A new day, a new chapter...
And that is what's going on today! Heyo once again and hoping the weekly updates aren't too slow because otherwise I'll have to kick it double time hehe. So far everything's going well and basically ironing out how the plot will continue. Got a ton of ideas that are constantly changing but they'll be set to follow the same path and not become something like Gintama where they discuss the plot being all over the place and sometimes go backwards in time reversing all the past events lol. That arrow illustration cracks me up.
Anyway better no hold anyone up so hope you enjoy! ^u^
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or locations. They belong to Sega.
Chapter 19: Small Break, Small Talk
"…please help us, even if you have left your past behind…"
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Bustling people were walking amongst one another through busy streets within a small town consisting of interesting architecture that made up its buildings that were of a mix of modern design and unique display. The most noticeable aspect of this were the several land bridges that bordered around these buildings with a few towers standing tall at its corners. The town's location was within a vast expanse of green valleys and hills, indicating that the town itself was deep within the mountains yet open enough to not be so secluded. Fluffy white clouds passed above the sky which covered the endless blue ceiling with the sun radiating on this fine day.
What made the town more glorious to look at was the tall clock tower within its center ticking down the time of day.
RING!
Upon both arms reaching noon on the clock tower, the citizens within the town all looked up at it.
All at the same time.
Adults and children and pets alike gazed at the large structure that overtook the others within the city.
Black ominous eyes all looking at the time… in which both arms of the clock remained still and moving. The ticking having gone away.
Not before an ominous black mist rose above the ground and surrounded the people in its dark fog as it whisked towards the clock tower and rose up near its height.
Once it reached a good enough distance did it morph into something.
"They will be coming… eliminate them… bring me the echidna…"
This something spoke and after saying the last word, two beings materialized from thin air.
Red eyes glowing with the intent to kill.
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…
"THIS IS SO COOL!" Cinder cheered as she and the others sped through green valleys near the speed of sound. The orange pheasant weaved through boulders and jumped over trenches giggling as she took a lead up front and turned her head. "C'MON EVERYONE, AT THIS RATE WE'LL BE THERE IN NO TIME!"
"I'M GETTING HUNGRY THOUGH!" Dulcy complained. "ALSO DON'T GO TOO FAR AHEAD!"
"HEY SONIC IS THIS FAST ENOUGH FOR YOU?!" Amy shouted looking over to the blue hedgehog she was carrying. The Blue Blur nodded closing his eyes to feel the wind on his face. "THIS IS PERFECT AMES! NOT AS FAST AS ME BUT I AIN'T COMPLAINING HEHE! GOOD JOB AMY!" he said. The pink hedgehog smiled turning around and squealed to herself, very happy to earn praise from the hedgehog she loved so much.
"HEY SHADOW NOT SO ROUGH! ALSO DON'T HOLD ME SO TIGHT!" Rouge yelled at the black hedgehog who kept a stern face looking ahead, the sounds of his air shoes crossing above the grass. His red eyes turned to meet teal ones with annoyance. "WELL HOW SOFT DO YOU WANT ME TO HOLD YOU?! IF I LOOSEN MY GRIP YOU'LL FALL!"
"THEN HOLD ME CLOSER YOU DUMMY!" Rouge countered. Shadow blushed at the suggestion then looked ahead with a grunt. The ivory batgirl giggled to herself knowing how to push the Ultimate Lifeform's buttons. At least it was a good form of entertainment on her part.
Blaze watched the whole ordeal and laughed herself. "C'MON SHADOW, YOU SHOULD ENJOY IT!" she stated. "YOU GOT A SUPER HOT GIRL AND YOU ACT AS IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT!" the purple cat finished up. Shadow ignored the last part but his blush did intensify.
"HEY KNUCKLES SHOULD WE STOP FOR A BIT?! I AM KIND OF STARVING AND WE'VE BEEN RUNNING FOR SOME TIME NOW!" Jian asked the red echidna.
Knuckles himself kept pace with Metal Sonic who was in front of the group blazing through the fields with its jet thrusters. His violet eyes focused on the robot while his peripheral vision picked up Cinder weaving around as she acrobatically crossed the terrain with several jumps and flips. He did hear the words of the white tiger but if anything his mind was solely focused on getting to their destination in time.
Several soft pats on his chest interrupted his gaze which surprised him. Looking down he saw the blue eyes of Tikal in which he held the orange echidna in his arms looking at him with concern. "We should take a break guardian, everyone must be exhausted!"
Her words encouraged Knuckles to nod as he looked up ahead. "HEY WE'LL BE TAKING A BREAK!" he told Metal Sonic. The mech turned its head to the red echidna and nodded. "Understood."
Knuckles then looked around for a good place to stop, his violet orbs catching a small hill with several bushes scattered about. "EVERYONE LET'S HEAD THERE!"
"RIGHT!" they all said as the group turned towards the hill at breakneck speeds. Upon arriving at the hill did almost everyone nearly trip on the ground due to how tired they were, heavy pants of breathing being let out.
"*PANT* Man… that *PANT* was a *PANT* blast!" Cinder let out trying to catch her breath. Bunker nodded as the tortoise stayed relatively quiet during the trip. "It was *PANT* indeed a *PANT* blast… oh my *PANT* goodness I need to *PANT* train harder."
Rouge and Sonic got off Shadow and Amy respectively as they patted their carriers on the shoulder. "That was some awesome stuff Ames! Hopefully you didn't get too winded for how heavy I was, especially with these legs."
"It's *PANT* not a *PANT* problem Sonic… Whew but *PANT* I don't know how *PANT* you do it." Amy responded winded with a smile.
Shadow breathed lightly on his part rolling his eyes at the ones catching their breath. "Hmph, of course…"
"Good job handsome. You can be a gentleman at times and at least this time you didn't complain too much hehe." the batgirl teased. The black hedgehog clenched his teeth turning his head to look away.
"Ah man *PANT* I see why it's easier *PANT* to fly." Dulcy said sitting on the ground. Jian chuckled. "Yeah *PANT* it's a pain, but *PANT* it gives you a good workout."
Blaze had her hands on her knees. "*PANT* I kind of wished *PANT* someone carried me at least. I'm *PANT* a princess after all."
Knuckles panted on his part, lowering Tikal on her feet with the latter giving a bow. "Thank you so much guardian. I will repay you in kindness with whatever you request."
"Hehe *PANT* it's fine." Knuckles simply said to her. The sounds of jet thrusters were heard as Metal Sonic approached the group. "How long will this rest be."
"Not sure but we will need to move soon afterwards. We'll most likely take a break for an hour and then get going, everyone okay with that?" the red echidna questioned. Almost everyone minus Shadow nodded as some sat down while others stayed standing to enjoy the fresh breeze that passed by them.
Cinder's eyes looked at the bushes in curiosity. She approached one and raised her feathery hands to rummage through its leaves, her eyes widening in happiness. "HEY EVERYONE THESE BUSHES HAVE BERRIES!" she cheered as she grabbed several of the juicy fruit.
"Alright that's awesome! Not exactly filling but at least it's better than nothing!" Sonic said approaching one of the bushes and nabbing a few off its branches. Amy walked over to him and helped out in taking several.
"Well it's not much but it is food. C'mon Shad I need you to test them if they're not poisoned or something." Rouge asked the black hedgehog.
"…they're berries. They won't be poisoned, and for that I won't carry you the rest of the way there." Shadow said passing by her to a bush. Rouge made a fake shocked face as she chased after him. "Hey handsome don't act like that. How about I feed you to change your mind~."
Bunker approached a bush and plucked a berry, popping it into her mouth. Immediately her red eyes widened in surprise. "Oh Gaia these are simply delicious. Come Jian let us take some."
The white tiger nodded and proceeded to grab some. "Well if you like them then I'll like them too. Gotta take advantage of what we got so let's eat up!"
Blaze silently ate some she grabbed with a content look on her face. "So good…~" With that she was lost in berry heaven.
Knuckles grabbed a handful within his grasp and sat down in his own patch of grass. 'They're not grapes, but eh still one of my favorites.'
Small shuffling was heard near the red echidna, his gaze looking at the small form of Tikal as she sat next to him. "Do you mind if I sit here guardian?" she said softly. Knuckles watched her silently, if anything his shyness of girls still ran rampant. With Rouge she was an exception as Knuckles would be constantly annoyed and angry at the batgirl for trying to take the emeralds every time she goes to the island. Since their first meeting he felt more irritation rather than nervousness, so the red echidna normally excluded her… at times seeing her more of a gorilla than an actual girl.
With Amy it took some time to get used to but since she's gaga over Sonic, Knuckles got over his shyness with the pink hedgehog years ago. Same way with Blaze as well considering her affection for the once alive silver hedgehog.
The Shinjin Warriors were also another exception, seeing them more as siblings that he got used to quickly.
With Tikal… it was very different. He knew why, but at the same time he didn't know why. Was it because he's no longer the last of his kind anymore? Is it the realization that a female echidna has appeared for some reason? Is it due to only seeing her in visions that Knuckles has no idea how she may act?
Knuckles didn't really know on his part, but with how she never insulted him ever since she met him now as a living being led him to believe that the orange echidna was very kind to everyone including him. Or was this just an act made by Sonic so she can try to reason with him to take his role as guardian of the Master Emerald again?
If that's the case then his fists were ready to turn blue into black and purple with streaks of red.
"Knuckles?"
Her soft voice broke his train of thought to which the red echidna shook his head blinking several times. "Huh wha-?" he muttered, watching Tikal who stared back sadly. "It is okay if you do not wish for me to sit here…"
"N-No no it's fine. Just zoned out there." Knuckles said scratching his head. "So um, did you get any berries for yourself?" he asked. The echidna princess shook her head. "I am fine. Those than ran should have higher priority and since I did not run, I do not mind not eating."
Knuckles frowned at this, raising his hand which had several berries in them which surprised Tikal as she let out a gasp. "No one should ever think that way. Food is a necessity for all and to neglect it will cause setbacks. I'd rather have everyone get their fill than see those that didn't do much just sit there and starve." the red echidna explained.
Tikal was at a loss for words. In her mind she would have never imagined Knuckles caring for others… in her past life all the male echidnas were harsh and cruel. Especially her father.
'The guardian… Knuckles… he is different… I can see why Sonic wanted to find him. He has so much faith for him.' the orange echidna thought. 'He is not like our people back then. Although he does have animosity for his friends and I can understand why with what Sonic told me… deep down he does care. It is only locked away.'
Luckily she was aware of his hand in front of her and nodding with a smile she grabbed some. "Thank you, Knuckles."
"Don't worry about it. Just eat up and you'll be good to go for whatever comes ahead of us." Knuckles turned forward after and ate the berries grinning to himself in delight. Tikal saw his expression and laughed to herself. 'He is also funny, but I can see why Sonic and friends want him back. I must help him with what I can do so that this great evil is stopped, and so that the guardian can go back to his duty and protect the emeralds… for us and our people.'
Everyone sat next to the hill eating to their hearts' content with several chatting amongst one another.
"So are you two brothers?" Cinder asked both Sonic and Shadow. The latter's eyebrow twitched and immediately he glared intensely at his counterpart. "Like I'd ever want to be related to this fake hedgehog."
Sonic looked back just as much as the dark hedgehog. "Same answer as you faker." Eventually the two began a stare down with Amy and Rouge beside them sighing. "Men."
Dulcy laughed to herself at this. "Cinder I don't think they look like brothers. They may be hedgehogs but I really don't see anything similar besides that."
The orange pheasant looked intrigued. "Oooooh okay~! I mean I was wondering since Shadow man wouldn't like being his brother very much, but it was a thought hehe~!" she said. Dulcy shook her head patting Cinder's own. "It's alright but sometimes I wouldn't be too blunt about it."
Jian was currently removing the bandages on her injured arm and inspected the damage. A healing scar was left with much of the blood already having stopped, but it wouldn't fully heal until several days later. Blaze took notice of this. "So what happened there?" asked.
The white tiger gave a sigh. "Well we were fighting against some robots back in Chun-nan that were attacking the city. Me and Bunker were getting rid of them in one part of the town and while we were defeating them a shuriken suddenly appeared before us. It was a strange one in which it disappeared and reappeared without notice. It went after Bunker while she was fighting off some of the robots and I was the only one that saw, so I ran after it to stop it. Unfortunately…" Jian looked down at her arm again. "I was close to stop it, but it teleported away and struck me out of nowhere the next moment. After that it just disappeared."
Blaze took this all in as she nodded. "That is terrible, but I'm glad you were able to save your friend." the purple cat said, her golden eyes lowering a bit. 'I wished I could've been faster on my part… for him…'
Bunker curiously looked at Metal Sonic who stared back at her. "This is a very strange contraption. The same eyes as the ones we fought but at the same time I do not see any hostility."
Metal Sonic's red eyes mimicked a blink several times. "Dr. Eggman has sent me to locate Knuckles and provide the message. I received orders for if Knuckles accepted, to bring him to Dr. Eggman. Side orders also include to not harm Sonic the Hedgehog."
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" the teal-green tortoise asked.
"Classified information. Dr. Eggman voice recognition required to release data."
Bunker raised an eyebrow at this. "Hmm so I would take that as a no then?"
Sonic watched from the distance carefully looking at his robot counterpart. "At least you're not hurting anyone, but I swear Eggman if you double-cross us…"
"Sonic." Amy intervened caressing his arm beside him. "Relax. Metal Sonic is on our side for now and if he turns on us, we'll make sure to leave him way less the scrap metal." the pink hedgehog assured. Sonic looked at her smiling gently. "Thanks Ames." he said with Amy returning her own smile.
Almost an hour has passed in which the group began getting ready to depart.
"Okay so how much longer will it take to get there?" Knuckles said to Metal Sonic while adjusting his hooded scarf.
"We have 100 kilometers remaining to reach the coastline." the mech replied.
"So we're still far away huh? Well good thing Shady can keep going while carrying me right~?" Rouge said batting her eyelashes at the black hedgehog. Shadow scoffed. "Don't assume I'm your pack mule."
"That much distance to cover will take us at least three more days. We can't afford to lose much time." Amy said. "Who knows if the Phantom Ruby hasn't already affected more of the world."
"Amy's right. Knuckles what's the plan?" Sonic asked. The red echidna placed his hand under his chin in thought. "We'll have to reach a nearby city and see if we can find any transport."
"HEY GUYS LOOK WHAT I FOUND!" Cinder shouted behind the group. They all turned to see the orange pheasant pointing the opposite side to them with a cheerful expression. "COME HERE!"
"Looks like she may have found our answer." Dulcy grinned as the dragon and the other Shinjin Warriors ran up to her.
Shadow grunted and headed over as well along with Rouge following him. Blaze ran afterwards upon fixing herself up with Sonic and Amy following suit. Lastly Knuckles, Tikal and Metal Sonic followed and upon arriving at the top of the hill did they really find their answer.
A small city with several land bridges acting as borders surrounded the many buildings within with the streets filled with people and mobians alike.
Sonic's eyes widened. "Hey I know this place!"
"Yeah Sonic, this is where I hugged you while you were in your werehog form and ran off scared. I'm really sorry…" Amy said sadly with ears down. Sonic laughed gently and caressed her cheek with one hand. "It's alright, I could never be mad at you for what happened back then."
Tikal looked at the town in amazement. "What is this wonderful place?"
After returning a happy gesture to Sonic, Amy turned to the echidna princess and grinned.
"This is the art capital on this side of the world… and one of the most romantic places. Welcome to Spagonia everyone!"
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"They are here…"
End of Chapter 19
And that is it!
Apologies for not much action going on but if you caught on for how the beginning and end of this chapter are done, there will be something in the next chapter and trust me, it's gonna be good. Already got it planned out so hold tight hehe.
So the group had a good stroll so far and with how they reached the city of Spagonia, will they find what they need there?
Stay tuned next time! ouo/
