwhile, the rest of us should get   \nsome sleep. If they had all seven by now, the world would be over. But depending   \non where they are, all they need is the night sky. Unfortunately, until we have   \nSOMETHING... we can't do anything.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nMorning came as Herb Westwood rolled himself off the desk, mumbling incoherently   \nas he checked the clock. February 17th, 9:02 AM. Forcing himself from his groggy   \nstate, he found Knuckles. \"Any luck?\"   \n  \nThe echidna gave a sad sigh. \"No... they're blocking my efforts somehow.\"  \n  \nTails and Eggman found him wandering around. \"We built something for you,\" Tails   \nexplained, leading him into the work bay.   \n  \n\"We modified one of my walkers to suit you,\" Eggman explained, pointing to the   \nmech. Painted brown, it rested with the side door opened.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Tails pointed out, \"there's a clip for your cane, and a holster for your gun. Go   \nahead and try it out!\"  \n  \nHerb climbed into the mech and closed the side door. His cane snapped in the   \nright side. Activating the device, it came to life, legs rising. Herb played with   \nthe controls, learning how to operate the machine. \"Thanks,\" he said, \"this might   \ncome in very useful!\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nRouge walked along the casino floor. \"This early, we don't have a lot of   \ncustomers...\" Her hand swept across the room. \"Blackjack, slots, poker, we have   \nit all!\" She led Tom across the floor, stopping at the female fox that had been   \nthere the morning Tom had come to the casino. \"This is Victoria, she runs the   \nfloor. Vic, show Tom around, will you? I have to check the night's take,\" she   \nordered.   \n  \n\"Of course, boss!\"  \n  \nShe walked away to the main office. Near the door, someone waited, a human   \nfemale she recognized from GUN. \"Agent Rouge...\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \n\"I wish you hadn't told me this...\" Rouge was miserable.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I'm sorry, I honestly didn't know you were inactive,\" the agent explained   \napologetically. \"Shadow is involved, so I thought it was odd they'd left you out   \nof the loop.\"  \n  \nShe felt sick. Rouge had just learned that Shadow and the others were trying to   \nstop the end of the world. \"Just... call my private number if you hear anything   \nelse. I'll decide what to do then.\"  \n  \nElsewhere, Victoria was showing Tom how the casino ran. \"It seems all the   \nemployees here are women,\" Tom pointed out.   \n  \nVic nodded. \"Yes, actually, all except the janitorial service. Security is   \nhandled by robots. In this town, most women used to end up as pole dancers,   \ncooks, or worse. The boss made changes and made us important.\"  \n  \n\"You could at least call her by her name,\" Tom stated. \"I didn't mean anything by   \nthat, it's just...\"   \n  \n\"We call her boss out of respect,\" Victoria explained. \"I guess we'll call you   \nthat soon, as well.\"   \n  \n\"Yeah, Rouge said something about that, actually. I don't know what to make of   \nit. We've been a real couple for four days now, and already-\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"You're lovers, I know.\" Victoria sighed. \"I had a husband, until last year.   \nAutomobile accident. If not for the boss, I'd be raising my son alone without a   \njob OR money.\"   \n  \nTom rubbed the back of his head. The conversation was getting awkward. \"Son?   \nAh... I never thought about kids myself. Not that it matters, I doubt Rouge and   \nI can have kids. We're not the same species, anyway.\"  \n  \nVictoria let out a light laugh. \"You'd be surprised. Face it, you're passionate   \nwith her already. Human, bat, fox, whatever... we're a lot more alike than you   \nwould think! My husband was a raccoon!\"   \n  \n\"A raccoon?\" Tom asked.   \n  \n\"Yes, but the kid was a fox. We discussed it with the doctors, they said that   \npregnancy has a lower chance in mixed species pairings, but the mother's genetics   \nare dominant whenever it occurs. Still, some of my husband can be seen in our   \nson...\"  \n  \nRouge walked by. Tom asked, \"you okay?\"   \n  \n\"Yes,\" she lied. \"I just drank something that didn't agree with me.\"   \n  \nTom took her hand. \"Lets go upstairs. Vic, thanks, we'll continue this tomorrow.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \n\"Gah! The Chaotix!\" Eggman shook in fear as the jet approached. \"They want   \nclearance to land...\"   \n  \n\"So let them dammit!\" Herb shouted, annoyed. \"I'd go get the money you owe them,   \nNOW!\" Eggman pressed the button signaling them to dock.  \n  \nThe group met the Chaotix in the landing bay. \"Eggman!\" Vector shouted,   \napproaching fast.   \n  \n\"I... I have your money! BUT, I will NOT give you a dime until our mission is   \ncomplete!\"   \n  \nVector gave Eggman a hateful stare, shouting, \"you cheapskate, I knew it-\"  \n  \nHerb waved his cane between the two. \"Ivo has a point. If the world ends, you   \nwon't really need any money, will you?\" The investigator gave the Chaotix an evil   \ngrin. \"You have a point,\" Espio noted, pulling out a small wooden statue.   \n  \n\"We didn't get the Chaos Emerald...\" Charmy muttered sadly.   \n  \nEspio continued, \"but we got this!\"  \n  \nHerb took the statue. Wooden and unpainted, but unmistakable. Wings, tentacles,   \nand a humanoid physique. \"Cthulhu. See, PROOF!\" He waved it around. \"I have never   \nseen this statue before. I know they probably took things from my apartment   \nbefore the bomb, but not this. Where'd you get this?\" he asked, handing Vector   \nmoney.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Five bills?\"   \n  \n\"For this, yes. It's NOT a Chaos Emerald!\" Herb shouted.  \n  \nEspio smirked. \"Robert Judas.\"   \n  \nMost of the group looked confused.   \n  \n\"I've heard that name before, I think,\" Sonic uttered.   \n  \nShadow responded, \"so have I, in GUN's files, but I don't know why.\"   \n  \nHerb smiled. \"Ivo, you remember, right?\"   \n  \n\"Oh, yes!\"  \n  \nEveryone looked at the two for an explanation. Eggman explained, \"Sonic, you   \nmight only vaguely remember, but Robert Judas ran for mayor of Westopolis a few   \nyears ago.\"   \n  \n\"So, what's that got to do with this?\"   \n  \nHerb waves his cane. \"He lost miserably. Guy was a real loon too, favored   \ncorporations over people!\"   \n  \nEggman sighed. He said, \"yes, I remember that. He tried to by out Robotnik Corp,   \nand threatened to KILL me when I wouldn't sell. Loon.\"  \n  \n\"He was also into the occult, evil stuff,\" Herb said. \"His own political party   \nwas afraid of him. They hired me to investigate him. The guy was already crazy,   \nand after the election, he lost his mind completely.\" Waving the statue again,   \nhe spoke, \"at some point, he found this and learned what it was. And when he   \nfound out what happened at the winery, he set his plan into action. Judas is   \ncrazy, real crazy, and I doubt he cares if the world ends!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"We were lucky we got that!\" Espio commented. \"Guy's mansion is crawling with   \narmed guards in heavy suits.\"   \n  \n\"Nothing WE couldn't handle!\" Vector boasted.   \n  \n\"Yeah!\" Charmy hovered happily.   \n  \nHerb took more money from his pocket. \"We'll need some more muscle, you in?\"   \n  \nVector took the cash. \"You bet!\"  \n  \n\"The downside,\" Herb pointed out, \"is that we can't be guaranteed that they'll   \ncarry out the ritual at his mansion. I hope he does, because we'll have several   \nhours to prepare. He can't do anything until nightfall! Knuckles!\" The echidna   \njumped to attention. \"Try to commune with the Master Emerald again, see if you   \ncan pinpoint where they are! I don't wanna go to his mansion and find he isn't   \nthere!\" Knuckles ran off to do so. \"Ivo, Sonic, Shadow... Tails, Chaotix...\"   \n  \n\"What about me?\" Karen asked, upset over being left out.   \n  \n\"Karen...\"  \n  \n\"And me!\" Amy waved her hands in the air.   \n  \n\"Sorry Amy, this might be TOO dangerous this time!\" Sonic pointed out.   \n  \n\"Aww, no fair. HERB!\" Westwood sighed.   \n  \n\"FINE! We need all the help we can get! Everyone, let's prepare for the battle.   \nNo point slacking off or going in unprepared! This isn't just our lives, but our   \nsouls on the line!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nHe checked the clock. 5:47 PM. In 2 hours at most it would be night. Herbert   \nhadn't eaten all day, the stress was eating him. Fidgeting through his   \nbelongings, he again checked the contents of his computer memory sticks. 'Hey...   \nI did salvage these!' Running, he found Eggman. \"Wait here!\" Eggman stared at him   \nas he ran off. Westwood found Sonic in the labs. \"Sonic, my boy, would you come   \nwith me?\"   \n  \n\"Sure thing!\" he replied, following the old man.  \n  \nIn the main room, Herb motioned them towards the screen. Placing the memory   \nstick in the reader, he brought up the menu. \"These are some video files I   \nbrought from other Earth. I want you to watch them. I think they sum up the two   \nof you nicely.  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \n\"I think I understand what he meant now...\" Eggman was amazed. Sonic had found   \nthe cartoons funny at first, until he realized their meaning. \"The coyote, as   \nbrilliant as he is, loses to the fast blue creature with no hope of winning. The   \ncoyote is a fanatic who has lost his goal to blind revenge... much like us.\"   \nSonic couldn't believe it. His life with Eggman was in those Road Runner   \ncartoons. \"Are we destined to repeat the story until the end?\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I don't know, doc...\" Sonic felt as if he'd been living in these cartoons, a   \nplayer in a series of jokes and gags.  \n  \nEggman felt ill. \"No matter what I try... I will lose to you. I only win when I   \ndo good. This isn't what I wanted out of life...\"   \n  \n\"What's going on?\" Knuckles asked.   \n  \n\"Nothing much,\" Sonic replied, feeling no need to let him in on their discovery.   \nThey'd spent the last hour watching those cartoons.   \n  \nKnuckles took no interest. \"I have an idea!\" He gathered everyone around the   \nMaster Emerald. \"I'm being blocked from the Chaos Emeralds' signals. But with   \nKaren's help, I seem to get through just a little... if you all help me,   \nconcentrate, I think we can do this! I don't know if it will work, since only   \nechidnas can usually do this, but I don't have any other ideas!\" Each one put   \ntheir hands on the Master Emerald. With deep concentration, the haze slowly   \nfaded. An image appeared in their minds, a mansion somewhere, isolated.  \n  \n\"Robert Judas... he's at his mansion.\" Herb was certain that was what he'd seen.  \n\u0026nbsp;  \nEggman ran to the bridge. \"I'm setting course now!\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;The rest waited for Herb's suggestions. \"Vector, how well guarded is that place?\"   \n  \nThe crocodile responded, \"he has a small army.\"   \n  \nHerb planned something. \"We'll go in three groups. One mech walker to a group.   \nTails, you're with the Chaotix. Shadow, Knuckles, Karen, you're with me. Sonic   \nand Amy, you're with Ivo. Think you can handle that?\"  \n  \nHe heard no complaints. \"Okay! Shadow, alert your GUN superiors what's going on,   \nin case they can get troops there. Every one of you, you saw what I did,   \ncorrect?\"   \n  \n\"All seven Chaos Emeralds in their possession...\" Shadow stated.  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nRouge dressed. She felt despair over the situation, but her mind was made up.   \n\"Rouge?\" Tom saw her. \"What's going on?\" She wore her usual adventure suit.   \n  \n\"I have to go out for a little bit. Something important. Don't worry, I'll be   \nback soon.\"  \n  \n\"What's going on?\" he asked again. \"You're not looking me in the eyes.\"   \n  \nShe let out a loud sigh. \"Its my friends. Something's happening, and they'll   \nneed my help.\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Knuckles and Shadow... and I'd assume Sonic the Hedgehog, then? Is it that   \nimportant to risk yourself?\"  \n  \nPulling her gloves on, she replied, \"it's bad. The world is in danger. I think   \nyou deserve to know about the dream I had... it was about our child.\" A look of   \nshock hit his face as he dropped to his knees.   \n  \n\"Our... are you pregnant?\" \"NO! It's not that...\" she caressed his cheek,   \nsmiling. \"But someday, we will. and that's why I have to go. If the world...   \nI'm doing this for us. I want that to happen.\"  \n  \nHe kicked the couch. \"That- I thought your friends weren't going to put you in   \ndanger? I thought they knew you were giving up being a thief and an adventurer?\"   \n  \nSitting, he placed his hands over his head. \"I can't explain it right now,\" she  \nsaid, \"but I have to do this, for us. I promise you I'll come back. I'll come   \nback in one piece, this will be the last time I do this.\"  \n  \n\"One piece!\" he shouted. \"That's comforting... that's not good enough! I don't   \nwant to have to bury the one piece that comes back! And I don't... if you lost a   \nlimb...\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Would you hate me if that happened?\" she asked, a tear in her eye.   \n  \n\"NO! That's not what I meant. A limb, you in a wheelchair, no, not now... I   \nwouldn't leave you if that happened, you know that! I would be here to take care   \nof you, no matter what! I owe you that, I don't care if you end up so bad I have   \nto feed you, I couldn't abandon you. But... is this worth the risk? Is it that   \nbad?\"  \n  \nRunning her hand through his hair, she told him, \"if you tell me not to go, I'll   \nstay.\"   \n  \nHe looked away. \"I can't do that. If I tell you to stay, then I look weak and   \nselfish. I know I'm not the tough guy you pictured yourself with... but I can't   \ntell you to go, either. It's your decision.\"  \n  \n\"Try not to worry, okay? I didn't want to put you through this, forgive me,   \nokay?\"   \n  \n\"Worry...\" he shook his head. \"I'm going to stare at that clock, every second   \nfeeling like an hour, fearing I'll never see you again!\"   \n  \nTurning his head to face her, she replied, \"find something to take your mind off   \nthis! Please! Do the dishes, sweep the floors, I don't care, just please... don't   \nworry about me. I've done this before!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He picked the necklace up from the coffee table. \"You were going to leave this   \nhere. Take it, take a part of me with you.\" Placing it around her neck, he   \nlatched the clasp.   \n  \nShe grabbed his head and forced a deep,long kiss which lasted beyond their   \nability to tell time. \"Be strong for me.\"  \n  \nRising from the sofa, he unlatched the window. \"I'll leave it unlocked.\"   \n  \n\"I love you, Thomas Adriani.\" She pushed the window open.   \n  \nHe replied, \"be careful, my little angel!\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nThe group approached the entrance to the mansion. Two echidnas, a hedgehog, and   \nan old man in a mech. Herbert Westwood stared at the guards. \"I need to see   \nMister Judas. Now.\" The guards grabbed their guns, approaching the group. Herb   \nordered, \"dust 'em!\" Knuckles and Karen rushed them, knocking both out cold with   \npunches to the gut. Herb pressed the radio button in his mech. \"Proceed! Find   \nJudas and the Chaos Emeralds, tear this place apart if necessary! We have fifteen   \nminutes before the stars are out! Move your butts!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;The mansion lit up in a sound fury of breaking wood, gunfire, and screams of   \nbattle. Sonic rushed through the halls, knocking guards down as he went. Shadow   \nsearched the building, grabbing the guns of the fallen to aid his search. Espio,   \nwithout thought, threw his knives into the rifle barrels, disabling the guards   \nability to fight as Vector and Charmy took care of them. Tails and Eggman tore   \ndown doors and searched rooms. The three-story mansion was taking far longer to   \nsearch than anticipated.  \n  \nSonic stopped. He'd found a body in the bathroom. Hey, this is a hedgehog!\"   \n  \nHerb's mech stopped. \"I know him,\" he mused, thinking of the face. \"That   \nhedgehog... he's old. Spike. He was a photographer who worked on excavations and   \nsuch. I worked with him a few times. An easy mark for someone like Judas to draw   \ninto a cult. Probably used the Chaos Control, and it killed him. Probably so   \nbrainwashed, he didn't care.\"  \n  \nKaren screamed a battle cry as she charged a guard. The butt of the rifle caught   \nher jaw, sending her to the ground, blood gushing from her nose. \"That's it for   \nyou, missy!\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Before the fatal shot could be fired, Herbert aimed his revolver and pulled the   \ntrigger. A spray of blood flew from the helmet as the guard fell dead. Herb   \nsighed. \"I just killed a man without hesitation. And I doubt you'll forget the   \nsight. Poor girl...\"  \n  \nKnuckles helped Karen stand. \"You okay?\"   \n  \n\"Not really, no,\" she said, still bleeding. \"I guess I should've left the island   \nsooner too. Things are different here. I'm not as tough as I thought.\"  \n  \nHerb jumped out of his mech. the door before him was far too small. The library,   \none room yet to be searched. Sonic followed him in. The shelves contained all   \nmanner of occult literature. \"Wacko...\" Herb was in awe, yet afraid at the same   \ntime.  \n  \nThe sound of guns took their attention. Turning, they found themselves   \nsurrounded. Five guards aimed at them. \"I can outrun them!\"   \n  \n\"No you can't, my boy!\"   \n  \nBefore the shots came, a bright light cast a shadow upon them. Wings. The guards   \ndropped to their knees, shouting, \"Ia! Ia! Cthulhu f'thagn!\" They repeated their   \nchant to the dark god.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;The shadow fell, a force kicking the guards each in the face. The blur finally   \nstopped as Herb's eyes widened. Sonic was impressed. \"Rouge? Didn't think I'd see   \nYOU here!\"   \n  \nShe cocked her head. \"Sonic. Sorry, but if you want to flirt with a pretty girl,   \nI'm sure Amy will be to your liking. I'm spoken for!\"  \n  \nSonic stood there, stunned, as Herb followed her out. \"We've searched this entire   \nhouse!\" Eggman shouted.   \n  \n\"And no sign of Judas or the Chaos Emeralds!\" Knuckles pointed out.   \n  \nHerb checked his watch. \"Three minutes until nightfall!\"  \n  \nShadow looked at Rouge. \"I thought you... how'd you...\"   \n  \n\"An old GUN contact told me this morning. I thought you could use my help. Tom   \ndidn't understand... I didn't expect him to. But I heard this was bad. A real   \nunderstatement.\" She tapped the walls. \"Oh BOYS...\" She leaned against the wall,   \ncocky as she could be. \"Be thankful I'm here. Bats have excellent hearing, you   \nknow! This wall is hollow!\"  \n  \nTails shouted, \"stand back!\" Rouge moved as the wall was splintered by a missile.   \nBehind was a stone walkway, stairs leading downward.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"No time!\" Herb shouted. \"Sonic, Knuckles!\"  \n  \nThey descended the stairs. At the base, a large room waited. Cultists chanted,   \n\"Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl f'htagn!\" over and over. The Chaos   \nEmeralds sat in their places, each one starting to glow.   \n  \n\"Will that work without the altar?\" Sonic asked.   \n  \nLeaping forward, Knuckles shouted, \"I hope so!\"  \n  \nStanding in the center, Knuckles pulled the Master Emerald and held it aloft.   \nThe Chaos Emeralds glowed brightly, hovering in the air. \"The servers are the   \nseven Chaos! Chaos is power, power is enriched by the heart! The controller is   \nthe one that unifies the Chaos! Only you can do this! Stop the Chaos Emeralds!\"  \n  \nA bright flash filled the room, a shockwave sending the cultists flying. As the   \nlight cleared, Sonic could see the Chaos Emeralds lying on the ground. The   \ncultists, lying helpless against the walls, did not move.  \n  \n\"Did we make it?\" Sonic asked, examining one of the cultists. \"Unconscious.\"   \n  \nKnuckles panted, exhausted. \"I think so... grab the Chaos Emeralds!\" The two   \ncollected the gems quickly.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;The air felt warm, as if full of static. The wind picked up inside the chamber.   \n\"Hey, what's going on?\" Sonic felt uncomfortable. The room was suddenly filled   \nwith a feeling of dread and evil. As the air began to distort, the two ran.   \n  \nThey could hear the passageway being torn apart, as if something big was trying   \nto follow them. Knuckles shouted, \"Something's following us! Get out of here!\"  \n  \nReaching the top floor, the two bolted. \"RUN!\"   \n  \n\"Did you stop it?\" Herb asked.   \n  \n\"I think so, but we weren't fast enough!\" Knuckles shouted, terrified.   \n  \nEggman checked his monitor. \"There was a small disturbance on the ocean floor!\"   \nhe explained frantically.   \n  \n\"Okay... let me think...\" Herb strained his mind. \"You stopped the ritual.   \nCthulhu is... but something DID make it through to our world! The doorway was   \nopen too long!\"  \n  \nThe creature burst forth from the wall. Green with tentacles flaying, the large   \nfigure wailed a horrific cry as it found its targets. \"Is that... I thought you   \nsaid Cthulhu was stopped?\" Shadow asked, amazed by the creature.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Westwood panicked. \"It... NO! It's too small! It's a star-spawn of Cthulhu, a   \nchild! Not mature, it's to small!\"  \n  \nThe creature wailed as it smashed the walls. \"We have to stop it! If we don't,   \nwho knows what damage it will cause!\" Pulling his revolver, he fired. The bullet   \nricocheted off the creature. \"Everyone, get out of here!\"  \n  \nThe crowd fled outside. Gathered, they considered their options. \"Weapons won't   \nwork, I take it?\" Eggman asked.   \n  \nHerb sighed miserably. \"Guns, no... the missiles in these mechs might just make   \nit mad. In cases like this, one might use a spell of binding... but I was never   \nbig on magic spells.\"   \n  \n\"So we use these!\" Sonic shouted, pulling his Chaos Emeralds out. \"Shadow, you   \nup to it?\" The black hedgehog nodded.  \n  \n\"We should let them handle this!\" Knuckles ordered. The crowd left the mansion.   \nThe Chaos Emeralds gathered, powering both Sonic and Shadow into their super   \nforms. \"The creature will die here!\" Shadow yelled, heading into the mansion.  \n  \nHerb shook his head. \"It's up to those two now... I hope they know what they're   \ndoing!\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Sonic will be just fine!\" Eggman responded. \"He always has.\"   \n  \nRouge picked up one of the machine guns. \"They made it personal this time.   \nBefore, it was just my friends in danger, now... even if we can't do much, I'm   \nstill going to help them!\" She flew off into the mansion.  \n  \n\"I'm going to regret this... Tails! What do you say we distract this creature?\"   \nEggman suggested, the fox giving a thumbs up. The two mechs entered the mansion.   \n  \n\"Well,\" Espio muttered, \"I'm not sitting here and waiting!\" He twirled one of his   \nthrowing knives, leaping forward.   \n  \nVector puffed his chest out with practiced bravado, shouting, \"I'm tougher than   \nthat freak!\" Charmy followed him.  \n  \n\"I'll do it for Sonic!\" said Amy, rushing with her mallet ready.   \n  \nKnuckles looked at Karen's bruised face. \"I almost got myself killed,\" she mused,   \nrubbing the wound. \"But I knew the risk. You coming, my muscle hunk?\" He nodded,   \n\u0026nbsp;the pair entering the fray.  \n  \nWestwood looked down. \"They have their strength, their courage to fight the   \nbeast... and I don't. I see why they work to save everyone. I can't face this.\"   \nA figure moved near the walls. \"No, I can...\" Unlatching the side door, he   \ngrabbed his cane. \"I know what I have to do.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Westwood followed the mansion to the side door. The battle could be heard even   \nover his own heartbeat. The muddy footprints led him upstairs to the mansion's   \nsecurity control room.  \n  \nThe room was empty. Checking the monitors, Westwood could see the battle.   \n\"They're actually doing it! Standing up against the horror! Go Sonic, kill that   \nthing!\"  \n  \nA swift kick to the back sent him stumbling, the gun skidding away. \"You. Herbert   \nWestwood, the man who ruined my standing with the Party!\" Grabbing his cane and   \nbalancing himself, Westwood turned. \"Robert Judas. You fool, did you honestly   \nbelieve Cthulhu would reward you?\" He laughed at the politician. \"And that robe   \nlooks ridiculous!\"  \n  \n\"Reward? No, my poor, unemployed investigator... this was punishment!\" Judas   \nshouted, waving a fist. \"They didn't want me, what I had to offer... then let the   \nEarth and everyone on it burn! When that brown hedgehog brought me that statue,   \nand I learned what it was... the ultimate entity, unlike that black hedgehog, a   \nlife beyond time, beyond moral limitations, beyond-\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Westwood swung his cane. The wood connected with the cultist's shoulder, sending   \nhim to his knees. \"That... is for my CAR!\" The cane swung again, connecting with   \nthe man's skull. \"And that's for my HOUSE! And this is for trying to-\"   \n  \nJudas grabbed the cane and yanked it away. Westwood stumbled, barely balancing   \non his left leg. \"Poor old man, can't do anything without this cane! I will leave   \nyou here, HELPLESS! And I will go and watch those worthless, meager heroes fall   \nbefore the child of lord Cthulhu!\"  \n  \n\"Oh?\" Herb watched the monitors. \"I don't think so!\"  \n  \n\"Chaos SPEAR!\" The blast tore into the monster, burning its flesh a sickly brown.  \n\u0026nbsp;  \nRouge aimed her weapon. \"You tried to take away the most important jewel I've   \never known! Go back to hell!\" she screamed, firing. Tails and Eggman fired their   \nrockets, annoying the creature, but distracting it as Sonic slammed into it.  \n  \n\"Lets see how tough that skin of yours is!\" Vector screamed, sinking his teeth   \ninto the monster's arm. The star-spawn screamed in pain, flinging its arm around   \nin a futile effort to unlatch the croc.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Amy rose her hammer. \"This is for Sonic!\" was her cry as the hammer smashed the   \ncreature's foot. It let out a horrendous howl of pain.  \n  \nEspio tossed his knives quickly. One caught the creature in the eye. Karen,   \nfurious, climbed the wall and glided, holding the creature's tentacled mouth.   \n\"Lets see how you like it!\" Her fist punched through the wound, a sick black   \nblood spraying forth. Knuckles followed suit, latching into the chest wound and   \ndigging his spikes into the thick muscle.  \n  \n\"It's time to END THIS!\" Shadow shouted, looking to Sonic. The two hedgehogs   \nrushed the beast, the impact connecting dead center. The child of Cthulhu gave   \none final scream as every muscle in its body went lax. Slowly, like a old   \ncrumbling tower, the monster fell to the floor, the fall shaking the house. The   \nlight dissipated as Sonic and Shadow reverted.  \n  \n\"Is it...?\" Eggman asked.   \n  \nKnuckles approached the monster. \"Dead. I hope.\"   \n  \nSonic punched the air. \"That wasn't so tough!\"   \n  \nThe group looked at him. They were all breathing heavily, covered in sweat and   \nblack blood. \"Speak for yourself, Sonic!\" Knuckles replied.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Charmy sat on the rubble. \"I never want to do that again!\"   \n  \n\"I know what you mean,\" Espio agreed. \"I think I am OUT of knives! That's never   \nhappened before.\"  \n  \nRouge wiped the sweat from her face, Her fur was soaked. \"I'm gonna need a long   \nbath when I get home...\"   \n  \n\"YOU need a bath?\" Karen shouted, offended. \"It's gonna take me a WEEK to scrub   \nthis goo off!\" She was covered in the monster's blood. \"Stuff's like tar!\" she   \ncommented, pulling a thick chunk from her quills.  \n  \nEggman surveyed the room. \"Where is Herb? I thought he'd have followed us!\"   \nLeaving his mech, he separated from the group to find his friend.  \n  \n\"HA! Ha ha heh HA!\" Westwood laughed. \"You fail at everything! Elections, ending   \nthe world, I wouldn't wanna taste your cooking! You lost!\" He had watched the   \ncreature die.   \n  \nJudas fumed. \"I'll have one small victory,\" he said, grabbing Westwood by the   \ncollar. \"Take to the skies!\" Judas flung his arms, sending Westwood through the   \nwindow. \"Gloat now, INVESTIGATOR!\"  \n  \nEggman stood in the doorway. \"You killed him... you killed my only friend!\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Yes, and what will you do about it?\" Judas taunted, an evil smile on his face.   \n\"Eggman, a perpetual loser, you're worth NOTHING! I will destroy you in the   \npublic eye, I will take everything you have, I will RUIN YOU! Death isn't good   \nenough for you!\"  \n  \nSpotting the gun by his feet, Eggman grabbed it. \"I don't think so!\" Pulling back   \nthe hammer, he fired without hesitation.   \n  \nRobert Judas fell to the floor. Blood spurted from his shoulder. \"Me and my big   \nmouth...\"  \n  \nKnuckles approached Rouge, a Chaos Emerald in his hand. \"I don't know why you're   \nhere... but thanks. If it wasn't for you...\"   \n  \nShe held up a hand to silence him. \"You're a bit late, echidna!\" He jumped back   \nin offense.   \n  \n\"That's not- I wasn't-\"   \n  \n\"I know,\" she stated. \"Like you or not, Knuckles, I don't regret what I have.   \nBesides...\" she motioned to Karen. \"She might get jealous!\"  \n  \nKnuckles eyed the Emerald. \"Here. You earned this. I know you've wanted them for   \na long time, and I owe you for the way I've treated you in the past. Actually...   \nI don't think anyone would mind if you took them all!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;She considered the offer. \"No...\"   \n  \nKnuckles was confused. \"But I'm GIVING this to you! I don't get it, you keep   \ntrying to steal these, and now you don't want them?\"   \n  \nShe shook her head. \"There are other things that matter more, I know that now...   \nanyway, they're too dangerous! I might get robbed. You wouldn't want someone to   \nhurt me over these, would you? You keep them and guard them!\"  \n  \nTails looked around. \"Hey, where'd Eggman go?\"   \n  \n\"Yeah, where DID he run off to?\" Sonic asked, suspicious.   \n  \nShadow looked at the Chaos Emeralds on the floor. \"He didn't take them...   \nstrange. Wait!\" Shadow looked around. Ten of them were in the room. Eggman was   \ngone. \"Westwood. Where's Westwood?\"  \n  \nThe group began searching for the two missing humans. \"His mech's out front,\"   \nSonic pointed out, \"but he's not in it!\"  \n  \nThey heard the glass shatter as a body landed on the ground outside. The group   \nwatched as Herbert Westwood landed on the driveway. Running to his aid, they   \nheard a gunshot. \"What was that?\" Knuckles asked.   \n  \n\"Nevermind!\" Shadow wasn't concerned about the noise.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Herb twitched. The group surrounded him. \"Sonic... Shadow... my boy... you did   \nit. You did it... we saved the... world.\"   \n  \n\"Take it easy!\" Sonic was worried for the old man. Lights approached the mansion.   \n  \n\"GUN is here! Hang on Westwood, help is coming!\" Shadow took his hand.  \n  \n\"Shadow... I can't move... can't move my legs..\"   \n  \nThe hedgehog noticed blood under the body. \"Turn him over!\" Sonic and Knuckles   \ngently lifted Westwood. Shadow saw it. A chunk of glass embedded in the man's   \nback. \"He has something in his spine!\"   \n  \n\"Well pull it out!\" Sonic shouted.   \n  \nShadow examined the wound. Blood flowed heavily. \"NO! He'll bleed even more!\"  \n  \nHerb took Sonic's hand. \"You... did it. You saved us all... I guess I, I was   \nright...\"   \n  \nSonic shook his head. \"No, you won't die! You CAN'T die!\"   \n  \nThe GUN troops approached. \"Get a medic, NOW!\" Shadow ordered.  \n  \nEggman joined them. \"HERB!\"   \n  \nShadow looked at the doctor apologetically. \"We'll save him, I promise!\"  \n  \nHerb's eyes rolled back. \"Don't cry for me... Sonic... I have lived my... life...   \nyou have a long life... ahead of you... goodbye, Sonic...\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \n'God... where is she?' Tom Adriani sat in the casino restaurant, fidgeting in   \nworry. The clock read 8:33 PM. Playing with the salt shaker, he paid no attention   \nto anyone else.  \n  \n\"I take it the Boss went on an errand?\" He looked up to see Victoria.   \n  \n\"Don't you have a kid to look after?\" he asked. \"Thought you'd have left by now.\"   \n  \n\"He's asleep. School tomorrow. I heard the Boss was out on some adventure or   \nwhatever. You're taking it...\" she saw his game with the salt shaker. \"...well.\"  \n  \nHe sat the shaker down. \"We had our first fight. I don't see why she has to run   \noff on some dangerous thing like this. She left that GUN group for me, I know   \nthat much. I just thought... she was giving that dangerous stuff up...\"   \n  \nHer eyes widened. \"You knew?\" she asked in surprise.   \n  \n\"I'm not a total idiot, you know!\" he shouted. \"I found the communicator in her   \nglove the first night here. Then her commander called her after she quit, got me   \non the phone.\"   \n  \n\"Did you tell her you knew?\" Vic asked, amazed.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He replied, \"what for? She kept it a secret from me to try and protect me, so..\"  \n  \n\"She was on Space Colony ARK, helped keep it from hitting the Earth. And other   \nthings I know about. She's strong, she knows what she's doing. She'll be back.\"   \n  \n\"I must look like I'm either weak or outright selfish for sitting here worrying   \ninstead of being... I don't know, out there with her or something...\"   \n  \n\"No, you're not weak,\" she replied. \"If you were, you'd have given up on her. You   \ncare about her. She has something to fight for now, something to come home to. I   \nlike you. I respect you, and I think you'll be good as our new Boss.\"  \n  \n\"Well... I never thought about running a casino. But I guess I never thought   \nabout dating someone who isn't human, either... don't take this the wrong way,   \nbut full body fur doesn't do much for me! But Rouge has... such smooth skin. Most   \nof you... foxes, birds, whatever, you all have something covering you, and...   \nprobably makes me sound like a bigot or something...\"  \n  \n\"No, it doesn't,\" she answered. \"If you hated me for being a different species,   \nyes, it would. But it doesn't mean you have to be physically attracted to   \neveryone either! Besides... I think you like Boss because she's more human than   \nyou ever thought!\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He asked, \"what do you mean?\"  \n  \n\"Think about it!\" She sat at the table, grabbing the pepper shaker for no reason.   \n\"You do know about female human anatomy, I'd guess?\"   \n  \n\"That's a personal question... but yes, I admit, I looked at pictures and such   \nwhen I was younger.\"   \n  \n  \n\"And?\" she tapped the salt shaker he held. \"How does Boss compare?\"   \n  \nHe thought the question over carefully. \"She has those ears, and those big,   \nbeautiful eyes... furry head and the wings. Plus that tail which I seem obsessed   \nwith. But I guess... her body is quite a bit human when you think about it. I   \nmean, I know she's shorter than me, but I'm... five foot two, short for a   \nhuman.\"  \n  \n\"Yeah, I guessed,\" Vic said, \"Boss did a pole dance one night here to boost   \nbusiness. No stripping, but even the human customers were driven wild!\"   \n  \n\"I think a lot of the humans I knew disappointed me though,\" he explained. \"My   \nparents, the butt-kissing winery staff, my gold digger ex...\"   \n  \n\"Adriani... I thought I knew that name. Your family's wine brought my husband   \nand I together that first night.\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He smiled slightly. \"Who knew...\"  \n  \nA plate hit the table. The largest burger Tom had ever seen sat in front of him.   \n\"I thought you'd be hungry so I told the kitchen to get you something. Y'know,   \nBoss has lightened her mood some the past few days. She didn't seem to much like   \nkids before, but yesterday... she asked me how my son was doing.\"   \n  \nHe explained to her, \"she said she had a dream about us having a kid.\"   \n  \n\"Then I would take that as a good sign for both of you!\"  \n  \nPicking up the burger, he halted to ask, \"why doesn't the sun ever shine in this   \ncity?\"   \n  \nHer answer, \"I honestly don't know,\" trailed off in thought. No one knew why   \nNight Babylon was always dark. Tom looked at his arms and hands. \"I think I'm   \nalready starting to get a bit pale.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nThe group waited in the Westopolis Hospital. Eggman picked at the bandage from   \nwhere he'd given a blood donation to help Westwood. \"This couldn't have gone any   \nworse!\" he shouted.  \n  \nShadow pointed out, \"actually, yes, it could have!\" \"SHUT UP!\" Eggman paced the   \nroom.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Karen walked out to the group, clean. \"They let me shower off that blood, and   \nchecked my face, but I think I'll have to wash in perfume for a month to get the   \nsmell out!\" Sonic took a whiff, reeling. Karen stank of the star-spawn's blood   \nstill.   \n  \nVector shuddered. \"That had to be the WORST tasting thing I've ever had in   \nmy mouth!\"   \n  \n\"Oh, god...\" Espio gave a disgusting smirk. \"You're gonna make me throw up!\"  \n  \nKnuckles entered the waiting room. \"He's... stable. But...\"   \n  \nThe doctor followed Knuckles out. \"I'm afraid mister Westwood is bad off. He   \nsuffered a broken rib in the fall along with the glass shard severing his spine,  \nnot counting numerous bruises. If he lives, he'll be in a wheelchair for the rest   \nof his life. But I also got the report from the echidna doctor... his injuries   \nlast night... and with his heart attack... his chances are low.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nTom sat in the apartment, waiting. It was past 9:30 now. A pair of arms wrapped   \naround him causing him to jump slightly. \"I'm back.\" Rouge's wings wrapped around   \nboth of them.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I don't think you ever did that before,\" he commented, \"I like it.\"  \n  \n\"I'm sorry it took so long, I had to stop somewhere first. I have something for   \nyou,\" she explained, kissing him.   \n  \n\"Is that... cherry?\"   \n  \nShe smiled. \"Yes. I bought some nice lipstick. I thought you'd like it. I stopped   \nto do some shopping, I didn't think you'd mind waiting more.\" She pulled something   \nelse from the bag. \"New sheets. Silk.\"   \n  \n\"Oh... just as well, I put the bed sheets in the wash. I thought they could use   \nit after all the... well, you know.\"  \n  \n\"I'm sorry I went off like that, but they needed me after all,\" she apologized,   \ntaking his hand.   \n  \nHe pulled her close. \"I shouldn't have- I should've known you'd be safe. You were   \nin GUN.\"   \n  \n\"You knew?\"  \n  \n\"Yes, since you brought me home, I found the communicator in your glove. I know   \nyou quit for me, but I wish you'd told me.\"   \n  \n\"I didn't know what you would think if you knew,\" she said.   \n  \n\"You don't have to keep secrets from me-\" sniffing her, he pulled back.   \n  \n\"I need a bath, don't I?\"   \n  \nShaking his head in agreement, he pulled her close. \"But I'm gonna hold you   \nanyway!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Leaning in, she nibbled his ear lobe. \"You've been playing with my ears, so... I   \nthought it was time.\"   \n  \n\"That felt... good,\" he said, caressing her ear in return.  \n\u0026nbsp;  \nShe rubbed her hands down his back. \"I know you can't fly, but I like your back.   \nIt's flat and smooth and I can hold you without hassle! Now... tomorrow, we get   \nyou better acquainted with running the casino! You know any card games?\"   \n  \nHe replied, \"I know the rules of solitaire.\"  \n  \n\"That won't do at all,\" Rouge scolded. \"Then we teach you poker!\"   \n  \n\"Poker?\" he asked. \"What for?\"   \n  \nShe nibbled his ear again, teasing, \"So we can play STRIP poker! I think it might   \nbe more fun if we have to earn it... I also bought some new nail polish. Blue or   \npurple?\" He gave her a puzzled look. \"BLUE, or purple? The color!\"   \n  \n\"OH! Well, the purple would go with your clothes, but the blue would go with   \nyour eye shadow better.\"  \n  \n\"But what if I wear the purple eye shadow?\" she asked.   \n  \n\"Umm... have you worn purple?\"   \n  \n\"Not lately. I guess I'll give up the gloves for a while... and I do have sandals   \nI can wear, I think... I'll need your help, especially with the toes, think you   \ncan do that?\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He picked her up and cradled her in his arms. \"Earlier, I said I would feed you   \nand any other thing if you were helpless! Baby, I'll paint your toenails and I'll   \nkiss your feet while I do it!\"  \n  \n\"Bath first!\" she commanded. \"Although... I like being held like this...\" They   \nlooked into each others eyes, lost in the emotion.   \n  \n\"We could sit here and do this all night, just looking into each other,\" he   \noffered.   \n  \nShe blinked in ecstasy. \"I do need a bath though... as nice as this would be.\"  \n  \n\"You wanna?\" he asked, his   \neyes finishing the sentence.   \n  \n\"I don't know... I'm not really in the mood right now. But I think we'll get   \naround that, we always do. And you know how I hate to waste bath water...\"  \n  \nHe undid the clasps that kept her chest plate attached. \"I can see why you wear   \nthis thing... who knows how much those babies would jiggle if you didn't!\"   \n  \n\"Ooh, already started, aren't we?\" She licked her lips to edge him on.   \n  \nHe slowly lifted the plate with his finger. \"You've been telling me about your   \nnaughty fantasies lately, and I haven't... I said I'd give as I got, so...\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;She gave him her devil grin. \"I did run off on you tonight. About fantasies...  \nmaybe you should tie me up so I can't run off again!\"   \n  \nHis expression turned sour. \"Bondage? I don't know... sounds a bit mean and   \ndangerous!\"  \n  \nRubbing her hand under his chin, she explained, \"no, nothing like that! No heavy   \nropes or leather costumes. Just... gently tie my wrists to the bed. I have some   \nsoft ribbons you can use...\" She removed a glove and rested it on his shoulder.   \n\"What do you say?\"   \n  \n\"Okay. Might be fun... you think things will ever get boring between us?\"  \n  \n\"I have lots of ideas,\" she replied, \"so no, not for a long time. Besides, love   \nmaking isn't everything. We have other things we can do. Next month we'll have to   \nstart work replanting the grapes on your property.\"   \n  \nPulling her slightly closer, he said, \"about that... I don't know if I want to   \nmake wine.\"   \n  \n\"You wanna sell the land instead?\" she asked, puzzled.   \n  \n\"No... actually, I might have other plans for that property... I could never   \nsell that place. It's where I grew up, and where we first met. And it would   \nmake a nice private second home for us, with some sunlight too.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;She muttered gently, \"you should probably check me for scratches.\" Looking her   \nover, he found a small scratch on her right bicep. It had already begun to scab   \nover.   \n  \n\"Just a small one, nothing important.\"   \n  \n\"You should probably put some alcohol on it!\"  \n  \n\"Alcohol?\" He remembered the rubbing alcohol incident. \"You hate that stuff!\"   \n  \nA small kiss eased his mind. \"It's okay, I know it'll burn, but I trust you to   \ndo it right.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nThe group remained in the hospital. Karen held Knuckles' hand. Amy seemed to be  \ncrying. Eggman, his arms crossed, looked around as if he was waiting to be hit by   \na truck. \"Where is that worthless doctor? Oh, and while I'm thinking about it...\"   \nhe handed a wad of money to Vector. \"There's your stupid money, why are you   \nhanging around here?\"  \n  \nThe Chaotix stared at one another. Vector pushed the money back, stating, \"you   \nkeep it!\"   \n  \n\"What?\" Ivo asked.   \n  \n\"Your friend needs medical care! You should pay for THAT, it's more important   \nright now!\" Espio explained, wondering why he was refusing money to help out a   \nbusiness rival.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"You should go back to your island,\" Knuckles suggested. Karen closed her eyes.   \n  \n\"No. Daddy's concerned and wants me to stay here. That man was the first outsider   \nour island ever had. And he did keep that guy from shooting me.\"  \n  \n\"Sonic, will Herb be okay?\" Amy asked, her eyes still watering.   \n  \n\"I don't know... how about tomorrow, we go see a movie so I can take your mind   \noff this?\"   \n  \nShe shook her head. \"I don't feel like it.\"  \n  \nShadow entered the room, stating, \"GUN finished their cleanup. The creature is   \nbeing taken to be studied. Judas is alive and in custody. All the guards at the   \nmansion were human, the only one not was the dead hedgehog they found. The   \ncultists in the basement were also human. They have the Chaos Emeralds locked   \naway.\"  \n  \nThe group saw a female cat approaching, an older woman in glasses. \"I heard what   \nhappened, I thought he could use my support.\"   \n  \n\"You must be Clara,\" Eggman greeted, \"the one he seemed regretful over. Though   \nyou did threaten to blind him once...\"   \n  \nShe failed to return his accusing glance. \"My stupid husband was picked up drunk   \ndriving. Again... so I'm here instead of going to bail him out.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;The doctor entered the waiting room, holding a sheet of paper. \"Excuse me, are   \nyou Ivo Robotnik?\"   \n  \n\"Yes, what do you want?\" Eggman asked, disinterested.   \n  \nThe doctor explained, \"I wish I'd known it was you here, we've been trying to get   \nahold of you.\"   \n  \n\"So, GET ON WITH IT!\"  \n  \nClearing his throat, the doctor continued, \"The patient, Mister Westwood, has an   \norder on file giving you sole decision over his medical care in the event he is   \nincapacitated or otherwise unable to decide for himself. I'm afraid... as it is,   \nhe will die. His heart can't take anymore. However, we have a donor heart   \navailable, a close to perfect match. But in his condition, I can't guarantee   \nmuch.\"  \n  \n\"So, you want me to decide his fate. If I agree to this and he dies, then I have   \nhis death on my conscience!\"   \n  \nThe doctor nodded and said, \"but if you do nothing, he's guaranteed to die. I   \nneed your decision now.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nRouge held Tom's hands, gently pulling him towards the bed. Both were still damp   \nfrom the bath. Reaching into a drawer, she pulled out a long pink ribbon. \"Here   \nwe go...\" Tying one end around her right wrist, she sat on the bed, leaning back.   \n\"Come on, Tom... tie me down...\" she ordered, raising her arms. Slowly kissing   \nher naked skin, he moved his way up, enjoying her nipples on his tongue, finally   \nfeeding the ribbon through the headboard slots. Gently securing a bow, Rouge was   \nheld down.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Feeling her, he brushed his hand over the bare patch above her pussy. \"I wish you   \nhadn't shaved this... I kinda liked it,\" he said disappointed.   \n  \n\"But it was starting to itch from all the sweat,\" she complained, \"besides... you   \nlike it...\" She cooed as he kissed the spot. \"So smooth...\" She said, moaning   \nfrom the gentle touches, \"I'm sorry I ran off... I'm not leaving the apartment   \nfor a week! I'm not leaving you for the rest of my life...\"  \n  \n\"You don't need to apologize.\" Moving downward, he slowly parted both legs,   \nrunning a finger over her slit, slowly and with purpose. \"Just tell me you love   \nme...\"   \n  \n\"Tom... I love yoOOOOOO-OO-OO-OO!\" The words stuttered as he kissed her vaginal   \nlips, driving his tongue inside. \"Da-damn...\" she muttered.   \n  \nHe said, \"it's nice being able to give you a deep kiss while you talk. Now...   \njust lie back and I'll take care of you...\"  \n  \nHer legs arched up, giving Tom a good look at her tail. Gently ticking it, she   \nlaughed slightly, the laugh turning to pleasure as he flicked her clit with his   \ntongue. He enjoyed the feel of her soft skin, the way she moaned, how wet she got   \nwhen she was turned on. He also enjoyed her dual nature- strong yet gentle half   \nthe time, but very naughty the other half. \"Tell me, baby... how often did you   \nmasturbate before you met me?\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;She looked down at him. \"You dirty boy... getting personal now, are we?\"  \n  \n\"Just a simple question,\" he answered, pausing to tease her clit. \"I don't need   \nto know what- or who- you thought about, just... how often.\"   \n  \nShe closed her eyes, enjoying his fingers inside her, brushing against her   \nsensitive g-spot. \"Once or twice a week...\"   \n  \n\"Really?\" he asked. \"I don't believe you...\" he responded, suddenly ramming her   \nwith full force, fingers pushing in and out like a jackhammer, twisting around,   \nsending off every nerve in her cunt at once.  \n  \n\"O-O-OKAY! TOM! I-I-I-\" he slowed down. \"Wow... once or twice a week when I was   \nbusy. Alone, nothing to do... maybe three or four times a day, in the bathtub,   \nin bed... you wanna do that again?\"  \n  \nHe sucked her opening, tongue punishing her clitoris, licking up and down,   \nfingers curving to reach the g-spot better. \"You're so wet and warm and tight,\"   \nhe complimented, \"I love you...\" The words hit her as strongly as the physical   \nsensations did, Tom speeding up his assault of pleasure, the three words still   \nin her mind. He could feel the internal muscles clamping down, he knew she was   \nready. Dodging in time, he managed to avoid the squirt, a blast of pussy juice   \nthat cleared ten feet.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Shaking and moaning loudly, Rouge shuddered like an earthquake, every muscle in   \nher body tense, pulling hard enough to break the ribbon binding her arms. As her   \norgasm came to an end, she lay there, gasping for air, worn out. \"Oh... wow...\"   \nNoticing the ribbon snapped, her hands reached for her cunt out of instinct,   \nrubbing away. \"Oh, damn, I'm wet...\" she said as Tom untied the bows. \"And you're   \nso hard, look at you!\" Springing upright, Rouge jumped him, grabbing his cock,   \nstroking it hard. \"You wanna cum now? Ah, I like your dick, so hard and big...\"  \n  \nWhile he wasn't anything but average for a human, Tom Adriani was more than   \nenough for Rouge's smaller statue. Mounting, she guided the head of his penis,   \nthe tip coated in pre-cum, sliding in easily. She began to grind and bounce,   \nslamming up and down with full force. His breathing heavy, moans letting her   \nknow she was doing her job, Tom grabbed her hips and began thrusting. \"NO! Tom,   \nyou let me do this... grab my tits and squeeze them! You know you want to! You   \nwanna- OOH- fondle my boobs, my big, wonderful tits!\" she screamed, Tom, more   \nthan eager to grab her chest, fondling the nipples, making her moan louder as   \nshe arched her back, grazing the g-spot.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;She could feel him explode inside of her, ejaculating hard, coating her vaginal  \nwalls. The feeling pushed her over the edge, a powerful orgasm, a powerful squirt   \nall over Tom's crotch, two lovers screaming in pleasure. Once he gained control,   \nTom kissed the love of his life passionately. \"I love you, baby...\"  \n  \n\"I love you, too, Tom,\" she managed, still panting. \"I'm worn out... too much   \ntonight... bed time!\"  \n  \nHe pulled down the covers, helping her crawl into bed, sliding in beside her. She   \nlatched onto him, nuzzling close, kissing his chest. \"So... about that question   \nyou asked me...\"  \n  \n\u0026nbsp;\"Oh, right,\" he replied, \"you want me to answer too... sorry, guess I got   \ncarried away.\"  \n  \nShe smiled up at him. \"Wouldn't have it any other way, lover boy...\"  \n  \nHe answered, \"five times in one day is my jerk record.\"   \n  \n\"FIVE!?\" her eyes widened. \"Well... wanna break that record tomorrow? My pussy's   \ngot to be better than your hand... though it, ah, does have it's uses,\" she   \ncommented, recalling the finger banging.  \n  \n\"Break the record?\"   \n  \n\"Yes... I'm too tired for an all-night love making session, or we'd try right   \nnow,\" she said, grabbing his penis. \"My new toy... I know how to wake you up in   \nthe morning. Early start?\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;Kissing her deeply, he responded, \"early start. But... we could slow it down a   \nbit... enjoy the feeling.\"   \n  \n\"Deal,\" she agreed.  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nThomas Adriani awoke, sounds of complaining coming from the bathroom. Opening his   \neyes to find Rouge in the doorway, her bathrobe bundled up and a pitiful   \nexpression greeting him. \"Something wrong?\"   \n  \n\"Oh... just my- Tom, you DO know what my 'time of the month' means, don't you?\"   \nshe asked.   \n  \n\"Yes, why wouldn't I, baby?\" he replied.   \n  \nShe shook her head. \"I'm sorry... just I get so crabby... I took something for   \nit, but it'll be a bit before they work. Just ignore me if I say anything nasty,   \nokay?\"  \n  \nWaving her over, he hugged Rouge, pulling her close, the bat wrapping her wings   \ntightly around them. \"Breakfast?\" he asked.   \n  \nShe answered, \"just some juice for me. I'm not too hungry right now.\" Pulling on   \nhis clothes, Tom headed for the kitchen, reaching into the fridge and producing   \ntwo small bottles of orange juice. Twisting the lids free, he made his way to the   \ncouch, handing one to his lover. Grabbing the remote, Rouge took a sip, flipping   \nthrough channels. \"Sorry,\" she apologized.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"For what?\" he asked, confused.  \n  \nLooking up at him, she explained, \"for not making good on my offer from last   \nnight!\"   \n  \n\"It's not important,\" he responded, kissing her on the forehead. \"Doing it with   \nyou is nice, but it's not everything.\"  \n  \nCurling up beside him, she commented, \"you wanna go out and do somehting on your   \nown? I'm not gonna be up to much anything right now. All the blood loss this time   \nleaves me a bit sluggish...\"  \n  \n\"No, I'll stay here with you in case you need anything.\"   \n  \n\"Tom, I got by just fine on my own every month, you go out and have fun while I-\"   \n  \n\"No,\" he said, cutting her off. \"You're my girlfriend now. You took care of me,   \nnow it's my turn to repay that!\"   \n  \nHer eyes widened. \"Girlfriend...\" Rouge latched onto him hard, a vise grip on his   \ntorso. \"You don't know how long I've waited for someone to call me that...\"   \nTilting her back, Tom kissed her passionately, the two lovers intertwined for   \nwhat seemed like forever.   \n  \n\"I'm just happy you came back to me after last night...\" he comforted.  \n  \n\"You're my boyfriend,\" she said, \"I'm not gonna let some otherworldly horror take   \nme away from you!\" Smiling up at him, she considered the day's activities. \"We   \nshould go to your mansion, pack up what you'll need for your stay here.   \nBesides... I've wanted to get a nicer look at the place. We might be living there   \nsomeday.\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"Yeah,\" Tom agreed. \"Probably not a bad idea.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nOpening his freezer, Tom sorted through the contents. \"Well, everything in the   \nfridge is beyond consumable... but the frozen goods, some of that is   \nsalvageable.\" Steaks, ground meat, frozen vegetables all sat, unused. He handed   \nher a frozen popsicle. \"Try this, made it myself out of frozen juice. Healthier   \nthan that store-bought sugar crap\". Rouge tasted it, fruit punch. Seducing him,   \nshe slid it in her mouth and out, scrunching her eyes, looking at him. \"Thought   \nwe agreed you couldn't do that to me?\"   \n  \n\"We did,\" she replied, \"doesn't mean I can't tease you with the idea, though!   \nAnyway... come on, show me your room!\"   \n  \n\"Hold on,\" he said, \"You have some freezer space, right?\"   \n  \n\"A little,\" she answered. \"Good... we'll pack some of this and take it with us,   \ngive me something to cook. Speaking of cooking...\" Opening the cabinets, he   \nfinally found it.  \n  \n\"What's that?\"   \n  \nHolding it up, he explained, \"it's a small electric home grill. Cooks both sides.   \nMakes some smoke though... I'll cook meat when you're out, anyway, since you   \ncan't eat it. Come on, you wanted to see my bedroom!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Leading Rouge through the house, Tom stopped at his door. Inside was  \na large bedroom, well-decorated with a few posters that seemed  \nout-of-place amidst the high-class furnishings. Rouge took particular  \ninterest in one, a well-muscled bikini girl. \"So... that's the type of  \ngirl you like?\" she teased, ripping the poster down before he could  \ngrab at it. \"Come on, tell me!\"   \n  \nSighing, he said, \"okay... yes. Happy? It's just a poster. Anyway, muscles...   \nlook good on a woman. Not too many, but some...\"   \n  \nShe looked back and forth from the poster and Tom's stare. \"Really?\"   \n  \n\"Yes, really!\" he defended. \"Beats fat or ribs... you already have some good   \nmuscle tone. But you could work on it. Maybe those arms too, they are kinda   \nof... thin...\"  \n  \nShe mulled over the idea. \"Okay... you're gonna work out and become my muscle   \nhunk, so... maybe I'll work out with you.\"   \n  \n\"You can throw that poster in the garbage,\" he said, sifting through his drawers,   \ntaking out clothes.   \n  \n\"Nah, I think I'll keep it... for motivation. To see what a woman can do if she   \nputs the effort into it!\" Rolling it up, she tapped his rear with it. \"Just don't   \nwanna ever catch you looking at it, you got me?\" The smile and look betrayed her,   \nindicating her playful teasing despite a strict tone.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Perching on the bed, she stretched. \"You okay?\" he asked.   \n  \n\"Huh? Oh, yeah, fine... a bit tired, you know how it is- well, maybe you wouldn't,   \nactually...\"   \n  \nLooking out the window, Tom said, \"yeah...a woman's life is pain, pain a man   \ncan't know...\"   \n  \n\"But you make it better... more bearable! And without pain, there couldn't exist   \npleasure! So, what was your big idea for this place?\" she asked, curious as to   \nhis goals.   \n  \n\"Get a cleaning crew through the house, for one thing. Then... planting next   \nmonth. Dig up all the old grape vines and start over.\"  \n  \n\"How long will new grapes take to grow?\" she asked.   \n  \n\"Grapes?\" He turned towards her. \"Grapes are trivial... no, I have bigger plans   \nfor this place.\"   \n  \nShe cocked an eye. \"Really?\" With a yawn, she stretched, grabbing a pillow. His   \nscent was all over the bed, it perked her senses. \"I can tell this is your bed,   \nsmells like you...\"  \n  \n\"Huh? How'd you-\"   \n  \nShe cut him off, \"bats have better senses than humans do. Come over here.\" Tom   \nleft the window, joining Rouge on the bed. \"Humans have such odd faces... that   \nnose just sticks out,\" she commented, drawing in for a kiss, nibbling on his   \nlower lip. \"I am a bit tired... I think I'll take a quick nap. You finish   \npacking.\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Wrapping an arm around her, Tom slid onto the bed. \"No... think I'll stay here   \nwith you. I can pack later.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nFour Days Later  \n  \n  \nThe shriek of the alarm clock woke Tom. \"Huh? Why'd you set that?\" he asked. No   \nanswer. Looking over at Rouge's spot in bed, he found a note taped to the pillow.   \n'Meet me at the mansion. A ride is waiting for you outside,' it read. 'Wonder   \nwhat she's up to now?' he thought, grabbing his clothes.  \n  \nArriving at his mansion, the car left, leaving Tom alone. On his front door,   \nanother taped note. 'Your bedroom. Now!', a scribbled heart and lipstick imprint   \nbelow the words. Opening the door, he walked through the empty house, echoes of   \nhis footsteps the only sounds. Approaching his bedroom door, he found it cracked.   \nPushing open, he saw Rouge sitting on his bed, wearing a button-up blouse, a   \nshort skirt and high heels, the open toes showing off her painted blue toenails.  \n\"Right on time...\" she greeted.   \n  \n\"Oh.... wow...\" he gawked.   \n  \n\"What's wrong? Pretty girl waiting on your bed?\" she teased, kicking off the   \nheels. A finger waggled, calling him over. She explained, \"I couldn't help   \nmyself... this bed, this room... it smells like you. And this room... you could   \nfit most of my apartment in here!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Bending down, Tom embraced her, kissing passionately, leaning her backwards.   \n\"Doesn't take much to excite you, does it?\" she complimented, gently chewing on   \nhis lower lip.   \n  \nHe said, \"you saved my life... gave me a reason to live. All the money I have,   \nthis house... you're really all I have, Rouge.\"   \n  \n\"Tom, you're a real sweet-talker, you know that?\"   \n  \nGently kissing her neck, he replied, \"you got treated like crap too much by too   \nmany guys... no more. I'm not letting that happen anymore, not to you. You don't   \ndeserve that!\"  \n  \nA tingle ran up her spine, wings stretching out. \"I love you so much, Thomas   \nAdriani...\" \"  \n  \nI love you too,\" he said, reaching for the buttons on her shirt. \"I'd ask you out   \nsomewhere, but that's not why you dragged me here, is it?\"   \n  \n\"No,\" she answered, \"it's not. This is our day. My period's over... I'm going to   \nshow you how much I love you!\"  \n  \n\"Over?\" he asked, smiling as he unbuttoned her shirt, kissing her breasts, sucking   \nthe nipples. Rouge moaned softly. \"I wanna see!\" Moving downwards, Tom gently   \ntugged on her skirt, pulling it to her ankles. Hooking a finger into her panties,   \nhe pulled them aside, taking a long look at her slit. \"Clean...\" Playing with the   \nlips, his tongue glided up and down. \"Tasty, too!\" he complimented, sliding in a   \nfinger.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"OOH, yeah... that feel SO good,\" she moaned, \"let me taste...\" Pulling his   \nfinger out, he held it up to allow her to suck her own juices off. She said,   \n\"you're right, I do taste good. But don't lick me... please, take me now! On   \nyour bed! Take me NOW!\"  \n  \nWithout argument, Tom tugged down her panties, removing them, sniffing   \nthe crotch. \"Been horny all morning, haven't you?\" he noted, tossing the   \nundergarment aside.   \n  \nPulling the blouse off her shoulders, she responded, \"of course... thinking about   \nyou... inside me...\" Tom pulled his shirt off as Rouge drew down his pants,   \ngrabbing his penis with anticipation, jerking back and forth slowly. \"I love   \nforeskin...\"   \n  \n\"Keep that up,\" he said, \"and you might get a faceful you didn't expect!\"  \n  \nWith her devil grin, she replied, \"and what makes you think I wouldn't want you   \nblowing it on me? Might do that later... but first,\" she commented, perching on   \nthe edge of the bed, \"do me. Please...\" Her legs parted, inviting him. \"Make love   \nto me, this way... make me scream your name!\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Kneeling down, Tom grabbed the love of his life, sliding his hands downward  \nfor a better grip on her hips. Looking into his eyes seductively as he slid   \ninto her, a hot moan squeezing from her lungs. \"I'm in charge so much... Tom,   \nit's your turn...\" she explained, breathing heavily as he began thrusting,   \nslowly but gaining speed as he went.  \n  \nIn a steady rhythm, Tom panted, \"I... I can't last... much longer... I'm too   \ndamn horny!\"   \n  \n\"YES! YES! Oh... fill me up!\" she screamed in pleasure. Rouge didn't honestly   \ncare if she got off at this point, she was enjoying this too much. Quickly, Tom   \nslid a hand around, thumb on her clit, rubbing violently. \"Not- uh... without   \nyou!\" Her clit burned, her g-spot grazed by the thrusting, she was finally sent   \nto the brink as she felt his load firing into her, wad by wad. Screaming, her   \norgasm drowned out his own moans of pleasure. Slowing down, Tom stopped, nearly   \nout of breath. Sliding out and crouching, he pulled her close, the couple making   \nout, tongues changing mouths in a fury.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"That was great!\" she complimented.   \n  \n\"You were great!\" Tom replied.   \n  \nShe felt him brush against her leg, staring down at his erection. \"Still ready,   \nI see!\" she slyly commented, smiling feverishly.   \n  \nGrabbing her breasts, he said, \"yeah... only this time, you're on top!\"   \n  \nPicking her up, he slid into the bed, lying back, perching Rouge on top of him.   \nTaking his dick in hand, she carefully eased down onto him. \"Oh, yeah... Tom,   \nyou know how much I love you?\"   \n  \n\"I can only imagine,\" he responded, his hands sliding over her skin.  \n  \n\"I'm going to give you the ride of your life!\"  \n  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nJune 27th  \n  \n\"Fun birthday?\" Rouge asked, smiling.   \n  \n\"I guess,\" Tom replied, \"but I don't see why we didn't have a huge party...\"   \n  \n\"We already have that grand opening party next week!\" she reminded him. \"Why drag   \neveryone around for both?\"   \n  \n\"Yeah, good point,\" he replied. The two had been out all day celebrating. Rouge   \nhad spared no expense. He'd lost count, lost track of all they'd done. Movies,   \ndinner, anything she could drag him to.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Sitting on the edge of the bed, she eyed him with a smile on her muzzle. \"I   \nforgot! You have one more present... it's on the couch. Go get it, and be quick!\"   \n  \n\"ANOTHER present? You got me more crap today than I'll ever know what to do with-   \nnot that I don't appreciate everything you got me-\"   \n  \n\"Go get it!\" she shouted. He obeyed, leaving the bedroom.   \n  \nNothing was on the couch except the cushions. \"Present on the couch... I don't   \nsee anything. Maybe it's under the cushions! She IS tricky...\" Lifting the   \ncushions, all he found was a few coins. \"NO! Now what is she up- UNDER!\"   \nStooping, he checked underneath. Still nothing. Giving up, he wandered into the   \nbedroom, defeated. \"I didn't see anything in there, you sure-\"  \n  \nHe was silenced as the bedroom door slammed. Turning, he found Rouge against the   \nwall, wearing a legless, sleeveless body suit that showed off a good amount of   \nflesh. High heel boots to her thighs and gloves to her biceps, the entire outfit   \nmade of black shiny vinyl with zippers. \"Um... Rouge? Is that... is that a   \nWHIP?\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I'm sorry... your last present was already in here.\" Gripping the whip in her   \nright hand, she dangled handcuffs from her left middle finger. \"See this? This   \nrude gesture is what I intend to do to you ALL NIGHT! You scared, boy?\"  \n  \n\"Yes,\" he replied. \"Possibly terrified!\"   \n  \nStriding forward heel to toe, the whip flew, grabbing his ankle. A quick jerk   \nsent him to the bed, a sensual yet forceful \"You should be!\" her only response.   \nStraddling his chest, she placed the handcuffs around his wrist, latching the   \nother end to her own arm. \"Now you can't run!\"  \n  \n\"This might be forceful, even RAPE... if I wasn't willing to see where this   \nleads!\" he shouted as she leaned closer, placing his free hand on the zipper   \ndown her chest.   \n  \n\"So... you do have a devious side. You wanna dig and see how much you like it?\"   \n  \n\"Like it, and fear it!\" he said.   \n  \n\"Perfect... then be a good, obedient boy and unwrap your present!\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nJuly 4th  \n  \nThe cemetery beckoned as Shadow waited for his partner to arrive. \"Shadow. Been a   \nlong time...\" Ivo Robotnik didn't look at the black hedgehog. This place   \ndepressed them both. Eggman said, \"the reaper comes for all of us eventually...\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"But if we keep them in our memories,\" shadow replied, \"they are never really   \ngone.\"   \n  \n\"yes, I suppose so... we should go pay our respects.\"  \n  \n\"Why do we do this?\" Shadow asked. \"Do the dead care if we go to their graves?\"   \n  \nEggman answered, \"this isn't for them, really... but for the living.\" The two   \nentered the cemetery.  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nNight had come. For an unknown reason, he attended the fireworks festival in   \nCentral City. Perhaps he was hoping to have fun and forget about his troubles.   \nThe explosions filled the air with bright colors in cheerful patterns. Out here   \nin the grass, away from the city, the lights of the buildings added to the   \nfestivities.  \n  \n\"Shadow! Long time!\" Rouge the Bat greeted him, sitting in the grass watching the   \nfireworks.   \n  \n\"Not since the mansion, no. Where's your boyf- where's Tom?\"   \n  \nShe looked at him with a faint smile. \"Thank you for calling him by his name. He   \nwent to get us something to drink. I didn't think I'd see you at a place like   \nthis...\"  \n  \nHe replied, \"no... but I thought I would try and have fun for a change.\" She   \nreturned to the fireworks. \"Tom and I are holding a party tomorrow night at the   \nwinery. Will you be there?\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He pondered the offer. \"I'll think about it,\" was the reply as he walked off.  \n  \nTom brought their drinks, saying, \"I hope you like slushies, best I could get.\"   \n  \n\"I've never had one before... but I'm sure it's delicious!\" He handed her the   \ncup.   \n  \n\"Careful, its cold. Come on, let's go see the city, place looks good after the   \nrepairs and they have some carnival games going!\"  \n  \nThey walked through the city holding hands, pausing to play the games along the   \nstreets. Lost in the excitement, Rouge bumped into something. \"I'm sorry!\" she   \nsaid, looking forward. The wheelchair turned.  \n  \n\"Rouge the Bat! Long time!\"   \n  \nShe smiled at the sight. \"Herbert Westwood. Another person I   \nhaven't seen since that night at the mansion!\"   \n  \n\"Oh?\" he asked, stumped.   \n  \n\"I saw Shadow earlier,\" she explained.   \n  \n\"Shadow... yeah, he and Ivo went to see Maria's grave this morning. I'm surprised   \nhe came here, I thought he'd be moping about it all day!\"  \n  \n\"Herbert Westwood, huh? I guess I owe you my life,\" Tom said, shaking his hand.   \n  \n\"Oh, that... no big deal. Just my work.\" Herb let out a hearty laugh. \"Not   \nanymore though, I gave all that up.\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Tom rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. \"Yeah... uh, Rouge eventually   \ntold me all about that. I guess I came close on that one.\"  \n  \nTaking the mallet, he swung, the weight flying up and hitting the bell. \"She has   \nhelped me improve my life though and get back on track!\"   \n  \nRouge stroked Tom's bicep. \"He's got some muscle on him now. So... how have you   \nbeen doing?\"  \n  \nHerb placed his ice cream on a napkin in his lap. \"I get around. The wheelchair   \nisn't so bad, really. My new heart is working good. No more pain pills or heart   \nmeds. Just the pills to keep my body from rejecting my heart, but I'm almost off   \nthose now.\"  \n  \nA cat appeared from the crowd. \"Friends of yours?\"   \n  \n\"Clara, yes... Rouge the Bat and her lover. Err, boyfriend. Err, significant   \nother... whatever.\" Clara pushed her glassed further up her nose. \"Clara and   \nI...\" Herb explained, \"...we're not really dating. More like old friends. We're   \ntoo old for that, really.\"   \n  \n\"I left my idiot husband,\" Clara muttered.   \n  \nHerb took her hand, claiming, \"every day after that mansion has been a gift to   \nme. A new life. One I never got to live before. I'm thankful.\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Rouge put an arm around Tom. \"We're holding a party at the Winery tomorrow, you   \nshould come. Both of you!\"   \n  \n\"Why not?\" Herb replied. \"Birthday, is it?\"   \n  \n\"No, just an announcement party,\" Tom explained. \"My birthday was last week,   \nactually.\"  \n\u0026nbsp;  \n\"Who else is gonna be there?\"   \n  \nRouge thought briefly. \"Sonic and Amy, Tails, probably Knuckles and Karen... the   \nChaotix said they might show up, I found Omega, Cream and her mother might be   \nthere... a few friends from work and such... and maybe Shadow. I mentioned it to   \nEggman, but he didn't seem interested.\"  \n  \n\"Yes, I know,\" Herb said. \"He's been working with Tails at the GUN labs, but he's   \nbeen avoiding the old group a lot. Bad blood and all.\"  \n  \n-------------------------------------------------  \n  \n  \nJuly 5th  \n  \nKnuckles entered the mansion. Despite being invited, he'd not been looking   \nforward to this at all. \"Knuckles...\" Tom greeted him.   \n  \n\"Uhh... hi.\"   \n  \nTom asked, \"you okay? You look nervous...\" Knuckles grinned like an idiot, trying   \nto hide his fear. \"Well, the last time we talked, things weren't so good between   \nus, as I recall you and I-\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I'm willing to put the past behind us.\"  \n  \nKaren nudged Knuckles. \"Give him the present...\"   \n  \n\"Oh, right! I heard your birthday was last week, so Karen and I got you this.\"   \nThe echidna handed him the box. \"It's a home movie player!\"   \n  \nKaren smacked him on the back, shouting, \"you don't tell him what it is!\"  \n  \nRouge noticed Amy pacing the room, likely looking for Sonic. \"Did you check the   \nsnack table?\"   \n  \n\"Oh, Rouge! No, where is it?\" She pointed Amy towards it.   \n  \n\"Amy... I know you and I never really got along before. But I know that someday,   \nyou will grow up to be a fine, strong woman. Now, go find Sonic!\"   \n  \n\"Thanks... Rouge. I'll follow in your lead and get Sonic to be my boyfriend, just   \nwatch!\"  \n  \nE-123 Omega stood motionless. It didn't really understand why it was invited. \"Do   \nyou expect trouble tonight?\"   \n  \n\"Of course not,\" Rouge answered it. \"I invited you because you're a friend!\"   \n  \n\"Understood,\" the robot replied, even though it didn't fully understand the   \nmeaning of the party. It watched Cream play with her pet Chao, Cheese, though it   \nchose to remain standing in its predetermined spot.  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Herbert Westwood gathered with Shadow and the Chaotix. \"So what's the deal with   \nJudas, anyway?\" Espio asked.   \n  \n\"The news said that crackpot was going off to a mental institution!\" Vector   \nchuckled.   \n  \nShadow replied, \"hardly.\"   \n  \n\"Yeah, you don't   \ntry and feed the souls of the people to a dark god and get sent to the funny   \nfarm,\" Herb explained. \"He's going to prison for the rest of his life.\"   \n  \nCharmy looked stumped. \"Prison? But the news said-\"   \n  \n\"GUN is covering up the event,\" Shadow pointed out.   \n  \nHerb rolled his eyes. \"They'd about have to! The guy was screaming his head off   \ninto the news cameras about Cthulhu! But... the public will buy it. Robert Judas   \nLOOKS crazy.\"  \n  \n\"Hey, Sonic!\" Tails found the hedgehog filling his plate with food. \"Tails! Did,   \nuhh... Eggman show up?\"   \n  \n\"No, he said he wasn't feeling well. Which means he didn't want to see you.\"   \n  \n\"Guess we still have the past between us,\" Sonic muttered, grabbing more food.  \n  \nTom pulled Shadow aside. \"Shadow... hello. Listen, I need to ask you something   \nabout Rouge... in private.\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;He shook his head, hand to his forehead. \"For the millionth time, I am not   \njealous of you and Rouge being together... why does everyone ask me that? I never   \nhad romantic feelings for her, she was always like a distant sister to me, nothing   \nmore!\"  \n  \n\"That- that's not what I wanted to talk about,\" Tom explained, slightly confused.   \n\"I know this is the first time we've talked, and well, you have been avoiding   \nus, but still, if you wanted me out of the way, you wouldn't have risked   \nyourself for me. That much I know, and I know you'll do whatever you can to keep   \nus together and safe. Rouge told me I can trust you. And you've known her longer   \nthan me... I just need to ask your opinion on something.\"  \n  \nShadow turned away from the crowd. \"Very well.\"  \n  \n  \nThe crowd gathered around their hosts. \"So what's this big announcement you two   \ndragged us out here for, Boss?\" Victoria asked.   \n  \n\"Yeah, I've been waiting all night to hear this!\" Sonic agreed, still stuffing   \nhis face.  \n  \nTom addressed the room. \"Tomorrow, we officially resume business here! However...   \nthe Central City Winery no longer exists!\" A wave of confusion poured from the   \ncrowd. \"My parents ran that business... it's not my legacy. I don't like   \nalcoholic drinks.\"   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;\"I've never been big on them, either,\" Rouge shouted, \"they don't mix with   \nflying.\"  \n  \n\"Anyway,\" Tom continued, \"tomorrow the Adriani Rouge Fruit Company opens! I know   \nyou can't see outside for the dark, but we have grapes, strawberries, cherries,   \nand apple trees growing! We will produce a wide range of jellies, jams, juices,   \nand packaged fruits for sale! I know this may not be as profitable as the wine   \nbusiness... but this is my decision. And it is my decision to sell our produce at   \naffordable prices. My parents prided themselves on charging high prices for their   \ngoods... I'm not them. I make the decisions in my life now!\"  \n  \nThe crowd cheered and applauded him. He continued, \"and also... Rouge not only   \nsaved my life... but she restored my will to live. That is why... that is why...\"   \nShadow gave him a thumbs up to encourage him. Pulling a ring from his pocket, he   \nkneeled. \"Rouge the Bat... you're the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Will   \nyou... will you... willyoumarryme?\"  \n  \nSlipping the ring on her finger, Rouge admired the jewel in the center. A pure   \ndiamond. \"YES!\" Her arms wrapped around him tightly. \"YES! I will...\"  \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Loud cheers and applause filled the room. \"Wow, Rouge is getting married! I'm so   \nhappy for her!\" Amy cheered, grabbing Sonic's hand. Speaking of which...\"   \n  \n\"Oh no... can we talk about this later?\"  \n  \nKnuckles extended his hand. \"Congratulations, you two...\" Tom shook it.  \n\u0026nbsp;  \n\"Knuckles, thanks. I'm inviting you, of course-\" Rouge shouted out, \"everyone in   \nthis room is invited! I want this to happen soon... but I want to plan first, I   \nwant this to be perfect.\"   \n  \n\"Yes, and it might take some time to find a wedding dress that'll accommodate a   \nset of bat wings, I think...\" Rouge nudged Tom gently for the comment.  \n  \nShadow stepped forward. In his best effort, he forced a smile. \"Uh... close   \nenough, you'll get better at it,\" Tom encouraged.   \n  \n\"I almost forgot... your ex-girlfriend,\" Shadow said.   \n  \n\"Yeah, the gold digger... what about her?\"  \n  \n\"I arrested her and her current lover. They were selling drugs. I thought it   \nwould be a fitting birthday gift, and with this... it's my gift to you.   \nCongratulations, I wish both of you the best.\"  \n  \n\"I know this will work,\" Tom said.   \n  \n\n\u0026nbsp;Rouge replied, \"we have a long life of happiness ahead of us.\"   \n  \n\"That, I don't doubt... and Shadow...\" The hedgehog turned to face them. \"I know   \nyou'll be on watch to protect us. Besides, if I ever do anything bad to Rouge,   \nyou'll be there to kick my butt the hard way. But don't worry, if I ever do   \nanything like that, I'd be disappointed if you didn't do something.\"  \n  \n\n","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/709012-sonic-the-hedgehog-the-series-part-1.json"}