Fate's Wretched Odyssey

III

"Here. If you ever need another uniform, just find Rouge. She'll be able to hook you up with another set," Shadow informed, tossing Sonic a folded bundle of dark clothing. Caught off guard, the blue hedgehog fumbled with the tightly wrapped fabric, clutching the bundle close to his chest.

"Um, who exactly is Roug-"

"Now, that doesn't mean you can stain or destroy it all willy-nilly. It may seem like I have a lot of money to spare, but this shit is still expensive," the darker hedgehog cut him off, tapping his black claws against the wood of his desk. "You'll need this one for tonight. I suggest changing and heading down to your post. It's best to be early, especially on your first shift."

Sonic let out a nervous gulp at Shadow's instructions, nodding along and keeping a short list of his game plan. Step one: somehow find a bathroom to change in. Step two: try to make it to the slot machines on time for the shift. Step three: talk to the bartenders and hopefully get some insight about this place. Noting this all down in the back of his head, Sonic nodded in understanding and began to turn round to head to step one.

"Oh, and Sonic?" Shadow seemed to hiss, a venomous smile laying on his face as if disguising a snarl.

"This is a test."

With a final, determined nod, the puny hybrid exited Shadow's office, making it clear to avoid the red carpet. As soon as the casino owner heard the door click shut, he let out a sigh, side eyeing a certain bat that lurked above the door the whole interview.

"Well? What are your thoughts?" Shadow asked, raising an eyebrow as Rouge began to descend from the top of the room. She took a seat on the chair that Sonic sat in just moments before, legs hanging over the side in an... Uncivilized manner.

"He's got spunk, that's for sure. I give him a month," Shadow raised an eyebrow, a humorous glint in his eyes. "A month? That's generous," Rouge just shrugged, a content smile on her face. "He's not bad on the eyes; I'm sure the heartbroken drunks are going to fancy him," she said, winking. "Hell, maybe I'll shoot my own shot."

"Oh, please. You know that red echidna you like so much would be crushed," Shadow huffed, pulling out some paperwork he was quite behind on. "Ah, I suppose you're right," she waved her hand dismissively, but Shadow could see the slight flush in her face. He smirked, looking at the clock.

"You might want to get down there soon. Make sure he's not eaten alive on his first day and all that," Shadow said and leaned back in his chair, looking at his claws dismissively. "You know how much I hate the paperwork."

"Alright, hot stuff. I'll see you in a bit." Rouge took a quick glance at the deep purple emerald on Shadow's shelf, one brow raising smoothly at its glinting surface. "Did that shiny rock of yours always glow so bright?" Shadow hardly raised his head to acknowledge her words.
"Of course. It is a Chaos Emerald after all," he brushed off her remark without a second thought. But his wife looked unsure, her aquamarine eyes still resting upon the soft pulsating light of the emerald. "Uh, sure. Whatever ya say, boss." Not another word was exchanged between the two mobians as Rouge snapped her wings open and took off in pursuit of the new employee.

***

The chatter of the bar itched at Sonic's ears painfully, wafts of alcohol drifting through the colorful area. He felt like each of his senses were on fire by the time he made it to the bar, the collar of his suit sitting uncomfortably around his neck. Tugging at the bow tie present on his burgundy suit, the werebeast leaned against the counter, keeping an eye out for... Someone? He really wasn't sure who would be directing him.

"Hey. You new or something?" Sonic, startled, turned his head to meet the hardened gaze of a red echidna, his white dress shirt and maroon waistcoat free from any kind of filth. Sonic raised an eyebrow, suddenly having a struggle to find his voice.