Episode 46: The Darkest Storm Part 1
One night, Eve is sleeping in her bed with Jazz sleeping next to her. The moon light shines through her window as the stars twinkle into the sky. Jazz moves in her sleep reaching Eve's head and snuggles her head st Eve's. The black and red hedgehog continues to sleep.
Suddenly, Eve opens her eyes to find herself in some strange yellow-orange abyss. She looks around to see no one is around.
"What is this place? Where am I? And… How did I even get here?" Eve asks herself.
Eve begins to walk around to see if she can find anyone around.
As Eve walks around she calls out, "Hello? Is anyone here? Hello?"
The black and red hedgehog is still confused to where she is or if anyone is around. Suddenly, she can hear strange music. To Eve, it sounds almost like a flute. The beautiful melody catches her attention and she walks to follow the sound and find the source. She continues walking down the road until she sees someone up ahead. As she walks closer, she can see a pink echidna. with blue eyes. She wears a white robe and sandals, and gold rings around her dreadlocks. She is playing the music on a flute, but it's glowing. In her thoughts, Eve thinks her music playing is beautiful.
Eve walks over and says, "Hello."
The echidna stops playing and turns to see the young hedgehog with surprise.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I was listening to your music and it sounded beautiful," Eve says.
The echidna simply smiles and floats over to Eve and stares at her for the longest time. She then shows a sad smile on her face.
Eve notices it, "Are you okay?"
"You must protect the Master Emerald Sword," The echidna says.
Eve becomes confused, "Huh?"
"You must protect the Master Emerald sword. There are those who are willing to take it and use it for their own purpose. Beware when the Great Harmony will arrive," The echidna says.
"The Great Harmony? That's what Lien-Da said about that tapestry," Eve says.
Eve looks at the pink Echidna and says, "Yes. I will."
Then the Echidna says, "You must be careful, the enemies that you have fought before plans to free the one you and your brothers imprisoned in the Green Chaos Emerald. I ask that you be careful and wait for Merlin Prower to come."
"Tails' Uncle? What does he have to do with it?" the echidna says.
"He will arrive by the next day, and will explain everything to you all," The echidna says.
The pink echidna smiles and continues to play with her music. Eve simply watches as the mysterious echidna plays the beautiful on her flute. Soon, the world fades away. Not long, Eve wakes up in her bed, turns out it is all a dream.
Eve yawns as she sits up on her bed, "What was that? And… who was that echidna?"
In Tails' workshop, the young fox is working on another new invention. Cosmo walks over with a tray that has two cups and a boy full of goodies.
Cosmo smiles, "I thought you would like some breakfast."
"Thanks Cosmo," Tails says.
"You're welcome," Cosmo replies.
Soon, the two blush and turn their heads away with a smile.
Suddenly, someone says, "Pardon me, but is a young Master Prower in?"
"Huh? Who's looking for me?" Tails asks, confused.
Tails and Cosmo turn their heads to see the fox wearing a black robe. Behind him is a mobian horse wearing gray and green armor and holds a sword in a scabbard.
"Your uncle, Miles," The fox says.
Tails smiles, "Uncle Merlin. I didn't know you were here."
The elder fox, Merlin removes his hood to reveal his face.
"Yes. I am glad to see you again, nephew," Merlin says.
Tails walks over and hugs him, "It's great to see you again. It's been a long time."
Then Tails brings Cosmo to him, "Uncle Merlin, this is Cosmo. Cosmo, this is my uncle Merlin."
"Hello," Cosmo says.
"Hello young one. It is good to meet you," Merlin says.
The horse mobian says, "And I am Sir Connery, it is a pleasure to meet two of the Freedom Fighters of Mobotropolis."
"Nice to meet you," Cosmo says.
"Yes. However, I'm afraid I must speak with the king right away," Merlin says.
"Okay, what is it?" Tails asks.
Merlin then holds out the Green Chaos Emerald, "He holds part of the key to saving the ancient walkers… and to keeping him safely trapped."
"Who do you mean?" Cosmo asks.
"You and your friends aren't aware, but Sonic, Shadow, Eve, Knuckles, and your Chao friend, Jazz were able to defeat a powerful Ixis wizard and in doing so, imprisoned him within this Chaos Emerald," Merlin says.
Tails and Cosmo soon realize with gasp, "Mammoth Mogul!"
In Dr. Eggman's lab, Eggman is at work with many mobians trapped in containers that look like grapes, and he seems very pleased.
"I have an update for you father," A.D.A.M says.
Eggman says, "Give daddy some good news, A.D.A.M!"
"Your Egg Grapes are nearly complete. Sensors read 99% biofield-deletion," A.D.A.M says.
"Fantastic!" Eggman cheers.
Then says, "Once the measures are complete will syphon power out of the Void, purifying it, through the Egg Grapes, giving me the raw energy of an entire dimension. Of course, I don't have any intention of destroying them, but they provide a good power source for my robots. Once they're complete, nothing will stop me."
"What about the hedgehogs? They will soon catch a whiff of your plans," A.D.A.M says.
"Yes, yes, but it doesn't matter at this point. Now that I'm so close to success, I don't need anything getting in my way," Eggman says with a sinister smile.
Outside of Dr. Eggman's lair, the six spider ninjas from before are sneaking through the top of the building and have the Sword of Acorns in their possession.
In Castle Acorn, Sonic, Sally along with Sonic, and the other help Elias, his new wife, Megan and his step daughter, Alexis move to Castle Acorn. They help set up the furniture, bed, and have their personal belongings brought into the room. Sally and Elias are helping with the arrangements.
Sally hugs Elisa, "I'm glad you're going to live with us now."
"Yes. It may have taken time, but I know we'll be happy living here as a family," Elias says.
Bunnie and Galaxina finish arranging the bed.
"I'm happy for you Elias, Megan is a nice girl," Bunnie says.
"Thanks Bunnie. Thank you all for helping us," Elias says.
"It's no problem," Sonic says.
Sally notices, "By the way, where's Eve and Megan."
"I think they're in the throne roll with the little ones," Elias says.
"I think Knuckles, Julie-Su, and the Chaotix are there helping your parents," Sonic says.
In the throne room, the Chaotix are helping King Acorn with situations while Julie-Su, Obsidian, Mina, Saffron, and Meghan. She's a mobian squirrel that has brown fur, green eyes, wearing a purple dress. They watch the four babies and a baby squirrel that has a red ribbon on her hair play some toys and together.
"Awww! They are so cute," Saffron says.
"I know. They're so adorable," Mina adds.
The babies continue to play a ball together. They all giggle with smiles on their faces. Queen Alicia joins them to see the little ones playing together.
"Aww, the little ones seem to have become friends already," Alicia says.
"Yes. It's wonderful," Obsidian says.
At a different part of the room, Knuckles and Eve are having an important discussion. Turns out, Eve isn't the only one with a strange dream.
"Aurora? You mean the pink echidna I saw in my dream was a goddess?" Eve asks, surprised.
"Yeah. I'm surprised you saw her in your dream. Then again, you're part echidna because of your father and with your sword makes you connected to the Chaos Force," Knuckles says.
"Maybe, but what she said bothers me. She said that I need to see Merlin and that enemies will try to free the one we imprisoned in the Chaos Emerald, but she never told me who it was and that Merlin will explain," Eve says.
"I know. She told me the same thing in my dream. I believe that Aurora is trying to warn us about something. Including this Great Harmony that your sword is a part of," Knuckles says.
"We'll have to wait until Merlin comes and he can explain to us the details. I don't know why, but I'm getting a bad feeling," Eve says.
Then worriedly says. "A very bad and unsettling feeling."
In the strange abyss, the echidna, Aurora that Eve has seen in her dream. She flies over to the three masks known as the Ancient Walkers.
"Please hold on just a little longer. Merlin Prower is on the way," Aurora says.
The masks say, "Our preservation is no longer under our control. Since the coming of the Chaos Emeralds, we have watched life on Mobius flourish. We have judiciously acted to preserve the world from darkness from our diligence, we have been struck a mortal blow. Our power is failing. We have selected you… aurora, with Athair and Merlin Prower to maintain the balance of the Chaos Force and to protect the world in our stead. Our grip on life is slipping. Any one event could take us away. We foresee a great storm approaching. We must be prepared."
Leaving Tails house, Tails and Cosmo are heading to the castle with Merlin and Connery.
Cosmo asks, "So you actually used to serve King Acorn?"
"That's correct. That happened long before Robotnik took over," Sir Connery says.
"Why did you leave?" Tails asks.
"I was summoned by the Ancient Walkers. I had completed my work when they sent me to guard Merlin," Connery says.
"Guard him?" Cosmo says, confused.
"From who?" Tails asks.
Suddenly, someone grabs Connery from behind and the horse mobian finds himself slammed from the ground. The three turn their heads to see Connery is pinned down by Sgt. Simian.
"The Destructix?!" Tails exclaims.
"What are they doing here?" Cosmo asks, scared.
Suddenly, Flying Frog slams on Merlin and drops the Chaos Emerald.
"Uncle Merlin!" Tails exclaims.
"Don't worry about me, Tails! Get that Chaos Emerald!" Merlin calls out.
Cosmo hurries over and grabs the Chaos Emerald in her hands. Suddenly, Lightning Lynx lands in front of her.
Tails pounces Lightning on the ground.
Tails calls out, "Cosmo, get the Chaos Emerald to the castle! Get the others!"
Cosmo begins to run away to make her way to the castle and tell the others about the situation. Lightning kicks Tails off of him and chases Cosmo.
Tails flies after him, "Oh no you don't!
Suddenly, Predator tackles Tails to the ground. Flying still has Merlin pinned down while Connery is still caught by Simian, and Sleuth takes Connery's sword. Meanwhile, Cosmo continues to run away to get to the castle. She turns her head to see Lightning is catching up with her. Cosmo then trips and falls to the ground. She quickly turns around to see Lightning Lyn walking towards her.
"I do not wish to hurt you, little girl. Now, give me the emerald," Lightning calmly says, presenting his hand out.
Cosmo is so scared, but she has the emerald pressed against her chest and holds it in her hands. Suddenly, he hears a click and turns his head to see a gun is pointed at him. Cosmo looks to see the one holding the gun is Nic the Weasel.
Nic sternly says, "I suggest you leave the youngin' alone, or you'll be wishing you haven't come here."
"Nic," Cosmo worriedly says.
Suddenly, someone grabs her and is being held in her arms. Cosmo looks up to see Fiona.
"Fiona," Cosmo says, relieved.
"It's me, are you okay?" Fiona asks.
"I am, but Tails, his uncle, and Sir Connery are in trouble," Cosmo worriedly says.
Back at the workshop, Connery is able to get up and fight against Simian.
"Varlet! You shall be smote!" Connery says, about to punch him.
However, Simian pushes him away and Sleuth trips him to fall to the ground. Connery sits up and Sleuth points the sword at him.
"Do you jugular a favor and stay down!" sleuth says.
Then turns to the frog, "How are you doing, Flying Frog?"
Flying uses his scarf to wrap it around Merlin's neck
Flying giggles, "Can't cast a spell if he can't take a breath! How's your dinner coming, Predator Hawk?"
Predator stomps his foot on Tails' chest, "All too easy."
He then raises his sharp claws and about to strike. Suddenly, a blue blue strikes him and causes Predator to collide with Drago.
Simian calls out, "Get that sword ready, Sleuth."
"I don't think it'll do me much good Simian," Sleuth says.
Before Sleuth can do anything, someone knocks the sword from his hand. Then a white glove hand grabs on to it.
The two turn their heads to see Sonic helping Tails up after being attacked by Predator. Bunnie grabs Flying Frog while Antoine and Galaxina help Merlin back on his feet. Eve also holds the sword Sleuth has taken.
"Dude, not much sets me off, but what you go after Tails and Cosmo, you're asking for Serious Trouble," Sonic says.
"Aw, I'm okay, Sonic," Tails says.
Sonia holds Tails, "Just rest a little, Sonic, Eve, and the others will take care of it."
"What about Lighting? He's after Cosmo," Tails says.
"Manic, Fiona, Nic, and Espio already took care of him," Sonic says.
Knuckles and Bunnie punch Simian with an uppercut. Sonia tornado to Drago. Conner grabs Sleuth and Antoine and Eve hold their sword toward him. Flying is already taken care of thanks to Bunnie. She uses his scarf to tie him up. Soon, the Destructix are defeated.
"Freedom Fighters and Chaotix one, Destructix zero," Sonic says.
"Regardless, we must get to King Acorn immediately," Merlin says.
"Go on. The Chaotix and I will clean up this mess," Knuckles says.
Sometime later, the Freedom Fighters and their guests reach the castle and are now in the throne room of Acorn Castle. Merlin and Sir Conner kneel and bow in respect of King Acorn and the rest of the Royal Family..
"Your timing couldn't be better. Merlin Prower! Sir Connery! Please rise and tell me what has brought you home," King Acorn says.
"I was called from your service by the Ancient Walkers. They gave me… this…" Conner says, presenting a sword.
"The Sword of Light. To purge the world of dark magic. With that duty finish, they charge me with guarding Merlin Prower and his precious captive," Conner says.
"Captive?" Elias says, confused.
"Mammoth Mogul, my lord. He's been defeated and imprisoned by the Freedom Fighters and Angel Island's Guard within his own Chaos Emerald. He fell to a trap set by the Ancient Walkers long ago," Merlin says.
"Trapped? No wonder we couldn't find him after what happened on Angel Island," Eve says.
"That is the correct young one," Merlin says.
He then uses his magic to project images of the past.
Merlin explains, "Thousands of years ago, the Ancient Walkers force saw Mogul to be a threat. While they refused to combat destiny, they did curse the emerald that Mogul was fated to obtain. Mogul used its power, and the Chaos Emerald always led him to a key misjudgment, until he was ultimately trapped within."
"He was trapped there for a long time? But he somehow got out," Galaxina says.
"We also defeated him a few times and we got him trapped in the Emerald now? So what's the problem?" Sonic asks.
"Once he was free from the Chaos Emerald, Mogul used the last of his strength… to wound the Ancient Walkers. They've been dying ever since. If they die, their charm over the emerald will break, and Mogul will be free," Merlin says.
"But that happened a long time ago. What changed now?" Fiona asks.
"His time in the Emerald had left him very weak, and over time, he was able to gain his dark power," Conner says.
"Then, what can we do?" Sonic asks.
"Since you came to us, I'm guessing we can help somehow," Sally says.
"Indeed. Your crown and it's mate… the Sword of Acorn… are essential to saving the Ancient Walkers," Merlin says.
"I think I understand. They're both made from a pure sample of the source of all, the substance that is the base of material for everything. They can channel and produce a very vast amount of magical energy. It has been the source of power for the Acorn Lineage since the first king," Sally says.
"However, there is a problem. I gave the Sword of Acorns to the orphans of Uma Arachnis when it seems to be… deciding it's fate," King Acorn says.
"I was afraid they would be separate. We must find the sword as soon as possible," Merlin says.
"Um, how are we going to do that?" Amy asks.
King Acorn says, "You won't start your search empty handed."
He then walks to the side of the room and opens it to reveal a secret compartment. He then types numbers on the keypad and the door open. When the door opens, he brings out a coronation crown. It's red with gold and white on the bottom.
He then presents it to Merlin, "I can give you the Crown of Acorns to protect me people from a future threat."
"Thank you, King Acorn. That means we can still hope," Merlin says.
"Of course you can hope. You've got the one and only Sonic and Eve the Hedgehogs here," Sonic says.
Eve says with concern and holds Shun, "We can hope that the Archinis haven't done anything crazy with the sword."
In Dr. Eggman's lab, Eggman is working on the Egg Grapes. Unknown to him, the Spider ninjas have infiltrated the base and look down to see Eggman there at this moment.
"This is getting good. Soon, I'll have energy to power up my badniks," Eggman says.
"Yes father, the biofield-deletion is complete," A.D.A.M says.
Suddenly, the six arachnis burst through the glass ceiling and infiltrate the base.
"Egad! Eggman exclaims.
The young spiders continue to attack and have Eggman standing in place. Suddenly, he notices the Egg Grapes are acting very strange.
Eggman calls out, "A.D.A.M Why are the Egg Grapes powering up?"
"I do not know, father! The Egg Grapes are behaving outside of their programmed parameters. I cannot stop the process,"A.D.A. M answers.
"Just get me out of here!" Eggman shouts!"
A.D.A.M brings out tentacles and swats the spiders away from Dr. Eggman, allowing him to make a run down the hall.
Eggman calls out, "Lockdown the Egg Grape Chamber, A.D.A.M!"
"Yes Father!" A.D.A.M says, and seals the Egg Grapes so the Arachnis can't get through.
However, they have other plans. The arachnis hold the Sword of Acorn. All of the Arachnis hold the Sword of Acorn as it glows a golden powerful color. Then creates some strange orb around it.
In the strange dimension, Aurora notices a strange tear into space.
"What is this?" Aurora asks.
Suddenly a strong beam of light flies past Aurora and strikes at the Ancient Walkers. The Ancient Walkers try to withstand the power, but they break apart and weather into nothing.
Aurora exclaims, "No!"
Then says, "I must warn them!"
Aurora places her hands together and uses her Chaos force to signal for help.
Back in Acorn Castle, Merlin has the crown and is holding the green Chaos Emerald.
"Thank you all. With your support and this promising beginning, we may now…" Suddenly, Merlin feels a strong pain in his head.
He drops the crown and the emerald and clutches Merlin.
"Uncle Merlin!" Tails exclaims.
Eve and Knuckles soon feel sharp pain from their heads and clutch their heads. Eve has to use one hand because she is holding Shun in the other. Sonic, and the others are shocked to see the three feeling a terrible pain in their hands and drop to their knees.
Sonic hurries to Eve, "Sis! What's wrong?"
"Knuckles! Are you alright?" Julie-Su worriedly asks.
"Something's wrong!" Knuckles says.
"It… it's Aurora. Something's not right!" Merlin says.
Just then, the Chaos Emerald begins to glow green fire and something launches out of it. It flies in the air and lands on the ground. Then it begins to take on a shape that is all too familiar to them.
"Sonic, it's… It's Mam…" Eve says, and groans in pain.
"Mammoth Mogul," Merlin says.
Suddenly, they hear a familiar voice, "A valiant attempt, Sagely Prower.
Everyone becomes shocked to see the evil Mobian mammoth in front of them.
Then he says, "But your efforts were too little, too late."
This shocked everyone in the room, the archinis have used the sword to destroy the Ancient Walkers and Mammoth Mogul is free from his prison.
