Shadow the Hedgehog

"A pity. It seems we'll have to do this the hard way," the woman said with a sigh, getting up and trying to yank Melody back outside.

"By infecting that hedgehog. But every time we tried, well let's just say we started running out of volunteers. Even chained up he was still a threat. And it's only natural our former prey wished to hunt us."

"Loud and clear. Looks like these wolves got pushed out of high society," thought Hope. "We could act with impunity in those days. But the new royalty wasn't like us, in fact they hunted us down. Why don't you join us? You'll get a far more exciting existance than struggling in the fields. All we have to do is turn the princess."

"Our family had a nice arrangement centuries ago, her family changed that and we only see it fit to change things back."

"Yes. Our oh so lovely ruler.'

"I see. That black and red hedgehog I presume? Were you aware he's something of a 'fixer' for Kintobor?"

"I know. Good luck." The woman sat down in a chair at the empty dining table. "What brings you to our quiet little town then?"

"Exactly. I'll be right here. Kind of," thought Hope. The woman led Melody into a small house.

"They're still hidden... wait what!?" thought Hope. "I just wamt to talk, that's all," said the woman.

"I've still got my Tazer and that revolver I took from royal me's armoury," thought Hope. The woman pointed to Melody. "You, come with us. We'll start questioning you first "

"Understatement of the century!" "I agree, which is why it makes a good backup plan."

"Yeah. He'd turn 'em into mulch. And their stupidity isn't surprising " "Patience. You can't just use brute force. You saw what the hedgehog did to the first group we sent after him. A more delicate touch may be in order."

"Or gatlings," thought Hope. "I've no idea. I can't see anything interesting on them," replied the woman, glancing at them.

"Only the ones who aren't taking dirt naps," said Shadow. The woman nodded. "Yes. They chose wisely."

The woman led them out of the barn.

"Come with me," she the woman, motioning towards the door. Rouge, Shadow, and the 2 Hopes cautiously walked forward.

Rouge set down the blunderbuss as Hope got to her feet.

"Yeah. Guess we'll have to wing this," thought Hope.

"I don't like it anymore than you do. In fact probably less. But it beats getting mauled," said Rouge. Through the gap, a tall wolf wandered in, wearing a long black dress that reached the floor. She lookef at the dead werewolf with mild amusement as it changed back to normal. "He never could follow instructions," she said to herself before turning to the group. "As promised I won't harm you if you come quietly."

"Yeah, I guess we've got no choice. If this doesn't work you're the first one I'm coming after, Shadow," said Rouge. HRH Hope turned to the hole in the wall. "Ok. Come in here alone and we'll talk," she called out.

"It's a matter of timing. They'd have all funneled in if they just wanted us gone." "It's a matter of timing. They'd have all funneled in if they just wanted us gone."

"We're more useful alive than dead to that woman. Believe me, if this were a few monsters I'd have torn them asunder when I first got here," replied Shadow. "I might be able to send an SOS to Topaz. She could help spring us," groaned Hope.

"You may not have a choice. Without silver the only method of killing them is decapitation. You'll want to strike when they don't expect it. Like this we'll just get overwhelmed," said Shadow.

Hope was about to teleport them out when one of the creatures burst through the wall, knocking her over. Before it could do any real harm Rouge shot it with the blunderbuss then gave it a sharp kick to the chin with as much forve as she could, the silver coins nullifying it's regenarative abilities as its neck snapped and it fell over dead. She grabbed the dazed Hope and carried her to the others. "If you surrender you won't be harmed," came a voice from outside. --- Crowley waved as he left.

"Glad to make your acquaintance. But you should know they'll be here any second " ---- "You too. See you at the party."