Shadow the Hedgehog

"Haha yeah. Those'll be good for the albulm."

"Ok that's fine by me," said Hope.

"That's a good idea Melody." After Shadow and Rouge left the bowling alley she took him to a table in a park. "Ok Shadow it's really simple. We're gonna play some poker. If you win, you're one step closer to declaring yourself the best at everything, and I'll do something nice to celebrate." "And if you win?" "If I win." A scheming smile appeared on her face. "I'll think of something nearer the time." With that she gave him his chips and dealt the cards.

"There's one for sale over there Melody," said Hope as she pointed across the store.

Hope laughed. "As much as I'd love for Crowley to be an amazing baritone, somehow I don't think he is."

"That one I definitely think isn't happening. Crowley is even more stubborn than Shadow, it seems."

"Maybe. Rouge probably could if she twists his arm so to speak." Shadow landed another strike. Over the last half an hour he had demonstrated either incredible skill or incredible luck at 10 pin bowling. Rouge decided to test which of the 2 it was after their game, making sure her deck of cards was still in her pocket.

"I think they were too bewildered at you singing in the first place to pass judgement. I can't imagine it was worse than mine though." said Hope with a chuckle.

"Me? Well I mainly listen to rock and pop, though my CD collection has practically every genre under the sun in it somewhere." Hope then picked up a greatest hits albulm nearby. "This band's pretty good."

"Very true. Well here's the music store Melody."

"Sounds good to me. Though I think you mean when you all go to meet Mina. I'd rather continue to stay and relax here," said Crowley.

"Yes excellent suggestion Glen," said Croeley sarcastically. Rouge and Shadow stood at the final hole. "Ok Shadow, I've done 35 shots, and you've done 37. I think we both know you've lost." The hole was a long one, going down two levels. Rouge managed to get round in 4, which was 1 below par. Shadow took aim and once again hit the ball with all his might, sending it bouncing off of the scenery and up into the air before miraculously landing in the hole. With a smug smile he collected their balls and returned the clubs. "I told you Rouge, you just can't win against me." "That was pure luck Shadow. If that hadn't have gone in I'd have won." "And yet it did go in, as I intended." "Just tell me what's next," said a visibly frustrated Rouge. "Bowling."

"So where are we going?" asked Hope.

"Sure. Let's go."

"I've got no objections to you coming along. You know what they say, the more the merrier."

"I'm not sure. Are you OK Melody? You sound like you've got a sore throat," asked Hope

Rouge got it in the hole with her second shot. Shadow gently hit his towards the hole, setting himself up for his third shot which went in. On the next hole, Rouge set herself up to go through the windmill. Shadow hit the ball full pelt, bouncing it off the windmill straight into the air, before it fell next to the hole. "Pot luck" muttered Rouge. (OOC Hehe. I try).

Shadow played his first shot, the ball bouncing off a rock and back towards him. With a snicker Rouge played hers, the ball sailing past the rock and stopping about 10ft from the hole. "Wow Shadow, you're really putting me in my place," she said with a smirk

"Ok Honey. That sounds good to me," said Hope with a smile.

"Sure, I'd like that. Though I should warn you it's unlikely us meeting very often. I mean I do work thousands of miles away."

"Yes I am. Just while some work is done in my room."

"Crowley, you mind keeping an eye on Hope while Rouge and I do... something?" "Certainly. Do enjoy yourselves," he replied. "Ok. We shouldn't be too long." The pair then walked out of the room. "So what are we doing Shadow?" asked Rouge. He responded by producing a coupon from his wallet. "First we're playing mini golf. That's one of the few things I haven't beaten you in." Rouge laughed. "You haven't even played it before. But fine. Just don't whine when I beat you."

I enjoyed this issue, even though very little happened in the way of action. Aa usual I enjoyed Bean's antics and am looking forward to seeing how his and Bark's escape goes, as well as hopefully seeing more of the Kraken. On the whole it kept me interested, gave me a few laughs and has set things up nicely for the 3rd part, though as a standalone story there certainly wasn't anything spectacular in it.

"He watches TV all the time at home. I thought it would be nice for us to do something together other than sit down and look at a screen." Rouge then sat on Shadow's lap. "Wouldn't you like that Shadow?" she asked teasingly. "What did you have in mind?" "Anything. Bowling. A walk on the beach. I don't mind as long as it's something." "Ok Rouge we can do something later on. It's not even midday yet."