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Thank you for tuning in and/or sticking by as we return to South Island and its brave, busy denizens. It's been a long time indeed since we last visited. War is afoot! Or very nearly so! A dastardly (some might say handsome) new villain has returned from his humiliating defeat and exile with an eye for revenge and a return to power. But our heroes are stronger than ever and our main bad boy is just a background menace, a whisper in the shadows... for now. With the conflict far-flung and largely underground, Shadow has enlisted the help of a most accomplished (and attractive) Chaotix agent, one skilled in surreptitious operations, spying and sabotage. That's the easy part. But what to do when you discover your longtime friends have benefits, and I ain't talking about a dental plan? We'll just have to find out. So sharpen those shuriken, buff the binoculars, lock down the laboratory, make a sandwich and get ready to penetrate the spy ring nice and deep in [b]TMS Chapter 8 - Ninja's Nightfall![/b]\n\nAs promised, TMS 9 is already nearing completion, I personally don't like to hang on cliffs all that long. ;^)\n\nSonic, Tails, Shadow, Espio and other characters all (c) SEGA / Sonic Team\n\nThumbnail art by @AngelofHapiness (full version posting soon)\n\nNote: As depicted, the fictional character Miles \"Tails\" Prower should be considered aged up / age of consent, as in all my writing. Thank you.\n","description_bbcode_parsed":"Sweet lords of Chaos, could that have taken any longer?  Thank you for tuning in and/or sticking by as we return to South Island and its brave, busy denizens.  It's been a long time indeed since we last visited.  War is afoot!  Or very nearly so!  A dastardly (some might say handsome) new villain has returned from his humiliating defeat and exile with an eye for revenge and a return to power.  But our heroes are stronger than ever and our main bad boy is just a background menace, a whisper in the shadows... for now.  With the conflict far-flung and largely underground, Shadow has enlisted the help of a most accomplished (and attractive) Chaotix agent, one skilled in surreptitious operations, spying and sabotage.  That's the easy part.  But what to do when you discover your longtime friends have benefits, and I ain't talking about a dental plan?  We'll just have to find out.  So sharpen those shuriken, buff the binoculars, lock down the laboratory, make a sandwich and get ready to penetrate the spy ring nice and deep in TMS Chapter 8 - Ninja's Nightfall!

As promised, TMS 9 is already nearing completion, I personally don't like to hang on cliffs all that long. ;^)

Sonic, Tails, Shadow, Espio and other characters all (c) SEGA / Sonic Team

Thumbnail art by \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAngelofHapiness\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t		\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAngelofHapiness\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
(full version posting soon)

Note:  As depicted, the fictional character Miles "Tails" Prower should be considered aged up / age of consent, as in all my writing.  Thank you.
","writing":"[t]Ten Miles of Shadow[/t]\n\nby Valdis the Bard\n\n[b]Disclaimer and warning.[/b] [i]This story is entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only. I do not own the SEGA / Sonic Team characters or any guest characters (OCs) and no monetary gain was made or sought. The story contains adult themes, including explicit depictions of sex (e.g. gay, anthropomorphic, yaoi). If you are under the age of eighteen or find such themes offensive, read no further. The author accepts no responsibility to any who ignore this disclaimer. This work is free to share, in whole or in part, unaltered and with proper credit. Enjoy! -Valdis, September 2018[/i]\n\nChapter 8 - Ninja's Nightfall\n\n It was past midnight. Well past. Barely distinguishable from the drizzly dark, an imposing black and red hedgehog kept silent watch over his drive, a narrow, easily overlooked gap hewn from the vast upland greenery of Fern Forest. The district's only settlement, a sleepy village of the same name, lay miles downslope at the end of a twisty one lane road crumbled by decades of water, tree roots and earthquakes. The scent of firewood, the tidy, flower-strewn landscape and the bluish glow of a koi pond made the hedgehog's property an oasis, an island of quaint civility within the dripping, tangled maze of living green solitude. Nightly legions of trilling crickets and frogs joined the hush of wind and water, a symphony lit by wandering fireflies or the occasional flash of lighting. Lacing his fingers behind his neck, the hedgehog closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, drinking in the misty night, his breath hanging in the air like a wisp. Most islanders cared little for the uplands, remote, cool and terminally wet; the hedgehog adored them. Cool droplets caressed his face as a distant hum caught his ear. \"Fashionably late,'' he muttered.\n\n The hum grew into the drone of a high performance motorcycle, its headlights obscured by fog and forest until they drew close, running a final gauntlet of puddles and potholes before turning in and spotlighting the hedgehog, who squinted and crossed his arms. The fit, curly-tailed rider was clad in a black leather jacket and a black-trimmed purple helmet that matched his bike, gloves and boots. He revved once before killing the engine, plunging the pair back into darkness. As the hedgehog's eyes readjusted, he could hear the helmet being pulled off and placed on the seat, then boots hitting the ground with a gravelly crunch that sauntered up close. The sudden flash of a match briefly revealed a handsome magenta-purple chameleon lighting a cigarette, his brow crowned with a golden curved horn that complimented his piercing, inquisitive eyes. They locked with the hedgehog's as the lizard took a long, glowing drag, the odd silence softened by serenading crickets. \"No one followed me, Master Shadow,'' he bowed, his voice velvety and deep. Tendrils of smoke curled from his nostrils as he exhaled. \"This place isn't exactly on the map.''\n\n \"And we shall keep it that way,'' nodded the hedgehog, hand to hip as he cocked an ear towards the road. He glanced at the lizard's turbocharged bike as steam hissed off the exhaust. \"I don't doubt your skills, but for a ninja you're not entirely inconspicuous. With our foe now returned, I prefer certainty.'' \n\n \"As do I,'' puffed the lizard, curling his tail elegantly and pulling a wayward bit of tobacco from his lip. \"I assure you, those who [i]did[/i] see me tonight were in no condition to follow.'' \n\n \"I can well imagine,'' smirked Shadow, adjusting his glove. \"It's nearly two, though. What happened?''\n\n \"Some extra fun, that's all,'' chuckled the lizard, flicking an ash. \"The objective was protected more robustly than our intelligence suggested. However,'' the chameleon carefully pulled a platinum-hued box from his jacket. Smaller than of a deck of cards, it glowed silvery pink as he held it up in his fingertips. \"I think you will find it was well worth the wait.''\n\n \"Indeed!'' A sly grin grew over the hedgehog's face as he took the offering and examined it, his crimson eyes reflecting its eerie glow. \"Superb work, Espio. This little acquisition puts us [i]far[/i] ahead. I shall see to it you are handsomely rewarded.'' The hedgehog's smile dimmed a bit as his gaze returned to the ninja. \"Was he there?''\n\n \"He was not.'' Cupping his elbow, the lizard took a serene puff. \"Just a skeleton crew of sentry bots and hungover thugs. I found it offensive they had repurposed and old Freedom Fighters base. Once I had what I needed, I spiked their generator, torched the lab and drained the water catchment tank.''\n\n \"Busy night! That ought to sour his mood,'' chuckled Shadow, turning the square over and inspecting some fine markings. \"Losing this little gem most certainly will. This would power an entire city were it used for good.''\n\n \"Call it an educated guess, but I don't think that's what he had in mind.'' Exhaling thoughtfully, he rubbed a semicircle of small scars on his forearm. \"He has no business coming back, Master. Not after what he did.'' He pointed with his ember. \"And I still owe him a taste of my fist.''\n\n \"You'll get that chance,'' nodded Shadow, slipping the square inside his glove and patting the lizard's shoulder. \"His efforts are accelerating because he knows he cannot return to power without at least some of the prototypes.''\n\n \"Yes, return to power. And destroy us in the process,'' cautioned the lizard, rubbing his chin. \"Once again, we're in his way. You, me, Sonic, the resistance, our G.U.N. colleagues... he refuses to surrender, refuses to make peace. Or even negotiate. But you, though...'' The lizard inhaled serenely and blew a large ring. \"He fears you the most.''\n\n \"As well he should,'' squinted Shadow, blowing the ring apart. \"With Eggman out of the game, he's too weak to face me. It's up to his old squad to do the heavy fighting, trying to spread us thin while he gathers what he needs. They're formidable on favorable turf, highly mobile and very dangerous. I'll give them that. We must--''\n\n \"--we must think as they do,'' winked the lizard. \"Rouge confirmed our suspicions. The so-called 'lost' prototypes are their main objective: Eggman's synthetic phantom ruby and the terrible weapons it was meant power. Today's victory derailed that effort for a short time, but we mustn't slow down.'' He took another thoughtful puff. \"Any luck pinning him down? That little vanishing act of his is beginning to annoy me.''\n\n \"Sadly no,'' sighed Shadow, shaking his head and crossing his arms. \"His escape from exile would have required a genuine ruby. We know that much. Eggman did speak of others, clearly he hid one from us, or had one smuggled to him, or came across it somehow.'' The hedgehog gazed wistfully to the stars poking through the clouds. \"I've searched everywhere. Mountains, caves, deserts. Anywhere our foes might have operated. Old bases, sunken cities, orbiting platforms, even inter-dimensionally. Nothing. I cannot sense it. Silver cannot. Nor Tikal. Tails and his team keep scanning for every sort of energy you can imagine, but so far no luck. I even approved hefty sums to be paid to, shall we say, less savory elements if they find something, but none have. It seems Infinite has anticipated my meddling this time around.''\n\n \"You know things are bad when you're offering reward money to the likes of Nack and Scourge,'' smirked the lizard, flicking some ash. \"Speaking of felons, maybe he hid the ruby up his ass. Did anyone think to check?''\n\n \"Amusing theory,'' chuckled Shadow, shaking his head, \"but it's not on his person as before. We [i]do[/i] know the rubies can be used to create a null space. Essentially a pocket, existing outside our universe yet still accessible from it. The ruby and its owner could be hidden within, protected and untraceable. A perfect means of ambush and escape. Or so Eggman theorized in his notes. We're still testing the fragments recovered from the war.''\n\n \"So, he's out of sight and out of reach until he makes a move?'' puzzled the ninja, taking a studious puff. \"That explains it. Then we must let him do exactly that. Be the heron to his fish. LET him move, let him get close. Then strike with lightning speed!''\n\n \"It's going to be dicey until he and the ruby are parted, but yes,'' nodded Shadow, hand to chin. \"If we fail, and he goes on to complete the prototypes...'' The hedgehog sighed, shaking his head. \"Anyone who gets in his way won't be there for long.''\n\n \"Then we shall stop him before then!'' resolved the lizard, dropping the butt to the ground and stomping it. \"This is the purpose I've trained for my entire life, Master Shadow. The chance to make a difference! To strike down rapacious evil with righteous fists!'' He punched his palm excitedly. \"When do we move?''\n\n \"We're not there yet,'' cautioned Shadow, raising a hand. \"Stick with Operation Lingchi for now.'' Drawing close, the pair's eyes narrowed to conspiratorial slits as the hedgehog lowered his voice. \"I like your energy, Espio. Keep feeding his fear. Haunt the squad's hideouts. Steal their secrets. Destroy whatever is practical. Ambush the stragglers and leave calling cards. He'll retaliate against our regulars of course, since you can't be caught. But they knew the risks when they signed on, and most are itching to give him grief. Whether through rage or desperation, we will flush him out. THAT... is when I will signal you.''\n\n \"Relentless,'' grinned the lizard, rubbing his chin, \"and it matches the threat. I still urge extreme caution, Master. He won't hesitate to hurt you.''\n\n \"Bah! He is no threat to me!'' spat the hedgehog, crossing his arms and turning towards the koi pond, its wavy aqua glow outlining his dark features.\n\n \"I was... thinking more of your loved ones,'' calmed the chameleon, raising his palms.\n\n The hedgehog huffed and said nothing for a few moments, watching the drowsy koi make gentle ripples on the glassy surface. \"He knows, Espio. About my personal life. His threats have made that abundantly clear. I could care less what he says about me, 'the ancient faggot.' Such slurs are vocal sputum, the currency of cowards. But so help me Chaos, if he were to actually hurt any of you...'' Audible crunching emanated from his tightening fists as the bands on his wrist glowed faintly. He peered over his shoulder with a fiery gaze. \"There will be no stopping me.''\n\n \"It will not come to that, Master,'' soothed the ninja, patting the hedgehog's shoulder. \"Not while you and I are still standing. And all of our friends. What we do, we do for them and the good of all. He [i]will[/i] be defeated.''\n\n Taking a deep breath, the hedgehog slowly unclenched his fists, rubbing his wrist as the glow faded. He turned towards the lizard and smiled softly, clasping his friend's forearm. \"Thank you, Espio. I know you'll protect them--and yourself--with all you've got.''\n\n \"On my life,'' nodded the ninja, clasping back. \"I suppose you're going to celebrate with your... companions when this is all said and done, eh? I'm ordinarily one for the ladies, but I can see the appeal. Master Prower seems especially enchanting.''\n\n \"He prefers the name Tails. And I don't know what you're talking about,'' winked Shadow, crossing his arms. \"Officially speaking, he's Sonic's best friend. And I am officially single. We don't have time for romantic foolishness.''\n\n \"With all due respect, you're officially full of shit,'' laughed the chameleon, mirroring the hedgehog's crossed arms. \"Honestly? I do envy you. Being that close. Having someone to love. And I vow to protect that.'' Stretching his elegant form and long tail, he yawned and pulled a cigarette and matchbook from his jacket. \"I best get going, Master. There's much to be done and my bike and I need extra time to cope with that so-called road of yours. My ass may never be the same.'' Striking the match, he clasped the cigarette in his lips and inhaled.\n\n \"That purple crotch-rocket just needs better suspension,'' smirked Shadow, nodding towards the lizard's bike. \"And you know damn well the only thing that's going to wreck your ass tonight is me.'' Eyes going wide, the lizard coughed the cigarette against the hedgehog's chest, where it bounced once before the latter snatched it midair. \"And what nonsense is this!?'' he scowled, holding up his smoldering fist as a coughing fit sized the ninja. \"You're my lead counter-insurgent. Part of command. A ninja! Not some be-jacketed hoodlum. It's odious! I'd rather kiss a smoking gun.''\n\n \"Hurk-- hoodlum? Odious?'' choked the chameleon, colors changing as he struggled to breathe. \"No, Master-- *cough* I'm not a-- *cough* Please! Think *cough* think better of me...'' Shaking his head, the hedgehog pulverized his catch into dust before the lizard's eyes. His composure returning, the purple-faced ninja bowed. \"Ahem. Mmph. I-- *cough* I apologize, Master Shadow. I agree, it is a filthy habit. Picked it up doing *cough* gang infiltration...'' Taking a deep breath, he cleared his throat and bowed again. \"I shall quit.''\n\n \"Good boy,'' praised Shadow, wiping his hands. The air cleared, he stood face to face with the ninja, red and gold eyes fixing on one another. \"And I was being forthright. Dark Rider has highly advanced suspension, I barely notice that road. I'm sure I could convince Tails to make the appropriate modifications when he's able. IF, of course, you refrain.''\n\n \"Y-yes, Master,'' blinked the ninja, bowing again. \"Thank you. I shall not disappoint. Did... did you really mean the... that other part?'' he blushed, glancing aside bashfully.\n\n \"Hmmm...'' The hedgehog thoughtfully traced a serpentine line down the chameleon's heart-shaped chest with a finger. \"Why don't you stay the night and find out? I enjoyed your last visit. And it may benefit you to lie low after today's exploits.''\n\n \"I... I heartily agree,'' nodded the ninja, his face and neck flooding with multiple hues as he reached up and squeezed his host's hand. \"Thank you for having me, Master Shadow.''\n\n \"So disciplined,'' whispered the hedgehog, pulling in the other male's hand and kissing it. \"I like that.'' Releasing the ninja, he laced his fingers behind his back. \"Business is concluded. I propose a long, hot soak and a good stiff drink.'' He nodded towards the house. \"Make yourself at home. I'll be in momentarily.''\n\n After parting bows, the hedgehog headed down the dark drive to the bike and walked it to a nearby shed, where he parked it beside his own. After hoisting and locking the heavy driveway chain with its rusted KEEP OUT sign, he wiped his hands and listened to the night. An owl called in the distance. The crickets and frogs kept up their duet, backed by the pitter-patter of dripping trees. The electric purr of the water pump kicked on from the house. Turning back, he glimpsed the now nude ninja passing by the front window, bringing a smile to his face. Such a cute purple tush. And the loyal shinobi offered far more than looks. Perfect tea. Kneeling to remove the hedgehog's shoes when he entered. Massages so powerful and precise they induced drooling bliss. And a tongue as versatile and quick-witted as it was long. \"It does feel good to have someone else home,'' whispered the hedgehog, addressing a firefly alighting on his shoulder. Holding up his glove, the hedgehog pulled out a small orange and pink seashell and slowly turned it over in his fingers. Memories of sunlit romps on the beach warmed his mind. The sun caressing his face. The crashing of waves, the bracing, salty scent of ocean spray. A certain hand holding his as they walked naked through cool, wet, squishy sand. A dull ache passed over his heart. How he missed him. How he missed that voice. Those big blue eyes, so bright and full of life. He raised the shell to his lips and kissed it. \"Whatever happens, my heart remains with you. You and that blue blur of yours. My foils, my anchors, my loves. Soon.'' The firefly gently lifted off into the drizzly night, the hedgehog's eyes following as it joined a pair of winking comrades. Tucking away his keepsake, he turned and walked to the house.\n\n\n[i]Some days later at the aforementioned beach...[/i]\n\n \"Daaaaang!'' gawked the blue hedgehog, shading his eyes as he and the two-tailed fox took in the twisted vista leading down to the ocean. Standing by a grove of palm trees that hadn't been flattened, the stunned pair peered through a swath of pulverized vegetation stretching for miles up the mountainside. \"Your instruments weren't spazzing, a boulder must've come down. A BIG one. Look!'' He pointed upslope as the fox pulled some binoculars from his pack. \"You can even see where it broke off. Yeesh.'' Hands on hips, he shook his head. ``It's bad enough we've got Infinite back. I don't need mother nature trying to flatten us too.''\n\n \"I'm surprised we didn't wake up, this is just a couple hundred yards from the house,'' nodded the fox, peering at the jagged new outcropping. Setting the binoculars on the pack, he knelt to inspect the matted greenery. \"According to the seismograph, a tremor started about an hour before dawn and lasted a few minutes. It doesn't resemble an earthquake though, it's too even.'' Eyeballing some of the broken twigs and crushed leaves, the fox peered intently down to the beach, then rose and made for the center of the destroyed jungle, toeing apart more smashed plants. \"Something's... not right,'' he muttered, rubbing his chin. \"It's all so clean, so fresh. I don't even feel safe standing here.''\n\n \"You think more might come down?'' Taking the binoculars, Sonic sat in the warm sand at the foot of a palm and gazed upslope. \"Mmm... that overhang does look pretty sketchy. Maybe we should get up there with Knux and bash down the rest just to be safe. He could probably go for a nice workout after the week he's had.''\n\n \"That's-- not a bad idea, actually,'' nodded the fox, turning over a flattened papaya. \"And while I agree the overhang is new, I'm starting to think this wasn't a rockfall. Or anything natural.''\n\n \"Oh, come on,'' chuckled the hedgehog, stashing the binoculars and leaning back with his hands behind his head. \"It had to be some huge rock, just barreling right on through. This forest didn't stand a chance. I mean, just LOOK at it,'' he gestured.\n\n \"Looks can be deceiving, Sonic,'' offered the fox, his sharp blue eyes catching a spot of color amongst the debris. Dropping to all fours, he shaded himself with his namesakes and began sifting towards the area. \"It's simple forensics. See, the damage to this plant cover is mostly level and clean. A boulder rolling or bouncing through here would pulverize a narrow trail, not an even swath like this. And a rockslide would have left... well, rocks, hehe.'' The fox's sweeping hand exposed a metallic glint. \"Ah ha! There you are.'' \n\n \"Maybe the boulder was shaped like a rolling pin,'' grinned the hedgehog, watching the rummaging vulpine. \"I mean, you see where it came off up there. What else could tear out a chunk that big? I say it rolled all the way down to the ocean. And don't tell me you think it was--''\n\n \"Infinite,'' interrupted the fox, scowling as he rose back to his knees holding an object to the light. \"Check it out. An ultra-hardened, corrosion-proof 8-Series alloy hex bolt. Sixteen millimeters, looks to be. Eggman used a ton of these in his later builds. Let's see if there's more!'' Grabbing a stick, the fox began to eagerly poke about.\n\n \"Oh maaaaan,'' groaned Sonic, swapping the binoculars for a fallen coconut. \"Why would jerkface come all the way down here, smash up the jungle and then leave? Without picking a fight, even? That bolt's probably from some old fight back in the day,'' he shrugged, tossing the coconut like a football into the debris. \n\n \"I know he's weaker this time,'' nodded Tails, scanning the ground. \"And Gem Coast is supposedly safe. For now. But he's got plenty of others working for him. And as much as I want this to be old junk, it isn't. Look.'' Picking up a metal shard, then another, he returned to Sonic and bounced the shiny bits on his palm. \"There's more over there. Fresh hydraulic fluid too, look at my glove. I'd know that stain anywhere.''\n\n \"So this stuff's laying on top of the plants, huh?'' Sonic lightly fingered the shrapnel on the fox's palm before slumping back against the tree. \"So it's fresh,'' he frowned.\n\n \"Afraid so,'' nodded he fox, carefully turning over the pieces. \"Something mowed all this down last night. Something BIG. These shards appear to have have a military grade finish. If we're talking mechs, I'd wager it was an HA38 or an LR15. Except they had some trouble down here. Blown hydraulics, something got shorn off, or maybe exploded outward, judging by how sharp these are.'' The fox carefully stowed their find in the pack. \"No tracks, though.''\n\n \"That's because they took off. Literally,'' smirked Sonic, gazing at the treetops. \"I've seen it before. Jackal Squad mechs cut and run if they take too much damage. Maybe they came looking for us but didn't know the area. Or they just up and crashed. They may have commandeered Eggman's weapons, but most of those guys are too dumb to use 'em effectively.'' \n\n \"That could be,'' blinked the fox, scratching behind his ear. \"But if enemy units got into the district, then why no alerts? Shadow got all sorts of agents watching for movement, there's checkpoints all over. Heck, even he takes turns,'' observed the fox. \"But there was nothing last night. You get anything?''\n\n \"Nadda,'' offered Sonic, bouncing his leg on his knee. \"I mean, Espio escorted us down from base two days ago, but that was the last I saw or heard from anybody. It's been chill since then.'' \n\n The fox scratched his cheek, then gazed pensively up the path. \"I don't like this. We gotta report it.''\n\n \"Shadow?'' asked Sonic, the fox nodding as he fished his phone from the pack and began snapping pictures, \"copy Knux in too.'' The hedgehog picked up a piece of weathered coral and rubbed it with his thumb. \"I'm with you, Tails. I don't know what went down last night, but it reeks of Mask Boy and his flunkies. If they're messing on our home turf now, I'm gonna bring it on. Right up his sorry little ass!''\n\n \"Yeah! That's the spirit!'' grinned Tails, stowing the phone and bumping Sonic's fist. Kneeling between Sonic's feet, the fox wiped his brow and peeled off his gloves. \"Honestly? Infinite doesn't scare me. I actually feel kinda sorry for him now that I know his past a bit. But those weapons he's after? Different story. Shadow tried to get Eggman to fill in some blanks, help us understand what we're dealing with, but the guy just babbles and crawls under his mattress. I'd feel sorry for him too if he wasn't the one who started this whole mess.'' \n\n \"Same,'' nodded Sonic, splaying to make more room. \"Eggy drove [i]himself[/i] crazy. Messing with phantom energy before he knew what it actually did probably didn't help.'' Sonic pointed on Tails' chest. \"Don't you dare let that happen to you, you hear me?''\n\n \"I won't,'' giggled the fox, taking Sonic's hand and caressing it. \n\n \"Good boy,'' smiled the hedgehog, leaning in and kissing the fox's fingers. \"Always such a big heart, too. Me... I'm not ready to forgive. Nope. Not while he's still a threat. And that's the part I'm gonna undo.''\n\n \"Really?'' The fox thumbed Sonic's palms, his head tilted curiously. \"How?''\n\n \"Simple,'' grinned the hedgehog, lacing fingers with the fox, \"kick his ass and bash his stupid ruby weapon prototype doohickeys into dust. Then Shads can stuff him into that supermax nuthouse with Eggman. It'll be like a family reunion. Then I'll take a few weeks off just to relax with everybody. We'll bring Shads down here, Knux and the crew, hang out with the girls...'' Lowering his voice, he grinned and wiggled his toes. \"Maybe bone a certain fox over and over, too. More than usual, I mean.''\n\n \"Now that's a plan I can literally get in front of,'' chuckled Tails, rubbing the hedgehog's knees and thighs as he scooted closer. \"And behind, and under, and over, and side by side...''\n\n \"Ooo! We gonna switch it up, huh?'' winked Sonic, taking Tails' namesakes and stroking them in each hand. \"Me like! Remember last time Shad was bunking with us, and we tried to be all stealth about it?''\n\n \"That was kinda hot, seeing if he'd notice,'' grinned the fox, blushing as he mimicked the dusky hedgehog's distinctive voice. \"You're jiggling the bed, you lustful hooligans!'' The pair shared a laugh as Sonic's hands slipped down to squeeze the fox's perky orange buns. \"I can't believe he actually spanked me.''\n\n \"I tried to save you, honest,'' offered Sonic, patting the fox's rump, \"but I was too busy watching and jacking off. No, wait! I mean I was all like, 'Shadow, don't, please stop, maybe a threesome will teach him a lesson', hehe.''\n\n \"You're terrible!'' snickered the blushing fox, ears flat as he slid his hands over Sonic's and squeezed. \"And I love you for it. That whole weekend was fun!''\n\n \"I could go for another right about now,'' murred the speedster, kissing and nibbling into the fox's neck. \"Some skinny dipping, big fire on the beach, some drinks and soft blankets... Just let everybody forget their cares, work out their little differences, hehe...''\n\n \"Mmmph... deal. But we gotta win first,'' chirred the fox, kissing the hedgehog's ear. \"Business before pleasure. If our foe manages to finish any of those prototypes, things will get ugly fast. The newest one is a bazooka that kills matter itself.''\n\n \"Yay, another big dumb gun,'' sighed Sonic, his member stirred partway as he caressed the fox's soft sides. \"Since when has that ever stopped me? Guns, lasers, cannons... just more targets to bash. Let 'em shoot! Can't hit a moving target, right? And I'm as fast as they come.''\n\n \"I'd never doubt your speed,'' smiled the fox gently, his fingers following the hedgehog's. \"But this thing is different. There's nothing to see, really. Nothing to dodge. It's just a fat white tube, about a yard long, just a couple of small buttons. We had to double check to make sure we were even pointing it the right way when we tested it. The target was an old badnik hull with a slab of meat tucked inside, maybe fifty yards out. Shadow took the shot.''\n\n Sonic petted the fox's soft cheek. \"Let me guess. Bullseye?''\n\n \"As far as we could tell,'' shrugged Tails, sliding a hand in to rub Sonic's chest. \"It made a deep, low hum. The target kind of glowed pinkish for a second, then this weird, loud THUMP and... gone. Just gone! Collapsed into nothing. We all kind of stood there in shock. I remember watching dirt clods and grass started to float up to where the target was, like a residual gravitational field. You could feel something tugging at you, it was creepy. Silver was trying to get a read on the energy fields, that's when he saw it: there was tiny black ball, smaller than a pea, just hovering there. We figured that's where all the matter went, so we asked Silver if he could levitate it into a container or something. But then--BOOSH!'' bellowed the fox, gesturing with his hands, \"it exploded. That tiny little thing knocked us all over, busted my instruments and broke windows all over the base. I've never seen anything like it. Shadow started barking orders to lock everything down, take the gun apart, move the pieces someplace secure. People were spooked. Silver thought I was hit and carried me out, but it was just a nosebleed from the shockwave, thank goodness.'' The fox sighed, glancing at the ruined jungle as he squeezed Sonic's legs. \"Sorry to kill the mood. But that day is always in the back of my mind. No one hit by that thing would survive the compaction, much less having their own matter exploded.'' The anxious fox looked up, his eyes moist and large. \"I don't want Infinite to ever have that kind of power, Sonic. Heck, I don't want [i]anyone[/i] to have it! If he--''\n\n \"He won't,'' hushed Sonic, cradling the fox's head between his hands. He leaned forward and kissed the fox between the eyes. \"We'll stop him, I promise.'' He patted his chest and smiled. \"Now bring it in here.'' Sonic curled his arms around the fox and kissed his cheek. \n\n \"Ugh... I shouldn't worry so much,'' nodded Tails, nuzzling into the hedgehog's shoulder and petting his chest. \"We've got four of the seven prototypes secured already. And Rouge and Espio's teams think they have solid leads on the others.''\n\n \"I'd hate to try and hide anything from those two,'' grinned Sonic, squeezing the fox and petting his soft chest. \"Plus me, Shad and a bunch of others are after jackal-ass' hidden ruby. Once we get our hands on that, he's sunk for sure.'' He pressed his nose to Tails' and winked. \"See? I don't miss ALL the briefings.''\n\n \"Yeah, because you know I never miss,'' snickered Tails, drawing circles on the hedgehog's chest. \"You're lucky I share my notes.''\n\n \"What can I say?'' shrugged the hedgehog, smiling as he took the fox's hand and kissed it. \"Jocks need nerds to get by. If we were in school, you'd be doing all my homework just for a shot at making out.''\n\n \"Hey, even if that's true, I'm not all nerd!'' protested the fox, blushing brightly. \"I can fight, I can carry a pack, and I can run with you for miles, and fly you even further. I've got a good dose of jock in me...'' Rubbing his hands over the hedgehog's chest, the fox leaned in and began to suckle Sonic's throat, nuzzling in warmly as his hand slipped down to give the speedster a very private fondle. \"And I know how to keep one happy.''\n\n \"Mmmph... yes, you do. And I wanna be the jock in you. Right now.'' Ditching his gloves, the hedgehog began to caress and fondle back, his fingertips petting over the warm, private patch beneath the fox's bushy namesakes before a firm, two-handed squeeze and deep kiss. The pair gazed needfully nose to nose. \"Whaddya say, foxy? Little beachside bang-o before we bolt?'' \n\n \"Yesss... report's sent. We got time,'' suckled the fox, lips and tongue exploring with the hedgehog's as their members hardened against one another, sweeping away the concerns of the moment. A loud moan escaped the fox's lips as the hedgehog broke the kiss and nibbled lower, over the smaller male's soft throat and cottony chest. \"Uhhnn! S-someone's making it hard to think...''\n\n \"No, just hard,'' suckled the hedgehog, his large, curved erection approaching full mast, mirroring and rubbing its vulpine counterpart. The hedgehog lightly thumbed the fox's hidden nipples, which hardened rapidly as he hungrily sucked more chest and throat. The fox swooned slightly, his entire body warming with waves of tingly arousal as he cradled his partner's head and suckled soft blue ears. Another long, deep kiss followed as the hedgehog kneaded and squeezed the fox's bubbly rump. \n\n \"Ohhh... you sure you don't wanna take this inside?'' panted Tails softly, licking a thick slick of saliva onto his fingers as their cocks pressed and leaked together. Hoisting his rump and namesakes, the fox reached back and smeared the hedgehog's bulbous glans, his own juices swirling with the oozing precum before fingering more over his petite pink foxhole. \"Someone might see.''\n\n \"Lucky them,'' grinned Sonic, licking his lips as his blushing partner took a deep breath and guided him in. \n\n As he lowered his smaller frame, the fox felt the hedgehog's fat, drooling tip press slickly into his warm, pink ring, prying it open and popping past with a grateful moan. Releasing the shaft, the fox spread his cheeks and lowered further, letting his warm, wet tunnel welcome inches of thick, curved hedgehog. The girth alone made him throb, his ring clenching in sync with his bobbing shaft, trailing clear pre onto the hedgehog's taut belly. Both gave a deep, pleasured sigh as the well-filled fox's buns nestled snugly atop full hedgehog jewels, the pair squeezing hands as the fox adjusted, then leaned in to kiss. Lustful but loving lips locked, tongues sparred and swirled as the rider began to ride, his hips guided by strong, patient hands. \"Ohhh.... Sonic!'' \n\n \"Lucky me,'' muttered Espio, the ninja grinning as he spied the unsuspecting duo through binoculars. Anchored by his long tail, the chameleon lay on his belly, blended in atop the thick branch of a mango tree behind the hedgehog's house. \"Seems my charges have paused their investigation to blow off some steam.'' His own cock hardened rapidly against the bark, forcing him to reach down and adjust. \"Ouch. Yes, yes, you'd love to join in, wouldn't you? But I've a crippled Jackal Squad LR15 to locate and--'' Feeling a discreet buzz in his boot, the ninja pulled out his phone and read Tails' freshly sent alert. \"Ah! Smart fox, you figured it out too. Good,'' he nodded, stowing the phone. \"May as well lose a load myself, while I wait for those tracking coordinates...'' Scoping the beach ballers once more, he gripped his long, handsomely proportioned purple pole and stroked it slowly against his flat, fit stomach. The lenses reflected the flushed, grinning hedgehog as he changed positions, laying the fox on his back and hoisting his ankles up high, fox toes curling and uncurling as blue buns began bucking his bottom in earnest. \"Mmmph.. you virile beasts. Such joyful plunder,'' he crooned, licking his lips and stroking faster as he began to leak. \"Perhaps my friends might enjoy some additional benefits...''\n \n\n[i]The next week, G.U.N. Facility 5, Engineering Labs...[/i]\n\n \"With compliments from Master Shadow,'' grinned Espio, smiling pleasantly in the late evening glow as he presented a vivid bouquet of orchids neatly wrapped in plastic. \"To my dear friend and fox, he says. I understand he grew these all himself.''\n\n \"For me? They're-- they're beautiful!'' beamed the fox, cradling the elegant gift in his arms. The vibrant, backlit pinks, purples and yellows reflected in his big blue eyes, each flower a miniature cosmos of iridescent veins, curves and spots. \"Come on in, Espio! I wasn't sure if you were gonna come this late. Gosh... it's good to see you, thanks for bringing these!''\n\n \"My pleasure, Master Prower,'' bowed the lizard. Glancing about, he stepped into the cavernous lab, the size of an air hangar and built deep into a mountainside. Only partially lit, the huge space was filled with equipment, testing bays, glowing computer screens, bots in various states of disrepair and, in a prominent area walled off by bomb-proof glass, a set of exotic prototypes. \"Sorry for the late start, Shadow wanted to gather these up and show extra appreciation for your hard work. I see things have progressed greatly since I was last here.''\n\n \"It's been crazy,'' nodded the fox, wagging as he looked over the bouquet. \"The new folks have a ton of ideas! just yesterday Rodney and I had a couple of breakthroughs pairing ruby fragments with tungsten-lead insulators, so now we can substitute chaos energy to channel--'' the fox caught himself, chuckling as he rubbed the back of his neck, \"well, I'm sure you saw the briefing, hehe. They're all out at Facility 9 today to set up some exterior testing. I'll have to show these off tomorrow.''\n\n \"Blowing things up in the dunes, eh? My kind of science,'' chuckled the lizard, patting the engineer's shoulder and checking over his own. \"Are you certain they'll be all right? That place is rather remote, a bit too close to Jackal Squad territory for my liking.''\n\n \"They're fine, they're big boys and girls,'' smiled the fox, glancing around for a suitable container. \"Plus they've got Amy, Omega, Whisper and others for security, we don't scrimp on safety. Though in hindsight, I probably should've kept someone here too, hehe. Oh, well. I'll work overnight and then fly up at dawn when the guards take over. Oh! Sorry, have a seat. You can snag one of those task chairs while I hunt down a vase. May I get you something to drink? Some tea perhaps?''\n\n \"Some tea would be lovely,'' he bowed, gracefully assuming a lotus position on the floor. \"I half expected Sonic to still be around. Where's your hedgehog gotten off to?''\n\n The fox looked around and lowered his voice as if others were listening in, though none were. \"It's that directive from Shadow we got. You-know-who. Too dangerous to go solo, so Sonic tapped Silver and Mighty to help check it out. I stayed so you could pick up that specialty item,'' he winked.\n\n \"Excellent,'' grinned the ninja, rubbing his wrist. \"I hope we don't miss out on the fun if things pan out, eh?''\n\n \"Same,'' nodded the fox. \"We'll know by morning. Anyway, I'll fetch us some tea while you and I go over the specs.'' He tilted his head curiously at the meditating lizard. :Uh... you can have a chair, Espio. This is a lab after all, not a dojo.''\n\n \"Ah, but both are seats of learning, of trial and error, of questioning and seeking,'' grinned the ninja, laying his hands on his knees, palm side up. \"Don't knock it until you've tried it, as they say.''\n\n \"You're on!'' grinned the fox. The chameleon watched serenely as his cheerful host hummed his way towards a kitchen area in the dim rear of the complex, his poofy namesakes trailing behind. With the fox out of sight, the ninja slipped his phone from his shoe, silently swiping and keying for a few moments. As he turned his gaze to rocky ceiling, the security cameras mounted high above began to wink their tiny red lights. A sly grin crept over his face as one by one the cameras closed their apertures and fell lifeless. Tiny beads of sweat had formed on the ninja's temples by the time heard the fox closing cupboards and making his way back. He quickly swabbed himself dry, his position unchanged as the fox arrived carrying a tray. Sitting neatly atop were two steaming cups of tea and a large graduated cylinder half filled with water, the orchids now handsomely arranged within. \"And back! You know, you'd think with all the staff celebrating birthdays and going on dates and stuff, there'd be a vase laying around here somewhere,'' he chuckled, lowering the tray for his guest as the last camera went dark in the background. \"But this works, too.''\n\n \"Most fitting,'' laughed the ninja, bowing his head and accepting a cup. \"I'm sure the orchids approve as well.'' Wafting the fragrant steam about his nose, he sighed contently as the fox set down the tray and sat across from him as agreed. \"This is superb, fox. Fresh mint, ginger... and lovely jasmine! How did you know?''\n\n \"I had a hunch,'' chimed the fox, crossing his legs and mirroring the lizard before taking the other cup and blowing it softly. After a long, careful sip, he sighed deeply, the pair toasting one another as they enjoyed the moment. \"Much better. I always do mint myself. Now then, did Shadow send you for the PX-WP14F or the PX-WT69C? I got the 14F ready, but that 69C--wow. I mean, the design. It's curved, heavy and requires both hands to shoot. It's touch based, so there's no real trigger, you just have to grab the shaft and pump it until--''\n\n \"It's neither of those,'' interrupted the lizard, blushing slightly. \"Though that does sound intriguing. But before I grab what I came for, just let me say I've always admired you, Tails. So industrious. Clever, kind, inventive, positive... and I know for a fact you're far tougher than your attractive personage might imply.''\n\n \"Huh? Oh!'' The fox blushed into his tea, taking an audible gulp. \"I-- you really think that? I mean, thank you. But I'm just part of the team, really. Everyone's gotta pull their weight if we're gonna win. I love my projects, but I'm doing this for my friends, for Sonic. For all of us,'' he smiled. The fox glanced away, thumbing his cup. \"Y-you've been a great friend too, Espio. Keeping us safe, helping to protect the team and everything they've built. Thank you. And Rouge says your spying is top notch, giving her a run for her money, hehe.''\n\n \"That's high praise indeed!'' smiled the ninja, bowing with cup in hand. \"You've always been a good company and good people... and that smile does wonders for weary eyes,'' he winked, elegantly hoisting his cup hand and sipping as the fox did the same, hiding a bashful smile. \"He won't admit it, but Master Shadow's face lights up whenever he speaks of you. Like his garden, you clearly bring him great joy.'' \n\n The fox's ears went flat. \"Aww... he talks about me when I'm gone?'' he blushed, tilting his head as he rubbed his chest. \"That's so sweet. I miss him. A lot. But I know why he has us all spread out. Everything's so uncertain right now, no one knows where Infinite will show up next. What I [i]really[/i] miss are the long weekends up in Fern Forest. Shadow's always so happy up there, so relaxed.'' The fox smiled into his cup, momentarily lost in reflection. \"Soon, I hope. Can't wait for this to be over.''\n\n ``I wholeheartedly agree,'' nodded the ninja, sipping again. \"I feel for you. Vector, Charmy and our associates are my family. Loud and boisterous, yes, but also loyal and loving. What you, Sonic and Shadow have, dear boy, is the stuff of envy.'' \n\n \"What do you mean?'' blinked Tails, cradling his cup.\n\n \"Oh, come now. No need to be shy around me,'' sipped the chameleon, carefully observing his puzzled host. \"The moment I first met you and Sonic, I gathered that you were a couple. Not exactly earth-shattering news, especially these days. But to also be lovers with the high commander himself? I thought he was joking at first, but Chaos knows Shadow is not the jokester type.'' The lizard raised his cup. \"Bravo, young fox.''\n\n \"He... he told you?'' blinked the fox, blushing fast as he averted the ninja's gaze. \"I mean, uh... it's not untrue, just... let me explain.'' The fox's ears flattened as he lowered his voice and leaned forward, squeezing Espio's knee. \"Shadow doesn't want Sonic and I targeted more than we already are. Hurting one of us means hurting Shadow. Badly. And Infinite would love to have that kind of reach.'' Withdrawing his hand, the fox fingered the rim of his cup and sighed. \"I hope you don't think less of me. We're pretty... affectionate within our inner circle. Some people see that kind of open or poly or same sex thing as being... I don't know, problematic. But it's not. We love each other deeply. And we've never been happier.''\n\n \"Think less of you?'' chuckled the chameleon, taking back the fox's hand and kissing it. \"Ridiculous! Tails, let me be perfectly blunt. I'd love to have what you have. I know you all love one another, you honestly don't hide it that well. Sonic not at all, hehe. Shadow has... introduced me, shall we say. I suppose you'd call me bi-poly-curious?'' The ninja sipped down the rest of his tea and fanned his face. \"Hopefully I've not ruined a good friendship by bringing this up.''\n\n \"No, no you're fine, it's all right!'' chuckled Tails, patting the lizard's thigh. \"It's okay to explore, to be who you are and love as you choose. I'll help! Er--if I can,'' he blushed. \"We still need to keep it on the down low. War and all.'' \n\n \"Of course, of course,'' smiled the lizard, his cheeks rainbow-hued with a sigh of relief. \"I knew I could confide in you. Saying it out loud is difficult. I came from a very conservative clan, you see. Marriages are carefully arranged to keep up the clan's vigor and numbers, to keep the peace between family heads. Love that falls beyond those needs, especially where this no prospect of rearing young, is frowned upon.''\n\n \"With all due respect to ninjas, that sounds pretty awful,'' smiled the fox, blushing as he fiddled with his namesakes. \"Who would want to live like that? Just because something's traditional doesn't mean it's right. Or even good.''\n\n \"Agreed. It's one of many reasons I left. I found new purpose with the Chaotix, then the resistance at large. We have much to teach one another, kind fox,'' he smiled, setting his cup on the tray and fist-bumping his host. \"I dare say we might even... fill in some blanks together. If your hedgie paramours permit, of course.''\n\n \"I might be able to arrange that,'' offered Tails bashfully, rubbing behind his neck. \"I'm just... I never would have guessed, Espio. You know, the girls talk about you when you leave,'' he winked, glancing over the chameleon's slender, fit form. \"Tails, is he seeing anyone? Did he and Sonar break up? I want to train with him! Does he run a dojo? Does he have a brother?''\n\n The lizard roared with laughter. \"Keep them guessing fox, keep them guessing! I can't give away [i]all[/i] my secrets, hehe.'' Regaining his composure, the lizard's voice was sultry as he gave his host an elegant kiss on the cheek. \"To be fair, I still quite like the ladies. Good thing they didn't see me bring those flowers, eh? Oh! That reminds me, Shadow said to give them a good whiff, the fragrance dissipates quickly once they're cut. Hopefully some of it survived the ride.''\n\n The fox obliged, leaning over and pressing his face amongst the blooms as his guest watched intently. \"Mmmm... nice, but yeah, not especially fragrant... ooo! What about you?'' he smiled, singling out an impressive midnight-hued bloom, its silken petals elegantly trimmed with iridescent crimson stripes. Inhaling deep, he sighed blissfully as he pulled back, a dusting of black pollen on his nose. \"Ahhhh.... now that one's amazing. Sweet and strong... almost heady.'' He gave it another whiff. \"Mmm... lovely. Alrighty, let me freshen up our tea, then we can see about that weapon.'' Standing up, he took the tray and set the orchids carefully on a nearby workbench. But on turning towards the kitchen area, he suddenly faltered, the tray clattering to the floor as he caught himself on the edge of bench. \"Whoa!'' he blinked, teetering a bit and rubbing his nose. \"I... I must have stood up too fast.'' \n\n \"That black and red number is called, appropriately enough, nightfall,'' offered the chameleon, setting aside the tray and returning to his lotus pose. ``Sometimes called black widow flower on the mainland. Such exquisite color, don't you think? Like those fabled rubies we're after. Or blood on a moonless night. And the similarities don't end there.'' \n\n \"Blood... rubies?'' muttered the blinking the fox, tails drooping as he took an unsteady step, then halted, leaning heavily on the bench. The fox's voice grew soft and faint as the color drained from his face. \"Sorry, my ears are really ringing. Um... Espio? I don't feel so good. Think you could get me some... some water from the back?''\n\n \"It's exceedingly rare, both for its color and fragrance,'' continued the lizard, rubbing his neck as he studiously observed his host. \"And the fact it contains the most potent tranquilizer known in nature.'' \n\n \"Tranquilizer?'' panted the belabored fox, more of his weight sagging against the bench as he struggled to stay on his feet. \"Espio, what did... what did you do?'' \n\n \"It's not what [i]I[/i] did, but what [i]you[/i] did that beggars the question,'' scowled the ninja, watching the fox struggle. \"I find it very fitting that the flower is the same color as our mutual boss. I, for one, would truly hate to lose his trust, wouldn't you?'' he glowered.\n\n The teetering fox shook his head. \"I don't understand,'' he mumbled, eyes lidding as his fingers began slipping from the bench, his pale brow now beading with sweat. \"I wouldn't hurt Sha.. Shadow...'' His drooping ears filled with garbled buzzing. Everything felt tingly, then hot, then numb as the room grew blurry, then dark.\n\n \"We'll see,'' hissed the ninja, fighting back tears as he watched the stricken fox clutch his chest and crash to his knees. \"Believe me, I take NO pleasure in this.''\n\n \"Esh... Eshpio...'' slurred the fox, his eyes rolling shut as his arms went slack. A long, breathy groan escaped his throat as he pitched forward into the ninja's waiting arms.\n\n \"There. Just let it happen,'' nodded the lizard, wiping his eyes and calmly gathering up the fallen fox, petting his soft chest. The ninja wiped the drool from the corner of his host's mouth. \"Dreadful business,'' he sighed, holding the fox's limp wrist and pressing an ear to his nose. \"But orders are orders. And I could not bring myself to take you in by force. Ah, good,'' he nodded, gently resting the fox on his side. \"Strong pulse, nice deep breaths. I've got perhaps eight hours to work with, we'd best be on our way.'' Pulling a slender rope from his boot, he bound the fox's wrists behind his back, then around the base of his tails. After testing the binds, the ninja rose to his feet and gingerly slung his incapacitated charge over his shoulder. \"I'd still love to sample you for myself. Pity,'' he shrugged, patting the fox's pert buns as he made for the door. \"I pray the allegations are false, fox. Not just for your sake. If you can't be trusted, who can?'' A quick mashing of switches and the emptied lab was plunged into darkness, the main door creaking loudly as it lowered, then bolted itself shut. In the distance, the drone of a high performance motorcycle started up, revved intensely and sped off into the night.\n\n[center][i]To be continued...[/i][/center]\n\n","writing_bbcode_parsed":"Ten Miles of Shadow

by Valdis the Bard

Disclaimer and warning.  This story is entirely fictional and for entertainment purposes only.  I do not own the SEGA / Sonic Team characters or any guest characters (OCs) and no monetary gain was made or sought.  The story contains adult themes, including explicit depictions of sex (e.g. gay, anthropomorphic, yaoi).  If you are under the age of eighteen or find such themes offensive, read no further.  The author accepts no responsibility to any who ignore this disclaimer.  This work is free to share, in whole or in part, unaltered and with proper credit.  Enjoy!  -Valdis, September 2018

Chapter 8 - Ninja's Nightfall

       It was past midnight.  Well past.  Barely distinguishable from the drizzly dark, an imposing black and red hedgehog kept silent watch over his drive, a narrow, easily overlooked gap hewn from the vast upland greenery of Fern Forest.  The district's only settlement, a sleepy village of the same name, lay miles downslope at the end of a twisty one lane road crumbled by decades of water, tree roots and earthquakes.  The scent of firewood, the tidy, flower-strewn landscape and the bluish glow of a koi pond made the hedgehog's property an oasis, an island of quaint civility within the dripping, tangled maze of living green solitude.  Nightly legions of trilling crickets and frogs joined the hush of wind and water, a symphony lit by wandering fireflies or the occasional flash of lighting.  Lacing his fingers behind his neck, the hedgehog closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, drinking in the misty night, his breath hanging in the air like a wisp.  Most islanders cared little for the uplands, remote, cool and terminally wet; the hedgehog adored them.  Cool droplets caressed his face as a distant hum caught his ear.  "Fashionably late,'' he muttered.

       The hum grew into the drone of a high performance motorcycle, its headlights obscured by fog and forest until they drew close, running a final gauntlet of puddles and potholes before turning in and spotlighting the hedgehog, who squinted and crossed his arms.  The fit, curly-tailed rider was clad in a black leather jacket and a black-trimmed purple helmet that matched his bike, gloves and boots.  He revved once before killing the engine, plunging the pair back into darkness.  As the hedgehog's eyes readjusted, he could hear the helmet being pulled off and placed on the seat, then boots hitting the ground with a gravelly crunch that sauntered up close.  The sudden flash of a match briefly revealed a handsome magenta-purple chameleon lighting a cigarette, his brow crowned with a golden curved horn that complimented his piercing, inquisitive eyes.  They locked with the hedgehog's as the lizard took a long, glowing drag, the odd silence softened by serenading crickets.  "No one followed me, Master Shadow,'' he bowed, his voice velvety and deep.  Tendrils of smoke curled from his nostrils as he exhaled.  "This place isn't exactly on the map.''

       "And we shall keep it that way,'' nodded the hedgehog, hand to hip as he cocked an ear towards the road.  He glanced at the lizard's turbocharged bike as steam hissed off the exhaust.  "I don't doubt your skills, but for a ninja you're not entirely inconspicuous.  With our foe now returned, I prefer certainty.''

       "As do I,'' puffed the lizard, curling his tail elegantly and pulling a wayward bit of tobacco from his lip.  "I assure you, those who did see me tonight were in no condition to follow.''

       "I can well imagine,'' smirked Shadow, adjusting his glove.  "It's nearly two, though.  What happened?''

       "Some extra fun, that's all,'' chuckled the lizard, flicking an ash.  "The objective was protected more robustly than our intelligence suggested.  However,'' the chameleon carefully pulled a platinum-hued box from his jacket.  Smaller than of a deck of cards, it glowed silvery pink as he held it up in his fingertips.  "I think you will find it was well worth the wait.''

       "Indeed!'' A sly grin grew over the hedgehog's face as he took the offering and examined it, his crimson eyes reflecting its eerie glow.  "Superb work, Espio.  This little acquisition puts us far ahead.  I shall see to it you are handsomely rewarded.''  The hedgehog's smile dimmed a bit as his gaze returned to the ninja.  "Was he there?''

       "He was not.''  Cupping his elbow, the lizard took a serene puff.  "Just a skeleton crew of sentry bots and hungover thugs.  I found it offensive they had repurposed and old Freedom Fighters base.  Once I had what I needed, I spiked their generator, torched the lab and drained the water catchment tank.''

       "Busy night!  That ought to sour his mood,'' chuckled Shadow, turning the square over and inspecting some fine markings.  "Losing this little gem most certainly will.  This would power an entire city were it used for good.''

       "Call it an educated guess, but I don't think that's what he had in mind.''  Exhaling thoughtfully, he rubbed a semicircle of small scars on his forearm.  "He has no business coming back, Master.  Not after what he did.''  He pointed with his ember.  "And I still owe him a taste of my fist.''

       "You'll get that chance,'' nodded Shadow, slipping the square inside his glove and patting the lizard's shoulder.  "His efforts are accelerating because he knows he cannot return to power without at least some of the prototypes.''

       "Yes, return to power.  And destroy us in the process,'' cautioned the lizard, rubbing his chin.  "Once again, we're in his way.  You, me, Sonic, the resistance, our G.U.N. colleagues... he refuses to surrender, refuses to make peace.  Or even negotiate.  But you, though...''  The lizard inhaled serenely and blew a large ring.  "He fears you the most.''

       "As well he should,'' squinted Shadow, blowing the ring apart.  "With Eggman out of the game, he's too weak to face me.  It's up to his old squad to do the heavy fighting, trying to spread us thin while he gathers what he needs.  They're formidable on favorable turf, highly mobile and very dangerous.  I'll give them that.  We must--''

       "--we must think as they do,'' winked the lizard.  "Rouge confirmed our suspicions.  The so-called 'lost' prototypes are their main objective:  Eggman's synthetic phantom ruby and the terrible weapons it was meant power.  Today's victory derailed that effort for a short time, but we mustn't slow down.''  He took another thoughtful puff.  "Any luck pinning him down?  That little vanishing act of his is beginning to annoy me.''

       "Sadly no,'' sighed Shadow, shaking his head and crossing his arms.  "His escape from exile would have required a genuine ruby.  We know that much.  Eggman did speak of others, clearly he hid one from us, or had one smuggled to him, or came across it somehow.''  The hedgehog gazed wistfully to the stars poking through the clouds. "I've searched everywhere.  Mountains, caves, deserts.  Anywhere our foes might have operated.  Old bases, sunken cities, orbiting platforms, even inter-dimensionally.  Nothing.  I cannot sense it.  Silver cannot.  Nor Tikal.  Tails and his team keep scanning for every sort of energy you can imagine, but so far no luck.  I even approved hefty sums to be paid to, shall we say, less savory elements if they find something, but none have.  It seems Infinite has anticipated my meddling this time around.''

       "You know things are bad when you're offering reward money to the likes of Nack and Scourge,'' smirked the lizard, flicking some ash.  "Speaking of felons, maybe he hid the ruby up his ass.  Did anyone think to check?''

       "Amusing theory,'' chuckled Shadow, shaking his head, "but it's not on his person as before.  We do know the rubies can be used to create a null space.  Essentially a pocket, existing outside our universe yet still accessible from it.  The ruby and its owner could be hidden within, protected and untraceable.  A perfect means of ambush and escape.  Or so Eggman theorized in his notes.  We're still testing the fragments recovered from the war.''

       "So, he's out of sight and out of reach until he makes a move?'' puzzled the ninja, taking a studious puff.  "That explains it.  Then we must let him do exactly that.  Be the heron to his fish.  LET him move, let him get close.  Then strike with lightning speed!''

       "It's going to be dicey until he and the ruby are parted, but yes,'' nodded Shadow, hand to chin.  "If we fail, and he goes on to complete the prototypes...''  The hedgehog sighed, shaking his head.  "Anyone who gets in his way won't be there for long.''

       "Then we shall stop him before then!'' resolved the lizard, dropping the butt to the ground and stomping it.  "This is the purpose I've trained for my entire life, Master Shadow.  The chance to make a difference!  To strike down rapacious evil with righteous fists!''  He punched his palm excitedly.  "When do we move?''

       "We're not there yet,'' cautioned Shadow, raising a hand.  "Stick with Operation Lingchi for now.''  Drawing close, the pair's eyes narrowed to conspiratorial slits as the hedgehog lowered his voice.  "I like your energy, Espio.  Keep feeding his fear.  Haunt the squad's hideouts.  Steal their secrets.  Destroy whatever is practical.  Ambush the stragglers and leave calling cards.  He'll retaliate against our regulars of course, since you can't be caught.  But they knew the risks when they signed on, and most are itching to give him grief.  Whether through rage or desperation, we will flush him out.  THAT... is when I will signal you.''

       "Relentless,'' grinned the lizard, rubbing his chin, "and it matches the threat.  I still urge extreme caution, Master.  He won't hesitate to hurt you.''

       "Bah!  He is no threat to me!'' spat the hedgehog, crossing his arms and turning towards the koi pond, its wavy aqua glow outlining his dark features.

       "I was... thinking more of your loved ones,'' calmed the chameleon, raising his palms.

       The hedgehog huffed and said nothing for a few moments, watching the drowsy koi make gentle ripples on the glassy surface.  "He knows, Espio.  About my personal life.  His threats have made that abundantly clear.  I could care less what he says about me, 'the ancient faggot.'  Such slurs are vocal sputum, the currency of cowards.  But so help me Chaos, if he were to actually hurt any of you...''  Audible crunching emanated from his tightening fists as the bands on his wrist glowed faintly.  He peered over his shoulder with a fiery gaze.  "There will be no stopping me.''

       "It will not come to that, Master,'' soothed the ninja, patting the hedgehog's shoulder.  "Not while you and I are still standing.  And all of our friends.  What we do, we do for them and the good of all.  He will be defeated.''

       Taking a deep breath, the hedgehog slowly unclenched his fists, rubbing his wrist as the glow faded.  He turned towards the lizard and smiled softly, clasping his friend's forearm.  "Thank you, Espio.  I know you'll protect them--and yourself--with all you've got.''

       "On my life,'' nodded the ninja, clasping back.  "I suppose you're going to celebrate with your... companions when this is all said and done, eh?  I'm ordinarily one for the ladies, but I can see the appeal.  Master Prower seems especially enchanting.''

       "He prefers the name Tails.  And I don't know what you're talking about,'' winked Shadow, crossing his arms.  "Officially speaking, he's Sonic's best friend.  And I am officially single.  We don't have time for romantic foolishness.''

       "With all due respect, you're officially full of shit,'' laughed the chameleon, mirroring the hedgehog's crossed arms.  "Honestly?  I do envy you.  Being that close.  Having someone to love.  And I vow to protect that.''  Stretching his elegant form and long tail, he yawned and pulled a cigarette and matchbook from his jacket.  "I best get going, Master.  There's much to be done and my bike and I need extra time to cope with that so-called road of yours.  My ass may never be the same.''  Striking the match, he clasped the cigarette in his lips and inhaled.

       "That purple crotch-rocket just needs better suspension,'' smirked Shadow, nodding towards the lizard's bike.  "And you know damn well the only thing that's going to wreck your ass tonight is me.''  Eyes going wide, the lizard coughed the cigarette against the hedgehog's chest, where it bounced once before the latter snatched it midair.  "And what nonsense is this!?'' he scowled, holding up his smoldering fist as a coughing fit sized the ninja.  "You're my lead counter-insurgent.  Part of command.  A ninja!  Not some be-jacketed hoodlum.  It's odious!  I'd rather kiss a smoking gun.''

       "Hurk--  hoodlum?  Odious?'' choked the chameleon, colors changing as he struggled to breathe.  "No, Master--  *cough*  I'm not a--  *cough*  Please!  Think *cough* think better of me...''  Shaking his head, the hedgehog pulverized his catch into dust before the lizard's eyes.  His composure returning, the purple-faced ninja bowed.  "Ahem.  Mmph.  I--  *cough*  I apologize, Master Shadow.  I agree, it is a filthy habit.  Picked it up doing *cough* gang infiltration...''  Taking a deep breath, he cleared his throat and bowed again.  "I shall quit.''

       "Good boy,'' praised Shadow, wiping his hands.  The air cleared, he stood face to face with the ninja, red and gold eyes fixing on one another.  "And I was being forthright.  Dark Rider has highly advanced suspension, I barely notice that road.  I'm sure I could convince Tails to make the appropriate modifications when he's able.  IF, of course, you refrain.''

       "Y-yes, Master,'' blinked the ninja, bowing again.  "Thank you.  I shall not disappoint.  Did... did you really mean the... that other part?'' he blushed, glancing aside bashfully.

       "Hmmm...''  The hedgehog thoughtfully traced a serpentine line down the chameleon's heart-shaped chest with a finger.  "Why don't you stay the night and find out?  I enjoyed your last visit.  And it may benefit you to lie low after today's exploits.''

       "I... I heartily agree,'' nodded the ninja, his face and neck flooding with multiple hues as he reached up and squeezed his host's hand.  "Thank you for having me, Master Shadow.''

       "So disciplined,'' whispered the hedgehog, pulling in the other male's hand and kissing it.  "I like that.''  Releasing the ninja, he laced his fingers behind his back.  "Business is concluded.  I propose a long, hot soak and a good stiff drink.''  He nodded towards the house.  "Make yourself at home.  I'll be in momentarily.''

       After parting bows, the hedgehog headed down the dark drive to the bike and walked it to a nearby shed, where he parked it beside his own.  After hoisting and locking the heavy driveway chain with its rusted KEEP OUT sign, he wiped his hands and listened to the night.  An owl called in the distance.  The crickets and frogs kept up their duet, backed by the pitter-patter of dripping trees.  The electric purr of the water pump kicked on from the house.  Turning back, he glimpsed the now nude ninja passing by the front window, bringing a smile to his face.  Such a cute purple tush.  And the loyal shinobi offered far more than looks.  Perfect tea.  Kneeling to remove the hedgehog's shoes when he entered.  Massages so powerful and precise they induced drooling bliss.  And a tongue as versatile and quick-witted as it was long.  "It does feel good to have someone else home,'' whispered the hedgehog, addressing a firefly alighting on his shoulder.  Holding up his glove, the hedgehog pulled out a small orange and pink seashell and slowly turned it over in his fingers.  Memories of sunlit romps on the beach warmed his mind.  The sun caressing his face.  The crashing of waves, the bracing, salty scent of ocean spray.  A certain hand holding his as they walked naked through cool, wet, squishy sand.  A dull ache passed over his heart.  How he missed him.  How he missed that voice.  Those big blue eyes, so bright and full of life.  He raised the shell to his lips and kissed it.  "Whatever happens, my heart remains with you.  You and that blue blur of yours.  My foils, my anchors, my loves.  Soon.''  The firefly gently lifted off into the drizzly night, the hedgehog's eyes following as it joined a pair of winking comrades.   Tucking away his keepsake, he turned and walked to the house.


Some days later at the aforementioned beach...

       "Daaaaang!'' gawked the blue hedgehog, shading his eyes as he and the two-tailed fox took in the twisted vista leading down to the ocean.  Standing by a grove of palm trees that hadn't been flattened, the stunned pair peered through a swath of pulverized vegetation stretching for miles up the mountainside.  "Your instruments weren't spazzing, a boulder must've come down.  A BIG one.  Look!''  He pointed upslope as the fox pulled some binoculars from his pack.  "You can even see where it broke off.  Yeesh.''  Hands on hips, he shook his head.  ``It's bad enough we've got Infinite back.  I don't need mother nature trying to flatten us too.''

       "I'm surprised we didn't wake up, this is just a couple hundred yards from the house,'' nodded the fox, peering at the jagged new outcropping.  Setting the binoculars on the pack, he knelt to inspect the matted greenery.  "According to the seismograph, a tremor started about an hour before dawn and lasted a few minutes.  It doesn't resemble an earthquake though, it's too even.''  Eyeballing some of the broken twigs and crushed leaves, the fox peered intently down to the beach, then rose and made for the center of the destroyed jungle, toeing apart more smashed plants.  "Something's... not right,'' he muttered, rubbing his chin.  "It's all so clean, so fresh.  I don't even feel safe standing here.''

       "You think more might come down?''  Taking the binoculars, Sonic sat in the warm sand at the foot of a palm and gazed upslope.  "Mmm... that overhang does look pretty sketchy.  Maybe we should get up there with Knux and bash down the rest just to be safe.  He could probably go for a nice workout after the week he's had.''

       "That's--  not a bad idea, actually,'' nodded the fox, turning over a flattened papaya.  "And while I agree the overhang is new, I'm starting to think this wasn't a rockfall.  Or anything natural.''

       "Oh, come on,'' chuckled the hedgehog, stashing the binoculars and leaning back with his hands behind his head.  "It had to be some huge rock, just barreling right on through.  This forest didn't stand a chance.  I mean, just LOOK at it,'' he gestured.

       "Looks can be deceiving, Sonic,'' offered the fox, his sharp blue eyes catching a spot of color amongst the debris.  Dropping to all fours, he shaded himself with his namesakes and began sifting towards the area.  "It's simple forensics.  See, the damage to this plant cover is mostly level and clean.  A boulder rolling or bouncing through here would pulverize a narrow trail, not an even swath like this.  And a rockslide would have left... well, rocks, hehe.''  The fox's sweeping hand exposed a metallic glint.  "Ah ha!  There you are.''

       "Maybe the boulder was shaped like a rolling pin,'' grinned the hedgehog, watching the rummaging vulpine.  "I mean, you see where it came off up there.  What else could tear out a chunk that big?  I say it rolled all the way down to the ocean.  And don't tell me you think it was--''

       "Infinite,'' interrupted the fox, scowling as he rose back to his knees holding an object to the light.  "Check it out.  An ultra-hardened, corrosion-proof 8-Series alloy hex bolt.  Sixteen millimeters, looks to be.  Eggman used a ton of these in his later builds.  Let's see if there's more!''  Grabbing a stick, the fox began to eagerly poke about.

       "Oh maaaaan,'' groaned Sonic, swapping the binoculars for a fallen coconut.  "Why would jerkface come all the way down here, smash up the jungle and then leave?  Without picking a fight, even?  That bolt's probably from some old fight back in the day,'' he shrugged, tossing the coconut like a football into the debris.  

       "I know he's weaker this time,'' nodded Tails, scanning the ground.  "And Gem Coast is supposedly safe.  For now.  But he's got plenty of others working for him.  And as much as I want this to be old junk, it isn't.  Look.''  Picking up a metal shard, then another, he returned to Sonic and bounced the shiny bits on his palm.  "There's more over there.  Fresh hydraulic fluid too, look at my glove.  I'd know that stain anywhere.''

       "So this stuff's laying on top of the plants, huh?''  Sonic lightly fingered the shrapnel on the fox's palm before slumping back against the tree.  "So it's fresh,'' he frowned.

       "Afraid so,'' nodded he fox, carefully turning over the pieces.  "Something mowed all this down last night.  Something BIG.  These shards appear to have have a military grade finish.  If we're talking mechs, I'd wager it was an HA38 or an LR15.  Except they had some trouble down here.  Blown hydraulics, something got shorn off, or maybe exploded outward, judging by how sharp these are.''  The fox carefully stowed their find in the pack.  "No tracks, though.''

       "That's because they took off.  Literally,'' smirked Sonic, gazing at the treetops.  "I've seen it before.  Jackal Squad mechs cut and run if they take too much damage.  Maybe they came looking for us but didn't know the area.  Or they just up and crashed.  They may have commandeered Eggman's weapons, but most of those guys are too dumb to use 'em effectively.''  

       "That could be,'' blinked the fox, scratching behind his ear.  "But if enemy units got into the district, then why no alerts?  Shadow got all sorts of agents watching for movement, there's checkpoints all over.  Heck, even he takes turns,'' observed the fox.  "But there was nothing last night.  You get anything?''

       "Nadda,'' offered Sonic, bouncing his leg on his knee.  "I mean, Espio escorted us down from base two days ago, but that was the last I saw or heard from anybody.  It's been chill since then.''  

       The fox scratched his cheek, then gazed pensively up the path.  "I don't like this.  We gotta report it.''

       "Shadow?'' asked Sonic, the fox nodding as he fished his phone from the pack and began snapping pictures, "copy Knux in too.''  The hedgehog picked up a piece of weathered coral and rubbed it with his thumb.  "I'm with you, Tails.  I don't know what went down last night, but it reeks of Mask Boy and his flunkies.  If they're messing on our home turf now, I'm gonna bring it on.  Right up his sorry little ass!''

       "Yeah!  That's the spirit!'' grinned Tails, stowing the phone and bumping Sonic's fist.  Kneeling between Sonic's feet, the fox wiped his brow and peeled off his gloves.  "Honestly?  Infinite doesn't scare me.  I actually feel kinda sorry for him now that I know his past a bit.  But those weapons he's after?  Different story.  Shadow tried to get Eggman to fill in some blanks, help us understand what we're dealing with, but the guy just babbles and crawls under his mattress.  I'd feel sorry for him too if he wasn't the one who started this whole mess.''

       "Same,'' nodded Sonic, splaying to make more room.  "Eggy drove himself crazy.  Messing with phantom energy before he knew what it actually did probably didn't help.''  Sonic pointed on Tails' chest.  "Don't you dare let that happen to you, you hear me?''

       "I won't,'' giggled the fox, taking Sonic's hand and caressing it.

       "Good boy,'' smiled the hedgehog, leaning in and kissing the fox's fingers.  "Always such a big heart, too.  Me... I'm not ready to forgive.  Nope.  Not while he's still a threat.  And that's the part I'm gonna undo.''

       "Really?'' The fox thumbed Sonic's palms, his head tilted curiously.  "How?''

       "Simple,'' grinned the hedgehog, lacing fingers with the fox, "kick his ass and bash his stupid ruby weapon prototype doohickeys into dust.  Then Shads can stuff him into that supermax nuthouse with Eggman.  It'll be like a family reunion.  Then I'll take a few weeks off just to relax with everybody.  We'll bring Shads down here, Knux and the crew, hang out with the girls...''  Lowering his voice, he grinned and wiggled his toes.  "Maybe bone a certain fox over and over, too.  More than usual, I mean.''

       "Now that's a plan I can literally get in front of,'' chuckled Tails, rubbing the hedgehog's knees and thighs as he scooted closer.  "And behind, and under, and over, and side by side...''

       "Ooo!  We gonna switch it up, huh?'' winked Sonic, taking Tails' namesakes and stroking them in each hand.   "Me like!  Remember last time Shad was bunking with us, and we tried to be all stealth about it?''

       "That was kinda hot, seeing if he'd notice,'' grinned the fox, blushing as he mimicked the dusky hedgehog's distinctive voice.  "You're jiggling the bed, you lustful hooligans!''  The pair shared a laugh as Sonic's hands slipped down to squeeze the fox's perky orange buns.  "I can't believe he actually spanked me.''

       "I tried to save you, honest,'' offered Sonic, patting the fox's rump, "but I was too busy watching and jacking off.  No, wait!  I mean I was all like, 'Shadow, don't, please stop, maybe a threesome will teach him a lesson', hehe.''

       "You're terrible!'' snickered the blushing fox, ears flat as he slid his hands over Sonic's and squeezed.  "And I love you for it.  That whole weekend was fun!''

       "I could go for another right about now,'' murred the speedster, kissing and nibbling into the fox's neck.  "Some skinny dipping, big fire on the beach, some drinks and soft blankets...  Just let everybody forget their cares, work out their little differences, hehe...''

       "Mmmph... deal.  But we gotta win first,'' chirred the fox, kissing the hedgehog's ear.  "Business before pleasure.  If our foe manages to finish any of those prototypes, things will get ugly fast.  The newest one is a bazooka that kills matter itself.''

       "Yay, another big dumb gun,'' sighed Sonic, his member stirred partway as he caressed the fox's soft sides.  "Since when has that ever stopped me?  Guns, lasers, cannons... just more targets to bash.  Let 'em shoot!  Can't hit a moving target, right?  And I'm as fast as they come.''

       "I'd never doubt your speed,'' smiled the fox gently, his fingers following the hedgehog's.  "But this thing is different.  There's nothing to see, really.  Nothing to dodge.  It's just a fat white tube, about a yard long, just a couple of small buttons.  We had to double check to make sure we were even pointing it the right way when we tested it.  The target was an old badnik hull with a slab of meat tucked inside, maybe fifty yards out.  Shadow took the shot.''

       Sonic petted the fox's soft cheek.  "Let me guess.  Bullseye?''

       "As far as we could tell,'' shrugged Tails, sliding a hand in to rub Sonic's chest.  "It made a deep, low hum.  The target kind of glowed pinkish for a second, then this weird, loud THUMP and... gone.  Just gone!  Collapsed into nothing.  We all kind of stood there in shock.  I remember watching dirt clods and grass started to float up to where the target was, like a residual gravitational field.  You could feel something tugging at you, it was creepy.  Silver was trying to get a read on the energy fields, that's when he saw it: there was tiny black ball, smaller than a pea, just hovering there.  We figured that's where all the matter went, so we asked Silver if he could levitate it into a container or something.  But then--BOOSH!'' bellowed the fox, gesturing with his hands, "it exploded.  That tiny little thing knocked us all over, busted my instruments and broke windows all over the base.  I've never seen anything like it.  Shadow started barking orders to lock everything down, take the gun apart, move the pieces someplace secure.  People were spooked.  Silver thought I was hit and carried me out, but it was just a nosebleed from the shockwave, thank goodness.''  The fox sighed, glancing at the ruined jungle as he squeezed Sonic's legs.  "Sorry to kill the mood.  But that day is always in the back of my mind.  No one hit by that thing would survive the compaction, much less having their own matter exploded.''  The anxious fox looked up, his eyes moist and large.  "I don't want Infinite to ever have that kind of power, Sonic.  Heck, I don't want anyone to have it!  If he--''

       "He won't,'' hushed Sonic, cradling the fox's head between his hands.  He leaned forward and kissed the fox between the eyes.  "We'll stop him, I promise.''  He patted his chest and smiled.  "Now bring it in here.''  Sonic curled his arms around the fox and kissed his cheek.  

       "Ugh... I shouldn't worry so much,'' nodded Tails, nuzzling into the hedgehog's shoulder and petting his chest.  "We've got four of the seven prototypes secured already.  And Rouge and Espio's teams think they have solid leads on the others.''

       "I'd hate to try and hide anything from those two,'' grinned Sonic, squeezing the fox and petting his soft chest.  "Plus me, Shad and a bunch of others are after jackal-ass' hidden ruby.  Once we get our hands on that, he's sunk for sure.''  He pressed his nose to Tails' and winked.  "See?  I don't miss ALL the briefings.''

       "Yeah, because you know I never miss,'' snickered Tails, drawing circles on the hedgehog's chest.  "You're lucky I share my notes.''

       "What can I say?'' shrugged the hedgehog, smiling as he took the fox's hand and kissed it.  "Jocks need nerds to get by.  If we were in school, you'd be doing all my homework just for a shot at making out.''

       "Hey, even if that's true, I'm not all nerd!'' protested the fox, blushing brightly.  "I can fight, I can carry a pack, and I can run with you for miles, and fly you even further.  I've got a good dose of jock in me...''  Rubbing his hands over the hedgehog's chest, the fox leaned in and began to suckle Sonic's throat, nuzzling in warmly as his hand slipped down to give the speedster a very private fondle.  "And I know how to keep one happy.''

       "Mmmph... yes, you do.  And I wanna be the jock in you.  Right now.''  Ditching his gloves, the hedgehog began to caress and fondle back, his fingertips petting over the warm, private patch beneath the fox's bushy namesakes before a firm, two-handed squeeze and deep kiss.  The pair gazed needfully nose to nose.  "Whaddya say, foxy?  Little beachside bang-o before we bolt?''

       "Yesss... report's sent.  We got time,'' suckled the fox, lips and tongue exploring with the hedgehog's as their members hardened against one another, sweeping away the concerns of the moment.  A loud moan escaped the fox's lips as the hedgehog broke the kiss and nibbled lower, over the smaller male's soft throat and cottony chest.  "Uhhnn!  S-someone's making it hard to think...''

       "No, just hard,'' suckled the hedgehog, his large, curved erection approaching full mast, mirroring and rubbing its vulpine counterpart.  The hedgehog lightly thumbed the fox's hidden nipples, which hardened rapidly as he hungrily sucked more chest and throat.  The fox swooned slightly, his entire body warming with waves of tingly arousal as he cradled his partner's head and suckled soft blue ears.  Another long, deep kiss followed as the hedgehog kneaded and squeezed the fox's bubbly rump.  

       "Ohhh... you sure you don't wanna take this inside?'' panted Tails softly, licking a thick slick of saliva onto his fingers as their cocks pressed and leaked together.  Hoisting his rump and namesakes, the fox reached back and smeared the hedgehog's bulbous glans, his own juices swirling with the oozing precum before fingering more over his petite pink foxhole.  "Someone might see.''

       "Lucky them,'' grinned Sonic, licking his lips as his blushing partner took a deep breath and guided him in.  

       As he lowered his smaller frame, the fox felt the hedgehog's fat, drooling tip press slickly into his warm, pink ring, prying it open and popping past with a grateful moan.  Releasing the shaft, the fox spread his cheeks and lowered further, letting his warm, wet tunnel welcome inches of thick, curved hedgehog.  The girth alone made him throb, his ring clenching in sync with his bobbing shaft, trailing clear pre onto the hedgehog's taut belly.  Both gave a deep, pleasured sigh as the well-filled fox's buns nestled snugly atop full hedgehog jewels, the pair squeezing hands as the fox adjusted, then leaned in to kiss.  Lustful but loving lips locked, tongues sparred and swirled as the rider began to ride, his hips guided by strong, patient hands.  "Ohhh.... Sonic!''

       "Lucky me,'' muttered Espio, the ninja grinning as he spied the unsuspecting duo through binoculars.  Anchored by his long tail, the chameleon lay on his belly, blended in atop the thick branch of a mango tree behind the hedgehog's house.  "Seems my charges have paused their investigation to blow off some steam.''  His own cock hardened rapidly against the bark, forcing him to reach down and adjust.  "Ouch.  Yes, yes, you'd love to join in, wouldn't you?  But I've a crippled Jackal Squad LR15 to locate and--''  Feeling a discreet buzz in his boot, the ninja pulled out his phone and read Tails' freshly sent alert.  "Ah!  Smart fox, you figured it out too.  Good,'' he nodded, stowing the phone.  "May as well lose a load myself, while I wait for those tracking coordinates...''  Scoping the beach ballers once more, he gripped his long, handsomely proportioned purple pole and stroked it slowly against his flat, fit stomach.  The lenses reflected the flushed, grinning hedgehog as he changed positions, laying the fox on his back and hoisting his ankles up high, fox toes curling and uncurling as blue buns began bucking his bottom in earnest.  "Mmmph.. you virile beasts.  Such joyful plunder,'' he crooned, licking his lips and stroking faster as he began to leak.  "Perhaps my friends might enjoy some additional benefits...''
  

The next week, G.U.N. Facility 5, Engineering Labs...

       "With compliments from Master Shadow,'' grinned Espio, smiling pleasantly in the late evening glow as he presented a vivid bouquet of orchids neatly wrapped in plastic.  "To my dear friend and fox, he says.  I understand he grew these all himself.''

       "For me?  They're--  they're beautiful!'' beamed the fox, cradling the elegant gift in his arms.  The vibrant, backlit pinks, purples and yellows reflected in his big blue eyes, each flower a miniature cosmos of iridescent veins, curves and spots.  "Come on in, Espio!  I wasn't sure if you were gonna come this late.  Gosh... it's good to see you, thanks for bringing these!''

       "My pleasure, Master Prower,'' bowed the lizard.  Glancing about, he stepped into the cavernous lab, the size of an air hangar and built deep into a mountainside.  Only partially lit, the huge space was filled with equipment, testing bays, glowing computer screens, bots in various states of disrepair and, in a prominent area walled off by bomb-proof glass, a set of exotic prototypes.  "Sorry for the late start, Shadow wanted to gather these up and show extra appreciation for your hard work.  I see things have progressed greatly since I was last here.''

       "It's been crazy,'' nodded the fox, wagging as he looked over the bouquet.  "The new folks have a ton of ideas!  just yesterday Rodney and I had a couple of breakthroughs pairing ruby fragments with tungsten-lead insulators, so now we can substitute chaos energy to channel--'' the fox caught himself, chuckling as he rubbed the back of his neck, "well, I'm sure you saw the briefing, hehe.  They're all out at Facility 9 today to set up some exterior testing.  I'll have to show these off tomorrow.''

       "Blowing things up in the dunes, eh?  My kind of science,'' chuckled the lizard, patting the engineer's shoulder and checking over his own.  "Are you certain they'll be all right?  That place is rather remote, a bit too close to Jackal Squad territory for my liking.''

       "They're fine, they're big boys and girls,'' smiled the fox, glancing around for a suitable container.  "Plus they've got Amy, Omega, Whisper and others for security, we don't scrimp on safety.  Though in hindsight, I probably should've kept someone here too, hehe.  Oh, well.  I'll work overnight and then fly up at dawn when the guards take over.  Oh!  Sorry, have a seat.  You can snag one of those task chairs while I hunt down a vase.  May I get you something to drink?  Some tea perhaps?''

       "Some tea would be lovely,'' he bowed, gracefully assuming a lotus position on the floor.  "I half expected Sonic to still be around.  Where's your hedgehog gotten off to?''

       The fox looked around and lowered his voice as if others were listening in, though none were.  "It's that directive from Shadow we got.  You-know-who.  Too dangerous to go solo, so Sonic tapped Silver and Mighty to help check it out.  I stayed so you could pick up that specialty item,'' he winked.

       "Excellent,'' grinned the ninja, rubbing his wrist.  "I hope we don't miss out on the fun if things pan out, eh?''

       "Same,'' nodded the fox.  "We'll know by morning.  Anyway, I'll fetch us some tea while you and I go over the specs.''  He tilted his head curiously at the meditating lizard.  :Uh... you can have a chair, Espio.  This is a lab after all, not a dojo.''

       "Ah, but both are seats of learning, of trial and error, of questioning and seeking,'' grinned the ninja, laying his hands on his knees, palm side up.  "Don't knock it until you've tried it, as they say.''

       "You're on!'' grinned the fox.  The chameleon watched serenely as his cheerful host hummed his way towards a kitchen area in the dim rear of the complex, his poofy namesakes trailing behind.  With the fox out of sight, the ninja slipped his phone from his shoe, silently swiping and keying for a few moments.  As he turned his gaze to rocky ceiling, the security cameras mounted high above began to wink their tiny red lights.  A sly grin crept over his face as one by one the cameras closed their apertures and fell lifeless.  Tiny beads of sweat had formed on the ninja's temples by the time heard the fox closing cupboards and making his way back.  He quickly swabbed himself dry, his position unchanged as the fox arrived carrying a tray.  Sitting neatly atop were two steaming cups of tea and a large graduated cylinder half filled with water, the orchids now handsomely arranged within.  "And back!  You know, you'd think with all the staff celebrating birthdays and going on dates and stuff, there'd be a vase laying around here somewhere,'' he chuckled, lowering the tray for his guest as the last camera went dark in the background.  "But this works, too.''

       "Most fitting,'' laughed the ninja, bowing his head and accepting a cup.  "I'm sure the orchids approve as well.''  Wafting the fragrant steam about his nose, he sighed contently as the fox set down the tray and sat across from him as agreed.  "This is superb, fox.  Fresh mint, ginger...  and lovely jasmine!  How did you know?''

       "I had a hunch,'' chimed the fox, crossing his legs and mirroring the lizard before taking the other cup and blowing it softly.  After a long, careful sip, he sighed deeply, the pair toasting one another as they enjoyed the moment.  "Much better.  I always do mint myself.  Now then, did Shadow send you for the PX-WP14F or the PX-WT69C?  I got the 14F ready, but that 69C--wow.  I mean, the design.  It's curved, heavy and requires both hands to shoot.  It's touch based, so there's no real trigger, you just have to grab the shaft and pump it until--''

       "It's neither of those,'' interrupted the lizard, blushing slightly.  "Though that does sound intriguing.  But before I grab what I came for, just let me say I've always admired you, Tails.  So industrious.  Clever, kind, inventive, positive... and I know for a fact you're far tougher than your attractive personage might imply.''

       "Huh?  Oh!'' The fox blushed into his tea, taking an audible gulp.  "I--  you really think that?  I mean, thank you.  But I'm just part of the team, really.  Everyone's gotta pull their weight if we're gonna win.  I love my projects, but I'm doing this for my friends, for Sonic.  For all of us,'' he smiled.  The fox glanced away, thumbing his cup.  "Y-you've been a great friend too, Espio.  Keeping us safe, helping to protect the team and everything they've built.  Thank you.  And Rouge says your spying is top notch, giving her a run for her money, hehe.''

       "That's high praise indeed!'' smiled the ninja, bowing with cup in hand.  "You've always been a good company and good people... and that smile does wonders for weary eyes,'' he winked, elegantly hoisting his cup hand and sipping as the fox did the same, hiding a bashful smile.  "He won't admit it, but Master Shadow's face lights up whenever he speaks of you.  Like his garden, you clearly bring him great joy.''  

       The fox's ears went flat.  "Aww... he talks about me when I'm gone?'' he blushed, tilting his head as he rubbed his chest.  "That's so sweet.  I miss him.  A lot.  But I know why he has us all spread out.  Everything's so uncertain right now, no one knows where Infinite will show up next.  What I really miss are the long weekends up in Fern Forest.  Shadow's always so happy up there, so relaxed.''  The fox smiled into his cup, momentarily lost in reflection.  "Soon, I hope.  Can't wait for this to be over.''

       ``I wholeheartedly agree,'' nodded the ninja, sipping again.  "I feel for you.  Vector, Charmy and our associates are my family.  Loud and boisterous, yes, but also loyal and loving.  What you, Sonic and Shadow have, dear boy, is the stuff of envy.''

       "What do you mean?'' blinked Tails, cradling his cup.

       "Oh, come now.  No need to be shy around me,'' sipped the chameleon, carefully observing his puzzled host.  "The moment I first met you and Sonic, I gathered that you were a couple.  Not exactly earth-shattering news, especially these days.  But to also be lovers with the high commander himself?  I thought he was joking at first, but Chaos knows Shadow is not the jokester type.''  The lizard raised his cup.  "Bravo, young fox.''

       "He... he told you?'' blinked the fox, blushing fast as he averted the ninja's gaze.  "I mean, uh... it's not untrue, just... let me explain.''  The fox's ears flattened as he lowered his voice and leaned forward, squeezing Espio's knee.  "Shadow doesn't want Sonic and I targeted more than we already are.  Hurting one of us means hurting Shadow.  Badly.  And Infinite would love to have that kind of reach.''  Withdrawing his hand, the fox fingered the rim of his cup and sighed.  "I hope you don't think less of me.  We're pretty... affectionate within our inner circle.  Some people see that kind of open or poly or same sex thing as being... I don't know, problematic.  But it's not.  We love each other deeply.  And we've never been happier.''

       "Think less of you?'' chuckled the chameleon, taking back the fox's hand and kissing it.  "Ridiculous!  Tails, let me be perfectly blunt.  I'd love to have what you have.  I know you all love one another, you honestly don't hide it that well.  Sonic not at all, hehe.  Shadow has... introduced me, shall we say.  I suppose you'd call me bi-poly-curious?''  The ninja sipped down the rest of his tea and fanned his face.  "Hopefully I've not ruined a good friendship by bringing this up.''

       "No, no you're fine, it's all right!'' chuckled Tails, patting the lizard's thigh.  "It's okay to explore, to be who you are and love as you choose.  I'll help!  Er--if I can,'' he blushed.  "We still need to keep it on the down low.  War and all.''  

       "Of course, of course,'' smiled the lizard, his cheeks rainbow-hued with a sigh of relief.  "I knew I could confide in you.  Saying it out loud is difficult.  I came from a very conservative clan, you see.  Marriages are carefully arranged to keep up the clan's vigor and numbers, to keep the peace between family heads.  Love that falls beyond those needs, especially where this no prospect of rearing young, is frowned upon.''

       "With all due respect to ninjas, that sounds pretty awful,'' smiled the fox, blushing as he fiddled with his namesakes.  "Who would want to live like that?  Just because something's traditional doesn't mean it's right.  Or even good.''

       "Agreed.  It's one of many reasons I left.  I found new purpose with the Chaotix, then the resistance at large.  We have much to teach one another, kind fox,'' he smiled, setting his cup on the tray and fist-bumping his host.  "I dare say we might even... fill in some blanks together.  If your hedgie paramours permit, of course.''

       "I might be able to arrange that,'' offered Tails bashfully, rubbing behind his neck.  "I'm just... I never would have guessed, Espio.  You know, the girls talk about you when you leave,'' he winked, glancing over the chameleon's slender, fit form.  "Tails, is he seeing anyone?  Did he and Sonar break up?  I want to train with him!  Does he run a dojo?  Does he have a brother?''

       The lizard roared with laughter.  "Keep them guessing fox, keep them guessing!  I can't give away all my secrets, hehe.''  Regaining his composure, the lizard's voice was sultry as he gave his host an elegant kiss on the cheek.  "To be fair, I still quite like the ladies.  Good thing they didn't see me bring those flowers, eh?  Oh!  That reminds me, Shadow said to give them a good whiff, the fragrance dissipates quickly once they're cut.  Hopefully some of it survived the ride.''

       The fox obliged, leaning over and pressing his face amongst the blooms as his guest watched intently.  "Mmmm... nice, but yeah, not especially fragrant... ooo!  What about you?'' he smiled, singling out an impressive midnight-hued bloom, its silken petals elegantly trimmed with iridescent crimson stripes.  Inhaling deep, he sighed blissfully as he pulled back, a dusting of black pollen on his nose.  "Ahhhh.... now that one's amazing.  Sweet and strong... almost heady.''  He gave it another whiff.  "Mmm... lovely.  Alrighty, let me freshen up our tea, then we can see about that weapon.''  Standing up, he took the tray and set the orchids carefully on a nearby workbench.  But on turning towards the kitchen area, he suddenly faltered, the tray clattering to the floor as he caught himself on the edge of bench.  "Whoa!'' he blinked, teetering a bit and rubbing his nose.  "I... I must have stood up too fast.''  

       "That black and red number is called, appropriately enough, nightfall,'' offered the chameleon, setting aside the tray and returning to his lotus pose.  ``Sometimes called black widow flower on the mainland.  Such exquisite color, don't you think?  Like those fabled rubies we're after.  Or blood on a moonless night.  And the similarities don't end there.''  

       "Blood... rubies?'' muttered the blinking the fox, tails drooping as he took an unsteady step, then halted, leaning heavily on the bench.  The fox's voice grew soft and faint as the color drained from his face.  "Sorry, my ears are really ringing.  Um... Espio?  I don't feel so good.  Think you could get me some... some water from the back?''

       "It's exceedingly rare, both for its color and fragrance,'' continued the lizard, rubbing his neck as he studiously observed his host.  "And the fact it contains the most potent tranquilizer known in nature.''

       "Tranquilizer?'' panted the belabored fox, more of his weight sagging against the bench as he struggled to stay on his feet.  "Espio, what did... what did you do?''  

       "It's not what I did, but what you did that beggars the question,'' scowled the ninja, watching the fox struggle.  "I find it very fitting that the flower is the same color as our mutual boss.  I, for one, would truly hate to lose his trust, wouldn't you?'' he glowered.

       The teetering fox shook his head.  "I don't understand,'' he mumbled, eyes lidding as his fingers began slipping from the bench, his pale brow now beading with sweat.  "I wouldn't hurt Sha.. Shadow...''  His drooping ears filled with garbled buzzing.  Everything felt tingly, then hot, then numb as the room grew blurry, then dark.

        "We'll see,'' hissed the ninja, fighting back tears as he watched the stricken fox clutch his chest and crash to his knees.  "Believe me, I take NO pleasure in this.''

       "Esh...  Eshpio...'' slurred the fox, his eyes rolling shut as his arms went slack.  A long, breathy groan escaped his throat as he pitched forward into the ninja's waiting arms.

       "There.  Just let it happen,'' nodded the lizard, wiping his eyes and calmly gathering up the fallen fox, petting his soft chest.  The ninja wiped the drool from the corner of his host's mouth.  "Dreadful business,'' he sighed, holding the fox's limp wrist and pressing an ear to his nose.  "But orders are orders.  And I could not bring myself to take you in by force.  Ah, good,'' he nodded, gently resting the fox on his side.  "Strong pulse, nice deep breaths.  I've got perhaps eight hours to work with, we'd best be on our way.''  Pulling a slender rope from his boot, he bound the fox's wrists behind his back, then around the base of his tails.  After testing the binds, the ninja rose to his feet and gingerly slung his incapacitated charge over his shoulder.  "I'd still love to sample you for myself.  Pity,'' he shrugged, patting the fox's pert buns as he made for the door.  "I pray the allegations are false, fox.  Not just for your sake.  If you can't be trusted, who can?''  A quick mashing of switches and the emptied lab was plunged into darkness, the main door creaking loudly as it lowered, then bolted itself shut.  In the distance, the drone of a high performance motorcycle started up, revved intensely and sped off into the night.

To be continued...


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