Shadow the Hedgehog

"Aww thanks," smiled Hope as she got to the counter. "Just a regular one with a flake for me please." ---- "What babysitter in their right mind would take that job?"

"I wasn't a princess, my expectations are lowered," laughed Hope. ---- "Yeah. Plans scuppered yet again. Maybe I should give up on it."

"I'd be hapoy with a month." --- "Maybe. Ziona's back to normal, but Harmomy's all messed up and with those new arrivals someone's going to have to stay at Haven to keep an eye on them instead of coming here."

"Those are a godsend." ---- "Well, here we are. That extra rent was worth it."

"Let's head over then." --- "Great!" Zamy led the way to the pool.

"What do you wanna do?" ---- Zamy emerged after a few minutes, wearing her swimsuit and holding a bag, her badge on a lanyard round her neck.

"Let's hope it stays that way." --- Zamy headed into her room.

"I can stay for a while." ---- "It's fine, I zoned out as well. I'll go get changed for the pool," said Zamy.

"That's a relief. Do you want me to head off so you can deal with Harmony?"

"I was joking about extorting you. You didn't think I had that machine did you?"

"Your life's savings and first born child."

"Because now I can charge whatever I want."

"I'm so glad you said that."

"For a price, sure."

"Of course! Standard equipment," laughed Hope.

"I'll make sure you don't."

"Yeah, they're definitely level headed. You should come join the rest of us sane people some time," teased Hope.

"Hehe yeah. Definitely a contrast."

"Ah, but you don't have the Ultimate Lifeform, the world's greatest thief and a killer robot to help out."

"Well I wish he'd hurry up and do it. The waiting's the worst part."

"I don't doubt that. I'm still surprised Eggman hasn't done anything since that wacky dream machine. Shadow, Rouge and Omega just have to sit around until intel comes in on him doing something or the location of his base."

"Well you can never be too prepared," she laughed.

"I'd beg to differ. That reminds me," Hope handed Melody the small charger. "You'll probably need this."

"Oh you wish! I thought you were super speedy anyway."

"Heh, apparently I've got much more willpower. No use trying to fake a past that never was, I can't let tet my team down. Plus I like being that little bit taller than my best friend," laughed Hope to Melody.