Chapter 57

"Shadow we have to do something, we can't let him take them!" Amy said as Sonic was telling them what was going on.

"What do you suggest we do?" Blaze asked,

"I have an idea…" Sonic said holding out her hand as the Void Emerald floats over to her,

"What are you doing?" Shadow asked,

"I'm going to distract Naugus." She said, "You teleport and grab them and leave the rest to me." Both Emeralds glow, "Trust me Shadow,"

"I hate it when you say that…" Shadow said as she takes another Chaos Emerald and warps into the workshop. She hears Naugus talking on the opposite side of the door,

"Let her go Naugus, she has nothing to do with this." Knuckles said as the crystal had reached their waists,

"Guilt by association, anyone who takes property from the King is an enemy of the state." He said,

"Last I checked, calling people property is considered enslavement." Naugus hears Sonic's voice from behind him as he turns around and sees Sonic standing further down the hallway.

"There you are my dear, did you enjoy your day of freedom?" He asked walking towards her, "You recovered much faster than I expected, but now it's time for you to go back to your cage."

"Sorry ugly, I'm got going back to that stuffy gem you liked to call artwork." Sonic said, He continues to step forward towards her as he passes Tails' workshop.

"Oh but you have no choice in the matter." He said,

"No Sonic! Run away!" Knuckles yelled as Naugus snaps his fingers. A moment passes and nothing happens as Sonic let's out a yawn,

"Was something supposed to happen?" Sonic said looking around,

"But how?" He looked confused. Shadow sneaks out of Tails' workshop and walks over to Knuckles and Dr. Q as they notice her and stay quiet. "My control is unbreakable. I made sure of it." Naugus hissed.

"I had a long time to figure out how to break your thrall." Sonic said with a grin, as he glares.

"I still won't let you leave." Naugus waves his hands as crystals grow at her feet, but her expression doesn't change. Shadow quickly grabs Knuckles and Dr. Q as she warps them out of there. Naugus turns around hearing the noise,

"So you were a distraction…" He said, "But now you're trapped here with me."

"Oh no I'm trapped! Whatever shall I do." Sonic said dramatically before she laughs, Naugus doesn't look amused,

"What are you playing at Quickster?" He said,

"What I'm playing at, Naugus," She grins as she walks out of the crystal, "Is you shouldn't have used so much illusion magic in front of someone with too much time on her hands." She disappears,

Sonic comes to seeing Shadow shaking her yelling in her face, but she sounded muffled as her hearing slowly returns, "Damnit Sonic can you hear me?" Shadow yelled as they see Sonic's eyes revert back to their normal color.

"I'm okay," She said stopping Shadow from shaking her,

"But I saw you…How did you do that?" Knuckles asked,

"Illusion magic. You pick up a few things when you have nothing to do." She chuckles as he rushes up and hugs her.

"It's good to have you back," Knuckles said,

"Thanks, I missed you too." She said hugging him back,

"Did you mean what you said to Naugus about not being able to control you anymore?" Shadow asked as Sonic's ears lower and she shakes her head,

"It couldn't affect me because I was out of his range." She said letting go of Knuckles, "But at least it was convincing enough to distract him."

"But we don't have to worry about that. We have the Chaos Emeralds and the Void Emerald! You just need to reset the Genesis wave." Amy said,

"Yeah… I just need a few." Sonic said grabbing Shadows shoulder to stabilize herself. "That took a lot out of me." Sonic said starting to breathe heavily as Shadow leads her to the couch and they both sit down. Dr. Q walks over and check to make sure her vitals are still alright,

"So how will this work?" Blaze asked,

"I have to trigger Chaos Control with the Void Emerald and then Anarchy Rule with the Chaos Emeralds. It will trigger a reverse wave resetting all of the events that happened after Naugus' Genesis wave went off." She explained,

"What will that do to you?" Tails asked,

"Since I'll be Super Sonic while I do it, I'll be fine." She said with a thumbs up,

"What's going to stop Naugus from attempting to trigger it again?" Cream asked,

"I'll be tossing the Void Emerald back into the Void. Then sealing it shut severing our link to that zone." She said,

"What about Naugus?" Shadow asked,

"Once I sever the Void's connection to our world he will no longer be able to tap into the Voids magic. Sure he still can do all that other magic, but he won't be as powerful and there will be no way for him to trigger another Genesis wave." She explained,

"So he'll just be another enemy we'll have to deal with." Knuckles said,

"Yeah but regular Naugus is a cake walk." Sonic chuckles,

"Will we all remember what happened?" Shadow asked,

"I think so, especially since Tikal did that magic to your World rings." She said, "And I'll remember because I am the anchor."

"You've really thought of everything." Tails said,

"Like I said, I had a lot of free time." She said as Tails goes over and hugs her,

"I'm just glad you're okay." Tails said,

"Me too little dude," Sonic said with a sigh, "I'm just going to rest my eyes for a bit," She leans on Shadow,

"Take your time," Shadow said as She moves Sonic back onto her lap,

"I'm worried about Sally and Elias…" Dr. Q said,

"I know but at this point we can't do anything for them without putting Shadow in more danger." Knuckles said,

"You don't think they can find us here do you?" Cream asked,

"Absolutely not, Elias and Sally are both expertly trained to not give up information no matter what," Dr Q said,

"But if Naugus gets a hold of them…" Amy said,

"He'd be here right now if he did." Shadow said looking down at Sonic,

"We should all rest while we can, once Sonic starts inducing Chaos Control, Naugus will be on his way to stop her and it will be our job to keep him busy." Tails said as they all nod.

"We'll only get one shot at this." Blaze said,

"So don't mess it up Kolt," Amy teases,

"Screw you Alan!" Knuckles yelled as they all laugh. They all look over and see that Shadow had also fallen asleep, her fingers interlaced with Sonics.

"I don't think Shadow has ever fallen asleep that fast." Amy said,

"She hasn't really had a chance to catch her breath since Robotropolis…" Tails said,

"That was almost two days ago…" Knuckles said,

"Even the Ultimate Lifeform has her limits." Blaze said,

"We should give them some time to sleep," Cream said

"You all should try to get some sleep, I'll keep watch." Dr. Q said,

"Thanks Doc," Amy said as she nods and they all try to get some sleep before their potentially final battle in this world.

In the middle of the night, Sonic is woken up to Shadow shaking in her sleep from a nightmare. The others had gone to the other room to rest leaving them alone. She sits up and holds Shadow in her arms as she tries to calmly wake her from the nightmare. Shadow subtly jolts as she realizes that Sonic was holding her.

"I got you," Sonic whispered as Shadow lets out a long sigh releasing all of her tension, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"I remember being imprisoned on the ARC… how trapped and restricted I was. Treated like an animal…" Shadow started to tear up, "I have never felt fear like that…" Sonic starts petting her head as she cries into her chest.

"What Naugus did to you was cruel." Sonic said, "The first time the others showed up in the throne room and you weren't with them… I feared I'd never see you again." Sonic wiped away the tears away from her eyes, "Dangit my tears are still sparkly…" Shadow looks up at Sonic and holds her face in her hands,

"I love you more than life itself Sonic the Hedgehog." Shadow said. She just holds her face for a while as Sonic gets confused,

"I thought this was the part where you kiss me." Sonic said with a pout as Shadow chuckles then kisses her still holding onto her face,

"I wanted your face engraved into my mind before whatever happens takes place tomorrow." Sonic blushes as she starts kissing her again. Sonic starts to melt into Shadow's embrace completely spellbound by her touch.

"I love you, Shadow the Hedgehog." Sonic said holding her tightly,

"I think we're overdue a long conversation." Shadow whispered into Sonic's ear, her body quivered as she could only nod before Shadow kisses her again and they wrap into each other's embrace.

That next morning everyone gets up and ready for Sonic to start the Genesis wave. She takes a deep breath before smiling at all of her friends, wanting to have their faces engraved into her mind in case they don't succeed. "Everyone ready? This is going to be a bumpy ride." Sonic said giving them all a thumbs up as they all nod,

"You just focus on what you need to do, we'll keep Naugus off your back." Knuckles said as they all get around her defensively as she closes her eyes. The Chaos Emeralds begin to glow as they all float up and surround her before entering her body. Her clothes turn gold, and her spines stick up as they turn gold completing her transformation into Super Sonic. The Void Emerald floats in front of her as she opens her eyes and begins,

"The servers are the seven Chaos, Chaos is power, power enriched by the heart…"

"That's quite enough of that!" Naugus appears, "I won't let you undo all the work I've done!" He said,

"And we won't let you stop her." Knuckles said,

"Did you all forget that I still have control of her?" He snaps his fingers as Super Sonic feels something in the back of her mind grabbing at her thoughts, but the power of her super form fights it off,

"You can't control her in that form Naugus," Tails said,

"And now we're going to pummel you while she finishes," Amy said as they all charge at him while Super Sonic continues.

"The heart is the controller, the controller serves to unify the Chaos, Chaos Control!" She said as a Black orb floated above her left hand.

"You all think you can reverse all that I have done?" Naugus said knocking Amy and Kolt back. He snaps his fingers as Crystals quickly climb up Super Sonic's legs, but she ignores it as she starts the second phase.

"I am the server of the Void of Chaos, Chaos is power, power enriched by…" Naugus dodges an attack from Tails and Cream and snaps his fingers again as a band covers Super Sonic's mouth stopping her incantation. She goes to pull it off with her right hand, but it was already restrained by crystal. She tried to break free, but the Void Crystal was absorbing the strength she was exerting trying to break it. She couldn't use her left hand or that part of the Incantation would break, and she'd have to start over. Super Sonic looks over at them fighting hoping one of them notices she needs help as Tails sees her.

"Amy, Super Sonic needs help!" Tails yells as he quickly runs over to her and helps her out,

"I got you," He said removing the band away from her mouth as he starts smashing the crystals away from her arm.

"Power enriched by the Void," Super Sonic continued to chant as Naugus was realizing he was losing. He quickly grabs Blaze as she starts to be encased in crystal.

"Blaze!" Cream said,

"Don't worry about me, just keep him away from Super Sonic." Blaze said as the crystals envelop her.

"I should have just imprisoned you all in gems in the first place." He said,

"My heart is the controller," Super Sonic grits her teeth wanting to help her friends but knowing continuing the incantation will fix everything.

"Don't let him touch you," Shadow said as she pulls Cream back who was in tears,

"Blaze…" Cream said,

"If Sonic finishes she'll be okay, but you can't get distracted." Knuckles said ad Cream nods,

"I serve to unify the Void and Chaos…" Super Sonic's eyes turn black again,

"Cursed Quickster!" Naugus slips by Tails and tries to make a grab at Super Sonic but Amy blocks his attack and gets swallowed by crystals.

"Oh no! Amy!" Tails said as Shadow kicks Naugus away from Super Sonic.

"You damn brats just couldn't let it go could you?" Naugus yelled,

"That's because we're the Freedom Fighters, and we won't let you keep the world twisted just for your own amusement." Shadow said.

"Anarchy Rule." Super Sonic said as an orb of white light appears in her right hand and she starts to force them together.

"NO!" Naugus screamed as the orbs become one and the light begins to slowly glow brighter before it starts to expand enveloping everyone and everything as the final Void Genesis wave is unleashed.

The light was blinding but warm and comforting, after an unknown amount of time it begins to reverse as the others begin to see through the light. They were back inside Eggman's secret base where they were all being held previously. They see one another standing where they were right before the Genesis wave initially went off in front of the Master Emerald. They all smile at one another half believing it was a dream. "It worked!" Knuckles was the first to break the silence as the light continued to shrink.

"Blaze are you alright?" Cream rushes over to her hugging her tightly,

"I'll be okay. Just glad it's over." Blaze said as Shadow comes to the realization that they reverted back to the exact locations they were in when the Genesis wave went off and that means Sonic was still trapped inside of the crystal dome with Naugus.

"We're not in the clear yet." Shadow said as the rest of the light finally fades and they all can see Sonic and Naugus standing inside of the dome. Naugus looked shocked and angry as Sonic staggers dizzily feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.

"Whoa… Wipe out…" Sonic shook her head trying to remember if she was able to reset everything. Before she could completely collect herself Naugus grabs her by the throat with his clawed hand and lifts her off the ground.

"Damn you Quickster!" He raged, "You may have set back my plans, but I still have you to trigger another Genesis wave." She tried to struggle out of his grip.

"Not gonna happen ugly…" Sonic said as Naugus laughs,

"You may think you have the upper hand, but I still have control over you." He said tapping his staff on the ground, but nothing happens. He does it again with the same result as Sonic chuckles, "Why isn't it working?"

"You should really pay better to your surroundings." She said as he tightened his grip further making her wince in pain, "You would have realized… something is missing." He turns his head and sees the Void Emerald that should be at the top of his staff was gone.

"No! What did you do?" He hissed,

"I used the Void Emerald to destroy the paths to that plane… We're both severed from it's magic." Sonic weakly grins.

"How dare you!" Naugus throws her to the ground as she coughs, "I'll make you pay!" He grins as he comes to the realization, "Since you're no longer connected to the Void Emerald, you aren't the anchor anymore." He snaps his claw and a cyclone circles around Sonic cutting away her air. "I don't need to keep you alive any longer." Sonic grabs her chest unable to breathe,

"We need to get in there." Shadow said rushing back to the crack she made previously,

"Shadow wait," Tails said,

"We don't have time," Shadow said completely panicked,

"Listen! If Sonic's plan worked then our worlds connection to the Void has been severed. That means the crystal's been nullified." Tails explained,

"What are you talking about? What plan?" Elias said confused,

"Was that light supposed to do something?" Sally asked. They had no memory of the last three years in another reality.

"The crystal can't block Chaos Control." Knuckles said, Shadow doesn't hesitate as she warps inside the crystal striking Naugus' clawed hand taking him off guard. The cyclone around Sonic dissipates as she quickly tries to catch her breath.

"Wow Shadow, you really know how to take a girls breath away," Sonic coughed with a chuckle as Shadow helped her to her feet.

"You can flirt later we still need to take care of this guy." Shadow said as they both get ready to fight.

"Why not both?" She winks at her,

"I'll destroy you Quickster!" Naugus said,

"Yeah, yeah, get in line!" She said running up and kicking the staff out of his hand. "You don't need that anymore."

"You may have cut me off to the Void, but I still have other means to getting rid of you." Naugus said as he snaps his claw together and crystals encase her feet causing her to trip. Shadow Warps in front of her before she hits the wall. "I'll turn you back into living crystal and toss you into the deepest part of the ocean," The crystal's on Sonic's feet start to climb up her legs,

"Crap…" Sonic said feeling the pulsating heat from the crystal as it weakened her,

"The mind control might be gone but the physical hold I have on you is still there." Naugus laughed as she lay helpless in Shadow's arms,

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Shadow said warping them both out of the crystal dome as they hear Naugus' muffled yells of protest. "Sonic, what do we do?" She asked as the crystal continued to climb up Sonic's legs as they start to become translucent.

"Need to… get out… of his range… It'll slow down…" She said panting heavily,

"Everyone grab onto the Master Emerald." Knuckles said, Shadow picks up Sonic and places her hand on the Emerald and everyone else does the same,

"Hurry…" Sonic said as Shadow doesn't hesitate after everyone has their hand on the Emerald.

"Chaos Control." She said as they warp away just as Naugus breaks out of the crystal dome.

"You may have won this time, but I will get my revenge Sonic Hedgehog… just you wait." Naugus said disappearing into a purple mist.

They all appear back in the Alter room on base taking a moment to catch their bearings. Shadow lays Sonic down in the grass as she continued to breathe heavily. Now that Naugus wasn't in range the heat wasn't as intense, but it was still there.

"Should we really be back here?" Knuckles asked looking at Elias as Dr. Q quickly looks over Sonic as she examines the crystal.

"At this time we don't have anywhere else to go. I need to go report what happened. Helen, keep an eye on her." Elias said rushing out of the room. He wasn't going to waste any time; they wouldn't be safe here for long and he needed to make sure they weren't missed.

"I will, but I'm not entirely sure what's happening." Dr. Q said as she touches the crystal to see if her leg was completely crystalized as Sonic flinches,

"D…Don't!" She whimpered as the crystals quickly climb up to her thigh, "If you touch it, it'll spread faster…"

"Just like what Erazor Djinn did…" Amy said looking angry, "That bastard…"

"A sick joke… curtsey of Naugus…" Sonic said between breaths starting to struggle to keep a clear head as the heat started to flood her thoughts,

"What do we do?" Shadow asked looking scared with tears in her eyes, "I can't lose you again…"

"Hope…" Cream calls out as they fly over,

"Chao!"

"Can you help Sonic?" Cream asked as Hope nods. They fly down and tap Sonic on the head as she starts to glow, and her legs revert back to normal, Sonic lets out a heavy sigh.

"Thanks Hope." She said as Hope smiles,

"Chao!"

"How are you feeling?" Dr. Q asked checking Sonic over,

"Better… but the feeling is still there." Sonic said with a shiver as Shadow pulls Sonic into her embrace before she could react.

"Why do you have to scare me like that?" Shadow said as Sonic tries to calm her down.

"Because everyone wants a piece of the Legendary Hedgehog." Sonic jokes while Shadow cries, she notices the others were all on the brink of tears.

"All of you come here." Sonic said holding out her arms as they all embrace one another tightly.

"I can't believe we did it." Tails said,

"We actually stopped the calamity." Blaze said,

"I'm still very confused to what happened." Sally said as Dr. Q nods in agreement,

"Long story short, we reset the reset." Sonic said with a chuckle as her friends still hold her tightly. "Guy's it's getting hard to breathe!" she starts to squirm as they refuse to let go.

"You were trapped inside of a crystal for three years; you can't just act like nothing happened." Blaze said,

"I mean… we did reverse time so technically it never happened." She joked,

"For everyone else, we still have the memories." Knuckles said as Saya shakes her head trying not to think about it,

"Wait what?" Sally said,

"We'll explain later…" Cream said,

"You better believe you're explaining later!" Dr. Q said as they all flinch but then begin to laugh feeling right at home, "And you're coming with me to the Infirmary Sonic,"

"Aw c'mon doc! Can't you just check on me in a bit? I'd really like to enjoy my freedom for a little while." Sonic begged as Dr. Q let's out a sigh,

"Just this once since Hope did heal you." She said,

"Let's give them a bit, we should let Elias know she's alright." Sally said as she nods and they both leave. They all transform back but they immediately notice that all of Saya's hair was now cobalt blue.

"Is there something wrong with my face?" Saya asked noticing their shocked looks,

"Your hair… it's all blue." Caroline said as Saya unties her ponytail and lets it down seeing the color.

"Can't hide who I am now." She chuckles,

"It must have been because of inducing Chaos Control and Anarchy Rule." Kolt said,

"Let's hope there's no other changes." Saya said reaching for her ears and feels they are normal. "Oh thank Chaos."

"Guess we should all brace for the inevitable hair change…" Alan said with a sigh,

"But what if we really become Mobians like we were in the alternate world?" Tails asked,

"We'll figure it out when we get to that point. For now let's just figure out where we go from here." Kolt said,

"We need to figure out a way to contain Naugus." Sophia said still tightly holding onto Saya's waist as she pulls her into her lap.

"You're not letting go anytime soon are you?" Saya asked,

"Nope," She said as Saya lightly chuckles,

"I think we should focus on a way to break Saya free of whatever hold Naugus has on her." Brandy said,

"I second that! I really don't want to become living crystal again…" She said as Sophia kisses the back of her neck causing her to yelp, "Soph! I'm still sensitive." Saya squirmed but she didn't let go,

"Is that so?" She gave her a look as Saya's face becomes flushed,

"Alright love birds, focus." Alan said rolling his eyes, as Sophia pouts.

"I think it might be easier to catch Naugus before we have the ability to undo what he did to her…" TK said, "He commented that all the encounters we've been through were how he slowly changed her."

"All except Abyss…" Caroline said,

"He and the others escaped too…" Sophia said looking annoyed,

"We'll get them, but we'll probably have to move bases now that we discovered Starline works for Eggman…" Kolt said,

"I knew we couldn't trust that guy." Saya said crossing her arms sounding proud of herself.

"Shush," Sophia said kissing her neck again and she jolts,

"I'm going to go find my mom… after what we've all just been through I think we can take a breather while Elias figures out our next course of action." Caroline said taking Brandy's hand,

"Yeah, my parents are probably freaking out too." TK said shaking her head as they head towards the door.

"Same," Knuckles said as the rest of them start heading towards the exit,

"We'll see you two later." Alan said shaking his head as they leave Sophia and Saya in the alter room alone,

"W…what just happened?" Saya said looking confused,

"I think they all figured out my mind is elsewhere." Sophia said turning Saya around to face her.

"Couldn't wait any…?" Sophia cuts her off by kissing her as Saya's entire body tingles to the sensation as she melts in her arms. She lets go of the kiss as Saya catches her breath, "No fair…" she pouts,

"I won't let you cower from my touch like last time." Sophia kisses her neck as Saya looks completely enthralled by Sophia's ever caress. "It looks like you're ready for another conversation." She rubs the back of her fingers against Saya's cheek as she leans into it. Sophia guides her to lay in the grass as she strokes her fingers through her now completely blue hair before she starts kissing her again.

After checking in with his parents, Kolt goes to see Elias to find out what their next plan of action is. Naugus was still a threat and since Dr. Starline knows where their base is they can't stay here for long. He enters his office to see him talking on the phone.

"Yes sir understood we'll be getting them set up for departure as soon as possible." Elias said hanging up the phone as he sees Kolt letting out a sigh,

"Set up for departure?" Kolt raises an eye brow,

"Yes, we think it's best to have you all stationed overseas while we figure out a new place to put HQ." Elias explained,

"What about our parents?" He asked,

"They will be going with you; I'm not risking them getting captured again." Elias said, "How's everyone else doing?"

"They are spending time with their families while Saya and Sophia are having a moment." He rolls his eyes "I'm just glad they both are safe… they went through a lot." He lowers his head internally blaming himself for what happened to Sophia,

"We'll be having a briefing in the morning about what happened and the next plan of action." He said,

"Wait… you need the ring pool to keep HQ powered… and the ring pool is connected to the Master Emerald." Kolt said,

"Yes the Master Emerald will be staying here." Elias said,

"Then I'm staying here." Kolt said crossing his arms,

"This isn't up for debate Kolt," He said,

"Agreed, Either I stay with the Master Emerald or it comes with me." He said crossing his arms.

"Chaos why are all of you so stubborn?" Elias pinches the bridge of his nose, "We will discuss it as a group. For now please go rest."

"Fine but I'm not backing down." Kolt said leaving the room.

TK and the others sat with their parents as they vaguely explain what had happened. They all listened not knowing how to comprehend what they went through. "And this won't happen to Saya again right?" Saya's father asked wishing she and Sophia were here with all of them.

"Saya made sure when she fixed everything that there was no way for Naugus to trigger another Genesis wave. TK explained,

"But now we have to worry about Naugus coming after her for revenge." Alan said with a sigh,

"At least we don't need to worry about Mephiles." Caroline said,

"Yeah but having to worry about two shapeshifters is going to get annoying really fast." Brandy said with a sigh,

"Are we safe here?" Kolts mom asked,

"Not really… but I bet Elias is trying to figure out how to fix that." Alan said trying to reassure all of their parents.

Sophia takes Saya towards the infirmary as Saya starts to remember that there were people who still labeled Sophia as an evil alien. She stops their progress as Sophia turns to her confused, "Everything alright?" Sophia asked,

"I don't want the civilians to have a chance to see you… you've already been through so much." Saya said looking down, she knew this wasn't her fault but having to helplessly stand there trapped in Naugus' throne room made her feel powerless.

"I'm not the only one who went through a lot." Sophia said squeezing her hand,

"I know but they are the current threat right now so maybe we should just go see our parents and call it a day?" Saya tried to convince her.

"Alright, I'll let Dr. Q know. But you're going to go see her in the morning no matter what." Sophia demanded as Saya nods her head,

"Deal," She said kissing her on the cheek and they head to the others. They enter the room and Saya's parents and Sophia's mother rushes up and hugs them,

"We're so glad you two are alright." Saya's mom said,

"You told them everything didn't you." Saya said looking at TK,

"Course I did," TK smiles as Saya rolls her eyes,

"You two need to take a break," Sophia's mom said,

"It's not that easy Mom…" Sophia said,

"No I agree with her, you two have gone through more than anyone should, regardless of being super human." Saya's father said, as Kolt enters the room,

"You might actually get your wish." He said,

"What do you mean?" Saya asked,

"Elias is going to talk to us in the morning about it, but it looks like they want everyone overseas while they figure out a new location for HQ." He explained,

"They want us to run?" Sophia said sounding annoyed,

"I don't think that's what they meant," Sophia's mom said, "Don't jump to conclusions."

"I don't run away from anything." She said crossing her arms,

"Soph, it's probably because of Naugus' hold on me. Not to mention Starline knows where we are." Saya said as she lets out a sigh,

"You're right, we need to make sure you're as far away from him as possible until we figure out how to undo what he did." Sophia said,

"Don't worry we'll keep Naugus away from you." Alan said as the others nod,

"Thanks guys." Saya smiles,

"You all should get some rest," TK's mom said,

"Probably a good idea," Brandy said as they say good bye to their parents for the evening and head to their room.

"I wonder what it's like overseas." Caroline asked,

"You were over there before Sophia, what was it like?" Brandy asked,

"I spent the majority of the time at HQ over there, so I didn't really sightsee." Sophia said,

"Workaholic." Saya joked,

"You're probably right," She chuckles, as they get to their room and Saya lets out a yawn.

"We can talk in the morning," TK said yawning as well,

"Sounds good, I'm super beat, pun intended." Saya joked,

"Saya are you okay?" Brandy asked, she didn't realize that tears were running down her face as they all look at her worried.

"Sorry, I'm not sure why I'm crying…" She wipes the tears away as the rest of them push their beds towards hers.

"It's okay Saya, you don't have to keep up the act around us." Caroline said,

"You don't have to have a reason to cry." Alan said as they all climb onto the line of beds trying to comfort her.

"I'm just happy we're all back together in one piece." TK said giving Saya a hug.

"Me too little buddy." Saya said patting her head, "We'll always have each other's backs no matter what." She smiles as they all relax and eventually fall asleep. They may only have a short window before the next threat comes their way, but for the first time in a long time they all slept through the night.

Elias, Sally and Dr. Q sat there in the conference room silent for an exceedingly long time after the others finally finished retelling everything that happened within the Genesis wave. They were all speechless not knowing if they should ask them if they were alright. "It's a lot to process." Sophia finally broke through the tension as Elias lets out a sigh,

"Why are you all the only ones that remember?" He asked,

"The World Rings." Saya explained, "They are an unknown energy source similar to the Chaos Emeralds. Tikal gave them a way to stop Naugus from taking their memories."

"And you're one hundred percent positive Naugus can't use you to trigger another Genesis wave?" Sally asked,

"Yep! No more Void Emerald, no more whispers, no more scrolls." She smiles proud of herself.

"But Naugus still has a physical hold on you?" Dr. Q said,

"I'm still not sure how… He said it had something to do with all of our previous encounters, so I don't know what the hold is exactly." She said,

"All the more reason to get you as far away as possible." Elia said,

"Kolt told us a little about us going overseas with our parents… are you sure that's the right idea?" TK asked,

"We do, especially with the base being compromised." Sally said, "Think of it as an extended vacation."

"Oh boy another forced vacation." Saya rolls her eyes,

"You were almost turned into living crystal young lady, until I can figure out how to make sure he can't do that to you again, we need to keep you hidden." Dr. Q said in an authoritative tone that made Saya cower.

"Yes ma'am…" Saya said as Sophia pats her head,

"When do we leave?" Brandy asked,

"After you finish packing." Sally said,

"That fast?" Caroline said surprised,

"We're on the clock here. The Director wants you all out of harm's way. Commander Vector will keep you all safe while we find a new location." Elias said,

"How long do you think it'll take?" Alan asked,

"We're not sure." Sally said,

"Which is why you said extended vacation." Sophia said,

"Rest assured there will still be people overseas that need your help. Some of you will still be working missions." Elias said,

"Yeah, yeah I'm permanently benched I get it…" Saya said with a sigh. "As long as I'm allowed to run."

"I'm pretty sure that can be arranged," Sally chuckles,

"Helen will be joining you all as well, not just to continue keeping you all healthy but for her own safety." Elias said,

"Cool cuz I'm definitely sticking clear of other Doctors for a while." Saya said,

"I have to ask…" Sophia said pausing for a moment, "What happened to Starline's research?"

"I looked all over but it appears he's taken the research with him." Dr. Q said as Sophia lowers her head,

"We'll figure out how to get his research back." Caroline said,

"I just hate that he has samples of my blood…" She said as Saya takes her hand.

"You said yourself that he said the Dark Arms blood deteriorates over time right?" Alan said,

"He could have been lying about that…" Sophia said,

"You have a point…" Alan said,

"Will I be able to bring my computer? I'd like to keep working on an antidote for Eggman's drug." TK asked,

"That shouldn't be a problem, I'll have someone grab a crate to carry it in to keep it secure for the flight." Elias said as TK nods,

"I'm still not leaving." Kolt said crossing his arms.

"Yes you are." Sally said,

"If the Master Emerald stays I stay." He said,

"We guarded the Emerald just fine before you awakened," Elias said,

"Doesn't matter." He said,

"Kolt…" Saya said, "I know you want to keep the Master Emerald guarded… but it's not safe for us all to be apart… especially after what happened." She places her hand on his shoulder, "Please." Kolt looks at Saya, they all knew that she was still scared but she kept smiling despite it all. He lets out a defeated sigh, knowing he couldn't leave her, at least for now.

"Fine… but only until we've fixed you." He said as she nods.

"You all should head over and start packing. We've already informed your parents and they are getting ready as well." Sally said as they all stand up.

"Saya, may I have a word?" Elias said a she looks at Sophia,

"I'll be right outside," Sophia said leaving them alone as Saya walks up to him,

"There something wrong?" Saya asked as Elias hugs her taking her off guard,

"Saya… I am so sorry; You went through all of that because I failed to protect you." He said,

"Hey, it's not your fault. Besides, we won so there's no reason to apologize." Saya said with a chuckle,

"You don't have to keep putting up a front around me, I've known you long enough to see that you're hurting." Elias said still holding her tightly as she hugs him back trying not to break down, "You're allowed to be scared, your allowed to be upset. Just because you're Sonic the Hedgehog doesn't mean you can't have these emotions."

"I know… but you still don't need to apologize." Saya said, He lets her go as she wipes tears away,

"You all are like family to me and I can't stand to see any of you hurt. Watching you endure that ritual on top of hearing that he had you imprisoned for three years…" She noticed he was trembling with rage, "I want to hunt down Naugus myself."

"Hey, I'm pretty sure Soph called first dibs," Saya joked as he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Always the one to lighten the mood." He said ruffling her hair,

"It's how I move forward." She smiles,

"Just don't hold it in again okay? We don't need you blowing up." He joked back,

"Deal, thanks Elias." She said hugging him again,

"We'll move as fast as we can so you all can come home ASAP." He said as she let's go,

"I'll hold you to that." She said waving him off and heading towards the door. She leaves to see Sophia waiting for her,

"All good?" Sophia asked looking worried. Saya kisses her and smiles,

"Yep, c'mon let's go pack." She said as they head back to their room. They enter the room as they all stop packing and look over at them,

"Everything alright?" Kolt asked,

"Yep, he just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to explode again." She jokes as they all shake their heads.

"Well, let's get packing." Sophia said as they all continue to pack.

"I'm kind of excited to be going overseas," Caroline said with a smile,

"It'll be like a whole new adventure." Brandy said,

"I hope I can figure out a cure for Eggman's drug quickly. I'd really like to go sightseeing." TK said,

"You're not helping her test it this time." Sophia said looking at Saya,

"Don't have to tell me twice." She said with a laugh,

"Maybe there are more Echidna ruins. There's no worry now that the seal was broken." Kolt said,

"I'd like to tour some old castles." Brandy said,

"Maybe they're haunted." Alan joked,

"I will hit you Alan." Kolt glared as they all laughed,

"It's okay Kolt I'm not scared of ghosts anymore." Saya said as they all stop looking confused,

"Wait what?" Alan said,

"Yeah, when I was a kid I got trapped in an old house at the end of the street cuz some bullies were messing with TK. Turns out the Void Emerald was in there and Naugus used it to make me scared or something?" Saya said sounding confused,

"Wait… that's what happened?" TK said shocked,

"He got into your head before we even got the Chaos Emeralds." Sophia said, "This is good, we might be able to use that info to help break his hold."

"Breaking whatever he did to you isn't going to be easy." Alan said,

"I know… But I'm not worried because we all have each other. Freedom Fighters forever!" Saya cheered as they all smile.

An hour later they finally finish packing as other agents take their stuff except for what they are taking on their flight. "I can't believe we're leaving…" Kolt said as they all walk over towards the Alter room to say goodbye to Tikal and Hope before they set off.

"I know this is hard for you to leave the Master Emerald Kolt, but Sally and Elias will keep it safe." Caroline reassures him, "I'm sad to be leaving Hope too but they are safer near the Master Emerald."

"You're right… it's just something I struggle with. I'll try to relax." He said with a sigh as they enter the Alter room,

"Hello everyone." Tikal said as she appears in from of them, "Is it already time for you all to leave?"

"How did you know?" Brandy asked,

"Elias already talked to me about it. Did you all come to say goodbye?" She asked,

"Chao!" Hope said sadly as they fly up and hold onto Caroline,

"Aw, it's okay Hope it won't be forever." Caroline said hugging Hope tightly trying not to cry,

"And it's not a goodbye, it's a see you later." Saya said with a smile,

"Of course." Tikal said with a smile, "And don't worry Knuckles, I have known Elias and Sally their entire lives, they will look after the Emerald."

"Thanks Tikal I appreciate it." Kolt said with a smile,

"I hope you all stay safe and Chaos guide you all." Tikal said with a smile.

"You too Tikal." Alan said as they all get a hug from Hope. They cling onto Saya as they try to leave.

"I'm sorry little one but you need to stay here okay, We'll be back don't you worry." Saya tried to comfort them as they have tears in their eyes, "Aw don't do that you'll make me cry."

"Chao!"

"They say they're going to miss you." Kolt said as Saya tightly hugs Hope,

"I'll miss you too, you're in charge so keep everyone safe okay?" She said as Hope lets go and smiles,

"Chao!" They fly over to the other Chaos' and they all wave to them as they leave the Alter room,

"You gonna be okay?" Sophia asked as Saya wipes away a tear,

"Yeah, I'm usually okay going off to new places since I was always on the move before but…"

"You've found a home here." Brandy said,

"We'll be back don't worry." Kolt said ruffling her hair,

"Hey!" She protests, Alan notices TK was looking at a picture on her tablet. It was a glyph of a purple flame with a spiral in the center.

"Whatcha looking at TK?" He asked,

"Oh… This is that picture I barely managed to get when we went into the ruins in Soleanna." She said, "I wanted to make sure the symbol didn't represent to Void." Saya and Kolt both lean over her shoulder and look at the image,

"No, the symbol for the Void is a jagged crystal, it doesn't have the flame design." Kolt said,

"But it does look familiar…" Saya said thinking, "Well maybe when the coast is clear we can go check it out and investigate further."

"Sounds good." TK said as they continue towards the hangar bay.

"There you all are!" TK's mom yelled, "Are you all ready to get going?"

"Hang on I need to go say bye to one more person." Saya said "I'm gonna go find Sasha really quick, be right back." Saya pecks Sophia on the cheek and runs off as she pouts,

"Don't be jealous Sophia you know she only has eyes for you." Alan said shaking his head as Sophia grumbles.

Saya runs around the compound until she finally finds Sasha in the training room talking to Espio. She rushes up to them taking them by surprise, "I forget how fast you are." Espio said with a laugh,

"Sorry I'm a bit pressed for time. I came to say see you later." Saya said,

"We heard you're all being transferred to the Europe resistance HQ." Sasha said looking sad,

"It's only until HQ can be moved." She said,

"On top of still having, what is it, four people after you?" Espio joked,

"Yeah… I'm kinda a big deal." She joked as Sasha giggles,

"Well I'm glad that Shadow managed to find you." Sasha smiles,

"Find me? What do you mean?" Saya tilts her head confused,

"Oh it's nothing," Sasha flails a bit, "Don't worry about it it's not important." She chuckles, "Thanks for coming to say goodbye."

"Hey, this isn't a goodbye! It's a so long for now." She smiles as Sasha quickly hugs her,

"Then, so long for now." She lets go and smiles back. Saya waves them off leaving the training room and returns to the hangar bay where Elias and Sally were talking to the others.

"Here to see us off?" Saya said,

"Of course, I need to make sure you all get on the helicopter." Elias said looking over at Kolt,

"Hey, I said I'd go. Stop looking at me like that." Kolt said crossing is arms,

"Forgive me for not having faith in those who have a bad habit of disobeying orders," He teased,

"You run up a wall one time." Saya joked,

"Try to go easy on Vector, he's only dealt with Sophia and she's mellow compared to the rest of you." Sally said,

"I'm not sure who that jab was pointed at," Sophia said with a chuckle.

"I believe we're just waiting on Helen." Elias said,

"Sorry, sorry!" Dr. Q rushes up, "I was trying to see if I could find any of my old notes, but they are also missing."

"Creepy evil doctor strikes again." Saya said,

"We get it, you were right." Alan said,

"Huh? What was that?" Saya joked, "I don't think I caught what you said."

"You're pushing your luck Blue." Kolt said, "Now start getting into the helicopter before I throw you in there."

"Easy there Red, just one last thing," Saya said hugging both Sally and Elias,

"I want in on this hug!" Caroline joined and they all quickly group hug taking Elias and Sally off guard as they all fall over.

"Are you all alright?" Caroline's mother asked looking concerned as they all laugh getting back up to their feet.

"We'll I guess we this is goodbye for now." Elias said,

"See you all soon." Sally said with a smile, as they all start climbing into the helicopter,

"Alright Freedom Fighters!" Saya said excitedly as the helicopter starts to take off, "Onto our next adventure!"

The End

For Now…