Time remaining: 14 hours
Tails was flying the jet to Zaris, which would be near the ritual grounds that Alexa had told them. The flight would take them 12 hours to complete, then there was the issue of getting to the border, crossing it, and navigating their way through the forest to the grounds. All in the span of 14 hours. So Alexa was right: they were saving the world at the last minute.
Shadow was pacing back and forwards trying to come up with some sort of attack plan. They couldn't go all guns blazing on them, otherwise Sonic and Venice would defeat them (or kill them) as the God of Darkness descended into their world. If anything, Shadow had to plan this out carefully, or they fail. Rouge was trying her best to help Shadow. Blaze, meanwhile, was examining her new lance. The lance, golden in colour, had different inscriptions inscribed onto the handle. It was in the same language as the book that Alexa had read to them. The tip of the lance was extremely sharp and was was made of some type of crystal (it looked like a diamond but Blaze wasn't sure) and it glinted in the light. Regardless of the end result, Blaze was certain of one thing: this was only the beginning of something much worse.
A part of Blaze didn't think that Sonic would fully recover from this. It this God was as powerful as Alexa had let on, then his grip on Sonic would be tight and no doubt he would try anything to keep Sonic under his control. Alexa could quite possibly delay it, but not stop it completely. Then there was the fact that Silver was the descendant of the Dark God. Surely that wasn't going to be a quick fix either.
Blaze did have a large amount of guilt. She was with Silver, she could of prevented his transformation into Venice but she didn't. She couldn't. And now, it was possible they would never get the old Silver back.
…
Time Remaining: 12 hours
Alexa wandered through Savannah's old town cautiously. This part of the lively town was by far, the roughest area in the town. There were all sorts of street gangs, drug dealers and mercenaries in this district. Which meant that you had to be careful. Alexa knew that, she knew that very well.
She had picked up most of the supplies in the town centre, and stuffed the items into a tiny bag that she enchanted to carry all of these items. The bag was quite literally bottomless, and yet she could always find what she was looking for. The final item she needed was some sort of heart rate monitor. She couldn't get one from a hospital because that would look shifty. So she decided to get the one an old friend of hers owned. Alexa turned right down the corner and saw some shifty people, about five of them, huddled together whispering quietly. All of them were male. Two lions, three warlocks. Alexa wasn't intimidated by them at all. She had her dual wield pistols (called Ruby and Sapphire) under her leather jacket. She also had her dagger tucked in a hidden slot in her right boot. Not to mention her powers too, so she was prepared if any of them tried to attack her. The group noticed her and the two lions walked towards her.
"Y'know" said the tall lion, blocking Alexa's path, "it's pretty dangerous for a lady like yerself to wander around here alone."
"And?" Said Alexa, putting on a innocent, flirtatious look.
"And it may be best fer you to come with us, hen" said the smaller lion.
"Perhaps" said Alexa, "but I'm pretty sure I can handle myself."
The remaining three came up behind her. Alexa smirked.
"And please, don't call me hen"
She kicked the small lion the head with a roundhouse kick. As the tall lion lunged at her, Alexa slid her foot to knock him backwards. She then drew Ruby and Sapphire and fired at the warlocks, with them going down after being hit in the shoulder. The small lion drew his knife which Alexa then fired at his hand, knocking it out. After incapacitating the small lion, Alexa looked directly at the large lion, who was shocked at her performance of skill.
"You know" said Alexa in a mocking tone, "it's pretty dangerous for lads like yourself to sneak up on a lady like that. Especially if she's armed."
She kicked the lion hard enough to knock him out. After that, she made herself scarce as she walked towards her destination. A few streets later, she arrived at a street filled with tenement houses, and small bar (or pub if you will) at the end. She walked down the dirty streets, with barely anything on her mind aside from getting the monitor. As she approached the bar, she saw a drunk rabbit stumbled out of the building, trying to walk across the deserted road.
The pub was a small building, originally coloured a cream like colour, but the paint was being chipped away by the weather. The door was made of oak and had several dents caused by drunks. The windows, while not crystal clear, were clean enough to see out of. Alexa walked into the pub, which was completely vacant aside from the bartender and a muscular bear drinking his third pint of beer. The place had wooden floors and oak tables, with the odd dent here and there because of drunks bashing them in. The bartender was cleaning a pint glass. This, typically, was the only time she ever got peace, mainly because she would have to deal with fights in a few hours time.
The bartender was the owner of the pub. She was a pale green hedgehog with dark green, waist-length hair. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties and had a bored expression plastered on to her face.
"Hey, Cass!" Called Alexa, as she walked over to the bar.
"Oh, hi Alexa" said a startled Cassandra, "are you here for a drink?"
"No" replied Alexa, leaning on the bar, "I'm here on private business."
"Oh?" Said Cassandra, "and what might that be?"
"I need to borrow your heart rate monitor" said Alexa quietly, so the bear couldn't overhear, "it's an emergency."
"You can have it" replied Cassandra, "but only if you do me a favour first."
"Come on, Cass!" Said Alexa, "this is important!"
"Oh just relax" replied Cassandra, putting the glass away, "it will only take you two minutes."
"I'm not cleaning the floor again"
"Obviously" replied Cassandra, "especially after last time. No, I want you to get rid of that bear over there."
"Why?"
"He's a hitman" replied Cassandra, "he's here to kill Carlos"
"Again?"
"Yep"
"Fine" sighed Alexa, "I'll do it"
…
Time Remaining: 11 hours, 30 minutes.
Sonic continued to check his left leg, which he had been doing for the past hour. It had mostly healed up, although it was still painful when he tried to walk with it. He wanted it to heal before the ritual tonight. Otherwise, it would be impossible to open the portal again. The voice in the back of his head repeated the incantations over and over, making damn well sure that Sonic remembers it. However, the dark hedgehog couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The beginning of something much worse. The voice continued to repeat the chant until Sonic mentally told it to shut up. Everything was ready for tonight, so now they had to find a way to distract Alexa and the group so they don't interrupt. But this was easier said than done.
Venice was setting up the emeralds, placing the shiny gems on the specific points on the pentagram. He took a quick glance at Sonic, only to see his emeralds eyes flicker to blood red.
"Sonic, are you okay?" Asked Venice.
Sonic snapped out of his trance, facing the dark grey hedgehog.
"I'm fine"
"Are you sure? Your eyes went all funny for a moment."
"Oh…that. I'm just stressed" replied Sonic, standing up, "we have 11 hours until the ritual can be preformed. No doubt that princess will still intervene despite being weakened by the Dark Moon. We need a plan."
"We're both needed for the ritual" said Venice, "so how-"
"Allow me to assist" said a familiar voice.
…
"So, can I get the monitor?" Asked Alexa.
The bar was a bit of a mess. Broken glass, broken tables. The fight with the hitman had resulted with the bear being knocked out and currently lying outside on the roadside. As far as Cassandra was concerned, Alexa could of killed him and she wouldn't be bothered.
"I'll go get it." Replied Cassandra, heading round to the back of the bar. Alexa cleaned up the mess she made. Once she was finished, Cassandra came through with her heart rate monitor.
"Give it back soon, okay?" Said Cassandra.
"Of course," replied Alexa, "thanks Cass"
Alexa put the monitor into her magic bag. She then walked out of the bar, now heading home. She had a lot to do once she got back. Then after that, she would join the others and make sure Sonic and Silver is okay.
Alexa had the funny feeling that this isn't gonna be over anytime soon. Furthermore she also thought that Sonic in particular, was gone forever. The book itself explained the more general changes that the Controller will have, but not the psychological impact of having lots of negative energy inside their body. Even if she could restore Sonic to his true self, the impact on his mind would more likely than not bring the energy back.
…
Time Remaining: 3 hours
Everybody in the plane (with the exception of Tails) were sitting together, listening to Shadow go over the plan. Rouge would snipe at Sonic from afar while Blaze handled Venice and Shadow dealt with Sonic. The others would try and take the emeralds and Master Emerald away from the grounds, completely disrupting the ritual. The weapons will knock the pair out, and then they will take them back to Alexa's tower to get them back to normal. They were about an hour away from the landing, so majority of the group (aside from Shadow, Tails and Rouge) decided to rest. Shadow was sitting next to Rouge, talking about their first date.
"So, I'm thinking a nice, romantic dinner and maybe…" Said Rouge.
"A movie?" Said Shadow, holding Rouge's hand.
"Yes, of course" Rouge giggled, "but nothing horror, okay?"
"That's a shame" sighed Shadow, "because if you got scared, I would cuddle you till you weren't afraid."
"Aww" replied Rouge.
Suddenly, Shadow's communicator went off.
"Alexa?" Said Shadow, surprised.
"Hey," said Alexa, "we've got a problem"
"What is it?" Asked Rouge.
"Zaris' capital city is under attack by robots" said Alexa, "the UNSD sent a team in but we've lost contact. Some of you are gonna have to get over there"
"What do you suggest?" Asked Shadow.
"Everyone aside from you, Blaze and Rouge go" said Alexa, "I'll meet you three at the ritual grounds. The rest should be able to handle it."
"Got it" replied Shadow, "see you there!"
Alexa nodded and ended the call. Shadow sighed.
"And just when we got the plan sorted" said Rouge.
The pair went to wake up the others, alerting them about the attack.
…
"It's done" said the mad doctor.
Eggman was in his Egg-mobile, hovering a few feet above Sonic and Venice, neither of whom had any trust placed in the doctor. Regardless, Sonic focused on the matter at hand, the Ritual of Wicked Darkness. With only three hours to go, Sonic went to make sure everything was in place, his eyes turning from emerald green to dark red slowly.
Eggman had now found his chance. While Sonic's back was turned, he placed the mind control device on Venice.
"I will obey your commands, Master!" Said Venice.
Eggman began to laugh, only to be cut short by Sonic throwing a dark purple Chaos Spear at him.
"You traitorous bastard!"
…
When all was said and done (and the team had finally landed in a field), the group headed towards the city, leaving Shadow, Rouge and Blaze behind to face Sonic and Venice alone. Or at least, until Alexa arrived. The trio walked towards the border, which had a massive wall around it. Cobblestone walls around the borders were typical for kingdoms, they were usually built during the wars. This one, however, had been maintained and upgraded despite the wear and tear the stone had endured. At the gates were several guards, the vast majority of them on the Cornidean side. As Shadow, Rouge and Blaze approached, the two of the guards on the Zaris side stopped them.
"Duilich, chan eil cead aig dunie a dhol a-steach gun teisteanas" said the first guard, a tall lion.
"I'm sorry," said Rouge, "we don't speak that language."
"That's fine" said the second guard, a rabbit, "he said 'sorry you are not allowed to enter without verification'"
"How's this?" Said Shadow, handing the guards the ID.
"Tha sin gu math" the lion nodded.
"That's allowed, you may proceed" said the rabbit.
The gates were opened, and the trio ran towards the ritual grounds, hope in to make it in time.
…
Time Remaining: 20 minutes
The woods that surrounded the grounds were dense, so much so that the trio struggled to get through. It had made Shadow wonder how Sonic managed to get through here, especially with his injured leg. The trio then heard gunshots as they approached the grounds. Eggman was firing bullets at an enraged Sonic.
"I gave you that power!" Shouted Eggman, "you will obey me!"
"Like I would ever listen to you!" Sonic shouted back, "you are nothing but a failure, you useless, fat bastard!"
As they continued to exchange blows and insults, Rouge whispered to Shadow "do you think we should take the emeralds?"
"No" said Shadow, "look"
Sonic destroyed the Egg-mobile, and sent Eggman running into a nearby bush to hide. The dark hedgehog then placed an unconscious Venice in the centre of the pentagram. The Dark Moon (it was a pure black circle) turned the sky crimson as the trio attacked.
"Back off!" Said Sonic angrily as he threw the group backwards.
They were too late.
The wind had picked up quickly as Sonic began the the ritual.
"Sinful darkness, hear my voice, summon the portal to the darkest prison, release my Master from his chains, bring him here to begin his reign!"
The wind picked up more as the incantation was repeated again. And again. The portal then opened and they knew it was the end.
"Rouge, Blaze" said Shadow, "Silver and….Sonic. I'm sorry"
"Shadow," said Rouge, standing up, "look!"
A golden mist circled the grounds, encasing the negative energy. A female voice then spoke, with her own incantation.
"Holy light, hear my voice, disperse the portal to the unearthly void, detain the monster held within, keep him in the realm of sin!"
Alexa revealed herself, her golden necklace (which is the Supernova Emerald in disguise) was glowing as she repeated her incantation.
"No, no, no, no, no!" Said Sonic angrily, "you stupid girl! Stop that!"
Alexa ignored his screams and continued without hesitation. She walked towards the grounds. Above them, the portal to the Dark Dimension closed, and as a result, Venice woke up and the wind died down, with the negative energy dissolving. Alexa, exhausted, slumped down nears tree, with the trio coming to her aid.
"Alexa!" Said Shadow, "are you-?"
"I'll live" replied the princess, weakly, "I'm just…feeling a bit drained, that's all. Now, you guys have to stop them."
"I'll stay here" said Rouge, "I can snipe at them from here."
"Very well" replied Shadow.
Blaze immediately went after Venice, lance in hand. The dark grey hedgehog had ran off somewhere. Which left Shadow to fight Sonic with Rouge as backup.
"How dare you!" Shouted Sonic, his eyes partly blood red, "how dare you interrupt the ritual! You will perish!"
"Ha! She angered you that much?" Smirked Shadow, "then again, you would always throw a temper tantrum if someone was better than you"
That struck a nerve.
Sonic lunged at Shadow, drawing a darker variant of the sword Shadow had. The two blades clashed several times, both of them were now equals. The only thing that had made Shadow stronger was Rouge's keen eyes, as she continuously fired arrows at Sonic. As their blades clashed again, Alexa, looked over towards Rouge.
"Aim for his hand" she said, "knock the sword out of his hand and let Shadow cut him…down"
Rouge nodded. She pulled the bowstring back, aimed at Sonic's moving hand and…
Fired.
The arrow cut through Sonic's hand, causing him to drop his weapon. Shadow took advantage of this, and cut Sonic down. Sonic fell to the ground, unconscious. Shadow watched as the sword dissipated and returned to the Supernova Emerald. Rouge's bow did the same. Alexa stood up, still leaning against the tree.
"Come on, let's get Sonic back to the tower."
A/N long wait = Long chapter.
only two chapters left! And then its all over.