A wet washcloth was laid on the black forehead that was quickly becoming warmer, warmer than usual anyway. The bat sat next to the fainted creature for a second before getting up and walking back to the office desk where the Commander sat. The blue hedgehog sat in a chair across from the human, looking rather distraught, though he tried to remain calm. The Commander's office was nicer than the others, a larger room with a window that sat behind the mahogany desk. Two chairs that could belong in a living room, and a couch near the wall where a dormant black hedgehog lay. After he had lost consciousness, the blue hedgehog had carried him to the office they currently sat in while the Scientist returned to the lab. The Commander came with the bat and hedgehogs, making sure they behaved themselves until their comrade regained consciousness.
As the bat returned to her chair, the human continued their conversation, "You said Shadow wasn't feeling well? How long has that been going on?'' The agent crossed a leg over the other, "About a month. He insists he's fine, but I know better.'' The hero's ears seemed to perk up slightly as the bat continued, "I tried to get him to do something about it, but he wouldn't listen to me. I'm a bit surprised he actually passed out though, I've never seen him do that before.'' Worry shown on her face as the man across from them sighed slightly, "Well, I asked the lab to do some blood work before continuing the research to see if we can find out what's wrong. If he is ill, then that could affect the research as well.''
The man turned his attention to the hero, "As for you.'' The hero flashed a nervous grin. "Care to tell me why you decided to trespass onto GUN property?'' The accused scratched behind his ear, "I, uh, needed ta talk ta Shadow. Found out he was working here full time now with Team Dark, so I decided to come find him. Guess I shoulda waited `till he was done with work.'' The Commander seemed to roll his eyes slightly, "You did come in handy today. Just make sure it doesn't happen again.'' The hedgehog saluted with another grin, "Yessir!''
A soft groan sounded across the room as the black hedgehog shifted slightly. The bat was quick to return to his side, dabbing the sweat away from his head with the towel. After twisting slightly, the alien stilled once more. Peach hands twiddled helplessly. Wish I could take `im home. Nothin' I want more than ta take care of `im right now, but I can't just steal `im. Rouge'd kill me. Plus, I dunno if he's said anythin' bout us or not. Prolly hasn't even thought about that night. He made it pretty clear he didn't want me here. The minutes seemed to tick by in slow motion as they waited for the blood test to return. It had already been a few hours since he'd first arrived, and the black hedgehog had hardly moved since he had collided with the floor.
Finally, a knock at the door was heard from the side door, followed by the Commander giving permission to enter. The lab's Scientist from before had returned along with a woman, also dressed up in typical lab attire. The human at the desk rose from his seat, "Ah, glad you could join us, Doctor. Have you discovered anything?'' The Scientist gave a short nod, "We have.'' He seemed to glance nervously at the other two occupants in the room. Sensing he was not welcome to hear, the hero stood and joined Rouge at the other side of the room as the Commander and the two new entries seemed to form a tight circle and talk amongst themselves.
Sonic tapped his foot impatiently, a little miffed at not being able to hear what concerned the black hedgehog. He mumbled quietly to the bat, "Not like we're not his friends. I don't get why they gotta be so secretive over there.'' The bat's ear was turned behind her as she swatted at the other a little, "Shhhhh! If you stay quiet I might be able to hear what they're saying!'' The hero quickly shut his mouth, lowering to where she knelt next to the black hedgehog. He waited, at least he tried. "What're they sayin'?'' The agent mentally rolled her eyes, "...something about...high levels of hCG...the Commander asked if they were sure...they also found evidence of...PAPP-A.'' The blue eyebrows furrowed, "Wassat mean?'' Turquoise eyes met his, "Do I look like a Doctor to you?!'' The other pouted slightly, before standing up and walking back towards the group as Rouge silently cursed at him.
His presence was immediately noticed and the conversation stopped. The Leader turned to him, "Can I help you, Sonic?'' Said hedgehog wore a look of determination, "What's wrong with Shadow?'' The two humans glanced at their superior, as the bat stood beside the hero. The man shook his head slightly, "I'm sorry. This is very personal information, and I'm not at liberty to discuss it with you without Shadow's permission.'' Rouge stepped forward slightly, 'Sir, as Shadow's teammate, I believe I have a right to know whether he can still be a member of Team Dark or if he needs to be taken care for the time being. I'm the closest thing to family Shadow has.'' The human put a hand to his head as if a bit exasperated, "While that may be the case, I still cannot disclose such information. It would be best for him to take some time off and rest. Can you bring him home?'' The bat shook her head, "He doesn't have a home, he's been staying with me every now and then, but unless you give me a reason to keep him there he'll leave again. If he's as ill as it seems he should not be wandering the streets at night in the rain.'' The multicolored eyes flipped from Rouge to Sonic, as if considering her plight. Rouge took the hero by the arm, "I'll need his help too. I alone can't keep Shadow somewhere by myself, I'll need him to help me. Plus he's his friend.'' Sonic was grateful to be included, she must have noticed his worry when the other fainted, "I care about Shadow a lot, I'll make sure he gets the rest he needs.''
The man sighed, "I suppose while Shadow is still unconscious I don't have much of a choice. Doctor, will you please explain?'' The bat turned her attention to the woman. Her and Shadow were well known by the nurses and Doctors after their missions. Although Shadow for the most part resisted medical attention, Rouge had needed it several times. They had often conversed back and forth while her stay in the medical ward. Being told this news about her dear friend from someone she knew slightly more than her boss was well appreciated.
The Doctor stepped forward slightly, "We ran the blood test several times to confirm, but we know what's plaguing Agent Shadow.'' Rouge looked at her in worry, "Is he alright?! Is he sick?!'' The woman smiled slightly to reassure her, "I know you care for him deeply, Agent Rouge. I assure you he's alright. He just needs to rest. I want you two to keep an eye on him for the next week. Keep him in bed if you can. The important thing is that he gets the rest and nutrition he needs.'' The bat's eyebrows furrowed slightly, "He's never slept that long before. I never even saw him sleep before a month ago. He hardly ever eats either.'' The hero crossed his hands behind his head, "He told me he doesn't need ta do much of either. His chaos energy makes it so he doesn't need ta eat or sleep like we do.'' The Doctor nodded, "That's true. Normally that would cover the essentials for his body. However, now he needs to be eating as well as resting regularly to keep his energy levels up. At least for the time being.''
The blue hedgehog's furrowed his eyebrows as well, "Did somethin' happen to `im? Why does he need ta do all this stuff now?'' The woman seemed to hesitate for a second, "As I told the Commander, we found high levels of hCG in his blood, as well as evidence of PAPP-A.'' Sonic was growing a bit frustrated, "Yea, yea, we heard. But we ain't doctors, Doc. Wassat mean?'' After getting confirmation from the Leader with a nod, the Doctor continued, "These particular chemicals are only found in pregnant women.''
For several minutes the bat and hedgehog simply stared at the humans. It was as if time had stopped for a while. Finally, the blue legs could not continue to hold up their owner, and he wobbly moved backwards into a chair, "Th-That's not possible!'' The Scientist shrugged, "I ran the blood multiple times to be sure it was not contaminated. Apparently, there's more to Project Shadow then we had originally thought. If we were able to properly examine Shadow, we might have been able to discover this sooner. Or the possibility of it.'' The blue hedgehog was starting to almost hyperventilate in panic, his mind running rapid, "B-but...he said...he told me that...'' The bat simply stared in shock. How is that possible?! I never thought that he could...I thought he was still a virgin! Who did he... Her short locks whipped in the air as she caught eyes with the hero, "...you...What did you do?!'' The hedgehog looked as shocked as her, "W-What?! I-I...'' The bat walked up towards him, pointing a finger at his chest, "It was you! A month ago when he showed up at my house drenched and acting strange...he had been with you!''
The humans looked on at the spectacle before the Commander spoke, "Sonic, is this true? Are you the father?'' Said hedgehog began to sway slightly, looking a little faint. "Oh, no!'' The bat grabbed the peach face, slapping his cheeks a bit, "You don't get to pass out too, you have too much to explain! Plus, I need you to carry Shadow!'' The fear of making her even more mad than she already was snapped the blue hedgehog awake. The Commander ran a hand through his short gray hair, "Why don't you three head home. It'll give you some time to...work things out. The Doctor will be available if you need help; just call.''
Taking his advice, the hero was able to steady himself enough to stand, and picked up the dormant alien hybrid. Rouge nodded, "Thank you, sir. I'll be back as soon as I can.'' "Wait." The Doctor stopped them, handing Rouge a set of papers, "Show Shadow these. It?s his blood results on paper. From what little I know of him, he seems to be someone who?ll need to have proof." The spy took the papers, looking them over. It was all Greek to her, all sorts of terms and names she had never heard of. But she took the Doctor?s advice, storing the papers in her pocket, "Thank you." The bat led the pair out of the room and down the hallway. When the door closed, the Commander was able to let out a breath he'd been holding. This new revelation was going to make things involving Team Dark a bit more complicated from now on.
After long twists and turns in the long hallways, the three mobians finally made it to the outside world once again. Sonic's smile was a bit less enthusiastic as before, but still sincere, "Thanks Rouge. I'll take him home and make sure he gets some rest.'' The bat's face was stern, "No. You both are coming with me. Shadow will be more comfortable if he wakes up in familiar surroundings, and you have a lot of explaining to do in the meantime.'' His ears flattened a bit. Shadow was right. She is like a mother when she's mad. The hero knew there was no way out of it and let out a little sigh, "Yes, Rouge.''
