Shadow the Hedgehog

"Yeah, that's a good idea." ----- Hope took them back to the main menu. "Do you want to practice just the two of us first Melody?" asked Hope.

"Good idea. I think Ziona had the device for implanting the trackers though." ----- "Care for another round?" asked Shadow.

"Heh, I guess that could work." ----- The cyborg was struck by the flailing and it's health was getting low, but Shadow managed to get a few hits of his own before inputting a complicated combo activaitng the aforementioned super move. "Yes, that would be this." The screen zoomed in on the cyborg, which fired a torrent of shells straight at Melody's character.

"I'm aware of that. I still need to do something job related." ----- The charge knocked the cyborg back, but he quickly got up again. "Just a little more and I can use the super move," said Shadow gleefully.

"Yeah. I've got absolutely no idea what I'm supposed to do now. I'll end up flipping f I try to hanlde those 'kids'." ----- The ninja delivered a few more slashes to the cyborg before being backhanded off the stage. "Aww come on! That's me out, good luck Melody."

*starts reading through PDA*

"I don't think he's a magic caster. Or maybe he is, I'm not in the loop about these things." ----- "It's a move that cyborg can do. Now do you see why Shadow picked him?"

"No, apparently they have a guy whose specialty is dealing with magic." ---- "Yeah, you need something faster." On screen, the cyborg fired a barrage into the air which began coming back down across the screen in a line.

"Don't worry, they'll be fully briefed." ---- "Once you get used to a a character it isn't," explained Hope. "Maybe we should do a few practice ones so you can find a character you like." Melody's character swing at the cyborg and knocked it to the edge of the screen where it bounced back and gave Hope the opportunity to perform a sword combo with her ninja.

"I know, but it's still something I could do without. Good thing i have backup coming tomorrow." ----- "No, I said your character can block. Mine can't, so I have to dodge... no!" Hope gave a shriek as Shadow did a combo that meant her ninja was punched a few times then stuffed into and fired out of the cannon across the screen, taking him down to half health. "As you can probably guess this isn't the most serious of fighting games," said Shadow.

"I sure hope so." ----- "Stay back, your character's slow but powerful, and they can block the cannon shots, unlike mine," said Hope as her ninja threw some shurikens at the cyborg.

"That's gonna be a frustrating couple of days then." ---- The game started and the characters were in a smelting plant. Immediately Shadow input a combo and the cyborg's cannon fired a round that struck Hope's ninja. "Are you ever going to pick another character?" she asked him. "Maybe, but I've got this one figured out."

"Tell me about it. Part of me thinks they did it just to spite me," said Zamy with a tired laugh. ---- "Ok." Hope turned the console on and turned to her pile of games, selecting one of the fighters and putting the disc in, then navigatedto the character select menu. "Choose your fighter," she said as she opted for a ninja and Shadow went for a cyborg with a cannon for a left arm.

"Neither do I. I also don't get why Dylan is now completely acting like a child. I'm so glad I called off that house warming party." --- "Try yes. Succeed, maybe," said Hope as she handed out the controllers. "I've got a bunch, so do you want driving, a shooter or a fighting game?"

"I understand what you mean.." ---- "And he's got reason to be. I still haven't beaten him," said Hope as she walked back in and set up the console to play through a projector.

"Yes, but you're thinking of the totally cold older scumbag who presently rots in Zone Jail. Miles' history has been altered dramatically, he isn't that same person." --- "Go ahead. It'll only make my victory even sweeter."

"Jealous? You want to be treated like a 10 year old?" --- "I never said it'd be fair. And the other person would be Hope. Occassionally when I have nothing else to do I'll play her at one of these games."

Zamy put a hand on Harmony's shoulder. "I'm sorry for snapping at you, but I don't like it when your family try to get on their high horses to Miles when they've done worse. If you all want a clean start you need to give him a chance." --- "Cool, I'll go grab it." Hope then hurried to her room. Shadow span around in his chair to face Melody. "Finally, someone else I can beat at those games."

Happy Birthday BlueBlur and Knuckles. I hope you enjoyed it.

Yes, I'd say so.

"What would you prefer I do, haul him into Zone Jail? Do bear in mind you nearly killed my colleagues earlier, so I'd stop and think before you start telling me Miles is the biggest threat around." ----- "Do you want to play any games? I've got a console in my room I could bring out."

"I don't have a choice. If I start distrusting him, he won't make any progress at all." ----- "Got it, you can count on me."

"There are plenty more people much more likely to kill me than Miles. Trust me on that" ----- "Sorry, I've jinxed it now!" laughed Hope.

"Harmony, if he tries anything you won't be laying a hand on him as he'd be going to Zone Jail. Now put away the knife." ---- "Yeah, it has been eventful. At least nothing's gone wrong yet."

"It's ok Spark, I have backup arriving in the morning. Apparently they have a specialist for this sort of thing." ----- "I think I'd rather relax for the time being and save the party for later," said Hope.