Shadaze: The flaming cherry blossom.

Chapter 5 (Shadow)

The sun was just beginning to set as we started on our expedition. Rouge was flying above me, while Omega was guiding us. The same thoughts were running through my brain. Why did G.U.N need those emeralds so bad? Why not the chaos emeralds? Why were we chosen to complete the mission? Although these questions were bothering me, I would never say them out loud, or for that matter ask Tower. I have to follow protocol. Nothing matters except for the mission. But a small part of me fights saying that something does matter. Or at least... did.
"Shadow, Rouge. We are approaching the target shortly. She is with two others though." Omega said.
"Describe." Rouge said without her typical tone.
"A pink female hedgehog and a small girl rabbit" Omega replied bluntly. Fantastic. Literally the most annoying people in the world. Thank God it wasn't that faker. He is more annoying than the two put together.
"We know them. It'll be a breeze. Both are gullible." Rouge replied. I sighed and plugged back in my earbuds. Yes, I do listen to music. Mainly rock and alternative, but I do (though I would never tell anyone) love the oldies and the classics.
"The target is near. Be prepared." Omega said. I parked my motorcycle by a large tree and hopped off quietly. Rouge landed softly as Omega turned off his GPS. Rouge waved her hand towards a nearby bush and me Omega nodded. We hid behind the bush and I could make out Cream and Amy's figures in the dark. I tuned in to hear what they were saying.
"Blaze, can you light a fire for us? I can't see a thing!" Amy asked. I squinted to barely make out a silhouette, when a fire flared out. My eyes adjusted to the sudden amount of light, and I saw a purple cat. I examined her closely and I could make out her features better. She was wearing a purple dress along with a golden necklace. She also had her hair up in a ponytail and was wearing magenta heels. I took note of the red gemstone on her forehead, knowing she was royalty. I stared into her golden eyes, and I began to lose myself. They looked like the embers of a fire, bold and captivating. I felt the warmth of the fire becoming more intense just by staring into her fiery orbs. The moment Rouge snagged my arm, I snapped out of it, and realized we were being chased. I ran through the woods, splitting from Rouge and Omega. I was fast, but she rivaled my speed. I noticed a riven approaching, and I prepared myself to jump. I felt the adrenaline pumping through me, as I leapt off the edge. I braced myself for the impact of the river below, and to my surprise, something caught my hand. I instantly recognized Rouge, and exhaled a sigh of relief. I owed her one. As soon as she laid me on the river bank, a wave of realization washed over me. Blaze jumped in after me.
"Rouge, the princess is still in the river..." I coughed, and I knew I didn't have to repeat myself. Rouge bolted towards the river, searching desperately for the princess. I sat up, my eyes dashing looking for her. I instantly recognized her ponytail from the water, and pointed towards her. Rouge dove into the water and after a few seconds, she gasped for air, struggling to lift Blaze. She was waterlogged, I could tell. Without thinking, I dove into the water after her . Swimming against the current, I grunted trying to reach Rouge and Blaze. The pounding rain made it hard to see, until I caught a glimpse of Blaze's eye. My jaw hardened as I used all of my strength to swim against the rapids. I extended my fingers and caught Blaze's dress and Rouge's wing. I swam with all of the little energy left within me. I gasped for air as my fingers dug into the muddy earth of the river bank. Just as I was about to black out, I heard Rouge murmur, " Now we're even". That's when I collapsed and blacked out.