FicWad

Shadow gathered his weapons and what little Guild currency Rouge had in the house from his safe as soon as he came home from the funeral. He loaded the guns into the trunk of his black and red car.

Shadow closed the trunk. He did his best to avoid looking at the spot where Rouge had died as he walked to the driver’s side of the car.

He got in his car, started it, and backed out of the garage.

“You were right, Rouge.” Shadow said, closing the garage door. “I would need it.”

He headed to Rouge’s old nightclub to pick up her main stash of Guild currency.

*

Shadow parked his car in front of Club Rouge and got out.

Knuckles stood by the door with his arms crossed.

Shadow got his Guild money ready as he approached Knuckles. “Has Sleet and Dingo been here?”

“No and I’m sorry about Rouge.” Knuckles said, frowning. “The Guild had nothing to do with it. New guys acted alone. The big boss is letting you deal with it.”

“I see.” Shadow replied.

Knuckles glanced around, then stepped closer to Shadow. “You didn’t hear it from me, but if you break the rules or keep pursuing this, they’ll deal with you.” He said. “I’m only telling you out of respect for Rouge.”

Shadow narrowed his eyes. “I’ll take my chances.”

“Go on, it’s in my locker.” Knuckles said, stepping aside. “Surge knows you’re coming.”

Shadow nodded. “Take the night off if you see Sleet and Dingo.” He said, giving Knuckles a hundred dollars in Guild money. “You’re a good guy. Thanks for keeping Rouge safe when she ran this place.”

“May she rest in peace.” Knuckles replied. He stuck the money in his pocket. “Thanks, Shadow.”

*

Shadow looked around for Sleet and Dingo as he made his way through the crowds to the office in the back of the club.

The electronic music and flashing lights were starting to give him a headache. It was nothing like the forties speakeasy style place it was years ago.

Shadow shook his head. “Rouge would be livid if she knew what they did to her baby.” He thought.

Shadow spotted Manic stepping out of the office with Surge.

Manic had his arms around Surge, kissing her.

Shadow stepped in an alcove to keep Surge and Manic from seeing him. He peered around the corner. “I’m surprised the Guild hasn’t killed them yet.” He thought as he took a picture of Surge and Manic on his phone.

Manic finally walked down the hallway with a smirk.

Shadow rolled his eyes as he walked to the office as soon as Manic was past him.

Surge had stepped back into the office and closed the door.

Shadow opened the door and walked in.

Surge fell out of her chair as she saw him and scrambled to get up.

“Relax, I’m not here for you.” Shadow said, walking over to the safe. “Or for the boy who had his hands all over you just now.”

Surge narrowed her eyes as she followed Shadow to the safe. “Then what are you here for, Shadow?”

“I’m here for Rouge’s Guild money.” Shadow said. “If Sleet and Dingo are here, they’re dead. I don’t care about you or Manic.”

Surge pulled a gun out and pointed it at Shadow’s head. “But the Guild has a nice price on your head and I’ll be dead anyway.”

Shadow got the money out, then turned to face Surge. “Who do you think will go easier on you?”

Surge lowered her gun. “If I give you info, can you get us out of this?”

Shadow thought about it. “You want to burn down the operation?”

“The entire… you can’t do that.” Surge said.

“Watch me.” Shadow replied.

“Sleet and Dingo don’t hang out here much nowadays.” Surge said. “They hang out at the bar by the docks.”

“Thanks.” Shadow replied. He marched out of the office.

*

Surge called Manic as soon as Shadow left the office.

Manic walked into the office a couple of minutes later. “Aw, you missed me already?”

Surge hung up her phone. “Shadow was here.”

Manic nodded. “Did you tell him where Sleet and Dingo usually are?”

“Yeah, but he’s saying he’ll spare us and take the Guild down.” Surge said. “He caught us.”

Manic scoffed. “Yeah, he’s pretty tough, but there’s no way he can take down the whole thing.” He replied. “We have a better chance of doing what Farrell asked. We just need a lucky shot.”

Surge groaned. “Alright, fine.”

Manic hugged Surge. “It’s gonna be okay, babe.” He said. “I promise. A’ight, I’ll be at the bar. Wish me luck.”

Surge hugged Manic. “Love you, Cute stuff.”

Manic stroked Surge’s spines. “I love you too, Babe.”



*

Shadow got into his car and drove through the city. “I hate to ask him.” He muttered under his breath. He pulled his phone out and called Sonic.

Sonic yawned. “Hello?”

“I need to talk to you.” Shadow replied.

“Sure, uh, can ya come by tomorrow?” Sonic asked. “I don’t want to wake Sal or the kids unless it’s an emergency.”

“I’ll be there at seven.” Shadow replied.

“Alright, see you.” Sonic said.

Shadow hung up. “What have I gotten myself into?” He muttered.

After several minutes, he found himself at the bar.

Shadow got out of the car and headed inside.

Shadow silently groaned as he made his way through the smoke filled room.

It didn’t surprise him that a Guild organization wouldn’t obey the laws about smoking in businesses or restaurants.

“At least the jukebox is out of order.” Shadow muttered under his breath. He made his way to the bar where Sticks the badger was quietly cleaning the counter.

Sticks’ gaze flicked up at him. “Be with you in a minute.”

Shadow took a seat and waited. He didn’t feel like demanding Sticks to stop what she was doing and hearing her rant about it.

Manic came up and took a seat beside him. “They aren’t here.” He said. “Have ya found ‘em already?”

“Let me guess: Farrell sent you to deal with me after I clean up your mess.” Shadow said.

Manic shrugged. “Nothing personal, Shads.” He replied. “I have my orders.”

Shadow scoffed. “That so?” He asked. “Does your orders include fooling around with fellow Guild members?”

“You can’t prove jack.” Manic replied.

Shadow showed Manic a picture. “Is that you?”

Manic tried to snatch Shadow’s phone out of his hand.

Shadow pulled his phone away.

Manic eased his hand to his pocket. “Farrell won’t know as long as all three of you are out of the way.”

Shadow grabbed Manic’s arm and flipped him off of his seat.

Manic yelped as his back slammed into the floor.

Sticks groaned as she slammed her cleaning rag onto the table. “Don’t break my furniture!”

“Has Sleet and Dingo been here?” Shadow asked.

“No, hadn’t seen ‘em since last night.” Sticks replied. “They’re probably looking for you.”

“Thanks.” Shadow said. He turned his attention to Manic and nudged him down again with his foot. “Don’t think I’ll go easy on you because I work with your brother.”

Manic glared at Shadow.

Shadow shoved Manic down again, then walked away.

*

Shadow drove around the town, looking for any sign of Sleet and Dingo until he was absolutely exhausted.

He finally checked himself into the first decent hotel he came across and checked himself in.

He would’ve gone home, but figured that Sleet and Dingo would try to burn his house down with him in it if he fell asleep and they came by the house.