Chapter Text
Just as the sun set under the horizon, the city of Bangkok was alight. People were buzzing around still even under the presence of the night. And one of the most brightly lit places was the Theerapanyakun Hotel, comparable to that of the Gatsby mansion. Limos were passing in front of the building, letting out several high-profile people with equally high figure numbers. They were all here for the same event.
“We’re approaching the location, is everyone ready?” Shadow asked, looking over at Rouge who was busy reapplying a baby pink lipstick to her lips.
“Of course I’m ready.” Rouge replied, snapping her hand mirror shut and winking at him.
Shadow nodded, then patted the briefcase next to him. “How about you, Omega?”
The briefcase beeped and vibrated against Shadow’s thigh in affirmative. Shadow adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves and took a deep breath.
“Excellent. We can begin then.”
They’d rented a limo out for this exact night, dressed up in the most expensive outfits they owned, and were basically doing their best to look like they belonged here.
The limo slowed to a stop in front of the hotel and one of the security guards stepped out to open the door. Shadow got out first, letting Rouge grab his arm to step out as well, the bat woman grabbing their third member disguised as a briefcase.
“Thank you, darling.” Rouge winked. “And relax, would you? We haven’t flubbed a heist yet, and tonight will be no different.”
“I know it won’t.” Shadow replied as the cameras started flashing at them. The limo drove away and the two of them began to walk down the red carpet, Rouge waving to the paparazzi while Shadow just stared straight ahead.
The news reporters were here. Shadow swiveled his ears to listen to the reporter talk to the camera.
“Everyone’s excited for the auction tonight! Several high-value items are up for sale, including one of the infamous Chaos Emeralds! There’s only seven of them in the world and said to possess great power! However, five of them have been stolen by the criminals known only by their name, Team Dark! Hopefully they won’t show up tonight, but security has been extra tight from what I can see, yeesh. They’re even cracking down on the innocent journalists! What did we ever do?!”
Shadow let out a little snort at the words.
“What’s funny, doll?” Rouge asked, grinning, having heard the exact same words he did.
“Just eavesdropping on nonsense.” Shadow replied.
Rouge giggled. She was in all black, wearing a strapless pantsuit that was tailored to her proportions and exposed her back and arms, with a string of diamonds around her neck and heavy jewels adorning her fingers and ears. She spread her wings as she walked down the aisle of carpet, earning a few gasps and swoons from the crowd. The bat was dripping with confidence, knowing that she looked good and gracing the public with her beauty.
Shadow was also in black, but with delicately embroidered red designs, swirls and flames turning into wings on his back. A faux imitation of Rouge’s own but still a beautiful suit nonetheless. Shadow was cold and to the point, that was evident in the way he walked and the way he refused even a glance at those he deemed below him, which was most people. Untouchable, expensive, and just enough of an asshole to be perceived as those they were trying to impersonate.
The plan was simple. Get in without drawing attention. Grab the chaos emerald. Get out without being caught.
Shadow, Rouge, and Omega were indeed the aforementioned Team Dark, the criminals who were traveling around the world robbing museums, jewelry stores, and even residences. They always only took one thing from any place they went, the Chaos Emeralds. No one knew who they were. No one knew why they were after them.
They made it to the entrance with forged invitations courtesy of Omega finding copies of this year’s through hacking into some celebrities' emails and recreating them. The security guard pushed up his glasses to read them, squinting.
“Is something wrong, dearie?” Rouge purred, laying it on thick.
“Sorry, my eyesight ain’t what it used to be. Can I get your names?”
“Of course, doll! I’m Magenta the Bat and this is my husband, Scarlet the Hedgehog.” Rouge grabbed his arm. “But he doesn’t mind sharing me if you’re interested.” she winked.
“My wife would mind.” the guard stiffened. “Are you two looking to bid on anything specific?”
“I’m a huge fan of anything diamond so I absolutely had to attend this lovely auction and try my hand at getting some of these precious jewels! I’m practically frothing at the mouth just thinking about them!”
She really was all but drooling. Even if she was using their codenames and lying about their relationship status, she was indeed obsessed with jewels to an unhealthy degree. Shadow cleared his throat and she dropped it almost immediately.
“Are there any more questions or are you so bored you’re making small talk with the clientele?” Shadow snapped, disliking how long this was dragging out.
“No more questions. You two may head inside. Sorry for the trouble.”
“You should be.” Shadow scoffed as he headed inside with Rouge next to him. She waved with her fingers to the guard before puffing her cheek out at Shadow.
“You didn’t have to be so mean to him.” she complained.
“Doesn’t matter. We aren’t going to be here for very long anyways if I can help it.” he replied. “He was too nosey.”
Briefcase-Omega beeped in agreement.
They entered the main entrance where the pre-party was taking place. Rich people milled about in droves, along with waiters holding plates of food and drinks. Rouge, of course, nabbed a champagne flute as soon as one was presented to her. Up the stairs led to a set of guarded doors that was the theater where the auction would be held.
If they were lucky, they could get the Emerald before the auction even began.
They were rarely that lucky.
“We split here. Do you have a plan for a distraction?” Shadow asked.
“Of course, handsome.” Rouge winked, tossing the now-empty glass over her shoulder. “I always do.”
“And how subtle do you intend to make it?” Shadow said tentatively, knowing how his partner in crime had a love for the dramatic.
Rouge laughed out loud. “As subtle as I can be when I look this good.” she trilled, dragging her hands down her body to prove her point.
“Then I’ll leave you to it.” Shadow replied, breaking off from her.
As he headed towards the security room, up the stairs and to the left at the balcony wrapping around the room to look down on it, he watched Rouge flit through the crowd, and in true Rouge fashion, she proceeded to swipe four wallets, two necklaces, six rings and a Rolex in the time it took for her to get to the door that led to the small stage directly adjacent to the front desk.
“She just can’t keep her hands to herself.” he sighed to himself, watching over the railing and tapping his foot impatiently.
Suddenly music picked up and Shadow raised an eyebrow. The small stage’s curtains opened and Rouge appeared, holding a microphone on a stand.
“Oh no.” Shadow groaned as all eyes turned to look at her. This is not what he meant by subtle at all.
Rouge grinned, knowing exactly what she was doing. She started singing. He didn’t recognize the language, but Shadow assumed it was Thai given where they were. When and where she learned this song he didn’t know. But it didn’t matter. It had people’s attention.
He looked over at the security room, seeing the guard stationed in front of it fixed onto her and bopping his head to the beat.
Perfect.
Shadow blipped out of existence around the corner from the security room.
“Psst, over here .” he whispered.
It caught the guard's attention and he looked around the corner, seeing nothing.
Because Shadow teleported behind him at that exact moment and hit him over the head with Briefcase-Omega, teleporting them both around the corner before anyone saw. He grabbed the keycard around his belt as the guard slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Shadow cracked his neck before coming back to the door, swiping the card and entering, closing the door before setting Briefcase-Omega on the ground.
“Omega, Primary Form.” he ordered.
In front of his eyes he watched as the briefcase transformed into a sizable hunk of black and red metal, beady eyes shining alight as they stared down at Shadow.
“I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE OF USING ME TO KNOCK THE GUARD OUT. YOU COULD HAVE SIMPLY HIT OR KICKED HIM.” Omega said, his words almost suggesting that he was pouting.
“I wanted you to feel included, big guy.” Shadow patted him on the side as he walked towards the security cameras.
“EVEN IF IT DID NOT DAMAGE MY EXTERIOR, THAT BLOW DID HARM MY PRIDE.” Omega said.
“We can talk about this later, for now I need you to disable the cameras.” Shadow gestured towards the master computer
Omega nodded and stepped in front of the computer, changing his hand from the deadly knife-weapons they were into a single flash drive. He inserted it into the port and his eyes went dark. A chibi Omega appeared on the screen, waving to Shadow cutely before running across the cameras, disabling each one as he did and wiping their memory files completely.
“Nice.” Shadow nodded, reaching up to touch the earpiece decorating his scarred ear. “Rouge, it’s done. Make your way up here as soon as you can.”
“Copy that.” the bat replied.
She entered the room in less than a minute, dabbing at her forehead with a napkin and fanning herself with her hand, wings folded.
“Shadow, you should have seen it, the crowd absolutely adored me.” she squealed. “They practically handed their wallets to me, I still stole them though HAHAHA!”
“How much did you grab?” Shadow asked.
Rouge smirked, unfolding her wings and out spilled quite the haul of stolen wallets, jewelry, watches, and even phones.
“Isn’t this a little excessive?” Shadow asked.
“Whaaaaat noooooo.” Rouge brushed it off. “I mean I won’t take all of it home, I do it more for the thrill, of course. But some of the people here got a pretty hefty amount of cash in their wallets.” she picked one off the ground, pulling several hundreds out of it before stuffing the green into her cleavage to hide it.
Shadow smacked himself on the head.
“I FOUND THE ROOM WITH THE AUCTION ITEMS.” Omega announced on the computer.
Their little buddy had a personal virus that all he needed was to be close to a device in order to implement it, but it worked the best if he was plugged into it. It allowed his AI to physically enter the device and deactivate it or control it however he pleased, or however Team Dark needed. He could also transform into pretty much any electronic device, all Shadow or Rouge needed to do was say the word.
“Perfect! The auction starts in a few minutes, plenty of time!” Rouge clasped her hands together.
“Not so fast, we need to figure out what the security looks like.” Shadow walked up to the monitors, leaning against the desk. “Omega?”
Chibi Omega turned on one of the cameras to showcase where the Emerald was being held. “IT APPEARS THAT EVERYTHING IS BEING KEPT BEHIND THE MAIN STAGE IN THE THEATER, SIX SECURITY GUARDS ARE STATIONED THERE AND THERE ARE LASERS AROUND THE EMERALD THAT WILL TRIP AN ALARM IF BROKEN, CALLING THE POLICE. ALL OF THE GUARDS ARE ARMED.”
“Well, so am I.” Shadow lifted up his pant leg, showing the handgun strapped to his right calf. “Is the room locked?”
“AFFIRMATIVE. AND GUARDED.”
“No problem for me.” Shadow let his pant leg fall back down in order to crack his knuckles. “Omega. What I want you to do is the second that I unlock that door leading behind the stage I need you to turn the power off for sixty seconds, including the lasers. Me and Rouge will take care of the guards and we’ll get the Emerald.”
“Only one minute?” Rouge whined.
“It’s the shortest amount of time we can get away with without raising suspicion.” Shadow replied. “Can you find out what kind of lock is guarding the door, Omega?”
“THERE ARE THREE DOORS. ONE BEHIND THE CURTAIN WITH A KEYPAD, AND TWO ACTORS ENTRANCES WITH KEYLOCKS.”
“Let’s go for the key locked ones.” Shadow nodded. “Rouge, let’s go.”
“Aye aye, captain.” she saluted with a wink.
They left Omega in the security room as they started to walk downstairs. The auction was about to begin by this point and people were starting to funnel into the main theater area. Rouge took him by the arm again while Shadow led the way, hands in his pockets.
“Stage left or stage right?” Rouge asked quietly.
“Left.” he commanded. “The natural flow of the crowd will allow us to slip in without anyone noticing.”
“Perfect.” Rouge flashed a dazzling smile.
However they didn’t get a chance to enter flawlessly because suddenly someone approached them.
“Hello there! You must be the dame who transfixed the crowd with your voice.”
Shadow scowled deeply at the interruption. Rouge laughed nervously at the man who approached him.
“I am, darling. Thank you for the compliments.” Rouge held out her hand for the feline to kiss and he did so.
“If I may, I’m connected to an agency that works with rising stars such as yourself. If you’re interested I’m sure they would love to have you on board.” he looked her up and down. “Or at least, I would like to have such a wonderful lady like you in our roster.”
Shadow’s scowl deepened the more this guy was talking. He seemed snooty and was also just staring at Rouge’s cleavage the whole time.
Rouge laughed again and slipped out of Shadow’s arm in order to step closer. “I appreciate the offer, darling, but I’m otherwise engaged.” she purred, putting her hand on his chest. “There’s nothing your agency can offer me that I haven’t already obtained myself.”
The guy was frozen in place as she slipped by, Shadow following along beside her and shoving the guy beside.
“I dislike annoyances that cause us to be late.” Shadow said to his partner.
“Oh don’t get your panties in the twist, handsome.” she lifted her hand up, producing a watch in her hand. “I snagged something just for you and everything.”
“I really don’t need-” Shadow started saying but Rouge just tutted him, stopping them so she could attach the item to his wrist behind the golden rings already adorning him. It was sleek, black with gold accents and the numbers were in roman numerals. Shadow just sighed, knowing that he wasn’t going to be able to refuse her. “Thank you, Rouge.”
“Not a problem at all, love.” she patted his cheek.
However, their delay meant that everyone had made it to their seats, and the auctioneer was up on the stage.
“Good evening esteemed ladies and gentlemen! It’s so wonderful to see so many generous faces in the crowd.” he chuckled. “Are we ready to bid on some expensive items tonight?”
There were some cheers and clapping and the auctioneer winked. “I’m glad to hear it! Let’s begin with our first item…”
“Shit! They started the auction!” Shadow grabbed Rouge’s hand and teleported both of them to around the corner of where the door was located, the bat having to hold against the wall to avoid getting dizzy.
“I would appreciate a warning next time, handsome.” she shook her head hard to snap herself out of it.
Shadow shushed her, peeking around the corner, only seeing two guards. “Can you fly up there and knock them out?”
“Give me a second.” Rouge put her hands on her knees, taking a deep breath.
“We don’t have a second! We need to do this now!”
“Alright, alright, I’m going!” Rouge stood up and flipped her hair. “So bossy today.”
She bent her knees and took off to the high ceilings, walking upside down onto them as she approached the guards, who were none the wiser. Shadow watched her, staying as hidden as he could. Rouge stopped right above them, narrowing her eyes as picked the best way to do this.
Then she pounced, hitting one of them with her foot and the other with her arm, both collapsing on the floor as she stayed flying in the air.
“Ugh, these shoes were new and now I’ve scuffed them!” she complained about the state of her heels. “Shadow if I break a nail I swear to god you’re paying for my next manicure.”
“I’ll pay for an entire spa day for you if we can get out of here with the Chaos Emerald and no trace.” Shadow approached the door, inspecting the lock. He then tugged out a black quill from behind his head, inserting it into the keyhole as he pressed his ear against it.
“Will you be able to pick it?” Rouge asked. “You look like you’re having a bit of-”
The lock snapped open and Rouge’s eyebrows shot up.
“...trouble.” she finished her sentence. “Remind me to never doubt you again.”
Shadow smirked, then pressed his earpiece again.
“Omega. Lights out.” he commanded.
And just like that the place went dark completely. Rouge and Shadow slipped into the room, closing the door behind them as they did so.
They heard people shrieking from the outside at the outage and security trying to keep people from panicking. With keen eyesight made for the night, Shadow found the exact location of all of the guards. He looked over at Rouge, knowing she could see them just as well as he could.
“I take the three on the right, you take the ones on the left?” he asked quietly.
“I was just about to say the same thing.” she replied.
He held out his hand, palm-up, and she slapped it before both of them shot forward.
“Who goes there- AUGH!” one of the guards that had heard them was knocked down just as quickly as he said it.
It was like pinball the way that Shadow and Rouge darted around, knocking over the guards twice if they had to. Shadow grabbed one of them by the arms and flung them into the wall, making it crack. Rouge wrapped her legs around another’s neck and cracked it in an instant.
A shot was fired and Shadow narrowly avoided it, knocking the gun out of the guy’s hand before knocking him down as well, putting his shoe on his neck.
Shadow looked up, seeing Rouge fly down and snag the Emerald off of its post, gleaming purple even in the minimal light. She then flung it over to Shadow who snagged it, feeling the sheer power of the thing even though his gloves. His inhibitors almost glowing from the nearby chaos energy.
He stuffed the gem into his jacket before putting his hands up.
Rouge grabbed them and flew them both up into the rafters a second before the lights came back on.
“You got it?” she whispered, breathing heavily.
Shadow nodded, tugging aside his suit jacket just enough so Rouge could see it sparkle.
“Ehehehehe we are so GOOD baby!” she squealed and punched him in the arm.
“Hell yeah we are.” Shadow adjusted his cuffs. “Let’s get back to Omega.”
They hit the ground just as the Auctioneer was trying to get things back to normal, trying to begin the bidding again.
“It’s alright, it’s alright! We can keep going, just a minor glitch, nothing to worry about! Now, you all know this very rare and very powerful gem, only seven of them exist in the world! May I present… The Purple Chaos Emerald!”
However nothing was wheeled out. Someone in the audience let out a cough. All of a sudden someone appeared and ran towards the auctioneer, whispering something to them.
“WHAT?!” he shouted. “THE CHAOS EMERALD WAS STOLEN?!”
Immediately people in the audience screamed and started freaking out again.
“It’s Team Dark! They’re here!”
“Security! Do something!”
“Holy shit they actually came and stole it mid-auction, what are they, crazy?!”
“They’re criminal masterminds! Who knows what their intentions are!”
The criminal masterminds in question had just left the building, having disabled the security system entirely by this point and ready to end the mission.
“Omega. Motorbike.” Shadow spoke to his briefcase and threw it forward.
In a matter of seconds before it even hit the ground Omega had transformed into a sleek motorcycle fit to Shadow’s preferences and making the perfect getaway vehicle for them. Shadow threw his legs over it and revved the engine as Rouge perched on the back of it.
“Let’s get out of here, Omega.”
“SETTING A COURSE FOR BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, PURCHASING PLANE TICKETS WITH TSA PRE CHECK. PLEASE STANDBY.”
“Get it done before we get there.” Shadow said, already kicking up speed.
“AFFIRMATIVE.”
Shadow immediately started weaving through traffic. It was absolutely killer in this city but they needed to get to the airport before it hit the news that the Emerald had been stolen. They had at absolute most an hour.
“YOU WILL ARRIVE AT YOUR DESTINATION IN 32 MINUTES.”
“What the fuck, Omega?” Shadow scowled as he had to stop, cars being stuck to a stop on the freaking highway.
“THERE WAS A CAR ACCIDENT UP AHEAD, PRETTY NASTY ONE AS WELL.”
“Goddamnit, we don’t have time for this!” Shadow revved the engine.
“Uh, doll? What are you planning?” Rouge asked.
“Hang on tight.” he said, feeling arms wrap around his waist immediately as he backed up just enough to where he could reach the sidewalk, hitting the gas and pushing forward.
Luckily Shadow was an excellent driver, because he began to drive around pedestrians and restaurant patios, eventually coming to an alleyway and turning down it to get to the other side.
“NEW ARRIVAL ESTIMATION, TEN MINUTES.”
“That’s what I’m talking about.” Shadow grinned.
“I hear sirens!” Rouge shouted.
“Shit!” Shadow turned around, seeing the oh-so-familiar red and blue indicating that police were hot on their tail. He turned back around, seeing a piece of wood leaning against a few boxes that, at the right speed, would be the perfect ramp to get them on the rooftops.
He sped up.
“Shadow!” Rouge shut her eyes and clung onto him.
“Trust me!” Shadow replied, heading right for the makeshift ramp and clearing it, Motorbike-Omega’s tires bouncing as they hit the roofs, close enough to where Shadow could ride on them easily. Rouge screamed through every little bump and small opening. Eventually the airport was in sight, all they had to do was make this jump and…
Shadow sped up again and they flung off the roof.
“Omega! Briefcase!” he yelled. “Rouge!”
“I got you!” she grabbed onto Shadow’s hand just as Omega transformed back into his bite-sized version. Shadow snagged him just as Rouge set all of them safely down at the airport entrance.
“Perfect timing.” Shadow dusted himself off. “Did you get the tickets, Omega?”
Briefcase-Omega printed off two tickets headed back into the United States, before opening up to reveal their passports and a change of clothes for them both.
“Ugh, perfect. I need to get out of this thing yesterday.” Rouge grabbed her stuff.
They quickly headed inside in order to get to the bathrooms to change. Shadow put their fancy clothes and the Chaos Emerald into Briefcase-Omega as he threw on his black hoodie and a mask, covering half of his face. Rouge was in a pink onesie that also had a hood. A little loud but it covered her wings and ears which was enough.
“Put this on.” Shadow handed her a mask as well. “We can’t risk being spotted.”
“Aw, boo. You know how much I hate covering up this pretty face.” she pouted, but took it anyway.
“Our flight leaves in twenty minutes, we need to get to the gate now. Time to head back to New York.” he already started walking there. “And I promised you a spa day, didn’t I? That includes a full facial.”
Rouge cheered and put the mask on without another complaint.
“ Yet another Chaos Emerald has been stolen, all theories point to the infamous team dark, who once again left no evidence behind. Where could they be now, and who are these criminals after this world’s most powerful gems? ”
“Oh turn that off, you’re going to stress yourself out.” Rouge spoke in a sing-song voice from her chair, the masseuse working on the root of her wings.
Shadow turned his phone off and stuffed it in his quills, sinking into the bubbling jacuzzi stationed next to the massage chair Rouge was on.
“You’re right.”
“I often am.”
“But we still have work to do when we get back home, so enjoy your spa day while you can.”
Rouge groaned and not out of pleasure of getting the knots in her back prodded. “Why is it always ‘work, work, work’ with you? You seriously have no idea how to have fun.”
Shadow didn’t warrant that a response, leaning back against the edge of the tub and closing his eyes.
Even though he didn’t show it, he was antsy to get his hands on the last Chaos Emerald. All seven of them in one place held unparalleled power, able to accomplish things that were previously impossible. Every time they were used they were then scattered back across the world, stationing in random places to eventually found and used again, as was their purpose.
Why did Shadow want them?
For one, his body was already extremely compatible with the Chaos energy. His teleportation came from keeping the green emerald tucked in the bunches of his quills, able to harness its power whenever he needed it to. The extra energy was stored in his inhibitors around his wrists and ankles. If he were to ever take them off the power overload could very easily kill him. He was the best person to utilize the emeralds power for one thing. One wish. One impossible thing.
After all, if they were as powerful as people say, perhaps they could bring someone back from the dead.
Rouge’s massage was soon over and she sat up, stretching her arms over her head before grabbing a robe and wrapping it around her naked body. Shadow kept his eyes closed during that part. He only opened them when Rouge offered a hand to him, a towel thrown over her arm.
“Need help getting out, handsome?” she asked.
Shadow took her hand and allowed her to help him up, pulling him off of the tub and onto a nearby stool. Shadow took the towel and started patting himself dry.
“Do you want your shoes or can I help you walk to the next part of our well-earned spa day?” she asked as he put on his gloves again.
“Mm. I doubt they want me to wear my shoes. They don’t understand that I literally fucking need them. Help me walk please.” he requested.
“Aye aye, captain.” she replied, helping the now-dry hedgehog up onto his feet, wrapping a wing over his back as she helped him weakly limp into the next room.
Rouge was the only one who Shadow allowed to help him with this. Nerve damage in his feet from his past left him unable to walk without his modified rocket shoes. Even though he could reach mach speeds with them, taken away from him he was powerless.
She helped him into the salon chair before sitting down in the one next to him. Two stylists came up behind them and leaned the chairs back. Shadow flinched from the touch at first but eventually loosened his quills enough for the gentle scalp massage.
Rouge’s phone beeped and she pulled it out, pressing it against her ear.
“Yes, Omega?” she asked.
Shadow couldn’t hear the conversation but he saw Rouge nodding and her eyes widened, grinning.
“That’s fantastic news! We’ll head right back over once we’re done here.” she hung up and giggled to herself.
“What is it?” Shadow asked.
“Our friend discovered that a new season of our favorite show just came out. We should go watch it right away when we get home.” she winked at him.
Ah, so Omega had some information about the last Chaos Emerald. Of course, they didn’t want to be found out as Team Dark, so Rouge was making something up.
She was an excellent liar after all. That’s part of why she was such a great asset to the team.
“We should go now.” Shadow tried to get up.
“Ah ah ah.” Rouge gestured for him to get down. “We’re not moving until you and I are pampered as fuck.”
“But-”
“No buts but yours in that chair.” Rouge made a face at him.
Shadow groaned but agreed.
He had to sit though face masks, quill grooming, a manicure (not a pedicure because he’d never let anyone touch his feet in a million years) and even a quick fur trim. He came out of the spa feeling fresher than he had in a while. Maybe he should come here with Rouge more often.
When he was back in his rocket shoes Shadow offered his hand out to Rouge.
“Here. I can teleport us back.”
“Such a gentleman.” Rouge teased as she took it.
The warning allowed Rouge to prepare better and she wasn’t as queasy when Shadow transported them to their hideout.
Team Dark Headquarters was actually a house a ways away from the city, looking regular and unassuming on the outside, but decked out exactly as they needed it on the inside. Not only did they each have their own bedrooms, but they also had a basement with a triple security locked safe verified by Shadow to be nearly impenetrable where they kept the Chaos Emeralds safe. Nobody knew they were here and they were untraceable inside the safe.
In the living room was a super computer with multiple monitors and with Omega plugged into it, pulling up maps and Chaos Energy calculators, the works.
“Did you find it?” Shadow asked, running up to the monitor.
“AFFIRMATIVE. BUT NOT BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO FIND ITS SIGNATURE.” Omega replied.
“What do you mean?” Rouge asked, sitting down at the couch in front of their TV.
“I CANNOT LOCATE THE LAST EMERALD THAT WAY. IT SEEMS TO BE KEPT IN A SAFE SIMILAR TO OURS.”
“Which means it blocks Chaos Energy.” Shadow groaned. “Fuck.”
“NOT TO WORRY. I KNOW WHO HAS IT.” Omega pulled up a newspaper article on the computer.
Hero of New York City, Sonic the Hedgehog, given a Chaos Emerald in thanks for stopping evil former military scientist Ivo Robotnik from destroying the Museum of Natural History, looking for said Emerald.
“They gave it to THAT GUY?!” Shadow snorted in disgust as that blue grinning mug appeared on the screen, taking the Emerald graciously from the mayor of the city.
“You have a problem with Big Blue?” Rouge asked. “He’s the city’s hero. Although I think we were in London when that whole thing happened, it’s crazy that something like that happened in our hometown.”
“CORRECT. WE WERE STEALING THE WHITE EMERALD THAT WAS IN THE ROYAL VAULT.” Omega chirped.
“My problem with him is that they just gave him the Emerald for, what, making a citizen’s arrest? That guy doesn’t deserve something as powerful as a Chaos Emerald.” Shadow scoffed.
“I dunno, apparently he’s close with the protector of the Master Emerald, the father of the Chaos Emeralds.” Rouge inspected her nails. “And supposedly he used the Emerald to defeat Robotnik.”
“Did you read this fucking article already or something?” Shadow barked.
“I’m on social media, darling. That’s better than any news outlet.” she flew upwards before settling down next to him. “Omega, do they have his address public?”
“NEGATIVE.”
Shadow’s frown deepened. Rouge just patted him on the shoulder. “No worries, doll. We find out where he’s going to be next and I’ll get him to take me home no problem.” she blew Shadow a kiss. “No man can resist my charms. Once I’m in, you two can sneak in and find the Emerald while I’m giving Big Blue the time of his life.”
A classic honeypot scheme. It worked to get the Blue Emerald, it’ll work just as good now.
“Alright. But I don’t want to be near him. I despise cocky hero-types.” Shadow rolled his eyes loudly.
“Whatever you say, handsome.” Rouge chuckled.