Chapter 12: Duality
Act Two: Trials and Facades
"It's been an hour since I got here, and no sign of Mashar" - Tails said somewhat impatiently while his tails moved as pendulums under the arch of the south door, however he stopped while he saw a vehicle approach from the air ... - "At last" - The vehicle descended in front of him and Mashar opened one of the doors ...
"Get in Tails, it's time to go"
"Why did you take so long?"
"We had a problem with the vehicle and the driver is something ... stubborn, but that doesn't matter anymore, get on!"
After boarding the vehicle and heading to the first temple in the south, Tails was still very restless ...
"Tails, don't be nervous"
"I'm not"
"Your tails don't stop moving" - Mashar pointed behind Tails and saw that his tails were indeed swaying from side to side - "Are you still nervous?"
"Yeah, I'm also still thinking about how Cosmo is doing."
"Don't worry, Driandri will be with her" - Mashar assured
"By the way, where are Fenrir and Isis?"
The White Wolf and the Tropical Seedrian were in the common room of the High Command building, but they were dying ... of boredom ...
"How long ago did Tails and Cosmo leave Fenrir?" - Isis asked Fenrir who was face down on an armchair
"More than two hours ago"
"I can't stand being here anymore! I know that Tails and Cosmo have unfinished business but sometimes I think we're just ornaments"
"What do you suggest we do then?" - Isis asked
"Let's go for a joy ride until Tails or Cosmo come back"
"Are you Sure? We could meet Kaldrio again also ... I think you don't like being with me" - Isis turned around while with a sad expression she circled her index finger on a cushion. Fenrir felt somewhat guilty because even though she had been treating him like her trophy boyfriend or something like that she only did it because of her fear of reptiles, she had no one else to ask so he approached her and touched her right shoulder with his left hand ...
"Isis, it's not that I don't like being with you, but sometimes it seems like you're only playing with me. I promise to play along if you behave more… natural and less overbearing when we're acting. Do you think it's OK?" - Hearing that she happily nodded with a smile
Tails and Mashar were approaching the Southwest Temple, when their ship descended in front of the door of the temple there were a couple of Woodrians acolytes waiting for them ...
"Mr. Mashar welcome, and you must be the guardian Tails, it is an honor to meet you" - Said one of the acolytes while the fox gave each one a handshake ...
"Boys, where are the others?"
"They are inside Mr. Mashar, they are in the daily concentration ritual"
"Guide us, time is short" - Then everyone entered the huge temple, it was a Woodrian temple but despite that there were both Woodrians and Nafushi inside, some were on their chores, and when they saw Tails and the others enter well ... they only continued in their business …
"It is good to enter a place on this planet without being cornered by people"
"What happens Tails is how I told you before the people of the temples have almost no contact with people from outside and only their leaders contact us or contact other parts of the planet, only those who rule the temples are aware of our arrival, and well the two of them "- Mashar explained pointing to the pair of Woodrians who had received them
After entering they came to a large gate guarded by two armed guards ...
"What is your business here?" - Said one of the guards ...
"We bring a guest for the high priest"
"Which one of them?" - Said the other guard pointing to Mashar, Tails, and a small group of escorts ...
"It's him, the one with the big ears and four tails" - The guards stared at Tails and ...
"The high priest is in an important meeting with his acolytes, they should not be disturbed"
"We told them we were on our way!" - Mashar yelled very indignantly then he saw the Woodrians who received them - "Why didn't they tell us they were busy ?!"
"Sorry Mr. Mashar but when they gave us the order to wait for you, they weren't in a meeting"
"I DEMAND YOU TO OPEN THAT DAMN DOOR!"
"Never mind Mashar, we can come another ..."
"Not even dreaming of it, Tails, it's not the first time these morons have done it to me! Either you open that damn door or I'm going to send the planetary guard TO DEMOLISH THIS PLACE WITH YOU INSIDE!"
At that moment the huge and imposing doors were opened, and inside an elderly Woodrian came out, his old age was notable because the leaves on his head were a bit pale, he had ceremonial robes similar to those of the clergy of a Church European, but with tropical colors ...
"What is all that scandal?" - Said the old man, the guards turned and knelt ...
"Great lord ... a thousand apologies. We tried to tell them that they couldn't be interrupted but… "
"Your thugs did it to me again Adansus, it is the tenth time in the last 6 months that they do not let us in" - Mashar explained very annoyed.
"Kapok, I already told you that if Mashar or Driandri comes, you must let them pass and those who accompany them. I told you many times "
"Mr. Adansus, the possible cause of his behavior apart from his disbelief, is that he never accompanies me to receive Mr. Mashar"
"WHY DID YOU NEVER TELL ME ?! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE MY BROTHER, CEIBIS!"
"I tried many times but you always flirted with the Nafushi who came to leave the supplies at the temple" - Ceibis' words left Kapok very ashamed ...
"From now on you have my authorization to ask me if I am waiting or not for someone, have I been clear, Kapok?"
"Yes sir"
"Come with me to the meeting room ..." - Then the guards stood aside to give way to the visitors ...
Inside the meeting room, there were other people, Woodrians and Nafushi, they were chatting with each other, but they all fell silent when they saw the high priest and company enter ...
"Attention colleagues and brothers, we have visitors. With me is Mashar one of our leaders and he brings along with his group ... the chosen guardian by the messenger to bear the Eye of Sur'Ion "- Upon hearing that, they all began to whisper with curiosity, and one of the Nafushi spoke.
"I remember that a few months ago a cousin contacted me and told me something similar, that one of the chosen guardians had arrived on the planet. Who of them is it, Mr. Mashar? "
"Tails, one step forward." - Then something nervous Tails advances so that the other members of the temple see it, they, unlike the other inhabitants of the planet who were excited when they saw it, act in a more inquisitive and calm way like the members of the council when seeing it the first time - "Gentlemen he is Miles" Tails "Prower, chosen to be the 1st guardian and also the bearer of the Eye of Sur'Ion" - They all murmured, then Adansus spoke ...
"Yes, it is as described by the relatives of some of the members of the temples. Could you show us Sur'Ion's eye? " - Tails looked at Mashar concerned, he only nodded with a serious expression, the Higitsune approached and taking off the necklace he gave it to Adansus, others came to see and ...
"Why is the gem darkened?"
Nespherus Citadel, Commercial Plaza:
Fenrir and Isis decided to go exploring with a few droids while Tails and Cosmo visited the temples...
"Driandri was very kind to give us these passes and these cards. We can go wherever we want and buy whatever we want"
"Let me guess, clothing stores, accessories ..."
"I'm not the classic stereotype of a teenage girl Fenrir"
"I'm sorry, but all the girls I've come across are like that. All except you and Cosmo, I assure you that they would buy until they fell from exhaustion if they had what were given"
"Don't worry, we will only find what we need. R.A.M.P told us we could look for supplies. "
His group approached a food stall...
"Excuse me ..." - Isis said to the owner of the place, a Woodrian with pink "Foliage" - "Hello, how can I help you?"
Unbeknownst to Isis, Fenrir and company were being spied on by Kaldrio who was behind a sign watching as they took what they needed...
"It's not fair, what did she see in that wolf?" - He whispered to himself while he had a tic in his right eye, full of envy.
"We have everything, right?" - Asked the wolf
"We are missing some things, but we end up here. Thank you ... uhh "
"I am Pruna, and thank you for coming here. Excuse me, are you a couple? " - The Woodrian's comment made them move, but only Isis seemed to have been bothered
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, you and the wolf look very cute together and I usually give free things and discounts to couples. Besides, you don't seem to be from here "- Pruna replied before Isis opened her mouth ...
"That's right, we're from outside ..." - Fenrir took Isis by her waist and pulled her closer to him, while she just looked at him flushed with an expression that screamed "WHAT ?!" - "... And this beautiful tropical flower and I are lovers, the guardian Tails united us."
"Really ?! That's fabulous! I couldn't go to see the guardian arrive"
"Also the second guardian is here, a very pretty Seedrian and also her partner. If you want before we go we could arrange a little meeting for you "- Said the white Wolf with great confidence, Isis was still with a face of" WHAT? ! "
"I'd love that! Wait for a second ..." - The Woodrian quickly entered the building and came out with a pair of bracelets that had the same design, purple and black - "These are special, I make them for couples and they are blessed in temples. It is my gift to you"
"Thank you" - Fenrir took them, he placed one of them on his left wrist and ... - "It's your turn" - Fenrir took Isis's right hand and while she looked at him blushing he placed the bracelet on her
"How cute!" - Pruna exclaimed as she covered her mouth with both hands and looked at the couple
"Well, we're leaving. It was nice meeting you and don't worry, we won't forget what we promised you"
"Take care of yourselves a lot" - So Pruna dismissed the group while Kaldrio bit his tail while he was tearing up with envy...
As the group advanced ...
"Fenrir, why did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"To pretend we were dating. I'm the one who does it, besides; did I think you didn't like it? " - The Seedrian said very submissively as she played with her fingers ...
"Don't worry, it's just to please the people of this planet. Also, if everyone else is like her, we will have advantages when going to the establishments. Although we already had that "
"That sounds a bit ... dishonest."
"Isis, you started with this, why not continue with it? Just answer me one thing."
"What thing?"
"I could feel you were shaking a little, why?" - The words of the wolf made Isis turn to the other side with her face painted red, why was she nervous or flushed at that moment and now? Fenrir had a good point - "Hey, do you really dislike me so much that you reaction like that? " - Then Isis turned to see him a little calmer ...
"No, you just caught me off guard. I'd like you to let me know when you do something like that "
"Ok…? Let's go to the other stores!" - Fenrir said pulling Isis by the arm as the droids followed them, Kaldrio followed them from behind.
Returning to Tails:
"And that's what happened" - Adansus and the others had heard Tails' explanation and began to talk among themselves.
"According to what the Messenger told us, the necklace has been closed to you. This had happened before"
"Really?!"
"Yes, in one of the scrolls that narrate the chronicles of the guardians during the days of the beginning of the war, both committed a sin against their respective… Entity. The bearer of the Eye of Sur'Ion attacked what he represented, the elements from beyond the sky and temperance as well as calm, the bearer of the Heart of En 'Daría committed a crime against nature. " - Said a young Woodrian who was there
"I guess they solved it" - Said Tails
"That's right, but it took them a long time, and during the time it took them to recover their powers, many died because they were no longer there to help us" - added a very old Nafushi, a reptile with ... Hair?
"Don't scare him Archepix, yes, many died because they had to face Dread'Enar and his monsters alone. But that does not mean that you are going to take a long time to recover them, you will take your time but I do not think that you will fail "
"I am flattered that you still trust me, Mr. Adansus"
"I suppose that from your body language and your tone of speech that you expected us to criticize you and call you unworthy, right?"
"How did you guess?" - Asked the Fox, somewhat surprised
"Let's say the messenger gave me a vision of what was going to happen, and we were already waiting for you"
"I really don't know whether to hate Seledrin or thank him" - The fox thought as he wrinkled his face.
"Very well, we will start doing some analysis to see the state of your energy field" - said Adansus
"Is it going to hurt?"
"We still don't know that"
Returning to Fenrir and Isis:
As the group moved through the city people saw them, some laughed when they saw them together and others envied them.
"Fenrir I think you should stay away a bit" - Isis said in a calm tone
"Remember the plan, you have to make them bite the bait. And you were supposed to support me on this. Could it be that ... are you starting to like this? " - Fenrir's words made her face turn pink, but to hide it she nudged him - "Ow, saying no would have been enough"
"You asked for it"
"I deserve it, let's go to that store" - Fenrir said pointing to a place that was somewhat full of people ...
"There are too many people"
"What do we do?" - The wolf came up with an awful idea, a wonderful, awful idea…
"I know what to do"
"I don't like that expression on your face"
"Don't worry, no one will get hurt" - Giving instructions to the Fenrir droids, Isis and the others withdrew a bit without being observed, and standing behind a house Fenrir threw a concentrated ammonia bomb towards the unwary ...
"What the hell is that?!"
"It smells horrible!"
"I'm going to throw up!"
"Where did you get that thing?!" - Isis asked indignantly
"I made it in the laboratory, they had a bottle of concentrated ammonia sealed with a label that said do not touch"
"Fenrir that was horrible!"
"Yes but it was also funny, ha ha ha" - Fenrir laughed as they watched the passersby run in terror while the vendor and some stragglers were the only ones to stay behind, "half intact"
"What the hell just happened ?!" - shouted the seller
"I do not know, but that stench is horrible" - Said another of the stragglers, then they saw that the group of Fenrir and Isis was approaching ...
"Who are you?"
"We are a group of visitors, we came with the guardian and we are getting some things done. What happened here? "- Fenrir said pretending not to know anything while Isis looked upset.
"And ... are you two a couple or what?" - Said the owner of the position somewhat annoyed.
"That's right, right Isis? - Said the wolf seductively as he encircled the Seedrian with her left arm. The female, although somewhat uncomfortable, must keep up the charade, so she hugged Fenrir's arm while her right cheek rested on the Wolf's left shoulder, the unusually pleasant scent of his fur made everything easier.
"I know them! They come with the guardians, right ?!" - Said a young Nafushi
"That's right" - Isis answered, enraptured by the fragrance of the white wolf's fur.
"I believe they had come with the guardian, but I do not believe they are a couple" - The statements of the seller Woodrian very serious, and put our "love birds" on alert. Kaldrio was listening to everything and a glint in his eyes showed.
"Why do you say that sir?" - Isis said somewhat nervous.
"Anyone can pretend to be in love and many other parts of the planet do it to get free or discounted things in this part of the city. They come to buy here, right? "
"That's right sir, what should we do to prove to him that we are a couple?" - Fenrir said very seriously and standing in front of the seller.
"I have developed certain tests that allow me to identify a real couple from a fake. Pass them on successfully and I will let you buy in my store with the proposed discounts for couples, fail and I will tell everyone in this sector that you have lied to them. "- The seller finished saying very confident and smiling while the others were scared.
"I recommend that you accept and win, he is very loved in this place and highly respected. His tests are accepted throughout the citadel and those who fail end up with their reputations ruined "-said one of those present to the couple.
"What do we do Fenrir?" - Isis said somewhat scared ...
"What we will do is to show this old man and all those present that we are a real couple that was blessed and united by the guardians ..." - then he delicately holds Isis's cheek with his right hand while with his left he held her waist bringing her closer to him and looking at her with a honeyed and calm expression ... "... And I will not allow anyone to question the love we have for each other" - Said the albino wolf, making them present, except the seller and Kaldrio who raged with anger while biting his tail, touched while Isis was as enchanted seeing Fenrir so close and speaking to her in that way.
"Okay" - was all the Seedrian could say.
"Okay sir, we are ready"
"Very well"
Northwest Temple:
Cosmo and Driandri as well as their group have already entered the temple and the Nafushi there have already analyzed her ...
"Well Miss Cosmo, it seems that there is a latent power in you and in the necklace, however, you do not have complete control over it even though you have already used it before" - Explained the leader of the temple, an Owl-like Nafushi.
"How far am I from having a decent level of control over it?" - Asked the Seedrian
"You are a little far away from the goal, but Guardian Tails has set you right. We received a communication from the temple he is in and we are aware of his current state. Even though he doesn't possess his powers, he has done his job well training you from scratch. We will give you some additional help"
"What kind of help?"
"The kind of help that we give to all initiates in the former druidic and shamanic to connect with nature. You will have the same training as the first guardian who carried the Heart of En 'Daría.
"What kind of training?"
"Physical, mental training, an intensive course on shamanic and druidic arts. You will be sent to the missing temples at each stage. But you'll have better control when we're done. Do you want to start?"
"Sooner"
"I like your attitude" - Said the Nafushi Owl smiling kindly.
Returning to Fenrir and Isis:
In one of the small squares of the citadel, Isis, Fenrir, the seller, and many people were there to carry out tests to determine if they were really a couple or if they were fakers ...
"Inhabitants of the Citadel of Nespherus, I have gathered you here today to prove to this couple that they have come with the Guardians to our world for the second time!" - Said the seller with a microphone - "I am Nigurash and I am one of his neighbors, everyone knows me for being the one who best knows how to read couples and know what is in store for them! During the following week these two young people will submit to the test of the silver heart! " - Hearing this, people murmured and celebrated, but those who would be tested were not comfortable ...
"Look what you got us into, Fenrir!" - The tropical Seedrian whispered loudly to the wolf - "If we fail we will not only make a fool of Tails and Cosmo but also people will not see us the same again"
"I have no intention of failing Isis, one way or another we will pass these tests" - Fenrir said very sure of himself.
"Do you really think we can do this?" - Isis whispered softly with some fear, the only answer she got was Fenrir holding her hand and squeezing it gently and tightly. However, no one noticed that Kaldrio watched with a smile as everything unfolded.
"First we will start with their simple interrogation to know a little more about them and how they met, while this prism evaluates their words, if a trace of lies is detected, even the slightest, it will go from blue to black" - Nigurash said while two large Woodrians carried the said prism which was on a pedestal. - "I hope, you Young Lovers, have good stories to tell us" - Nigurash finished saying with a serious look.
"Don't lose your cool" - Fenrir whispered as he squeezed Isis's hand - "Are you ready?"
"Yes"
While the prism was being prepared, Fenrir and Isis approached it being accompanied by Nigurash and a Panther-like Nafushi.
"Okay, I am Nyala and I will be the one to handle the prism today. Say your names please "
"Fenrir"
"Isis"
"Fenrir, Isis, you were blessed to be able to accompany the Guardians on their crusade, and according to you, that was what united you both. If that is true, you will earn the envy of all Ves'Rath interspecies couples. If you lie, I fear that shame and derision will fall on you. "
"Very well, let the first trial begin: The Inquisition!" - Said Nigurash
Returning to Tails, Southwest Temple:
Some of the studies that Tails underwent involved medical tests such as: blood tests, EKGs, among others. But some were unconventional, in one they put needles connected to diodes, and in another it was checked by a proctologist.
"Why do they have these medical teams in a temple?" - Tails said somewhat uncomfortable while he walked funny, the proctologist who examined him was a Woodrian with somewhat thick fingers, like those of a gorilla.
"Very simple, so that our acolytes and in general the staff of the temples do not have to leave it for medical reasons, there are many things to do here. Since you showed up, all the temples have been extremely active and we must be prepared for anything. " - Adansus explained
"Are there more tests pending?"
"Yes, but these are less invasive. They are tests more in line with what to do in the temples"
"What a relief?" - Said the fox with a face of complete relief.
Square # 9, Nespherus Citadel:
"Very well listen, The Inquisition test is a simple interrogation, but your answers will be analyzed with this prism. If you tell the truth and chemistry and love are detected between you, the prism will shine, the more love you have, the more intense the brightness will be; On the contrary, if it remains unchanged, it is a sign that nothing is detected and you pray that it does not darken. " - Nyala explained as Fenrir and Isis were placed on small podiums next to each other that were connected to the prism while holding each other's hand.
"Are you ready, young ones?"
"We are ready, Mr. Nigurash" - Isis said firmly.
"Alright, let's get started:
First question: How did you meet? "
"I remember that they were doing a medical check-up on the ship when she entered, I had never seen anyone like her, her appearance was exotic. At first we didn't get along, but then we started getting closer. "
"Can you confirm that Isis?" - Nyala asked
"That's right, I remember it was after I joined the White Lightning crew that I met Fenrir, I had never seen a mammal-like him. His white fluffy fur and honey eyes were… captivating. "
They both placed their hands on a small pedestal then the prism began to shine moderately ...
"Outcome?"
"They are sincere, I do not detect traces of malice or lies" - Nyala said to Nigurash.
"Good, but that was only the first question."
"We will have to be honest Isis, no matter how weird we feel" - Fenrir whispered to Isis
"I get it"
"Well, second question: When did you start to get closer?"
"I remember that it was during the skirmish we had against the Karvarians, they were very tense and dangerous moments. Fenrir was by my side while Tails was busy ensuring our survival".
"Then we got closer when we got here the first time, I remember Fenrir was desperate because they were going to throw me into a boiling cauldron just to prove that Tails was the one they were waiting for".
"Anything else you want to add Isis?" - Asked Nigurash
"Well, before entering Ves'Rath, the ship ... we had to make an emergency landing and well, let's say we were involuntarily intimate" - Isis's face flushed when she remembered that moment, Fenrir looked at her with an expression of ¡¿ What the… ?! With a visible blush under her white fur, Nyala was surprised, Nigurash didn't even flinch and everyone else was surprised and delighted, everyone except Kaldrio who bit his tail with such force that it seemed as if he was going to rip it off himself.
"Isis, you told me you wouldn't tell them that!" - The wolf exclaimed somewhat ashamed but following the show.
"It came out, sorry"
"And what kind of intimation did they have at the time?"
"We can't tell you, but we can say that when Tails saw us, our face fell with shame" - Isis said to which Fenrir added
"And you also slapped me and pushed me, as if I was the one to blame for being seen."
Saying that, the prism shone with a slightly more intense light, Nyala was surprised and Nigurash looked at the "Lovers" with curiosity.
"There is no trace of malice sir, and their words are sincere"
"Very good, it seems that we started well. However, do not think that this is over "- After that they were asked many more questions about them and their way of coping with things as well as their relationship. Some things were memories during their conflicts during the trips, others the times they were alone which was almost always that Tails and Cosmo had to go out to fight. And some things they didn't know about each other.
"Outcome?"
"They are clean Mr. Nigurash"
"Hmm, very good. They passed the inquisition test. " - Upon hearing that, Isis unconsciously jumped on Fenrir and hugged him, he returned the hug while the spectators celebrated, not many manage to pass the first test. - "But don't think we're done"
"What?!" - Fenrir and Isis said
"Yes, the inquisition is only the eliminatory test, but rejoice, not everyone manages to pass it."
"Nyala is right, but don't be overly confident. The following tests will be as important as the first. You can rest for a few minutes, we will start the preparations "- And after saying that Nigurash and Nyala left while the Woodrians took the pedestal, then the people surrounded them to congratulate them, while Kaldrio looked very dissatisfied.
Northwest Temple:
Cosmo was being tested by the temple people, they had just attacked her with techniques similar to the ones she uses, and she was very tired ...
"You feel good?" - Asked the owl leader of the temple.
"A little tired but I'm fine Mr. Strixis"
"Very well, let's proceed to the next round" - Then Strixis ordered the animists to raise a few soldiers with the plants and dirt that were in the training field.
"Very good Cosmo, this will be the last challenge of this section. Try to wrest control of the elementals from the animists and retain it for as long as you can. It's okay?"
"Yes!"
"Very good, get her!" - The elementals attacked her and she barely managed to dodge some attacks but she was knocked down, and when they were going to attack her again she managed to hold them back while she imposed her will on the elementals, but it was for a short time. The creatures knocked her down and when they were going to jump on her ... - "That's enough!" - ... the elementals stopped.
"How bad did it go?"
"Well ..." - Strixis began as he approached Cosmo who was getting up - "... you managed to retain control and our animists had trouble regaining it but ..."
"But?"
"Something is happening with you that we cannot understand, it is as if your powers have an intermittent cycle, there are times when they work and times when they don't"
"Any idea what it might be?"
"Well, we didn't detect any problems related to your connection to the necklace. It must be a problem with your body "
"What do you suggest then?"
"They will take you to the north temple, they are specialists in matters of the chakras, energy networks of the body, among other things. They can help you. "
Returning to square # 9:
"Very good young ones! Your next test awaits you." - Nigurash said as the crowd clapped. - "This test is designed to measure your level of mutual synchrony."
"What do you mean by synchrony?" - Isis asked
"Basically we will put them before tests where the level of synchronicity will be measured both in movements and in mentality." - Nyala explained as they finished building a kind of track with many things that looked like games or part of an obstacle course.
"I remember seeing this once at home"
"What do you mean Fenrir? So I know your world is literally on the other side of this galaxy."
"These types of games I have seen before. Two people are chosen to overcome obstacles and do tasks or missions and they must do it in sync "
"The lie is falling apart - Isis said somewhat frustrated and scared.
"Not yet. We can still get out of this "- Fenrir reaffirmed with some determination
"How?" - Asked the tropical Seedrian at that moment the white wolf took one of her hands and looked at her out of the corner of her eye with determination. - "Fenrir?"
"Trust me, Isis"
"Agreed" - Said the Seedrian somewhat blushed but with a little more confidence.
Kaldrio watched this with disgust as the first test was about to begin.
"Your first test will be to pass this obstacle course with minimal damage!" - Niguhrash shouted while our couple was somewhat confused and scared.
"Ignore him, we are going to shoot these things that are pigments made from roots and snails. Before, things like rubber hinges were used, but last century that was abolished when they took out the eye of a poor old man by mistake "- Nyala explained
"Why do you always spoil my fun?"
"Because of your follies my best dress ended up turned into a fire bomb!"
"But I paid you" - Nigurash said somewhat embarrassed.
"Very well, you can go to stand at the starting area" - Nyala indicated while the "couple of lovebirds" assumed their position - "The rules are simple, at this stage all you have to do is cross the playfield with the fewer shots to the body but there is a detail… "- Then a Woodrian arrived with a woven cord -"… Fenrir's right arm and Isis's left arm will be attached and cannot be released until they reach the goal or until they are both lying on the floor covered in paint. The thing that happens first."
After their hands were secured and people started screaming in excitement and the obstacles began to move, Fenrir and Isis looked at each other with concern ...
Returning to Tails, Southwest Temple:
Tails was in the middle of a kind of ritual chamber in which he was in the middle of a circle on the ground with strange and engraved signs and around him there were floating crystals. He was levitating and concentrating his natural powers ...
"What´s his status?" - Adansus asked one of the clergy who were present ...
"His innate powers seem fine but there's something we can't explain."
"What do you mean?"
"What I'm saying, Mister Adansus is that it seems that while his innate powers are fine, the absence of the necklace's powers has altered the structure of his energy field. There is a test we must do. "
"Which test?"
"We will boost the necklace with a tenuous charge of energy and then we will make Tails touch it" - Said the cleric.
"Isn't he going to get harmed in some way?"
"I honestly ... I don't know and we have to prove that." - And saying that the clergyman placed the necklace in a device that began to charge it which made it shine a little - "Tails, catch!" - and even while floating the fox caught the necklace but this time he ended up receiving an energy shock not like the one Diiaven received at the time but strong enough to knock him down and make his hair stand on end.
"Someone lift him up" - Adansus said while he and the others saw something scared, Mashar was returning with a stuffed bread in his hand and with his mouth full and seeing Tails semi charred and being lifted ...
"Adansus, what did you do to him ?!"
"Ask him"
"I never thought that this experiment would work" - Said the Cleric who suggested the necklace experiment.
"In his defense, it worked and he left us a rather curious piece of information"
"The fact that his face looks like a piece of charred meat ?!"
"Don't overdo it, Mashar, he's… fine. What matters is that now we know that the necklace is not damaged or contaminated"
Returning to square # 9:
Isis and Fenrir were fleeing towards what seemed to be a safe zone within the obstacle zone and they were thinking about how to get through because those who handled the traps had already given them a hard time with the paint machine guns.
"What are we going to do now?!" - Isis yelled with much frustration - "It seems I have Measles or something like that" - She was covered in colored spots.
"Do you think that is bad?,. I look like a twister mat "- Said the wolf while Isis saw that her white fur was all covered in spots.
"Don't stay there too long or you will be disqualified!" - Nigurash shouted
"This time he is right, if you stay for more than ten minutes it's over for you and you have to do it in sync and without any more blemishes!"
Isis and Fenrir were on the ropes but they had no choice but to get out.
"We still have one way to win, do you remember what we did that time when Tails got upset when we were playing with Rosal before he used it to make Cosmo's body?" - Said the Wolf to Isis
"Yes, he was so upset that he chased us around the warehouse with an industrial vacuum cleaner because I stole one of his flower buds."
"Do you remember how we evaded it?"
"ARE WE GOING TO DO THAT HERE ?!" - Shouted the Seedrian Tropical in shame
"Do you have a better idea?" - At Fenrir's question, she just fell silent and they both prepared to get out of the safe zone before time beat them.
"Could it be that they gave up?" - Asked one of the shooters who were waiting from the high positions.
"LOOK!" - Shouted the shooter who was next, they and all the others saw Fenrir and Isis doing a rather strange dance step to get out of the safe zone and pass an obstacle.
"What the hell are those two up to now?" - Nigurash said as he and Nyala saw that they held hands and began to move in sync to move rhythmically through the second part of the obstacle course doing different dance steps somewhat strange and extravagant, everyone was surprised and some even shouted in excitement when Fenrir took Isis by the waist to pass her between his legs and suspend her over him before running forward, Kaldrio's face was red with anger, as he bit his tail in frustration.
"Everyone is watching us! What a shame!"
"We will suffer worse if we do not reach that finish line soon Isis, get ready for the final step!"
"BUT MY SKIRT!" - And while they were preparing to take the final step, Isis saw that one of the operators of the obstacles was about to launch a huge ink bomb, Isis shook trying to warn Fenrir but what he caused was that both of them moved badly and ended up rolling , the operators of the obstacles threw them of all the ammo but in the end they managed to arrive without another spot; Although they ended up wallowing and Isis ended up on top of Fenrir.
"Isis, please stand up"
"Because?" - Asked the Seedrian, while she in a moment of trace she caressed Fenrir's mane that was clean.
"Because they are watching us" - Fenrir said somewhat blushing at feeling the touch of Isis on her chest and the position they were in, the Seedrian immediately got up helping him. A group of Woodrians and Nafushi came to help them and to count the number of spots they had.
"They passed!" - Shouted one of those who helped Fenrir and Isis making everyone scream with excitement and while Kaldrio almost tore his tail off in anger, Nigurash held his jaw in boredom and Nyala clapped very happily.
"Very good young lovers, you managed to pass the test! You can leave for the moment as you need to clean up and rest, but you must return in a few hours as there are other tests ahead. Do not worry because the tests that follow are not as turbulent as these ... but do not be fooled "- Nigurash said with a grimace making Fenrir and Isis feel uncomfortable.