Chapter 9 - The Tests Begin
I think I deserve a high five for how fast I'm FINALLY getting this updated. This is over a year old, so I think It's about time I wrap this one up and make a start of my other stories after this ^^'
"Well, that wasn't too bad," Sonic smirked, leaping off the plane and helping Aeronniell down.
"Thanks," she murmured. Sonic smiled weakly in reply.
Shadow lifted Knuckles out of the passenger seat and carefully passed him to Sonic, who laid Knuckles on the ground. There was nothing on this island but a big rectangular hole that could be accessed by an old stairway.
Tails picked up a small brown cross- body bag by his feet and slid down the plane, landing neatly on the ground.
"Everyone ready?" he asked.
"Yep, let's go," Sonic replied.
Aeronniell went down the steps first. "These steps must be thousands of years old, they're crumbling under my feet a little so watch your- stteeeppp!" Aeronniell exclaimed, falling down the stairs and landing with a thud.
"Aero, you ok!?" Sonic exclaimed, but there was no reply.
"Aero?!" Sonic called, jogging over to the stairwell and looking down. He could see her rubbing her head as she sat on the floor.
"I'm ok, but you guys did NOT see that."
Sonic chuckled and shook his head. "Didn't see what?" he smirked.
"EXACTLY," she replied.
"Come on, let's go," Shadow said, carefully going down the stairway.
Downstairs was pitch black, so Tails rummaged around in his bag to reveal three flashlights. He switched them on and handed them to Shadow, Aeronniell and offered Rouge one.
"No thanks, cutie. I'm in my element here," she smirked, so Tails kept the flashlight for himself.
Sonic was carrying Knuckles. He stayed beside Aeronniell, so that he could see ahead of him.
"It's a tunnel," Sonic muttered, seemingly surprised.
"Well, I guess we go forwards," Rouge remarked.
The group walked for some time. Occasionally Rouge would let out a shriek that was her echo-location. It enabled her to see deeper into the tunnel than the flashlights would allow. There was a faint dripping noise, and the smell of algae and damp was overpowering.
"We must be walking under the ocean. I think we should hurry it up," Sonic advised. He was wary of being in an ancient tunnel, which could easily collapse and wash the group away.
"We're almost there, I think. There's a dead end coming up," Rouge explained.
"Good, cos the big guy sure is heavy after a while," Sonic muttered, adjusting how Knuckles was lying.
Shadow sighed a frustrated sigh. "Give him here, I'll carry him the rest of the way."
Sonic carefully put Knuckles into Shadow's arms, just in time for the curse to spread. Knuckles tensed up and almost threw himself out of Shadow's grasp.
Thinking fast, Shadow crouched down so that if Knuckles did fall, it wouldn't be as far.
"Hang on, Knuckles, almost there," Shadow muttered as he fought to keep hold of Knuckles. After a few painful seconds, Knuckles returned to his ever- weakening state and the curse spread to his shoulder.
"If the curse reaches his heart, he won't last," Aeronniell said miserably.
"Then we'll just have to be faster," Shadow said determinedly, standing up and marching on.
After a few seconds, a temple stood in front of the group. Celtic patterns were carved into the stone walls, which were illuminated with burning torches. Old vines scrambled up the walls with the hope of reaching the little sunlight that burst through the crumbling ceiling. The air was damp and dusty but an occasional draft freshened the air a little.
"Woah, what is this place?" Sonic asked, his mouth agape.
"This is the Temple of the Fireflower," a voice suddenly said. A purple dragon and a golden lion appeared from the doorway.
"You have long wished to gaze upon this temple haven't you, Aeronniell Bluewaters," the lion said. His soft mane wrapped around his neck elegantly and his deep brown eyes were striking and strong, yet gentle.
"I ... I have long wished for hope, if that's what you mean," Aeronniell managed, surprised by what they knew.
"Who are you? " Sonic asked.
"I am Diana, and this is Carlos," the dragon smiled warmly.
"We are the guardians of the Fireflower," Carlos added.
"Place your friend here and we will begin," Diana said before an uncomfortable silence could occur.
Aeronniell looked at Shadow and nodded. Shadow walked forth and placed Knuckles on a large stone slab. Knuckles's breathing suddenly seemed more relaxed and natural.
Diana's eyes began to glow blue, as did the large red gem that was on her forehead. Carlos's eyes began to glow silver.
"You're friend has much to live for, as a guardian he has a great duty... And as a friend he is fiercely loyal," Diana explained softly.
"He has not sinned, nor does he have any intention of doing so. In fact his intentions are right and true... He is worthy," Carlos announced.
"Great, so... Uhh what now?" Sonic asked.
"Do you have the key?" Diana replied. Aeronniell revealed the old piece of stone. It was shaped like a tiger lily with ancient inscriptions carved into the sides.
"Is this it?" she asked.
Carlos nodded. "Good, now which two are going to take the tests?"
Love, Wisdom, Loyalty and Skill, Aeronniell thought to herself.
"Shadow, you should be one of them," Aeronniell said.
Shadow shrugged "Fine by me... But I think you should too."
Sonic and Tails nodded. "Alright then, I'll do it," Aeronniell smiled awkwardly.
"Alright then, place the key in the wall to begin. There are five more tests that you must pass. If you pass the tests, you will receive part of the Fire flower, which can save your friend," Diana explained.
Aeronniell and Shadow walked up to the closed door. Shakily, Aeronniell put the key into place and the door slid open. "It's now or never," she muttered, stepping inside. Shadow turned to face the group and nodded, before following Aeronniell inside...
I know this was called the tests begin, that's technically because this was a test ^^' I'll be honest, I had a panic attack when no one viewed this for about 2 weeks, so thanks for the 13 views. 2 reviews makes up for that, so thanks mystery reviewer. XD
More to come (hopefully soon :))
