Chapter 3 – The Future?

"And there she is guys." said Sonic as the group came over the crest of another hill.

The group, consisting of Sally, Bunnie, Tails and Rotor all gasped. Tails had seen Little Planet before but not this close before. Sonic continued walking and soon the group was standing by the shore of Never Lake. Sally stared up at the globe above them.

"Sonic? How do we get up there?" she asked.

"There's a small pedicel over on that out crop of land. It acts as a sort of transporter." replied Sonic, "We better get moving."

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A while later Sonic and the rest of the group were standing on Little Planet.

"So where do we go from here?" asked Rotor.

"I dunno Rote." replied Sonic, "She could be anywhere. Best if we split up and look for her."

"Good idea Sonic." said Sally, "Rotor you go with Bunnie, I'll go with Tails and I'm sure you can manage on your own Sonic."

"Sure can Sal. I'll be round this place and back before you even knew I was gone."

With that Sonic shot off towards the Quartz Quadrant area of Little Planet. Bunnie and Rotor set off towards Collision Chaos and Tails and Sally headed for Palmtree Panic. Above them Metal Sonic watched them.

"Hmm so you are here to find Amy? Well too bad for you that she won't make it. Now for the final Time Stone."

He flew off in the direction of the Stardust Speedway.

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Sally and Tails entered Palmtree Panic at a jog. They slowed to a walk and started to look around. The search was slow. They spent hours looking around trees and under bushes for clues on where Amy was. They were about to leave when Tails gave cry.

"Hey Sally come over here." he yelled from behind a log.

Sally walked over to where he was and looked. Imprinted in the wet soil was a set of footprints. They looked pretty fresh too.

"Looks like she came this way." said Sally.

"Yeah." said Tails, "Now where could she have gone?"

"Well we should try this way first I think. Come on."

Tails and Sally set off in the direction of the footsteps. They eventually left the forest behind them and entered a field. At the far side of the field was a small building. They went up to it and noticed a set of footprints going in and then coming out again but the outwards footsteps looked to be at a running pace due to there separation.

"Well it looks like she went in and then left again at a run." said Sally.

Tails looked worried, "Why would she be running?"

"I don't know Tails. Let's follow these prints and see if we can find her."

They followed the second set of footsteps. It led them back into the forest and along for a bit. It was then that they both noticed a large yellow and red mallet lying on the path. Tails eyes went wide as he ran to pick it up.

"This is Amy's!" he said frantically, "I don't understand. She never leaves this lying around!"

Sally put her arm around him to comfort him.

"I'm sure she's ok Tails. Come on the tracks go this way."

They walked on for a few seconds more and climbed a small hill. When they reached the top Tails almost died of shock. There was Amy lying in a heap at the foot of a tree covered in blood and mud. There was a small crater nearby too. Tails rushed to her side.

"AMY! OH MY GOD! AMY!" he cried as he picked her up off the floor and cradles her in his arms.

"I'll get the others." she said removing a small gun from her back pack.

She pointed it into the air and fired. A red flare shot into the sky and exploded.

"Sally!" cried Tails, "We gotta do something."

"I know Tails, I know. Let's have a look at her."

Sally took a second to look over Amy. She had a very large cut across her head. The blood had hardened and gone crusty in her fur. She also had several other cuts and grazes all over her and a dislocated shoulder. Sally reached in her back pack and pulled out a small med kit. She opened it and removed a swab and a bottle of antiseptic. She poured some onto the swab and placed it on the cut on Amy's head. She then went about cleaning up the cuts and grazes on her legs and arms. Tails watched on quietly. Just then there was a whisper of wind and then a large boom as Sonic shot out of the undergrowth and skidded to a halt nearby. Tails looked at him as he walked towards them, his eyes full of tears and sorrow.

"Hey there guys." said Sonic, "You find Am…"

Just then Sally moved to the side to reveal Amy. Sonic's jaw virtually hit the floor.

"My god Amy!" he cried and took a few steps towards her and knelt down next to her, "How is she Sal?"

"Not too good Sonic." replied Sally quietly so as not to make Tails worried, "She has a real bad wound on her head, a dislocated shoulder and lots of other cuts and grazes. She in a bad way but I think she'll be ok."

"Has she been unconscious all this time?"

"Probably. It looks like some force threw her against this tree."

Sonic turned to see the crater in the ground, "Just a sec Sal."

He walked over to the crater and looked at it.

"Yep definitely an explosion." he said turning back to Sally and Tails.

"But what could have caused it." said Tails in a fluster.

"Don't know T2 but we'll find out and then……."

Amy suddenly groaned. The three of them turned to face her. Her face tensed up and slowly one eye fluttered open half way. Tails was just about to leap at her when Sonic caught a hold of his arm and stopped him. Sally leaned over Amy and added a bit more antiseptic to the swab. Amy groaned again and slowly both of her eyes opened.

"Uuuhhm." she groaned as her eyes focussed on Sally, "Sally? Is that you?"

"Yes Amy it's me." replied Sally.

Just then the pain hit Amy full force and she cried out. Tails was ready to pull Sonic's arm off to get to her but he restrained himself. Sally started to dab Amy's wounds as a tear formed in her eye.

"It huuuuuuuuuuuuuuurts!!!!" whimpered Amy softly.

"I know Amy but we have to treat your wounds."

Amy's eyes fluttered again and she glanced around. Her eyes stopped on Tails.

"Tails?" she said.

Tails broke free of Sonic's grasp and he ran to her side. He knelt down beside her and held her hand.

"Amy." he said softly.

"Tails." Amy replied.

"Amy." interrupted Sally, "We have to put your shoulder back in so it can heal."

Amy face filled with fear. She had seen this done before.

"It's ok Amy. It'll be over in a second." said Sally taking hold of Amy's right arm. She quickly yanked it upwards and pushed in. Amy screamed and Tails clutched her hand harder. After a few second Amy's howl faded and she sobbed a bit. Sally removed the swab from her head wound and wiped away the slightly softened blood stuck in her fur. She took a bandage from the med kit and wrapped it around Amy's head. A few minutes later she was done and she stepped back. Amy looked like she had been in a war what with the head bandage and numerous other bandages all over her body.

Just then Bunnie and Rotor ran in and gasped at the sight. Sonic explained what had happened to them.

"Oh ma stars." said Bunnie when he was done, "I wonder what on Mobius happened."

"Don't know Bunnie but we must find out."

"Erm." came a small voice.

Sonic, Sally, Bunnie and Rotor turned to see Tails standing there.

"Er Amy said she has something to say."

The five of them clustered around Amy, who was now propped up against the tree. She coughed a bit and moaned again and then finally spoke.

"Thank…ah….thank you for coming after me. Aah!" she spoke softly.

"Ah no problem Amy." said Sonic.

Amy smiled at Sonic.

"What happened Amy?" asked Sally.

Amy's eyes suddenly lit up with a surge of fear, sadness and confusion.

"Amy? You ok?" asked Tails.

Amy just let out a sob and closed her eyes.

"It….it………..it was Metal Sonic!" she said slowly through her tears.

Everyone looked shocked.

"WHAT?!?!" cried Sonic, "But Knuckles destroyed him 2 years ago!"

Amy could only continue to cry.

"He….he……….he…he's after the Time Stones."

Sonic went pale. Sally saw this.

"What is it Sonic?"

"The Time Stones. Oh no! Not that again!"

"What?"

"If Metal gets his claws on all seven of the Time Stones he can alter time as he sees fit. He could erase us from history!"

Everyone's faces suddenly hit the deck. Amy groaned.

"He said he only had Stardust Speedway to go to." she managed to say before falling into silence again.

"That's not good. We have to get there as fast as we can." said Sonic.

"But what about little ol' Amy!" exclaimed Bunnie.

"I will be ok." said Amy behind them.

Everyone turned to see Amy shakily getting to her feet supported by a very nervous looking Tails.

"Amy, you shouldn't be standing." said Sally rushing to her side.

Amy merely shrugged her off.

"I am ok." she winced.

She took a step forward and cried out. Everyone looked very nervous as she took another step. This time she was able to hold the cry in. Tails still had her mallet in his other hand and Amy indicated that she wanted it. Tails slowly handed it to Amy who took it in her left hand as her right arm still ached. She raised the mallet slightly and it suddenly vanished from sight.

"Like Sonic said, lets go!" she said quietly.

The group didn't make any objections and headed slowly for the Stardust Speedway.

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Metal Sonic slowed to a stop at the beginning of the Stardust Speedway. He looked around.

"Hmm no sign of those freedom fighters. Good."

He turned back to the speedway and his eyes glowed. Once he has cleared the final part of Stardust he could finally get his claws on the last Time Stone and then he would put everything right. He faced the final part of the Stardust Speedway. This is where Sonic had defeated him so long ago.

"Well that hedgehog isn't here now!" he said to himself.

"I wouldn't count on that!" came a voice behind him.

"What?!" cried Metal as he spun around.

Coming around the corner of the zone was Sonic. He screeched to a halt about 20 feet from Metal.

"So we meet again my metal counterpart." said Sonic narrowing his eyes.

"It appears so." replied Metal clenching his metal claws.

"I though Knuckles destroyed you two years ago?"

"Well there you are Sonic. He did."

Sonic lifted an eyebrow and Metal caught the expression.

"Ah so you don't know." he said smiling.

"Know what?" replied Sonic getting irritated.

"Well when you destroyed the Chaos Cannon you created a shockwave that restored Robotropolis back into Mobotropolis and also restored the rest of Mobius in the process. Well it also restored me."

"WHAT?!"

"SONIC!!!!" came a yell from behind them. Sonic spun to see Tails, Sally and the rest of the group heading there way.

"Hmm…..I see your friends are here." said Metal.

Sonic turned back to him and glared as the rest of the group arrived. Tails was ready to tear Metal Sonic apart with his bare hands.

"You piece of stinking filth!" he screamed at Metal.

"Oh I'm sorry. Did I hurt her?" chuckled Metal.

"Aaaaaaaaaaah!" yelled Tails and leaped towards him only to be caught by Sonic.

"Not now Tails." said Sonic turning to Metal, "I have a proposition for you."

"Oh really." said Metal raising his arm and preparing to fire, "I think your in no position to make propositions."

"How about a race?" said Sonic with a smile.

"A race?" said Metal looking at him.

"Yeah you know a race. Or are you afraid you'll lose again?" said Sonic with a smirk.

Metals eyes glowed bright red and he lowered his arm, "I'm afraid it is you who will lose this time Hedgehog!"

"Sonic!" said Sally, "Sonic don't. It's too dangerous."

"Relax Sal. I've beaten him once before. I can do it again." replied Sonic.

Sonic turned towards Metal and took a few steps forwards.

"You ready metal head?" laughed Sonic.

"The question is are you?" said Metal his jet booster roaring into action.

"Oh no you don't." said Sonic and took off just as Metal launched from the starting blocks.

Sally watched as Sonic and Metal took off. She blinked slowly. Just then Amy moaned and Sally looked at her. She was standing again supported by Tails.

"No." she whimpered softly.

"What is it Amy?" asked Sally.

"Why has Sonic gone? Metal isn't the same as last time. He's….he's….stronger."

Sally didn't like the sound of this.

"Come on." she commanded to the rest, "We have to follow them."

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Sonic leaped into the air narrowly missing a hole in the speedway created by one of Metals missiles.

"Hey play fair you stupid tin can!" he yelled.

"Fair? I don't think so." said Metal and fired another missile in front of him.

This one hit a supporting beam for another Speedway that crossed over the Stardust one. The explosion took out the beam and brought the speedway down. Sonic screamed and curled into a ball smashing his way through.

"Two can play at that!" he said spin dashing into another pillar bring down a section in front of Metal. Metal raised his arm and fired another missile, blasting the section to bits as he soured through. Sonic was now ahead as they passed the halfway point of the stage. Metal smiled and increased his speed drawing level with Sonic.

"So you want to go faster eh?" said Sonic, "Well, try this!"

He lowered his head as he shot forwards at his top speed creating a loud "boom" as he broke the sound barrier.

"Yes hedgehog. Now it's my turn." smirked Metal as his jet booster slowed for a second and then erupted in a huge fireball. He shot forwards and caught up to Sonic in a split second. Sonic looked to his side. He couldn't believe it.

"Now hedgehog prepare to loose." said Metal as they came into the final stretch.

"I don't think so Metal." yelled Sonic pushing ahead slightly.

"But I do hedgehog." said Metal.

Just then Metal started to glow. The light increased for a second and then in a flash Metal shot forwards past Sonic. Sonic gasped as he saw his metal counterpart tear across the finish line. I've lost thought Sonic. How could I lose? He skidded to a halt at the finish line only to end up looking down the gun barrel of Metal Sonic's laser rifle.

"And now hedgehog, I'll have to dispose of you."

"Don't think so pal!" yelled Sonic leaping backwards and preparing to attack. Metal didn't wait. He fired at Sonic sending several laser blasts his way. Sonic leaped up, dodging most of them. However, the final shot hit him in the right leg above the knee causing him to fall to the ground. He hit the ground with a thud just as Metal fired another volley. Sonic painfully jumped to the side but was too slow and caught another blast in his left shoulder. He flew backwards hitting a wall. Metal lowered his arm and walked over to him. He picked up Sonic in his claw and threw into another wall. Sonic shakily tried to stand but collapsed again. Metal hovered over to him.

"Hmm…..I thought the legendary Sonic would have been more of a challenge. Oh well." he said as he raised his arm again.

"Think again metal head" said Sonic quietly as he suddenly stood up and launched himself at Metal, knocking him back. Metal was thrown against a wall as Sonic landed and stumbled.

"You'll pay for that Sonic!" roared Metal as he charged at Sonic, picking him up in his claw and throwing him hard against the wall. Sonic hit the wall with a loud crack.

"ARGH!" he cried out as he slid down the wall, his left arm broken.

"Does it hurt enough yet?!" cried Metal as he grabbed Sonic and bashed him off the floor. Sonic could only scream in pain as Metal threw him at another wall. He hit it with another crack as his right leg broke. Metal walked over to the Sonic and looked at him. Blood was oozing from deep wounds all over his body.

"Now where is the Time Stone?" Metal said to himself as he looked around. He noticed a small stone pedicel a few meters away. He floated over to it. On it sat the final Time Stone. He reached forward and removed it from its place. He was suddenly encased in a dark light that surged through his systems.

"Excellent! EXCELLENT!" he cried, "Now to deal with those freedom figh…"

"OH MY GOD!!!! SONIC!!!!!" yelled a voice.

Metal turned to see the rest of the freedom fighters running towards him.

"Hmm so the games a foot eh?" said Metal as he started towards them.

He reached them a few second later. Sally was already at Sonic's side, crying over Sonic's bloody body, Tails was comforting Amy whilst trying not to cry himself and Bunnie and Rotor were just standing there looking amazed. Bunnie and Rotor caught sigh of Metal as he approaches.

Sally!" cried Rotor.

Sally looked up and saw Metal. Hate, revenge and anger filled her eyes.

"I'll have you made into a can opener for what you've done!" she screamed at him, her eyes filled with tears. Rotor, Bunnie and Tails joined her.

"Come and try it." said Metal.

Suddenly the four of them charged towards Metal, screaming. Metal whirled around and swiped his arm around in front of him. A clear wave of energy shot towards the on rushing group. It swepted past them and they stopped instantly. They hovered in the air for a second and then disappeared. Amy, who was now lying on the floor, was completely lost. Metal walked up to her.

"What have you done?" she asked nervously.

"I have erased them from time." came a cold reply, "They are each trapped in their own personal hell for all of time and are now no more than a memory."

Amy's eyes filled with tears. Metal glanced over at Sonic lying on the ground.

"Well my work here is done. I must go now. Farewell little Amy. Soon you will be no more than a memory too."

Metal laughed as he swung his arm in a circle, creating a small portal like opening. He stepped in and the portal closed. Amy looked around her. Everyone was gone. Everyone. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at Sonic's limp form on the ground. She managed to crawl her way over to him painfully. She rolled him over onto his back and looked into his eyes. They were pale.

"Sonic?" she said softly, "Sonic?"

Sonic twitched slightly and his eyes open a bit more. He slowly looked at Amy.

"Forgive me Amy. I'm sorry." he coughed.

"Sonic?! SONIC?!" cried Amy as she felt him go limp, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

Amy burst into tears and collapsed to the ground. Everyone she knew, everyone she cared about was gone. Sonic, Sally, Bunnie, Rotor and most of all Tails. She closed her eyes and clenched her fist on the ground. No! She wouldn't allow it! This was not how it was supposed to be! She raised her head and screamed.

"METAL! YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS!!!!!" she cried out at the top of her voice.

Just then a strange feeling shook her body. A stab of pain struck her mind as a bright light echoed from her body. She screamed.

"ARGH! What is going on?!"

The light encased her and suddenly the stabbing pain in her head changed. It became a soft comforting hand. It ran through her making her go dizzy for a second. She looked at herself. The cuts on her arms and legs were glowing with a pale blue light. As she watched they slowly healed. Amy was struck with awe. She reached up and touched her head bandage. It didn't hurt. She slowly removed her bandage and ran her hand across her wound. It was gone! She was completely amazed.

Just then there was a small voice in her head.

"Amielle." it said.

Amy glanced around for a second and then stopped.

"Amielle." the voice said again.

"Yes?" replied Amy softly.

"Amielle. Finally the day has come." said the voice louder.

It was a female voice and as Amy thought about it she began to recognise it even though she had never heard it before.

"Mother?" she said.

"Yes dear." said another voice.

This one was male and Amy found she knew it as well.

"Father?" she asked.

"Yes it is Amielle." said her father.

Amy didn't know what to do. She was talking to her mother and father in her head. The more she thought the more she was drawn in. Suddenly a strange feeling shook her body and she found herself falling through a vortex.

"Don't worry dear. We will catch you. Just relax." said her mother voice.

For some reason, Amy trusted the voice. She relaxed as she fell. Falling towards what she didn't know. Suddenly there was a flash and she was standing in a field. The field was covered in flowers and standing in the middle of it was a couple of figures. She slowly walked towards them. As she got closer she was able to make them out. There was a blue hedgehog and a pink hedgehog. They smiled as she approached. She stopped just in front of them.

"Mother? Father?" she asked quietly.

"Yes dear. It is us." said the pink hedgehog.

Amy didn't know what to say.

"Where have you been?" she finally said.

"We have always been here." said her mother.

"We have been here in your mind for nearly 14 years." said her father.

"But….but why?" she asked softly.

"We had to wait until you were old enough Amielle." said her mother, "You do not know your true heritage."

"What?" asked Amy.

"You are not a normal Mobian." said her father, "You are more. Something different."

"We knew from the moment of your birth." said her mother, "You were strong and powerful. Didn't you ever wonder where your skills with tarot cards and your mallet came from?"

Amy though for a moment. Yes she had wondered about that before.

"Then….then what am I?" she asked nervously.

"You are an acolyte." said her father.

"A what?" asked Amy.

"An acolyte." said her mother, "Long ago on Little Planet, there was a great civilisation. The used the Time Stones to control time and make things right and help the course of history along. However, at some point the Acolytes disappeared. Nobody knows why or how but they did. The Time Stones remained but without the Acolytes to protect and control them they became unstuck and eventually became unstable. This caused Little Planet to disappear and reappear like it does today. All of the normal population of Little Planet thought that the Acolytes were gone forever but then you were born. We both knew you were one. You are a protector of the Time Stones and keeper of the Mobian timeline."

Amy's face was completely blank. Could it be true? Was she an Acolyte? What was going on?

"Then what are you doing here?" she asked, "What are you doing in my head?"

"A few months after you were born there was a strange event. Little Planet reappeared as normal but this time it was different. I think it had something to do with you. The night Little Planet reappeared there was a strange light from your room. We both went to see what was happening and then we were drawn in here. I don't know how but we were. And we have been here for nearly 14 years." said he father.

"But now the long wait is over. The time has finally come. You have recognised your powers and now we can return." said her mother.

Just then Amy felt herself floating. She hovered above the ground and then suddenly shot up into the air. The vortex surrounded her again and then in a flash she was back on Stardust Speedway. She looked around. Everything was the same as it had been before. Sonic was still lying on the ground, lifeless. Had it all been a dream? She slowly scanned the horizon. She turned around and stopped. Standing there in front of her was her mother and father. She couldn't believe it. It was true. It was all true. She rushed to her parents and hugged them both. Her parents returned the gesture. Finally her mother spoke.

"Amielle. You must go. You must stop that robot."

Amy's face went white, "But……..but……..but how?!"

"Amielle. Do not worry. You will know how when the time comes. Let your feelings guide you and come back to us." said her mother through a tear.

Amy stood back. A purposeful look on her face, "Yes mother. I will."

Amy's face turned to one of complete calm. She turned from her parents and took a few steps forwards. Suddenly she found herself floating. She closed her eyes and though of Metal Sonic. As she opened her eyes a small white portal was forming in front of her. She turned her head and looked at her parents. They were both smiling. She turned back to the portal and floated through it.