Rouge and Knuckles
Sonic dodges behind some rubble as an arrow whizzes past his ear, he feels grit and dust settle on his fur and quills and hears the thud of the arrow meeting the stone building across from him. He grins cheekily and looks over his shoulder, meeting eyes with his younger double hovering in the air a few feet away. “Whoa! Pretty close buddy I gotta say, but I’m not looking to get my ears pierced today! Maybe another time?”
Cupid Sonic huffs, rolling his eyes heavily while drawing his bow back and shooting off three more arrows for good measure.
The older hedgehog dodges again, dipping down away from the projectiles before he leaps up and ricochets between crumbled walls to get a boost. His feet meet the ground with a satisfying skid and he dashes down the main roadways, despite wanting to keep the city as a momentment of the damage done by the war they had been cleared a bit to allow easier travel, which made it easier for him to pick up speed instead of having to worry about running into piles of debris. His heart races as he can’t help letting out more whoops and chuckles, adrenaline pumps through his veins as he keeps pushing their game of keep away, hearing the other’s wings flap sharply behind him and the twinges of arrows leaving his arsenal to litter the area around Sonic. He honestly isn’t sure he can keep it up forever, but the thrill of a race -or chase really- and his pride keeps him going despite knowing there likely wouldn’t be any harm in getting hit. After all, where is the fun in giving up, he’s managed to last these past few years without getting touched once and with no actual threats there’s no harm in letting the game run its course until he loses or the other caves. Honestly when or if their game ends he wonders how Cupid Sonic would feel about just getting to have some casual races, Sonic has certainly enjoyed the thrill and he wonders what the other does for fun when he isn’t chasing him around on this specific day.
Sonic leaves his thoughts and the past zone behind as he reaches the broken city’s limits, racing through the fields he’s led from gray rubble and stray badnik bodies left to be picked apart for parts to open green grassland and a cloudless blue sky. The sun was making its creep across the sky, leaving long shadows across the ground as it pokes from behind the distant hills. Now that he’s back on the run he remembers why he had wanted to stop at HQ, dryness starts tugging at his tongue and while he could easily go longer without a drink he really doesn’t want to remember how terrible his throat -and body as a whole- had felt during the metal virus. Letting the dew briefly cool his legs as he runs through the grass his course veers towards where he knows Sunset City to be several miles away. He could easily snag a free water from any number of shops and be able to loop through them to lose Cupid Sonic like he had in the past, the younger being a great marksmen but trying to hit one speeding target in waves of other people milling about certainly left him at a disadvantage that Sonic was all too happy to take advantage of.
The distance is barely worth calling a jog, leaving the fields and hills behind he catches sight of the multileveled buildings that make up the coastal city and its signature red bridge leading to the Grand Flicky Hotel, the lavish building across the river lighting up with morning rays that reflect off its windows. He remembers helping Team Dark evacuate the citizens there and having his skirmish with Shadow when the other got infected with the virus too. He runs a gloved hand along his neck, cool air temporarily being replaced with the memory of sharp claws and the chill of unnatural metal leaching its way across his skin -remembers how jarring it had been since he had known from prior experience that Shadows hands are warm even through his gloves- but he lets the memory slip away with the wind as he makes it past the city’s suburbs and into the city proper, weaving around morning traffic as he picks out which store he wants to duck into.
That’s when his eyes catch on a familiar pair of dark wings and white fur turning into a higher classed establishment and he’s already leaning in their direction.
Slipping past the other mobians Sonic follows Rouge into what looks like a large shopping mall. The walls between store fronts are cream colored with warm golden lights fixed to them, carved pillars separate the main walkways from the lounge areas that are situated with chairs, tables and various flowers and short bushes. Soft classical music plays from hidden speakers that is nearly drowned out by the bubbles of conversation that float around the hedgehog as he sees some mobians talking to each other in small groups or into phones and ear pieces. His shoes quietly squeak as he walks across the waxed dark wood floor, drawing a few eyes toward him that quickly lose interest as they go about their morning or linger with vague recognition. He notes the change in quality between the clothes of the mobians that had been outside and the ones leisurely strolling by him now, he’s never really been into fashion -after all why wear anything when it’s likely to get ruined during his runs or destroyed during his battles- but he could tell everything in here would likely cost a shiny ring for sure, which makes sense why Rouge would be in a place like this.
Remembering just who he had decided to follow, Sonic catches sight of Rouge again further ahead in the crowd, flowing easily between everyone she seemed to be heading towards a restaurant that took up the far wall of the pavilion and looked to be very popular if the line of mobians outside of it meant anything. Grinning, the hedgehog picks up his pace, easily closing the space between him and his unknowing target to reach the bat’s side.
“Good morning. What’s a fine gem like you doing out and about, don’t you know thieves are everywhere, especially in fancy places like this?” Sonic asks, dropping his speed again to keep pace with the bat next to him. His muzzle curls into a flirtatious smirk and his eyes narrow in amusement at catching the slight jolt of the other’s bare shoulders, though her step doesn’t falter and she goes so far as to loop her gloved arm with his, adding more sway to her heeled stride without her turquoise eyes even glancing sideways at him.
“My~ Any lesser thief could certainly try but I would take any valuables they have before they even lay a hand on me.” Her free hand rests over her heart innocently for a moment before moving back down to rest on her hip. Out of her usual jumpsuit Sonic noticed that, when it brushed his arm, that her dress had a velvety texture. It has a similar neckline and mostly black palette like her jumpsuit but has a sheer midriff that teases her stomach and red glittery threading that makes the dress ripple as she moves. It almost makes him feel underdressed in his plain gloves -which might be a bit dusty from his trip through the cave and ruins- and grind shoes, even if he wasn’t planning on running into her or coming to this specific mall. “Since you’re taking such a long look would you mind telling a girl a compliment, or should I be worried that you might be one of those thieves?”
The hedgehog chuckles, rubbing a finger under his nose playfully he looks at the growing amount of people around them the closer they get to the restaurant, before letting his eyes get drawn back to Rouge, who continues looking ahead and gliding them through the mall’s crowd with ease even as a small smirk of her own curves her painted lips. “Nah, I’ll leave stealing to the professionals, not really my style honestly. Speaking of style, you certainly look lovely today, simply trying a new look or do you have someone in mind to see?”
Rouge finally looks over at him, lips dipping into a pout and eyelashes fluttering prettily but not enough to distract him from the mischief in her eyes. “Why, Big Blue I would almost be worried you’re jealous if I didn’t know better. If you must know I’m meeting with Knuckles, I promised him some intel on a chaos emerald I’ve been following rumors on, I could obviously get it on my own but why do all the hard work myself when I have a handsome echidna with a built in emerald sensor who can do it for me?”
“And not only have a scapegoat if it goes south but get the excuse to invite him on a date as the icing on top, you truly have a way of getting what you want don’t you?” Sonic snorts, easily sliding her from one arm to the other as a rather rowdy looking bull mobian storms by, parting the crowd with his massive size and furrowed brows. The hedgehog’s eye catches her glove moving to tuck the side of her dress down. He wonders if it has pockets and just how much that poor guy had in his wallet that he’ll be missing soon enough. Catching sight of a distressed gray cat -likely a waiter considering their uniform- cleaning a knocked over tray where the bull had been coming from quickly brushes that bit of pity away as soon as it arrives.
Rouge smirks, though if it’s from his comment, her successful theft or she had somehow heard his thoughts he wasn’t sure.
“A lady has to be prepared for anything, that’s all love. Now enough about me, what about you Big Blue? I could be persuaded to treat you to a quick breakfast before meeting Knuckles, unless you have some plans for a day like today that I might be intruding on?” She asks, tone light but he can tell she’s digging for information. Honestly any conversations with her could be counted as digging for information, even though he isn’t sure how knowing his supposed plans would benefit her. Maybe being an agent has just led to her always wanting to know what others are doing, he can’t be sure since he typically just leaves people to their business unless it involves him or destroying the world.
Either way he decides to be honest, leading her forward in line as he answers. “I don’t really have plans, I have an errand I’m running that’s gonna take the majority of the day and gonna stop by HQ tonight or tomorrow. Amy and Cream are making desserts for the restoration and promised to save me some but besides that not much.”
“Hmm~ Fair enough, perhaps I’ll drag Mr. Guardian over there for a treat before he inevitably heads back to his island. It might even distract him long enough for me to get some time with that lovely gem of his before he catches up.” The bat chuckles to herself, her eyes soften for a moment as she seems to get distracted in a fantasy of said guardian and his emerald. Sonic smiles, appreciating her gentler look and how much it shows her true feelings about his friend despite all her callous talk of using him for her own needs. Rouge tends to keep her softer emotions hidden, which he could understand in her lines of work, being privy to some of those rare moments when they get the time to hang out makes him glad he’s gotten to know her and hopefully earn the title of friend.
Seeing that they had nearly made it to the front of the line Sonic decides it’s probably time to go. He’s been able to hide in this crowd long enough but he’s sure Cupid Sonic is likely around somewhere nearby. Slipping his arm from Rouge’s he turns to face her and gives a deep, playful bow as he rests one arm against his chest as the other tucks behind his back, looking up to flash her a smirk that she returns while tucking her own hands back on her hips.
“Well Madam Rouge, it has been a treat on its own getting to hang out with you but I have to head out. Hopefully Knucklehead won’t take too long getting here and leave such a lovely lady waiting but we both know how he tends to be. I hope you have a great day though and I’ll catch up with you some other time yea?”
“We’ll see, I am a busy lady after all but I hope you have a nice day as well Blue~”
With that he’s gone, a short strong breeze left in his wake as he weaves back through the crowds and out the front doors.
Just in time too as he hears rustling from above, looking over his shoulder he catches sight of Cupid Sonic dropping from the mall’s roof to dive toward him. The smaller hedgehog’s bow is drawn back and an arrow shoots itself through the air, its whistling causing Sonic’s quills to bristle in anticipation as he pushes himself out of its trajectory with only inches to spare.
“Close but no luck, buddy! Thanks for the breather but since it’s back to business I gotta dip!” Sonic chuckles, tossing the other a salute -that he immediately has to drop with a yelp- as another projectile nearly gets his shoulder. Mentally apologizing to the mobians around him, he runs, kicking up strong wings that knocks off hats and ruffles any clothes or bags as he becomes a blur through the streets.
Cupid Sonic isn’t deterred, notching a fresh arrow he smirks and takes off after the other.
They race around the city, the older enjoying the thrill as he used every trick he knew. He gathers more dirt on his gloves as he drifts around corners, his feet ache pleasantly as he boosts down long roads, his heart races as he zig zagging between cars and pedestrians alike before switching it up by kicking up sparks as he grinds along fences and wall jumps to parkour over rooftops which gives him a beautiful view of the sun as it arches through the sky and warms his fur. The entire time his nerves tingle and he’s sure his smile inches closer to unhinged as he narrowly dodges or destroys each shot taken at him. They move so quickly between locations that it’s hard to know if anyone even realizes they have passed besides the gusts of wind that disturb the commuters.
He’s passing through one of the parks that bleeds into the forest at the edge of the city, benches and play structures are scattered between the trees that cast patches of shade that grow larger and closer together as they go from carefully manicured to naturally grown. Couples and families pass in his peripherals as he goes down one of the walking paths that looks to lead further into the forest, deciding to try and lose the younger again before he choses a new direction to go. As he’s passing through some thicker trees he has to stop as he sees something emerge onto the path ahead of him.
Kicking up some dirt he stops a few steps away and is shocked to recognize familiar vibrant red fur and furrowed purple eyes.
“Knuckles? What are you doing here?” Sonic asks, completely forgetting what he was doing as the echidna turns from the growth to face him.
The older mobians huffs, dusting dirt from his fur and quills. “Sonic, how am I not surprised you’re here? Anytime something goes wrong you seem to be around.”
“Whoa dude, first of all I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Sonic protests, spreading his hands as if to show he didn’t have anything. His foot taps on the ground, eyeridge arching as the other continues staring at him with a flat look. “Honest! Besides, what do you mean something went wrong, aren’t you meant to be meeting Rouge?”
“How do you know that?” The echidna arches his own brow, folding his arms over his chest.
“I ran into her earlier at that fancy mall past the Grand Flicky, she’s in the restaurant waiting for you. Why are you way out here, got lost or something on the way there?”
“No, I decided to look for the emerald myself. I don’t trust her not to get me roped up in some mess that would leave the Master Emerald open for her to take while I’m away. I can sense the emeralds and it would be faster to look for myself than get dragged into her pointless scheming.” Knuckles scoffs. “I believe I’ve found one, however it’s deep underground in this area so it will take some time to dig it out.”
“Fair enough I guess but if it’s deep underground this close to the city then it could possibly be underground in a railway or something.” The hedgehog shrugs, he isn’t too worried about it but thinking about Rouge still waiting at the restaurant he decides to play devil’s advocate. “It might be better to meet with her and see if she has any maps of the area so you don’t go falling in front of a train or bursting sewer lines by breaking something you shouldn’t Knucklehead.”
Knuckles grunts, it doesn’t seem to be an outright disagreement as he looks contemplatively between the bushes and Sonic. Sonic gives him the time to think, he knows Knuckles can find them on his own and isn’t going to force him to work with Rouge if he doesn’t want to, so there isn’t anything he can say more to help the other’s decision.
The wind rustles between the trees, Sonic almost ignores it before he remembers something vital.
That’s right, he hadn’t just stumbled on Knuckles during a run he had been running from-
“Watch out idiot!” Knuckles shouts, eyes wide as he had caught movement behind the other. Pulling the younger to the side he catches the projectile that had been heading for the other’s unprotected back, barely taking the time to note it had been an arrow before he’s glaring up at the trees to look for the one that had shot said arrow at his friend. “Who are you, show yourself!”
“Whoa! Thanks Knux, I forgot about him for a hot minute.” Sonic chuckles leaning into the other’s side jokingly. His legs had gotten twisted by how the echidna had pulled him and his grip was holding most of Sonic’s weight otherwise he would have face planted into the dirt. While readjusting his legs he cast his eyes over the trees as well. “They aren’t lethal arrows, I’ll have to explain to you later the details but he’s-”
More arrows get shot from around them, cutting Sonic off as the two focus on dodging out of the way as the barrage continues. Back to back they cover each other as they come from all sides, Sonic almost wonders if Cupid Tails had decided to join the attack but it’s likely Cupid Sonic using his speed to stay hidden and not leave openings for Sonic to slip away. Sonic throws smirks at the trees around them and Knuckles, impishly blowing kisses at the echidna that the other ignores or growls at as they twist around each other to evade being hit. Knuckles gets his revenge short after, smirking as he pulls Sonic close until they’re breathing the same air. A light blush covers both their muzzles as they glare competitively at each other, however Sonic is the first to break away as another arrow whizzes by his check.
“Geez he’s making up for the breathers earlier huh? He’s after me, I’ll be fine and talk to you later!” Sonic grunts as he rushes to speak, kicking away a whole stream of arrows before using his momentum to crouch and drag his heel across the ground. It kicks up a cloud of dirt that covers them for a moment and Sonic uses that as his chance to dip away.
“Ack! Fine, don’t get killed, moron!” Knuckles coughs after shouting at the other, feeling small rocks get kicked up; he squints to protect his eyes and waves his other arm to clear the air.
Feeling the blast of air that signals the other had left he takes a moment to breathe, the dust is still settling but the air has mostly cleared. He looks at his arm, it feels like an especially sharp rock had hit it but he doesn’t see blood so he shrugs off the tingling that’s already fading. No more arrows came flying at him so he knew Sonic had been telling the truth about the mystery enemy being after him. He briefly wonders if he should follow and help out but the other had said the arrows are not lethal and that he’d be fine so Knuckles decides to take his word for it and wait to hear more later. Taking in the tussled ground around him he wonders what he should do next, he could go back to looking for the emerald on his own but remembering Sonic’s words he wonders if it would be better to work with Rouge. If it really is deep enough underground to be in any structures it would be faster to find an entrance than tunnel and Rouge still had information to give him that could lead to another emerald, making his hunt even shorter.
As he’s debating with himself he feels a faint pull in his chest. It doesn’t feel like the pull he feels for the emeralds or the Master Emerald and taking it as a sign of what his decision should be he groans.
Dusting himself off again he turns away from the forest and starts following the trail back towards the city. “That damn bat better not cause me trouble like that stupid hedgehog or I’m kicking both their butts and banning them from my island.”