The battle… no the war for survival could finally enter its last phase.
"What made you came here, old friend?" asked Eggman Knuckles as they could only watch. Rouge and Crack were next to them.
"I… had bad dream… a dream full of darkness and pain… and the light… it was dying… I knew I'm the only one who can save it."
"I see, but even so, you had to break the promise you gave to your ancestors."
"Yes, to never move Master Emerald from the Angel Island as it would fall in the ocean."
"The modern science is amazing isn't it," Eggman made a small smile. The Angel Island didn't fall and all thanks to special support rocket engines he installed beneath the island. They had enough power to hold it in the air for half of the day. He made them for a situation like this one… well, he didn't actually think there would be a fight with a gigantic monster to save the world from certain doom…
"Is there anything we can do?" asked Rouge.
Knuckles looked at her but had no answer… He was thinking. Crack was watching the fight, but wasn't particularly paying it attention. He was thinking about his strange behavior. Professor Eggman quickly informed him about his malfunction. He was now sure… there is different program inside of him… a different A.I. that used to rule this body.
[Sky battle]
]Nothing shall change your fates![ shouted angry hedgehog as Shadow and Silver were constantly attacking him.
'This power is amazing!' thought Shadow. 'I feel like there is nothing impossible!' He threw a bunch of Chaos spears. 'Even my Chaos control is so much better. Is this what Silver felt for the first time as he told us?' He looked at him. He formed two psychic fists and was attacking Zephiles' shield forcing the dark enemy to retreat. 'That guy sure knows how to throw a punch… when he puts his mind into it.' He had no habit in making stupid puns, but this time… he made an exception. He felt too good to be a grumpy hog.
"Zilver, I know you can hear me! Stop this! Fight it! The last thing I want to do is hurt you!" He avoided dark purple flame ball that scratched few of his hair on chest fur… far too often it happened. He growled: "But it's still on the list…"
'Well, well, what an interesting way to get his full attention,' thought Shadow with a sly smile. 'Then again, I would kill for it too.' Nobody can mess with hedgehog's chest fur and live with it!
[Ground battle]
"Smell you later!" shouted Sonic and flew from Iblis as it's claw crushed stone surface he was hovering over.
Eclipse hit it in the back with his super-powered up lasers. "Are we too hot for ya?" They grin at each other. This power was so awesome… awesome as way past cool awesome! Eclipse could fly without Cregal, but with him, he gained new power – steel wings that can cut thru anything. Not to mention… he always loved to fly with him.
Big jaws turned toward him, threatening to crunch him.
"Oh, what am I supposed to do?" said Eclipse sarcastic. "Li'l me against a big ugly monster." The jaws closed, but no alien was hurt. "Lookin' for me, ugly?" shouted Eclipse that warped just a few meters away and exchanged his power for Sonic cannon. He wasn't doing it often… he had soft spot for his well-mannered Rhygenta so he used her only occasionally, as she had the least stamina. And now was that moment, as he was next to the place you could call an ear entrance. "How sounds this?" the full power of sound wave hit the monster making it turn to the side and roaring. Ripped magma and molten stones were raining down.
"May I join the fun?" asked Sonic.
"Be my guest."
Sonic hit the head full speed, making the monster to waver even more.
"Sheesh, how many times you need to hit it to kill it?" snorted Sonic once he returned to Eclipse.
"It's no fun if it dies too soon, I can guarantee it as an expert."
Sonic jerked a bit. He completely forgot Black Arms were the specialist in slow and painful death. "Any bright idea then?"
"Let's punch it a lot." Rhygenta left Eclipse's body.
"I like your style, just don't invite me for a dinner." Sonic and Eclipse did a fist bump.
"No worries, I doubt you would taste better than strawberry cake even with all the seasoning I have." With this Eclipse jump in the action, leaving awkwardly smiling Sonic behind him. But he soon smirked and joined him.
[Knuckles' group]
"It's just like the ancient battle," whispered Knuckles. His skin was crawling from all the Chaos energy in the air. "The battle our brave ancestors fought to the death." He pictured the old fresco from the hidden room in his library. Seven heroes against powerful monsters. Only four of them were now fighting, like four heroes that sacrificed their lives. "Professor Eggman, will you help me?"
"I never thought you would ask such pointless question," answered Eggman with a wide grin. "How did you actually found us? It's been bugging me for a while."
Knuckles put Master Emerald on his back. "I asked him and he showed me the way," he looked at the big gem.
"You sure talk like there is spirit inside of it."
"Well," Knuckles made sly smile. He knew, Eggman was never found of spiritual stuff, believing everything can be explained with a science. They used to fight over it but as the time went they acknowledged each other opinions and upon it expanded theirs owns.
"So there is something we can do!" said loudly Rouge a bit angry he haven't said so earlier.
"It's not much of doing more like a try," admitted Knuckles and lead them back to the cave.
"Better then sittin' on a butt and doing nothin'," added Crack. He wanted to join the fight too, but his body was badly damaged not to mention totally unsuitable for heavy combat. Well, he should be glad to be active.
"Can you tell us the details?" asked Eggman and at the same moment, all of them ducked as the ground shook and shock wave rushed around them.
"I later returned to the secret chamber to study the ancient texts. There was nothing about weak spot on Iblis's chest." Knuckles slowly stood up.
"So Zilver lied?!" shouted Eggman.
"Not necessary," said Rouge. "From what I know, he was possessed by Mephiles from his time. So he could manipulate him."
"That's possible and giving how he looks now…" Knuckles looked behind on three fast moving balls of light. "It's the most logical answer. But I'm not sure, why he didn't try anything to get rid of me, since I can read the script too?"
"Maybe he thought you won't be a problem even if you interfere," suggested Crack.
"But what about Master Emerald? At this time it's the most powerful energy source. Shouldn't he destroyed it or something?" Rouge was right with this one. It sure was strange.
"You have never read any fantasy fiction, have you?" asked her Crack.
"Well, here and there, so what's your point?"
"You know, the bad guy have a big ego and long monologs giving heroes enough time to take them down despite it being the most stupid mistake ever. They always think they are better and no one can beat them, while they are digging their own grave by underestimating the heroes. So he may be doing the same thing. Underestimating us."
The group started to climb down from their post, following Knuckles that leads them. "Crack is probably right, not to mention… not even Mephiles could know about super transformation since it never happened in the future."
"That's the logic, my old friend," Eggman slowly made few steps as the footing was unstable, "none of us had any idea the Master Emerald could transform someone."
"I know with Master Emerald's help I can transfer even a huge group of people anywhere," admitted Knuckles. "But not even in my wildest dreams, I could see what Silver showed us," Echidna remembered a time he warped to our heroes in the nick of the time.
[Knuckles' memories]
"Take cover!" shouted Silver and tried to shield them with his psychic powers, but he was too weak and stones pierced his futile defense. When he thought it's over, green light shielded them. "Knuckles!?"
Echidna was standing among them, with the Master Emerald by his side. "Quickly, touch it, so I can teleport you away!"
"Wait, with this, the fight isn't over!" exclaimed Silver.
"What do you mean?" asked dispirited Eggman. "We are too tired, too hurt, not even my super Eggbot can scratch that monster."
"There is still a hope. Sonic, Shadow, do you remember what I told you about going Super?"
"Eh, yeah."
"Then watch." Silver touched the jewel, Knuckles frown a bit but soon he was surprised as Silver's fur turned gold. He could tell Silver is full of intense power. "This is my second time and I still think it's weird, but we can beat them." He clenched his fists. "Knuckles, can you use that chanting with the rest?"
"W-Well, yes, it has been passed down the generations since ancient times."
"Good, then listen, once the transformation start, think about how you want to beat these two, how you want to save the future, these thoughts will help you to keep your mind focused and nothing will go wrong."
Sonic and Shadow made a big smirk. It was time for some serious payback!
[Knuckles' group]
"That boy is full of surprises," said Eggman. Finally, they descended to the solid ground. Knuckles put an open palm before him and recited some other chanting and soon small light appeared before them, that formed into a figure. It was female Echidna in colorful poncho-like wardrobe with a headband.
"Welcome, I have been expecting you." Her fur had light orange color.
"My name is Knuckles the Echidna and you must be one of the seven heroes that sealed the Iblis and Mephiles away." He bowed.
"Yes, you are right and you have come here to seek a way how to finally free the world from its flames. I was expecting you. My name's Tikal."
"Please, guide us." She showed them a secret way to the inner sanctuary and they followed her.
[Sky Battle]
"Shadow, I know Zilver is still there."
"I have noticed."
"Do you think we can save him?"
Shadow looked at the dark figure. "There may be only one way, how to save him. To put him down."
"What?"
"It's the only way. It's no u—" Shadow widened his eyes as Silver suddenly looked completely furious.
"Don't you dare to say it!" He would probably catch his chest fur if Zephiles didn't throw few dark purple balls. "We have to try! We have to do it! He deserves to see brighter future!" he shouted while avoiding the balls.
"Fine." Shadow didn't seem happy about it and it's not like he doesn't want to help, it's just… he never saved anyone… he only knows how to destroy… doesn't he?
]We can try the same trick we tried on you,[ Silver contacted Shadow thru telepathy he was able to properly use in his Super form.
]Mind connection, huh? It may work,[ replied Shadow the same way while throwing chaos spear.
"Let's do this!" Silver created big hand from stones and slapped Zephiles, sending him flying. Shadow warped behind him and caught his head. Silver flew to them and put his hand on Shadow's one while connecting their minds. The World around them turned dark… very dark… and even more deep.
[Ground battle]
"Stupid lizard," mumbled Eclipse as he already shot him like for thousand times and it still refused to die. Iblis now transformed into new form sporting more serpent-like body, horns, and bit more rock armor, on the other hand, he lost two hands, but the remaining pair was more powerful now. Not to mention…
"Little help here!" shouted Sonic as he was occupied by dozens of small dog-lizard-like creatures that were biting, slashing with their long tail or claws and spitting small fireballs.
"Incoming!" Eclipse picked Cregal's power and one wave of his wings created a strong twister that tore dogs to the pieces.
"Cool, when did you learn that?"
"Just now," Eclipse grinned. Wisp left his body and Eclipse warped him to the safety. The fight was heating up and his Arms didn't power up so he decided to fight alone.
"Its armor is so tough!" said Sonic when Eclipse returned.
"It must have some weak spot!"
The monster roared and from its body started to appear big lava golems with a big torso and some bird-bat-like flying creatures which bodies were in one flame.
"How many of these pests it has?" Eclipse exclaimed angrily. "We can't keep destroying them forever!"
The bird monsters flew toward them. "You keep looking for weakness," shouted Sonic, "I'll keep them busy."
"OK!" Eclipse warped near Iblis and hit it in the molten rocks on its back. The monster felt the impact, but it did no damage, only birds noticed him.
[Zilver's memories]
"How's the child?"
Shadow woke up as he heard a voice. Once he opened eyes he was in some laboratory or hospital… or anything between it. He noticed Mobians and humans alike being treated. He had no idea where he is or how he got here, no one paid him any attention. When he noticed his body is bit transparent someone walked thru him, making him feeling uneasy… and even more when he noticed that someone was… him!
"ME?" He couldn't believe his own eyes. He looked the same… except for big burn scar, that covered left part of the face. The second Shadow stopped before healing pod. Shadow looked there too and gasped… inside was Zilver… as a small child. His body was literally interlarded with medical tubings and covered by some metal.
"He has a strong will," answered female doctor, that was having a robotic arm. "It's a miracle he survived the birth his mother gave while half-way crystallized."
Shadow shivered, he heard about it from Silver when they come looking for a help. Second Shadow put his hand on the glass and gently stroked it. "Make sure he gets everything he needs."
"I know," female's voice started to echo as the memory disappeared. Shadow was looking around himself and he saw glimpses of Zilver's memories. They were filled with a pain, loneliness, and hopelessness. He saw a big part of his life – as he was sitting in front of the grave of his mother and many others, as he failed to save someone from dog-lizard-monsters or seeing crystallization right before his eyes, he saw his sad smile while watching a small flower bloom in his death world.
With each memory, Shadow had more problems to breath.
]So you have come, just like I planned,[ Zephiles said behind him.
"Let Zilver go!" Shadow attacked him, but his movements were sluggish.
]No more delays![ A stream of fire appeared from nowhere and engulfed Shadow. He crossed arms before his face to protect it. ]You shall become the part of a new ultimate being. Your power shall help to clean this world![
"Shut it!" growled the hedgehog. "I have enough of this! I have enough of not being able to do one DAMN thing right!" he shouted and the energy burst from his body repelling the fire. "I'm ending you!" Shadow punched him as he gained his speed and power back.
]Cursed hedgehog![ Zephiles answered with a kick and Shadow blocked it. They exchanged blows like that for a while until Zephiles avoided his attack and flew away.
"You won't get away!" Shadow gave him a chase. Suddenly Shadow saw Zilver before his eyes . "What-!" His body was floating and his body was mostly covered by dark purple crystals. "Zilvere!" he shouted, but there was no reaction. 'He must be closed in the same nightmare I was!' The level of anger in Shadow skyrocketed.
Zephiles flew up and throw at Zilver big crystal ball. ]This shall seal your fate. You are no longer useful to me.[
"No!" shouted Shadow and used his body as a shield. The crystal exploded, but despite being in super form Shadow felt like it's piercing his very soul, cutting him from inside and filling him with incredible coldness. Yet he didn't kneel, he was standing, withstanding the pain… that was bringing up his most bitter memories. The dust around him started to subside when a sharp pain pierced his stomach.
He looked at a crystal lance, that find in him a target. Its owner was none one else then Zephiles, that used Shadow's brave act as opening for a clear hit. Black hedgehog grabbed the crystal weapon and pulled it out. The blood was everywhere… even few drops felt on Zilver's face. Shadow looked behind himself. Zilver's eyes, that were empty few seconds ago were shaking and he could hear his silent voice.
]M… Master?[
"Done with… your ]cough[ beauty sleep?" asked hedgehog with a sarcastic smile.
Zilver yelled… this time, it was his real voice, not telepathy. It was a roar of a wounded, angry and sad animal. It echoed and returned in greater strength, shaking with the space surrounding them.
]Impossible! We have broken his soul![ Zephiles cursed and something black landed next to him.
"Looking for someone?" Silver was panting a bit and frowning like never before. The black lump was Mephiles he beaten to the pulp. Even if there was one body for them now, there were two souls in it and Shadow and Silver were inside that very soul.
Crystals, that were trapping Zilver shattered, and his psychic energy was free… and going insane.
]We have to retreat![ shouted Zephiles at Mephiles and their souls left Zilver's body.
"Shadow, you are hurt!" shouted Silver and flew to him.
"Just a minor hole in the stomach, nothing I can't handle," he pressed his hand on the wound. He chuckled as he noticed pun in his statement.
"Just don't make a habit out of it, okay?"
"No, worries, I'm in good hands." Even Shadow felt he is going crazy, he never made stupid puns or smiled in front of somebody else then Maria. "So what now?" He looked at cybernetic hedgehog, as he created a sphere around himself.
"This must be some defense mechanisms, I'll try to connect to his mind and…"
"I'll do it."
"What? But-!"
Shadow touched the shield. "We don't have a time, while you babble here, these two creeps are ready to attack our bodies. So get out and show them your guts." Shadow's face was serious. "Just hope they won't take it too literally."
Silver made a bit angry smile, but then his face light up a bit. "No worries, I got that part." With that, he flew away and Shadow thought, 'Once this is over, I'll personally check your guts.' He looked at Zilver. His limbs were crossed in a defensive manner, his eyes were wide open and glowing just like all the "conducts" on his cybernetics parts.
"Keh, I talk all mighty, but I have no idea how to wake up this punk." He clenched his fist. "Well, I do know about one method that never failed… if it didn't do the otherwise." He again chuckled.
[Knuckles' group]
"Whoa!" shouted Eggman, as the ceiling shook like crazy. "That must be one wild party above us," he joked a bit. "Wish all my students were enthusiastic about science like that."
Ghost woman smiled. "You must love your students a lot."
"Yeah, even if most of them aren't scientific geniuses, I'm still proud of them."
"May you tell us, where you are taking us?" asked Rouge as she felt they are walking in circles. Once they entered the secret passage it looked like they stepped into a different world.
"The site of Iblis' sleep wasn't just made of its resting place but a place to seal his shadow too."
"A shadow?" asked Crack.
"Yes, the dark hedgehog named Mephiles... you can say he is Iblis's mind, without him, it's just a wild animal. Once he is sealed we can seal Iblis as well, as it will lose most of its power."
"Wouldn't be better to do something more effective… like destroy them?" asked Crack. "They did free themselves once."
"You are right, my metal friend, but that's not easy. Both of them are powerful beings. Just sealing them took a life of seven brave warriors" Tikal led them to open space. "There we are." The cavern was spacious, but not like the previous one where Iblis was sealed. In the middle was an altar and around it stood seven pedestals. "Please put the Master emerald on the altar, its power shall help us."
Knuckles did so without a word. Once the gem was floating above it, the seven pedestals started to glow with weak light. Tikal stepped on one and started to chant something. They all were looking around to see if anything is going to change, but nothing happened. Female Echidna rose her head and looked sad. "Just us I was afraid, Mephiles destroyed the tombs of fallen heroes, so they can never return to this world in the time of need."
"You mean you wanted to call the death guardians from the afterlife to seal them again?" asked Eggman and as a scientist, he was always skeptical about a supernatural phenomenon. But lately, he had to acknowledge there are forces between the earth and the heaven no science can explain.
"Yes, it was our only hope. They once used their souls to seal them, I hoped…"
"Great, no we have a ghost of the chance to win…" commented it sarcastically Crack. Everyone made sour expressions. "So, let's move to the plan B."
"You have one?" asked Tikal.
"Well, it's just a hunch, but…"
[Ground battle]
Sonic was destroying flame birds while Eclipse was hitting the monster from all possible angles and sides. For both of them, it was a daunting task, as nothing shown any results.
"This is crazy!" Eclipse shouted and moved to Sonic. "I can't keep up to hit it randomly. We have to come up with something." Sonic agreed with it. He felt his power was diminishing slowly. Iblis roared and his body started to change. "Just what we needed! A monster with a makeover!" yelled Eclipse frustrated.
Iblis now looked like a giant ogre, with horns and spikes on his back and shoulders, long tail and stubby legs. Its body was more covered by armor making it look indestructible. It's head, on the other hand, got a lot smaller, comparing it to the previous two forms. The monster waved with a huge hand and the heat wave hit both of our heroes and pushed them back quite a distance. Sonic was coughing a rubbing a sand from the eyes. "How many transformations it has?" asked blue hedgehog and helped Eclipse to stand.
"Don't you feel there is something strange?"
"Of course, heroes shouldn't have their ass handed to them."
"Not just that," Eclipse shook his head not hiding his ironic grin, "but look, it changes once more, right?"
"Make it quick, we have a company!"
From the new Iblis' body walked new golems, but their bodies were more purple and darker not to mention looking tougher. From the ground jumped new enemies in the form of long worms with mouth composed of three creeping mandibles. Even the flying enemies changed to purple haze and become even faster. All the monsters were heading to them.
"Guess time's up!" The army of monsters was constantly coming from Iblis' body. "It's do or die! Sonic, cover me!"
"What!" Hedgehog watched as Eclipse dived into the mass of monsters. "Sheez, slave driver." But Sonic got his hopes up for it. It looked like Eclipse did notice something important. And it was on him to make sure he will do it. "You think you are hotshot, huh?" his spin attack hit the purple golem in the chest, but he bounced back without doing a much damage. "Trying it makes hot for me, huh?" He avoided another golem attack. "I'll show you who is too hot to handle." Sonic entered extra spin attack and slammed the monster few times until it crumbled. "Guess even magma golem can't beat my heat!"
Few purple golems jumped in the air and their landing caused quite a quake. "W-W-Watch y-y-o-o-our ste-e-e-ps," stuttered Sonic as he was bouncing off the ground. When it stopped his head was bit dizzy. 'There has to be some other way how to get rid of them!' He noticed Eclipse was fighting with them too. "Incoming!" he slammed into few monsters causing them to take some others down.
"You took your sweet time," said a bit sarcastic Eclipse, even he was panting.
"These guys are tougher than they look." They stood back to back. The ground shook.
"Run!" shouted Eclipse and once they moved purple worms jumped from the ground.
"What gives?! I never went fishing!" shouted Sonic, punching one in the head.
"I think you can only -fish- to hook them with it."
"Was that a pun?"
"It would be no fun."
They both grin. Their power was leaving them and they still had time to make stupid jokes. The World around them was never crazier.
[Sky battle]
]I can feel it.[ Zephiles shoot few purple lasers, but Silver avoided them. ]Your power is diminishing. It will soon run out.[
"Not before I beat you!" Young psychic threw some stones at him. Zephiles easily crushed them but didn't count with Silver hiding behind them and getting into his personal space resulting in a clean punch in his face. "I won't stop until you are no more!" Silver's punches were making sure Zephiles gets the message. "You used Zilver!" This punch landed pretty nicely. "You destroyed everything!" The hit pushed him back. "And now I'll return everyone's futures to them!" Silver hit him in the face that hard it send him flying. The silver hedgehog was panting looking at the spot Zephiles landed.
]Everyone's future, huh?[ He stood up. ]You are gonna return it to them?[ The aura around him thickened. ]Then return me my future![ The burst of energy flung him in the air, hitting Silver in the gut.
To be continued…