FicWad

In downtown Mobotropolis, Sleet and Dingo were in an old hotel that the Guild (an organized crime ring) established as their base of operations. They were telling Farrell, the head of the Guild, about their deeds.

Farrell flinched. “You did what?!”

“Stole his motorcycle and killed his wife.” Sleet replied.

“You idiot.” Surge said, crossing her arms.

“What?” Sleet asked. “He’s nothing we can’t deal with.”

“His wife was in the Guild and he was in GUN.” Farrell replied. “It’s theorized Shadow was a product of their super soldier program headed by Dr. Gerald Robotnik, but that’s a conspiracy theory. True or not, he’s still dangerous and you’ve messed up. You killed one of our own and Shadow could kill you with a wooden chopstick.”

Manic slowly nodded.

“She was in the Guild?” Sleet asked.

Farrell shook his head. “I thought Dingo was the stupid one.”

Sleet narrowed his eyes. “How was I supposed to know she was in the Guild?”

“Rouge owned the nightclub across the street.” Farrell yelled. “Her name is literally on the sign. She paid her debts and got out years ago, probably to be with Shadow.”

“She was never at the meetings when she was a member.” Manic said. “Had to keep up the appearances that she was running a legit business, so Surge and Knux were the go between.”

“So what are you going to do?” Sleet asked.

“I was gonna have both of you killed, but Shadow will handle it.” Farrell replied. He motioned to the door. “Leave, I don’t want you two staining the carpet when he finds you.

Sleet and Dingo left the room.

“Do you think he can actually kill someone with a chopstick?” Dingo asked.

“Don’t worry about that.” Sleet said, waving his hand dismissively. “He’s just one stupid hedgehog.”

The door closed behind Sleet and Dingo.

Surge scoffed as she walked out the other door.

Manic looked at Farrell. “He’ll blame us.”

“Maybe.” Farrell said. “Your brother is a GUN agent, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, but Shadow isn’t all that friendly with Sonic.” Manic replied. “Sonic doesn’t know what I do and he’s the only GUN agent that won’t look the other way with us.”

“Then you’re in a bad spot.” Farrell said.

Manic nodded.

“Try to handle it yourself.” Farrell said. “Make sure he takes out those two dolts first.”

“Yes, sir.” Manic replied. He walked away and caught up with Surge at their car.

“Well, we’re gonna die.” Manic said as soon as he got in the car.”

“Sonic won’t arrest you if you talk.” Surge said.

“Farrell will kill me if I do.” Manic replied.

“That didn’t stop you before.” Surge said. “He’s gonna find out we’re a couple sooner or later.”

Manic groaned. “I know, I know.”

Surge leaned on the door. “Is Shadow a shoot first, ask questions later type of guy?”

“Kind of.” Manic said. “His wife was killed and his sister died a few weeks ago. Imagine how he’ll react to this.”

Surge leaned back in her seat. “He didn’t ask you to deal with Shadow, did he?”

“Yep.” Manic muttered.

“Nice knowing ya, cute stuff.” Surge said.

“You too, babe.” Manic replied.



*

Shadow stood in front of Rouge’s grave as everyone else left the funeral.

Sonic stepped beside Shadow. “I’m sorry, she was a nice girl.”

“Why?” Shadow asked. “All because some idiot wanted my motorcycle, the one Maria made the designs for and Rouge had it painted on for my birthday.”

Sonic shook his head. “Life’s cruel sometimes.”

Shadow nodded. “That’s an understatement.”

Sonic sighed. “Amen to that.”

Shadow hung his head.

“I’m sure she’s at peace now.” Sonic said. “Listen… I know we weren’t ever friends, but I’ve lost my Mom and my first girlfriend. It’s not easy. If you need to talk or anything, I’m here.”

“Thanks.” Shadow replied.

“Do you need a ride?” Sonic asked. “I’m gonna visit Mom and Amy’s graves if you don’t.”

“I’m fine.” Shadow replied. “Take care of yourself.”

“You too, Shadow.” Sonic said.

Shadow walked away, pulling his hood back up as the wind picked up.