The Creatures Neon

Chapter 5

Knuckles and Rouge had touched down in Paris an hour ago and were on their way to Sonic Team's safe-house. They darted through the traffic in a yellow Maserati and made their way to Batignolles on the North and West of the city center. Knuckles loved the mystery and romance of the Paris, and often enjoyed staying there during his down time. Rouge, on the other hand, looked decidedly out of her element - well, not exactly. She certainly looked the part of a well-heeled Parisian aristocrat, but in her eyes, Knuckles noted a longing for parts unknown. She was a born adventurer.

And so, they drove until they arrived at the edge of a train yard. Knuckles got out and, careful no one was watching, slid into an alley way between two giant warehouses. He ran his hands over the uneven stone surface of one of the buildings searching for something. Before long, he had found it - a loose brick which he gently worked free and set to the side. He flicked on a hidden switch and replaced the brick.

They got back in the Maserati and drove out of the seventeenth arrondissement, across the Avenue de Clichy, and into the Quartier des Grande-Carrières. They weaved around corners and through the traffic and alighted outside an unassuming bakery. They entered and Knuckles nodded to the proprietor (an old friend of the Team) who waved them through to the back. They walked through the kitchen and out into the secluded alley behind it. Knuckles now produced a key fob and pressed on it twice.

A section of the wall slid back to reveal a series of stairs descending beneath the city streets. At the bottom they were met with yet another door and Knuckles unlocked it with a golden key - they stepped through.

The Paris safe-house was Knuckles' favourite, and he had a feeling its sensibilities would appeal to Rouge as well. It was a dark, cozy enclave, that smelled of Persian saffron and Spanish leather. It was filled from floor to ceiling with stacks of books and treasures from all over the world. Rouge swooned.

But they were not alone.

Rouge rounded a corner and came face to face with Amy Rose.

Neither spoke as they held each others gaze. The air grew icy.

"Hi." Rouge said flatly.

The words hung in the air for an uncomfortable moment.

"Hey." Amy replied.

Another awkward silence. Rouge fidgeted and looked away.

"I'm... Sorry, about Tails... And Sonic."

Amy breathed in sharply but said nothing.

Now the echidna entered the scene.

"Amy! Good to see you."

Knuckles moved in for a hug, but Amy instead grabbed his arm and dragged him to the study. She rounded on him with a vengeance.

"Rouge?! Seriously?!"

Knuckles backed away bumping into a chair behind him. "Yes Rouge! She's a treasure hunting mercenary badass!"

"She used to work for Robotnik!" Amy's voice was an enraged whisper.

"We need all the fire power we can get!"

"No! It's not just about strength Knuckles. We need to be able to trust her!"

"I do trust her!" Knuckles stopped his retreat and held Amy's gaze, "Is that not enough for you?"

Amy pinched the bridge of her nose exasperated. Knuckles took a step towards her. Even though it had only been two days, he missed her.

"No offense Amy, but I've known her a hell of a lot longer than you have." He placed a large hand on her shoulder. "She's cool."