The Wielders of Chaos part 33

"Aftermath,"

It was an odd sight, after so long of not seeing the sun, it was a sight to be able to stare up into the crystal blue sky to see the sun shining down on the world below. To think that a group of kids could bring the sunlight in and help the world turn again. Tower stares up into the sky from Central City, gazing out the window to see the sunbathing the land. He smirks proudly almost poking his chest out. He even sees the denizens all began to leave their homes after despite the quarantine that was issued to everyone in the city for their safety. Even the soldiers take off their helmets to take in the sunlight for the first time in so long. Tower honestly wishes that he could join them in basking in the sunlight. However, this moment was all he could allow himself. The results speak for themselves, the victors should be able to bask in their victory. However, there is a lot to clean up, nations are disarray, people may try to capitalize on the upcoming chaos, and not to mention the mass confusion on certain cities where Mephiles' grip was tightest. No doubt there is a lot of work to do. With that on his mind Tower gives a brief nod before moving to the command center. Knowing that he'd probably be the only one there anyway, but that doesn't mean he didn't have work to do.

Out on the battlefield itself, rescue helicopters were moving into position within the airspace. The floating island was more like a hovering island now. The Master Emerald's light was greatly dimmed. The glow barely able to be perceived even from the air. No doubt the emerald had spent a large portion of it's energy. It was almost touching the ground. The grounds were torn apart with mounds of dirt piled at least a mile high. The ground split in twain with heated piles slowly cooling off. Small embers even litter the ground that had been scorched. However, despite that there was the greenest patch of grass that shined like a beacon for anyone to see. Upon that patch were the heroes of this world all sitting together in a group seemingly relaxing.

Miles turns his head towards the helicopters slowly descending. "Looks like our rides are here."

"With all the craziness that went down, I'm glad they decided to stay back like we asked," Sol mentions.

"Is anyone dead?" Andrea asks.

"Well Victor might be," George points out to Victor who is sprawled out on the ground.

"You try controlling Perfect Chaos…" Victor mutters.

"Can someone carry him?" Miles asks.

"I got him," Frost says. He looks at his claymore that had somehow got split in half during the battle. "Looks like I gotta get a new one of these…"

"Damn dude that sucks, I'm sure we could hook you up with a new one before you leave," Miles says.

"So, we beat the big bad and saved the world. That's a hell of an achievement to put on the resume," Andrea says.

"For sure, but even with Mephiles gone, there might still be some monsters lurking around still. We should probably see to that eventually," Rob points out.

"Rob don't be such a downer!" Tony exclaims shoving the other boy. "Just relax and let's go back to your place and party!"

"Another party…" Rob mutters.

"We do have to celebrate. Wouldn't be right if we didn't," DJ added.

"I agree," Kitt says.

"Even Kitt agrees, so the celebration is a go!" Will says but then crumples to the ground. "But after a nap first…"

"Oh yeah obviously, I am not celebrating like this," Mikaela says trying to limply raise her hands.

"What was all that anyway?" Sol asks.

"The Master Emerald has the power to suppress the Chaos Emeralds, but it also as the ability to amplify the Chaos Emeralds. Changing them into Super Emeralds. With all this Chaos Energy focused into a single spot, it was as if the Chaos Force itself empowered us. Though it will probably take some time for that energy we used to recover. It did overclock the Chaos Emeralds and the Sol Emeralds at the same time…" Ed explains.

"Tikal taught you that?" Frost asks.

"It was a suggestion she made that I decided to lean into," he responds.

"Well, the choppers touched down we should go," Miles says moving to his feet. "Anybody who can, should help those who can't stand." He reaches a hand to Sol. "By the way, I'm taken," he says simply with Sols' hand in his. She blushes a bit before being led to one of the choppers.

"So…the betting pool was set up before the battle or after the battle. Which is which?" Andrea asks.

"Mine was during actually," Mikaela says.

"Me too," Cinos asks.

"I mean we all knew they would hook up what does it matter when it happened?" Rob questions.

"Spoken like someone who picked before the battle Rob!" Andrea exclaims.

"Shut up!" he grumbles raising to his feet. He was about to stomp over to the chopper, but Kalia had reached out a hand to him. He pauses before retracing his steps to take her hand to help her to her feet. She smiles happily at the gesture as she walks while dragging Rob behind her.

"Alright we're taking new bets!" Andrea exclaims.

The group takes their leave of the battlefield, everyone loading up on the large cargo helicopter that touched down. As they walk aboard the ramp, Miles notices many of the G.U.N soldiers who arrived began combing the area. He surmises that they are most likely to get an accurate assessment of the damage around them, and ensure that Mephiles is truly dead. Miles stares out the window at the ground below. Despite everything that happened, he still felt a bit anxious. Still sitting on pins and needles. It was unreal to him, but the sunrise in the distance was enough proof for him. He looks around at the group he's found. George was slumped against his sister seemingly about to fall asleep and Lauren wasn't that far behind him. Frost sat next to George sitting with his arms crossed and eyes closed. Rob, unable to just sit and relax, simply begins tinkering with his gloves, a few sparks shock him making him wince and lick his finger. DJ is sitting next to Lauren, slumped in his seat as he stares at the ceiling. Kitt sits on the floor in a meditative state, unbothered by the noise of the helicopter. George is leaning against Kitt's back also about to dose off himself. Mikaela seems content to simply sit in her seat seemingly staring into space, a rare moment of contemplation coming from her. Cinos is sitting on the other side of Miles with his head dipping to and fro as if trying to fight off sleep. Victor is completely passed out, Mikaela was nice enough to lay Victor on the floor and rest his head on her thigh as she leans against the wall of the helicopter.

Tony is sitting next to Rob, about to fall asleep on the other boy's shoulder. However, for once Rob doesn't knock him off as he allows the other boy to sleep on his shoulder as he tinkers. Kailia is next to Rob turned toward him and watching him tinker, often asking a question or two of the device. Eddie is sitting next to a window staring out of it at the world below. Finally, Sol is sitting next to Miles, their hands still clasped together as she seems to just enjoy the contact, she has with him. Miles smiles at this crazy group of his. He starts thinking back on the prayer that Ed had made in their final hour.

"Chaos is the future….Chaos is dreams…" he mutters.

"Something on your mind?" Sol asks him.

He turns to look at her, "Nothing important…"

-000-

When they arrived back at Central City, to say they arrived at a fanfare would be an understatement. It seemed like the streets were crowded by every single person that lives in Central City. Many of the people marveling at the arrival of the sun almost breaking down in tears at seeing that shining orb in the sky. It was as if the sun itself dispel the despair within all the people and allowed the tensions they had been feeling finally ease. The fear of living every day in darkness, the tension of having to live life as if nothing was wrong, or to look up at the sky and see angry clouds greeting them. Knowing they couldn't enjoy life under those conditions and unsure if they could survive if life continued as it did. When the helicopter arrived at G.U.N HQ, the Chaos Wielders were greeted with fanfare as well. Numerous congratulations and smiles aimed at them. It was hard to believe that these agents were so uptight and pragmatic before this. Many offered whatever they could, promises of a bright future, promises to ensure they would be heralded as heroes, or simply singing their praises. Tower had issued that they return home to rest for the day and be debriefed tomorrow. He hadn't appeared himself, something that Miles found odd. G.U.N issued vehicles are tasked with taking them to their places of residence. It was a tough drive considering all the people in the streets. Many of them believed that maybe G.U.N had something to do with this so naturally they were being sung praises to high heaven. As the vehicle passes many rubs their hands against the vehicle, as they made way for the vehicle to move. Miles, Tony, and Rob were dropped off first at Rob's house. The three boys groggily approach the house. Rob just pushing the door open as the other two follow. Miles watches after his friends for a moment before a thought crosses his mind.

"You guys hit the hay, I'll be right back," he says. Normally this would've elicited protest of some sort or for one of them to come with him. However, the two only look at him before nodding and moving to the basement. With that Miles turns back to the outside closing the door. He looks at the mass of people all around. Miles smiles as party poppers sound through the air and music begins to blast. He recognizes it as "Endless Possibilities" it was a regular parade suddenly. They probably wouldn't stop until the sun went down. Miles leaps into the air and began scouring the rooftops. He moves quickly between buildings moving a blur as he moves. He had one final thing to do before he could call this a win. He lands on a rooftop before leaping forward toward an apartment complex. He lands on the streets below scattering dust upon his landing. He surprises many of the people there who weren't sure what to make of him. He smiles briefly at them before entering the apartment complex. He enters the inside and steps on the elevator hitting the number of a floor. Once he does, he leans against the wall waiting for it to arrive at the designated floor, the elevator creaking as it moves. He inwardly chuckles.

"This thing still needs to be replaced…" he mutters. Once he arrives at the floor he steps off and begins walking the quiet halls. It didn't take long till he arrives at a door with the number 616 printed on it. He sighs before reaching into his pocket fumbling a bit until he pulls out a key. His hand is shaking a bit until he takes a breath before inserting it and turning. The door unlocks easily and Miles steps inside. He walks past the door as it shuts behind him. He walks in a bit before he flips on the nearest light. He is greeted to a standard kitchen with a kitchen island on his left. Miles runs a hand over the counter seeing dust build up against his fingers. He sighs before walking in further to the living room. The space was normal, with the grey couch against the wall, sitting next to a large window. He sees the TV positioned on the otherside of the room hanging on the wall. He rubs his hands against the bar stools that sat there at the island. He remembers doing his homework there or his parents scattering numerous papers all over the place. His feet step on the soft carpet as he walks into the apartment further. He hangs a left to a small hall. He sees two doors. He walks in the first one, smiling as he sees it.

"Home sweet home…" He mutters looking around the room. It had posters of Sonic plastered on the walls. His royal blue bed sheets and blue pillowcase with the bedframe shaped like Hedgehog quills. "Heh, forgot how much of a fanboy I was…" he mutters with a small smile. He looks over at the study desk seeing it cleaned and bare. He can just make out the imprints of where his computer used to be. He remembered how he'd spend hours on it, looking up videos, and neglecting his homework. He walks out the room before moving towards the other room, his parents' room. He gives a heavy sigh before he opens the door. The bed is the same, he remembers how he'd crawl in when he had nightmares, or when he just didn't want to be alone. Often even taking naps in it when his parents weren't home. The nightstand is still there with a portrait taken. He walks over to it seeing the smiling faces of his parents and of himself. It was surreal seeing them again, even in just picture form. He reaches around his neck to remove the dog tags he was carrying. He drapes it on the portrait.

"Rest easy," he says simply. He turns away quickly whipping tears from his eyes as he moves. He closes the door behind him before sighing. He looks down at the dim Chaos Emerald on his belt. "Not used to you being this quiet…"

"Figured I'd give you some time to process," Sonic responds. Miles drops to the floor with his back leaning on the door. He holds up his dim Chaos Emerald. A gem that normally shines so bright is barely enough to light up this dim room.

"…So…does this mean you'll leave me too…?"

"All good things come to an end eventually," Sonic responds.

Miles clutches the emerald close to his chest. "Would it help if I asked you not to leave?" Miles says as he begins crying. "If so, please, don't leave me Sonic. Please don't leave…"

"I know it's kinda sad, letting go always is. When minutes can feel like hours sometimes, its easy to lose sight of the moment, but taking advantage of the moment is the best thing we can do, at least that's what I think. You're not alone Miles trust me. I enjoyed every moment with ya, partner."

"Thank you, Sonic."

"Anything for my fans…"

Miles lets out a chuckle from the response. "Well, you just watch…they'll be my fans soon enough…" Miles responds. He whips his tears from his face. Once he does he lets out a heavy sigh. "I know you guys are there," He says simply. He hears a slight gasp around the corner of the room. Before a few moments Rob and Tony round the corner.

"Sorry for the intrusion…" Tony remarks while rubbing the back of his head.

"How long did you know we were following you?" Rob asks.

"Come on, you guys let me go off on my own way too easily," Miles remarks. The two boys take a seat in the hall next to Miles, Rob on Miles' left and Tony on his right.

"Well, we wanted to be sure you were okay. Last time you took off on your own, you ended up liberating a sovereign nation," Rob says.

"That's fair," Miles remarks.

"So, this is where you lived huh," Tony says.

"This place was issued by G.U.N as favor for my folks. That's the only reason its still empty…and probably since no one was really trying to move around all year. It'll probably be for sale pretty soon after all the dust settles."

"Yeah, since the fights over, and here we are," Tony mutters simply.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rob questions.

"I mean, after saving the world, fighting back the darkness, and freeing our world and many others. We just sit here in this empty apartment kinda just taking it all in huh. I just wonder…what's gonna happen to us now? Most of us are from different places, even different worlds, and we probably would've never met under normal conditions. We had one goal that connected us, now without it…are we just gonna fall apart now or are we never gonna see each other again?"

"We…" Rob hesitated since he wasn't sure how to give a clear answer here. "Does this have to do with where Mephiles sent you?"

"Well…" Tony hesitates. "I wasn't exactly born normally. I stood out like a sore thumb, so it was hard growing up. I was given the chance to just…not let it happen. I'm sure Knuckles would've found someone else in the end, so I didn't think it would matter…"

"Oh man…" Rob mutters.

"Don't get me wrong, I made friends eventually, and now I have even more friends! Still… it was hard. Honestly, I don't know how long it'll all last until I'm…back where I started…"

"Nothing last forever, especially if you let it," Miles says as he looks at the ceiling. "One day we might never want to be around each other," Miles answers simply. "Or we might not. Who knows? We just have to keep moving forward and face whatever may come. Our future is Chaos, and through Chaos our dreams take shape. Right now we have this moment, so let's enjoy it."

"Right, yeah…" Tony says glancing down at his hands. "I want to face that future with you guys, that's my conviction. That's what brought me back."

"Then that's all you need," Miles says tilts his head back rubbing the back of his head against the wall. He gazes at the ceiling as if he is staring into the universe. He decides to lean on what his father said, "I mean let's look at the facts. We saved the world, we saved each other, we protected each other, and I really care about every single one of you. Aside from that last thing, none of those things will change as long as we live."

"Well, I guess we can settle on those facts…" Rob sighs as he leans against the wall. The three of them are quiet after Rob says that. None of them wanted to dispute what he said as they all revel in the truth of that statement. Miles sees that Sonic was right. He wasn't alone, and he probably never will be. Even in this moment, when he thought he had suffered the most and no one could relate. He has his friends here, caring about him, and none of them wanting to be alone. None of them want to feel that loneliness that comes with being different. Even Tony who was so bombastic in personality leans against him and was willing to chase after him. Maybe that was the key, Miles thought to himself. Being there for each other, caring about one another despite what may have been lost. It matters what was gained. The three of them stay seated on the plush carpet feeling their energy slowly leaving their body. Their bodies relax in the company of each other, able to allow their exhaustion to take full effect. Each one of them soon are fast asleep sitting with each other. Each one comforting the other just by being there.

-000-

Sol felt warm. It was odd, which was honestly saying something. She should always be warm considering that she's in command of fire, she is fire in a sense. So feeling warm should be a naturally sort of feeling for her. However, this warmth was slightly different. She is warm and comfortable. After the battle she returned to Amy's home, now Andrea's home now all things considered. Upon entering, all the girls just looked at each, as if a question of "what now?" was asked without anyone saying anything. It was a rather uncomfortable question to ask which is why none of them wanted to voice it. It was as if the entire reason for them being together was completed. As if they no longer had a need to be together, that they no longer had to feel obligated to cheer each other up, to give pep talks, to gossip with one another, or to even be friends. Andrea, being the outspoken person she is, spoke up.

"I'm tired as hell…" she said while stretching her arms over her head. "Okay, regular round of rock-paper-scissors of who sleeps where," she says placing her fist on his palm. She looks around at the other girls who look at her unsure. "I may be tired, but I will fight you chicks for that bed."

This comment was seemingly enough for the other girls with laugh as they assume the position of engaging in rock-paper-scissors. Sol smiles as she actually moves to add herself to the match. Eyes move to her in surprise.

"I was the literal flame of hope, I feel I deserve that bed," She says.

"Alright, it's a match now!" Mikaela exclaims.

After the small match Mikaela rain victorious as she cheers at her victory. With that settled the air mattress is pulled out blankets are passed around and the couch is set up. The girls placed their emeralds on the coffee table since the glow of the Emeralds were dim now at this point. Having them sit there put the room in a dim comforting glow. Even the crowd outside is beginning to die doe into quiet background noise. It is a few moments later that Mikaela walks out the bedroom carrying her pillow and comforter.

"I changed my mind make room somewhere," she says. At a bit of shifting Mikaela leans against the couch as they all lapsed into silence. No one even made a move for the now available bed.

"Is it surreal to think we should be dead right now?" Mikaela suddenly asks.

"Morbid way to start a conversation," Andrea states.

"Well I wouldn't say should, I'd more say could," Sol added.

"It is very surreal, to think only a few hours ago. We were fighting in a war, with monsters, armies, and just us risking it all…" Lauren said with a faraway tone.

"Ugh, I finally decide to come over for a sleepover and this is the topic? How we could've died?" Kailia questions.

"It's not a bad thing to sort through these feelings. We shouldn't ignore it," Lauren says.

"Uh, we've almost died plenty of times since we got our shiny rocks, yesterday was no different in that regard. Just another fight, one that could've been the end or a victory. Once again, we got the victory. Why reflect on that possibility of failure?" Kailia explained.

"She does have a point," Mikaela says. "My whole world is a literal what-if scenario! But I don't know why I'm so fixated on what if…"

"It's normal, just coming off a high of a lot of emotions, we all are. Kailia is right, take in how good it feels to finally see all our hardwork pay off. See everything we've fought for come to reality, and yes, it is scary to think about what would've happened if we didn't win. If we ended up just like the previous heroes of these worlds," Sol's eyes move over to the table with the dim glowing stones. "But we didn't. Not only because they were there to guide us, encourage us, support us, and even protect us when necessary. They taught us how to be heroes. That their strengths while great, could only be used to their fullest when they believed in themselves. We already believed in them, so they got us to believe in ourselves, and each other. Honestly, as happy as I am about this victory," Sol feels herself get chocked up. The heat that was bothering her earlier is back but more intense. She couldn't contain it as tears spilled from her clenched eyes. "I don't wanna think of the future…of not having…" Sol hiccups as she stops. The room grows quiet as Sol's sniffles is the only active noise being made.

"Amy…made me feel invincible. Like I could take on the world. I've always been small and pushed around. I thought that being ignored would give you a better chance to survive. Keeping my head down was easy, but despite all that I still end up joining a circus. Because I want to show the world what I'm made of. She gave me strength to stand up and speak my mind. To truly live and express myself for the world to see. In every fight she always made me question how much of my strength actually came from her." Andrea mutters.

"Rouge, made me feel like I was capable of anything. That life is to be lived, not coveted. To experience all it offers is risky, but risks are a part of life itself. Just being alive is risky, so what's a little more gonna hurt." Kailia lets out a small chuckle. "I think she was trying to turn me into a master thief or something. The first words she said to me when I was stealing the emerald from G.U.N was, "kid, you took five whole minutes to cracks this safe, were ya doing it while juggling?", honestly don't know how I still thought I scored something valuable. Did end up changing my life though."

"Silver, showed me I'm stronger than I realized. I didn't think I was well…mentally strong enough to handle actual mental powers. I was terrified and wanted someone else to take the emerald, but Silver won me over with one simple question, "Ya wanna know what it's like to fly?". I mean who could say no to that?" Mikaela questions with a laugh. "He taught me how to use them and suddenly he claimed I was using them better then he ever did. I don't believe that for a second considering he's had these powers his whole life and I had them for a few months. He helped me to express myself…"

"Cream had shown me, that compassion and a warm smile in hardship can make a world of a difference…" Lauren says. "Back on my home island in the Sol Dimension, the monsters had razed our lands. When my brother and I got Emeralds, we were ready to fight! Although our partners were not the best at combat like others. I felt I was once again powerless, but now in a different league. I knew Cream must be special if she's here sent to help save the world, I just wasn't applying her powers properly. I believed it had to be me, I'm freaking out about this while poor Cream is trying to get me to listen. Cream through a tantrum during one of my freakouts. She snatched control of my body and went about doing what I should've been doing, being a hero. She showed me by taking care of those who needed it. Giving smiles, laughter, and uplifting energy that was needed. She showed me how to bring out the light in people. In doing that she kinda brought it out of me." Lauren smiles with a sad edge to her eyes. "She still had hope, enough to share with anyone who needed some. I can't imagine not having her in my ear anymore…"

"I've kinda already said my piece," Sol chuckles through her sniffles. Mikaela is close by her, so she rubs the other girl's back gently.

When quiet returned to the room suddenly each emerald began to levitate off the coffee table. Without a word each one flew over to their respective Wielder. Sol holds the Sol Emerald tightly to her chest the glow of the Sol Emerald dim but not out giving off a comfortable glow.

"As long as fire has heat, I will believe in you," Blaze spoke from the crystalline shell.

-000-

Normally, the other Wielders that didn't stay at a Amy's or Rob's home, they would reside either in the barracks or in the hotel within Central City. This time, the rest decided to reside in the fancy hotel and forgo the barracks. Obviously, the small group could take up about five rooms easily. The rooms were available, but they all decided to enter one single room. It was odd with so many people in a single room with only two beds and a pull-out couch. Still, this is where they went.

Frost set Victor on one of the beds since he was clearly not waking up anytime soon. "So, are we all sleeping in here?" He questions the others.

"Honestly, I can sleep anywhere, so don't much matter to me," Cinos says as he leans against the couch.

"Then why not sleep at the barracks?" DJ asks.

"Or your own room," Will says with a side eye.

"Well, Kailia isn't there, and Omega is getting repaired. So I'd just be by myself. Kinda wanted to be with you guys. Would've chilled with Miles, but he wasn't at Rob's place," Cinos responds with a shrug.

"Well good thing Kitt sleeps like a ninja," DJ points out as said boy as sit in a crossed leg position in the corner of the room.

"I told you I just like to meditate before I sleep," Kitt says with his eyes closed.

"And meditate in the morning too huh," Will adds as places his weight against Kitt who remained sitting up straight.

"It's a habit I had struggled with until Espio gave me a few pointers. I admit I am a bit obsessed with it after that," he says.

"Speaking of a weird habits, Shadow got me in the habit of brooding now."

"How does someone influence that?" Frost questions.

"Beats me, but he did it!"

"I can relate, somewhat," Frost began, "I 'm not known for staying in one place for too long. Back home, there is a great sea, so you have to get everywhere by boat. I wanted to travel around, see the world, just like my parents, but mostly for me. Mighty apparently used to be a lot like me, a wanderer until he found a place he chose to stay. Even a wanderer needs a place they can go to no matter what or a place they can call home."

"Yeah, we've had a few run ins together," Eddie remarks.

"You mean I came across you while you were making a mess of a situation," Frost said.

"I don't recall that…" Ed remarks.

"Well I assure you, it was a mess of a situation involving pirates and hidden treasures."

"You fought pirates!?" George exclaims in excitement.

"We survived the pirates," Frost corrected.

"I never put much stake in putting myself on the line. A plan with risks is normal, but at a point the risks add up to a point it isn't worth it. That's how I've lived up to this point." Eddie explained. "But having Tikal of all heroes' partner with me. I was a bit shocked, I mean, she set this whole crazy plan in motion! She's the one who helped create this opportunity to fight back. It was a risk I didn't think was worth it. Her will, her heart, it really creeped me out at first."

"Sounds just like you though. She made a plan with obvious risks. She went out on a limb and it worked out in the end."

"Yeah, suppose it did. I guess there are things that are worth risking everything for…" Eddie states from his place on the floor. "She had actually taught me a lot too."

"Sounds like you finally realize that keeping to yourself isn't all its cracked up to be," Cinos pointed out.

"True, I hate to admit it, but having her with me was nice. Always figured that teaming up with others would slow me down, keep from doing what I want, and that much is kinda true. Definitely wouldn't have gotten involved with this crazy outfit. Tried my best to stay away."

"So that's why you suddenly rushed off here without us?" Frost asks as he finally sits himself down against a wall. As he does, George comes over to him offering a pillow. Frost smirks at the younger boy taking it.

"Yeah, figured I could accomplish more on my own. That proved wrong, especially on Angel Island. If Miles and his team hadn't been there, things could've gone south. Guess that was when I was pretty sold on the idea of a team. Guess its kinda too little too late now…"

"Who says?" Will questioned. "I know I'm going to continue being a headache for DJ and Kitt," he says throwing his arm around DJ's neck who was close by. Kitt lets out a small snort of a laugh.

"I guess, you have a point there," Ed mutters looking over everyone. His eyes fall toward the dimly lit emeralds that decorate the nearby coffee table.

-000-

It was time. The moment that many of them either didn't think would happen, or just pretended that it wouldn't. The moment in which they said goodbye. Every Wielder was flown to Angel Island courtesy of G.U.N. They all approach the alter of the Master Emerald. Even the gem itself seemed to glisten in a low light as well.

"It will take some time for the emeralds to regain their power, but it will take longer if the spirits of the heroes continue to reside in them. So they must be released and allow the natural flow of life to continue," Tikal explained.

"So what do we do?" Ed asks.

"Place the emeralds around the alter. I will take care of the rest," Tikal explains.

"Ya got it milady," Ed says moving to place his Sol Emerald in front of the Master Emerald.

"Edward," Tikal suddenly spoke up before he set it down. "I want you to know. You are capable of much alone, and you are capable of more with the support of others. Sonic taught me the truth of Chaos Power. I had believed the true power of the emeralds could only be expressed through hate and anger. But through him I learned another way, and I decided to lean in on that lesson. You've done much and will do more. I treasure the time we had together, even if you could often be…"

"Difficult?" he supplied with a chuckle.

"Uncooperative," She says with a slight chuckle.

"I trusted you to pull me out the fire when things got too hot," Ed lets a tear slip from his eye but he's quick to wipe it away. "As we say back home, till next we meet Tikal."

"Till next we meet Edward."

Tears were pretty much unavoidable at this point. Many of them were either trying to avoid crying or just letting them flow quietly.

"I'll never forget what you did for me," Sol states.

"As won't I, nor others forget what you've done for the world. Your parents chose right in naming you after the Sol Emeralds. Keep your fire burning and your heart open."

"I will, thank you Blaze," She says setting down her emerald.

"Kailia, keep your wits about you and stay true to yourself."

"I'll become a master thief, just you watch me!"

"Stay strong Frost, and keep your courage!"

"Thank you Mighty…"

"I leave the Chaotix name in your capable hands DJ, keep watch over those other two,"

"Keep your spirit strong Kitt, you always had it, you just needed help seeing it."

"Don't have too much fun without me Will!"

"Rest easy, we got this," DJ says proudly as claps Will on the back with Kitt standing at his side.

"Victor…friend…goodbye…"

"I'll never forget you Chaos!"

"Bye George! It was a blast!"

George through his tears manages to smile, "By Ray!"

"Thank you for all the help Lauren!"

"Thank you for saving us Cream!"

"Andy, I believe in you."

"Thank you for helping me believe in myself Amy I love you!"

"Goodbye Cinos, our time together was…nice."

"Saynora, Shadow the Hedgehog."

"You will never be alone Rob, there will always be those that care about you."

"Bye Tails…"

"Anytime ya get stumped Tony, just think, what would Knuckles do? The answer will come to ya."

"W-Will do!"

Miles holds his emerald in his palms as tears roll down his face. He sighs trying not to be a blubbering mess. "Bye Sonic…"

"Catch ya later Miles. Remember to always do it to it."

Miles manages to laugh through his tears, "That's so cringe…"

He sits his emerald down. When he does all the emeralds begin to glow. The forms of the heroes began to leave the emeralds at the wielders watched as it happened. Emotions were difficult to hide or conceal.

"Before the completion of this allow me to open a way home for half of you," Tikal states. "Chaos Control."

A swirling green portal appears before the bottom of the steps to the alter. There was a brief pause among the Wielders as they all sort of looked at each other.

"What about me?" Mikaela asks.

"The portal will return you home as well Mikaela no worries, as Edward would say," She says with a chuckle that clearly sounded sad.

"Guess this is kinda one big goodbye…" Miles mutters.

"No," Sol says as she walks over grabbing his hand. "Only a temporary separation for the time being. "Chaos is the future remember?"

He tightens his grip on her hand, "Yeah," She leans forward placing a kiss on his cheek. "Till next we meet Miles Allgaleta."

"Till the next we meet Sol King," She raises an eyebrow. "You think I wouldn't know my potential girlfriend's last name?"

Sol chuckles, "The only thing wrong with that sentence is the word 'potential'," She reaches her arm around his neck to give him a real kiss. "Till next we meet." She says again.

"Till next we meet," he responds. She smiles as she leads the way through the portal. Soon the others followed after many other goodbyes and many tearful hugs. Once they all entered the portal to return back home the Sol Emeralds float into the air before flying into the portal as well before closing.

"Goodbye Chaos Wielders, and thank you," Tikal states before a flash of light explodes out the Master Emerald. Once the light dies down they see only the Master Emerald in all its glory, no Chaos Emeralds, no Sol Emeralds, just themselves.

*a few weeks later*

Miles walks into the Rob's house, "I'm home!" he calls.

"Welcome back Miles," Rob's mom calls from whatever contraption she was messing with in the kitchen. He had learned that it was best not to question here when she's up to something or he sees strange devices in this household. "How was your trip to Soleana?"

"Boring, nothing too big."

"Didn't you receive a medal of honor from Queen Elise?"

"Yeah, no biggie, Cinos seemed to really be into though," Miles said with a shrug. He moves to the basement where he knew he'd find Rob. "What up!?"

"Ugh, I was hoping I'd be done with this before you got back…" he mutters from his work station as he's working on a tablet based on the Miles' Electric device Tails created. "I know you still have super speed, but could ya slow down just a bit."

"Hero's work is never done, I see why Sonic never stopped moving…" Miles mutters.

"The rest of your stuff is here now by the way," Rob gestures to the boxes on the far side of the room. "Are you really sure you want to move in with us? I know an empty apartment may not be ideal, especially with all those memories, but you'd have the place to yourself. A lot more privacy at least."

"Guess when we were fighting to save the world this place kinda became home along the way. Besides, I have a world recovering I need to see. Speaking of, seems Eggman decided to end his ceasefire and looking to stake a claim on Station Square by rebuilding it as Eggmanland or whatever, ya want in?"

"May as well, otherwise who knows what you'll do without me. Should we call Tony?"

"Already did, said he'll meet us there, so lets go already!" Miles gestures.

"Right, right," Rob says getting to his feet. "Mom, we're off to save the world again!" he calls.

"Pack a jacket wind chill is very real!" she calls back.

He rolls his eyes. "Do it to it?"

"Let's do it to it!" Miles says with a thumbs up.