Chapter 31 - Recovery
At a civilian hospital in Minneapolis, the waiting room was near capacity as every hero from
Gardenia, Hylas, Mobius, and Neo-Earth waited in anticipation. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Link,
Zelda, Megaman, Protoman, Bass, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Bunnie, Antoine, Sally, Sonia,
Manic, Rotor, Ryan, Chris, Sir Kain, T-Bone, FX, Bookshire, Sandra and Sharpe all filled the
waiting area...some pacing, some praying...and in Amy's case, weeping. Sharpe, however, was
worried about having all the heroes in one area, especially since many of the doctors were
looking in disbelief at seeing some of video game's greatest in one area.
The doctors were currently looking over the body of Anthony, using Neo-Earth medical scanners
to determine the extent of Anthony's condition. Although their knowledge of psionics was
limited, the doctors left no stone unturned in determining whether Anthony would recover.
When Anthony's parents arrived, the group made room for them and helped them to a couple of
chairs. Anthony's mother was distraught, and rightly so, and didn't seem to feel better even
thought several there tried to comfort her. The only time her reaction changed, was when the
doctor came back...
"Mrs. Bault?" Doctor Johnson said.
"Yes?" she replied. "My son...is he alright?"
"Yes...and he's going to recover..." The entire group gasped a sigh of relief at this, and
then the doctor continued. "In fact, the readings were very promising. Apparently Anthony
seems to be recharging his powers and repairing his body. That's why he's currently
unconscious, his body suffered a shock from releasing what you call 'The Final Power' and is
just trying to rebound from it. We predict he should awaken in a few days to a week at most."
"So...he'll be alright...with no problems?" Anthony's father asked.
"Well...we're still not familiar with how psionics work. As such...we have to assume that
there may be side effects from what he did. Brain activity is normal, but it may be just to
support his bodily functions. Worst case scenario...Anthony may have no memories of who he is
and what he has done..."
A shocked silence permeated the group, broken only by Amy's quiet sobs. Sally tried to comfort
the young hedgehog, but was afraid her feelings mirrored everyone there, as she saw Anthony's
mother fold her hands in front of her face, almost in prayer...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Where am I?"
Anthony looked around at the landscape around him. The only prominent features were a piece of
land outcropping onto a huge lake and a tree near the edge of the lake. It was a peaceful
setting to Anthony's eyes, and made him think of one thing...
"So...this is what Heaven looks like," Anthony thought to himself at he sat near the base of
the tree, looking out on the lake. "Funny...I was expecting the Pearly Gates, the cloudlike
landscapes, the angels...seeing friends and family that have passed on...but, this seems
peaceful enough to qualify."
He laid his head back against the tree and tears began to form slightly in his eyes. "I will
miss everything, my family, my friends, both Earth and Arcadian...but at least I died doing
something good, helping to save Mobius..."
-Who says you are dead?-
Anthony nearly jumped when he heard those words, feminine in sound and seeming to come from out
of nowhere. "Who...who's that?"
-I go by many names. On the version of Earth that exists in the Mobius reality I am called
Gaia, but on Mobius itself I am called...-
"Destiny..." Anthony said, finishing the statement. "May I ask why you are speaking to me?
Or, do you always talk to Earthers turned Mobian heroes?"
-You refer to Chris and then David, yes I have spoken to them. But, the reason I wish to speak
to you is different altogether, Gamemaster...-
"I have no right to that title now, Destiny," Anthony said sullenly. "Since I'm no longer
alive to use it..."
-But you aren't dead.-
Anthony looked up towards the sky in shock. "Say WHAT?!?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next few hours in the waiting room of the hospital were spent in near quiet contemplation.
Every hero there walked up to try to consul Anthony's parents, introducing themselves, telling
of Anthony's deeds, and telling of their hopes to speedy recovery. Afterwards, many of them
left to see to plans for rebuilding Mobius. Two Mobians stayed behind, however, one of whom
spoke to Anthony's mother...
"Mrs. Bault?" Anthony's mother looked up towards the voice. "My name is Sally Acorn, Princess
of Mobotropolis. I...just wanted to tell you of how proud I am of what your son has done for
us, and of how I hope for his recovery. We are all praying for his fast recovery."
"Thank you..." Anthony's mother said, grateful for Sally's praise. She was overwhelmed by the
amount of praise her son was receiving, and was amazed at the praise coming from those she
thought were just video game heroes. She still had one enquiry to ask, however... "Your
highness?"
"Please...call me Sally."
"Sally then...that pink hedgehog over there," she started, pointing to Amy who, at the moment,
was saying a silent prayer, "she seems as upset as we are over this. Who is that?"
Sally looked at Amy, noticing Amy's eyes were still wet with tears. "That's Amy Rose, one of
our youngest Freedom Fighters. She considers your son someone...special to her." Sally
explained how Amy had lost her family because of Robotnik, and of how Anthony comforted Amy
during a couple of emotionally difficult times for her.
Anthony's mother gasped at this story, and looked at Amy with tears in her own eyes. She then
walked over to the beleaguered hedgehog as Amy was finishing her prayer. "Amy? I'm Anthony's
mother. Sally...told me how Anthony helped you in Mobius."
Amy looked up at the matriarchal figure that approached her, and then, almost without warning,
embraced the human female like a daughter would to her mother. The two of them continued to
embrace, both crying tears for the same person, and both hoping for the best.
Sally watched as this happened, and realized that this was for the best, for they could find
strength in sharing each other's hope...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Destiny, let me get this straight..." Anthony said out loud, not sure where to direct his
voice since he didn't know where Destiny's voice was coming from. "I used the Final Power, the
same power that killed Sir Eric, and I survived?"
-That is correct.-
"Well then...where the Hell am I? Is my consciousness in some type of weird limbo until I wake
up? Better yet...WILL I wake up?"
-You will recover. You are in a "waiting area" of sorts in your own mind while your powers
regenerate and your body repairs itself.-
"I see...but...how DID I survive the Final Power? By all rights, I should be dead...."
-Actually, the Final Power did not kill Sir Eric. He was left in same state you are in
currently. However...because the necessary medical knowledge did not exist one thousand years
ago, there was no way to sustain him in that state, and he did die as a result.-
"So...the only reason I'm alive is because of one thousand years of Arcadian evolution...How
long will I have to wait to reawaken?"
-Five days. No more.-
"Good," Anthony said, then turned back towards the lake.
-Aren't you curious?-
"About what?"
-About how you became the Gamemaster?-
"Ah...that was just being in the right place at the right time. The portal just happened to
be..."
-Actually...that portal followed you.-
"WHAT?!?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just as Anthony's parents left the hospital, David, Bowser Koopa, and Julian entered. Sharpe
became more worried, knowing how the patrons of the hospital might react to seeing the villains
from the games. However, he also knew that the news of Earth told of what had happened on
Mobius, including Koopa's joining the fight and Julian's recovery, so he would just have to see
what would happen. Sally went up to the three newcomers and told them of Anthony's condition.
Julian looked down in shame. "This is all my fault...even if it technically wasn't me that did
all those terrible things on Mobius, it was my experiments with the ROCC that did create the
despot that was responsible. Now, not only has Mobius suffered, but...that young man who was
brought into this fight, a fight that wasn't even his, may never recover fully as a result."
"Dad," David said, placing a hand on Julian's shoulder, "you shouldn't keep blaming yourself.
No one knew the ROCC was going to blow like it did, that was an accident. You can't let what
happened in the past control you."
"Yeah," Bowser said. "All of Mobius practically forgave you as you left that fortress, knowing
what your son went through when he found out who his father is, and seeing the same feelings
going through you. No one blames you, not even me, and...to be honest (a word I'd never
thought I'd use!), during the battle I was getting ready to kill you for what was happening to
my countrymen."
"I see..." Julian said. "Still...I fell that should make up in some way for what has
happened..."
"Oh dear..." Sally said, looking at Amy, who had collapsed in the chair she was in out of
exhaustion. "Looks like Amy had cried herself to sleep, fearing for Anthony's health."
Julian walked up to the small hedgehog and picked her up, cradling her in his arms to support
her. "I'll help bring her back, your highness."
Sally smiled as the group, escorted by Sharpe, exited the hospital. "Then...consider this a
start, Julian..." Julian smiled, feeling a little better...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-While the events of the coup were taking place on Mobius, my male counterpart, Fate, foresaw
that the Earth/Gardenia portal would open as the result of events on Gardenia. We realized
that if it wasn't opened near a descendant of Sir Eric, events would not transpire that would
lead to the reformation of Arcadia. We entered Earth's reality and sought out someone who we
thought was worthy of the title. We found you.-
"Why me?"
-We knew of your love of video games, and knew the worlds of Arcadia would translate into games
in your world. We had even seen the game Donkey Kong which had Gardenia's hero starring in it.
That, coupled with your bloodline and your strong sense of justice, made you our best
candidate. We used our powers to make sure the portal opening would always appear at your
location, even when you moved from one house to another.-
"So...you wanted me to be the Gamemaster no matter what. Even though I was reluctant at
times..."
-You still managed to succeed despite your reluctance. I am proud of what you have done for my
people...Arcadia is proud...your country is proud...and your family is definitely proud.-
"Dang..." Anthony said, collapsing further into his seated position. "I...never knew I had it
in me. So...what happens now after I recover?"
-That is up to you. Arcadia is reunited, Mobius is free, and you have reclaimed your family's
powers. There is no shame in wanting to quit now, you've done a lot for Arcadia. Of
course...Arcadia could still use a Gamemaster, someone to lead the worlds into the future. You
do not have to choose now. Rest. The answer is sure to come to you.-
Anthony nodded and let his consciousness take in the relaxing scenery that was created. A
thought entered his mind, however, as he gazed out at the lake. "Gee...too bad I don't have
any fishing tackle. This looks like the perfect place to fish!" Upon thinking that, a rod and
a couple containers of bait appeared near him. Anthony smiled, and then baited the hook of the
rod and cast his line out onto the waters.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the fifth day, Anthony awakened slowly in his hospital bed, nearly being blinded by the
lights of the room reflecting on the pure white walls within. As soon as his sight was
available to him, he saw that he was hooked up to an IV and had various pieces of equipment
monitoring just about every vital sign possible.
He needed to know what happened after he blacked out in Mobius, so he felt around his immediate
area for anything he could use to signal the hospital staff. He eventually found a small rod
that had a button on one end and a wire running from the other.
"Let's hope this is what I think it is," Anthony thought to himself, as he pressed the
button...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Doctor!" a nurse on duty cried. "The nurse's call just went off...in Anthony Bault's room!"
Doctor Johnson was quick to respond. "He must have awakened! Notify his parents while I go
check him out!" He then rushed towards Anthony's room, rushing past Amy, Sally, Luigi, Zelda,
and Protoman, who were waiting for the latest results of Anthony's health.
"Doctor," Luigi said, "what's a wrong?"
"The nurse's call just went off in Anthony's room. I think he's awake now!"
The group followed the doctor and waited outside the room as he went inside. Doctor Johnson
noticed the open eyes of Anthony and walked up to him.
"Anthony? My name is Doctor Emil Johnson. Do you know where you are?"
Anthony answered back, whispering because of lack of strength, "H-hospital..."
"That is correct. You were unconscious for five days due to a massive trauma."
Anthony nodded in understanding, then asked a question. "Did...we win?"
Doctor Johnson was shocked by this question. He was informed of the circumstances of how
Anthony became unconscious, and realized what this question could mean. "I don't understand,
Anthony..."
"The ship...was it...destroyed?"
Doctor Johnson breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that Anthony still had his memories. "Yes.
Mobius is safe now. Just rest now, you'll be able to visit with your friends and family once
you're stronger."
Anthony nodded and let his eyes close, this time to sleep. Doctor Johnson walked out of the
room to the awaiting eyes of the Arcadians.
"He'll be fine now. You should all be able to visit him tomorrow. Also...his memories are
fully intact."
The entire group was elated by this. They all went to inform the rest of Arcadia of the great
news. Sally was busy helping Amy out, since Amy had broken down into happy tears upon hearing
the news. As she helped Amy, she heard Amy whisper what sounded like a final prayer...
"Great Destiny...thank you..."
At a civilian hospital in Minneapolis, the waiting room was near capacity as every hero from
Gardenia, Hylas, Mobius, and Neo-Earth waited in anticipation. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Link,
Zelda, Megaman, Protoman, Bass, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Bunnie, Antoine, Sally, Sonia,
Manic, Rotor, Ryan, Chris, Sir Kain, T-Bone, FX, Bookshire, Sandra and Sharpe all filled the
waiting area...some pacing, some praying...and in Amy's case, weeping. Sharpe, however, was
worried about having all the heroes in one area, especially since many of the doctors were
looking in disbelief at seeing some of video game's greatest in one area.
The doctors were currently looking over the body of Anthony, using Neo-Earth medical scanners
to determine the extent of Anthony's condition. Although their knowledge of psionics was
limited, the doctors left no stone unturned in determining whether Anthony would recover.
When Anthony's parents arrived, the group made room for them and helped them to a couple of
chairs. Anthony's mother was distraught, and rightly so, and didn't seem to feel better even
thought several there tried to comfort her. The only time her reaction changed, was when the
doctor came back...
"Mrs. Bault?" Doctor Johnson said.
"Yes?" she replied. "My son...is he alright?"
"Yes...and he's going to recover..." The entire group gasped a sigh of relief at this, and
then the doctor continued. "In fact, the readings were very promising. Apparently Anthony
seems to be recharging his powers and repairing his body. That's why he's currently
unconscious, his body suffered a shock from releasing what you call 'The Final Power' and is
just trying to rebound from it. We predict he should awaken in a few days to a week at most."
"So...he'll be alright...with no problems?" Anthony's father asked.
"Well...we're still not familiar with how psionics work. As such...we have to assume that
there may be side effects from what he did. Brain activity is normal, but it may be just to
support his bodily functions. Worst case scenario...Anthony may have no memories of who he is
and what he has done..."
A shocked silence permeated the group, broken only by Amy's quiet sobs. Sally tried to comfort
the young hedgehog, but was afraid her feelings mirrored everyone there, as she saw Anthony's
mother fold her hands in front of her face, almost in prayer...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Where am I?"
Anthony looked around at the landscape around him. The only prominent features were a piece of
land outcropping onto a huge lake and a tree near the edge of the lake. It was a peaceful
setting to Anthony's eyes, and made him think of one thing...
"So...this is what Heaven looks like," Anthony thought to himself at he sat near the base of
the tree, looking out on the lake. "Funny...I was expecting the Pearly Gates, the cloudlike
landscapes, the angels...seeing friends and family that have passed on...but, this seems
peaceful enough to qualify."
He laid his head back against the tree and tears began to form slightly in his eyes. "I will
miss everything, my family, my friends, both Earth and Arcadian...but at least I died doing
something good, helping to save Mobius..."
-Who says you are dead?-
Anthony nearly jumped when he heard those words, feminine in sound and seeming to come from out
of nowhere. "Who...who's that?"
-I go by many names. On the version of Earth that exists in the Mobius reality I am called
Gaia, but on Mobius itself I am called...-
"Destiny..." Anthony said, finishing the statement. "May I ask why you are speaking to me?
Or, do you always talk to Earthers turned Mobian heroes?"
-You refer to Chris and then David, yes I have spoken to them. But, the reason I wish to speak
to you is different altogether, Gamemaster...-
"I have no right to that title now, Destiny," Anthony said sullenly. "Since I'm no longer
alive to use it..."
-But you aren't dead.-
Anthony looked up towards the sky in shock. "Say WHAT?!?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next few hours in the waiting room of the hospital were spent in near quiet contemplation.
Every hero there walked up to try to consul Anthony's parents, introducing themselves, telling
of Anthony's deeds, and telling of their hopes to speedy recovery. Afterwards, many of them
left to see to plans for rebuilding Mobius. Two Mobians stayed behind, however, one of whom
spoke to Anthony's mother...
"Mrs. Bault?" Anthony's mother looked up towards the voice. "My name is Sally Acorn, Princess
of Mobotropolis. I...just wanted to tell you of how proud I am of what your son has done for
us, and of how I hope for his recovery. We are all praying for his fast recovery."
"Thank you..." Anthony's mother said, grateful for Sally's praise. She was overwhelmed by the
amount of praise her son was receiving, and was amazed at the praise coming from those she
thought were just video game heroes. She still had one enquiry to ask, however... "Your
highness?"
"Please...call me Sally."
"Sally then...that pink hedgehog over there," she started, pointing to Amy who, at the moment,
was saying a silent prayer, "she seems as upset as we are over this. Who is that?"
Sally looked at Amy, noticing Amy's eyes were still wet with tears. "That's Amy Rose, one of
our youngest Freedom Fighters. She considers your son someone...special to her." Sally
explained how Amy had lost her family because of Robotnik, and of how Anthony comforted Amy
during a couple of emotionally difficult times for her.
Anthony's mother gasped at this story, and looked at Amy with tears in her own eyes. She then
walked over to the beleaguered hedgehog as Amy was finishing her prayer. "Amy? I'm Anthony's
mother. Sally...told me how Anthony helped you in Mobius."
Amy looked up at the matriarchal figure that approached her, and then, almost without warning,
embraced the human female like a daughter would to her mother. The two of them continued to
embrace, both crying tears for the same person, and both hoping for the best.
Sally watched as this happened, and realized that this was for the best, for they could find
strength in sharing each other's hope...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Destiny, let me get this straight..." Anthony said out loud, not sure where to direct his
voice since he didn't know where Destiny's voice was coming from. "I used the Final Power, the
same power that killed Sir Eric, and I survived?"
-That is correct.-
"Well then...where the Hell am I? Is my consciousness in some type of weird limbo until I wake
up? Better yet...WILL I wake up?"
-You will recover. You are in a "waiting area" of sorts in your own mind while your powers
regenerate and your body repairs itself.-
"I see...but...how DID I survive the Final Power? By all rights, I should be dead...."
-Actually, the Final Power did not kill Sir Eric. He was left in same state you are in
currently. However...because the necessary medical knowledge did not exist one thousand years
ago, there was no way to sustain him in that state, and he did die as a result.-
"So...the only reason I'm alive is because of one thousand years of Arcadian evolution...How
long will I have to wait to reawaken?"
-Five days. No more.-
"Good," Anthony said, then turned back towards the lake.
-Aren't you curious?-
"About what?"
-About how you became the Gamemaster?-
"Ah...that was just being in the right place at the right time. The portal just happened to
be..."
-Actually...that portal followed you.-
"WHAT?!?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just as Anthony's parents left the hospital, David, Bowser Koopa, and Julian entered. Sharpe
became more worried, knowing how the patrons of the hospital might react to seeing the villains
from the games. However, he also knew that the news of Earth told of what had happened on
Mobius, including Koopa's joining the fight and Julian's recovery, so he would just have to see
what would happen. Sally went up to the three newcomers and told them of Anthony's condition.
Julian looked down in shame. "This is all my fault...even if it technically wasn't me that did
all those terrible things on Mobius, it was my experiments with the ROCC that did create the
despot that was responsible. Now, not only has Mobius suffered, but...that young man who was
brought into this fight, a fight that wasn't even his, may never recover fully as a result."
"Dad," David said, placing a hand on Julian's shoulder, "you shouldn't keep blaming yourself.
No one knew the ROCC was going to blow like it did, that was an accident. You can't let what
happened in the past control you."
"Yeah," Bowser said. "All of Mobius practically forgave you as you left that fortress, knowing
what your son went through when he found out who his father is, and seeing the same feelings
going through you. No one blames you, not even me, and...to be honest (a word I'd never
thought I'd use!), during the battle I was getting ready to kill you for what was happening to
my countrymen."
"I see..." Julian said. "Still...I fell that should make up in some way for what has
happened..."
"Oh dear..." Sally said, looking at Amy, who had collapsed in the chair she was in out of
exhaustion. "Looks like Amy had cried herself to sleep, fearing for Anthony's health."
Julian walked up to the small hedgehog and picked her up, cradling her in his arms to support
her. "I'll help bring her back, your highness."
Sally smiled as the group, escorted by Sharpe, exited the hospital. "Then...consider this a
start, Julian..." Julian smiled, feeling a little better...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-While the events of the coup were taking place on Mobius, my male counterpart, Fate, foresaw
that the Earth/Gardenia portal would open as the result of events on Gardenia. We realized
that if it wasn't opened near a descendant of Sir Eric, events would not transpire that would
lead to the reformation of Arcadia. We entered Earth's reality and sought out someone who we
thought was worthy of the title. We found you.-
"Why me?"
-We knew of your love of video games, and knew the worlds of Arcadia would translate into games
in your world. We had even seen the game Donkey Kong which had Gardenia's hero starring in it.
That, coupled with your bloodline and your strong sense of justice, made you our best
candidate. We used our powers to make sure the portal opening would always appear at your
location, even when you moved from one house to another.-
"So...you wanted me to be the Gamemaster no matter what. Even though I was reluctant at
times..."
-You still managed to succeed despite your reluctance. I am proud of what you have done for my
people...Arcadia is proud...your country is proud...and your family is definitely proud.-
"Dang..." Anthony said, collapsing further into his seated position. "I...never knew I had it
in me. So...what happens now after I recover?"
-That is up to you. Arcadia is reunited, Mobius is free, and you have reclaimed your family's
powers. There is no shame in wanting to quit now, you've done a lot for Arcadia. Of
course...Arcadia could still use a Gamemaster, someone to lead the worlds into the future. You
do not have to choose now. Rest. The answer is sure to come to you.-
Anthony nodded and let his consciousness take in the relaxing scenery that was created. A
thought entered his mind, however, as he gazed out at the lake. "Gee...too bad I don't have
any fishing tackle. This looks like the perfect place to fish!" Upon thinking that, a rod and
a couple containers of bait appeared near him. Anthony smiled, and then baited the hook of the
rod and cast his line out onto the waters.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the fifth day, Anthony awakened slowly in his hospital bed, nearly being blinded by the
lights of the room reflecting on the pure white walls within. As soon as his sight was
available to him, he saw that he was hooked up to an IV and had various pieces of equipment
monitoring just about every vital sign possible.
He needed to know what happened after he blacked out in Mobius, so he felt around his immediate
area for anything he could use to signal the hospital staff. He eventually found a small rod
that had a button on one end and a wire running from the other.
"Let's hope this is what I think it is," Anthony thought to himself, as he pressed the
button...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Doctor!" a nurse on duty cried. "The nurse's call just went off...in Anthony Bault's room!"
Doctor Johnson was quick to respond. "He must have awakened! Notify his parents while I go
check him out!" He then rushed towards Anthony's room, rushing past Amy, Sally, Luigi, Zelda,
and Protoman, who were waiting for the latest results of Anthony's health.
"Doctor," Luigi said, "what's a wrong?"
"The nurse's call just went off in Anthony's room. I think he's awake now!"
The group followed the doctor and waited outside the room as he went inside. Doctor Johnson
noticed the open eyes of Anthony and walked up to him.
"Anthony? My name is Doctor Emil Johnson. Do you know where you are?"
Anthony answered back, whispering because of lack of strength, "H-hospital..."
"That is correct. You were unconscious for five days due to a massive trauma."
Anthony nodded in understanding, then asked a question. "Did...we win?"
Doctor Johnson was shocked by this question. He was informed of the circumstances of how
Anthony became unconscious, and realized what this question could mean. "I don't understand,
Anthony..."
"The ship...was it...destroyed?"
Doctor Johnson breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that Anthony still had his memories. "Yes.
Mobius is safe now. Just rest now, you'll be able to visit with your friends and family once
you're stronger."
Anthony nodded and let his eyes close, this time to sleep. Doctor Johnson walked out of the
room to the awaiting eyes of the Arcadians.
"He'll be fine now. You should all be able to visit him tomorrow. Also...his memories are
fully intact."
The entire group was elated by this. They all went to inform the rest of Arcadia of the great
news. Sally was busy helping Amy out, since Amy had broken down into happy tears upon hearing
the news. As she helped Amy, she heard Amy whisper what sounded like a final prayer...
"Great Destiny...thank you..."