SONIC OF THE ELEMENTS CHAPTER 26 Shock an Awe
Greetings, it has been quite some time has it not. Be that as it may I recall something I made clear before I last left. I promised you a battle correct? Well, than please allow me to deliver on that.
First, as always I thank all those that read my simple story. An to the authors that have been so kind as to allow me to show their original characters in it as well. I am truly grateful for all this and I do hope you will be able entertained. Thank you, an I am very appreciative to those that comment as well. So let us get into it.
Astonishment, marvel, shock, awe, surprise. What ever way you may pronounce it, the reveal is always unexpected. Many take pleasure in what they did not foresee. Others claim fear in response to the calls of the unknown. So, when faced with this choice I ask you...What side do you hold true to?
Should you recall, when we last left off our heroes. The teams had been split up, and faced with rather tall obstacles left to bar their paths. An there is no doubt in mind, that the situation will prove to be intense all around. So lets get back to the the action shall we.
BACK AT THE EDGE OF THE WILD CANYONS.
At the edge of the rough Wild Canyons, where the rocky mountainous terrain ends. Where the vast blanket of sediment etched forever by time known as the Sand Ocean begins. This is where our story resumes, right where these two extremes meet face to face. On one side, that of exceptional cliffs and winds that howl throughout its expanse. The other, a ceaseless shifting realm, blanketed by intense heat and near bottomless sand. Yet right here in the middle is where we find ourselves, where neither of these features existed.
A simple plain if you will, made of old hardened soil and with the occasional large rock formations. Perhaps even a simple cactus or two, this was all this place had to offer in way of scenery. A dead zone to most, an by the skeletons of various deceased beasts spread around it. All in all the name seemed rather fitting wouldn't you agree? This area was completely devoid of all life within it, except...For the six beings now squaring off at its center.
The atmosphere was tense all around as the groups stood at odds. To the left, the seasoned duo of G.U.N. agents, Yuffi our white hedgehog lead facility trainer. An her sister Rin, the white fox secretary of the G.U.N. commander. Along with their new trainees Silver and Amy tagging along. They proved a strange team to say the least. The other was the mysterious collection of visitors from the blackened ship, Lance, a rather devious looking white hedgehog, and the sadistic green cat known as Aria. Made up the other party.
With the lines drawn Yuffi and Rin began to steel themselves, keeping a tight hold on there respective swords. Tensed up, yet remaining calm as this unexpected adversary made it's presence known. Though to say they were a tad confused would be fitting. Imagine if you stood where they did now.
Here you are, on a routine mission status update (albeit with two new and rather unmotivated members joining) and suddenly out of nowhere a large black ship plummets down from the sky and crashes but a few yards away. Revealing two unknown characters with a dangerous aura about them. An a look in there eyes that put to rest any dispute of whether or not they were here to sight see or kill some time.
Yet they did not let it bother them. An than just as they began to unsheathe their blades slowly, the hedgehog and cat that stood within the crater beneath them, began to grin as they focused their eyes on their targets.
An suddenly with a quickness, Lance and Aria started to levitate. Rising up from the aforementioned crater, and slowly landing on the opposite Yuffi and Rin. There eyes never leaving the gaze of the other, their focus mirroring. Than Yuffi began to speak out.
"It's quite obvious what's about to happen here, but before we begin I feel it's only good manners on your part, to at least tell us who you are, and what your goal is." She said in all seriousness, swiping her sword to her left side.
"Yes, I too feel we are owed at least that much from you. Considering you came out of nowhere. An now stand against us that is." Rin agreed following suit.
Aria looked over to Lance at this development. Though he showed no sign in turning her way in the slightest, his focus was set to Yuffi, and Yuffi alone. An the smirk he started with still found him, almost as if if was glued on. Aria than began to chuckle slightly finding it all quite amusing.
"I'm quite sorry but the captain seems so focused right now on enjoying himself, that he is unwilling to let his attention shift to anything he feels...Is unrelated. You two must be quite something to catch his attention like this, now I wonder what you can do." Aria said now looking at them, her chuckle still slight but there. She than gently brought her right hand to her mouth to try and hold the sound in. Yet ultimately it was a failing effort.
Both Rin and Yuffi were a bit off put by this. They did not understand why this being was so unreasonable, nor what about his rudeness invited laughter. An Yuffi of course was first to speak her mind on the subject.
"Look I don't know what, or who he thinks he is, but I don't like to mess around. So I'll give you 10 seconds, either state who you are and what you want, or we will be forced to arrest you...With extreme prejudice if you catch my drift." She warned pointing her sword at him. The glorious gun-blade shining in the light of the sun.
Lance's grin just grew at this as a more sadistic look found his eyes. An he now licked his lips slightly with enjoyment in this pace.
Noticing this Aria began to sigh nonchalantly.
"Who would've thought we would be so fortunate. You 2 had to be sword wielders didn't you. Now there will be no stopping him. Oh well, I can at least tell you this much. My name is Aria, and he is known as Lance. We are inter-galactic, how should I say...free lance workers for hire. An we are here to acquire a certain, contract. One that will prove both entertaining, and rather lucrative if you will." She finished.
Rin heard her and at once she was behind Aria, one arm around her neck the other holding her blade at the green cats throat. "Mercenaries!" Ready to end her life in and instant. She was not about to be careless here, not in the least. If there was one thing she knew to be cautious of it was a mercenary.
Yuffi took notice and pointed her gaze at Lance once more, her blade extended out ready and able to deliver a quick an deadly blow.
"You are here by under arrest. By authority of G.U.N. Surrender now and make no efforts to resist, and your lives will be spared. Should you refuse to comply we will be here by authorized to use whatever force we deem necessary to subdue, or neutralize you." Yuffi relayed to him.
Though Aria just laughed at the situation. "Now now, that's such a mean word don't you think? After all we just met, shouldn't we get to know each other a little better before we start making assumptions? Besides, bounty hunters is a much more accurate term at the moment. Right captain?"
Though Lance said nothing. He merely reached his right arm in front of his body, as suddenly a black aura swirled along his hand. Reaching and clawing from his wrist to his digits.
"Murderer, it's time to feast." He spoke, as a long thin dark blade, much like a standard katanna with a square guard an crimson tint around it, appeared in his hand. Now grasping the sword, he pointed it towards Yuffi.
With this action it was clear that the talking was now done with, an Aria decided to make her move first.
"So quick you are, but you know it's really rude to start a match before the bell rings. So let me just fix that little detail for us." She said softly, putting one hand on the arm Rin was using to hold her, the other she walked up to her own neck.
Suddenly with a gentle touch, the bell around her neck let off a quick chime. Instantly Rin was sent shooting into the air backwards. Like some invisible force-field had just repelled her away.
Looking on as Rin was sent sailing with a smirk"That speed of yours was a good trick, but still, you really shouldn't just jump the gun like that." Aria taunted as she jumped into the air following after her, and catching up quickly I might add.
In no time Rin had regained herself in mid air now bringing her palms together with a clap. "Don't think I'll take that lying down merc. I have many more tricks to show you. For example, lets start with this one. Mystic arts: Shadow spreader!" A bit pissed off by that last crack her opponent had said, Rin was ready to go. Primed for some payback.
An with those words her body spawned 2 completely darkened shadows of herself, both of which now shooting towards Aria. Ready to attack.
Slightly surprised for a second Aria's eyes widened, with true interest. "Oh, aren't we full of surprises. I hope they can compete with mine though." She claimed licking her lips as the 2 combatants hit head on.
As Rin and Aria began their struggle the ground below had not been disturbed an inch, while Lance and Yuffi continued their stare down. Almost as if they were looming over each other.
"We need to wait for a bell too tough guy, Or are ready to fight me like a man?!" Yuffi said taking the blade in both hands as black energy began to cycle around it.
Lance just chuckled slightly. "Ding ding." He spoke softly before taking his blade and slashing it to the ground. Causing a shock-wave to shoot forward towards her in the form of a massive wave made of sand and power.
"Bout time. Bring it on!" With a quick turn around of her gun-blade Yuffi at once used the force of the air she sliced to bring about her own sand upheaval. Yet instead of a shock-wave to match, a 360 degree barrier surrounded her entirely.
The two attacks collided with intense force, causing a massive blast off sand and wind into the sky. Forcing Amy and Silver to shield themselves with their arms in response. Yet in that moment they were quickly pushed back into the air.
Though Silver was quick to still them both, as he grabbed Amy and held her up in mid-air, now levitating them both. An landing on a large rock formation to the left of the battle field. The two of them now a good ways up above the battle taking place.
"Well, safe to assume these two are gonna be trouble." Silver said keeping close eyes on the fight the whole time.
"Yeah, I think we may be a while." Amy responded a bit unsure what was to come of all this.
IN THE RUINED PALACE UNDER THE SAND OCEAN.
To say things were progressing as expected, would probably be a fair term right about now as the walls began to shake. Forcing sand, stone, and other debris to fall down from the pillars and ceiling.
"Dang it hold still will you!" Knuckles roared as he threw a countless number of punches, trying desperately to hit his target. Switching from left jabs, and right hooks accordingly.
"Wow, I'm very disappointed. I thought you could do better, guess your all hype huh. Sucks to be you I'd say." Sela taunted as she effortlessly avoided all of his attacks. Be it a quick back step, or a well timed jump. She avoided him almost as if this were nothing more than a child's game. One she had memorized and mastered down to a art form.
Right now the two of them were locked in combat within the confines of the hidden structure, but it was clear that Sela had indeed gained the upper hand at this moment. Knuckles had been giving it his best shots for some time now, but not a one seemed to hit her dead on. Almost like he was hitting a shadow or something, he just couldn't catch her.
Somehow she was blocking him with sand that was piled up inside the palace, and dodging him at every turn like she knew exactly what he was gonna do next. A fact Knuckles was starting to really get annoyed with. So he tried to mix up the formula a bit as see if that would even the score.
Missing once again and hitting a marble column, he decided now was a good a time as any to start.
"Alright if I can't move like you...I'll make you move the way I want you too." He stated now back flipping from the palace floor, to one of the massive marble pillars. Holding on with one hand, while he pointed his other towards her.
Curious as to what he was getting at Sela just had to ask. "An how pray-tell will you make me do that?" The glowing green eyed hedgehog asked, sarcasm flowing from her heavily.
Knuckles than threw his hat to the side. "Trust me this one is guaranteed to move you. I hope your not one of those types that get motion sickness easy." He said to her as his dreads started to sway like a wind had kicked up, though no such thing had happened. Especially since they were underground right now. Then the green tips on them began to glow as well.
Sensing something was about to happen Sela took to her guard. Yet a few moments went by and nothing was going on, she started to question if this was all a bluff to get her to lose focus. "Is that all? A little light show. I hope your not planning to bluff me to death. If so you are never going to get this item back." She told him putting the box in her back pocket.
"Nope, I'm not the type for it. The bat girl on the other hand yea, but me, I'm way more direct. For example, what could be more up front than a Crush Quake!"He stated as he tapped the column with his free hand.
Suddenly the room began to shake, causing all the columns to shutter. The ceiling itself began to drop several large stones and piles of sand from it, cracking the dome like structure in many places. An with all this falling earth from above Sela had no choice but to dodge in order to avoid being flattened.
"Alright, that was slightly impressive but this is not enough to take me down echidna." Sela said now dodging everything that the ceiling could throw at her. Though not as artful as before.
Yet suddenly as she dodged another large boulder, Knuckles aim was made clear. "You talk to much." He told when he instantly appeared from underground behind her. Quickly uppercutting her right through the air towards the ceiling.
He began to mentally pat himself on the back at this development, and was about to give chase. "Now I've got you, here I co-" He was right than cut off by a 15 foot golem that flew right past him, smashing into a pillar and shattering to bits.
Thankful he had not been hit by that Knuckles breathed a sigh of relief. "Well that was close. Hey be careful where your aiming those things will ya." He yelled to his left Looking to Rouge.
Who was at the moment heel dropping another of the golems into the ground, before back flipping off it and cork screw kicking through anothers head. She soon took a quick second to respond to him.
"Well excuse me, you try keeping every shot precise when your fighting an army of these dreadful things. You wanna switch jobs cause I got plenty to go around?" She said right before ducking under ones swing at her head an delivering a rising knee to it. Knocking off its head in response. "You block heads don't know when to quit do you."
Knuckles looked at her and a drop of sweat found the back of his skull. "Nah, I'm good you can take them." He told her, he had been dealing with those things all the way here. Last thing he wanted was to go another round with a bunch of them.
It was just than that Knuckles remembered something important. He had just gotten a solid hit on his opponent, one he better capitalize on before...
"I must admit you got me that time, but I will make you regret not finishing me when you had the shot." Sela said now standing before him, wiping a small amount of blood from the side of her mouth. With a large pile of sand starting to rise and form spikes in it right next to her.
Knuckles simply sighed at this. "Oh come on! I bet Sonic doesn't have to put up with this kind of crap." He wined as spikes shot at him.
IN THE JUNGLE UPON SKOAL ISLAND.
With our return to Skoal Island things remained rather in-hospitable there as well. As a loud scream echoed through the dense jungle. Catching the eye of all that could hear.
A brown cloaked figure was racing through the thick greenery of the jungle, shuffling and pushing through everything in the way.
"Can't stop, have to lose it." It said to itself as the track continued. Quickly jumping through a large bush and coming to a stop at a break in the jungle, which in turn was a large canyon.
The canyon was easily over 50 feet across to the other side of thick trees and bush. It was no doubt the perfect way to go in order to lose its gaining pursuer. Yet with such a long gap, and a uninviting amount of jagged rocks waiting below for anyone who dared fall into the canyon. It was hear the figure began to hold an think. Breathing heavily it started to look both from left to right spontaneously, hoping that it was alone at the moment.
Suddenly a loud roar which seemed to echo from behind went off. Shattering the calm and rattling the trees as it did so. Actively signaling to the being that now was not a prime time to stop. An if a decision was not made quickly, a rather unwanted outcome would be reached either way.
So, seeing no bridge, and now beginning to feel footsteps coming its way. The figure made up its mind and began to step back into the thick. Than without another thought of reason, the figure rushed toward the canyon and jumped from the edge and shot through the air towards the other side.
The being spanned more than half the distance in a glance, but soon realized that gravity would reach it before the opposite edge would. So summoning the last bits of power within, the being stretched out and shot at a dangerous speed toward the side.
Quickly grabbing hold with its white gloves and slingshoting itself up the ledge and rolling through the thick. Now out of control, the being began to bump and crash into every stone, stump or tree that was in its path. Gaining many a wound as it did so.
This continued on for a few moments that due the the constant pain of impact to the figure felt more like hours. Until finally it came to a stop in the clearing Sonic and the others had found themselves in when they first reached this island.
Bruised and torn the figure tried to stand, its legs adorned with brown string sandals now in full view. Only to fall back to the ground riving in pain harshly, now exposing and grasping at its orange furred right leg. "Not good, I think it's broken. This is so not my day, an I have to get back other wise everyone will be..." There was no time to finish as the trees began to shake.
Instantly the one chasing the cloaked being was identified, as it shot through the trees and landed but a few yards away from its target in the clearing.
It stood up at about 45 feet in height, its yellow eyes aglow. It was a silver furred mammalian like creature, sort of resembling an apish beast in looks and body. Its maw was agape with sharp fangs and a yellow tongue to add. It had black furred hands complete with deadly sharp claws, and a thin swaying tail, adorned with a black hook like appendage at the tip right behind it. It stood up straight yet seemed as though it would be just as comfortable on all fours as well, should it so feel inclined. It than locked its eyes on the figure in front of it, licking the sides of its mouth as it began to walk closer.
The figure was in utter terror at this, yet unable to run away. All it could do was turn and face the monster, trying to scoot back with its hands as much as possible. As it attempted to gain as much space as possible. It soon was stopped by a large boulder coming against its back, and from there knew this would indeed spell doom. With nowhere to hide, and noway to run, the cloaked figure crossed its arms in front of it and braced itself.
Taking pleasure in this development, the creature rushed at it on all fours. Mouth wide, ready to consume the figure in one bite.
"Someone please help me!" The being screamed out as the monster pounced. Slamming into the figure, crushing the boulder to dust. An as it got up it shown a pleased expression. Of a job now done, which was backed by the red blood dripping from its mouth. The brown cloak now at its feet, and its head turned, attention focused at the edge of the clearing behind it.
"You know, I gotta hand it to you. Out of all the monsters I've met in my life."A voice stated. The creature now starting to growl as it heard this. "Very few have ever been able piss me off this bad." The voice stated.
It was here that we saw whom it was that spoke this. There, in the clearing stood a rather enraged Sonic. Now holding an unconscious echidna girl dressed in a white and brown stripped tribal dress in his left arm. A venomous glare in his eyes as he looked from the girl, to the monster, and than to his right shoulder...Now covered in blood where his right arm and jacket was slashed up and broken, dripping his red blood down to the grass below him.
The beast just grinned. Seeming to remember him from before. "Me not miss twice." It spoke in a ghastly voice to him, licking the blood from its mouth again. As it prepared to pounce once more.
Seeing this at once Sonic lay-ed the girl up against a nearby tree behind him. Yet the beast did not attack him at this moment, it merely watched him do this carefully. Testing him, almost as if it was waiting for something to happen.
Sonic kept his gaze on the beast the whole time he did this as well. An once he was done moving the girl to safety, he walked back until he was now a mere 10 yards from the creature. Staring into its eyes, grabbing his right shoulder with his left hand. Wincing in severe pain.
The monster began to sniff for a moment and than laughed. "You not like before, you weak now, your energy empty, and arm useless. This time I not leave, I kill you!" The beast roared as it pounced at Sonic.
Sonic just lowered his head, and his teeth began to grit. The pain and anger consuming him. "I don't know what the heck your getting at...And I don't really care. But known this monster..."
The beast now closed in jaws ready to snap him up. "Now you die!"
In an instant Sonic had raised his right leg and kicked the monster in his jaw, sending him sailing back to the ground. Within a moment it had recovered to its feet, though once it got up there was one big difference. It now had a burn mark right in the spot Sonic had kicked, shown by the smoke coming from its chin. It touched this mark and winced at the pain as it burned.
Completely caught off guard the monster began to question this."What, how did you do this?!" The creature yelled to him. Yet its answer came in a different way. Not with mere words, but with actions.
Sonic's quills now began to sway as if gaining life, dark smoke now coming off his body as the surrounding area began to rise in temperature. "But known this monster..." He said once more as his fur turned a crimson red, his shoes becoming white. His jacket trim now becoming red and the kanji on his back now shifting to that of fire. An to top it all off, when his head raised and his eyes met the beasts. They had become a golden color identical to Blaze's in every way. With a gem like hers in the middle of his forehead only blue in color."My rage, is really burning now!" He stated as flames encased his right arm, covering it and protecting it completely.
The monster seen this and began to back step, the heat coming off of his body too intense to get near without harm. Utterly shocked at what was taking place before it.
NOW BACK WITH YUFFI AND RIN'S GROUP
.
"Ryuuso! (dragons claw)" One voice roared as six black slash waves in the form fierce claws shot out.
"Hyper Viper!" Another yelled as a black energy serpent shot towards the same claws.
Causing a large explosion of energy to burst out as they collided. Canceling out one another as when did. Just than two figures began to clash with great speed through the air.
Suddenly a large rock formation was split apart in an instant as two figures struck each other. The impact of their blades causing shock-waves throughout the area with every blow. Shaking the sands, and forcing away many of the dead bones that lay scattered upon the ground.
This exchange seemed to have no end as these two figures started to attack at speeds causing a blur. Bouncing off the terrain like light from the sky. That is, until finally they reached a stalemate with each other. Both blade wielders holding the other at bay, halting all extreme movement.
"I gotta say for a creepy nut job merc from space, your not too terrible a swordsman." Yuffi sort of complemented to her opponent, though to be honest she never once envisioned herself in this kind of situation. An to be fair no one in their right mind would.
"I'm thrilled by the fact you aren't just another nameless pawn that was told to hold a sword. Your skill, its real. So now if I may I have a request of you." Lance stated looking her in the eyes.
Taken back by the idea that her enemy would ask her a favor in the heat of battle Yuffi was unsure how to respond to this. So out of sheer curiosity she indulged him. "An what on Mobius could you possible want from me at a time like this?" Were her words as she pushed him back harder with her blade.
Yet Lance matched her might and simply smirked. "I ask you, just this once...Let me feel alive!" He roared with pleasure as a dark shock-wave emanated from his being, pushing Yuffi back sending her shooting into the air.
As Yuffi shot into the sky Lance quickly gave chase, his sword aimed straight for her as he closed in. An in but a few seconds his blade reached her, ramming the katana right into her torso. As blood dripped down, Lance began to lick his lips once again. Enjoying the feeling as it dripped.
JUST BELOW THEM.
Another battle was taking place. As Rin and Aria were having an exchange of their own. They could not help but notice Yuffi and Lance current situation.
"It would seem your partner up there just got a real lesson of battle. Their will always be casualties. A rather hard lesson for anyone to learn, do you need time to grieve for her? I would be happy to hold of for a few moments to let you do so." Aria stated snapping her fingers, an causing two black shadowed doppelgangers of Rin to vanish.
Yet Rin stood silent and undeterred. As she looked up at Yuffi bleeding, and than back to Aria a plain look on her face. There was no telling what was going on through her mind right now, but one could only guess it was a mixture of rage and sadness.
Seeing this Aria just chuckled. "So you will be need that moment than, take your time. I love a good drama scene after all." She stated now taking a seat upon a nearby boulder, crossing her legs as she watched Rin.
Yet Rin still remained still as she looked up towards them again. Not a word or a movement, an Aria was starting to find it a bit too boring. An after a few seconds of it she lost her patience.
"Look, if your just going to stand there. Than I might as well kill you too. Its better than just staring like a zombie into nothingness." Aria claimed as she aimed her right hand towards her, with still no reaction from Rin. This really caused her blood to boil. She quite hated being ignored. "That's it I'm done with this! Now your gonna join her." An just as she said this Rin turned around to see her, a grin on her face.
"You really don't think I would just sit there and do nothing did you?" Rin stated now forming the tiger hand sign in her hands.
Aria had no clue what she meant by this action. "What are you talking about, aren't you at all affected by your dead partner up there?!" She yelled in protest.
Though Rin simply smiled. "You guys are dumber than you look if you think that's enough to kill Yuffi. But I gotta thank you for that bit of time you just gave me, it was very nice of you to allow me time to preform this technique." Than out of nowhere flashes shot past Aria from every direction. An before she knew it she was surrounded by a countless number of shadow doppelgangers all in Rn's likeness.
"What how in the?" Aria wondered caught off guard by the sudden appearance of so many.
"Mystic arts: Army of one. This is a high level art that requires a great deal of time an concentration to invoke. An thanks to your...Kindness I had plenty of both. So what do you say we try this again?" Rin smirked as she held up her left hand, signaling them to charge her opponent all at once.
Aria smiled as they all closed in. "Alright not gonna lie. I think I'm starting to like this place." She said with a hard clap of her hands as 10 of the clones were destroyed in a second.
Yet that was just a diversion, as Rin now appeared behind her. An with one swift kick, she was sent smashing right into a large rock formation. Forcing it to crumble on top of her.
"Well good to know that your enjoying yourself, but just as fair warning. This battles just getting started!" Rin said sending a mass of clones after her once again.
Aria quickly sprung up from the rubble with barely a scratch. "Oh really, I look forward to more than. Sound Slayer!" She roared as a shock-wave came from her mouth clashing with Rin's clones causing a massive explosion.
BACK UP IN THE AIR.
"What a shame, such talent. Lost so abruptly. Though you were dispatched quickly. I will remember you. As one who gave me a spark of interest for a time." Lance stated now moving his attention to Aria's battle below.
Surely she would not mind if he, accidentally found his way into the battle. Such things happened often in these kinds of situations. Be it unfair or not. He thought to himself.
An just as Lance was about to remove his blade and go join Aria, something strange happened. Try as he might he was unable to pull back his weapon. Almost as if it was caught, though he knew of course that could not be the case.
"You really are stupid if you think that was the end of this." A voice said to him.
Lance with a quickness turned to see whom had spoken. Only to find Yuffi staring back at him still hunched over his sword.
"How, I know I hit a vital area. You should have died instantly, or at the very least bled to death by now." He responded in protest to how this could be possible.
Yet Yuffi just smirked at him. "Yea, normally you would be right. If you had indeed hit me at all." She said now lifting up.
What Lance saw next shocked him greatly. For Yuffi had not been stabbed through at all, she had simply caught the blade with her left hand. Which is why blood had shot out when he made contact when she cut herself doing this. An she was now gripping the sword tightly as if the pain did not phase her.
"Well this is a pleasant surprise." He said to her admiring the fact she was not just sturdy enough, but had the power to hold back his blade in such a manner. Yet this was short lived as he now looked back towards Yuffi to find her right fist reared back.
"If you liked that one, than your gonna love this. Knuckle Duster!" Yuffi said as her fist drove right into Lance's face slamming him straight into the ground, an causing quite a crater.
With this moment Yuffi quickly tore a piece from her sleeve and wrapped it around her hand to cover the wound. "It would be good for you to remember. I never said I was only good with my sword. Unarmed I'm not to bad either." She yelled towards the crater.
She was actually quite proud of herself for that last move. Though not on par with Knuckles version, she did take pride in the fact that she was able to do that move as well. A fact she would remember to thank Knuckles and Sonic for, after all it was sparring with them that had taught her this in the first place.
"Blood Wave!" A voice yelled from below her, as a red pulsing wave of energy came her way.
An within a second Yuffi had raised up her sword to block it. Yet the force of the attack was extreme, an she was just barely holding it at bay. After a few more moments of struggling with the attack, it was clear that breaking it was not an option. So with all her might she parried the slash wave to her left towards a rock mass.
A bit out of breath after that, she than glared at the one responsible for it just below her.
"I will say this. You are a lot better than many I've faced in a long time. Yet I'm afraid this battle will not be settled to easily." Lance told her as he wiped a small amount of blood from the side of his mouth. A smirk finding him once again.
Yes he was going to enjoy this one. An he was not about to make it easy on either of them.
AT THAT SAME TIME.
Just to the left of all the fighting, yet out of range were both Silver and Amy. Still sitting atop the large rock mass watching the whole battle. An for some reason strangely enjoying a bag of popcorn as they did so.
The two were currently lounging in two multicolored lawn chairs under and umbrella. An it was with this that Amy started to speak.
"Hey Silver, I know that this is a serious fight and all between the four of them. But do you think we should try and help Yuffi and Rin? I mean I know they said they could handle it but it still seems like we should be doing something." She asked turning to him, though still seated in her chair.
Silver yawned for a moment before answering. "Don't worry about it Amy. Rin and Yuffi made it clear this was a fair one on one match between the four of them. They wouldn't have told us to stay out the way if they thought they needed are help." He reasoned.
Amy simply sighed and lay-ed back. "Well I guess your right. Orders are orders after all."
"Exactly, we need to follow our orders to the letter. An besides, if the ones that have been giving us heck all this time should, get a little roughed up. I see it as honest pay back don't you?" He said now standing to get a better look at the action.
Amy heard this an started to chuckle. An than just as Silver began to as well. A slashing wave of energy shot straight past the two of them. Cutting off several of Silvers spikes on his head, and buzz cutting Amy. Slicing the umbrella they were using in half.
The two froze for a moment before looking at each other and quickly falling back to the ground in comedic fashion.
BACK WITH KNUCKLES AND ROUGE.
Knuckles quickly began dodging as several more spikes of sand came flying his way. Forcing him to jump and dodge. Though pinning him to the wall at the last second.
"Darn it, that was close. Hey Rouge anytime your ready I could use a hand with evasion over here." He said to her keeping his gaze on the opponent as he broke off the wall.
"Love to help, but I'm a bit preoccupied at the moment Knuckie." She said taking to the air, just barley avoiding a large sand fist coming her way.
She hated this idea. Knuckles had figured if Sela was the one that made these things than if he just beat her they would stop coming. So after he rushed her that left Rouge to deal with the golems herself, a fact she was not in love with.
"Hey, next time you decide to think Knuckles, don't for my sake." She said now running along the palace wall as the many golems started to slam into it trying to crush her.
Knuckles simply scoffed. "One of these days bat..." Hey spoke before getting blasted by a torrent of sand into a stone wall. That quickly crumbled and fell upon him.
"Um yea, not to be rude but I'm still here you know. I hope you didn't forget, yet given the recent tidbits I've just heard about you. I actually wouldn't be surprised if you had." Sela exclaimed bringing her left hand to her side. A tad confused as to how she got caught up in such a strange battle.
Yet Knuckles emerged from the ruble almost instantly. "You are so gonna pay for that sand girl." He yelled as he rushed at her his right fist pulled back.
Yet Sela did not budge as she looked him in the eye, daring him to hit her as she stood there. Her confidence was clear and her smirk was unwavering. An these very facts are what pissed Knuckles off the most.
"Alright you wanna have a go, fine lets do this. Knuckle Duster!" He said slamming his fist into Sela's stomach feeling the force go right through her and impact the palace wall behind. Leaving a serious dent in it, an shaking the place itself. "Lets see you shake that one off." He said to her his fist still in place.
Sela said nothing at all, merely coughing as her mouth began to leak. She at once tilted her head back on instinct to try and hold the substances in. It was clear from her reaction that his attack was effective, much to Knuckles deep pleasure. His pride and resolve were quite boosted with that just now. Maybe now she wouldn't dare mock him again.
Feeling that would be enough to finish things, Knuckles than began to remove his fist from her. Yet for some reason he could not move it. It was stuck tight and suddenly he began to notice was his feet as well. He soon started to struggle, but just than Sela's body began to twitch.
An she quickly grabbed Knuckles arm, holding it in place with both hands. A devious smile on her face.
"No way, that was a clean hit you should be completely stunned." He spoke in shock, it was than that he took a good look at his fist. It had indeed made contact with her stomach, but what he did not realize is that her stomach was now gone. Leaving nothing but a gaping hole, though this was not the weirdest part. Instead of blood or organs hanging out of her...It was all sand.
"No wonder I couldn't hit you this whole time. Your not even real." He said glaring her way.
The rest of the clone's body soon began to become pure sand as well, while still keeping to her form. "That is correct this entire fight you have been battling a double, wasting your energy and taking damage while I have been safely watching. It's quite amusing I was gifted with such a dumb opponent." She said as two pillars of sand began to rise around them.
Knuckles now desperately began to struggle hoping to get free. He did not know what those pillars were for, but he knew whatever they were it was nothing good for him.
Than suddenly he found himself impaled through several spots in his body. Forcing a loud scream from Rouge as she turned and saw this.
BACK TO THE SKOAL JUNGLE.
A now enraged and blazing Sonic glared at the evil beast before him. His eyes locked.
The creature still keeping its distance, as the heat coming from Sonic was causing all plant life around him to ignite an turn to dust. The very clearing starting to sizzle.
"What are you? You different again, not like last time you not black, you red why? What are you?" The monster spoke lowly as it stared back in shock. A look of horror upon it.
Yet Sonic simply spoke one sentence. "I have no time for you any more. I'm gonna finish this in 7 seconds. 7" He counted now walking up to the beast.
With pure instinct it jumped back an charged a large green blast of energy from its mouth firing it right at Sonic. With a huge explosion being the result, covering the spot he had just hit with smoke.
It than landed back on the ground and began to smirk after a moment. It knew that was a full on hit and there was no way he would be walking away from if unharmed.
"6" Was all the beast heard as Sonic's figure was cast through the smoke, his glowing yellow eyes shining through.
Seeing this, the beast at once began to charge green power once again in its hands this time and started to lob countless number of energy balls at him.
Several of these blasts made contact with Sonic but for some reason they seemed to just detonate a few feet from his body, while others he slapped away into the air. Taking care to protect the girl behind him. "5,4" He stated while doing this, his count never faltering.
The monster than roared madly as it had tolerated this long enough. Quickly it jumped high into the air over the island the setting sun to its back. This time summoning a tremendous bomb of green energy over its head. Causing even Sonic to take notice of the ball.
"This one strong enough to level half island. You move girl die. You take you die. Either way me win, you lose!" It said, in a rather dimwitted and desperate tone at that. Now hurling the sphere right for Sonic. A crazed look in its eye. It was ready to trash everything to keep him away.
Yet Sonic did not move as he looked at the ball. "3,2" Was all he stated as it touched down upon his body. Sinking down on him as it started to detonate.
Coming back down to the ground the beast began to laugh as the bomb was about to go off. "You lose I win!" It cackled. It had completely overwhelmed Sonic. It had defeated him.
Or so it thought, until the sphere suddenly shot up into the sky. In a instant a blew up with devastating force. Sending a shock-wave of wind and pressure throughout the island, blowing back the trees and shaking the jungle itself.
The beast was utterly shocked. Its best attack, simply thrown away like a kids broken toy. It than became stiff as it heard something.
"1" A voice spoke out softly.
Suddenly the beast turned its head to see Sonic had now gone past him, and was standing a good 10 yards away. The girl hanging over his shoulder, seemingly untouched by the heat. An just as the monster was about to move, Sonic spoke.
"I gave you fair warning the first time we met, you wont be getting a second chance to walk away. Now vanish from my sight." He said snapping his fingers on his left hand.
Suddenly the beast started to burst into flames spontaneously, and as it tried to put them out...It was engulfed in a brutal explosion all over its body. Torching it to a crisp an leaving nothing but a blackened charred corpse where it was.
Sonic now started to speak."You've just experienced my After Burn attack. You should be grateful to me...You could have suffered a lot worse." He said before hunching over to the ground still supporting the girl on his left shoulder. He was breathing heavily, and his vision was blurring. Blood was once again seeping from his right arm.
"Dang I'm out of power. I'm starting to lose it...Can't keel over yet...Gotta get her some help...Blaze, guys, just hang on...I'll be back soon...Chaos Control!" He strained to say as he warped away.
Though once Sonic had gone, one could still see the charred remains of the monster...An suddenly swear the fingers had twitched...
DEEP UNDER THE ISLAND INSIDE A CELL WITH BLAZE AND THE OTHERS.
"Sonic?!" Blaze suddenly spoke out as the gem on her forehead began to glow for a second.
Quickly calling her to her feet as she began to look around the cell frantically. Her eyes in search of something. She instinctively tried to move her hands, but could not due to her current restraints still being there.
Her frantic actions quickly caught the attention of the others, an Tails was the first to speak up.
"Blaze what's the matter, did you see something?" He questioned her a bit confused as to what was going on.
She quickly turned to him, her face a bit panicked. "I just felt Sonic, he tried to say something. An than he...Vanished. I don't know why, but our link has been weakening ever since we got to this island. An now I can no longer feel his presence here at all. I think something has happened to him. We have to get out of here now." She said trying once again to summon strength to free them. Only for it to fail her.
"Just relax mate, as long as we be bound with these cuffs we right up a gum tree now. Besides, blue can handle himself if I remember correctly. We jus gotta weather it until he finds us. No worries." The now tiny Marine said getting off tails shoulder and moving to hers.
With that last statement in mind Blaze once again was reminded of something that had been bugging her quite a bit.
"I suppose you are right. Sonic can take care of himself, an there's no way he will not find us. But that reminds me, would you mind filling me in on how you shrank like that once more?" Blaze said now taking a seat trying to focus on something other than what happened to Sonic right now.
Seeing that someone was once again interested in hearing her speak she began to beam with joy."Oh no prob gov na be a pleasure. Now listen close, the reason I be like this is because-" Suddenly she was cut off by Shadow, much to her rage.
"Wait, something is happening. It seems they have finally gotten to where they were taking Shade." He said to them all.
Feeling oh so confused Tails started up once more. "Uh, how do you know that Shadow?"
Shadow simply smirked. "Because kid, Shade and I are not so careless as to lose track of one another without a means of communication. I have been over hearing everything she has heard through our special com. Link for the past hour. An right now she has just been taken to some kind of throne room. Which should shed some light on what's going on around here." He stated proudly, albeit a bit of bragging in his voice. Yes one thing is certain, when Shadow wanted to show he was superior to someone. He made sure they felt it fully.
Something the others were truly sick of, but they put up with it.
They at once turned focus to Shadow as he tapped the side of his right ear, and suddenly the voices of the soldiers from before could be heard by them.
IN THE STRANGE THRONE ROOM.
Shade was now standing in vast throne room as three of the soldiers from before escorted her in, one holding her captive with energy restraints on her wrists. The other two as back up. It was than she got a good look at the place.
The throne room was around the size of a large hall. It was a stone room taking its color a ques from the lost temple in Mystic Ruins. With several depictions of a black creature causing havoc painted on the walls, and long red drapes with a strange symbol on them hanging from everywhere. The throne it self was a large stone seat with a very king like feel to it, atop a plateau of stairs. A red carpet trailing from it to the end of the room with more of the symbols within it.
An there seated on the throne was a large figure accompanied by two more guards. It had a height slightly taller than that of Knuckles and wearing a brown and yellow tribal neck ornament with a green and brown stripped covering over his lower half. Black steel gloves covered his hands. An a tribal mask that resembled a enraged beast on his face. Once Shade took all of this in. She quickly found herself pushed by her captors to her knees in respect.
The figure atop the throne saw this than raised his left hand. Signaling the guards to leave her. To which they did after a quick bow. Tapping on the back of Shade's helmet causing it to revert into her armor, leaving her face completely exposed. The being than began to speak an it surprised her.
"From what I have heard, you are capable of understanding our tongue. But in capable of speaking it well. Thus I will address you in the way your comrades have spoken. For now. So I will ask you this once and once only. Daughter of the Nocturnus, you kneel before Necuametl (neck-u-me-tal) leader of the Atl (al-tee) Clan of echidna. What are you doing on our land?" He stated now removing his mask as well, showing the face of a elder echidna.
Forcing a gasp from both Shade and the group as they heard all this take place.
An there you are my friends, the battle between the G.U.N. agents and the Mercs has begun. Serious trouble for Knuckles looms. An a new side of Sonic has shown itself, along with the emergence of another lost tribe. Many questions have arouse, and as for the answers? Well you will just have to keep reading to find out.
Once again I thank you all for reading my story, and of course many thanks to those that comment as well.
Also I have updated my author page and it has been filled with new information. So if you happen to have a moment please do check it out an see what has changed since 2014 for my stories.
That is all for this one. So until the next chapter...STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS...