Chapter 10: Back on the Road

"Well," Scourge said after captaining the Black Shadow back into space. "Looks like Plan 'A' was a bust. And what the heck was that thing that Sonic turned into?"

"Quiet!" Creek shouted. "Plan 'A' worked perfectly. We have called up Fleetway. We will just give him time to make himself at home."

"Yeah and give Sonic and his pals time to figure out what to do," Scourge said sarcastically. "That's a great plan."

"If you were not needed in this plan, Bhim," Creek growled. "Then I would take great pleasure in cutting out your tongue."

"Stop calling me Bhim!" Scourge shouted. "I am NOT fearful."

Creek suddenly advanced on Scourge, making Scourge step back a few paces.

"You are certainly not courageous." Creek said and walked away, leaving a steaming Scourge alone in the room.

"You have done a great deep for our people," Induma said the next day as we all prepared to leave. "I do not think we can ever thank you enough."

Knuckles looked at the stack of supplies being loaded into a cargo ship. "Thanks, but I think you've pretty much covered it."

"You all be careful now," Nomad said, kneeling and shaking everyone's hands. "Those enemies are still out there somewhere. And I do not like what they had done to you, Sonic."

"You're not the only one," Sonic said, shaking Nomad's hand. "But you guys be careful too. Those creeps might still be on your planet."

"Now that our villages are joined, our defenses are much stronger." Induma said.

I looked around the village. Everyone from both tribes had come to say goodbye to us and each of them had added something to the mound of supplies that they were now loading.

"NO! SHAO, YOU CAN'T GO!"

Hearing that voice I turn to see Flicker looking at Shadow with large eyes one might see on a begging puppy or on Puss in Boots. Shadow was standing looking at her with a rather kind expression. How he could resist those eyes amazed me.

"Pwease don't go Shao," Flicker begged. "I'll miss you to much."

Shadow finally knelt to her height to see her face to face. "I'm afraid I have to go Flicker. I'm needed by my teammates." He reached into his sock and pulled out a power ring. Everyone on the team had at least one for just in case purposes, but I knew Shadow had more. He tied a ribbon to the ring and placed it around Flicker's neck. "As a reminder. Always keep it with you, alright?"

Flicker looked at the ring for a second before embracing Shadow. "I pwomise Shao."

Shadow hugged her back for a moment then let her go. "Be good for Nomad and Induma."

"I will." Flicker promised as Shadow entered his own ship.

Tails, Shadow and Rouge had brought down my ship, Shadow's ship and the cargo ship. Rouge didn't feel like driving her ship so she brought down my, knowing I needed more practice.

I climb into the Nova and spot Metal. "Where are you riding? You can ride in the back seat with me or you can ride on the wing."

"I will ride in the passenger seat." Metal replied and climbed in.

I place my iTouch on its dock and opened the jet app. Metal watched me as I turned on my ship and start up the engines. I turn on the comlink to Shadow's ship and grin. "This is The Nova, fired up and ready to roll. How are you doing Shads?"

"Ready to head back to the Blue Typhoon." Was Shadow's reply. "Tails, how's the cargo ship holding?"

"She's holding great," Tails said. "Everyone hold on, we're heading home."

I take the controls and guide The Nova up gently. I look out the window at the Natacur below. They were all waving fair well. I wave back, causing Metal to look at what I was waving at. He spotted Flicker, who waved excitedly at him. He held up a few fingers and slightly waved back. I saw thins, but didn't say anything.

The Blue Typhoon was an almost welcoming sight. I touched down in the hangar and open the hatch. I look over at Metal, he seemed to enjoy the ride, but it was hard to tell with a robot.

"Home sweet home," I said as I took off my space helmet. "Now the real work begins; loading everything from the cargo ship into the cargo hold."

"Shouldn't be to hard." Shadow said as he stepped out of his ship. "Tails said he would open a door closer to the cargo hold so it was easier."

I smile. "Leave it to Tails to come up with an ingenious plan. Is there anything that kid can't do?"

"Walk on water." Shadow said.

This made my laugh. I had never heard Shadow crack a joke before. He only smiled at me as we walk to the cargo hold with Metal walking beside me.

A few minutes later, we made it to the cargo hold and found that everyone was already half done. I still pick up a few baskets and hand them to Metal before taking some for myself. The baskets were full of fruits and veggies that were all very good and took a long while to spoil, perfect choices for space travel.

After the chore was done, I noticed Sonic rubbing his forehead.

"Sonic, you okay?" I asked.

"Yup," Sonic replied. "Just recovering from what Ixis did to me, whatever it was. I haven't been sleeping well at night."

"How about you go get some rest then?" I said. "Now that things have calmed down a bit, you can relax and get some extra sleep."

Sonic seemed to think about it for a moment, then finally nodded. "Maybe that's all I need." He said making his way to the living quarters. "I'll see you guys in a little bit."

"Sleep well Sonic." Knuckles called as Sonic left the room. He the looked at Tails. "Today's his birthday, isn't it?"

Tails nodded. "But I think he forgot about it."

"How old is he?" I asked.

"Twenty." Tails replied.

"Then how about we throw him a surprise party?" Cream asked. "To help him get his mind off of what happened the other day."

"That's a great idea Cream." I said. "How about we use that empty room on the third level? It's big enough."

"Yeah I think that will work." Amy said. "Lets hurry before he comes back."

In his room, quietly breathing under his blankets, our blue hero was finally finding rest. But he was still tormented by the same dream he's had for three nights.

He was running at top speed through the Great Forest back on Mobius. His adrenalin was normal so he figured he was on a pleasure or prayer run. Soon, he found a large cave with several bushes and trees by it. Here he would stop and peer inside, but he would always force himself to wake up before going in. This time, he swallowed his fear and walked down into the cave. He wandered aimlessly in tunnel after tunnel until he came up on a large well-lit cavern with several bookshelves that were filled with books. There was a bright yellow hedgehog there, picking up a book and flipping through it. Sonic thought it was Eli at first, then he saw that this hedgehogs' fur was mangled in places and there were razor sharp claws showing through his gloves.

The hedgehog moved his head toward Sonic ever so slightly, only revealing sharp teeth. "So you finally decided to come in and meet your roommate. It sure took you long enough Sonic. And here I thought you were the fastest thing on two feet."

"How do you know my name?" Sonic asked, feeling panic rising in his body, but he tried not to show it. "And what is this place.

Instead of answering, the stranger tossed Sonic a book from over his shoulder. "This is where your memories are stored Speedy."

Sonic opened the book and saw a picture of Emily on the ground with her crutches beside her and with Rouge and Shadow standing over her. It was the day they met her, right after they landed in her fathers workshop. He flipped forward a few pages and found the day he came to Christ. These memories made him smile. But then he remembered the stranger and looked at him. "Who are you?"

Finally, the hedgehog turned around and Sonic took several steps back at the sight of the monster in front of him. He had pulsing red eyes that seemed almost hypnotic. He smiled, showing two rows of sharp teeth, complete with fangs.

"I am Fleetway," He said, his voice making Sonic's blood run cold. "And I'm your roommate until I have full control of this body."

Sonic dropped the book and raced out of the cave and out of the dream.

Sonic sat up in bed. He was in a cold sweat and breathing heavy. So that was Fleetway? No wonder everyone looked so spooked the day after.

Suddenly, his communicator buzzed, making Sonic jump a foot before answering. It was Emily. "Sonic here, what's up?"

"Hey Sonic," Emily replied. "Tails and I are up in room twenty on the third level. He says he needs your help with some of the machines in here."

"I'm on my way." Sonic answered. "Be there in a sonic Second."

"See ya then Sonic." I said before hanging up.

I look around the room. The team and I had burned rubber to get it ready so quickly. Amy and Cream had made a cake in almost record time, and Tails was with Knuckles and Silver for hanging decorations while Shadow and I wrapped the gift we got for Sonic. Everyone on the team and in Knothole had pitched in a little bit and Tails made a few adjustments on it just for Sonic.

"Okay guys, he's on his way." I announced, sending the whole room into a whirl of excitement as everyone got into positions. "Chris, you take care of the lights and the door."

"Got it," He replied as he ran over and turned out the lights.

I heard Amy, Charmy and Cream giggling with excitement as we waited for Sonic. I had to force myself not to laugh or else I would give away the surprise.

Soon, Sonic entered and looked around the completely dark room. "Tails?" He asked as he walked in. "You in here?"

Chris closed the door, making Sonic gasp. Then he turned on the lights to reveal us standing next to the wrapped gift. Sonic just stared at us for a moment. The look on his face was priceless!

"Surprise!" We all shout.

Poor Sonic stood stock still in surprise. I laugh as I walk over and embrace him. "Did you forget that you're twenty years old today?"

"I-I guess I did," He replied. "I can't believe you guys remembered after all that's happened."

"How could we forget?" Tails asked, handing Sonic the gift. "We got you a really cool present that we know you'd like. We all pitched in a bit to get it, and I improved it for you."

Sonic looked at the present before looking at us with a grateful smile. "Thanks guys, I don't know what to say."

"Don't thank us yet, Sonic," I said. "Wait till you see what we got you."

Sonic grinned before tearing into the brown paper (we didn't have anything else). Metal watched Sonic and recorded the entire event. He still didn't like Sonic and saw him and his friends as neutral enemies, but the way they treated each other fascinated him. They acted like a family, and Metal wondered why.

Sonic soon ripped off the last of the paper and gasped at the gift. It was an extreme gear air board, fresh from the workshop. The improvements Tails had made were making the board slimmer than other boards, so it was faster and painting it blue and silver with yellow lightning bolts.

Sonic opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. This made us all laugh as Amy took pictures so the Freedom Fighters could see the look on his face. Finally, Sonic found his voice. "This is amazing! I don't know how to thank you guys enough!"

"Just try not to break this one," Knuckles said.

"We made you cake too." Cream chimed in and pointed to a table.

Sonic stood and laughed when he spotted the cake. It was shaped like a chilidog with twenty lit candles. Sonic walked up to it and shook his head. "You guys…"

"Make a wish Sonic!" Amy insisted, getting her camera ready.

Sonic closed his eyes for a moment, took a breath and blew, getting all the candles. We hold our cheer for a moment as one stubborn candle relit itself. Sonic looked at it for a moment then looked at us.

"Oh very funny!" He said as we all start laughing.

Sonic took a deeper breath and blew long and hard on the ornery candle, finally blowing it out. We all cheer as Sonic took a bow.

"That deserves two wishes." He said as Espio took a knife and started cutting the cake, giving the first piece to Sonic.

We all sat down with a piece of cake and a can of soda and start a game of Temple Escape. It was a strategy game where we all played a character and worked at escaping a temple while avoiding the traps. Espio, Shadow and Metal turned out to be the best at it, and I was glad Metal was on my team.

Just as Silver was about to move his piece, he closed his eyes, laid his ears back and held his head. I was about to ask what was wrong when my back tightened. A Chaos Spike.

Knuckles came over and took Silver by the shoulders. "What's wrong?"

"The Master Emerald." Silver replied through his teeth. "It's spiking big time."

Knuckles nodded. "Come on, we better stop the spike before it blows the engine. Em, you come too."

I nod as Silver and I stood and followed, Silver's blue shield covering us to protect us from the chaos energy. Sonic also followed, feeling he should help somehow. But he was also feeling sick to his stomach. It was nearly as bad as when he would turn into a werehog.

In the Emerald Room, Silver and I entered and Silver formed a bubble around me as I ran to the Master emerald and placed a hand on it. Instantly I felt the energy rushing through me like fire. I felt the chaos energy ease away a bit, but I also felting setting in my body, like a fiery warmth in my chest surrounding my heart.

"EM!" I heard Silver shout. "LOOK OUT!"

I turn around and bump into the Master Emerald as I came face to face with Fleetway. He looked at me with those pulsing eyes as he smiled evilly. "Remember me? I'm the guy you kicked in the face."

He lifted a fist and punched, but I dodged nearly as fast as Sonic would go. Thanks to the charge in chaos energy I had, I was able to block Fleetway blow for blow. Finally I broke for the door. "SILVER! KNUX! RUN FOR IT!"

We took off with Fleetway right behind us. We suddenly run into Chris and Tails, who were coming down to see if everything was alright.

Fleetway stopped and regarded them. "So this is Chris and Tails. Somehow, I thought you were shorter, Chris. We'll just cut you down to size!"

Without warning, Fleetway attacked Chris, back handing him into a wall. Tails Then attacked Fleetway, but wound up facing a counter attack and was clawed in several places before he too was tossed aside. I attack, kicking Fleetway down the hall. He slowly stood and chuckled coldly. "Not bad for a girl. But how about you Chill Out?"

Fleetway charged, too quickly for me to dodge, with his claws out.

"NO!"

Suddenly, Silver had pushed me out of the way and was hit at full speed by Fleetway. Fleeway sank his claws into Silver, making him yelp in pain as an icy chill ran through his body. I watched as Silver crumbled to the floor in a shivering heap.

"Silver?" I asked, a cold horror rushing through me as memories of our first encounter with Mephilis ran through my head. I rush to Silver's side and touch his face. It was almost ice cold, and he wouldn't stop shivering.

Fleetway chuckled. "This had been fun. Thanks for the party."

The bright yellow in his fur slowly deepened back to blue and his eyes stopped pulsing and returned to a solid green. Sonic fell to his hands and knees and gasped for breath like he had been swimming. After a moment, he looked up and saw me checking Silver over.

"Oh no," He whispered, catching my attention. "What happened?"

"Fleetway happened." I answered as I pick up my iTouch and call the others.

"Is he the only one?" Sonic asked hopefully as he shakily got to his feet. "I was totally out that time and couldn't control it."

"I'm afraid not, Sonic," Knuckles said, who was tending to Tails and Chris.

Sonic's eyes widened and he rushed to Tails as Knuckles was taking care of Chris and Tails looked the worst with all the cuts. "Oh Tails, I'm so sorry! You're no to hurt are you?"

"Nah," Tails replied, trying to sound like it wasn't a big deal. "These are no worse than a mad cat's."

"EM! KNUCKLES! What happened?"

We all turn to see Shadow and Metal had made it there first.

"The chaos spike woke up Fleetway." I explained. "And he… He… Attacked Silver, Chris and Tails."

Metal knelt and scanned Silver. "He is suffering from stage 3 hypothermia. Immediate warmth is needed before he gets worse."

"For once I agree with you, Metal." Shadow said as he picked Silver up and skated away.

I was about to fallow when I saw Sonic was still having trouble walking, being weakened by Fleetway. I walk back and let Sonic lean on me.

"Em, I'm so sorry." Sonic said sounding tired.

"It was Fleetway that did this Sonic, not you." I said. "We'll find a way to cure you, just you wait."

Sonic was comforted by my words, but he could still feel Fleetway in his head, and hear him laughing coldly in the depths of his sub consciousness.