SONIC UNLEASHED
Sly Cooper © Sucker Punch Entertainment
Terra the Echidna © DarkspineSilver92
??? © Square-Enix
Chapter Fourteen: Twins of Malevolence, Part 2
The scene opens to the most western section in all of Paris. After discovering the capture of Amy and Professor Pickle, Sly led the Gaia Warriors across town without stopping to rest. The markets and buildings were becoming fewer with each step until they arrived in a private area that was clearly out of bounds. The Gaia Warriors stared at the fields of graves on each side, wondering how anyone could stand to travel in such a depressing area. Lying in the north of the cemeteries was the ruins of a former church, which barely contained fractured walls and broken windows.
"What happened here?" Chip asked curiously.
"After people started losing them way in the catacombs, they shut down the church." Sly explained. "Legally, no one except the owner of the church is allowed on these grounds, not even the families of the dead."
"Then that means we could get into legal trouble if someone finds us." Nazo commented.
"No worries." Sly waved nonchalantly, pulling out a form from his hat. "After the church was closed, my ancestor, Thaddeus Winslow Cooper III, bought the area to make sure he'll have easy access to the temple."
"We don't have time to talk about this!" Sonic snapped impatiently. "In case you are forgetting, my girlfriend is somewhere down there."
"And the professor." Nazo added.
"Him, too!" Sonic nodded.
Shaking his head with amusement, Sly pocketed the document and walked around to the side of the church. Once reaching close to the former structure, the wayfaring scent of rotting decay and cold blood lingered over the area. Just from the scent, Sonic could appreciate Howl's restriction to involuntary fighting. His stomach churned, feeling ready to bend over and expel his lunch. Nazo seemed to notice Sonic's state as his eyes glanced back to him every few seconds. Sly stopped the group and kneeled down to grab a handle camouflaged in the dirt.
"Welcome, gentlemen, to the Catacombs of Paris." Sly announced.
With a sharp tug, Sly ripped open a hidden panel in the ground and revealed a dark passageway below. If Sonic was ever ready to hurl, it was now. The scent of death was so much stronger in the tunnel than the field that even Nazo couldn't help to conceal his muzzle. Chip, who did not seem to notice the smell, stared down the tunnel and could see a stairway made from human spines. Chip shivered at the thought.
"All right, who wants to go first." Sly asked behind his hat.
"Since you're the Guardian, you should have the privilege." Nazo stated, covering his mouth with his hands.
"How about you, Sonic?" Sly asked hopefully. Sonic released a second wave of bile from his throat; Sly sweat-dropped. "Ok, I guess I'll be going then." He slowly reached his foot over the spine-made steps, but hesitated to set down. "You know, if you want..."
"Just move!" Nazo yelled
The God of Darkness pressed his foot into the raccoon's back and pushed him forward down the hole. Sly rebound on each step, sometimes poking his eyes in the spine ridges, and on the clattering floor several feet below. Upon further inspection, Sly discovered that the floor was also made of bones that he couldn't describe at the moment. Shortly following his sound of disgust, Nazo dragged Sonic down the stairs, both wearing makeshift masks to cloud the scent of death. Chip floated besides them.
"Wow, its dark in here." Chip stated obviously.
"Did anyone remember to bring any matches?" Sly asked after making his own mask.
"Sorry, I left my torch back at the castle." Nazo remarked sarcastically.
"So how are we supposed to see down here?" Sonic asked; his voice hinted with worry. Almost miraculously, the opal of Chip's necklace ignited with a bounty of light, illuminating the corridor of death. "Wow, that's convenient."
"This place is so – AAH!!" Chip screamed randomly.
Sonic barely remained standing as Chip immediately dived into his quills; the corridor flashed with a brilliant blue light. A took no time to find what the tiny dog was frightened of. When the light ignited, Chip was faced to a skull that had been driven into the wall, blending with the surrounding environment. As to be expected, the floor, walls, and even the ceiling was made entirely of bone that once belonged to the dead. Despite his natural ability to face fear, Sonic couldn't stop the waves of goosebumps climbing along his back.
"Wow, you weren't kidding." Nazo said impressively. "This place really is a graveyard."
"The ministers worked effortlessly to make sure that everyone would rest peacefully." Sly informed, pulling Chip from Sonic's head. "But the plague killed so many people that it became a natural habit to wander down here."
"How far does this tunnel go?" Sonic asked cautiously.
"This tunnel only goes for half a mile." Sly stated. "It's the other tunnels that we have to worry about."
"What for?" Nazo questioned interestingly.
"There is a reason this place is called the catacombs." Sly said. "These tunnels go through almost all of Paris and form a never-ending maze of bones. That's the reason no one has every come back."
"Then how can Terra find the place?" Sonic asked curiously.
"You said Black Doom created the temples, right?" Sly asked. Sonic and Chip nodded. "Since he was the one that made the temple, he probably created the catacombs as well."
"That would make sense." Nazo said thoughtfully. "Black Doom would take the opportunity to check up on his creation whenever he arrived on Earth every fifty years. And I'm willing to wager that Black Doom was the source of the plague."
"Could be." Sly commented. "But we'll never find out at this point."
"So, how are we supposed to reach the temple?" Chip asked.
"Fortunately, Thaddeus invested in having the catacombs planned out." Sly said as he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a roll of ancient parchment. "He made sure every passageway was recorded and found a direct path to the temple." His fingers traced across the map. "By the looks of this, the temple should be directly in the center of the catacombs."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Sonic questioned impatiently, tapping his foot on the bone floor.
"Ever heard of the expression 'patience is a virtue'?" Sly smirked.
"What does that mean?" Sonic asked confused.
Sly and the others sweat-dropped. With Chip floating forward to provide light, the Gaia Warriors descended into the dark corridors of death. For what seemed like hours, the collective group walked down endless tunnels; the sights and sounds were beginning to become repetitive. Left, right, left, another left: Sonic attempted to memorize the maze of bones with very little success. But what seemed to drive the heroes the most was the continuous rows of skulls that stood out from the wall. Chip was literally quaking as he floated past the corpse heads, feeling that he was being watched by the empty sockets. Sly had to grab Chip by his neck just to be able to see the light.
"How much farther." Nazo wheezed. "I think the stench is breaching through these masks."
"It shouldn't be too far now." Sly said certainly, hunching over the map. "According to this, we should see the temple on the next left."
"Hey, guys." Sonic called as he pulled down his mask. "Did you smell that?"
Lured by their curiosity, Nazo and Sly removed their masks and took a big whiff of the air. When they expected to breathe in rotting corpses, they instead were met by a cool breeze of fresh air. This left the warriors confused. How could you expect to breathe in cleansing air in an underground graveyard?
"Guys!" Chip called from the end of the corridor; his light faded. "I think we're here."
In a surge of excitement, Sonic pushed past his friends and raced over to Chip's position with the others following behind. The blue hedgehog screeched to a halt and discovered himself becoming immersed in a flow of sunlight that nearly blinded him. The corridor had transformed into a massive dome structure with numerous holes in the roof to provide light and air to the graveyard. Just below it, a sparkling white marble temple stood proud and untouched by the boundaries of age.
"Now we know how your family was able to survive down here." Nazo noted, glaring at the open holes.
"You know, with those holes, maybe there was another way in." Sly said thoughtfully.
"You think?" Sonic asked sarcastically.
"Hey, it's Amy and the professor!" Chip shouted happily.
Nearly giving himself a whiplash, Sonic snapped his head at the base of the temple. Amy and Professor Pickle were found bound and gagged at the door of the temple; most like the entrance to the Inner Sanctuary. Upon seeing Sonic, Amy tried to break free of her bands, only to receive an agonizing shock; the ropes were made of electrical wires.
"Amy!" Sonic cried.
"Wait" Sly shouted, stretching his cane out to block him. "Something isn't right."
"What are you talking about?" Sonic questioned irritably. "We found the temple and Amy is right there."
"And the professor." Nazo added.
"That's the point: it's too easy." Sly said suspiciously. "Why would Terra go through the trouble of capturing them if she wasn't going to wait for you to rescue them."
"You're friend is very observant!"
The familiar tone echoed from the corridors behind, causing the heroes to sharply turn on their heels. A moment later, a trembling thud sounded from behind them again, forcing them to turn back. At first sight, it seemed like the Black Wolf was back. But this creature was too different to be the Black Wolf. The creature was twice as big as its predecessor and had leathery dark skin that clung to its bones, giving it a skeletal appearance. But next to its knife-length teeth and lashing whip-tail, it was clear that its most dangerous weapon was the twin heads swaying back and forth. Terra stood on the beast's shoulders, keeping herself balanced by tugging the reins and grinned victoriously.
"I was wondering when you would show up." Terra cackled. "I had thought I had been forgotten."
"Believe me, it's not difficult to forget a face like that." Nazo taunted; a vein appeared on terra's forehead.
"Um...didn't you have a pet a bit...smaller?" Chip asked meekly.
"You must be referring to Black Wolf." Terra smirked, patting the left head. "After our previous failure in Mazuri, Black Doom thought we could use a little more reinforcement. With a few modifications, he turned my faithful companion into a true monster of destruction."
"More like a sideshow freak." Sly commented.
"I don't care what you have up your sleeve!" Sonic exclaimed. "You could bring down the entire Black Arms and Nocturnus Army and it wouldn't stop me from saving Amy!"
"Is that so?" Terra said arrogantly. "Then this will be the chance to prove yourself. Black Chimera, attack!!"
On command, the dark beast known as Black Chimera jumped forward with its claws in front. At the last moment, Sly and Sonic rolled to the side, but Nazo was pinned to the ground as the monster claw thrusted against his chest. The Black Chimera growled menacingly with both its heads edging close for its prey. Nazo only smiled. Before Terra or her pet had a chance to realize what happened, Nazo pushed against the monsters claws and shoved it upwards, sending it flailing to the ceiling. The Black Chimera landed with an audible thud while Nazo moved to his feet.
"The power of both temples has restored my strength." Nazo stated pointedly. "Your beast is rendered helpless against me."
"That may be true." Terra acknowledged as the Black Chimera stood. "But I wonder what would happen if we subtract you from the equation." Without waiting for an answer, Terra waved her hands to the ceiling. The room shuddered for a few quick moments before an avalanche of bones piled on Nazo from above; a well-placed skull collided with his head, knocking him unconscious. "Hmph! I guess the God of Darkness has lost his edge."
"That's not gonna work for me." Sonic stated from the far end of the room.
"You're right." Terra nodded. "You have had plenty of experience dealing with my powers. But, that doesn't mean you can out last Black Chimera! Sick'em, boy!"
The Black Chimera growled and jumped forward once again, this time with both heads stretched forward. Sonic was easily able to jump the first head, but this left him hanging in midair as the second beast head charged for a direct assault. But fortunately enough, Chip flapped from out of nowhere and grabbed Sonic by his quills, pulling him safely away from a gruesome demise. But while Sonic thanked the dog for his rescue, the Black Chimera reacted swiftly by lashing it's tail backwards, snapping Chip in the neck. Sonic dropped and caught the unconscious pup in his arms and glared at the dark beast and its master riding over its shoulders.
"Are you ready to surrender yet?" Terra questioned. "After the show so far, you haven't proved to be much of a challenge."
"Believe me, things are just getting started." Sonic smirked playfully.
"What are you talking about?" Terra questioned suspiciously. "Two of your comrades have been defeated with ease and you are defenseless against the Black Chimera. And to add to that point, you raccoon friend has vanished and I have your girlfriend as my prisoner."
"You might want to check again!" Sly's voice called.
Drawn by the inquisitive voice, Terra and the Black Chimera craned their heads back to the temple door. To their shock and regret, they discovered Sly leaning against the stone door, but Amy and the Professor had long disappeared. A moment or two passed before the sound of rattling bones echoed through the chamber, drawing the villain's attention once more. Nazo remerged from the pile Terra had collapsed over him, awake and unharmed.
"What is going on?" Terra questioned; a hint of worry coated her voice.
"We had a feeling that you would try to use Amy and the professor against us." Nazo informed as he took his place at Sonic's side. "So in preparation for this, we devised a plan to overlook it."
"Sonic and Nazo would draw your attention away from me while I went to work." Sly explained delightfully. "The two would pretend to fail against you while I released Amy and the professor without you noticing. It wasn't all that difficult since Sonic told us that you had a one-track mind. I guess he was right."
"You dare to mock us?!" Terra exclaimed; the enraged veins in her neck were visible in the light. "I am the Procurator of the Nocturnus Army! And Black Chimera is the greatest of the Black Arms! We cannot be beaten!!"
"I said it before and I'll say it again." Sonic whispered to Nazo. "That girl is a grade 'A' nutcase."
"Kill them all!!" Terra screeched.
The Black Chimera snorted in acknowledgement and charged ahead for its enemies. But this time, Sly became the chosen target. The raccoon thief showed no fear in the face of the monster and merely raised his cane and grabbed the top edge of the door with its hook. Once the beast was in range, Sly pulled himself up, forcing the Black Chimera to collide with the stone door. The dark beast swayed back and forth, dazed by Sly's trick, while the raccoon himself jumped on its shoulders to face Terra. While Sly swung down his cane, Terra reached for her Leech Blades and raised them in defense to the blow.
"You know, it's not in my nature to fight a lady." Sly commented suavely. "If you give up, I promise I won't hurt you too badly."
"You underestimate your opponent." Terra seethed, pushing back Sly's cane. "That will be your downfall!"
While unaware of the battle on its back, the Black Chimera regained its senses and charged forward for the others; Sly and Terra struggled to obtain balance. Without having to restrain himself, Nazo showed no hesitation in rushing to meet with the monster and diving below its snapping jaws. Once under the beast's belly, the God of Darkness raised his fist and jabbed it into the monster's torso, earning a deafening moan in response. Sonic, still carrying Chip, flipped backward onto the wall and kicked off to fly forward at the Black Chimera's head. The twin-headed beast attempted to snap its razor-fangs for a lethal blow, but Sonic curled into his ball form, preventing any chances of being hit. After rebounding at the base of the necks, Sonic paddled back and forth between heads, stabbing both with his exposed spines. With combined effort of the Gaia Warriors, the Black Chimera was too weak to suspend itself and collapsed sideways, forcing Terra and Sly to the ground.
"No! No!!" Terra screamed deniably. "This can't happen!!"
"But it is." Sly stated, delivering the final blow that sent Terra flying back to her pet. "Game over, echidna."
"This won't be the last time we meet." Terra proclaimed. "I swear, I will have my revenge on you yet."
And with that, Terra and the Black Chimera vanished via warp belt.
"I don't she'll be keeping her promise anytime soon." Nazo commented.
"Let's hope not. I still need my fur." Sly chuckled. After a moment of peace, Sly reached into his sleeve and tossed the Planet Key to Sonic. "Get going. I need to get back and make sure Amy and the professor are ok."
"We'll see you in a moment." Sonic nodded.
After bidding their farewells, Sonic and Nazo, while carrying the sleeping Chip, stepped forward to the stone temple. After inserting the Planet Key, the heroes stepped into the Inner Sanctuary, which resembled much like a monastery. Though unconscious, Chip's necklace managed to call the hidden slot within the pedestal. Nazo placed one of the dead emeralds in the center. A moment later, the blue emerald regained its glow and the Earth shuddered – the third continent returned.
The scene returns above ground to Professor Pickle's lab. Once climbing there way through the holes in the ceiling of the catacombs, the heroes made a beeline for the lab, where they found Eggman waiting for them. But Sonic paid no attention while Nazo was ranting as his mind was occupied with his love. With Sonic returned to him original form, Amy did not hesitate to kiss him with all her might and Sonic did nothing to refuse. And they went on....and on....and on. They only broke apart when Nazo and the recovered Chip pulled them by their quills.
"Do you guys ever breath?" Nazo asked amazingly.
"Sorry about that." Sonic grinned, holding Amy close. "But I can't resist this lovely flower."
"Oh, Sonic." Amy giggled.
"Oh, brother." Nazo rolled his eyes.
"Well, at least the damage isn't too extensive." Pickle said as he examined the remains of his library. Eggman arrived earlier and removed the Gizoid and Black Warriors. "I will personally make sure to this place is in tip-top shape before we depart. I don't want to leave your new home in shambles, Sly." He turned to the raccoon. "That reminds me. Sly, did you obtain my package?"
"Right here, Professor." Sly answered.
The raccoon thief removed his hat and tugged at a square package from the confines before handing it to the professor. While Eggman grabbed the hat, wondering how a large package could fit inside, the professor took his prize gently and laid it down on a nearby table. Drawn by curiosity, the group gathered around the table as Pickle carefully removed the tape and opened the flaps. Inside the square box was a thick-black coat with a metallic zipper reaching down to the bottom and a silver chain around the neckline. Also available was a complete set of black pants, boots, and gloves.
"You bought a coat?" Nazo questioned strangely.
"This is not just any coat." Pickle said excitedly. "This is referred as the Black Cloak. There are numerous rumors of a secret organization that wore these fine threads as a symbol of their existence. This particular Cloak was worn by their leader, whose name I cannot recall."
"That's interesting." Eggman said sarcastically. "But now we should get back to business. I believe you said you were going to depart somewhere."
"That's right." Pickle nodded. "I know this seems quite sudden, but I must make haste for Shamar. A friend of mine has made an important discovery that I must witness first hand. I have reason to believe there is a temple there as well. But before you go, I would advise searching for the temple in Holaska."
"But no one has seen it for several years." Nazo stated. "The only person that could possibly know its location is a mysterious being called Slifer. But he always disappears at a moments notice, like a ghost."
"Then you have no choice but to search for this Slifer character." Pickle stated. "And when you have found the temple, Amy and I will be waiting for you in Shamar. A friend of ours will guide you to my new laboratory. I think you might know her."
"Well, I guess this is good-bye, guys." Sly grinned, gaining a firm grip in Sonic's hand. "It's been a real blast. Give my regards to Rouge."
"Can do, buddy." Sonic replied eagerly. "We'll be seeing you very soon."
And with all words said, everyone with the exception of Sly left the home. Sonic and the Gaia Warriors wandered back to the Eiffel Tower while Amy and the Professor went the other direction for a safe ride to Shamar. Sly sighed in relief and disappointment. He was happy that the madness was over, but he couldn't help but miss the Gaia Warriors. But while Sly wasn't looking, a luminous glow surrounded the Black Cloak the professor left for the raccoon thief. For one moment, one of the dark gloves gripped the edge of the box before the light died and the glove went limp.
A new adventure awaits the heroes on their quest. Will the Gaia Warriors be able to discover the missing temple? What secrets have been discovered in Shamar? And what is the meaning of the Black Cloak's sudden activity? Find out on the next chapter of Sonic Unleashed!
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