Running Out of Time


Last time on Sonic X Ayla's Story . . .

Chris learned that his world and his friends' were once one, but since the planet started to recombine, time itself is screeching to a halt. The only way to unstop the clock is to cause Chaos Control, and send Sonic, Ayla, and their friends back to their world. Suspecting a trick, Chris confronted Dr. Eggman and was shocked to discover that the time freeze fiasco was real!

Now Tails and Chuck are working overtime to build a machine that can send our heroes home. Can they conquer the secrets of Chaos Control before time runs out? Find out next on Sonic X: Ayla's Story!


(Gotta Go Fast!)

(Ayla's Theme song - KC Undercover Theme Song)


(Ayla's POV)

*That morning, I woke up early & found Chris standing next to the edge of the pool. I went up to him*

Ayla: Morning, Chris.

Chris: Morning.

*We both sat down*

Ayla: I didn't get the chance to ask you last night. Did you get the answers you were looking for?

Chris: I did. Eggman wasn't to blame for the time freeze.

Ayla: I didn't think so.

Chris: I also did a lot of thinking last night. You were right, I was acting like a spoiled brat. I guess . . . I just got scared.

Ayla: Of what?

Chris: That I'll be alone. Just like I was before you all came. My parents are always away because of work. Even though they send me presents and call me on the phone, it's not the same. I want them here with me. Ever since I was little, I've been waiting for friends like you and Sonic. I don't want to say goodbye.

*He started to cry. I smiled & put my hand on his shoulder. He looked at me*

Ayla: Then maybe it doesn't have to be goodbye.

Chris: What do you mean?

*I looked up at the sky & Chris followed my gaze*

Ayla: When Sonic and I first arrived in this world, we noticed that the stairs and the moon look the same here as they do on our world. So, if you ever miss us, just look up into the night sky & remember, we'll be looking at the same sky.

Sonic:*off-screen* That's right.

*We both looked at the other side of the pool & saw my brother*

Sonic: No matter how far apart we are. We'll always be friends.

*Chris looked at us surprised for a few seconds & then smiled*

Chris:*wiping away tears* Thanks guys.

*We both smiled at him. Just then, I got the feeling someone was watching us. I looked towards the back door. I got up*

Sonic: Sis?

Ayla: I have to check something out. *I went inside & heard crying. I followed the sound & found Nelson & Lindsey sitting on the couch in the living room. Lindsey was crying & Nelson had his arm wrapped around her, looking ashamed* I'm guessing you two heard everything?

*They both looked at me & nodded*

Lindsey: How could we have not noticed that Chris was so lonely.

Nelson: I feel like we've failed as parents.

*I pulled up on the footstools & sat down in front of them*

Ayla: I wouldn't say that. *they both looked at me* I'm not saying you're bad parents, but nobody's perfect. And I do know that both of you work very hard at your jobs, but you have to learn to say "No" once in a while

*They both looked at each other*

Lindsey: You're right. I don't think I've ever said it. Not even once.

Nelson: Me neither.

Ayla: Another thing. *they looked back at me* Chris loves you both very much. You might not realize it now, but if you keep this up, you might loose that love. Think about it.

*They both looked at me, kind of scared. I left the living room. I stopped when I saw Sonic standing out of doors*

Sonic: When did you become the voice of wisdom?

Ayla: I guess it comes with time. And maturity.

Sonic: Hey!


*Later, we were all having breakfast in the dining room. Gemerl stood behind Cream & Cheese*

Amy: Personally, I don't see why It's such a problem if time suddenly comes to a stop, if I don't get older, I won't get any wrinkles.

Vanilla: But Amy, don't you think you'd get bored if you were forced to live the same day over and over again forever and ever?

Cream: And if you don't get any older, you'll never get birthday presents.

Ayla: That's one way to put it.

Amy: I didn't think of that.

*Chris got up from his chair & picked up his backpack*

Chris: I have school.

*He walked out of the room*

Mr. Tanaka: Enjoy your day, Chris.

Nelson: Bye!

Lindsey: Take care.


*Later that day, I was at the skate park with Tyler, Izzy, & Jake. I was hoping to spend a little more time with them before I left*

Jake: So, you guys are really going home?

Ayla: Yep. For good this time.

*We were all silent for a few minutes*

Izzy: It's going to get pretty boring around here without you.

Ayla: Yeah. But I'm sure you'll all survive.

Tyler: And I guess we'll have to find a singer to take your place in the band after you leave.

*I was about to say something when suddenly, the air was filled with government robots. They were all heading towards the woods*

Tyler: What's going on?

Ayla: I don't know. But I'm going to check it out.

Izzy: Go get em, Tiger.

*I smiled, nodded, got on my board, & took off towards the woods. When I got there, I saw Eggman, Decoe, & Bocoe dodging lasers. My brother was already there*

Ayla: Sonic! *he looked me* What's going on!?

Sonic: Apparently, some government big shot decided to launch a surprise attack on Eggman. They're not fighting fair. They've got him totally outnumbered.

Eggman: They may have me completely surrounded with thousands of robotic attack craft, but I possess the one weapon that can easily defeat them all, which is my super superior brain!

*We all then dodged another laser*

Sonic: It doesn't take a real big brain to see you're in trouble. You should leave.

Bocoe: DR. EGGMAN NEVER ADMITS DEFEAT. ESPECIALLY WHEN HE LOSES.

*Suddenly, a missile was launched at us. But my brother caught it & sent it right at a robot. I sliced another one in half with my Ring Blades. Decoe & Bocoe turned to Eggman*

Decoe: YOU WILL PROBABLY KICK ME IN THE COMPRESSORS FIR SAYING THIS, BUT I THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO SONIC AND AYLA. THIS SITUATION IS HOPELESS.

Bocoe: EVEN AN EGOMANIAC NEEDS TO REALISTIC SOMETIMES.

Dr. Eggman: No way! I'm gonna stay right here and hold my ground until there's no ground left to hold!

Sonic: We'll stop those robots for you. But first you have to leave.

Ayla: And if I were you, I'd do it sooner rather than later.

Dr. Eggman: Forget it!

*More lasers were fired*

Sonic: We're giving ya one last chance, Eggman.

Ayla: Take it or leave it.

Bocoe: NEVERMIND DR. EGGMAN!

Decoe: JUST SAVE US! PRETTY PLEASE!

*Sonic & I looked at each other & nodded. We both then went up & destroyed the robots. Sonic went through them with his spin dash & sliced them in half with my Ring Blades. I could hear Scarlet not far away from us*

Scarlet Garcia: Incredible, Sonic and Ayla are Dr. Eggman's archenemies, yet now they're coming to Eggman's rescue!


(Third-person POV)

*At Area 99, an adult human male with a bald head, brown eyes, & wearing a GUN uniform was sitting at a desk & watching the news*

Commander Card Passer: I knew those hedgehogs were traitors too! Sonic, Ayla, and their flicky freedom movement's corrupting the whole country, and turning everybody into peaceniks! When dangerous pests infest your home, there's only one sure way to get rid of them, and that's exterminate 'em.


(Ayla's POV)

*While we were fighting the robots, Eggman, Decoe, & Bocoe all ran inside their new base. Just then, one of Eggman's ships came out of the ground & then two more. All three combined to create a giant ship*

Dr. Eggman:*off-screen* Behold my super fortress! The greatest fighting machine ever invented! The grand Egg Imperial! *The ship blasted lasers everywhere & they destroyed all the robots. It even fired an ice bean the froze the rest* I told you I didn't need your help, hedgehogs! *we both looked at each other & shrugged* But since you two tried to save me, here's a little present for you.

*A small black box was dropped from the ship, Sonic caught & opened it*

Sonic: What's this?

Ayla: Could it be . . .?


(Third-person POV)

*Meanwhile, at the White House, Rouge, Shadow, Knuckles, & Topaz had just freed the President. The police had also arrested the one who had ordered an attack on Eggman*

Commander Card Passer:*on the walkie talkie* Tell the President I'm not sorry. This country used to be strong, but now it's on the brink of disaster thanks to his support for Sonic and Ayla! You'll see, you'll all see!

Rouge: He's got a point. Sonic's okay, but sometimes he's a real troublemaker.

Shadow: And Ayla's a good kid, but sometimes, she's the one cleaning up her brother's messes.

Knuckles: I'm no Sonic fan, but it was Eggman who caused Chaos Control and sent us here! It's all his fault our worlds joined together and we got in this mess!

Rouge: I guess it doesn't matter who's to blame. The important thing is to try and set things right again. We can worry about settling the score with Dr. Eggman once we make it back to our own world.

Mr. President: We have to act at once. The past isn't important. What's at stake now is our future. All of you must return to your world before time comes to a stop.

Rouge: We won't be going anywhere unless Tails and Professor Thorndyke finish their machine.


(Ayla's POV)

*We went back to the Mansion & then to the garage. We gave the box to Tails. Inside was a computer chip*

Tails: This is the last part we need! All we have to do is put it in the machine and we're set!

Chuck: Let's test it out and make sure it works.

Tails: Looks like we did it, Chuck!

*Sonic & I turned to each other*

Sonic: With Eggman's help.

Ayla: There's always a first time for everything.


(The Next Day)

*The day had finally come, it was time for us to go back to Mobius. The Thorndyke family & Ella we're all dress up formally. The X Tornado was attached to Chuck's car. Sonic was sitting on one of the wings. Amy, Tails, & Chris all got in. Nelson & Lindsey were riding in the limo with Cream, Cheese, Vanilla, Gemerl, Ella, & Tanaka. I decided to ride on my board. I wanted to see the city streets rushing past me one more time. As we were riding through the city, I thought back to last night*


(Flashback - Last Night)

*Me, Chris, & Sonic were on the balcony to Chris' room, looking at the moon's refection on the pool water*

Chris: Hey guys?

Sonic: Yeah, Chris?

Ayla: What's up?

Chris: Do you two . . . Really wanna go back to your world?

Sonic: Well, we don't have a choice. As long as I've got places to run and explore, I'll be happy.

Ayla: And as long as I'm with my friends, I'll be just as happy.

Chris: That's good . . .


(Present Time)

*I really hope Chris doesn't try anything stupid. When we got to the portal, Knuckles, the Chaotix, Shadow, Rouge, Topaz, Helen, Danny, Frances, Tyler, Izzy, & Jake along with the news crew, were already there. Cream, Cheese, Amy & I went up to them*

Danny: Bye guys.

Helen: We'll miss you.

Frances: We wish you didn't have to go.

Jake: Good luck.

Izzy: Don't forget about us.

Ayla: Don't be silly, I could never forget about you guys.

Chuck: Time to see if this machine works.

Tails: Yeah.

*Tails pressed a button. Sirens went off & lights flashed. The swirl of colors appeared for a few seconds, but they stopped*

Chuck: We don't have enough power, Tails!

Tails: What'll we do? The other Emeralds are still missing!

Sonic: You can use one of these!

*He held up the red Chaos Emerald. He then ran over to Tails & gave it to him*

Tails: Great, we have enough power now!

Chuck: Alright, Tails, let's power it up!

*We all smiled (except Chris)*

Tails: Here goes.

*The sirens blared again & the swirl of colors reappeared. We all shielded our eyes from the bright light. All the animals from our world were sucked inside*

Amy: I guess it won't be long before we're all back home, guys.

*Eggman's ship then thew into the portal*

Dr. Eggman: The pleasure was all yours! Ha ha ha!

Bocoe: TAKE CARE!

Decoe: IT WAS NICE ATTACKING YOU!

*Suddenly, the light stopped*

Amy: Hey, why did it shut off?

Cheese: Chao?

Cream: We can still go back home, can't we?

*We all started to look worried. Chuck shook his head*

Chuck: There was a power burnout. We don't have enough energy now to send the rest of you back.

*I looked at Chris & saw hint of a smile on his face*

Ayla: I see that smile, Mister!

*Chris held up his hands in defense*

Tails: I'm not giving up yet!

*He began pressing buttons*

Chuck: But Tails . . .

Tails: If I make some adjustments, I think I can draw even more power for the machine.

Chuck: It's worth a try.

*They both went to work. Just then, Sam drove up in in his race car. Then he drove away*

Amy: He didn't even get out of the car!

Ella: I think he just broke another world record.

*All four of us giggled*

Tails: Chuck, I think it's fixed.

Chuck: Let's give it a go! *they pressed the button on more time. sirens blaring & lights flashing. suddenly, a blue beam of light came down from the sky & hit the machine* That light!

Tails: It's from . . . Space Colony Ark!

Chuck: Now we have all the power we need! Excellent work, Tails!

Sonic: You did great, buddy

*I ruffled his hair*

Ayla: That's our little genius.

*Sonic gave him a thumbs up. Tails gave one back*

Tails: Thanks.

*Chuck, with tears in his eyes, gave Tails a hug*

Chuck: I'm going to miss you . . .

Tails: Yeah . . . Goodbye Chuck. He You've been a great teacher . . . And an excellent friend too.

*Helen, Danny, & Frances put a flower crown on each of Vanilla, Cream, Cheese, & Gemerl's heads*

Helen: We made this for you, Cream. We know how much you like flowers.

Frances: It looks great on you.

Danny: You like it?

Cream:*tears in her eyes* Oh, thank you all! I love it! But not as much as I love all of you!

*She gave Helen a hug*

Cheese: Chao-Chao! Chao!

*They all started crying. Even Ella*

Amy: Don't cry Ella, or you're gonna make me lose it too.

*Ella held up a cactus*

Ella: Don't worry, I went to the plant store and bought myself a cactus to take care of. I named it Amy, after you.

Amy: That was sweet of you, Ella. Thanks. Thanks for taking care of us. You and Mr. Tanaka made us welcome.

Mr. Tanaka: It was our pleasure, I wish . . . You could stay longer.

*Ella have Amy a blue book*

Ella: Here, this might help you to remember me . . .

*Amy took the book & opened it*

Amy: You wrote down your favorite recipes so I can make them back home. Ella . . . *she ran up to Ella & hugged her* Ella! What would I do without you!?

Ella: I don't know!

*Tyler, Izzy, & Jake came up to me*

Izzy: Ayla, we all made this for you. Chris and Chuck helped us with it.

*Tyler handed me a purple book that said "Memories" on the cover & a CD. I opened the book & my eyes went wide. Inside were pictures of me with Tyler, Izzy, & Jake. At the skate park, mall, Pops, other places, & all of our concerts. There were even newspaper clippings of all our adventures*

Jake: It's a scrapbook. So you'll always have memories to look back to.

Izzy: We also burned all of our songs onto a disk for you. So you'll never forget the fun we had.

*I smiled, got teary eyes, closed the book, & held it close to my chest*

Ayla: Thanks guys. I'll treasure them forever.

*Tyler didn't say anything. He just knelt down & hugged me. I hugged him back. Izzy & Jake joined in*

Chuck: Hurry! We can't keep the gate open long! You have to leave immediately! Before there's a power failure.

*The first ones to go through were Vanilla, Cream, Cheese, Gemerl. They waved goodbye*

Vanilla: Thank you for everything.

Cream: It was nice knowing you! Bye bye!

Cheese: Chao-Chao!

Gemerl: CATCH YA ON THE FLIP SIDE!

*Amy went through next*

Amy: Thank you all!

*Tails got in the Tornado & flew it into the portal*

Tails: It's been a blast!

*The Chaotix went next*

Charmy: Bye bye!

Vector: It was fun solving mysteries for you!

*Espio just bowed like the ninja he was. Rouge gave Topaz a green brooch*

Rouge: Take this before I change my mind. When I saw that gem in the jewelry store, I had to get it for you. It was a steal. *I could tell Topaz was trying to hold back her tears* See ya.

*Rouge disappeared into the portal. As soon as she was gone, Topaz broke down crying. Tanaka put a hand on her shoulder. Shadow didn't say anything. He just walked up to the portal. He then turned back to Chris & gave him a small smile. Chris smiled back. Shadow then went through the portal without looking back. Knuckles walked up to the portal. Sonic & I went after him*

Knuckles: Soon we'll be back home, guys. Let's go.

*Knuckles then went through. Sonic & I were about to go through when something stopped us*

Chris:*off-screen* Sonic . . . Ayla . . .

*We both turned back towards him. He stepped towards us*

Sonic: Chris . . .

Chris: This is it. *he held out his hand & Sonic took it* It's been cool. I'm glad we all met. Bye Sonic . . . Ayla. And good luck.

*They let go & gave each other a thumbs up*

Lindsey:*off-screen* Ayla?

*I looked towards her & Nelson. She was holding a box in her arms*

Lindsey: We just want to say thank you for helping us realize the mistakes we've made.

Ayla: I think you two figured it out on your own. I just gave you a little hint.

Nelson: Well, when all this is over, we're going to take Chris on a week long vacation to our family lake side cabin.

Ayla: I think he'll like that.

*Lindsey knelt down to me & handed me the box*

Lindsey: And this is for you. *I opened the box & my eyes went wide. inside was a red skateboard decorated with crystals* Just our way of saying thank you for everything you and Sonic have done for us.

*I smiled, took the board out of the box, & held it close along with my scrapbook*

Ayla: Thank you both. *whispering* You might want to hold Chris back as we go through. I have a feeling he'll do something stupid to keep us here.

*They both nodded. As I walked to up the portal, they went up to Chris & put their hands on his shoulders*

Sonic: See ya!

Ayla: And thank you all for everything.

*Sonic & I went through. As we did, I turned back & saw Chris trying to run towards the portal with Nelson & Lindsey holding him back*

Chris: SONIC! AYLA!

*I smiled at Chris & waved. I then closed my eyes. When I opened my eyes I was greeted by a familiar scenery. Fields of flowers, tall trees, mountains in the distance, & a small village just down the hill Sonic & I were standing on*

Sonic: Well . . . We're finally home sis.

Ayla: Yeah.

Ayla:*in her mind* And there truly is no place like it.


(Chris' POV)

*When I woke up the next morning, the first thing I did was run downstairs to the living room. When I opened the door, I saw Sonic & the others sitting on the couch & armchair watching TV. They all turned to me*

Sonic: Mornin' Chris.

Amy, Tails, & Cream: Good morning.

Cheese: Chao-Chao.

Ayla: Are you okay, Chris? You look sad.

*I shook my head & they were gone. That's right, they aren't here anymore. Even though my parents said we would be going on a week long vacation to our family's lake side cabin soon, I still miss them. The rest of the day went as it did before they came. That night, after dinner, I went to the living room to watch TV. As I was watching a baseball game, the President's face suddenly appeared on the screen*

Mr. President:*on the TV* My fellow citizens, a day has already passed since Sonic, Ayla, and their friends left this world. And it appears that one of them has left us a goodbye present.

*Suddenly, Ayla appeared on the screen, holding a microphone & looking away from the camera*

Chris: Ayla!?

*My parents, Grandpa, Ella, & Mr. Tanaka ran into the room*

Ayla:*on the TV* Is it rolling, Tails?

Tails:*on the TV**off-screen* I just turned it on.

Ayla:*on the TV* Ok. *she looked at the camera* Hello world. I'm leaving this video as a way to say thank you for everything you've done for us and as a reminder to you that even though we're world's apart, me, my brother, & all our friends will always be in your hearts. And now, a song I give to you all as a goodbye present.

*Ayla singing*

*On the TV

Starlight is the message

That I send from beyond

Starlight is for always

Even when I'm gone

Look to starlight

To shimmer on and on


(Third-person POV)

*In the city, everyone was watching the video, with smiles on their faces & tears in their eyes*


(Chris' POV)

*My Mom and Dad put their hands on my shoulders as we all watched the video*

*Ayla singing*

*On the TV*

Starlight won't desert you

Starlight's always there

Starlight is the present

I send from high above

Starlight is eternal light my love

Starlight is the message

That I send

Starlight

*As soon as she finished singing, I could feel tears in my eyes*

Ayla:*on the TV* So again, thank you all for everything.

*She bowed & the video ended*


Jacqui Benton - Starlight (HD)