Chapter 2 - Facets
Anthony gazed upon the now back to full size Master Emerald. At the present, Knuckles was informing the Chaotix about what happened with the Server Chaos Emeralds, but Anthony was oblivious to the conversation as he was lost in his own thoughts. Eventually, he walked towards what looked like a small pond near the Mobius/Gardenia portal and sat down near it.
As he gazed towards the pond, he noticed something peculiar about his reflection. He then headed towards the portal and asked one of the guards for a mirror. One handed him a small signaling reflector and Anthony looked at himself in it. He then gasped as he saw his eyes...
They were no longer hazel in color, but green. A bright emerald green.
"I see you noticed the change in your eye color," Knuckles said, walking up to Anthony with several of the Chaotix in tow.
"How...? Knux...is this from the Chaos Emeralds?" Anthony asked. "But...your eyes aren't green..."
"It only happens in some individuals," Knuckles explained. "Sonic had it happen to him as well. His eyes were originally brown before he went super the first time."
"Wow..." Anthony said, still looking at his eyes in the reflection. He also began to show signs of worry in his face.
Several of the Chaotix couldn't help but notice this. "Anth, you alright?" Ray asked, but Anthony said nothing.
"Guys...I'd better talk to him alone," Knuckles said. The other Chaotix nodded in understanding and walked off. Knuckles then took the reflector from Anthony and returned it to the guard, and then led Anthony towards an area near the edge of the island where they could talk in private.
As soon as they reached the area, Anthony sat down in the grass and finally spoke. "I'm scared, Knux..."
"That's understandable...considering..." Knuckles said. "I'll help you through this, though."
"Knux...it's not just the fact that I have the Emeralds..." Anthony said, and then turned towards Knuckles. "Am I going to have to stay here on Angel Island for the rest of my life?"
"Of course not," Knuckles said. "I thought I had to at first myself...but you showed me otherwise. Besides...you're only going to be the Guardian of the Servers, which are with you at all times now, so you can go anywhere you choose."
"That's good..." Anthony said. "But still...I'm worried about having this power in my possession..."
"That's because you're unfamiliar with it, but you'll learn about them once I start your Guardian training," Knuckles said, and then coaxed Anthony to his feet. "Come...let's head back to the hotel. The others are probably waiting for us by now."
Anthony nodded in agreement and stood up. Knuckles then turned towards Chaos, who had materialized near them, and said, "Chaos...I need you to move the Island back to its previous position above Downunda." As soon as Chaos nodded in understanding, Knuckles nodded at Anthony and the two disappeared through the use of a Teleport power.
As they disappeared, they were watched by the members of the Chaotix, all of whom were amazed by this development.
"Unreal..." Espio said. "The new Guardian...is the Gamemaster..."
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"I'm sorry it's not much to offer," Rouge said as she prepared her apartment's couch as a bed for Shadow.
"It will be fine," Shadow said. "At least I'll be comfortable."
"That's good," Rouge said. It was then that she noticed a look of worry in Shadow's eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Rouge...I'm glad you're letting me stay here, but..." Shadow said, "I don't know where to go afterwards..."
Rouge gave Shadow a confused look and said, "I don't understand. I mean...you're welcome to stay here with me as long as you want..."
"It's not that, Rouge..." Shadow said, sitting down on the couch. "It's just...I don't know where I belong. The only home I've known before now is the Colony ARK, and I'm not sure if Mobius is willing to accept me after what I had originally done..."
Rouge sat down next to Shadow and said, "What are you talking about? Despite what you did, you were a great hero to Mobius...TWICE now! I'm sure you'll be accepted anywhere..."
"I'm not so sure..." Shadow said. As soon as Shadow said that...he felt Rouge place an arm around him and draw him into a hug.
"I am...since I know at least one who's accepted you no mater what..." Rouge said.
Shadow looked up and smiled towards Rogue. The two then drew into each others embrace...and into a long kiss.
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[So, who is this Dr. Light, Tails?]
Gamma and Metal Sonic were helping Tails with the final repairs to the TGM and were talking about future plans. Tails was explaining one possibility to the two bots for what they could do...
"Dr. Light is a Neo-Earth robotics expert and the man who helped Uncle Chuck with the creation of a Deroboticizer," Tails said as he fiddled with one component. "He has even done a lot of work with most of Arcadia's technological developments."
[Yes...but how can he help us?] Metal Sonic asked.
"Well...he might be able to give you guys a much needed update," Tails explained. "After that...it's pretty much your choice what you guys want to do."
"UNABLE TO DETERMINE POSSIBLE USAGE," Gamma said. "UNIT IS OBSOLETE."
[...and annoyingly monotone,] Metal Sonic said under his "breath".
"MY APOLOGIES, METAL SONIC," Gamma said. "VOICE MODULATORS WERE NOT DESIGNED FOR COMMON SPEECH FLUCTUATIONS."
[Whatever...] Metal Sonic said.
It was then that Teila and Tyreke entered the lab area as the three were talking. "Hey, Tails," Teila said. "It's getting late...why don't you put a hold on fixing that and head back to the hotel?"
"In a minute, Tay...I just got one more..." Tails began to say, and then finished the sentence with a "GYAH!!" as something snapped from the underside of the TGM. He came out from the underside of the TGM with a face full of oil which practically covered his entire face and upper torso with a coat of crude. The sight was enough to make both Teila and Tyreke laugh out loud.
"I'm sorry, Tails..." Teila said between laughs, "but that is SO FUNNY!!"
"Towel please..." Tails said, squinting his eyes shut so oil won't get in. Gamma handed him a towel and he preceded to wipe the oil off him the best he could. "Well...I won't be able to finish it tonight..."
[You could probably still lube the joints with your face though...] Metal said.
"Ha ha...funny, Metal..." Tails said, setting the towel on his workbench and putting his gloves back on. "Well, I'll head back to the hotel and get a shower. Tyreke, if you would?"
"SIR TAILS...MAY I ENQUIRE WHEN WE SHOULD EXPECT YOU BACK?" Gamma asked.
"I'll call you guys tomorrow morning," Tails said. "We can make plans to figure out what to do with you guys after Doc Light updates you guys."
[One that doesn't involve scrapping me for my past deeds, I hope...] Metal said.
"It won't...we'll make sure of that," Tails said, and then turned towards Tyreke. "Alright, Tyreke." Tails and Tyreke then disappeared due to Tyreke's Teleport power.
As soon as they had left, Teila turned towards the two bots and said, "Okay guys...how do you recharge?"
"I HAVE BEEN FITTED TO CHARGE IN ANY TYPE SOCKET," Gamma said.
[Ditto,] Metal said, and then gave Teila a strange look. [Strange...I would have thought you'd be afraid of me...]
"After what we all were just through?" Teila said. "Besides...after you hearing that you saved Sonic, I trust you."
After Metal and Gamma were hooked into a couple of sockets to be recharged, Teila went into the living quarters of the workshop to get ready for bed. As soon as Gamma had shut down for the night, Metal continued to remain active and even gave a looks towards where Teila went.
[She trusts me...] Metal said as he began to shut himself down for the night. [Strange...that's the first time anyone's actually trusted me. Not even Robotnik trusted me fully. It feels...nice...] He then shut down completely.
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"OOOF!!!"
Tyreke, Tails, Knuckles, and Anthony all found themselves sprawled on the floor after teleporting in from their respective locations. They had apparently chosen the same location to teleport to, and collided as a result...
"Geez...what is this? The Clue Movie?" Anthony said as the four stood up.
"Sorry, Anth..." Tyreke said. "Next time, let's plan our Teleport locations next time."
"Yeah...we might of ended up phasing into each other and fuse..." Anthony said. He then noticed Tails and said, "Um, Tails? Did you go three rounds with an oil tanker and lose?"
"Oh...you mean the oil all over my fur from fixing the TGM?" Tails said.
"Huh...Anth, maybe you shouldn't tangle with Packbell with the TGM anymore..." Knuckles remarked.
"Yeah...I guess..." Anthony said. "Anyway, let's get back to the room..."
"Alright...I'll catch you guys tomorrow," Tyreke said. He then disappeared as he Teleported.
The three went into the elevator and went up to the floor where their room was. There they found the entire group waiting for them inside the room, and several looked at Tails in surprise. "Uh...Tails? If you're going for the greased hair look, you might not want to use actual grease..." Rebecca commented.
"SHEESH! Can I PLEASE not get a random comment from everyone about getting oiled on by the TGM?!?" Tails said, somewhat exasperated, and then said, "I'm going to take a shower..." He then walked off, muttering to himself.
Anthony and Knuckles sat down with the rest of the group, and Anthony said, "So...it looks like you guys were talking. What about?"
"Ah...just discussing what to do next," Sonic said. "We're trying to figure out what we can do since we still have plenty of vacation time left."
"Gotcha..." Anthony said, and then noticed Amy yawning. "But...we can discuss it in the morning. Looks like it's bedtime for Amy...and after what we were all through, we could all use some rest."
"Yeah...I know what you mean..." Sally said, and then gave a look of worry towards Anthony. "Anthony...how are you doing? I mean...with the Servers and all..."
"I'll be fine, Sal," Anthony said, picking up a half asleep Amy. "Knux even assured me as such. Especially since he'll teach me everything he knows about the Emeralds."
"Well...that shouldn't take long then..." Julie-Su quipped.
"HEY!!!" Knuckles said, as several present began to laugh.
"I'm just kidding, Knux!" Julie-Su said, giving Knuckles a quick kiss on the cheek afterwards.
After the laughing died down, Anthony carried Amy into her bedroom, and also noticed Tails already cleaned up and asleep in his own bed. He then set Amy down so she could get ready and, after saying his goodnights, went to his own bedroom to get ready for bed.
As he removed his armor, he could still sense the Server Emeralds within him, and as he looked towards a mirror, he could swear he saw them glowing faintly from inside his body.
It amazed him...and frightened him...at the same time.
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Lisa had already tucked both Kyle and Hogi-San into bed and was currently talking with Aura in the spare room of her studio. "You sure you're going to be fine, Aura?" Lisa asked.
"Yes..." Aura said, currently setting a sleeping Ryndar at the foot of her bed. "I'm sure I'm doing the right thing by going back. But first...some fun with my new friends..."
"That's good," Lisa said. "Well...I'd better get to bed. See you in the morning, Aura."
Aura nodded in response and Lisa left to get ready for bed. Aura then sat down on her bed and began to think. As she sat down, Ryndar woke up and looked towards his mistress. Aura noticed this and began talking to Ryndar.
"Worried about me, are you?" Aura said, petting Ryndar. "Well...you're right to. I didn't want to tell Lisa this, but to tell you the truth...I don't know if I want to go. You and I have made a lot of friends here, after all..."
Ryndar moved close to Aura and began to nuzzle her. Aura smiled and picked up the Chao. "Yeah...I shouldn't worry...the answer will come to me." She then sighed and said, "I hope..."
Anthony gazed upon the now back to full size Master Emerald. At the present, Knuckles was informing the Chaotix about what happened with the Server Chaos Emeralds, but Anthony was oblivious to the conversation as he was lost in his own thoughts. Eventually, he walked towards what looked like a small pond near the Mobius/Gardenia portal and sat down near it.
As he gazed towards the pond, he noticed something peculiar about his reflection. He then headed towards the portal and asked one of the guards for a mirror. One handed him a small signaling reflector and Anthony looked at himself in it. He then gasped as he saw his eyes...
They were no longer hazel in color, but green. A bright emerald green.
"I see you noticed the change in your eye color," Knuckles said, walking up to Anthony with several of the Chaotix in tow.
"How...? Knux...is this from the Chaos Emeralds?" Anthony asked. "But...your eyes aren't green..."
"It only happens in some individuals," Knuckles explained. "Sonic had it happen to him as well. His eyes were originally brown before he went super the first time."
"Wow..." Anthony said, still looking at his eyes in the reflection. He also began to show signs of worry in his face.
Several of the Chaotix couldn't help but notice this. "Anth, you alright?" Ray asked, but Anthony said nothing.
"Guys...I'd better talk to him alone," Knuckles said. The other Chaotix nodded in understanding and walked off. Knuckles then took the reflector from Anthony and returned it to the guard, and then led Anthony towards an area near the edge of the island where they could talk in private.
As soon as they reached the area, Anthony sat down in the grass and finally spoke. "I'm scared, Knux..."
"That's understandable...considering..." Knuckles said. "I'll help you through this, though."
"Knux...it's not just the fact that I have the Emeralds..." Anthony said, and then turned towards Knuckles. "Am I going to have to stay here on Angel Island for the rest of my life?"
"Of course not," Knuckles said. "I thought I had to at first myself...but you showed me otherwise. Besides...you're only going to be the Guardian of the Servers, which are with you at all times now, so you can go anywhere you choose."
"That's good..." Anthony said. "But still...I'm worried about having this power in my possession..."
"That's because you're unfamiliar with it, but you'll learn about them once I start your Guardian training," Knuckles said, and then coaxed Anthony to his feet. "Come...let's head back to the hotel. The others are probably waiting for us by now."
Anthony nodded in agreement and stood up. Knuckles then turned towards Chaos, who had materialized near them, and said, "Chaos...I need you to move the Island back to its previous position above Downunda." As soon as Chaos nodded in understanding, Knuckles nodded at Anthony and the two disappeared through the use of a Teleport power.
As they disappeared, they were watched by the members of the Chaotix, all of whom were amazed by this development.
"Unreal..." Espio said. "The new Guardian...is the Gamemaster..."
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"I'm sorry it's not much to offer," Rouge said as she prepared her apartment's couch as a bed for Shadow.
"It will be fine," Shadow said. "At least I'll be comfortable."
"That's good," Rouge said. It was then that she noticed a look of worry in Shadow's eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Rouge...I'm glad you're letting me stay here, but..." Shadow said, "I don't know where to go afterwards..."
Rouge gave Shadow a confused look and said, "I don't understand. I mean...you're welcome to stay here with me as long as you want..."
"It's not that, Rouge..." Shadow said, sitting down on the couch. "It's just...I don't know where I belong. The only home I've known before now is the Colony ARK, and I'm not sure if Mobius is willing to accept me after what I had originally done..."
Rouge sat down next to Shadow and said, "What are you talking about? Despite what you did, you were a great hero to Mobius...TWICE now! I'm sure you'll be accepted anywhere..."
"I'm not so sure..." Shadow said. As soon as Shadow said that...he felt Rouge place an arm around him and draw him into a hug.
"I am...since I know at least one who's accepted you no mater what..." Rouge said.
Shadow looked up and smiled towards Rogue. The two then drew into each others embrace...and into a long kiss.
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[So, who is this Dr. Light, Tails?]
Gamma and Metal Sonic were helping Tails with the final repairs to the TGM and were talking about future plans. Tails was explaining one possibility to the two bots for what they could do...
"Dr. Light is a Neo-Earth robotics expert and the man who helped Uncle Chuck with the creation of a Deroboticizer," Tails said as he fiddled with one component. "He has even done a lot of work with most of Arcadia's technological developments."
[Yes...but how can he help us?] Metal Sonic asked.
"Well...he might be able to give you guys a much needed update," Tails explained. "After that...it's pretty much your choice what you guys want to do."
"UNABLE TO DETERMINE POSSIBLE USAGE," Gamma said. "UNIT IS OBSOLETE."
[...and annoyingly monotone,] Metal Sonic said under his "breath".
"MY APOLOGIES, METAL SONIC," Gamma said. "VOICE MODULATORS WERE NOT DESIGNED FOR COMMON SPEECH FLUCTUATIONS."
[Whatever...] Metal Sonic said.
It was then that Teila and Tyreke entered the lab area as the three were talking. "Hey, Tails," Teila said. "It's getting late...why don't you put a hold on fixing that and head back to the hotel?"
"In a minute, Tay...I just got one more..." Tails began to say, and then finished the sentence with a "GYAH!!" as something snapped from the underside of the TGM. He came out from the underside of the TGM with a face full of oil which practically covered his entire face and upper torso with a coat of crude. The sight was enough to make both Teila and Tyreke laugh out loud.
"I'm sorry, Tails..." Teila said between laughs, "but that is SO FUNNY!!"
"Towel please..." Tails said, squinting his eyes shut so oil won't get in. Gamma handed him a towel and he preceded to wipe the oil off him the best he could. "Well...I won't be able to finish it tonight..."
[You could probably still lube the joints with your face though...] Metal said.
"Ha ha...funny, Metal..." Tails said, setting the towel on his workbench and putting his gloves back on. "Well, I'll head back to the hotel and get a shower. Tyreke, if you would?"
"SIR TAILS...MAY I ENQUIRE WHEN WE SHOULD EXPECT YOU BACK?" Gamma asked.
"I'll call you guys tomorrow morning," Tails said. "We can make plans to figure out what to do with you guys after Doc Light updates you guys."
[One that doesn't involve scrapping me for my past deeds, I hope...] Metal said.
"It won't...we'll make sure of that," Tails said, and then turned towards Tyreke. "Alright, Tyreke." Tails and Tyreke then disappeared due to Tyreke's Teleport power.
As soon as they had left, Teila turned towards the two bots and said, "Okay guys...how do you recharge?"
"I HAVE BEEN FITTED TO CHARGE IN ANY TYPE SOCKET," Gamma said.
[Ditto,] Metal said, and then gave Teila a strange look. [Strange...I would have thought you'd be afraid of me...]
"After what we all were just through?" Teila said. "Besides...after you hearing that you saved Sonic, I trust you."
After Metal and Gamma were hooked into a couple of sockets to be recharged, Teila went into the living quarters of the workshop to get ready for bed. As soon as Gamma had shut down for the night, Metal continued to remain active and even gave a looks towards where Teila went.
[She trusts me...] Metal said as he began to shut himself down for the night. [Strange...that's the first time anyone's actually trusted me. Not even Robotnik trusted me fully. It feels...nice...] He then shut down completely.
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"OOOF!!!"
Tyreke, Tails, Knuckles, and Anthony all found themselves sprawled on the floor after teleporting in from their respective locations. They had apparently chosen the same location to teleport to, and collided as a result...
"Geez...what is this? The Clue Movie?" Anthony said as the four stood up.
"Sorry, Anth..." Tyreke said. "Next time, let's plan our Teleport locations next time."
"Yeah...we might of ended up phasing into each other and fuse..." Anthony said. He then noticed Tails and said, "Um, Tails? Did you go three rounds with an oil tanker and lose?"
"Oh...you mean the oil all over my fur from fixing the TGM?" Tails said.
"Huh...Anth, maybe you shouldn't tangle with Packbell with the TGM anymore..." Knuckles remarked.
"Yeah...I guess..." Anthony said. "Anyway, let's get back to the room..."
"Alright...I'll catch you guys tomorrow," Tyreke said. He then disappeared as he Teleported.
The three went into the elevator and went up to the floor where their room was. There they found the entire group waiting for them inside the room, and several looked at Tails in surprise. "Uh...Tails? If you're going for the greased hair look, you might not want to use actual grease..." Rebecca commented.
"SHEESH! Can I PLEASE not get a random comment from everyone about getting oiled on by the TGM?!?" Tails said, somewhat exasperated, and then said, "I'm going to take a shower..." He then walked off, muttering to himself.
Anthony and Knuckles sat down with the rest of the group, and Anthony said, "So...it looks like you guys were talking. What about?"
"Ah...just discussing what to do next," Sonic said. "We're trying to figure out what we can do since we still have plenty of vacation time left."
"Gotcha..." Anthony said, and then noticed Amy yawning. "But...we can discuss it in the morning. Looks like it's bedtime for Amy...and after what we were all through, we could all use some rest."
"Yeah...I know what you mean..." Sally said, and then gave a look of worry towards Anthony. "Anthony...how are you doing? I mean...with the Servers and all..."
"I'll be fine, Sal," Anthony said, picking up a half asleep Amy. "Knux even assured me as such. Especially since he'll teach me everything he knows about the Emeralds."
"Well...that shouldn't take long then..." Julie-Su quipped.
"HEY!!!" Knuckles said, as several present began to laugh.
"I'm just kidding, Knux!" Julie-Su said, giving Knuckles a quick kiss on the cheek afterwards.
After the laughing died down, Anthony carried Amy into her bedroom, and also noticed Tails already cleaned up and asleep in his own bed. He then set Amy down so she could get ready and, after saying his goodnights, went to his own bedroom to get ready for bed.
As he removed his armor, he could still sense the Server Emeralds within him, and as he looked towards a mirror, he could swear he saw them glowing faintly from inside his body.
It amazed him...and frightened him...at the same time.
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Lisa had already tucked both Kyle and Hogi-San into bed and was currently talking with Aura in the spare room of her studio. "You sure you're going to be fine, Aura?" Lisa asked.
"Yes..." Aura said, currently setting a sleeping Ryndar at the foot of her bed. "I'm sure I'm doing the right thing by going back. But first...some fun with my new friends..."
"That's good," Lisa said. "Well...I'd better get to bed. See you in the morning, Aura."
Aura nodded in response and Lisa left to get ready for bed. Aura then sat down on her bed and began to think. As she sat down, Ryndar woke up and looked towards his mistress. Aura noticed this and began talking to Ryndar.
"Worried about me, are you?" Aura said, petting Ryndar. "Well...you're right to. I didn't want to tell Lisa this, but to tell you the truth...I don't know if I want to go. You and I have made a lot of friends here, after all..."
Ryndar moved close to Aura and began to nuzzle her. Aura smiled and picked up the Chao. "Yeah...I shouldn't worry...the answer will come to me." She then sighed and said, "I hope..."