Healing Hearts
Chapter 36
The Mountains...
Knuckles wasn't sure what surprised him more: The fact that Allan had escaped the flames unharmed or the fact that he was now wearing armor. His ally stood before SALAMANDER, sword drawn and ready for battle. It was unusually quiet, save for the rumbling of the volcano and the crackling of the fires.
"What in the world," Shadow exclaimed. "How did he survive that? And what's with the armor?"
"Your guess is as good as mine," Knuckles replied. "Seems Allan is full of surprises."
At that moment, Allan charged at SALAMANDER. The dragon roared, welcoming the challenge. Fire spewed from his mouth and washed over Allan. However, he passed right through them, unscathed. Leaping up, Allan struck with his sword. There was a harsh screech and a large gash appeared in SALAMANDER'S metallic hide. Infuriated, the dragon attacked, steel claws raking the air as he sought to slash Allan to ribbons. Allan struck back, his sword clashing with the claws. Unlike before, he wasn't staggered by the blows and managed to maintain his footing.
"Whatever that armor is," Shadow mused, "it seems to have enhanced his strength."
Allan dodged a claw swipe and struck down, severing one of the steel talons. SALAMANDER pulled it's claw back, bellowing in rage. He charged at Allan, snapping at him with his metallic teeth. Allan lept backwards, avoiding the snapping jaws.
"It doesn't seem to hinder his speed any," Knuckles pointed out.
Suddenly, Sticks came rolling down the side of the hill. The badger girl came to a stop right at Knuckles' feet. Standing up, she dusted herself off and watched the battle. She whistled in amazement.
"They certainly know how to make 'em," she said.
"They," Knuckles asked. "They, who?"
"You know," Sticks whispered, glancing around. "THEM. What we have here is a super soldier, designed for battle."
Knuckles and Shadow both stared at her, not knowing what to say.
"Is she alright up here," Shadow asked Knuckles, pointing to his head.
"Let me get back to you on that," Knuckles replied.
As they turned their attention back to the battle, Shadow noticed a pouch tied around Knuckles' waist. He had a pretty good idea just what was in that pouch. Silently, he watched the fight, waiting for the right time to make his move.
The battle between SALAMANDER and Allan raged on. The massive dragon pursued his foe across the area, striking with claws and fangs, and occasionally fire, though that seemed to do little good against him. How this human had managed to survive being burned alive was a mystery to SALAMANDER. What's more, he couldn't figure out just how this boy was so strong. Nor could he figure out where he had obtained that armor.
They fought their way towards the volcano. As they fought, they steadily climbed their way up the side of the smoking pinnacle. SALAMANDER activated a secondary weapon and unleashed a volley of missiles. Allan dodged as the projectiles hit, the resulting explosions shaking the volcano. Frustrated, SALAMANDER activated his optic lasers. Yellow beams shot from his eyes and tore up the ground, seeking to hit Allan. The furrows the lasers had gouged out began seeping with liquid magma.
Now they had reached the very top of the volcano. The rim of the pinnacle was wide and circular, allowing them a view of the molten lava below. The volcano shook and rumbled, belching thick smoke into the air. Allan and SALAMANDER stood facing each other, oblivious to the ominous rumblings.
"How is it you possess such power," SALAMANDER asked. "What kind of human are you?"
"Who I am or what I am is no concern of yours," Allan replied. "All you need to know is that only one of us will walk away from here."
"Agreed," the dragon rumbled. "Lets finish this."
They charged at each other. SALAMANDER routed power to his claws and charged them with energy. Allan swung his sword and their weapons clashed, unleashing a powerful shock wave. This caused the ledge they were standing on to crack. Below them, the lava surged, stirred up by the immense power of the two combatants.
Down at the base of the volcano, Knuckles, Sticks and Shadow were still watching the fight when the ground shuddered violently beneath their feet. Scalding hot steam shot out from the sides of the volcano and lava was starting to ooze out of cracks in the rock.
"This isn't good," Knuckles said. "All that fighting has set off the volcano! I think it's going to erupt soon!"
"Then might I suggest we leave while we have the chance," Shadow spoke up.
Knuckles wasn't about to argue. He and Shadow turned and began running away from the volcano. As he ran, Knuckles suddenly realized they were short one person. Turning back, he saw Sticks standing near a pool of lava...toasting marshmallows!
"Are you serious," he exclaimed. "Where did she even get those?"
He rushed over to the badger girl and promptly grabbed her.
"Hey! Quit pulling," Sticks yelled, dropping her marshmallows into the lava.
Knuckles dragged the protesting badger away from the volcano, ignoring her indignant rants.
Back on the top of the volcano, Allan noticed the terrain was getting more unstable. As if that wasn't bad enough, the lava was rising towards the top at an alarming rate. He had to end this fight and now. Calling upon the powers of Dragon Fire, Allan charged up his attack, channeling the energy into his blade. The sword took on a bright crimson color and was surrounded by a fiery aura. Taking up a stance, he allowed the power to flow through him and then, he charged right at SALAMANDER. The dragon opened his jaws and moved in to strike. Allan brought his sword around in a vicious arc and the stored energy cut through the air...and the dragon-bot. SALAMANDER'S charge faltered and he stumbled to the ground, collapsing right on the edge of the volcano.
Allan approached the downed bot. SALAMANDER gazed at him, his eyes flickering. Strangely, the dragon actually smiled.
"Well fought, human," he said. "I never imagined I would meet my end like this."
"You don't sound too upset about it," Allan said.
"I'm actually at peace," SALAMANDER replied. "Free from Robotnik. He kept me in line by threatening to activate a self-destruct sequence within my programming. And now, I no longer have to fear such a humiliating end. I met my end in battle." He fell silent for a moment. "You may not believe this, but I was once a living Mobian. When Robotnik began to take over, he targeted my fellow dragons. I was one of the first dragons he roboticized. I tried to fight, but ultimately, it was a futile effort. To make matters worse, Robotnik modified me until...I became what you see before you."
"There are dragons here on Mobius," Allan asked.
"Once there were," SALAMANDER replied. "If any still live, I hope they found a safe place to live in peace. My one regret is that I never knew what became of my mate and my daughter. I can only hope Sabina and Dulcinea are safe."
Allan felt a pang of pity for SALAMANDER. He had once had a family, and now, thanks to Robotnik, he was a machine. And he was dying.
"I'm sorry," he said. "Tell me, what is your real name?"
"Once I was called Zora," he replied. "I'm amazed I can still recall that name after so long."
Suddenly the ground shook, nearly knocking Allan off his feet. The lava was dangerously close now and thick smoke was filling the air.
"You'd better run, human," Zora said.
"My name is Allan," he replied. "Allan Pendragon, leader of the Dragon Knights."
"I see," Zora said. "Farewell, Allan. I only wish we...could have...met...under different...circum..."
The dragon fell silent and the light in his eyes faded. The ground began collapsing from the tremors. Allan's metallic wings spread and he took flight. As he flew upwards, he saw Zora's body fall into the lava and disappear. Anger welled up in Allan. That Robotnik would transform such a noble creature as a dragon into his robotic slave and thus doom him to this. Allan swore he would see Robotnik pay for his crimes.
Elsewhere, Knuckle, Shadow and Sticks had finally stopped running. Having put plenty of distance between themselves and the volcano, they stood upon a high hill, the volcano raging in the distance as it erupted.
"That was a little too close," Knuckles said.
"So much for my s'mores," Sticks pouted. She had a chocolate bar in one hand and gram crackers in the other. "How am I supposed to make these without my marshmallows?"
"Where did you even get those," Shadow asked. "No, wait. On second thought, I don't want to know."
"I just hope Allan made it out of there," Knuckles said, watching the horizon for any sign of his friend.
Shadow's eyes gazed at the pouch at Knuckles' side. Now seemed as good a time as any to make his move.
Knuckles continued his vigil, not even noticing Shadow as he dashed at the unsuspecting echidna. Shadow lashed out, knocking Knuckles down. Quickly, Shadow grabbed the pouch and pulled it from him. Then he dashed away, running up a steep incline. Knuckles got back up on his feet and turned in the direction Shadow was.
"Shadow! You son of a..." he yelled angrily.
Shadow stood above them and pulled the emerald out of the pouch, which he promptly discarded.
"Nothing personal, Knuckles," he said. "But I do have my orders."
"So, the Man strikes again," Sticks said.
"Man," Shadow asked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"Well, you won't get my s'mores without a fight," Sticks yelled.
Shadow just stared at her. "You need professional help. Farewell." He held up the emerald and then disappeared.
A few moments later, Allan rejoined Knuckles and Sticks. He noticed Knuckles looked angry and Shadow was nowhere in sight. He put two and two together and realized what had happened.
"He stole the emerald, didn't he," Allan asked.
"He caught me off guard," Knuckles admitted. "I swear, next time I see him..."
"Well, at least he didn't get the s'mores," Sticks said.
Despite the situation, Allan smiled, shaking his head. "Yes, I suppose we can be grateful for that."
Soon they were back at Stick's dwelling. The badger girl had packed all her stuff together into one huge bundle.
"Well, time for me to be hittin' the road," she said. "Can't stay in one place too long. That's how they find you. Gotta keep moving and stay one step ahead of them." She eyed a nearby boulder suspiciously. "Yeah, I see you over there. Look at him. Thinking I wouldn't notice him."
At this point, Allan and Knuckles had stopped trying to make sense of Sticks' gibberish and conspiracy theories.
"We need to get going, too," Allan said. "By the way, Sticks, if you need a place to crash for a while, you could always come back to Knothole Village with us. It's well hidden from Robotnik."
"Hm. I suppose I could stay there for a few days," she mused. "I need someplace to lay low. Alright, I'll go with you guys."
"Okay," Knuckles said, pulling out the warp ring. "Next stop..."
"The beach," Sticks yelled out.
They turned and looked at her questioningly. Sticks placed a finger to her lips and indicated the boulder with a nod.
"We can't let them know where we're going," she whispered.
"Oh, uh, right," Knuckles said.
He activated the warp ring, opening the way to Knothole Village. Knuckles went through first. As he entered, Allan turned to Sticks.
"Would you like some help with..." He fell silent and his eyes widened in surprise. Sticks had the entire bundle on her shoulders and was steadily making her way towards the warp ring.
"Help with what," she asked.
"Um, never mind," he said, turning to enter the ring.
Sticks shrugged and then followed, casting one last glance at the boulder, her eyes narrowing with suspicion, as if daring it to follow her.
Knothole Village...
"Well, here we are," Vahn said, indicating the village. "Welcome to Knothole Village, home of the Freedom Fighters."
Alicia and Ray gazed at their surroundings. They had arrived just a few moments ago, having parted ways with Austin and Sally at the Overlander compound. In contrast, the village was quaint and peaceful.
"It's lovely," Alicia said.
At that moment, Amber, Darren, Myotis, Serena, Amy, Rotor, Bunnie, and Antoine arrived to greet them.
"Hey, Vahn! Hey, Shade," Serena greeted cheerily. She hugged each of them in turn.
"What have I said about hugging," Shade growled.
Amber noticed Alicia and Ray standing with Vahn.
"Who are they, Vahn," she asked. "I can't help but notice she resembles..."
"Sacre bleu," Antoine exclaimed. "Queen Alicia!"
Everyone present stared at Alicia in surprise.
"Oh, my stars," Bunnie gasped. "Yer Majesty. Is it really you?"
"I recognize you two," Alicia said. "Antoine and Bunnie. Though the last time I saw you, you were just children." Her gaze fell upon Rotor. "Why, is that Boomer?"
"Boomer," Darren asked.
"That's my actual name," Rotor explained. "But I prefer to be called Rotor."
Alicia glanced at Amy. "I'm afraid I don't recognize you, though, young lady."
"Oh! I'm Amy Rose, your Majesty," she replied, curtsying.
"No need for formalities, my dear," Alicia said. "I'm just glad to see all of you." She turned to Amber. "I take it you must be Amber. I met your cousin, Austin. My daughter is rather taken with him."
"So you found them, Vahn," Amber asked.
"Yeah, we did," Vahn replied. "And we met Alicia and Ray here. But maybe I should start at the beginning."
Everyone listened as Vahn told the story of their encounter with the Overlanders, Alicia adding details of her own at certain points.
"So, now that the map is completed," Vahn said, reaching the end of his narration, "they're on their way to get the sword, even as we speak."
"I hope they succeed," Amber said. "I am worried about them though. I wish we could go after them."
"Austin and Sally can handle this," Shade spoke up. "You know he's a tough guy, and Sally struck me as the type who could handle herself in a tough situation. Besides, Vahn gave Austin what he needs, just in case."
"I know," Amber admitted. "But, still..."
At that moment, a warp ring appeared. Knuckles and Allan stepped out from it and were followed by a young female badger. She was carrying a huge load of items, all bundled together on her back. Oddly, she didn't seem to be having any difficulty carrying the stuff.
"Who's that," Amy wondered.
"Welcome back, Allan," Amber greeted. "And you too, Knuckles." Her gaze lingered on the badger and then she looked back at Allan. "New friend?"
"This is Sticks," Allan introduced. "We met her in the mountains and invited her to come back with us."
Sticks gazed around the village and nodded.
"Yep, this place will do nicely," she said. "Although, that bush looks awfully fishy. I'll be keeping an eye on it."
Amber looked questioningly at Allan and Knuckles.
"Don't ask," they both said.
"So, did you guys find the Chaos Emerald," Amy asked.
"We did," Knuckles replied. "Unfortunately, Shadow stole it from us."
"That creep," Amy shouted. "Just who does he think he is?"
"So let's see," Darren said. "We currently have three emeralds, Shadow and his crew have two, and Robotnik has one. That just leaves Neo and Tails to find the seventh emerald."
"If no one else gets it first," Myotis spoke up.
"Lets just hope they reach it first," Amber said. "But in the meantime, Bunnie, I think we should find some accommodations for the Queen and Ray, wouldn't you agree?"
"Sho' nuff, sugar," Bunnie said. "Though I don't know where exactly. I suppose the Queen could stay in Sally's hut till she gets back."
"Now, what about Ray," Amber mused.
"He could probably crash at Tails' hut for now," Rotor suggested. "I'm sure Tails won't mind."
"Oh, I-I d-don't want t-to impose on a-anyone," Ray said.
"Don't worry, kid," Amy said. "I know Tails will be cool with it. Especially after we explain to him."
"W-Well, if you s-say s-so," Ray replied.
"Now, Sticks," Amber began, and noticed the badger was nowhere in sight. "Where did she..."
They looked around and saw Sticks had set up a tent and had also unpacked her belongings. She lounged in her chair, relaxing in the sunlight.
"Never mind," Amber said. "Looks like she's covered."
A short time later, Alicia was being escorted to Sally's hut by Amy.
"Here we are, your Majesty," she said, indicating the hut.
"Please, Amy," Alicia said. "You can just call me Alicia. I'm not a Queen anymore."
"Sorry," Amy said. "Force of habit."
"So, when did you join the Freedom Fighters, Amy," Alicia asked.
"A few years ago," Amy replied. "I wanted to help fight Robotnik. Mainly because Sonic inspired me. I was head over heels for him." She turned to Alicia. "I take it Sally told you what happened to him?"
"She did," Alicia said. "I knew Sonic back when he was just a child. Quite a rambunctious little scamp. I also remember his parents and his uncle, Sir Charles. Sally told me about Charles acting as a spy for the Freedom Fighters. It's hard to imagine he was turned into a robot. So much has happened while I was a prisoner of war."
"It'll get better," Amy said. "I know it will. Especially with Austin and his friends helping us."
Alicia smiled. "Yes. I do believe you're right, Amy."
Sticks sat in her chair, taking in her new surroundings. This place was quite nice, despite the sneaky bush she had her eye on. Yes, she was watching it. Always watching, remaining vigilant, never dropping her guard...and then she was out like light, snoring.
Knuckles watched Sticks for a moment. Then he walked off, shaking his head.
"What a weird girl," he muttered.
End of Chapter 36...