Authors Note: Each portion of this story is written from a different characters perspective. Their name will appear before each of their sections. The characters do not belong to me and this was written as a gift for my sister for pleasure only. Two fan characters appear in this and they belong to Clang55. Their role is minimal.
Sonic: Seed of Chaos
by ~Swish42
Sonic: Seed of Chaos
Chapter 1: Finding the Ruins
۩ Tails ۩
"As far back as I can remember. I've been living here on this dark island . . . Always guarding the Master Emerald from anything that could harm it. I don't know why I was given this job . . . why it was my fate . . . destined to be here forever."
Knuckles the Echidna
"That is a very depressing story you know that?" Sonic chuckles in pure enjoyment.
Knuckles' tightens his crossed arms and grinds his teeth as he forces his head to face the annoying hedgehog. A countenance I (Tails) have grown use to after all these years of knowing him, "Well, why not switch fates then," Knuckles' says as smoothly as he can muster. I must admit Knuckles seems to be regaining himself again, lately it has been easy to stir him up, but then again all of us have been pushed to extremes recently.
"Aw, come on Knuckles, it can't be all that bad," Sonic replies as he moves his arms out palms up, to exemplify his words. "I'll make it up to you, how about a race around the Island. Like old times."
I chuckle, no matter how much our lives changed these two always have time to test each other. Well at least Knuckles still puts up with it.
It was nice to be here on Angel Island again, with so many adventures and problems it was great to finally have the time to relax. Lately it has been really confusing with all the different dimensions conflicting with each other and ancient pasts coming to knowledge again. Why can't it just go back to the way it was? Back when Eggmans' plans were flat and life was simple. *sigh*. Oh, well at least Sonic is around to face it all.
"Reeeaaady . . . GO," Sonic says and jumps forward with the skill and speed only he possesses.
"Hey, I'm not ready," Knuckles retorts as he stumbles to catch up. In the end I know Knuckles will win, after all it is his island and knowing Sonic, well, Sonic probably knows it too. This will be an interesting race, better than one brought on by anger and misunderstanding. The Master Emerald then draws my attention, I know that it is dangerous, but it is the most beautiful and sophisticated jewel I have ever seen. Not to mention the most fascinating. It's a wonder Rouge hasn't gotten her hands on it.
Yet, I never have seen it pulse like that. I wonder if that is normal. I carefully climb the ancient stairs towards the summit of the alter where the Emerald peacefully sits. I am immediately transfixed by the stones mystery. In the depth of the emerald a colorful pulsation occurs. At first it looks hazy and blurred, but gradually a clear image appears and I am shocked at what I see. Like a tiny flame growing into a fire the image imprints itself in my mind. A palace of enormous stature looms over two figures standing at its gate. If only they weren't so tiny I could get a better look at their features. As I search their faces the image transforms into Sonic, but it's not the happy face I'm use to seeing. Instead he falls before my eyes reaching for me. Terrified I reach forward through the green mist to try and catch his hand.
As I take a step towards the Emerald a heavy hand jerks me away and a red form intently squares itself between me and the glowing image. I don't know why, but I can't move, and I stare straight ahead as if through Knuckles to the image I know is there, where Sonic continues to fall.
"Tails look at me," Knuckles says, his voice strictly urges me to answer. It's strange he sounds more concerned than angry and this is enough to startle me. "What did it show you Tails?"
I don't reply, but stutter instead. "Well, I uh", pull yourself together Tails. "I saw a beautiful palace, one that reminds me of the Mystic Ruins, I guess. There were two people standing at its gate, just staring at it. The palace was beautiful."
Knuckles' just stares at me with an odd look in his eye. He looks angry, he always does, but then I realize . . . naw he couldn't be.
"Knuckles I've never seen you run so fast before," Sonic say's as he reaches us. Sonic to the rescue. He gives his casual smile and I can't help but smile back.
Knuckles' doesn't say anything, but I know what is coming. "Let's race some other time Sonic." He glances at me and then looks at Sonic and says, "It's getting late anyway."
Instead of making a jest Sonic just nodes and walks down the steps. I quickly follow after him. What was that palace and why did the Emerald show it. I am thinking so hard that I almost bump into Sonic's prickly back as he abruptly stops at the bottom of the steps.
"I don't know what happened, but you look spooked Tails," he says concerned. "Is everything ok?"
I don't hesitate to answer, "It's just the Master Emerald." I calmly reply I don't want Sonic to worry, least of all worry about me. "It began acting up after you started your race and showed a strange image in its core." I relate what I had seen to him with Knuckles response, yet conveniently leave the part out about him falling. I finish by saying, "Don't get me wrong, but I think Knuckles looked scared."
Sonic laughs, not a heartless laugh, just a carefree don't worry kind of laugh.
"Nah, Knuckles' just has a lot of responsibility that's all," Sonic replies. He pauses probably trying to decide what to ask further, but he surprises me and says, "Besides this isn't the first time that rock has shown things."
"I guess not," is all I can say.
Sonic gives a yawn (hawh) "Knuckles is right anyway it's getting late, common it's time we got home."
Merrily I reply, "OK." And run off after him. Out of curiosity I look behind me, back at the Master Emerald and Knuckles. He has his hand on the giant gem and by his stiff stance I can tell he's brooding. It is so easy to tell how the echidna feels. I then glance at the Master Emerald in all its' splendor, and a chill goes up my spine. I want to believe Sonic, I normally do, but . . . I turn away. But even though I am not looking at the Emerald anymore I can't help but feel like it is now watching me instead of the other way around.
$ Rouge $
"Agent Rouge you're called for an assignment" a rough looking man tells me. They all had to look ruff; otherwise it wouldn't be the G.U.N.
"It's about time, I'm getting tired of stealing gems," not really, but the G.U.N does bail me out of those . . . misunderstandings. And lately it has been great fun competing with the Babylonian Rouges for treasure, "What's the job?"
"Jack the Bat . . ."
I don't let him finish, "Well you can tell him that I don't care how smart he is I'm not interested in meeting him . . . even if he has found ancient treasure."
"Actually, Miss Rouge you're on a mission to examine one of their latest finds in Crystal Forest. They, Jack the Bat and Madeline the Moth, have requested protection for the excavation site. But any information you can obtain on discoveries they make is the G.U.N's primary concern."
"So this is just the opportunity Gun has been waiting for in getting a real look into history, hmmm?" I smoothly reply, I know there is more to this, there always is, but I enjoy a good mystery.
"Jack seems to have an interest in you, but we will send a team with you, at your command in order to appease the archeologist's request."
"The more the merrier as I always say," I say, my voice almost sings aloud. I only hope it won't be too boring. "Can I make a request for a partner?" I give a flash of my eyes just for the fun of it.
The man heaves a sigh of, dare I say it, disgust. He has no taste for flattery, a pity. "Whatever you want Miss Rouge, you're in charge."
"Aren't I always?"
Ψ Jack Ψ
"Put the lantern up to this image will you please," Madeline gently says as she examines the relic in front of her with acute interest and observation. I comply swiftly, interested myself in the artifact. I am more than eager to examine the piece myself rather then write a boring synopsis for my employers. The synopsis is no interest to me of course and not a part of my life's work.
"What did you find?" I ask eagerly, I am ready for a new discovery. "Anything about the ancient's who lived here?"
"Hold your enthusiasm, I can't read it without the lantern, so how can I tell you what it says let alone who lived here?" Madeline says, her voice whispers crisply matching the gentle touch of her fingers against the wall. She doesn't have to whisper, but one, she doesn't want to disturb the wall in its delicate state and two she doesn't want anyone knowing that we are still up exploring. She isn't one to be easily angered too, but I know why she is so terse and it has nothing to do with the lantern.
Here we go; it would be unwise to ignore an issue that is bothering her for both our sakes. "You know having protection here is for the best." I say, whispering back as I gently hold the lantern as close to the wall as comfort would allow.
She doesn't respond right away, but I wait. She looks at the wall, jots down a few notes and then replies. "I understand the logic to this course of action . . . if there was reason to think safety was an issue."
I stand back from the wall a little bit forcing her to stop her note jotting, while also casting the light on the bigger picture on the wall before us. Part of it shows a beautiful picture of a council, most were echidnas, but there were a few other species as well. One was an echidna known as the historian who is seen writing down the proceedings. There is also one hedgehog in the picture with rings dancing around her. But these were normal images, nothing out of the ordinary, only portraits of fables to fall asleep to. On the outside border of this council picture was an etching of a more disturbing nature. It showed what appeared to be animals and humans of all races in agony and despair. At the very top of this boarder was a gloating round man with a mustache and no eyes. I would not sleep well with this image in my mind. Madeline knows what I am saying. There are not very many men who look like Dr. Robotnik.
"It's just a picture Jack . . . a picture of the past not of the present." She sighs to me. "We see these things all the time and . . ."
"In our line of work we must consider all possibilities of what it can mean," I say, my hands intervene along with my voice as I show the emphasis of my words.
"But it doesn't mean we should make inferences based on the present rather than the past," she counters. She knows I know this, after all this is my life's work, so I reply, "Of all the historic sites we have studied how many have the likeness of Dr. Ivo Robotnik on them?" I don't give her time to answer, "It's best to take precautions, don't you agree? Please . . ."
"And I suppose it is no coincidences that they are sending Rouge to oversee the operation?"
I cannot answer and so the issue has been resolved. It can't be just coincidences that Gun is sending Rouge; I should have never gotten tangled up with her in the first place. I bring the lantern back close to the wall so Madeline can continue working and we are both surprised at the outcome of such short work. It says one word . . .
"Beware"
"Go figure" I say aloud, not bothering to whisper.
Ώ Knuckles Ώ
I run along an ancient catacomb towards what I hope may be a way out. Pictures of my ancestors blur along the walls as I rush to rid myself of this dread. The pictures are like brand new, bright and crisp, and the floor is smooth with no cracks. It's unnatural; it is not suppose to be this way. But this darkness . . . I can't shake this feeling, this foreboding . . . I hate it!
*grunt* I trip over an invisible obstacle and sprawl across the smooth marble floor, sliding against a stone wall. Trembling back onto my feet I curiously look at the wall which has seemingly planted itself in front of me. *huuu* I almost gasp at its beauty and its horror. I see myself in the mural dying what looks to be a painful death at the hands of some . . . monster which remotely, very remotely, resembles an echidna. A round squat man stands closely behind him . . . a man with no eyes. He looks just like . . .
"Hello Knuckles the Echidna, Guardian of the Master Emerald and its server."
I cringe, I feel like I've heard that voice, but I know I couldn't have. Why am I afraid, I am never afraid? Upon realizing this I become angry, this person has a lot of nerve trying to make me angry.
I then hear a soft voice "knuckles, please . . . uhh."
As soon as I turn around my growing anger falls through me collecting beneath me in shame.
I can barely hear my own voice as I say his name, "Tails . . .?" In one hand the creature grasps a writhing Tails around his waist.
The creature gives a terse chuckle *hmm* "The past is a terrible thing to repeat," he says.
I run forward with all the energy I can muster and with no anger to be my help. "Let Tails go!"
WHAM! I wake with a start sitting erect and attentive, staring directly at the Emerald. The Master Emerald stares back, pulsating rapidly to the beat of a restless heart. It was just a dream.
I shake my head in dismay and when I look back at the Emerald I am amazed at what I see. A giant mural dances inside the Emerald with two ghostly figures staring at it. I inch forward in order to get a better look, but as quickly as it had come the image disappears. I hit my fist against the ground in frustration and try to calm my nerves. Being the guardian could be such a burden, but I will do what I must, and I will not deny my duty.
In order to think more clearly I speak aloud to myself, an old habit, but a useful one for clearing my mind. "I can't ignore these things; it would be foolish to do otherwise. I must look into this temple and find whoever those two figures are. Maybe I should ask for Sonic's help . . . no, ancient prophesies don't concern him; I need to do this on my own. And Tails . . . I hope he doesn't get involved." With my mind made up I turn my attention back to the Master Emerald. "I have left you in the past without worry to go on adventures with Sonic, but that was when problems didn't revolve around you. This concerns us both."
Ж Shadow Ж
"We need to gather as much information as we can while we're here," Rouge tells me assertively as we near our destination. I'm not even looking at her but she continues undeterred, "Jack and Madeline are very protective of their work so while I do all the necessary boring labor, you should take advantage of the time and investigate their efforts. Also keep an eye out for any Eggman intruders, after all that is supposedly why we are here."
I know all of this since she did have me read the report, but it would be niggling to try and add anything. Rouge has a way of supposedly knowing everything and to say anything now would just invite more needless talk. I will do what is required; it's a living after all. I look at Rouge as we stop in front of the ruins, she nods to me in a gesture of trust and smiles, of all the people in the world she is the closest thing to a friend I've got.
"Everything will go according to plan," I reply and we walk forward with the troops following us close behind. Again I notice their uncertain steps, either these ruins are haunted or they still don't trust me. I know it is the later.
As we near the gate of the temple a black bat and a moth wait at its entry. Around them scurry their co-workers trying to look busy, but obviously brimming with curiosity.
According to Rouge, Jack is unyielding in his line of work and specializes in excavating and identifying artifacts. Madeline is dedicated as well to Jacks cause and specializes in historic culture and language. This could be a difficult case, but if Rouge thinks she can handle it then I won't think otherwise.
"We're grateful the G.U.N. agents could come on such short notice," Jack reply's extending a hand to Rouge. Graciously Rouge extends her hand and Jack gently gives the hand a kiss . . . disgusting. Rouge doesn't flinch; she hardly ever loses a grip on her sense of poise and charm.
In her sassy polite way she reply's, "I'm glad we could help."
"This is my partner Madeline Jacobs," he gesture to his moth companion and Rouge tolerably shakes her hand.
"This is my team (gesturing behind her) and my partner Shadow, who will be helping with the protection," Rouge say's, Jack lends his hand in friendly greeting and I am tempted to ignore his politeness, but Rouge was keen on me acting refined as to not draw attention to myself so I go through the motions in an effort to appear interested. Yet I am curious as well.
"A pleasure to meet you as well" I reply with all the charm I can muster. As Madeline extends her hand I take it tenderly and bring it to my lips as Jack had done with Rouge. Madeline smiles graciously and I can feel Rouge's eyes bearing down on me. If only I could see Rouge's face. She knows this is very unlike me, which is precisely why I do it. Jack is unfazed and looks at Madeline with a smile on his face; the smile of a true friend which I recognize instantly.
Rouge speaks up, "Since you didn't send us the schematics of the perimeter it would be nice of you to share them now."
"Of course," he replies and gestures for Rouge and her team to follow. Basically the ruins were in a block system, which according to Madeline was a scheme the echidna race followed to a fault, but the ruins of the palace itself were, as I observed, erratic. After the tour Rouge gathers the team and assembles them strategically around the palace with Jack inserting advice where he can. Rouge accepts the advice most of the time and decides to concentrate the forces around the temple where the archeologists are focusing their work. As the soldiers trudge off to their assigned posts of guarding or setting up camp I wait behind for Rouge's instruction.
"I want you at the Palace entrance for the night, but first inspect the building perimeter in case I missed something, I will head to the camp and set up our equipment," she tells me carefully, I know she wants me to investigate, but Jack was still standing attentively close by. He's a cautious bat and so I reply, "Of Course." As casually as I can, giving a nod for infuses.
With everything said and done we part and I begin to appear as if I am complying with Rouge's instruction, checking the large structures boundary was no easy task, it was enormous and part of it was covered by an ancient land slide of the mountain directly behind the structure. I knew where I wanted to inspect first, a place I found intriguing during the tour, and so I head towards the north side of the immense building. It was a large mound or alter structure with broken pedestals surrounding it. A soldier was already posted here since it gave a good vantage point to the east and north. The soldier glances down at me, but casually turns his attention back onto the landscape.
I walk to the top and inspect the strange structure, I feel like I have seen it before but I don't know where. Jack mentioned that they had a theory of what it was, something about it being built as a shrine for the Master Emerald.
The Master Emerald . . . *huu*, I don't see what the big deal is over such a device.
I am completely caught off guard as the floor beneath me falls away, I feel myself tumble down and with a bone chattering crash I hit the bottom of the shaft. Lucky for me I'm the Ultimate Life form, otherwise I would be dead for sure. As the ringing in my head dies down it is replaced by the yells of the soldier now above me.
"Sir, are you alright answer me," his rough voice calls.
"I'm alright *cough* I should be able to climb back out," I answer as loudly as I feel inclined to yell. "Stay at you post."
"Your sure sir?" he says. His voice hollers down the chasm echoing.
How annoying of course I'm sure, but he did have the heart to ask, "I'm fine, just keep a look out." I pull out a chaos emerald, might make the climb out a little easier or at least faster. As I pull out the emerald though something in front of me catches my eye. It is a mural of an imposing maroon echidna clawing at another red echidna. The red one is definitely losing. Behind the more imposing echidna stands . . . Dr. Eggman? No wonder the archeologist's are worried, there must be other murals like this one in the palace.
"Jack is coming this way," I hear the man above me report. I pause and then put the emerald out of view and wait.
۩ Tails ۩
"Knuckles! Please . . . *grunt*," I scream as loud as I can, but it comes out of my throat only as a ghostly whisper. The larger echidna's grip on me makes it hard to breath, "Get out of there now, run!" I try to say, but Knuckles isn't listening anyway, he runs forward with all his might. He looks ghostly to me and for some reason his eyes are green. He doesn't look angry like he normally does when he fights, but scared. Just as he is about to hit the menace who is threatening me Knuckles vanishes in a flash of green light. The echidna tightens his grip around my waist and stocks off down one of the passage ways. I gasp for breath and feel consciousness gradually leaving me.
Don't you dare loss consciousness Tails, not now, I think to myself. The walls begin to spin around me until I wonder if it is because of my weak state or because the walls are actually moving.
"What do you know about chaos emeralds?" I hear the echidna say smoothly. It sends chills up and down my spine; this can't be real . . . can it? I don't answer; I'm too tired to say anything.
"What do you know about chaos?" He asks as he drops me on the hard ground. *oafff* I groan aloud. My ribs ach, how does he expect me to answer, unless he doesn't expect a reply.
"What does the Master Emerald want with you?" I can't help but wonder why on earth he asks such questions when he knows I can't say anything. Then I realize that he is goading me, insulting me with how little he thinks I know.
"Who are you," I manage to ask.
"The past, come to haunt you of course," he says with pleasure dancing through his words. I look up at him and cringe as I crank my neck to try and look at him. He's lying. He continues, "Do you hate riddles?" He asks.
He doesn't make any sense. I look around to get a bearing of my surroundings and am shocked at what I see. Beautiful paintings surround me with couches and lamps and furnishings; a palace. I realize that it is a grand hall and I am in awe of its engineering. There is a large door to my right and it is slightly ajar. The doors slowly opens and I am shocked to see a black bat and a moth peering inside. They look just as shocked as I do when they see me.
"I just had to keep you here long enough," the echidna says. "In order to get someone's attention." And before I have time to think about his words I see stars and then a startled Sonic shaking me violently awake.
Another authors note: I wrote this about three years ago, and it's been a while since I last edited this. Hopefully it's up to par. I'll try to update this once every week, if you can't wait that long it is all posted on DA.