SONIC UNLEASHED
Terra © DarkspineSilver79
Crash © Sierra Entertainment
Chapter Six: Crash and Burn, Part 2
The scene opens to the Mazuri Gaia Gate in the middle of Africa. While her soldiers were diligently out fighting against invaders, Terra was searching for the entrance to the temple. With the help of Black Doom's newest creature, which justified as her partner, the Nocturnus Procurator was able to locate the front entrance. Unfortunately, the Inner Sanctuary could not be breached without the use of the Planet Keys. Realizing she had failed, Terra stepped outside patient and vented her anger by kicking a nearby column to ruble.
"Damn it!" Terra cursed; her anger still rising. "Black Doom was telling the truth when he said the Planet Keys were the only way inside." As Terra's chest heaved heavily, the alien hound growled lowly. "Yes, I understand that I must not let my anger get the best of me. We can only hope that the Decurions are doing their jobs."
Just moments after she uttered those words, six black blurs dropped to the ground with thunderous thuds next to her. Terra had a vague idea of what they could be and was proven correct once the dust clouds cleared. Seven of the six Decurion soldiers landed randomly across the ground, slowly pulling themselves up. The moment they realized they had crashed in front of the Procurator, they kneeled at her feet.
"Procurator Terra." The Leader spoke apprehensively. "We bring some terrible news."
"Let me guess." Terra said dully. "You were unable to kill the hedgehogs." Terra sighed audibly as the soldier nodded their heads. While her eyes roamed over their ranks, she noticed something out of place. "Wasn't there seven of you when I call for your assistance?"
"One of our newest members was unfortunately killed by the hedgehogs." The Leader informed. "We were able to force them back shortly after, but where interrupted by an orange tornado."
"An orange tornado?" Terra repeated in disbelief.
"We may believe it's the work of the bandicoot wandering the jungle." The Leader suggested.
"Are you talking about the story of the mutated bandicoot?" Terra questioned, groaning at their ignorance. "I told you before, that's just a myth the tribesmen made up to scare people away. There is no such thing as a mutated bandicoot or floating masks."
"I know what I saw." The Leader growled. "And I have no intention of facing that beast again."
"It's true what they say." Terra glared as she mounted her beast. "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."
"What shall we report to Black Doom?" The Leader asked.
"Oh, that's the thing." Terra smirked evilly. "You won't be telling him anything from the safety of the Twilight Cage." Before the Decurions could react to her statement, Terra pressed a button on her circlet, forcing them to teleport to the Twilight Cage. "I will not allow myself to be seen as a failure. I strived for this position for too long. Sonic, Nazo, I will not let you take this away from me."
The scene alters to a nearby section of the jungle. Sonic, Nazo, and Chip were able to find the Guardian of the Planet Key, Aku-Aku. Unfortunately, they were also introduced to his adoptive son, Crash Bandicoot, who was "kind" enough to share his fleas with them. It took several hours, but the heroes were able to find their way back to Mazuri Village and dragged themselves to Eggman. They embarrassed themselves for the scientist's amusement, but he repaid them for their efforts with a few flea collars he 'conveniently' had with him.
"I am very sorry for the trouble." Aku-Aku said sheepishly, floating close to Crash. "I've tried forever to have Crash get rid of those creatures. But he likes them, thinks of them as pets."
"That's so cool!" Chip exclaimed cheerfully; Nazo's eye was twitching. "Hey, Sonic, can I get a pet flea, too."
"Of course." Sonic grinned. "You can have one once you get your memory back and are out on your own."
"That's mean." Chip pouted.
"Deal with it." Nazo glared, glancing to the floating mask. "Exactly how far is the Gaia Gate?"
"Well, it's been fifty-two years since I last visited the temple." Aku-Aku informed. "But I distinctly remember the temple being hiding within the heart of the jungle. I camouflaged it perfectly around its environment using shaman magic."
"So there's a chance we won't be able to find it?" Sonic asked worried.
"Not to worry." Aku-Aku smiled. "Before closing the Inner Sanctuary, I left a trace of my own magical essence inside. While I focus on that small bit of magic, I should be able to track it within a matter of minutes. In fact, I can feel the magic resonating from this distance."
"That's amazing." Chip said inspiring. "I wish I could..."
All of a sudden, Chip once again smacked into a random object. But this time, it wasn't something you would expect to see in the middle of the jungle. While Sonic pried the tiny dog from the wooden structure, Nazo and Aku-Aku walked around the object in intrigue; Crash as playing with his fleas.
"It looks like...A ramp." Nazo said uncertainly.
"I don't remember this ever being constructed within the jungle." Aku-Aku said worried.
"Well, I guess we'll just have to find out where it came from." Sonic said excitedly.
Before Nazo or Aku-Aku had the chance to move, Sonic speeded up the ramp, stomping the duo on the way. The God of Darkness and wooden mask slowly pushed themselves up, groaning, until Crash and Chip followed in Sonic's footsteps. Making a note to kill them later, Nazo, his face covered in footprints, grabbed the wooden mask and slowly ascended up the ramp. Upon reaching the top, his expression held the same as his temporary allies: utter disbelief. They were clear above the trees with a perfect view of the entire jungle. Crossing through the branches was a long, curved wood road stationed several feet over the trees.
"What is this?" Aku-Aku questioned shockingly.
"Jakla blate bloo-wa!" Crash shouted incoherently.
"It looks like some sort of highway." Sonic said excitedly. Nazo could tell he wanted to run the track as his legs were twitching anxiously. "It reminds me of the track on Babylon Garden, but without all the killer robots."
"But where did it come from?" Nazo questioned.
"Allow me to answer that one!" A familiar voice echoed.
Sooner than they would have hoped, Terra dropped from the sky onto the wooden pathway, mounted on her faithful beast. As the alien hound growled menacingly, Chip took the opportunity to dive into Sonic's quills. Despite anyone's belief, he didn't use gel after all. (Sonic: Told ya!) The Gaia Warriors moved into attack position, barely registering that Crash was sniffing their feet.
"Hmph, I was wondering when you would become involved, Terra." Nazo said spitefully.
"How do you like my little pet project?" Terra said playfully, motioning to the wooden track. "I had the Nocturnus construct this transit system to move about the jungle easier. It's much faster than having to wonder endlessly through the trees."
"What you have created is an abomination." Aku-Aku said horridly. "This was not how nature intended it to be."
"A floating mask?" Terra said amazingly; her eyes glanced over to the orange bandicoot. "Well, I guess the legends were actually true. A mutated bandicoot and a floating mask." An idea struck her as her eyes wandered back to the mask. "Then that must mean you posses the soul of the former temple Guardian."
"Uh...." Aku-Aku said nervously.
"This is perfect." Terra smiled wickedly. "Once I extract the Planet Key from you, I will be able to enter the Inner Sanctuary and destroy it. With such an accomplishment, Black Doom may even promote me to Imperator, such as our former leader."
"And look where that landed him." Sonic smirked.
"If you want to get to him," Nazo said; he and Sonic moved closer to protect the Guardian. "You'll have to go through us."
"Oh, I was so hoping you would say that." Terra said malevolently, removing the reins from the beast below her. "Let loose and run wild, Black Wolf!"
The alien beast howled in glories relief, sending a wave of chills flowing down the heroes spines; Sonic could feel Chip shaking in his quills. The next time it howled, its head was aimed for the Gaia Warriors, creating a backlash of violent winds. Aku-Aku, being made of wood, was tossed backwards into the air. Sonic and Nazo lifted their arms in defense, but Crash allowed his tongue to daggle, making him look very similar to a dog. The Gaia Warriors sweat-dropped. Once the Black Wolf ceased its attack, it jumped into the air, grabbing Aku-Aku, and scurried backwards down the track.
"HELP!! I'M BEING FACE-NAPPED!!" Aku-Aku screamed.
"Don't let her get away!" Nazo commanded, racing after the echidna and her pet.
"Crash, ya coming?" Sonic ask before noting the bandicoot knowing at the floorboard. "Uh...never mind."
Leaving to the bandicoot to...whatever it is he's doing, Sonic shot down the winding track. In no time at all, he spotted Nazo, who was very close behind Terra. Already aware of her stalkers, Terra held her palm open to the edge of the wooden track. It was barely a moment before a massive fracture of Earth erupted from below, destroying the track behind Terra. Unfortunately for her, the Gaia Warriors were not ones to easily give up. Somehow, Nazo predicted the tactic and grasped the Black Wolf by its tail before the attack. Growling in annoyance, the Black Wolf tossed the Aku-Aku to its master before attempting to bit at Nazo's head. Before Terra knew what happened, the alien hound yelped and curved over, tossing its passenger aside. Nazo apparently released his hold on the Black Wolf moments before it snapped, forcing the beast to bite its own tail. Whimpering slightly, the Black Wolf was back on its feet, growling darkly.
"Oh, you shouldn't have done that." Terra said victoriously. "He gets really made when someone messes with his tail."
"Is that supposed to scare me?" Nazo smirked, crossing his arms in superiority. "You may have been able to defeat Sonic, but he is no challenge. I am far much stronger than him. It would be a good idea to hand over the mask before someone gets hurt."
"Someone's going to get hurt all right." Terra stated, pointing to the white hedgehog. "Sick'em, boy!"
The Black Wolf howled once more, creating another gust of wind. While Nazo raised his arms to protect his sight, the alien hound jumped forward and snapped its maw on the hedgehog's arm. Nazo, crying out in pain, fell backwards onto the track with the dark beast attempting to rip his arm off. It looked like the Black Wolf would succeed in its goal until a blinding flash of blue passed by, striking the alien beast in the chin. As the Black Wolf tumbled backwards, Sonic uncurled from his Spin ash, shooting an all too familiar smirk.
"Say, I remember you saying something about being better than me." Sonic said mockingly.
"Shut up." Nazo sneered, wiping the blood from his arm.
"You just don't know when to give in." Terra said annoyingly; she assisted her pet back to its feet. "That's one of the many things that irk me."
"Are you always so angry?" Chip asked, exposing himself from Sonic's quills.
"I am not angry!!" Terra exclaimed furiously; Chip took cover again. "I'm going to get rid of you and Black Doom will finally see that I am the best choice to lead the Nocturnus Tribe!!"
"Is that what this is all about?" Nazo questioned, sniggering loudly. "All to achieve a rank? You are an even bigger fool than I thought. You realize that once Black Doom no longer has any use of you, he will annihilate you."
"You're lying!" Terra screamed. "Black Doom is a savior that values his servants!"
"Wow, she's a class 'A' nutcase." Sonic whispered.
Unfortunately, Terra had overheard them, which was apparent by the large vein on her forehead. With the mask of Aku-Aku in her hands, Terra charged forward with white Leech Blade held in her only free hand. Watching its master, the Black Wolf ran to her side. Once she came in close, Terra swung her Leech Blade around Sonic's head, who ducked just moments before the attack. The blue blur counteracted by swinging his leg around to Terra's heel. The echidna warrior held backwards for a moment before balancing herself on her single palm. Using whatever strength she could at the moment, Terra swung her leg forward and stomped Sonic in the face, forcing him backwards onto the ground.
"Whoa, what's happening?" Chip said dizzily; he unconsciously fell out of Sonic's quills.
"Oh, I'm just getting by butt kick." Sonic said nonchalantly. "You know, the usual."
"I was right about you, Sonic." Terra said victoriously, pushing back to her feet. "No matter how powerful you grow, you'll never be strong enough to beat me."
"This fight isn't over yet." Sonic said pointedly.
With a mischievous grin on her face, Terra stepped forward. Meanwhile, Nazo was forced to deal with his own problems against the Black Wolf. Due to Nazo's lack of power, the Gaia Warrior was forced to dodge at every attack possible. So far, he was able to avoid the beast's ravage biting, but came up short once the alien hound swatted its tails around his legs. The next thing he knew, Nazo was suspended in midair with the Black Wolf's maw close to his head. In a desperate act of freedom, Nazo thrusted his fist down the beast's throat, forcefully gagging it. The Black Wolf chocked for a moment, before it tossed Nazo down the track, which coincidently sent him flying directly into Sonic's path. While the hedgehog duo was piled upon one another, Terra and the Black Wolf slowly stepped closer, wanting to savior the moment.
"You know, this is becoming redundant." Terra said in a bored manner. "If it wasn't for the fact that I love to win, I wouldn't even bother with you."
"It's not over till the fat lady sings." Sonic recited.
"I don't think anyone wants to listen to your mother's singing." Nazo commented; a throbbing vein appeared on Sonic's forehead.
"How you two were able to defeat Black Doom in the past, I will never know." Terra said, bringing Aku-Aku into view. "And once I get the Planet Key from this guy, Black Doom will never be defeated. There is no one that can save you now."
All of a sudden, a whirlwind of orange zoomed around the Gaia Guardians. As the tornado stopped, Crash appeared from the winds while waving his hands in introduction.
"Ta-da!" Crash cheered.
"You're joking, right?" Terra laughed; the Black Wolf joined her. But while their attention was drawn away, they failed to notice Crash pulling out a large bazooka. The villain's laughter was cut short. "Where'd he get that?"
"Bwa-bwa!!" Crash yelled.
The bandicoot pulled the trigger, firing the ammunition of the bazooka. It wasn't until she was hit that Terra knew exactly what the ammunition was: fruit. The echidna stared at him in disbelief. But after a few short moments, the fruit began to beep and suddenly exploded. Before she realized what had happened, Terra was blast skyward and disappeared from sight; she dropped Aku-Aku upon the blast. The Black Wolf stared at the spot where Terra disappeared and back to the bandicoot before running away with his tail between his legs.
"Oh, thanks you, Crash." Aku-Aku said gratefully. "But next time, could you be a little more subtle about the rescue."
"Falva Dwe?" Crash asked confused.
"Never mind." Aku-Aku shook. He turned to the Gaia Warriors, who were pulling back to their feet. "And I must thank you, Gaia Warriors."
"You still think we're the Gaia Warriors?" Sonic asked confused. "Even after we lost?"
"Not all battles are won." Aku-Aku said wisely. "But as long as your heart remains strong, you shall never be defeated. Crash arrived because he could feel the strength of your hearts growing stronger. You truly are the Gaia Warriors."
"I knew it!" Chip shouted happily; Nazo smacked him to the ground.
"Let us seek out the temple." Aku-Aku stated.
With a quick nod, Sonic and the other heroes followed Aku-Aku down the tack; Nazo had to go back and pick up Crash. As the mask had stated before, the temple was cleverly hidden. Even Nazo admitted that he would never have found it by its disguise. Once they reached the inside, they discovered the entrance hall of the temple had been partially been destroyed, most likely due to Terra's attempts. The only thing that remained standing was a solid stone door at the end of the room with a small slot in the center. As Sonic took a closer look, he pulled out his half of the Planet Key and compared them.
"This must lead to the Inner Sanctuary." Sonic muttered, turning to the others. "But we can't get in without the other half."
"Already taken care of." Aku-Aku smiled, floating near Crash. "The Planet Key, if you please, Crash."
The orange bandicoot nodded eagerly, taking in a massive breath of air. The trio of heroes moved in closer, wondering what the odd creature was up to. They soon learned to regret it as Crash emitted the loudest belch in history. It was so loud that it fractured all the window of the Black Comet. This went on for two hours until Crash finally coughed up the remaining half of the golden key. Aku-Aku chuckled heartily once he looked at the heroes; their hair was thrown way back.
"Ok, even I have to admit that was disgusting." Chip piped.
"You get used to it." Aku-Aku said.
It took five minutes for Sonic to regain consciousness and grabbed the second half of the key. Once he rejoined both halves into the form of a golden double lock key, he inserted it inside the slot. They waited patiently for a few seconds before the door glowed in a brilliant manner and disappeared completely. Upon entering the secret chamber, they found themselves at the foot of a small shrine with nothing but a stone pedestal and a stone carving in the background.
"This is the Inner Sanctuary?" Sonic questioned, scratching his head. "Huh, I thought it would be more flashy."
"Hey, Sonic!" Chip called from the pedestal, slowly reaching inside. "There's something weird in here. It looks like some kind of hole."
"Hold it!" Nazo warned. "There could be some kind of...!"
But without warning, the stone pedestal began to glow, startling the tiny mutt back to the heroes. While Sonic pushed the dog back, he noticed a small slot rising from the pedestal. It looked vaguely similar to the storage slot that Tails created for the Chaos Emeralds. Gaining an idea, Sonic steadily walked closer to the pedestal, holding one of the dead emeralds in his hands. He looked at his allies for a moment before placing it on top of the slot. What happened next astounded everyone: the green emerald came to life.
"The Chaos Emerald!" Nazo exclaimed in surprise. "It's power has been restored. Then that must mean..." He stare at his hands for a moment before perform a series of complicated martial arts technique. "Yes! A fraction of my power has been restored!"
"So the legend it true." Sonic said happily. "The Gaia temple has the power to restore the balance. If it can bring the Chaos Emerald back, it's no wonder why Black Doom wants this place destroyed."
"Now that just leaves..." Aku-Aku said slowly.
Just moment before he could finish, the Earth began to rumble.
"Here we go again!" Chip shouted.
From the safety of the Black Comet, Black Doom watched pleasingly at the fractured remains of the Earth. But his joy was soon shattered when he discovered a green beam radiating from one of the planet fragments. In an unmistaken move, the planet fragment was once again set in place around the planet core.
"Terra...You have failed." Black Doom said lowly.
Back at the Gaia Gate, the heroes were recovering from the sudden quake.
"Whoa!" Sonic said excitedly. "That was cool! Let's do that again!"
"I swear, you are so simple minded." Nazo commented.
"I knew it!" The heroes turned to the temple entrance to find Eggman skidding to a halt in front of them. "I knew that wasn't an ordinary earthquake! One of the broken pieces of the planet has put back into place!"
"Are you serious?" Nazo said, surprisingly smiling.
"Take a look for yourself." Eggman said, holding up a silver cube. The cube displayed a hologram of the exact events Black Doom had witnessed. "At this rate, the entire world will be restored in a matter of days."
"A planet-sized puzzle, eh?" Sonic smirked. "Sounds like a great excuse for another adventure."
"I must thank you, Gaia Warriors." Aku-Aku said relieved. "Because of your efforts, our people can once again live without fear of Dark Gaia."
"We still have a long way to go." Nazo said, somewhat mimicking Sonic's tone. "But like Eggman said, we'll be done sooner than you think."
"Will we ever see you again?" Chip asked sadly.
"My dear friend, it is never truly good-bye." Aku-Aku said wisely. "We will only be gone when one of us forgets each other."
"That's just a fancy way of saying: see ya next time." Sonic paraphrased; Aku-Aku couldn't help but grin.
"Sonic...Nazo...friends." Crash said perfectly.
The Gaia Warriors and even Aku-Aku were surprised. Those were the very first words Crash had ever said in English. After saying their good-byes, the Gaia Warriors left Mazuri for their next big adventure.
"Did that mask talk?" Eggman asked uncertainly.
The first piece of the puzzle is in place? Will the Gaia Warriors be able to restore the rest of the world? Will Terra be punished for her failure? And how does Black Doom intend to correct this mistake? Find out on the next Sonic Unleashed.
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