Shadaze: The flaming cherry blossom.

Chapter 6 (Shadow)

I had awoken just about an hour after Rouge had. I grunted as I got up, and noticed Rouge and Omega were crouched beside me.
"Shadow... What happened back there in the bushes." Rouge asked, with no trace of humor. What can I say to that? I can't just tell them that I had spaced out. It would be deemed as unprofessional and idiotic.
"I was thinking about the mission is all" I lied. Omega and Rouge shared a look, but they didn't confront me. They could tell I was lying.
"Your face said otherwise. It was blushing" Omega said.
"I was feeling sick. Maybe I am getting a cold" I lied again. Was he implying that I had feelings for Blaze? That's pathetic. I don't have feelings for people anymore. Death will just strip them away from you in the end. It always has. I heard a moan from behind me, and I spun around, coming face to face with Blaze. She jumped back slightly, locking her fierce eyes with mine.
"You..."she seethed.
"Shadow. And your name?" I said, holding my guard.
"You we spying on me..." Blaze murmured coldly.
"I saved your life." I spat back.
"No, the bat did." She growled.
"The 'bat' has a name" Rouge commented. Blaze spun her head around, and a look of realization crossed her face.
"I've seen you before" she mumbled, her pupils becoming thin slits.
"Doll, you must have me mistaken. I've never seen a kitty like you." Rouge said, keeping her cover.
"But... you have the same... I must be going insane..." Blaze thought aloud, before getting up and walking towards Amy and Cream. Omega quickly followed behind, along with me and Rouge trailing behind. Cream was pouring tea out of a kettle. She offered me a cup, but I refused.
"Shadow, Omega,Rouge. I think me and the girls can handle finding the emeralds. Thanks for everything." Amy said.
"You know them?" Blaze whispered to Amy.
"Oh, sorry! Blaze, meet Rouge,Shadow, and...umm...I don't know you actually..." Amy introduced.
"Omega E-300" Omega said.
"It's nice meeting you, however, I'm not here to make friends." Blaze said gruffly.
"Well, she is a little peach now ain't she" Rouge whispered to me. I nodded, but I could see Blaze's view. I understand the struggle of balancing out friends and work. In the end though, work will always be the top priority. Friends are temporary. Eventually, the will just leave you life forever. It's no use to make any.
"We know where the Babylon Rouges are" Rouge said. That got their attention.
"Can you lead us to them Miss.Rouge" Cream asked with her usual politeness. Come to think of it, I haven't seen Cream in 8 years. Though I would never admit it, Cream was always a favorite of mine. She always greeted everyone with a smile... Just like Maria.
Maria. It's been so long since her death, but it will always haunt me. Always.
"Well, I don't see why not." Rouge shrugged. Cream beamed at Rouge and me, while I scoffed and rolled my eyes.
"Fine. You guys can tag along. But I'M the one in charge. Got that?" Amy snapped, slightly scaring me. If I knew one thing from hanging around Sonic and his friends, I knew NOT to screw with Rose. She has a VERY short temper, and I didn't want to be the cause of her outrage.
"I hate to ruin your pressing conversation, but we need to get going. We can still track them down if we leave now." Blaze intervened, slightly ticked off.
"Miss Blaze, which way should we go!"Cream asked politely, while making a flower crown.
"North. Like we did-" Blaze started before I cut her off.
"No. Their base is east. I've gone there before on countless missions. I'll lead, while Blaze follows and burns a trail. Rouge, you take the motorcycle with Amy, Omega take Cream and Cheese." I ordered. Nobody gave back any lip, unless you count the eyebrow raise from Blaze. I took off at a mild sprint and I could hear Blaze follow behind me. Her run was quick and nimble, a trail of fire trickling close behind her. From the speed of how fast she was going, the flames quickly died out, leaving a charred path. I heard the revving of my motorcycle engine from close behind, and sighed. I had to stay focused on the mission. All I had to do was lead her to G.U.N headquarters and the mission would be complete. Rouge would take care of Amy and Cream and tell them that she strayed away from the group. It would be simple. But a small part of me itched inside telling me that what I was doing was wrong. Every time I ignored it though, it kept burning back. No matter how hard I tried, it was just a fire I couldn't extinguish.