Author's note Sorry for the delay, I injured my wrist in an accident which left me unable to write for a good week and a half. However I was able to complete the last chapter before my accident since I used my other hand to post the chapter, the good news is that my wrist healed eventually, so thanks to all of you for being so patient while waiting for this story to come back.
As always a big thank you to TGN, SD321, Alexandria Prime, bajy, SharpDragonKlaw, Yami Chaos 27, Turquoise Triangle, Fanakatsuki, Black Twilight Wolf and Keyblade Writer of the Dawn for leaving a review I appreciate your support as always especially since we're coming to the end of the story.
I want to give a special shout-out to one of my best friends on this website TheGameNguyener along with a get well soon message since he's on a break at the moment. I genuinely wish him all the best. I also want to thank him for being the inspiration for giving Tails more of an important role due to both of us disliking how Tails' character was handled in the actual game. I know I've said this already, but do check out his fics since I would recommend them, especially Revengeful Resistance.
A thank you also goes out to Zoggerific who once again, for taking the time to edit this chapter. I would also recommend their stories, Confessions of a Tomboy Princess, and I'll always be there for you. If you're a fan of Archie/Sonic Satam, check out their fics mostly due to them doing an excellent job with the worldbuilding and character interaction, I would highly recommend both stories.
Disclaimer It's the same as previous chapters, I don't own Sonic the Hedgehog since it's copyrighted to Sega.
The Resistance made their way outside of G.U.N's headquarters and headed down a desolated street toward the awaiting G.U.N convoy which would take them to Sunset Heights. Zerinn padded between Gadget and Kaito. In spite of all that he endured, his tail was held up high in defiance, and in spite of the manacles that bound him, he maintained his gaze; unbroken.
A few citizens glared at the sight of Infinite escorted by two heroes of the Resistance. As the gawkers looked on, Zerinn turned his head; revealing the pulsing ruby on his chest. It was a silent warning of his power. With a cruel smirk, Infinite caressed the smooth surface of the gem, smirking in satisfaction as he saw them bolt to the makeshift shelters amid the ruins and their terrified faces peering out from the small temporary windows.
"Stop it Zerinn," Kaito hissed tapping him on his shoulder. "The last thing we need is anyone attacking us before we get back to the base." Zerinn paused, unsure how to respond when he noticed a row of jeeps parked just outside the group to Westopolis.
Sonic wordlessly, took off at the head of the convoy, heading back towards Sunset Heights to inform Knuckles that Zerinn would be in their custody; a decision no one was happy with. However, none could argue against the potential benefits of keeping an eye on the jackal and potentially studying his shattered ruby.
Amy and Tails walked ahead of Zerinn, locked deep in a conversation with each other. Zerinn didn't have to be telepathic to know they were talking about him. His jaw clenched in frustration, and his tail, coated with dust thudded against the floor although how much of it was due to frustration at his predicament and neglect was unclear.
"Knuckles isn't going to be happy about this," Amy said as she glanced back at Zerinn warily. "At least it should reassure everyone that Zerinn will be under our close watch."
"Personally I think he should've remained in G.U.N's custody," Tails replied scathingly. "He's going to endanger even more lives possibly. We didn't exactly prevent him from escaping the last time. He could escape on us again."
Gadget walked stiffly next to his former friend, scowling. The wolf tightened his grip, earning a small yelp of pain from Zerinn. The jackal jerked his head up making eye contact with Gadget, his mouth parting as though to say something before Gadget yanked hard on his fur.
"I have nothing to say to you Zerinn," Gadget replied.
Zerinn quietly climbed into the vehicle with Kaito and Gadget keeping a close watch on him. Kaito sat on Zerinn's left side, avoiding eye contact with Zerinn, the shattered ruby pulsed faintly. Kaito traced the faint scar on his fur where his fragment of his Phantom Ruby resided shuddering relieved the thing on his chest since had been removed.
The convoy followed Sonic back to Sunset Heights. Amy and Tails sat up front, occasionally stealing glances at the silent passengers. No one said anything; no one knew what to say. Amy glanced back at Zerinn who spent the uncomfortable silence nestled between his half-brother and former friend, occasionally scowling and picking at a loose clump of fur.
After what felt like an eternity, the convoy arrived at Sunset Heights. Sonic skidded to a stop, a tight frown on his face upon noticing several citizens ceasing their rebuilding efforts and heading over to the convoy.
Gadget exited first and escorted Zerinn out of the vehicle who was greeted at once with pure unadulterated pandemonium. Tails and Amy upon hearing the commotion hurried out of the jeep hoping to reassure some of the more timid Mobians down before they did something rash potentially losing their lives in the process.
"You said he would be locked away from everyone else!" A white-feathered Mobian bird called out as she stepped away from the crowd, anger plastered on her face. "Didn't you guys say the Resistance would do everything they could to keep everyone else safe, everyone is going to die because of your decision to keep Eggman's monster alive!"
A unanimous shout of agreement rang forth from the crowd with some of the more zealous Mobians raced towards the scene heckling the resistance members with several loud boos and pieces of debris. Zerinn shifted as much as he was able to avoid the shower but eventually, a small rock found its mark on his shoulder.
"That's enough!" Sonic called out. "Personally I'm all for locking Zerinn away in a secure cell on Mobius, but there have been enough lives lost, during this war, killing Zerinn won't change that."
The crowd stunned paused in their remorseless assault buying just enough time for Sonic to safely ushered the group towards the bunker and spotted Knuckles, Chaser, Sahara, Mikhail along with the Chaotix emerging from the Resistance base. It was clear from the expressions of hostility that Infinite was an unwelcome sight. Mikhail wasted no time sprinting past everyone and tackling Zerinn to the ground and landing a series of savage blows all while ignoring his yelps of pain.
"You're a monster, take a good long look at all the pain and suffering you helped bring to this world!" Mikhail screamed in anger. "You almost killed my half brother and everyone else with that sun! Russell, Aria, Tyson, Ian, and Mary they died because of you. Are you proud of what you did to this world?!"
Mikhail continued his verbal assault as Vector and Gadget pulled him away. The panting jackal scrambled to his feet, bleeding profusely from a split lip and a bloody nose. Kaito silently helped Zerinn to stand up without a word, placing an arm around his shoulders. Zerinn's tail lashed back and forth, his teeth clenched in a snarl as he yanked his arm out of Gadget's grip, walking briskly away.
"Mikhail, I know it looks bad, but please-"
"Gadget, please I don't want to hear whatever excuse you've come up with," Mikhail replied wearily. "Have you forgotten he killed our friends, nearly killed you and brought this world to ruin?"
Mikhail sighed before walking away, his tail dragging behind him, as the Chaotix made way for Mikhail to enter his room, Vector growled tightening his grip on Zerinn's left arm, ignoring the steely glare aimed in his direction.
Infinite growled, preparing to make a half-hearted lunge against Vector before a loud 'shink' and the cold feel of steel made the jackal halt in his tracks. Glancing down, Zerinn found Espio pressing a kunai against his jugular vein.
"If I were in your position, I would think about my next decision carefully," Espio said. "You do have a lot to answer for, Infinite."
"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Zerinn said half-heartedly. "If you want to kill me so badly then why don't you get it over with?"
"It's tempting, but there's been enough death and destruction in this war," Espio replied tensely removing the kunai from his neck. "Besides, in spite of what you did, you're Gadget's friend."
Knuckles approached Sonic, casting a disdainful glance in Zerinn's direction till he lost sight of the Jackal when he went into the bunker. Sonic sighed wearily, the last thing he wanted to deal with was Knuckles' attitude. Already, Sonic knew everyone in the Resistance was far from accepting Infinite even as a prisoner; owing to the risk of another escape and even more civilians killed.
"Why didn't G.U.N keep him in custody?" Knuckles asked.
"It's a long story Knux," Sonic replied wearily as he gazed at Amy and Tails and the small crowd gathered outside with terrified expression intermixed with looks of betrayal upon seeing Eggman's former second-in-command harshly hauled away into the bunker.
Sometime later, Knuckles paced back and forth listening to Sonic's explanation of Zerinn's desire to no longer be called Infinite; prisoners locked away for trying to provide for their families and how G.U.N itself was stretched thin trying to provide aid and arresting looters. Silver, Espio, Sahara and Chaser sat down at the table, for they were chosen from among the most level-headed members of the Resistance while Zerinn was forced to sit at the other end of the table.
Knuckles sighed rubbing at his temples, Silver and Espio sat in chairs around a large table listening intently as Sonic finished his story.
"Long story short, we're stuck looking after Zerinn at Commander Tower's request," Sonic said. "Personally, after being tortured, it's still too soon for me to forgive him. And I think I speak for all of us when I say no one here is going to forgive him right away for his crimes; that kind of thing is going to take time. But having said that, I firmly believe there's still good in him."
"That is a noble sentiment Sonic," Silver said slowly. "But, have you forgotten that he tried to kill me during our fight in Mystic Jungle. And he showed me an illusion of my parents dying, just to toy with my emotions. I can understand all of the points Commander Tower brought up, but I can't even face that unmasked monster right now, he's better of locked up in a secure facility."
"I agree with Silver," Espio said. "Besides how do we know he won't escape our custody again?"
"Heh, as if I can run away in my condition," Zerinn replied coughing. "Besides, there are times where I can barely stand due to this damn affliction. I have nothing left in this world as I told the blue rat, the two-tailed fox, and ... Gadget. We used to be good friends when were kids, but we had a falling out. It was mostly due to him wanting to join up with the jackal Squad but not having what it took."
Gadget swallowed as he was nervously fiddling with the material on his gloves, trying his best to ignoring the pain coming from the healing burn scars along his back. Sahara pushed back on her chair to examine his wounds, but Mikhail refused to speak to his younger half-brother and made his way to the target range to vent his rage on the dummies.
"Is what Zerinn is saying true, Gadget?" Knuckles asked.
"It's true," Gadget replied staring at Zerinn. "There's another reason why we broke our friendship; you crossed a line by killing those innocent people who had nothing to do with your hot-headed ego to prove that you're going to become the Ultimate Mercenary. I'm not afraid of you anymore Zerinn, and I'll prove it by escorting you to your jail cell; with the Commander's permission of course."
All eyes were on Knuckles, and the guardian sighed, from the corner of his eye he saw Chaos standing there alongside a pink orb silently reminding him of his duty. Sonic glanced over and spotted Tikal briefly before she vanished as though she had never been. Chaos lifted his head silently staring at Knuckles with those intense green eyes
"Yes, you can escort Zerinn to his cell for the time being," Knuckles said. "That's my last order as the leader of the Resistance; the war's over. I want to restore the Master Emerald. Also, I've been neglecting my duties for far too long. For now Silver and Espio will be in charge of the Resistance. It's been an honor to have been your commander during the war."
Silence hung over in the room. No one dared to protest the echidna's decision. Knuckles took one last look at the small group who'd followed him glancing back at him in respect. Deep down Knuckles knew he didn't deserve it. Countless Mobians under his command lost their lives during Operation Big Wave. Their screams would haunt him until the day he died.
"I know you want to get back to Angel Island, right now," Amy said. "You did make a few mistakes, but it was you who inspired everyone to keep fighting, you gave out speeches, and you recruited Gadget into the Resistance; who saved us all in the end. Thank you Knuckles for being our leader."
"Amy's right, apart from Operation Big Wave, you were a great leader," Sonic said smiling warmly. "You did a great job of inspiring everyone to fight back, against Eggman, during the six months Eggman kept me as a prisoner."
Knuckles smiled before giving a parting wave and exiting the room with Chaos and Tikal; the former leaving wet imprints on the floor. Gadget pushed back his chair Zerinn's arm helping him stand to ignore the weak glare Zerinn sent in his direction at being forced to stand. Together the two of them left the room silently as Espio faced Silver, solemnly.
"The Chaotix can help out with the rebuilding effort," Espio said. "If I'd been in charge I would've had Zerinn executed for his crimes; I will caution you now, no one is going to be happy that Inf- I mean Zerinn is still alive."
"First of all I'm going to ask Amy, and Kaito to provide backup for Gadget, in case Zerinn does something to hurt either of them. Also, Tails will inform everyone else about the situation, and I would recommend placing more guards around Zerinn's cell just to be safe."
The small group left the room Amy and Kaito hurrying after Gadget and Zerinn; Tails nodded running out of the meeting room no doubt to inform everyone about the current situation. Silver walked out of the room aware of Sonic briefly resting his hand on his shoulder, the telekinetic met Sonic's gaze, struggling what to say next his gaze dropping to the floor.
"What if I'm not fit to lead?" Silver asked sullenly. "I can't stomach the thought of losing even more lives, what if something happens and everyone else dies on my watch?"
"You're capable enough to lead the Resistance," Sonic said. "During my absence, you helped Knuckles lead the Resistance in the fight against Eggman, you faced down Infinite knocking the last of the Phantom Ruby prototypes from his hands, and you're a more capable leader, against whatever plan Eggman has up his sleeve. I promise you will return to your future when this mess is all over."
Sonic's words prompted Silver to smile genuinely for the first time in days, the young hedgehog inhaled, standing up tall and straight in determination, his hands clenched at his sides. A sure sign that Silver's resolve would be firm enough to lead the Resistance in the face of Eggman's new plan.
"Thank you Sonic, for now, and we need to get some rest. All of us need to be prepared for Eggman's next attack."
Sonic and Silver resumed walking through the hallway of the Resistance; stepping outside. A blast of arctic cold air hit the two hedgehogs in the face. The pair of hedgehogs glanced up at the darkening sky the last of the sun's rays slipping over the horizon. Sonic couldn't explain the sense of dread gripping his heart at the moment, to him it felt like an ill omen of things to come.
Night had fallen on Angel Island, splayed out below was the serene sight of waves lapping against the rocky surface of the island, a blue blur shot up the side of the island three jackals clinging for dear life to Mecha Sonic, the robot coming to land on the island's surface. The three jackals were slipping of Mecha Sonic's body; Quartz landed shakily staring at his arm before a faint snarl appeared on his face.
"If I ever see Zerinn, again I'm going to kill him," Quartz snarled softly. "He was the one who got us into this mess, so I'll take pleasure in slitting his throat."
"You'll have to contend with me for the honor of slitting Zerinn's throat," Nephthys chimed in. "He sells us out for that stupid ruby, and we lose half our number as a result. Kaito's insane for choosing to remain with Zerinn, in my eyes both of them are no longer members of the Jackal Squad."
A faint crackle of static came from the earpiece nestled in Saber's left ear, causing him to wince as Eggman bellowed from the earpiece. Saber muttered several curses underneath his breath swiftly removing the earpiece with one hand holding it at arm's length hearing Eggman's loud voice bellowing from the device nestled in his hand.
"May I remind you three that you have a job to do?" Eggman asked. "I'll be arriving soon with the Egg Fleet to help secure Angel Island, alongside Neo Metal Sonic. One of my robots sighted Knuckles heading this way a few minutes ago; your task is simple, kill that irritating Guardian and secure the Master Emerald. You know what'll happen to you if any of your fail this mission."
Saber didn't have to glance over at Quartz's roboticized arm, the sight of the metal limb sent shivers down his spine. This was all because of Zerinn, their selfish leader who had sold them out in an instant, choosing power over their supposedly close bond he'd once had with the other members of his squad. "Understood, we'll eliminate the Guardian. We won't let you down sir."
Saber waved his hand forward signaling Quartz and Nephthys to plunge into the dense undergrowth with Mecha Sonic right behind them. As the moonlight illuminated the sky, an uneasy silence fell over the island signaling the coming storm.
Knuckles sighed to himself having left Sunset Heights caught the wind beneath his dreadlocks and in the air Tikal hovering next to him. Chaos meanwhile opted to swim in the oceans surrounding Sunset Heights heading back toward Angel Island. In Knuckles' mind the sooner the Master Emerald was restored, the better. Silver and Amy had proven they would be able to handle the pressures of being the leader of the Resistance, but truth be told the Guardian was exhausted, the war was over. Sonic and everyone else could handle rebuilding the cities.
Deep within the Hidden Palace, Chaos stood in the middle of the Emerald Chamber, and Tikal hovered at his side. With the shattered fragments of the Master Emerald laying at his feet; Knuckles walked around the pair carefully setting down the emerald shards. Knuckles hesitated before setting down the last shard and making eye contact with Tikal. A question had formed in his mind; he wanted no, needed to ask Tikal this question.
"Tikal, do you think I'm doing the right thing now?" Knuckles asked "Leaving Zerinn; alive in the Resistance's hands. How can we be sure that he's not going to escape to kill any more innocent citizens?"
Tikal paused holding her hands close to her chest, a small tight frown on her face as she surveyed Chaos standing silently her hands clasped in front of her chest carefully contemplating her answer, a ghost of a smile graced her face as she came up with a reply.
"Have faith Guardian, and I'm sure your friends will be able to deal with Zerinn," Tikal gently said. "Despite making a few mistakes, you proved you were a capable leader for the Resistance, and it was time to return to Angel Island, I'm sure you will be needed again, but for now rest easy."
Knuckles smiled softly uttering a final 'thank you' as he placed the last fragment on the ground and watched in satisfaction the rest of the shards levitated into the air surrounding Chaos and Tikal. At once, their forms started becoming translucent before fading away into nothingness as they were once more resealed within the emerald's green surface.
With the ritual completed, Knuckles picked up the sacred emerald and placed it onto the bed of crystals. As he did so, a tremor ran through the chamber causing loose pebbles to tremble. Knuckles felt the island itself slowly began to ascend to the wide blue yonder. Knuckles sat down, very much looking forward to his long awaited rest. He knew that now he could leave the Master Emerald in the capable hands of Chaos for a time. Knuckles promised himself he would be helpful in assisting any stricken towns that needed their aid, but his duty came first, now since the giant emerald would be hidden deep within the depths of the Hidden Palace Zone, safe for the moment.
Knuckles exited from the Hidden Palace, making sure to close the doors behind him. A dull thud echoed through the air. Knuckles knew, for now, the Master Emerald would be safer in the confines of the Hidden Palace since he knew its secrets were safely Sonic and Rouge would even tell anyone the location of the Hidden Palace, the Guardian figured he could let his guard down.
A sharp crack filled the air, followed by a curse, Knuckles wasted no time plunging into the undergrowth with his fists raised. Rolling to the side, he drove one of them into Saber's back knocking the jackal out of the foliage, the two of them tumbled across the ground kicking up small dust clouds.
Knuckles drove a fist into Saber's shoulder hearing a yelp of pain; the jackal kicked out with his feet one blow catching Knuckles on the jaw forcing him to release his hold on Saber.
"Ugh, typical you jackals don't know how to fight fairly," Knuckles spat. "At least you're on your own, so I can end this quickly before your allies show up."
At Knuckle's boast, Saber chuckled sending chills down Knuckles' spine. Upon hearing the heavy tread of feet stomping through the foliage, Knuckles spun around only to see Mecha Sonic pushing his way through the foliage with Quartz and Nephthys behind him before they came to a stop several meters away from the Guardian.
Knuckles' jaw dropped upon seeing Mecha Sonic, remembering the last time they'd fought high in Sky Sanctuary when Eggman's creation had last drawn on the power of the Master Emerald and when Knuckles had destroyed it after a long, tedious fight.
"You're that strange hedgehog robot I fought in Sky Sanctuary," Knuckles said coldly. " It doesn't matter if Eggman rebuilt you. I'll reduce you to scrap again."
"I never said I was alone Guardian," Saber said coolly. "Besides I don't see anyone else coming to your aid at the moment; I'd just love to see you try and take all of us in a fight."
Knuckles gritted his teeth as he eyed his opponents. So intently focused was that he remained unaware of Quartz hiding his right arm behind his back. Knuckles knew that taking on Mecha Sonic and three members of the Jackal Squad in the best case scenario was suicidal, but Knuckles would fight to protect the Master Emerald.
"If you want to take the Master Emerald, it's going to be over my dead body!"
His decision made, Knuckles broke into a run toward the three jackals and Mecha Sonic who likewise sprinted toward him. Mecha Sonic took the lead, his metallic digits extended in an attempt to rend the echidna limb from limb. It's circuits desiring nothing more than to avenge his previous defeat.
Author's note I know this chapter came off as an interlude chapter, but I did intend to end this chapter on a cliffhanger. Also, it's time to bid farewell to Chaos and Tikal, since with the former having exacted his revenge on Eggman, it felt like their roles in the story had come to an end. Writing for these two characters became one of my favorite parts of this whole story mostly because I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to have Tikal alongside Chaos once more to make up for having their roles neglected in the core game series itself.
This chapter also presented me with an opportunity to have Knuckles return to Angel Island since the ending with having Knuckles confronting Mecha Sonic and the three members of the Jackal Squad setting the stage for the first part making up the finale to this story. Expect to see some more references to Sonic 3 and Knuckles due to it being one of my favorite games, and there are plans in store for Mecha Sonic. I won't say what those plans are for the moment, but I will tell you to expect things that will escalate within the next few chapters.
As per usual constructive criticism/ thoughts and reviews are welcomed and appreciated. I'll see you guys soon with the next chapter, hopefully sometime next week.