Finally...chapter 11. It took me slightly longer to write this as I tried to fit A LOT inside...and there really was a whole lot of content needed which was planned from the very start. Hope you will enjoy. It is time to turn everything upside down :)


It was well past dawn when the army of banished gathered their camp and went on their way towards the …well…maybe calling it an army was a little too much of a word, as it consisted of not even fifty people. However small the force was, no one could say that they were afraid about the task that awaited them, as every soldier, be it man, woman or even child wore serious expression about them. As they overcame the difficulties of harsh desert they traveled fast, not stopping to even look at curious and scarred faces of citizens whose towns or villages they passed. Only one goal was set before them and it was the fortress of seven sandstones, whose highest tower could be seen in the distance, drawing near with every step they made. It took them some time, but they finally went there and set the hidden camp, while their enemies didn't expect anything. In one of the tents, a certain black hedgehog got himself ready, while changing from all his desert garments into his white gloves and jet shoes…while it was a small thing, it felt good to him, to be able to wear the clothing he was used to. Putting his last inhibitor ring around his wrist, he made sure everything was ready once more, especially the sharp scimitars he got from the banished.

"I'm here like you asked me to." Announced her presence certain feline as the ebony hedgehog whirled slowly around to see her standing, now fully clothed in her usual purple robe, white pants, gloves and boots with heels. He had to admit, this suited her better than that revealing outfit she was to wear when undercover, save for hair which he preferred to be down instead in a ponytail. He noticed that she now carried a pair of two short daggers by her side, probably a weapon of choice to defend herself from enemy.

"I see you didn't wasted time when getting ready." He noticed, motioning with his head to her weapon earning a small huff from her. They actually had a little argument during their travel, since he didn't want her to participate in battle. Being a fiery fighter with experience, she of course easily won the argument since he couldn't say she didn't know how to handle herself…that, and she threatened she will do it with or without his knowledge. It was no wonder he preferred the first option.

"With all that's going on? Better be ready now than sorry later. Now…what did you wanted to talk to me about?" She inquired as her gaze looked curiously at him, her eyes betraying she was preparing herself for another argument since she already got used to him being stubborn.

"Listen Blaze...I already know that I can't change your mind about this battle. But I want you to stay close to me at all times." He said, while wishing she wouldn't read more to it. He was simply concerned for her…maybe a little more than his other friends but he wouldn't admit it to himself.

"I can do it, but why?" Asked the fire feline, while crossing her arms, as her heart fluttered a little. Secretly she hoped he would say it's because she was important to him or something along those lines…just something that would made her sure that the strange feelings inside her were also present in him when it concerned her person.

"The mission goal was to get the sol emeralds to save your world. It would be pointless if something happened to you now." He replied, while trying to mask the real reason why he wanted her to be near…it was more personal and he knew it already.

"I understand." Nodded courtly Blaze as she prepared to exit their tent hiding disappointment that for a split second showed in her eyes. Guess it wouldn't be that easy to get her answers.

"We should go to the main tent. The battle is about to begin." Replied the fire princess, as she exited the tent, followed by Shadow the Hedgehog who steeled his nerves, shoving all excess thoughts aside…this was the time for missions not for brooding about personal feelings to a certain lilac furred cat. Looking with his ruby red eyes at the top of dark tower…the throne room, where their enemy was located, he hoped nothing would go wrong this time.


As the heavy march of army neared their destination, general Claw looked to his right side at the figure of blue hedgehog. He still had his doubts that this person would be able to help them…but he was their only hope. If not for him, nothing would have started and that alone made the general to put his trust in him.

"You ready for this boy?" Asked the general for what seemed a hundredth time, while looking slightly concerned. There were people under his command and if something failed he was sure not all of them would be coming back. Worse…he feared there would be repercussions from high lord if they lost today. Moving his muscled arm up, a signal to stop the army, he eyed the blue blur in anticipation.

"No problem dude. I just need to go in there, open the bridge and keep it that way until you cross, right?" Replied Sonic, while stretching his legs and getting ready to run which made Claw look puzzled at him. Could the blue hedgehog be as fast as the rumors said? He would soon find out.

"Yes. Okay go." He replied shortly and soon yelped in surprise as the blue blur shoot right through the sand leaving behind himself a big cloud. Mouth agape, the general needed to comprehend first what actually happened, before he was able to rise his hand to shout next command. Never in his life had he seen something so amazing and so fast…maybe they had a chance after all.

"CHARGE!" He yelled as he and everyone in the army went down the dune in the direction of drawbridge… everything will be decided in the next five minutes. With the corner of his eye he looked at the blue hedgehog friends…he heard them say that they couldn't use their powers and actually wondered how this battle would look if they could…it was a frightening image, that much was certain.


Sonic the Hedgehog was running at full speed in the direction of the stone drawbridge. Spotting guards near the entrance, he quickly spin-dashed them, before the poor robots could even rise their swords and moved forward like nothing happened. He knew, that the more he will destroy, the better for his friends. Passing through the stone construction, he was surprised how quickly it began to rise and it was no wonder to him that the banished had problem getting inside.

Now…where would I be if I was a mechanism that controls the bridge. – He thought to himself, as he passed the gates which nearly shut before him, sliding under the heavy iron grate. Inside, he found himself on the spacious courtyard with fancy looking gold statue in the middle. Somehow it reminded him of Babylon garden, but it was no time for sight-seeing, as he made his way left while avoiding the group of robots from his right. He saw a staircase there, that led up to the wall and he knew from experience, that if there is going to be a bridge controlling mechanism it would probably be above the main gate. Speeding at the speed of sound he threw some robots of the walls into the big, bottomless chasm on the outside of the fortress and quickly found the object he sought…a levers to raise both iron grate and one to lower the bridge.

Perfect! – He thought and pulled on them while seeing with the corner of his eye that the bridge started to go down until it opened fully. Not all that he needed to do was to protect it…and then the fun begins. Just as he was thinking that a large group of robots started to enter through the entrance, their goal probably was to make the bridge rise again. Grinning he started running up to them…it was time to have some old fashioned action while smashing robots…now, if only a mad scientist would show up, his day would feel complete.


While dual wielding his sharp swords, Shadow the Hedgehog swiftly cut through the crowd of robots on the courtyard as if getting rid of annoying insects. It wasn't a challenge for him, as he had enough experience to overcome some rusty machines. After all he was the ultimate life form…still… their numbers seemed endless and he knew it better than anyone that one moment of not paying attention could result in serious injury for either him or one of his allies.

"We need to get to the main tower!" He heard Gold the Monkey yell through to him, as he looked how the fire princess fared. To his shock, he saw that she danced with the sharp daggers, cutting her enemies from safe distance…it reminded him more of art than of fighting style, but seeing as it was very efficient, some of his fears for her safety were put to rest. Looking ahead he saw that his friends were steady entering the tower. That was their plan, to get out of the open space into more safer interior, where they could barricade themselves and move to the high lord chambers. At this point all of the banished managed to go through the drawbridge but the bulk of their army still would need to stay outside to ensure safe way back and that no more robots would enter after them to cut their escape route in case of emergency. Entering Blaze's field of vision, as he cut another rusty robot in half, he motioned to her that they need to get inside now. They didn't need to say words as each of them understood one another. With precision they made their way inside the tower over the dead bodies of countless robots…

"Okay. Looks like everyone is here." Shadow heard the general grumbling, and looked at everyone with his red eyes. All of his allies from Mobius Prime seemed to be doing all right…a little scratch on knuckles gloves but nothing really to worry about. It seemed that the Monkey and his wife were also present, and this made him wonder if they really were married as the guy first told him when he introduced himself…probably not, since there were no bonding amulets on them, but this was not his concern. Looking at Blaze he noticed she had her hand around her waist. Alarmed he quickly went to her, forcefully removing her hand, but careful enough not to cause her any pain.

"What happened?" He inquired silently, worry evident in his voice. Thankfully it looked like only her robe got a small cut and there was no sign of bleeding. While blushing, his eyes met hers for a second but he didn't said anything more and just turned around, pretending nothing happened. This however got Blaze to smile a little on the inside…while he was overreacting she was glad that he cared, even if maybe a little too much.

"I'm okay Shadow" She reassured him with soft whisper, so their friends wouldn't hear her…it would be embarrassing to act like this in front of them and would probably gave them strange ideas. Unknown to her, both Amy and Rouge showed knowing smiles, seeing this private exchange between the two of them.

"Okay big dude, now what?" Asked Sonic looking around this place. The interior wasn't anything fancy, a lot of broken walls and junk piles lying around. Obviously, the person that lived there didn't use the lower parts. He noticed a long staircase in the center, which would probably lead them towards the top…where their enemy is probably waiting.

"This staircase would led us to the high lord. We need to keep moving if we want to stop it before anything bad happens to our soldiers." Replied Claw and started to head forward, while being followed by others. Each of them, with weapon ready slowly ascended the floors while successfully managing to overcome any robot that came their way…well…Sonic did most of the job. As they made their way up, their numbers dwindled, since more soldiers stayed behind to ensure a safe route on lower floors and soon only selected few remained. It didn't take them long to get near the top, as all of them stood now before massive doors made out of pure gold, which made Rouge look in awe.

"It's in here…" Said sadly Claw the Bear as he put his hands on the door handle, hesitant about opening them. Turning to his companions he looked at everyone with serious eyes. The group consisted of all the strangers, Gold the Monkey, Gala the Serpent and himself. Obviously he didn't like that, the strangers were fighting their fight but it wasn't his decision to made and he knew it.

"You all don't need to go inside…Kirlan is a powerful magician and it would be a very dangerous fight…" He started with grim voice, but quickly stopped seeing the determined eyes of everyone present. Shaking his head, he knew there really was no stopping any of them from going there…they already went past the point of getting out now.

"Don't worry dude, we can manage. We always do." Said Sonic reassuringly, his ever present grin on his face, as he brimmed with confidence and pushed the door open to reveal their final opponent…it was time for their last battle, one that would determine what would happen next.


Sitting on the throne inside the chamber made of pure gold was a lone old cat with moustache similar to that of Dr. Ivo Robotnik, his mind clouded by heavy thoughts, eyes glued to the floor as he was thinking over everything that happened in those recent days. When the heavy doors opened, he saw the strangers that destroyed everything. Most of them were unknown to him but he recognized the blue hedgehog, the one that interrupted him last time, breaking his spell of mirage walking. This time everything would be different since now, all of his powers were at his disposal. Slowly getting up he made his way towards them, the sound of his footsteps dulled by the purple carpet. No words were needed to say, he already knew what they wanted and he would not let them interfere with everything any more than they did already.

"So…we meet again, big moustache." Said Sonic as he, and all of his friends made their way inside, while the doors of pure gold shut behind them, trapping everyone present inside. High lord Kirlan was never one to speak much, since the earliest days of his life and as he had in his habit, he moved his staff forward, while sending attacks similar to Shadow's chaos spears around the room, scattering his opponents to all sides.

"Whoa. This guy is more serious than Shadow!" Yelled Knuckles, earning stern stare from Sonic's black counterpart. As he took out his big axe, he hid behind one of seven big pillars that encircled the room, while waiting for his chance to attack. He wasn't one to jump and rush, not when he couldn't use his guardian powers.

"We need a plan. Rouge, Tails try to distract him from above, the rest, be on standby while I'll get his attention. If you see any opening then charge at him but don't be reckless." Yelled Sonic to his companions as he speed around the room, while avoiding beams of energy that came his way. Just as he was close to the high lord a wave of energy shoot from his opponent body, sending the blue blur flying across the room and onto the floor.

"Man…Is it me or he is way stronger than last time?" Asked Sonic, getting to his feet, only to discover debris flying towards him. Ducking to the side he stole glance around the room only to see that both Rouge and Tails had a hard time to avoid countless flying projectiles that were sent their way.

"This is insane! This guy can make even Silver telekinesis look like a cheap trick!" Complained Tails as bigger chunks were sent his way, nearly crushing him if Rouge didn't gave him a helping hand.

"Grrr…We can't even get close!" Yelled Claw the Bear as he used his mighty axe to smash big chunk of gold throne that was sent his way. This action however gave Sonic good idea.

"Okay everyone….it's risky but let's attack him all at once, from ALL sides!" Ordered the blue hedgehog annoyed slightly at his decision. He didn't want to put his friends lives in danger but if this continued like this someone would get hurt one way or another without them actually managing to touch this guy. The idea was simple…his friends would charge and Sonic will eliminate any flying debris. As if on cue, everyone rushed from their cover, nearing the surprised Kirlan, but just as they were about to swing their weapons at him, he flashed out of the way and reappeared behind their unprotected backs. With displeased look, he decided that this fight was taking too long, so he would attack them focusing on one at a time…and his first target would be…this lilac furred female. Gathering the energy around himself, he decided that this time he would just send one fast attack instead of ten weaker. That should to the thing.

"Disappear" He said under his nose, as the big projectile was shoot towards the fire princess who didn't had even time to dodge the attack. As her eyes grew wide, so did Shadows, who realized he was too far to reach her this time. Time seemed to slow for the black hedgehog, as memories of his past began playing inside his head, but this time the woman he tried to save wasn't Maria…it was Blaze.

Nooo! – He screamed in his mind as energy pulsated under the palms of his hands. Feeling the familiar power, he acted on impulse and released it towards the oncoming attack, which couldn't be stopped by anything else.

"Chaaaooosss…SPEAR!" He yelled, as yellow energy shoot towards the beam of energy, the familiar energy of chaos, reflecting it towards nearby pillar and overthrowing it on the ground, separating the heroes from their adversary, who now wore shocked expression on his face…as did everyone else present.

"S-Shadow? H-how…"Stuttered Blaze, not able to comprehend what exactly happened. Not one of them understood what was going on. Weren't their powers lost for them? Sealed by Eggman? Looking puzzled at the palm of his hand even Shadow wasn't able to come with any sound explanation…he just did, what he always does, when using this attack.

"I thought as much…" The quiet voice of Tails resounded behind them, as all the pair of eyes turned towards the young fox eyeing him with curiosity, expecting answers. Feeling the need to elaborate the young fox decided to do it quickly, as the next attack of high lord resounded around the room, coming…he was trying to get to them, by destroying the fallen pillar so they didn't had much time.

"If you have anything to say smart boy, better do it now. This chunk of precious gold won't hold that old cat for long." Said the Ivory bat, motioning with her hand for him to be quicker…she too was curious as to what went on. How could Shadow shoot chaos spear? It should have been impossible.

"When we were sent Eggman said he sealed out powers…but…didn't any of you noticed anything strange? I noticed it first when Shadow pulled this rabbit guy through the window as if it was nothing… and we all know Shadow's strength comes from chaos energy flowing through his veins. It would be impossible without it." Started quickly the young fox, while everyone waited and listened, ears perked up but as always Sonic cut in.

"So what? You want to say the effect wasn't permanent and that we got some of our powers back?" Inquired the blue hedgehog, but his young companion quickly shook his head in dismissal and decided to correct impatient his friend.

"No Sonic. I thought about it at first, but that was not the case. It may sound strange to you guys but the theory I came up with is, that Eggman never actually sealed our powers…he just used some kind of hypnosis to make us believe he did it. Remember…none of us never TRIED to use them and yet we knew that we couldn't. How did all of us knew it without proof?" Finished the young fox, exhaling the air. He would like to elaborate further but it seemed they didn't had enough time for it, not now anyway.

"So what now?" Asked Amy, curiously but the answer was already obvious to all of them, save for three banished who just looked at themselves unable to comprehend any of this rambling about sealing powers or Egg-something being responsible for it.

"Now Amy, we get even." Replied Sonic, which made everyone either smile or chuckle. It was payback time. Just as the gold pillar that separated them from their adversary crumbled, everyone of them rushed forward, each free of Eggman's hold, all of their powers at their disposal. Whatever the high lord was expecting to happen it certainly wasn't the punch of red echidna that sent him flying up, followed by hit from big hammer… it certainly wasn't his clothes to start burning or being spin-dashed constantly by black and blue blur. As his magic power dwindled, the barrier he kept around himself finally gave in and he went flying back, hitting the remains of one of the columns. Falling to his knees he looked up at the figures of seven strangers, pure disbelief painted on his face…they weren't this strong some minutes ago…WHAT HAPPENED?!

"Uh…should we stop them?" Asked Claw his monkey companion, who just stood dumbfounded, but upon the question hitting his ears he simply shook his head. Never in his life had any of them saw something so powerful that would be able to literally sent the high lord flying.

"Looks like this fight is over." Said Sonic, turning around to the three banished showing them thumbs up while grinning. The three of them came close, their own smiles present…They couldn't believe what actually happened. They won and it all seemed like an end of long dream… As the heroes were ready for one big cheer, suddenly a clank was heard and a lone pair of footsteps echoed around the room, the sound coming from the staircase on the left to the throne.

"So…the male didn't stop you after all. Pathetic." Came to them female voice as the silhouette that appeared on stairs came to light to reveal a single girl, the gold colored monkey, adorned in expensive clothing and jewelry. Heavy frown on her face, she looked around the room with displeased expression, as her eyes scanned the figures of heroes who dared to barge in here.

"S-sister?", "Princess Amber?" resounded voices of both Gold the Monkey and Claw the Bear, who now stood dumbfounded, looking as if they saw ghost. Crossing over the fallen body of lord Kirlan, Amber the Monkey took his staff in her hands, making blue energy swirl around it's tip, now looking with clear blue eyes, filled with disgust at everyone present in the throne room.

"So…my dear brother and the general of my father finally decided to make their move. Bored of the life in hiding I assume?" Said the princess as her soft voice filled the silent room, while heavy frown remained on her muzzle.

"Whoa…time out! What's going on? Who is this?" Asked Sonic, who had trouble to comprehend what was actually going on…and looking at the faces of his friend, he knew others felt the same way. Eyes glued to the two banished, he looked at them, while taping his foot impatiently, expecting answers. The first to take voice was Claw the Bear but was quickly silenced by raised hand of Gold the Monkey.

"That is, what I also would like to know Mr. Sonic. Allow me to reintroduce myself…My name is Gold the Monkey...the son of now deceased king, the one that was saved from poison by my father's oldest friend and general, Claw the Bear." Began the prince as he looked on the faces of his friends, who rewarded him with curious and dumbfounded stares, eyes wide from this revelation. However the male monkey didn't wore pleased expression. With anger filled eyes, he turned sharply to his big companion.

"You told me that my sister died by the hands of high lord Kirlan. Why did you lied?" He asked, voice full of barely contained fury, as this one simple fact that shaped his entire life crumbled before him with the sudden appearance of his older sister. The big bear however looked as much surprised as everyone else.

"I didn't know my prince… I was told she died…" He started to explain himself but then a mocking laughter interrupted him as Amber the Monkey tried her best to calm herself down.

"Poor fools. Before I will get rid of you, allow me to enlighten you all with my tale…" Began the princess as a gleeful smile showed on her features, but the eyes remained cold as ice.

"As I believe, you were told how the lone priest came to my father, the king. You probably heard how the priest got rid of royal family and gave the inhabitants of this kingdom new laws to obey…but what you don't know is, that he was working for me. I was the one who poisoned my parents, I was the one who tried to poison you my dear brother, I was the one who created those laws and I am the one who everyone obeys while remaining in the shadows as the fool priest does my bidding." Finished the princess as she kicked the unconscious high lord in the face, while getting some sort of pleasure from doing it. Looking at her adversaries, the ones who made her reveal herself she wondered slowly how to kill all of them….or who would be first.

"W-why would you do something like this? I heard you lived good and peaceful life in the kingdom!" Yelled Amy, as the memories of sad tale flew through her head. She couldn't believe how someone could do all of this and be this cruel.

"Peaceful life? Don't make me laugh! My parents always argued and the male that was my father always used his authority to dominate over weaker ones, especially my weak mother! My brother here might not remember it since he was too young but I saw it all… This world never had any justice for women, it needed new laws, but people aren't so easy to change. The only way to made them to obey was to use authority higher than my fathers and so the laws from gods were given!" Yelled Amber the Monkey as fury filled her eyes, memories of her past filling her.

"Then what about the purpose of cutting vocal cords if someone is too loud? What about your people who suffer because of it? What about the banished who were not a threat to you but you still made them guilty of everything your robots did?" Asked Blaze, who was unable to control herself any more. By her beliefs a royalty shouldn't act like this. She lost her own parents when she was young…there were countless days she wished to meet them and this person here just killed her own father and mother. Trembling with anger she felt like she would explode any moment.

"What about all of this? I'm a princess, I don't need to care about such trivial stuff like my people. They only need me to rule over them in general and be thankful that I let them live." Replied the female monkey as she smiled a wide and cruel smile and by this time Blaze already got the image who she really was…just a spoiled brat who knew nothing of hardships of ruling, she simply played with everyone like with toys! With a roar she charged at the annoyance only to discover herself being easily lifted up and thrown back. Luckily Rouge cough her up in air.

"You okay?" Inquired the ivory beauty seeing as anger seeped from the feline eyes.

"Yes, but she won't be." Blaze replied shortly and charged again, followed by Amy, Rouge and Gala who also wanted to show this spoiled princess how it is to feel pain. Looking at them, the male part of the team wanted to intervene before anything happened, but seeing as not all of them were cooping okay with the situation, Sonic and Shadow both decided to do something about it.

"H-how…how could you do all of this?" Stuttered Gold the Monkey falling to his knees, not being able to comprehend all the truth that was revealed to him. All his life he believed something different and now everything has been turned upside down. He no longer knew what he was supposed to do or who was his enemy, but then, he felt white gloved hand land on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw face of no one other than Sonic the Hedgehog.

"I know it's hard on you. But there are people counting on their leader." Started the young hedgehog, but was meet with the prince shaking his head miserably, obviously not wanting to listen.

"I don't know what to do…" He started to say, but quickly he found himself being hold by threatening Shadow the Hedgehog, whose eyes showed anger but also compassion behind them. The black hedgehog knew how hard it was to live through something like this, but this was not a time for the prince to act like crying little girl.

"Get yourself together you idiot. All we need to do is to knock her out and then you can cry all you want for all I care, just stop hindering everyone else!" Snarled the black blur as he pulled the male monkey out of his daze. Throwing him to the ground he didn't wait for reply and went to make sure nothing bad was happening to Blaze.

"Y-you are right! Claw go around and try to restrain her from the back while I and other guys will help the girls out!" He issued his orders as the all began to charge at the princess who was now fighting with Blaze, shooting projectiles at her and slowly gaining the upper hand only to lose it when avoiding Amy's piko piko hammer. As they all neared her, suddenly her stare grew heavy as energy began circling around her. Releasing it, she threw everyone aside as this game began to tire her.

"Is it me or does she seem stronger that this Kirlan guy?" Asked Knuckles while massaging his shoulder he landed on but didn't receive any reply as everyone noticed it on their own.

"We need to somehow restrain her without actually hurting..." Began the prince but cut short as he saw bigger ball of energy forming above his sisters head. Eyes wide, he knew that if she attacked them with it, no one would be safe, especially if she detonated the whole tower that already took too much damage.

"It's time to end this. Farewell brother…nhg.." She yelped when smaller energy beam collided with the magic staff, throwing it from her hands, while at the same tame it made her attack vanish. Looking to her left side, the evil princess noticed the old cat, who now stood with his hands outstretched while panting heavily.

"You traitor! What are you doing?!" Yelled Amber the Monkey in the face of no one other than High lord Kirlan, whose emotionless stare looked unfazed at his mistress.

"Obeying the rightful heir as I promised your father." Stated simply the old priest as he slid to the floor tiredly, too exhausted to keep on his feet. Snarling the princess however wasn't going to let this little interference change her plan to get rid of everyone, but as she turned her head back to the heroes a white gloved fist collided with her jaw, sending her flying to the floor, as lone teeth flew out of her mouth as she lost consciousness. Turns out, nobody told her not to take her eyes from enemies.

"Now I feel better." Said Blaze, as everyone came closer from behind her. She was about to continue her attack, but then she could feel Shadow hand land on her shoulder, instantly calming her down. It was over…they won. Letting herself exhale the air she had been keeping she moved slightly back to lean on Shadows chest, as tiredness took over her. She wasn't bothered by anyone looking at them, since everyone were too busy to actually comment about this…and even Shadow didn't seem to mind her action, probably thinking she wanted only to rest a little.


As ten figures were slowly making their way through the ominous swamp, their steps heavy from recent events, happy chatter was going on between them. Those ten figures were no one other than Sonic and his friends, accompanied by Gold the Monkey, Gala the Serpent and Kirlan the Cat, earlier known as High lord, now only a humble priest.

"You really don't want to stay to the party?" Asked Gold the Monkey as he looked at seven heroes that helped him regain his peaceful world, but was only met with Sonic shaking his head left and right. It felt strange to the young prince to walk this land while not feeling threatened by robots, as all of them were deactivated after victory.

"I wish we could dude, but we have one more world to save and one more big butt to kick…two of them actually." Replied the blue blur with small laugh, while getting silent approval from others. Even if he was laughing, his thoughts were heavy, as they didn't knew how much time passed in their dimension. The thoughts of what they may see upon returning back were dark and they all seemed on edge, especially Blaze.

"Then we wish you good luck…we will really miss you." Said Gala the Serpent, getting a hold of her husband arm as she looked sadly at everyone. They didn't had much chance to interact with each other, but they already became fast friends, especially Amy and Rouge, who saved her life during the initial assault on the drawbridge.

"Speaking of missing…wouldn't the princess try to escape while you are seeing us of?" Asked Knuckles, but was met with the old magician showing his disapproval.

"I put extra measures on the cell she is locked in and general Claw is guarding her personally today." Assured Kirlan, but the red guardian didn't look exactly pleased with his answer…he still didn't fully trust this guy, who was their enemy just recently and didn't bother to hid his distrust.

"That's what I'm worried about. Until yesterday, you were working for her." Snarled the echidna, eyes slightly angry but was met with the old cat shaking his head sadly.

"I'm loyal to the royal blood-line. Had I know that prince Gold was alive, then I would follow him. For that lack of knowledge I apologize." Replied Kirlan, while still feeling uncomfortable around those strangers…after all he was royal magician and advisor of late king, and never in his long life had he seen someone as powerful as those seven. Truth be told, he was glad they will leave his world with his help.

"Please…you were only loyal to my father. No one blames you." Assured him Gold, which earned him a small smile from the former high lord, now demoted to a simple priest. As they neared a big hole in the ground they all looked down to see the old well inside…nothing special at first but some of them already know what was hidden inside.

"So? How exactly is this place going to help us return?" Asked Amy, with dread looking at the pool of water, while remembering hers and Rouges earlier visit. She hoped nothing similar will happen this time, since she was sure to smash the water spirit if it angered her again.

"This place holds special meaning, for it is here that time and space intersects. I'm sure that kind spirit will be able to return you to your world." Said the old cat, which made both the pink hedgehog and ivory bat look uncertain, especially about the "kind spirit" part. Upon descending down, they all looked around as the lone priest neared the well. With the move of his magic staff, the water began boiling and soon, well known figure of water spirit came to life.

"Who dares to…Oh! Kirlan, it was so long since we last met!" Said happily the water apparition as it came closer looking obviously pleased at the high lord, which made both Amy and Rouge look taken aback by the spirit kindness.

"I apologize my dear. I assume you know what we are here for?" Asked the priest, turning around to look at the seven strangers, missing the angry look the oracle gave both Amy, Rouge and Blaze.

"Of course! Leave it to me!" Said happily the water spirit as the whirlpool showed in the well, powerful energy pulsating from within it. Looking pleased at the swirling water, the priest made room for others to come closer.

"This is the portal that will take you, to your home. Say your farewells but don't take too long." Replied the old cat, bowing down while excusing himself and going to lean on the nearby wall, while water spirit encircled him and soon both of them were in pleasant conversation.

"So…I guess that's it…" Began Gold the Monkey, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. He didn't spent much time with those strangers, but it was enough for him to consider them his friends…and now they will have to go back and probably never return.

"Yeah…" Said Sonic as he looked at the guy, who spent all his time in hiding, helping his people however he could and now was going to lead his people…Sonic was proud of him.

"You know…there is no telling we won't be meeting each other someday" Reassured him the blue blur, as he didn't want the young prince to cry here. He didn't like teary farewells and preferred them to end with smiles instead of tears. Seeing as the monkey tears dried up, before they could fall down he felt relieved.

"I suppose you are right…friends…?" Asked the prince as he extended his hand, which Sonic shook, while giving his trademark grin. No more words were needed as feelings of new friendship spoke for themselves. As everyone of them bid their farewell, the hero of mobius turned towards the portal.

"Guess that's it." He said as he jumped first, followed by Tails, Amy, Knuckles and Rouge who upon entering looked with smile at her G.U.N. Partner. Standing before the portal, Blaze the Cat looked uncertain as never in her life. Soon she will discover whether her world is alive or not. Feeling as another hand grabbed hers, she looked to the left to discover Shadow the Hedgehog looking at her with strong ruby eyes.

"You don't plan on running out now, do you?" He inquired, which earned him a soft smile from the fire princess. As she held tighter his hand, she started to move forward, being closely followed by the black blur, her last words barely heard.

"Not now, not ever…"


"So…where did you send them?" He asked but was only meet with Eggman shake up his shoulders.

"Who cares? We got rid of them and that's what counts." He replied with big, creepy smile.

"We should start planning our conquest…we still need to rebuild our invention." And with those last words they exited the room, unaware that something bad was going to happen soon, behind their back, where broken cannon parts were scattered…

As soon as two Eggmans exited the room, a loud roar was hear which made them quickly run back inside, only to discover their enemies, safe and sound with sand on them. While grinding their teeth, both moustaches turned to face each other as angry shouts were traded between two mad geniuses.

"You said it worked! Look now what you did!" Yelled Eggman Nega at his counterpart but the Mobius Prime Eggman wasn't going to let himself accept all the blame…or any blame at all.

"I did? It was your programming that was messed up!" Shot back Eggman, but soon they were interrupted by a cheerful voice of no one other than Sonic the Hedgehog. The blue blur was happy, because it seemed that time flow was in their favor and it also made everyone else sigh in relief upon entering their dimension…they obviously weren't late.

"Ready to give up now?" Asked the hero of Mobius as both scientist started to back away to another room, where the main core of emerald siphon was. They wouldn't want to lose any precious gems even if Sonic was back since it was a pain to look for them.

"Give up? Neve..." Said Dr. Ivo Robotnik, but was cut short when roaring flame went past his head burning the rip of his moustache.

"Give. Me. Back. My. Emeralds." Said Blaze the Cat, fiery as ever, as her temper rose up. This time she wasn't going to let anything prolong. She would get her world's treasure back even if she would have to burn through all that fat before her. Seeing her scary gaze upon himself, Eggman looked panicked and decided that it's better to let her have them…for now at least. Pushing the button on the nearby wall, he opened a hidden path and quickly escaped for his life while leaving his annoying sol dimension counterpart to deal with those mobians.

"Curse you." Snarled Eggman Nega as he exited to the back room, the light of power core illuminating his person as long shadow was cast on nearby wall. When the seven heroes slowly came closer, he knew from the start that he was outnumbered but he would have his last laugh…actually, he thought of a very good idea right about now. Standing straight, he slowly clapped his hands as if congratulating the efforts of his adversaries, who entered the room after him every one of them ready to attack any minute.

"Good work. You all did well." He began cheerfully, as he slowly started to move towards the nearby console, eyes of seven mobians following his every step.

"You won't run away this time." Said the fire princess, as she prepared to attack any minute. She knew him better than anyone else did, and if he was acting like this, he was planning something…but what? She couldn't guess. He was clearly outnumbered after all.

"That may be so your highness. But I wonder…which is more important, catching me or saving your world?" Said the mad scientist as he toyed with his grey moustache. Catching Blaze and everyone else off guard, he got them where he wanted, as they looked around the room trying to figure out his rambling. Now all he had to do, was to quickly press some buttons and escape.

"What do you mean?" Asked Sonic impatiently before anyone else. He knew something fishy was going on, but just couldn't guess what, no matter how hard he tried. No matter the Eggman, his experience told him that something big will happen soon…something no one of them would like.

"My dear blue hedgehog…why don't I show you?" Said Eggman Nega, as he started pressing some buttons…hardly an effort since it took him about one second to do so, before anyone could react. What he wanted to do was easy…and he did it very fast as alarms roared to life all around the base. The light from reactor fading like extinguished candle as Blaze fell to her knees in a fit of pain that shoot through her whole body. As she suddenly kneeled, everyone else took their eyes off the mad genius for split second, worry on their faces, especially on Shadow's...

"W-what did you do?" Asked Blaze while obviously in pain, flames again slowly forming on her hands, eyeing the mad scientist who looked innocently at her…his voice mocking.

"Oh? Just overloaded the reactor…sadly, I think that this explosion blew the two sol emeralds inside to pieces. Too much chaos emeralds I guess. Bet you didn't knew we used four of them did you?" Replied the mad genius, while grinning from ear to ear, seeing as seven pairs of different colored eyes grew wide from horror.

"Now if you don't mind. I'll excuse myself. Enjoy the last minutes of your world princess." He added and quickly tapped another button, as a trapdoor opened under him…his escape route where he wanted it to be.

"Get back here!" Yelled Sonic and Knuckles in unison but were too late as the doors shut tightly behind the mad man and only the fading laughter could be still heard for some more seconds.

"Blaze…" Began Shadow but the princess didn't look at him, eyes glued to the reactor chamber, where broken parts of grey stones laid lifeless. Lips quivered, she began to tremble slowly as realization dawned on her. She failed…without the emeralds there was no way her world will ever be saved. As Amy and Rouge prepared to move to comfort the fire feline, faces filled with worry, they were surprised that someone else reacted faster than either of them. With tears slowly forming, Blaze could feel Shadow slowly hugging her, as she responded naturally to it and hid her face in his chest unable to control herself any longer. The black hedgehog didn't care if anyone saw them right now, as the very thing he was afraid about started to happen right here and now… he promised her that he would save her world…

"Tails! Can't you do something?" Quickly asked Sonic while looking at his broken friend, ears filled with her muffled sobs, his usual cheerful grin gone from his face as cold seriousness replaced it. It was a rare sight but one to be feared as the blue blur got like this only when needed. Managing to look away, he saw his twin tailed fox already typing quickly on the console, not bothering to reply to his blue hero as similar expression was adorning his face…he needed to concentrate, and when he got like this, the results usually showed quickly. It didn't take him long…but what he was about to say to them was not what he wanted.

"There is no way to save Blaze's world….With the sol emeralds gone there is nothing we can do." He started grimly, looking depressed down at his hands. For all his genius even he was not able to come up with anything on the spot. As his young voice resounded with echo around the room, all that could be heard were silent sobs from the broken fire princess who didn't care if someone saw her tears. Looking up, Shadow motioned for Amy to come closer and replace him, which the pink hedgehog did, puzzled that the ultimate life form wanted to do so…did he had a plan? Coming closer to the young genius, the ultimate life form looked at the keyboard, determination in his ruby eyes.

"There must be something…anything!" He growled as he began angrily typing on the keyboard, not willing to give up. Looking at his black counterpart, the blue blur slowly put his hands on Shadow's shoulder trying to calm him down accompanied by Rouge, who stood by in case if they ended up fighting each other, sadness obvious in her features. She didn't like Blaze…but this was just too cruel.

"I know how you feel…but there is nothing we can do…" Sonic began in quiet voice, not wanting for Blaze to hear anything since she was already barely holding up, but the ultimate life form threw aside his counterpart sympathy and looked at him sharply, red eyes burning, refusing to ever give up.

"I will find a way." Shadow said with determined voice as he set his mind on his task. Everyone knew that when he did so, nothing would made him change his decision. It angered him that the blue annoyance before him would ever dare to suggest they should give up. Looking as if he would kill him any minute, the blue hedgehog slowly backed off.

" Hey, calm down Shadow. I know you want to do something, but it's not like you can somehow use chaos control to fix everything." Reasoned Sonic, trying very hard to convince his friend that he should stop but this random argument made Tails ears perk up who looked at both of them with sparkling sky colored eyes.

"That's it!" He almost yelled which made everyone look at him, even Blaze. Did he thought of something? Just as he was about to continue his voice however was lost in his throat. Getting impatient Shadow went up to him and shook him by his shoulders.

"If you know something, then say it!" He ordered sharply, anger and impatience seeping from his voice but then he felt Rouge's grip on his wrist trying to calm him down…which he did.

"Let him talk Shadow" She said seriously, not wanting the black hedgehog to hurt the twin tailed fox in any way. Gulping down, Tails looked seriously at everyone, especially at Blaze.

"I-It's not possible to save the whole world…but I believe, that using broken sol emeralds along with chaos emeralds it's possible to synchronize the dimensions…to bring everyone to this world. However even if we did it, there is no telling what would happen to the one who tries to do that…that quantity of mixed power will likely…k-kill the user." Replied the young genius, unsure if his proposal was any good. It was basically asking someone to sacrifice their own life…but it was the only way he could think of. Just as he was tormenting himself about this, Blaze the Cat stood strongly up, determination evident in her eyes, the streams from tears still present on her cheeks.

"I will do it." She said, prepared for anything, even to give her own life if needed. It was her duty and her people needed her even if it was the last time. However as she neared the reactor Shadow stood in her way, red eyes glancing at her with hidden worry.

"Move Shadow. It needs to be done." Whispered Blaze as she moved closer, trying very hard to not look into his pained eyes, but was met with heavy punch to the gut. As the image began to fade from her, she slowly drifted into sleep, not being able to do understand what had actually happened. Shocked, everyone looked at the ebony hedgehog who gently laid Blaze on the metal floor, while his eyes didn't show any emotion.

"Shadow?! What…" Began Sonic, but was stopped by his black counterpart who turned slowly to face the reactor where two sol emeralds laid, along with four chaos ones. As realization dawned on everyone they went closer to him. Obviously the first to speak was Sonic as he always did.

"I understand what you want to do, but do you think Blaze would want you to sacrifice yourself for her world?" Asked Sonic annoyed at the very thought of sacrificing even one of his friends. In his opinion there should always be another way, but he was not naïve enough to not believe that sometimes sacrifices were the only option…he did sacrifice himself countless times anyway.

"After I transport everyone here, she will be needed for her people who will find themselves in this world, so she can't sacrifice herself…besides I'm the ultimate life form…I have bigger chances of surviving this than her." Made his point Shadow, as he prepared to do what needed to be done…he didn't actually believe the last part about surviving, no one in this room did, but they couldn't argue with him as time was running out and Blaze was already unconscious. Not hearing any more words against his decision, he began to concentrate as raw power surged through his body. He felt the powers of both chaos and sol emeralds mixing inside his very being as the blood in his veins turned to fire. It hurt, but he wouldn't stop…he couldn't stop at all cost…for her…he will give everything…


TBC... Epilogue on its way!