Rouge and the Rogue (Knuxouge)

Final Battle

Shadow walked with purpose down to the dungeon. He found that if he just walked with authority and knew where he was going, nobody would question what he was up to. He had just finished sending half the soldiers on a wild goose chase to the Acorn Kingdom. He had convinced them that the Acorn Kingdom was creating a new type of weapon, and the soldiers should spy on them and learn the made-up weapon's secrets. He expected that they wouldn't create too much trouble. It was supposed to be a top-secret discreet mission, after all.

Shadow stopped at the dungeon entrance to speak with the two guards. They saluted him.

"Bad news, men," Shadow sighed, "King Robotnik has cut your salaries."

"AGAIN?" One of the men cried indignantly. "Any lower and he won't be paying us at all!"

Shadow didn't say anything, he just raised his eyebrows.

"No way. He can't do that. We'll quit!" The second guard bristled.

"Yeah! We won't stay where we aren't appreciated." The first agreed.

"Actually," Shadow said with a glint in his eye, "I have a better idea."

~

The door to the dungeon creaked open, shedding light on the bandits and Cerulean.

"Is it already time for dinner?" Charmy asked, surprised.

"Not quite. It's me," Shadow replied, "I came to let you all know what the plan is to get you out of here."

"Shh!" Rouge reminded him. "The guards are just outside the door, they'll hear you."

"Actually, I just talked with them, and they're in on the plan now."

Knuckles smirked. "Shadow, you really are on everyone's good side, aren't you. It's anyone's guess who you're really with!"

Rouge elbowed him lightly, but Shadow took it as a compliment and continued with his announcement.

"I've been in contact with your friend Espio, and he's collected more allies for you from around the kingdom."

Vector gasped, "So Espio is safe!"

"Yes," Shadow assured him quickly. "Anyway. I've been able to send away half the soldiers and most of the rest have turned against Robotnik because of their low salaries or his evil new policies. I've got the head of guard, Sir Mighty, on board. The only people against us at this point would be Robotnik, Sir Edgar, and a handful of their cronies. Are any of you in fighting condition?"

Knuckles, Rouge, Vector, Blaze, and Charmy said that they were strong enough. Sonic was still recovering, Cream had no business being in a serious battle, Tails said he would be more useful helping the physician, and Cerulean hadn't fought in years.

A few of their eyes fell on Silver. He still hadn't woken up. If he didn't wake up from his coma soon, he would starve to death. They had covered him in all the extra clothing they could and his heartbeat was constant, but they still had to worry about him.

Shadow called their attention back. "In that case, I will get you out of your cells just before my group meets with Espio's. We're meeting on the grounds first and then storming into the throne room. You six need to be ready to go at midnight." Shadow spared a glance for Silver. "Espio is also bringing a physician," he told them and left.

~~~~~~

As the stars shone in the sky above them, Espio's group showed signs of restlessness. They were waiting, secluded and hidden, in a field of wheat near the castle.

"I wish midnight would swing on by already, I can't stand this waitin'!" Bunnie complained. Her husband, Antoine, held her hand in a vain attempt to calm her down.