All characters, save for those created by me, are properties of Sega and Sonic Team

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Shades of Darkness: Return of the Jackal

"To speak the name of the dead...is to make him live again..." --Ancient Egyptian Proverb

Sandopolis--

"Good evening, my princess." Sevag said politely as he bowed before Princess Midiana, who was entering her bedchambers for the night.

"Oh Sevag, you know you don't need to be so formal around me." Midiana giggled, and the vixen stooped down to stroke under Sevag's chin.

"But it seems so fitting." Said Sevag with a grin. "For I cannot help but be humbled by your beauty."

Midiana blushed a little, and slowly brought her face closer to his, and they shared a

deep, passionate kiss. The love that they shared, however forbidden, was one that only

grew deeper the more they were together. She a princess of an entire kingdom, and he a

lowly orphaned servant, they were thevery definition of star-crossed love. All they had in their lonely existences

were each other. Should Midina's father have ever found out, Sevag would surely have been executed.

"So, how was your day, my princess?" Sevag asked, as they moved to sit at the edge of her bed.

Midiana's bright and joyful face became a look of tragedy, and she looked down to the ground. " Father is getting more serious about marrying me off to the Echidna king soon…"

Sevag gave a look of great concern. "Then we must do something!"

"What could we do, Sevag?" Midiana asked hopelessly, tears welling up in her eyes.

"The time has come for us to finally carry out our plan." Said Sevag, bringing his hand to her face to wipe the tears from her eyes. "Midiana, run away with me."

She looked into Sevag's eyes. "Run away? But…but to where? My father, he'll search to the ends of Mobius to find me."

"Then that is a chance we will have to take." Said Sevag.

Midiana put her arms around Sevag, and buried her muzzle deep into his shoulder, and began to sob. "If…if I don't marry the Echidna king, he…he may order his troops to invade Sandopolis. He wants the Chaos Emerald, Sevag…"

Sevag embraced her," Yet another risk…but everything we have shared together came at a risk. This is nothing new."

"But Sevag…you don't understand…"Midiana sobbed" I…I haven't told you yet…"

"Told me what?" asked Sevag.

"I'm…I'm so sorry Sevag…I'm afraid…I'm afraid what I'm about to tell you…may be the final nail in the casket for us…when my father finds out…" Midiana said, crying.

"What is it Midiana? Please tell me! I'm sure I will think of something!"

Midiana pulled out of Sevag's embrace, and placed her hands on his shoulders. They gazed into each other's eyes for a moment, before Midiana uttered those fateful words.

"Sevag…I'm pregnant…"