Healing Hearts
Chapter 37
Austin stood facing Scourge the Hedgehog. In less than a moment, he had transformed using some strange looking black stones. He was now purple and brimming with incredible power.
"Talk to me, Sally," Austin said, keeping his eyes on Scourge. "What happened? What is this?"
"Those stones were Anarchy Beryl," Sally explained. "Basically, they're the equivalent of the Chaos Emeralds."
"So then...this is a Super Form," Austin surmised. "This could complicate things."
"Austin, be careful," Sally said. "These Super Forms are very strong! But there is a distinctive weakness: They can only be maintained for a limited amount of time!"
"So if I can outlast him, I might stand a chance," Austin said.
"Afraid you won't last long enough, punk," Scourge said. "You don't stand a chance, so just do yourself a favor and give up. I promise I'll make this quick."
"Don't underestimate me," Austin said. "I have no intention of being beaten."
"Have it your way," Scourge said shrugging.
Scourge charged at Austin with blinding speed. Before he could react, Austin was sailing backwards, Scourge hard on his heels. He zipped in and out, landing several hits in the blink of an eye. He pulled back, allowing Austin to crash to the ground. The Edenian lay there, Scourge standing over him.
"See," Scourge gloated. "Told ya you had no chance. Too bad."
Suddenly, Austin lept to his feet and hit Scourge with a blast of energy, sending him reeling. Scourge recovered quickly.
"Okay," he said. "Looks like you're gonna be a stubborn one. Fine!"
He charged in again, attacking Austin. His fists were blurs as he lashed out, landing more hits. Austin reeled under the barrage of punches, doing his best to defend. Then he was knocked back, crashing to the ground.
"Just stay down," Scourge said.
To his amazement, Austin actually stood back up. Apart from looking battered and bruised, he still managed to stand.
"Are you serious," Scourge said.
He moved in again, attacking without mercy, pummeling the Edenian. Once more, Austin collapsed. And once more he managed to climb to his feet. Scourge couldn't believe it!
"What's with you," he demanded. "You're clearly outmatched! Why won't you just accept the inevitable and..."
Austin just laughed. Scourge's eyes widened at this. He was actually laughing?
"What's so funny," Scourge yelled. "I have you on the ropes!"
"Not exactly," Austin said. "All this time I've been taking your hits, I've been testing your strength and power. I'll admit, your Super Form is formidable, and maybe under other circumstances it would be a threat to others, however, I get the feeling you haven't had much practice using it. Tell me Scourge, how many times have you used this form?"
"W-What does it matter how many times I've used it," Scourge said. "What matters is that I'm going to use it to flatten you!"
"Just as I thought," Austin said. "You haven't used it that much. You just assume that because it's powerful, that automatically makes you unbeatable. But, unless you know how to properly utilize that power, it's not much use."
"It'll still be enough to annihilate you," Scourge yelled.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but you're wrong," Austin replied. "You see, I've faced incredibly powerful foes before. Have you ever battled an Entity? I have. Their power is nigh on to Godlike. The power bestowed upon you by your carbon copy rocks can't even compare to the likes of someone like Erian."
"Ohhh, I see what you're doing," Scourge said. "You're bluffing. Just trying to buy some time, hoping to wait out my transformation. Well, forget it! I'm finishing this here and now!"
"So am I," Austin said, turning serious.
A crimson aura flared around him and suddenly he was decked out in red armor, his wings unfurled behind him. Then he charged at Scourge just as the evil hedgehog charged. They clashed, the force of their hits causing a shockwave. Moving faster then the eye could follow, they fought across the area, both lashing out with fierce punches and swift kicks. The ground shook and the air thundered with each hit landed.
The onlookers watched the battle, amazed at the incredible display of power. Sally had worried that Scourge's Super Form may have proven too strong for Austin. But once more, he had surprised her. He was actually holding his own against Scourge.
"D-Don't think this means you're out of the woods yet," Fiona called over to Sally. "Just wait! Scourge will win!"
Sally smiled. She heard doubt in Fiona's tone. Like her, the female fox had also underestimated Austin's abilities. Still, it was too early to say who would win this battle. Though, she did have confidence in Austin.
The battle continued for several more minutes, each combatant giving it their all. They were up in the air, slugging it out, both determined to win. Then, with a thunderous crash, they landed a devastating blow, shaking the area. Then they both came sailing back to the ground. Scourge collapsed to his knees upon landing, his fur returning to it's normal green color. Austin landed a few feet away, his armor disappearing, as he, too, returned to normal.
"T-This is...impossible," Scourge gasped.
"You look exhausted, Scourge," Austin commented. "All that power really takes a lot out of you, doesn't it? Further proof you're not entirely used to it. I, however, trained for years to accustom myself to the power I wield."
"S-Shut up," Scourge snapped. "You're just as obnoxiously self-righteous as Sonic! I can't stand it!"
"I'll take that as a compliment," Austin said. "Now, I want some answers. I know it's no coincidence you and your team there just showed up out of the blue. Someone sent you to follow us."
"I'm not telling you anything," Scourge said.
"Talk, Scourge," Sally said. "You may as well tell us the truth. Who sent you?"
"I did."
Suddenly, a beam of green energy shot towards Austin and Sally. Both sailed backwards, Sally losing her grip on the sword. They collapsed to the ground, stunned. Sally looked up as a massive figure strolled forward. A green glow surrounded the sword and it levitated into the hand of the figure.
"I should have known it was you," Sally said, glaring up at the figure.
A huge elephant-like Mobian stood before them. He was clad in a white business suit and held a cane adorned with a green gem on the tip of the handle. In the other hand, he held the Sword of Acorn.
"Mammoth Mogul," Sally said.
Mammoth Mogul stood over both Sally and Austin, admiring the sword in his hand. Then he turned his attention to them.
"Hello, Princess Sally," he greeted, his voice deep and haughty. "So good to see you again. How have you been?"
"What do you care," Sally snapped.
Mogul chuckled. "You know, you're fiery spirit is one of the few qualities you possess that I admire. I really must thank you for finding the sword for me. I had been searching for it for sometime now."
"That sword doesn't belong to you," Sally said. "My father left it for me to find!"
"Finders keepers, as the saying goes, Princess," Mogul replied. "You found it, and now, I'll keep it."
"You have more than enough power already," Sally said. "Why do you need my father's sword?"
"My dear, one can never have enough power," Mogul said. "Besides, I can put this sword to better use than you could."
"You bastard," Austin said, climbing to his feet. "That sword is Sally's birthright. You have no right to steal it from her!"
"Ah, the Edenian warrior," Mogul said, turning towards him. "Austin, if I'm not mistaken. A pleasure to make your acquaintance at last."
"How do you know who I am," Austin asked.
"My boy, I know quite a bit," Mogul said. "Has Sally never mentioned me before?"
"Frankly, I don't care who you are," Austin said, drawing his sword. "All I care about is taking that sword back and giving it to it's rightful owner. We've come too far to let you take it."
"Try if you must," Mogul said. "You won't defeat me as easily as you did Scourge."
Austin charged at Mogul, bringing his weapon around to strike. Mogul intercepted the strike with the Sword of Acorn. The blades rang as they struck. Austin pulled back and swung again, Mogul blocking his strikes. They fought blade to blade, the sound of metal clanging through the air.
Austin was amazed at the sheer strength of Mogul. Not only that, but he was quicker than he looked, managing to parry Austin's attacks and countering. The mammoth Mobian seemed knowledgeable in sword fighting and combat. He fought with the ease of a seasoned fighter, calmly and methodically striking at the right moments.
At one point, Mogul stopped a sword strike and pointed his cane at Austin. The gem on the handle flashed and a green light shot out, hitting him. Austin flew backwards, crashing to the ground. He didn't stay down for long. He climbed back to his feet, facing Mogul.
"That was a dirty trick," he said.
"I never said I would fight fair," Mogul said.
"Okay," Austin said. "Then take this!"
He unleashed his Sonic Wave attack. Mogul stood his ground and erected a green energy field. The waves dissipated upon contact, and Mogul stood unharmed.
"I have been studying your abilities, boy," Mogul said. "I know what to expect from you."
Austin moved in again, pressing his attack. And just as before, Mogul held him at bay. Mogul knocked Austin off balance and swung a massive fist, causing the Edenian to stagger.
"Allow me to show you the power this sword possesses," Mogul said.
He held the sword of Acorn aloft. The blade began glowing with a greenish light, crackling with power. Then Mogul pointed the sword at Austin, the energy striking the stunned Edenian warrior. Austin reeled from the attack, collapsing to his knees. Mogul didn't let up, he unleashed another blast, striking Austin again. The energy seared into Austin, causing him to cry out in pain. He collapsed to the ground, smoke rising from his clothing. Surprisingly, he was still conscious, though he wasn't getting up anytime soon.
Mogul walked over to Austin and stood above him. Austin looked up at the massive Mobian.
"A valiant effort, boy," Mogul said. "But you never stood a chance. I have had thousands of years of experience and knowledge. Combined with my power and the sword's power, the outcome was inevitable."
He lowered the blade and pointed it at Austin. The blade gleamed as energy built up. Before he could release the attack, Sally placed herself between the sword and Austin.
"Please, stop," she begged. "You have what you want! Take the sword and leave us alone!"
"You care that much for him, Princess," Mogul asked. "Enough to place yourself in harm's way and even give up the sword?"
"I've already lost someone I cared about," Sally said. "I don't want to lose him either! No sword is worth it!"
"I see," Mogul said. "How touching. Very well, I'll be generous...and let you perish with him."
The sword began glowing again as Mogul prepared to finish Austin and Sally off. Sally knelt next to Austin, holding his hand. If she was going to die, then at least she would be with him. A green light shot from the sword and streaked towards them. Sally closed her eyes and waited for the end to come...
Sally opened her eyes. She was still alive! Had the beam missed? Had Mogul changed his mind and decided to spare them? She glanced at Austin, who was now sitting up. He was staring at something, his eyes wide with surprise. Wondering what he was staring at, she looked up and felt her breath catch in her throat.
Standing between them and Mogul stood a tall woman. She was clad in a shimmering silver gown, and had long silky red hair, cascading down her back. She had a fine layer of indigo colored fur and wings. An aura of energy seemed to surround her and she stood with an almost regal bearing. Sally could almost feel a powerful presence emanating from her and instinctively she knew who this was.
"Edena," Austin whispered, his voice filled with awe.
Sally's hunch had been proven correct. This was indeed the Goddess Austin had told her about, the same one who had appeared years ago to speak with her father. The same one who had spoken to Li Yuen and Li Moon. Now after hearing so much about her, here she was. Sally could now see why Li Moon had spoken so reverently about her encounter with Edena. She was beautiful and mystifying beyond words, it was no wonder many referred to her as a Goddess.
"And who might you be," Mogul asked, addressing Edena.
"How dare you," Edena said, not even bothering to answer Mogul's question. "How dare you steal that sword from Sally and then seek to kill her and Austin with it! Her father meant for her to inherit that sword, you have no right denying her that!"
"Why so concerned," Mogul asked. "What are they to you?"
"Austin is my chosen champion," Edena replied. "And Sally is bonded to him in love, therefore, they are my concern. I will not let you kill them."
She turned to Austin and Sally and knelt down before them.
"Are you two alright," she asked, a motherly tone in her voice.
"I underestimated that guy," Austin said ruefully. " He's strong. Very strong."
"He wields the power of a Chaos Emerald," Edena said. "That alone gives him incredible power and now he has the sword's power added to his own."
"Well, that explains it," Austin said. "Now the question is: What to do?"
"There is hope," Edena said. "Did Vahn give you the feather?"
"Oh, yeah," Austin said. "He did." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the shimmering feather. "I take it this is what I think it is?"
"Indeed," Edena replied. "You know what to do with it."
Austin nodded and stood up. He glanced at Sally. "You asked what this feather could do. Now, you're about to see."
He walked over towards Mogul and stood before him, looking up at the massive Mobian.
"You still wish to fight," Mogul asked. "I admire your tenacity and courage, boy."
"The name is Austin," the Edenian replied. "Prince of the Kingdom of Edena and champion of the Mother Goddess. And the one who's going to bring you down. I challenge you, Mogul. A battle to decide who gets the sword. If you win, it's yours. If I win, it goes to Sally. What do you say?"
"If you really want to play this game, then so be it," Mogul said. "I accept your challenge. Winner takes all."
"Then lets get started," Austin said.
He held up the feather. It began glowing with a fiery energy. The sky suddenly grew dark and lightning flashed. The ground began trembling and the air thrummed with power. A circle of fire surrounded Austin and then shot upwards, creating a swirling pillar of fire. The fire expanded and began to take on the shape of a massive fire bird. Then the fire dissipated and revealed Austin. As before, he was clad in armor, though this time, it was different. Rather than red, the armor was golden, and the gauntlets were tipped with silver talons. And instead of regular wings, Austin now had red, fiery wings, sparks of flame filling the air with each flap.
Sally stared in amazement! Just when she thought she had seen everything, Austin once again surprised her. The golden armor reminded her so much of the Super Form Sonic had used before. Could this be Austin's version of a Super Form?
"What is this," Sally asked Edena.
"This is the ultimate power of my chosen champion," Edena replied. "The Phoenix Armor!"
End of Chapter 37...