UlTrRa SiK pRoDuCtIoNs pReSeNtZ:
Epilogue: The Path Of Brilliance
Disclaimer: I don't own any of Sega's characters….but I'd be a very happy guy if I did!
-Sorry for the long delay, but hey, guess what? The next chapter is here! And it's going to be a long chapter, so go; no no no, don't complain, just go, get some chips, maybe even a soda and then come back and enjoy the chapter.
-And taking bathroom breaks in between is a-okay too. I just hope this chapter isn't hope of typos!
---
"It was quite pleasant being in your company this evening, young Maria," Maw-maw smiled, "I do not have another spare bed for you, but I hope you will have no qualms sharing with Verve?"
Maria smirked, "As long as he's under the age of twelve, I've got no problems. That's before the age when boys become all pervy."
"What was that?"
"…Er…nothing…"
---
-Epilogue: The Path Of Brilliance-
Ryuenjin: "Dragonfire Blade"
"Shadow!"
"Oh Shadoow!"
"Hm?"
The ultimate life form lazily peeled open an eye, "Yeah?"
The claret streaked hedgehog was comfortably resting on his back with his hands behind his head. Above him was the clear, sapphire blue sky and below him were the emerald-green tufts of grass.
The day was beautiful, and here he was out enjoying every bit of it and soaking up every single ray of sunshine. Just as Shadow found himself closing his eyes again, a large beach ball smacked him right in the face.
Shadow popped up and spluttered as laughter rang out around him. The ultimate one turned toward the sound of the laughter and glared. His glare was directed towards the two, pristine-furred bats before him.
The first bat was a little girl who had big, pretty bright fuchsia eyes and was no older than ten summers. The second giggling bat was a more mature, womanly, older version of her daughter. Unlike her daughter though, this bat had bright aquamarine eyes that could either shine in a shade of green or blue.
"All right, who threw that?" Shadow whispered with a false menacing voice.
"I did!" The little bat proclaimed.
"Uh-oh, you shouldn't have done that, Maria," the aqua-eyed bat exclaimed, "Now you're in for it!"
"Could too!" the little bat piped, "Because daddy's a slow, big fat meanie!"
"Okay, that's it," Shadow said, rising to his feet, "I would have let that all slide, but when you called me a meaine…you sealed your own doom!"
After flashing the little Maria a devious grin, Shadow proceeded to chase the screaming girl around the park. After allowing her to run for a couple of yards, Shadow quickly wrapped her away in his arms.
"Ah! Nooo! I'm caught! Help me! Help me!" Maria cried out playfully.
"Hmph. Oh how the wicked tremble. And now, you shall meet your demise with my…Super Chaos Control Attack!"
The 'Super Chaos Control Attack' was nothing more than a super-fast tickle attack. Maria screamed with laughter as she giggled and guffawed and tried to do any and everything to get out of her dad's clutches.
After finishing up with his daughter, Shadow spun around with a dramatic slowness to face his wife. Although his face looked dead serious, she was able to catch the mischievous glint dancing in his claret eyes.
"And why do I think you had something to do with this treachery, Rouge?"
But Rouge was never one to back down from a challenge, "And what if I was?"
"Then I'm afraid you'll have to be punished as well."
"Perhaps, but I won't be caught as easily as Maria."
Just as Rouge spun around to make a getaway, Shadow appeared right in front of her. Blue eyes widened at the sudden appearance of the black and red hedgehog. Shadow studied her expression of surprise then smirked contently. He looked awfully smug right about now, "As you were saying?"
"Heh," the white bat smirked.
In a blur of movement, Rouge disappeared right before his eyes and she reappeared behind him. She placed her chin on his shoulder and grinned up at the back of his head smoothly, "Oh? And just what were you saying?"
As Rouge's smile was growing more and more dangerous, she blinked. Despite her counter, she could have sworn she heard Shadow's laughter. And she was correct. A low, deep chuckle escaped the hedgehog as he barely turned his head to glimpse at her, "Rouge…I thought by now you would have realized."
She quirked an eyebrow, "Realized what?"
A sinful expression stole Shadow's face, "That I absolutely love it when you play hard to get and it excites me."
With that quip Shadow disappeared, leaving a teetering Rouge. Just as she was trying to adjust her balance, Shadow slipped right behind her and caught her smoothly within his grip. Rouge gasped as she was dipped backwards and Shadow hovered forward. With the pose they were both in, one might think they were performing some sort of tango routine.
"I am a pure born hunter and warrior. It was what I was created to do. And when I see prey that is willing to give chase, I am more than tempted to pursue. And you," Shadow's words were softer than velvet as he ran his hand through the curls of her silken hair, "lovely huntress, are the best temptation that I have ever chased."
Shadow's deep ruby eyes lingered on Rouge's face for a second longer before he closed in for the kill. The pallid bat within his fingers closed her eyes sweetly as she awaited the actions of her husband.
As Shadow inched closer to those poised, pretty lips of hers, his eyes suddenly snapped open and his movement halted. Shadow's breath hitched; he's a thoroughbred hunter right? Well those hunter/warrior senses of his was telling, no, warning him that something wasn't right.
Blood red eyes narrowed; oh yeah, something was definitely amiss. After awaiting a kiss for so long, Rouge's eyes slowly slipped open. She studied his face and demeanor for a second before she spoke, "Shadow, what's wrong?"
Her aquamarine eyes focused on him on a moment before she swiftly focused upon something behind him. A terrible blend of horror and shock stole her features, "Maria!!"
Releasing Rouge to stand on her own two feet, Shadow spun to find the cause of her distress. Shadow promptly felt his heart sink, "…No…"
While Maria was busy practicing, dribbling a basketball in between her legs, a tall, smiling golden hedgehog was slowly creeping closer. Although it seemed like they were miles away, in truth, Rouge and Shadow only stood no less than one hundred meters from their daughter.
"Maria!" both Shadow and Rouge's voices blended and mingled into one dreadful cry.
The girl glanced up instantly at the terrible sound of her parent's voices. Her smile disappeared as she saw them both charge towards her. Daddy looked furious; trying to run his fastest as mommy looked scared, screaming.
Maria slowly circled around and gasped at the sight of the beaming golden hedgehog. She blinked, slightly startled that some strange guy was standing right behind her. In his bright blue eyes she saw her own reflection in them.
What were mommy and daddy worried about? This guy didn't seem like a bad guy. If anything he was kinda nice, and he smiled too. With a roar, Shadow dove at the golden newcomer as Rouge went to protectively cradle Maria.
As Shadow sailed right at the newcomer, to both his surprise and horror, Shadow seemed to soar right through him phantom-like. The black and red hedgehog hit the ground with a terrible impact. The second his flesh hit the ground he groaned.
Shakily Shadow pushed himself to his knees as he glared up at the golden-furred newcomer. The gold hedgehog chuckled as he seemed to ignore Shadow and fixed his gaze on the two white bats, "Hello girls. I'm Achilles, it's nice to meet you."
With a second roar, Shadow reached for Achilles, but the same result followed and he only melted right through the gold hedgehog. Shadow's face contorted with disbelief as his hand went straight through Achilles, 'What the hell is happening!? Why can't I hit him!?'
Shadow felt himself freeze as the smiling gold hedgehog suddenly lashed out toward Maria. The young white bat screeched as she covered her eyes. However before Achilles could make his way to Maria, Rouge interceded.
Rouge shielded her daughter as she wrapped her arms tightly around Maria. It was the only move she could pull off in such a short time, but by protecting her daughter, she sacrificed herself. The second Achilles' hand came in contact with Rouge, time froze. The white bat's eyes went wide as she inhaled sharply.
Maria screamed as Shadow's face went blank: Achilles had managed to lodge his hand straight through Rouge's chest cavity. Despite the pain darkening her eyes, Rouge managed one last smile at her daughter, "Mar..ia…mo…mmy loves y..ou..."
With the last of her strength used in her whispery words, the white bat closed her eyes as she fell down lifelessly. Maria began to cry as Shadow began to appear as if he was ready to have a mental breakdown.
"Mama!!" Maria cried her eyes watering.
"No…" Shadow began shaking, "Not again…"
Maria went over to the lifeless form of her mother and tried prodding her but it was no use, she wouldn't stir. Her mother's eyes were closed and her expression was surprisingly peaceful, as if she was slumbering.
Little Maria's eyes brimmed with scorching tears as she continued to shake her mother, "Mama! Mama please get up! Please…"
The black and crimson hedgehog dropped to his knees, "I've lost her again…Why couldn't I have protected her…"
Rouge's miniature replica cried over her mother's lifeless shell. Hot tears seeped into Rouge's modest top as Maria buried her face in her mother's shirt, "Please mommy wake up…please…I promise I'll clean my room from now on…"
Shadow sat on his knees idly as tremors racked his body. Every inch of his system shook as he felt his stomach toss and turn with a heavy, steely nausea. He could only watch as Rouge was mercilessly murdered by that insane hedgehog's hands.
Tears began to blur his vision as a lump grew in his throat. She was…dead? She was dead. Dead. With shaking hands, Shadow buried his face within his hands; he felt as if his world was capsizing.
"…Why…why does this always happen…Rouge…please…forgive me…"
Maria wiped her runny nose and finally peered up as a dark shadow loomed overhead. The white bat blinked up at the source of the sudden shade. Standing over her with a large grin in place was none other than the golden hedgehog.
His chest was covered with blood, as if he had tried to remove the foreign substance off of his hands by wiping it upon himself. Achilles wiped aimlessly at his chin, staining himself further before he greeted the little girl with a smile, "What's wrong little girl? You look sad."
"You…you," Maria sniffled, "You hurt her! My mommy won't wake up!"
"You know," Achilles said with a soft grin as he bent down on his knees to be eyelevel with Maria, "You remind me of something."
"You hurt my mommy!" Maria cried out, but Achilles seemed unfazed by this.
"Don't be sad, little caterpillar," Achilles beamed at her and displayed a row of fine white teeth, "you'll be with your mother soon enough."
"Ca-caterpillar?" Maria glanced at him with round, bulbous purple eyes.
"Yeah, Caterpillar. Caterpillars grow up to turn into butterflies. And since you're still a little kid, you haven't grown up yet and become a butterfly, and that's why I call you caterpillar," Achilles poked Maria playfully in the nose, leaving a red blood stain on her small nose.
"But don't worry Caterpillar, I'll bring you to your mother. And you'll both be together in the afterlife."
Achilles slowly rose to his feet. Something about his slow, stealthy mannerisms made Maria think of a ghost, a phantom. Although Achilles was smiling, there was still something dangerous and chilling about his actions.
"D-daddy…" Maria barely whispered, eyes still glued to Achilles.
But Shadow was still in his own universe, mourning over the loss of his soul mate, "Rouge…forgive me…I couldn't protect you…"
"Daddy…" Maria tried again.
"Rouge…"
"Daddy!"
"…Forgive me…" Shadow cried out, eyes blurred with tears.
Maria glanced back at Achilles, only to see the golden menace raising his hands above his head. With his customary smile in place and the blood smeared on his body and face like war paint, Achilles' hands were ignited with a bright blue energy. Maria's eyes grew wide as her irises constricted.
Achilles chuckled as insanity danced within his bright blue eyes, "Goodnight Caterpillar."
"Daddy!!"
The frantic cry snapped Shadow out of his trance and he instantly turned to look over at the sound of his daughter's voice. The sight he was greeted with was not at all pretty: Achilles was standing over his gaping daughter with burning, energy-infused hands.
"Maria…" Shadow whispered, then he jumpstarted his senses and jetted right for them, "Maria!!"
Shadow felt his heart sink as the last sight he was greeted with was a laughing Achilles slamming his hands into his screaming daughter. The black and crimson hedgehog felt his strength zapped from right under himself; first Rouge, now Maria? His cute, loving, little Maria?
Suddenly all the grief, pain, rage, and sorrow became too much for the crimson-streaked hedgehog; he felt as if his head was being pulled twelve different ways.
The tidal wave of painful emotions brought the hedgehog to his knees: first his legs gave out, then his knees, and it seemed that he lost all control in his arms. He collapsed listlessly as he felt the next thing to go was his sight.
"Achilles…" Shadow whispered.
The golden menace was just a bright, sunny blur of color now. The last thing to go was his mind and then blissfully Shadow blacked out, as the red curtains fell; the show was over.
"Shadow?"
"Shadow?"
'Hn, just like the beginning of the daydream…'
"Shadow?" A carnation-pink hedgehog with grassy green eyes popped up into his vision, "Are you okay? You've been staring at nothing for the past few minutes."
"I'll never be okay if he is awake and functioning."
The pink hedgehog frowned; Shadow must have been referring to Achilles, "Shadow…it's the only way…You know that Julie would have never brought him back. But…Chaos has become exceedingly powerful."
Shadow closed his eyes as a sneer tore across his face, "And am I supposed to be okay with that!? Well I'm not!"
"I understand your feelings," Amy sighed, "We all feel the same way. No one in their right mind wanted to bring that psycho back…But we don't have much of a choice…It seems that each second Chaos grows stronger."
The crimson and red antihero sat with the same nasty expression plastered on his face. While Amy did have a good point, he still wasn't ever going to ever be cool with Achilles. Ever.
Suddenly Shadow chuckled darkly. This brought Amy to glance at him cautiously. The dark hedgehog glanced into space with a cruel smirk, "You know what Gerald once told me?"
"No," she barley whispered.
"Gerald once asked me, 'Shadow, do you know when a person truly hates another being? Truly detests another person?''"
The green-eyed hedgehog gulped; somehow she knew this wasn't going to be pleasant, "H-how?"
Shadow didn't bat an eyelash, " 'When a person is willing to sacrifice all they have, possess, and even their life, to bring another person to their ultimate downfall, that is when true hate is present.' Amy, I believe by Gerald's definition, I loathe…Achilles."
It seemed that when Shadow spoke the golden hedgehog's name, he spat it out of his mouth like it left behind a foul aftertaste. This statement seemed to bother Amy the most, "…Would you really give up everything you hold dear to your heart to bring him down?"
Amy swore that just for a moment, Shadow's eyes faded into a steely black color, "Yes. I think I would give my soul to see him dead."
"Would you give up Maria?" Amy whispered.
That statement seemed to have brought Shadow back to earth. Oh yeah, that question definitely brought him out of his dark daydreams; Shadow was just awoken with a verbal slap in the face.
The pink hedgehog's green eyes glittered sadly as she smiled at him, "Sometimes, even the ultimate life form speaks before he thinks, huh?"
Shadow quickly opened his mouth to speak, but the delicate touch of Amy's hand silenced him. The cherry-pink hedgehog cupped his face lightly within her palms, and emerald greens met ruby reds.
"I know. You would never sacrifice your precious daughter, even for the chance to axe murder Achilles. But the point I make is this: rage is a terrible weapon and it can drive even the best of people to commit horrid atrocities. Yes, even you, Shadow the Hedgehog, can be controlled by rage; own your emotions, don't let them own you."
The black hedgehog closed his eyes, mediating on the words that were just spoken. Amy smiled slightly as she turned to leave; Shadow would need some time to himself to ponder upon his thoughts and feelings.
Just as Amy was making her way back to the Echidna's home, she heard Shadow's voice and surprisingly, it sounded light-hearted, "Rose Hedgehog."
"Yep?" Amy smiled as she spun to glance at him.
"You just told me to control myself, correct?"
"…Essentially, yes. Why do you ask?"
"Because," Shadow smirked, looking a bit like himself, "The same boy-crazy girl who chased Sonic up and down the streets is telling me to control myself!?"
Amy Rose's face went under an interesting transformation; it went from being stark white, then to pink, then to being a full-out cherry complexion. Shadow managed to laugh lightly at her obvious embarrassment.
"Hey!" Amy roared, her face glowing like Rudolph's nose, "So even when you're sad! You're still a bastard!!"
Then, just as Amy was about to take another step, she spun and faced him coyly. She had a sly expression upon her face, "Oh and by the way, you just wish it was you I was chasing."
Shadow laughed for a split second as he watched the pink hedgehog flip her quills girlishly before she disappeared, "…Oh no, I'm quite pleased that you were after and only after that faker…"
---
Maria groaned as the blurry world slowly began to untwist and mold into a clear sight. Blotches of brown, tan and copper filled her vision before her memory jarred her into clear consciousness, "Chaos!"
And with that word, Maria jolted upright only to find herself in a rather plain white, thin quilted bed. The girl halted in her actions; wait a minute, what am I doing here? I should be on Angel Island. Where am I?
"Ah, she awakens."
She turned to the sound of the smooth, placid voice. Even though Maria hadn't seen the owner of the voice, somehow she knew she wasn't in danger. But it still didn't hurt to be a little suspicious, "H-hello?"
The wooden door budged open and an old, withering tan echidna appeared. Her wrinkles around her face and on her frail arms indicated her to have been maybe four or five times Maria's age.
Unlike Sol's stern, sharp-eyed great-grandmother, this old woman appeared soft and kindhearted. In fact she even brought a bowl of food along with her visit.
"Hello darling, how are you feeling?"
"A little hazy, but--" Maria paused and suddenly noticed the change in her clothing. She found herself plucking at an over feminine white dress that was hemmed at the edges with lace. The hedgehog-bat hybrid frowned; this was definitely not her style. She wanted to look like a hero not like some damsel who popped out of a nursery book.
Maria could only find four words to express her thoughts on her new apparel, "…The hell is this?"
"My, such a mouth on such a fair girl," the old echidna smiled, "Do pardon me, but when I found you, you were washed up on our shore and completely soaked to the bone. I found you the nicest batch of clothes I could find though."
"Uh, thank you," Maria's eyes darted away from the woman before they glanced back, "Oh, by the way my name's Maria."
"Maple," the old woman smiled, "and welcome to Angel Heights."
"Maw-maw, is the girl awake yet?"
A red echidna with large gray eyes entered the bedroom. When he glanced at Maria he gasped, then instantly hid behind the older echidna's legs. He hadn't expected the girl to be up yet!
From what Maria could tell, the kid couldn't have been any older than a kindergartener. Heck, so there was someone out there that was even younger than her friend Sunny! Maria smiled at the kid's bashful display.
"My, Verve, where are your manners? Don't be so shy, she's a really sweet girl. Maria, this is my grandson Verve. He usually isn't this shy! In fact we usually have to take extreme measures just to simply get him to hush up!"
Maria chuckled as she turned to look the gray-eyed kid, "Hey there little guy, I won't bite." Verve slowly pulled away from his grandmother as Maria made a motion to stand and approach him. The second she took a step toward him…
…She fell flat out on her face.
"OW! WHY SONOVA!!---"
---
Flash tore through the night with a savage speed. He clenched his teeth as he sailed and ducked under various tree branches. The sapphire-blue hedgehog forced his way through the thick bushes and wild, brightly-colored ferns.
He was tired of running away. Why was Sol the only one who fought Chaos? Even Maria tried to take him on the first time they saw him. Flash was almost tempted to turn around and try to take on Chaos by himself; keyword almost.
It would be an idiotic move to try to pull off because of several reasons: A.) Chaos' strength was growing exponentially B.) Maria's conditions were unknown C.) Chaos was strong enough to take on Sonic, Knuckles, Scythe and Shadow D.) Chaos probably had the strength to punch someone into the thirtieth century. E.) Refer to choice D. again.
Flash soared over another tree limb effortlessly; damn, maybe I should do track. Crap, what am I thinking? I have to get back to the others and get their help. Chaos kidnapped Sol and Maria…
Bright green eyes darkened; Maria…I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to protect you…I hope you're still okay…and if you're not…I'm sorry…
As Flash continued to race through the wild landscape, his vision began to blurry from tears. Come on, guys don't cry. But then again, their best friends aren't potentially dead…
The thought of the fair, spunky, tomboyish, beautiful, vibrant, Maria being dead made Flash feel nauseous. The thought of Maria being dead because he couldn't help her made him feel like his soul was iced. Flash blinked as a building was slowly starting to appear.
The stone home of the Echidnas was slowly coming into view, and judging from the candle light, someone was home. The wide receiver narrowed his eyes as a new rejuvenation flowed through his veins like fire, 'Dammit. Maria, I don't care what it costs, but I swear it, I'm going to avenge you. This I promise.'
---
" Maria is up." Verve's grandmother entered a room.
"Is that true?"
"Yes."
"…"
"Plato…I'm so glad that girl's okay. She's such a sweetie."
An old echidna narrowed his eyes as he leaned back into his chair. His sharp eyes focused upon the room's fireplace where the flames danced and leapt brilliantly.
Plato's frown grew deeper; that girl is completely, almost nearly healed? Just how is that possible? When I first saw her, I thought she was dead.
---
It was a normal morning; Plato always rose at the peak of dawn to go fishing. Here at Angel Heights, life was generally mild and peaceful. The aged echidna was just starting to fish as his eyes suddenly caught site of something floating off in the water.
'What in the name of the Master Emerald is that? Its far too big too be a fish…'
The older echidna took his paddle and began to row through the dark purple water. Once he pedaled closer, he gasped when he realized that the unknown floating object…was a girl! The old man instantly stopped his rowing and dove in the water.
It was unbelievably icy, but there was a girl in the water. That was someone's daughter in there! Plato swam and treaded until he was able to scoop up the girl and carry her back to his boat.
The old echidna set the soaked girl down lightly and lit a lantern. Plato leaned closer to check for a heartbeat. It was faint, but she was indeed alive. Plato blinked once he caught site of her busted nose.
He slowly touched her nose and jumped when she shifted. The unconscious girl moaned and turned her head. Her eyes were clenched shut tightly and her teeth were bared. Plato removed his soaked jacket and placed it over the girl; it wasn't much protection from the cold, but it was better than nothing.
Plato glanced at the girl for a second before he resumed paddling in the water. Today it looked like he wouldn't be selling any fish. He had a young girl to care for. 'You poor girl, don't worry, I'm going to take care of you.'
---
Plato clasped his hands together as he stared into the fire; he was glad that she made a recovery. But a nearly complete one? As his kind wife offered a cup of tea he smiled and shook his head.
The old echidna smiled before she headed out to check on Maria again. Once the door closed behind her, the graying echidna narrowed his eyes; yes, there was definitely something more to this girl.
"Well, are you coming to dinner? Both Verve and Maria are waiting downstairs?"
The old echidna nodded his head before he slowly rose out of his chair with much protest form his old bones. The old echidna sighed irritably; his joints just weren't what they were twenty years ago!
As the old couple made their way to their quaint, wooden dinner table, Maria smiled as she acknowledged them respectfully. After introducing himself and shaking her hand, Plato left.The old man took a seat at the head of the table as the old woman set the bowls before everyone and went to fetch tonight's dinner.
"Psst!" Maria was elbowed by the young echidna boy.
"What is it little man?"
"Tonight's dinner is my favorite! Its stew!" he beamed, "And no one makes stew better than Maw-maw!"
Maria beamed at Verve for a second as she watched Maw-maw fill the bowls with a thick, rich looking soup. The bat-hedgehog hybrid had to fight from drooling.
The echidna woman placed a bowl of stew before her. Maria smiled and thanked her before she dove in. She was famished and ate the way a dehydrated man took in water.
The white bat only paused when she saw that the others weren't eating as well. Verve, Maw-maw, and Paw-paw each had one helping as she was starting on her second.
"Hey, why aren't you guys eating either?" Maria asked, filling her bowl to the brim with the chunky, meaty goodness. The echidna woman smiled thinly, "There is not enough for us all to eat seconds. Please, eat to your fill, young woman."
"Maw-maw?" Verve asked, suddenly looking vey guilty, "M-may I--?"
"No," for the first time, Maple looked stern, "You will not have anymore. Maria is very ill and is trying to recover. Be selfless."
"Yes Maw-maw," Verve said, looking down sadly.
The white bat suddenly stopped. Even though her stomach was protesting her actions, Maria put the bowl down. How could she? She couldn't just come in here and eat all their food. They couldn't afford her! And besides, look at cute Verve! He was watching her every move as she ate, she couldn't eat as he starved!
" I-I can't." Maria bowed her head slightly, "I can't eat your food. You yourselves have to eat, and you have to feed this cute little guy! Verve!"
"I'm okay," Verve mumbled; he said one thing, but his eyes said another.
"Do not make us feel anymore poor than what we truly are," the old man smiled, "Eat."
"I…can't," Maria whimpered, her eyes growing twice their size until they were big and round.
"Please young lady eat I tr---"
"I caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan't!!" Maria wailed.
"Well," Maw-maw gave a stern look, "I suppose Verve could have one more bowl…"
"Really!?" Verve blinked, suddenly looking animated.
"Only if it's okay with Maria," the old echidna woman smiled at the white bat.
"Of course, now let's dig in together, little man!"
Maria and Verve both attacked the remains of the stew until it was all gone, although Maria allowed Verve to have most of it. Maria watched contentedly as the young boy spooned the piping-hot stew into his mouth. He really was hungry; he was putting that stuff away!
"You know," he said, shoving another mouthful of soup into his mouth, "Paw-paw tells me stories about an emerald that has a great power. And it's not just any emerald but its big and huge! It's called the Master Emerald."
The pallid bat's face went blank for a second before she looked amused, "Oh really?"
Maria smiled as she looked at the two older echidnas. Both Maw-maw and Paw-paw looked content with their grandson. She listened as Verve continued his excited prattling, "And he told me about these echidnas that watch over the emerald. They can even fly through the air and sail!"
"Verve, either speak or chew. Not both," Paw-paw sighed as Maw-maw smiled.
Blinking, Maria cocked her head to the side, "You mean 'glide'?"
"Yeah! That's it! They glide! They glide through the sky!" Verve exclaimed, making his spoon fly through the air.
The white bat blinked as something hit her, "Wait a tic, you echidnas can't glide?"
Verve shook his head, "Nope, only the watchers of the Master Emerald can! Now what are they called…watchers, keepers?"
"…Guardians?" Maria arched a fine eyebrow. Verne smiled at her and looked back and forth between his grandparents and the girl, "…Does she know this story too!?"
Suddenly Maria burst out with nervous laughter; should she tell these people that she actually knew the guardians themselves!? Tikal, Knuckles, and their fine hunk of a son? Maybe she shouldn't; playing it low-key was better.
"Haha, no. I'm just…er, a good guesser, that's all. But all this emerald stuff sounds really…er…interesting."
Maw-maw beamed as she nodded her head, but Maria failed to miss the look that past over Paw-paw's face for a split second. The old echidna excused himself and wished everyone a goodnight before he headed off.
By now, it was far too dark to try to head off, so with little convincing, Maria decided to stay for the night, she'd have to catch up with her dad and the others later, there were no signs of electricity here or any device that would get her in contact with her family.
"It was quite pleasant being in your company this evening, young Maria," Maw-maw smiled, "I do not have another spare bed for you, but I hope you will have no qualms sharing with Verve?"
Maria smirked, "As long as he's under the age of twelve, I've got no problems. That's before the age when boys become all pervy."
"What was that?"
"…Er…nothing…"
"Well then, goodnight and I'll see you in the morning."
Maria volunteered to help Verve clean the dishes and halfway through cleaning the dishes, Verve accidentally splashed Maria and she 'accidentally' splashed him back.
Then they both 'accidentally' had a water fight. And when Maw-maw came downstairs and saw the mess, she 'accidentally' made the both of them clean the whole place spotless.
---
A nudge to the side, "Awaken."
No response.
A second kick to the side, "Stand up Pathetic one."
Still no response.
Now a third shot to the side was ushered. Only this time it was meant to hurt. Sol was instantly roused into consciousness as he was sent sliding a few inches. Sol groaned as he quickly cradled his throbbing side; he was sure it would bruise.
Sol opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times to clear his hazy vision. The sight his eyes brought where unbelievable. It looked as if he was within the walls of an old castle. He had been left unconscious lying on the cold stone floor.
"You must enjoy violence as it seems to be the only thing you respond to."
The crimson-furred guardian glanced up and met eyes with Turrok. Sol felt venom beginning to boil up inside of his systems by just the sight of Chaos alone, "YOU!!"
The ocher echidna smiled darkly, "For the longest time I've been debating about what to do with you…Perhaps I should end your sorry existence now…or bring your father to his knees by taking you hostage."
With a snarl Sol rose to his feet and lunged at Chaos. It didn't matter that he was still suffering injuries from his previous counter, and it didn't matter that Sol knew he was inadequate to stop Chaos; nothing mattered because he was seeing red.
Chaos avoided Sol's lunge with a liquid smoothness before he spun around and gave the boy a shot to his stomach. With a groan Sol collapsed to splash out rather nicely on the floor. The fire-furred guardian growled as his aquamarine eyes iced vituperatively.
"So," Chaos continued as if he hadn't been interrupted with Sol's attempt at taking his life, "I have decided that I will train you."
Sol blinked once. Then he blinked again, "…What?"
"You should be honored that a guardian of my status has taken favor to you," Turrok smirked, "and has decided to train you properly, unlike the backwater techniques that your father has taught you. But what do you except? He is of the peasant class and has taught you abominable peasant techniques."
Turrok quickly took a knee and grabbed a handful of Sol's quills. With one sharp tug, he brought Sol's face closer to his. Chaos allowed his golden, gleaming eyes to fix on the youth derisively, "You should be honored that I have chosen to spare your life even as insignificant as it is."
The amber-eyed echidna chucked Sol to the floor gracelessly as he turned away, "Perhaps through this training you will be able to reclaim your title as the heir to the Master Emerald."
"Now just why in the hell would I 'train' with you!?" Sol hissed through his teeth.
Sol slowly rose to his feet as he glared holes into Turrok's back. There was nothing that he wanted to do more than to tear him apart. Perhaps he would be able to finish Chaos off in a sparring session.
"Well, just imagine this as you chance to finally finish me off, right Pathetic one?"
Smirking, Chaos spun to face Sol. He watched with hidden interest as he observed Sol's eyes cloud over ominously; the echidna youth was busy picturing ways of murdering the tyrannical echidna.
And with one word, he started his first session with Sol, "Rendalia."
Dance.
And with a cry Sol charged at him.
---
Just as Amy was entering the Echidna's home, Sonic was exiting it. Both lovers froze as they met each other at the door. The pink hedgehog was the first to respond, "Sonic, you guys are back already?"
The cerulean champion sighed, "Yeah, and we're back with extra luggage…if ya catch my drift."
Amy winced slightly; Achilles was back with them, "Yeah, I got it."
"…" Sonic just frowned pensively at the ground.
"…" Amy bit her lip as her eyes shied away.
"Amy---"
"---Sonic"
They both interrupted each other at the same time. Both sets of emerald eyes widened before Sonic chuckled. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Heh, you go first Amykins."
"Er, okay." She gulped before she began to twiddle her thumbs together in a nervous fashion. This caused Sonic to arch an interested eyebrow.
Whoa, was his cute little Amykins nervous about something? Heck, she was never nervous about anything! The last time he had seen her this nervous was on their honeymoon night. Sonic smirked at the memory. Oh yeah, definitely good memories, "What is it? It's not like you to be nervous."
"D-d-d-do," Amy stammered out as her cheeks turned a charming shade of carnation, "Do you think…When I was younger…Did I c-chase after you desperately?"
Sonic blinked, truly taken off guard by the question. He thought this would be about Chaos, Shadow, or maybe even Achilles, "Uh…what?"
"Was I desperate when I chased you?" Amy blinked up at him, her eyes even rounder than usual.
Suddenly Sonic stiffened. Oh no, this was one of those kind of questions! A catch twenty-two, where regardless of the answer, you were still screwed over. Sonic gulped as he thought of the last time Amy asked one of those questions.
Amy had asked Sonic the infamous, 'Does this make my butt look big?' question. He thought he was playing it safe by answering no, but he was terribly wrong. By saying no he had doomed himself.
'What!? Just what the heck are you insinuating!? Are you saying that I'm a figureless stick!? A string bean!?'
Sonic sighed as he remembered that day. No matter how he answered he was screwed. And besides he didn't even know what that 'insinuating' word meant! The blue hero groaned, "…Does it really matter, like, right now? Chaos is trying to take over the world and Shadow will be trying to kill Achilles…I'm pretty sure."
"Well, I guess you're right," Amy sighed.
Surreptitiously Sonic smiled. On the inside he was doing the salsa; somehow he had managed to get himself out of that one!
Just as Sonic was about to ask his question, it was answered by the appearance of Flash the Hedgehog. Sonic blinked at the sight of his winded son, "Yo, what's up kiddo?"
Flash put his hands above his head as he tried to regain his breath, "Dad…mom…"
"Yeah?" Amy asked, blinking.
"Dad, mom, something terrible happened when you guys left," Flash's face fell, "We pursuedChaosbecauseSolwantedrevengeandMariaendedupbeing tossedoffacliffandSolisgone!"
"Whoa! Whoa!" Sonic exclaimed putting his hands up to slow Flash down, "Slow down, I can't understand a single word you say!"
Flash sighed, "It's a complicated story."
Amy, who had been able to piece the few fragments of Flash's story together, was not at all happy about what she was hearing. All previous mirth on her face was drained; if anything she was pissed, "Then speak slowly and use small words."
Flash groaned; this is the thing he had been afraid of: telling his parents the whole story. And surprisingly he did spill. He retold their whole happenings with Chaos and each of his parents had different reactions.
With each passing second of the story, Amy seemed to be growing more and more furious as Sonic seemed completely levelheaded. Although his stance and face were completely calm, his eyes were austere.
"That was so unbelievably stupid!" Amy seethed as green flames danced within her eyes, "What was going through your heads!? You decided to take on Chaos!? By yourselves!? Boy, you kids must have shelved your brains today!"
"Okay, so this is pretty bad," Sonic said with a stern expression as he crossed his arms over his chest, "Sol's gone and Maria---Damn, we're going to have to really pick up our slack here."
"I'm sorry," Flash lowered his head, "I thought it was terrible idea, but…I have no idea why I went with it. I should have tried to stop the others when I had the chance…"
"Well whatever we do, we should not tell Shadow," Amy growled.
"…Not tell Shadow what?"
All three Hedgehogs shared the same deer-in-the-headlights look as they spun around to face…Shadow. For a split second Shadow looked amused as he caught something he shouldn't have, "…You know, with all three of you wearing the exact expression, I believe Flash looks more like Amy than you faker."
---
Maria's stomach gurgled again. She frowned as she heard Verve's laughter; well at least someone was being amused here. Here she was starving and that cute bratty kid was laughing at her expensive.
For breakfast Maria had to actually go out and gather food from the fields. It wasn't something Maria was used to doing, because where she came from, there was usually something in the fridge, or something in a cereal box.
The little echidna smiled, "You know, Paw-paw and Maw-maw have the best gardens! We supply the whoooooole village with our fruits and veggies!"
"Is that right? " Maria chuckled to herself as she watched the younger kid run a few feet ahead of her, "I bet ol' uncle Knuckles would think otherwise."
Maria stopped in her tracks once the old couple slowed to a stroll. Both of the elders turned to glance at her with a smile, "These are our crops."
The white-furred bat's face fell; this place was a wreck! All of the crops, or at least the ones left, were in the processing of browning and dying. There were only a few good crops left. A second ago, just what was Verve saying about 'the best crops'!?
She turned to the old couple sadly, "Your food…is this all you have?"
The old echidna's face fell as he nodded his head grimly, "Unfortunately, it is. Terrible droughts have been occurring as of recently. We are the town's only source of food. But there still are a few good crops that continue to grow. Now then if you excuse me, young Maria, I have much work to do: plowing, harvesting…"
Verve frowned, "Paw-paw's getting mighty old, maybe you could help him out? Maw-maw says I'm too young to help now. But next year I'll be big enough to!"
Maria smiled lightly, "Of course." She drifted over toward the old man who had a hand-weaved basket in his hand. He turned to look at Maria politely, "Yes, young Maria?"
"I would like to help you sir!" Maria chirped as she hiked a thumb to herself, "I have to pay you back for your hospitality."
Plato chuckled, "I couldn't young lady. What type of gentleman would I be to let a lady do this type of work?"
"I value your chivalry, but what type of guest would I be if I couldn't repay your kindness? Please let me help out…just this once? Besides, I like doing this kind of stuff, getting dirty and working out."
The old echidna glanced at his wife and grandson, searching their eyes before he turned back and smiled at the pretty girl, "Well sure, if you insist young Maria."
Smiling, Maria took the basket as the old man stepped back. He took his time and returned to his wife's side as his young grandson watched earnestly. Maria wiped the smile from her face as she elevated into the air and in a quick blur; she snatched up an entire row of produce effortlessly. Both Verve and his grandmother smiled in awe at her speed.
Never had they seen their crops harvested at such a speed! All they saw was the zoom of a white blur. As the old woman and young echidna boy chatted about Maria admirably, the old echidna narrowed his eyes.
In no time flat Maria had filled up all there baskets, and then some. This would be breakfast for at least a week. After seeing her impressive sped, Verve was impressed, jabbering a mile a minute saying how awed he was.
"You know," Verve carried a basket over his shoulder, "Paw-paw knows martial arts! He even won a couple of tournaments too! About sixteen!"
Maria blinked and looked over to the youngster, "Really?" For a moment an image of the old, rickety echidna passed before her eyes.
Somehow she couldn't see the feeble echidna performing something as strenuous as the martial arts. Maybe once upon a time he might have, when he was young and strong.
Then Maria remembered her first encounter with the old man. She recalled when she shook the old man's hand; his grip was incredibly strong. In the back of her mind she had logged that fact away safely.
But now that she thought about it, that grip was incredibly strong; no frail old goat could have a grip like that. Maria smirked as realization dawned upon her; she knew there was something about Gramps. Knew it.
Behind all the gray he had accumulated over the years, unconsciously she observed the strength and fire in his eyes, she felt the power of his grip. Oh yeah, now she was sure Verve spoke the truth.
Gramps probably could kick someone's ass. Well, maybe twenty or thirty years ago, but the prowess was still there. Maria smiled and turned to look at Verve, "So tell me more about Gramps? Was he good when he was in his prime?"
"What's it mean to be in your prime?"
"You know, when he was young."
"Oh! Paw-paw was awesome! He used to work as a detective and he investigated important murders!"
"…You don't say?"
"Yeah! If you're nice enough, he just might show you some moves! When I turn seven, grandpa will begin to train me! He said that's the age the Guardians of the master Emerald began their training at!"
Just as Maw-maw took the produce to whip up something for breakfast, Paw-paw appeared. He gazed at Verve, "Verve, go help your grandmother prepare breakfast, I want to speak with Maria for a bit."
"Okay Paw-paw!" And with that, Verve scampered in after his grandmother.
The old echidna turned to glance at Maria, "Let us speak somewhere where young ears can't hear our conversations."
"Uh…su-sure."
Maria turned to follow Gramps, but not before giving an inaudible gulp; somehow she knew something bad was going to come out of this…
---
Okay so here's what happened: Shadow, somehow, was able to force the truth out of the Hedgehogs about Maria's whereabouts. Sonic kept his mouth shut and Flash was too smart to tell Shadow about Maria's whereabouts, but Shadow was able to weasel the truth out of Amy. Things went downhill from there.
They watched as Shadow went through a series of phases when he found out that his daughter could potentially be dead: first he went stark silent, then he looked as if he was about to cry, then he went into his most dangerous phase, rage.
He probably would have succeeded in taking out Flash if Sonic, joined by Knuckles, didn't quickly intervene and stop him. So now here they were, sitting outside in the bright sunny morning.
Sonic, Amy, and Knuckles were concerned, Shadow was on the brink of taking out any and everyone who even looked at him funny, and Flash was probably the most afraid off all. On top of that no one had slept well that night. No one.
"…I've figured out what we gotta go," Knuckles said quietly.
"What?" Amy's scratchy voice replied.
"We…have to get Meda's help," Knuckles sighed.
"…" Shadow just seethed silently; how could all this crap happen!? He turns his back for one sceond and then bam! This happens...
"What good would it do getting her help? Granny's just a cranky old lady!" Sonic growled.
"True. But she's a cranky old lady who has enough Chaotic energy to help us combat Chaos," Knuckles replied, "And she can also tell us if Maria's alive."
Amy blinked, "Really?"
"Yeah; we could use Shadow's energy and see if Maria's is still present. If she's still alive and okay."
This finally seemed to make Shadow stir, "…Then we must waste no more time here talking! Let's go!"
Without waiting for anyone else's opinion on the matter, Shadow sped away toward the Master Emerald shrine. Knuckles glimpsed at the two hedgehogs before he followed after his comrade.
Sonic sighed, "You guys stay here. If we going to try and convince Granny to help us, then…I'm probably going to use some very colorful language. You know how dam--darn stubborn she is."
And before Amy could protest being left behind, Sonic darted off after Knuckles. By traveling at the speed of sound, Shadow made a half hour journey within two minutes.
He only slowed once he reached the glorious ruin and caught the aquamarine eyes of Meda. The echidna chief looked slightly surprised to see the red-streaked hedgehog of all people, "?"
Seconds later both Knuckles and Sonic arrived behind their antisocial friend. Sonic glanced up, "Yo Meda, we need to talk to you for a bit."
"About what, idiot hedgehog?"
"Meda," Knuckles began as the three warriors ascended the stairs, "We…need your help against your fight with Chaos. As you know he's already taken a good chunk of the Emerald's power. Just how much more are you allowing him to have!? The guy's insane!"
"Granny, if you don't help us out we're screwed," Sonic exclaimed, waving his hands in the air, "Sol's been kidnapped by this whacko, Tikal's his prisoner, and we don't even know if Maria's even alive!"
Meda's turquoise eyes widened slightly, "…Son-son? He has taken son-son?"
"Yeah, please won't you help us!" the blue hero exclaimed.
The great echidna elder wound her fist tightly around her walking staff; Chaos kidnapped Sol? First he beat up her handsome great-grandson, mocked him, kidnapped her granddaughter, stolen a portion of the Master Emerald's power, and now this? Just how much further would he go with this insanity?
Meda opened her eyes until they were slits, "Did you not hear me first time? I said I no aid you! I never change words and lie!"
Sonic glared at her, "Did you not hear me? Your granddaughter is in the hands of a psychopath maniac! You are one of the strongest, if not the best warrior here! Your Chaotic energy is nearly as high as Shad's…and he's a freakin' immortal! So why shelf all this good power when your granddaughter and great-grandson are in trouble!?"
Meda stared at him coolly, "Not my fight. Tikal chose path, Tikal deal with chosen fate."
"Whatever! Fine, let her die, then see how many more guardians you'll be able to find in the future!" Sonic whirled on the toes of his sneaks and stormed down the stairwell with finality. Shadow glared apathetically at Meda, "…You're pathetic."
The echidna chief looked at Shadow, "Now normally quiet black-red hedgehog talk?"
"Yes, because I feel very inclined to do so." Shadow looked away from her, "I'm not going to go into an emotional bout like Sonic just did. You won't get the privilege to see that. But I do however agree with his feelings."
"About what?"
"You being a tight-ass and refusing to help save your own granddaughter because of your own foolish personal reasons," Shadow looked over to Knuckles, "How do you call someone 'haughty' in your language?"
Not missing a beat, "Dandosa."
Shadow turned to face Meda, "That's what you are. Refusing to help your granddaughter or anyone else for the matter because her son's plans don't fit yours. Pathetic. If her own family won't help her, then who will? I'm going to get my daughter back regardless of anything she's done. So stay here and enjoy the fact that she's suffering, at least it'll make you feel better in the end, I guess."
Meda stared at studiously, as he turned away, she called out to him, "Black-red hedgehog." Shadow spun to face her, "I will fight with you. Turrok is bad man, and I no let him hurt Tikal, Sol or your daughter. I fight beside you. And Maria is alive. I feel her."
The charcoal and claret antihero stared at her evenly, with a scoff he turned and followed Sonic and Knuckles. He didn't feel like saying anything else to the elder echidna guardian.
Although he didn't let it show on his face, he was relieved and comforted by her words. Shadow could feel normal again; his Rouge Maria lived!
---
Once again Maria found herself walking in the plantation fields, among the browning and dying produce. Maria swept her hands through a couple of the healthy, green crops.
"Young lady, I have a theory I've been meaning to run by you," Paw-paw's clear, sharp eyes narrowed slightly, "You don't mind do you?"
"No, I suppose not," Maria clenched her fists at her side; something was up, she was sure of it.
"So may I start my interrogation?"
Gulping down her anxiety, Rouge Maria nodded back firmly. The old echidna's expression went blank for a second before he smiled lightly at her, "…You have had nearly direct contact with the power of the Master Emerald, haven't you? As an echidna, I can sense it. The power of the great Master Emerald is still strong amongst you...Just as it was with your father."
Maria's eyes widened as she turned to gasp, "You know that…?"
Gramps watched her moments very closely, "That Shadow the Hedgehog is your father? Of course."
The white bat bit her lip anxiously as the echidna continued to delve into her secrets, "Your energy signal is just like his, perhaps a little weaker but it is still nearly identical."
The hybrid lowered her head slightly as she clenched her fists even tighter, "Just how in the hell did you figure all that out."
The elderly echidna continued, "You see, a long time ago before you were born and back when I was a detective, I was sent to investigate a disaster in the middle of Africa; at the Sahara desert."
With each passing second Maria's eyes grew wider, "His energy signature was so great, so terribly powerful that I knew I'd never forget it. And when you came around, that nearly identical energy signature smacked me in the face again."
The pallid bat glanced at her lap sullenly as the old detective continued, "So I figured you were related to him through blood. Yet in the beginning I had my doubts, seeing as you're a bat and he himself is a hedgehog. But I suppose that would make your mother a bat, no?"
"My dad…" Maria whispered, still refusing to meet the sharp eyes of the keen old echidna as she plucked at the hem of her long lacy skirt, "…You must think that he's a monster, that I'm a monster but hear me out. He may have struggled in his youth but he's good. Overall he's a good guy. He just has a terrible past that likes to rear its ugly head every now and then."
Plato was silent as he gauged Maria. With a sigh, she turned her back on the old man, "If…if you want me to leave, then I understand. When people find out who my dad is…they usually don't like hanging around me anymore."
"No," Maria's head shot up at that, "I do not want you to leave, Maria."
"Why?" she barely whispered.
"Because he did the honorable thing. Eighteen years ago, when your father went after the golden terror, your father chose to protect his friends and protect the honor of his wife."
Paw-paw had a stern look on his face as he continued, "In no way is he a coward or a fiend for doing so. I'd be damn if I let some monster threaten my livelihood, my wife and grandson."
Maria's face transitioned from being shocked to conforming into slight mirth, "Th-thank you Gramps…"
As he stood he nodded his head, "Do not thank me. Honor your father, for it is rare to see such honor these days…"
Gramps sighed as he turned to look at the green plant Maria was studying; this seemed to prompt him to speak, "I have another question for you, young lady."
Maria laughed dryly, "Heck, well why not? You've just totally seen right through me already. Go ahead, ask away."
"So then my assumption was correct?" He narrowed his eyes, going into detective mode again, "You have seen the Master Emerald with your own two eyes?"
"Yup, I was even there as my friend was being named as the new guardian!" Maria exclaimed happily.
This amused the old echidna, "You were?"
"Yep-aroni!"
"So are the stories true?" Plato asked genuinely intrigued, "Is the great guardian Knuckles valiant and strong enough to break boulders with his bare hands? And is the beauteous guardian Tikal as lovely as she is kind?"
Maria smiled, "I'd say the legends are correct."
Suddenly the old man's eyes darkened, "May I ask you one more question? What is wrong with the Master Emerald? What atrocities have fallen upon our sacred jewel?"
Maria blinked, "Wait, just how do you know about what's going on with the Master Emerald? This evil guy, Chaos, has stolen some of its power."
"Then this explains everything: our withering crops, the terrible weather, it is due to the Master Emerald. Whenever something is amiss, our little village suffers, because we too live with the power of the emerald," the old man pointed towards his field of crops, "We live by the strength of the Master Emerald, and because its missing its power…we suffer too."
The pallid bat gasped, "So when Chaos stole a fraction of the emerald's power, he did this!?"
"Correct," Paw-Paw nodded his head.
The white bat clenched his fists even tighter than before; so with Chaos absorbing the power of the Master Emerald, he was hurting the villages of this island. He was hurting the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Angel Heights.
"Young woman," the echidna said, bringing Maria out of her pensive state, "you are gifted with a great strength. One that is incomprehensible. You are also a very powerful warrior. At first I was skeptical, with your gentle appearance and all, but you are strong. I noticed your skill in even the most menial tasks you helped us with."
Purple eyes widened, "Y-you mean….?"
The lights touches of a smile formed on Gramps face, "Yes, I was testing you, young lady."
At the sound of his flattery, Maria's face went warm but then she frowned, "…No, that's not true. I tried to help stop Chaos before, but…I…I failed. I'm not strong enough to stop him. And all of the guardians of the Master Emerald were captured by him."
"That truly is terrible…" Paw-paw said as he closed his eyes in reflection.
"…Yeah, I know…"
Suddenly Verve tore out of there house and barreled straight for his grandfather and Maria, "Paw-paw! Paw-paw!" The red echidna stopped millimeters before he collided into the bat. Gramps blinked, "Verve, son what's wrong?"
"Paw-paw! It' the villagers! They're coming this way!"
Verve pointed northbound and both Maria and Plato followed. Approaching them a ways off where a group of echidnas. Each of the people were carrying some sort of menacing weapon: there were light torches, pitchforks, the works.
"What the hell is this!?" Maria exclaimed.
Gramps remained silent as he took in the approaching hostiles. Verve was jabbering away worriedly as he tugged on Maria's dress. The hybrid herself was staring on in confusion.
"Maria, watch over Verve."
"What?"
But Gramps took off without another word. He began strolling towards the approaching group. Maria blinked as she watched the scene jadedly; should she help or should she heed Plato's words.
'I'm tired off not being able to help my friends! Hang on Gramps, you're not gonna face them alone!'
Plato slowly approached the echidna mob until he stood before his plantation. The elderly echidna's keen eyes studied all the discontent faces in the crowd. He was astute enough to see that if he didn't handle this situation correctly, then there could be big problems.
"Why have you all come here?" he asked neutrally.
"Old man," the designated leader stepped forward and he too was a red echidna with nearly ebony eyes, he towered over the old man easily, "Where the hell is our food!?"
"You're our only source of food," an echidna behind him cried.
"We're all starving because of you!" another in the crowd exclaimed.
"We're going to die because of you!"
"As you all know, we are all going through a hard time," Gramps spoke calmly, as if none of them were threatening him, "These droughts have hurt us all, my family and I are doing all in our power to provide this fair town with nutrition."
"And yet we have little to eat!" the leader growled, waving his flaming torch near Plato, "I hope you know magic and make those crops grow, or we might have to hurt you. We've given you multiple notices before this."
"Well," Plato's face went into a severe mask, "Perhaps if you children channeled all this anger into productive energy, then we may get this village back on its feet."
"Are you saying all of this is our fault!?" the leader asked, his low voice slowly rising.
"As I said, this is a hard time for us all, since the Master Emerald's power is fluctuating, but become an adult and do not blame your problems on others," Plato finished, narrowing his eyes.
The rowdy crowd roared in disbelief and soon began to roar and jostle furiously. Soon the crowd engulfed Plato and started assaulting the old man. Verve gasped as he watched the mob devour his grandfather, "Paw-paw!!"
The boy took off toward the crowd, but Maria stopped him, "Verve! Stay here! I'll help Gramps."
And with that she opened her black and red wings and took to the air. From her overhead view she could see that Gramps was in the eye of the storm, surrounded by yelling, screaming, attacking echidnas. With resolve Maria bombed straight for the unruly crowd, 'Hang on Gramps, here I come!'
In a blur, Maria managed to swoop upon Plato's attackers. The first echidna she took out with a spinning roundhouse. The next echidna she yanked off, then slammed her fist into his face brutally.
Once the crowd started getting wind of the newcomer they backed away slightly. With the torchlight, Maria's eyes were fierce; completely pitch black like tar.
"Piss OFF!" Maria stepped before them as her already fragile temper was set off and a fuchsia aura exploded around her, searing the sky brightly. The echidnas stepped backwards in a mixture of awe and terror. Little Verve gasped as he looked at his incandescent friend.
"You think you're enough for us? Just one girl to stand between us?" The leader of the crowd sneered. Maria's sneer darkened into a dark smile, a grin that only someone of Shadow's blood could muster, "Then bring it on mister!"
"No."
Maria spun to face the old echidna, he stared at her sternly as she gaped at him disbelievingly, "B-but Gramps! He needs it! He wants it! I have to give this guy an ass kicing!"
"What!?" That came from the loudmouth echidna leader.
The old man shook his head, "No young lady do not get involved," then he lowered his voice so only her two ears heard him, "for I know you'd win hands down."
Maria gasped, "B-but…" He chuckled, amused with Maria's obvious confusion, "I know, young woman. Remember about the power I spoke to you about? I also know that you too are a strong warrior, not only could I sense it but I saw it. Especially when you helped us out with chores."
She blanched again; damn it! Couldn't Gramps have found a better time to figure her out!? Sometime when the entire echidna village wasn't ready to torch their home!? "I see now why you're a detective Gramps, you're just too smart for your own good."
He smiled slightly, "Once upon a time I was, but the wits and skill doesn't leave."
"Just like the martial arts skills?"
The old echidna laughed, "Touché."
"Hey! You idiots better quit your chattering before we decide to burn your house down anyways."
Maria and Gramps turned to look at each other, "So what now, Gramps?"
"You watch over Verve, I'll take care of these fools. After I beat a couple, I believe they will be in their rightful place."
The hyrbid stared at the old man furiously, unsure weather to follow his plans and snag up his grandson or halt the old man himself. She heard Verve dash until he was right beside her. The cute, red echidna boy blinked his large, child-like eyes, "Maria! Paw-paw's gonna take on all those guys!"
Something about his paw-paw convinced Maria that he was going to be okay. Instead of approaching his foes with that hobbled, limp walk she had seen him peddling around with as of late, Gramps approached them with a stride as smooth and as audacious as that of any young man.
The second the echidna leader, Loudmouth, charged at him, Gramps fell back into a pose that Maria undoubtedly recognized as a defensive stance.
Loudmouth raced forward and swung the torch at the old man, but to both Maria's and Verve's delight, Gramps sidestepped the move and caught his arm. The old man twisted his arm and kneed him in the gut.
Maria's mouth dropped as Verve cheered, "Yeah Paw-paw! Go, go go!"
Two more challengers charged at the old man as he handled their ornery leader. Just when Maria was about to aid the old man and warn him about his new attackers, the old man gazed at them and pulled back into his stance again.
He dodged both of their blows fluidly and even ripped the shovel out of the hand of the first echidna. He whacked that same echidna on the foot with the shovel and finished him off with a blow to the stomach. The second echidna, who thought he had snuck up on the old man, was elbowed in the face and kicked in the stomach.
This time Verve cheered wildly, jumping up and down rapidly as Maria blinked, utterly impressed and surprised. 'Holy crap!' Maria thought happily, 'Gramps is kickin' some ass! These guys are gonna go home and tell their mommies about this!!'
Just as Maria was beginning to cheer the old man on, she suddenly paused. Something, something like intuition warned her that something wasn't right.
She spun around to see a group of echidnas sneaking up behind both her and the still oblivious Verve. Wait a minute, did Maria just sense them? She couldn't do that before…
The echidnas stopped, caught red-handed as Maria narrowed her eyes, "…And just what in the hell do you guys think you're doing? 'Cause if you think you can hold us hostage, you got another thing comin' to ya."
She knew that she could easily dispatch of these losers but she didn't want to steal Gramps' thunder either. So she did the easiest thing to scare the heck out of these people.
She brought forth her trademark fuchsia flare of energy and made the bright flames dance around her. The villagers instantly backed away, having seen nothing like that before in their lives.
"If you ever mess with these good people again, I'll do more than this. Chaos is making everyone's life a living hell, so wait until their crops start growing again and leave them alone!"
Surprisingly, the echidnas nodded their heads. Then Rouge Maria pointed, "Good…Now BEAT IT!" And almost comically, the people took off, glancing once or twice at the glowing bat. She was even happy to see Loudmouth looking like he was about to wet himself at the sight of her.
Should she be nice and let him scamper off with the others?
…
Nah.
Rouge Maria gave him the works. A bright, roaring purple aura around her body, glowing soulless eyes, a nasty evil smile; she pulled out all the stops on this fricker to make him think that she was possessed by some otherworldly demon. Using the chaotic energy within her, she hovered towards him, stopping only when she hovered right in front of his face.
"Ehehehe…You still wanna fight me, eh Loudmouth!?"
Loudmouth remained perfectly quiet, too terrified to find his squeaky voice. But Maria wasn't done milking it, nope, not by a long shot, "Today you have caught me in a very fine mood. Now beat it!! Or I shall eat your…your…BRAINS! MUWHAHAHA!!"
Loudmouth instantly took off as Maria continued her best impression of evil laughter. The second he was gone, she returned to normal and went over to Gramps and Verve, who looked highly amused with her antics.
She landed before them and rubbed her head sheepishly, "Uh…sorry about that. I guess I got carried with that." Verve giggled then smiled at her brightly, "That was so cool Maria! Could you do that again and make your eyes glow again! I wish I could do that! I bet I'd be able to scare Maw-maw like that!"
A heavy hand fell upon the youngster's head, "You will do no such thing to scare your grandmother. Young Maria used those abilities for good. Didn't you young lady?" Maria smiled, "Of course. Man! You were great! I didn't know you had it goin' on like that, Gramps!!"
"It's best to defend what is worthwhile, don't you agree?"
"Of course Gramps."
"So do you think now that it's worth returning to face Chaos? Without the power of the Master Emerald, we still won't have any food on this island. And then, no amount of martial arts will be able to save our village then."
Maria's face became serious, "I was going to go back there and kick his ass anyways. But now that I met you guys, there's no way I'm gonna loose to that guy. You are depending upon me!"
Suddenly her face became joyful, " Thank you so much for everything. I promise, somehow, I'll help return all of the Master Emerald's power."
Gramps smiled, "I believe you."
The amethyst-eyed bat grinned, "Well, I should be off now…you guys take care, okay?"
"We shall; you want to reach Angel Island, correct?"
"Yeah."
"Then just head north," the old man pointed, "It's a long journey, but I think you'd be able to handle it."
Maria smiled and waved to them one last time, but before she left she ran and hugged Gramps and Verve. Then with one last big smile, she opened her expansive wings and took to the air.
"Bye Mariaaaaa!" Verve called, waving after her.
"Take care little man! And tell Maw-maw I said bye!" she called.
Maria took to the sky and found herself flying near the fluffy clouds. She smiled and glanced back at the small island of Angel Heights; the inhabitants now were nothing more than small dots, 'So long Verve, Gramps, Maw-maw! Chaos here I come!!'
'Wait a minute, I'm still wearing this dress! …Where are my other clothes!? Aw damn! I left them! Oh well…I guess I'll have to get 'em later.'
---
Chaos entered the chambers where his one and only, darling Tikal was. He chuckled slightly as he saw her turn to face him. She sat under a ray of light that seemed to make her pretty features glow angelically.
His eyes glided over her petite frame hungrily before he smiled darkly at her, "Honey, I'm home."
And with that, he locked the door.
Today the princess was going to bend to his will.
And he was going to get something that he had been awaiting for…for a long time…
-To be continued!
Woo! That was 21 pages! 21 pages!! Okay, without further ado, Maria will answer the reviews. Go get em' Superstar!
Maria: Awesome! Okay then, let's do it.
#17: Dude, you rock! Keep up all the awesome reviewing!
Mystery 001: Achilles? Achilles… who's he? Hmm, why does that name sound so familiar? But hey, I'm still alive! It'll take more than chucking me off a kill to take me out! Haha! (Puppy eyes) My dad's being a little girl!? My manly, testosterone driven dad? (sweat drop) I seriously need to find out who this Achilles guy is…he's a…psycho?
Shadowsole: Hi! How goes things? Oh I'm okay, don't worry! (eyes glow) Its Chaos would won't be okay!! (Happy again) Thanks for the review!
SexyShadowgirl: Wow, what a cool, awesome, long review! Haha! Man, I really do gonna find out who Achilles is! Everyone thinks he's crazy or something…So would I be wrong to guess he's a friend of our family or something? Hmm…I wonder if he knew mom…Ah well, thanks for the awesome review. (Winks) You. Are. Great!
Dmanb: Rock on my man, and don't worry, if Scythe does not have the slapping thing covered. I do. Thanks for the review!
Frostbyte64: Hey! …Huh? Again with Achilles? Does he know my mom, dad, uncle Sonic, Eggman!? JUST WHO IS HE!?!? Oh and by the way your music rocks! Thanksies for the review!
SangoBakura: Wahahaha! Uncle Scythe has a guitar named after him!? That's too cool! (Scythe: of course a guitar named after me would be hot! I mean…look at me. I'm sex reincarnated!! Muwhaha!) I wish I had a…Maria guitar…That sounds kinda lame doesn't it? But it would still be frickin' badass guitar! Guitar hero's cool and so are you, thanks for the review!
DusandDan: Haha, how about this?
Legendrulz: Hey! Awesome penname! Haha! This review is so awesome! And I absolutely agree! Dad needs to beat some ass! And as for Meda ( looks mad) Heh, she's such a stuffy old woman! Well, I hope this chapter was good for ya my man! Thanks for the awesome yet hilarious review!
Chococatgrrl: Heya! Thanks for the review and… (Eyes become big and shiny) I want my mommy to come back toooooooooo! (starts crying) T-thanks for the review!