Author's Note: After struggling with how to continue this and which location should the next Cosmos Sapphire be, here is the result of this long awaited new chapter even though the actual place will be in the next chapter.
Sorry that it took me this long-combined with busy life, writer's block, the internet going crazy in the last few months and trying to fix up my computer...Yeah, I just had trouble with this one.
But now it's finally here and hopefully I won't take as long with the next chapter. We'll see what happens and in the meantime, enjoy!
I hold no rights to Sonic the Hedgehog. All propeties of the franchise belong to Sega. I only own the OCs(including the titular character of this story).
Chapter 8: The Mazuri Visit.
Hours after Sun had woken up and finally had something to eat, the group talked about the situation of what was going on with Andrew who again thanked the orange hedgehog and the Chaotix for rescuing and protecting Star, before noticing it was getting late and deciding to discuss the next course of where the third Cosmos Sapphire was and slept for the night.
Yet as everyone did, with Vector snoring loudly in the separate bunker, little did they know that the two Sapphires, one blue the other red, began to glow slightly...and strangely enough, so did Star's body which began to sparkle slightly like beautiful stars or glitter while she slept, beginning to dream an unusual vision.
Everything was dark and blurry, it was so strange that Staria had no idea what was happening or where she was. Blinking in confusion, the young lavender hedgehog glanced around, noticing that the whole sky was in the dusk of twilight, stars shining beautifully, yet there were unusual giant continent like islands floating in space with light portals of some kind shining behind them, some having force-fields surrounding them while others remained free, but all trapped in this dimension she quickly realized she was inside of.
"W-what is this place? Where in Mobius' name am I?" Star whispered, bewildered and a little frightened. Beautiful as it looked, the fourteen year old didn't like how those islands floated and, the air gave her the heebie jeebies.
She hugged herself. There was something about this place that had a strange chill to it and the young archeologist felt very uncomfortable.
"PRINCESS ARIA..." A deep, huge and menacing voice echoed.
"Huh!?" Gasping, Star looked around looking for the source of the strange, giant voice that seemed to be speaking out of nowhere. "Who's there?"
As the young teenage girl rose her guard, her heart pounding quickly while the voice repeated what it said before a huge, black, silhouette form materalized in front of her, causing Star to softly whimper. The massive thing formed into a shape of what appeared to be a Mobian, but...shockingly the size of the moon or at least the tallest skyscraper on the planet. She gasped in horror as the colossal being towered over her on the rock platform she stood, glowing eyes the size of a small yacht or a bus.
"W-who...Who are you?" Star quivered, taking a couple steps back, terrified.
"YOUR DESTINY SHALL BE FUFILLED. YOU AND YOUR CHOSEN CHAMPION...MUST COME." The voice, belonging to the giant creature, spoke darkly.
"What are you...talking about? Who's Princess Aria?" The young hedgehog asked, baffled.
"Aria..." Another, more gentle and female voice echoed, startling Star who turned to see another, smaller Mobian sized figure appear, hovering beside the giant beast. Yet like the monster, the person was hard to make out, but the hedgehog could tell signs of ears and quills.
Another hedgehog, maybe?
"Aria...It is almost time. You must awaken...Your..."
"Huh? What do you...?" Before Star could finish her question, the two figures then floated away and began to vanish which prompted her to reach out for them, wanting to know more. "Wait! Please, come back!"
"Star? Star, wake up."
Gasping softly while being awoken by the movement of someone's gentle gloved hand shaking her by the shoulder, and a familiar young male voice calling out, Star jolted slightly before gazing at the person who was none other than Sun. The orange hedgehog, still a bit worn but thankfully in good health and recovered from yesterday's battles, held a concerned look on his face.
"Sun?" Star blinked, before sitting up while covering her yawn with her hand.
"You okay? You looked like you were having a nightmare or something." Sun asked, managing to mask his worried expression as much as possible.
"You could say that." The lavender hedgehog nodded in agreement, with an uncertain look as she gazed at her lap. "It was the strangest thing I've ever seen, even in my dreams."
She then became thoughtful as an idea formed into her mind, placing her fingers onto her chin. "Hmm...A world that is mostly Twilight, and...Princess Aria? Could there be some sort of...connection somehow?"
"Huh?" The tangerine male hedgehog blinked, confused.
Ten minutes later the young hedgehogs met up with Star's adoptive father and the Chaotix for breakfast, where they began making plans to find the rest of the Cosmos Sapphires, learn more about Dr. Starline's evil plans and stop them, and the lavender hedgehog explained her mysterious dream she just had.
"A giant moon-sized monster?" Vector recoiled slightly, bewildered.
"Princess Aria?" Espio repeated, surprised and puzzled.
"Who's Princess Aria?" Charmy asked, completely clueless.
Star nodded, continuing to explain. "Those are what I've seen and heard. I don't know much of it, because the giant creature and this other woman, I think she was a hedgehog, mentioned Princess Aria. On top of that, I'm not sure if they were talking to me or why they called me Aria."
"Maybe there was a third person behind you that you didn't even notice?" Sun suggested skeptically.
"Hmm...That's another possibility." Star said, frowning slightly as a realization formed with the two Cosmos Sapphires in the middle of the table. "However, given the mysterious power these sapphire produce, protecting us from danger, perhaps they were also showing a connection to all of us and not just you, Sun. Almost as though, they are trying to warn us about the evils of Dr. Starline and those Zeti aliens."
"I agree." The purple chameleon folded his arms, deep in thought with a concerned frown. "There is still so much about the Cosmos Sapphires and their power we don't know about, except that while they are similar to the Chaos Emeralds, they are not exactly the same."
"Care to explain here?" The former Werehog asked, tapping his fingers on the table impatiently.
"It was originally thought that the Chaos Emeralds were pure myth as the history of the Knuckles Tribe had fallen into the darkness of history. Most likely to hide the truth in fear that it would repeat, until Dr. Eggman began his conquest for world dominion almost five years ago, and Sonic was unexpectedly selected as the true chosen one." The sixteen year old detective began.
"Tell me something I don't know, please? In English." Sun groaned, facepalming himself.
"Think of it this way: If the Chaos Emeralds can sense Sonic's or even Shadow's hearts, even Knuckles and quite possibly Tails as well, it is clear that the Cosmos Sapphires do a similar matter."
That made the orange hedgehog softly gasp. That he didn't expect. "Hold on. Tails? I...I can understand Sonic since he's fast, Shadow because of...well, you know, and even Knux guarding the Master Emerald, but how can that kid have that kind of ability?"
"It's because of Sonic's strong bond with Tails and even Knuckles they were able to open up a little bit of their Chaos Energy most Mobians wouldn't. Through a Chaos Force Ceremony, as Master Koga would call it." Espio explained.
"Chaos Force...Ceremony? I thought all Mobians had Chaos Energy and Sonic's the strongest." Sun was baffled over this new information.
"True, but Sonic's has always been more open than anybody else's. He was simply unaware until he began searching for the Emeralds to keep them safe from Robotnik. Sonic had no intention of using them in fear they would read his short temper of anger. But it is because of his pure heart of compassion, selfless acts of kindness and great courage, as well as his love for the world itself, and many others, the Emeralds transformed those feelings into his power." Espio smiled softly, recalling how Sonic eventually told him and the other Chaotix that shortly after the blue hedgehog defeated Julius and rescued Cream's mother Vanilla.
"Yeah, that's why he uses them only for emergencies, 'cause he knows how dangerous they are even for people like him." Vector concluded.
'That...makes sort of sense. Sonic did bring the Chaos Emeralds with him since he knew he'd be needing them to fight Eggman up in Space...' Sun thought to himself, lowering his gaze with uneasiness, memories of how he was created forming into his mind and how the mess with Dark Gaia started. 'It's too bad that Ro-butt-nik was once step ahead this time...and that's how...I was created along with the Werehog Beast inside me.'
Even though his memories of his birth were still a blur and the first terrible things Sun thought as a Werehog were the pure hunger for Sonic's flesh and blood...and his anger towards Eggman upon seeing Mobius split into pieces. Like the planet, the teenage hero's heart had been shattered in grief, horror, fury and unbearable guilt.
"You've really... gone and done it this time, Eggman!" Sonic growled angrily, absolutely furious with his enemy.
That simple mistake almost destroyed Sonic completely from inside out. Even while restoring the world, the fifteen year old's confidence plummeted to the point that every single other incident he was unaware of drove him into deep depression and sorrow, blaming himself for things that either the evil scientist or Kaiser has done.
Yet the encouragement from everybody else restored it enough to allow Sonic to transform into Super Sonic once more, sharing some of his power with Sun himself to help Light Gaia to defeat his dark counterpart. He supposed that Sonic was lucky that the Chaos Emeralds had been completely drained, or else they would've turned his more furious, negative thoughts into corrupted energy...the very thought of his brother turning to the darkness because of Eggman's actions made the tangerine Mobian mentally shudder.
"...Annnnnd, what does that have to do with the Sapphires?" Sun asked, attempting to ignore those terrifying and sad thoughts to get back to the main subject.
"From my understanding, Chaos Emeralds turn thoughts into power. As I said, little is known about the Cosmos Sapphires, except they are said to glide thoughts into wind forces. Like a breeze of the wind itself, flowing thoughts, dreams and memories for protection or to protect."
A moment of silence.
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of!" The orange hedgehog commented with a sweat drop. "If I'm the so called chosen one of the Cosmos Sapphires, why are they involved with Star and not pick Sonic since he's like the wind too!?"
"I'm with Sun on that one. That doesn't make sense to me either." Charmy bluntly agreed, looking at his older friend with a dull expression.
"Yeah, maybe we should investigate this further since I don't get this story myself." Vector shrugged in agreement, before perking up. "But luckily, since we're lookin' for the Luna Temples across the planet for the Sapphires, I know where to look next!"
"Oh yeah? Where, Mazuri, or Holoska?" Sun questioned sarcastically with a skeptical raised eye-ridge.
The green crocodile grinned before whipping around and much to the disturbance of the three hedgehogs who flinched with shocked and slightly terrified expressions, and the sheer annoyance and embarrassment of Espio and Charmy who both groaned, he was now wearing a detective coat and hat as he did a couple years ago.
"Elementry, my dear Sun the Hedgehog. Thanks to Professor Amantha and Star, I've located one in the south-east of Mazuri. The Gigan Canyon!" Vector explained, once again acting very terribly as Sherlock Holmes.
"Gigan Canyon?" Sun blinked, sweat dropping.
"Of course, Gigan Canyon is a well-known valley in relation to the Cosmos of the Galaxy." Star realized, her eyes widening. "Many researchers, archaeologists and treasure hunters have been going there for years."
"Yes, and it's also said that the people who live in that area were known to be quite understanding. However, you will have to ask special permission to enter the sacred passage to the Gigan Rocks within the valley and be careful since it is also where thieves would try and steal the treasure of hidden caves and ruins." Andrew nodded in firm agreement.
"Better us than Beak-Face and the Hybrians." The orange hedgehog sighed with a shrug, before standing up with determination. "Especially since they most likely know of Gigan Canyon anyway. The guys and I are gonna head there straight away."
"I'm going too." Star announced as she stood, shocking her father and friends in the room. Before they could protest due to her safety, the lavender hedgehog gave them a firm look with folded arms. "And yes, I am aware that Dr. Starline wants me to help him find the Twilight Cage, but I will not stand by allowing you boys get hurt. With research that I have, you will need all the help you can get."
She then turned to the bewildered Sun, reassuring with a soft smile. "I will be sure to listen to your instructions to be careful. I promise."
"Uh...Um..." The orange hedgehog felt very uncomfortable for putting his close friend's life at risk again, especially what happened yesterday as memories of the mind-controlled Gaiver, the Deadly Three and Ceilia attempting to kidnap her, before turning to the Chaotix and Star's father, mentally pleading them for help to convince her to reconsider.
Unfortunately, while the three detectives were a little uncertain themselves yet Espio and Vector both sensed their own logical reasons for Star's decision, Andrew sighed knowingly with hopelessness.
"Just be careful out there, honey. I don't want to lose you." The oldest hedgehog muttered with a sweat drop.
"Huh!?" Sun exclaimed, flinching.
"Don't worry, Daddy. I'll be fine." Star beamed in reassurance, before announcing. "Just let me get my books and we'll be on our way."
Before anybody could stop her, the young achelolgiest raced out of the kitchen to gather her gear, leaving the boys in the room dumbfounded with the exception of her father who slumped a little.
"...You've gotta be kidding me!" The former Sonic Clone exclaimed frantically, before turning to the hedgehog scientist with a pleading expression. "Prof'! Do something!"
"I'm sorry, Sun." Andrew apologetically sighed. "Once my daughter makes up her mind, there's no changing it. She's very determined, fearless and very caring. She can also be quite stubborn as well."
"As much as I hate to admit it, she's right. Even I know very little of what lies in Gigan Canyon and we will need all the help we can get." Espio reluctantly agreed.
"They have a point." Charmy agreed, a little uneasily.
Seeing how nobody was going to even try and convince Star to stay behind with her father, Sun groaned in dismay. "That's just great. Star is a great girl and all, but now I really understand why Sonic has trouble with Amy. No offense, but girls are complicated."
"Ah, don't worry. We can take care of her no problem!" Vector reassured a little too optimistically, before placing a hand onto the tangerine hedgehog's shoulder. "And it'll give you a chance to really bolossem your relationship with her. Consider yourself lucky to be the luckiest boyfriend hedgehog in the world."
"Wha-Vector!" Sun growled, his face heating up in embarrassment. "Star's not my girlfriend! She's a girl and she's a friend, but she's not my girlfriend!"
With that, he suddenly realized what he just said and slumped into his chair, covering his face with his hands. That was exactly what Sonic said to him and Chip when the blue hedgehog denied his secret feelings towards Amy.
"Ugh, nevermind. Let's just get ready and get the rest of the Sapphires before those creeps do." The orange hedgehog groaned, standing up and walked away and cringed when both Vector and Charmy laughed knowingly, sharing a high-five.
"Denial is the clincher! You're in love, Sunshine Boy!" Vector said in glee.
"Yeah!" Charmy giggled, before he began to chant in a sing-song tone. "~Sun and Star~"
"~Sittin' in a tree~" He and Vector who quickly joined in, continued which made Espio facepalm himself, Andrew blink nervously and Sun glared over his shoulder at the two other Mobians. "~K-I-S-S-I-N-G~"
"Real immature, guys." Sun grumbled, rolling his eyes. "Real immature."
Oh, how he missed the days when he was either just traveling all by himself for the peace and quiet, or traveling with Sonic, Tails and Chip since while there was still teasing, at least it wasn't constantly about false-romance.
Around a couple hours later after saying goodbye to Andrew once more with the promise to be careful and make sure Star wouldn't get captured by the Hybrains, she and the boys took off once more towards their next destination. Thankfully Sun remembered crossing to Mazuri twice thanks to his adventure with Sonic, Tails and the others, and Espio having a better sense of direction than Vector, so the group decided to stop by here first as the former Werehog thought of asking Mnyambo for a little bit of advice first on how to reach Gigan Canyon.
Landing outside of the familiar village, the group of Mobians entered without much of a hassle as some of the villagers, while a bit surprised to see how much Sun the Hedgehog has changed in colouring, but he reluctantly made up a story of accidentally dying himself and only managed to get most of the hair-dye off of his arms, muzzle and chest. Other than that, they greeted him and his friends warmly.
"Huh. Not much's changed around here." Sun remarked as he lead Star and the Chaotix to locate the Shaman, looking around to find the familiar tents and tree houses, and even both human and Mobians natives.
"Cool! I didn't know some of them lived in tree houses!" Charmy gaped in awe.
"Yeah, tree houses and tents aside, sure is hot out here. I could use a glass of juice right about now." Vector attempted to fan himself with his hand, sweat forming on his head. This heat was killing him, as he wondered how anybody could stand living in scorching places like this.
"I hear ya'." The orange hedgehog mumbled in agreement.
Just then, there was a high-pitched screeching which startled the group of five when suddenly a familiar small Mobini Monkey came out of nowhere by swinging on a vine and landed on top of the green crocodile's snout, peering at his wide, bewildered eyes.
"GAH! Get offa me, you tiny hairball!" Vector screamed in fright, stumbling back and accidentally crashed into a pile of baskets full of newly collected fruit while trying to regain his balance by helplessly flailing his arms, the food flying and scattering everywhere.
Everyone including the people who collected them all winced in shock and sympathy while the Monkey squeaked before he jumped off of the Mobian and headed to the other visitors. To the surprise of Star, Espio and Charmy, the little critter startled Sun but perched himself comfortably on the hedgehog's right shoulder, and almost instantly he recognized him.
"Huh. Well, look who it is? Haven't seen you in a while, pipsqueak." Sun smirked, relaxing a little while gently scratching Rajah the Monkey's chin which earned him a blissful coo from his and Sonic's furry little friend.
"You mean you know that Monkey?" Charmy asked, blinking.
"Yeah, he's Mnyambo's pet, the one who at first drove Sonic crazy when we saved the guy from Ro-butt-nik. Long story short." The orange hedgehog answered.
"Aw, he's so cute!" Star cooed, approaching as she gently patted Rajah on the head with a smile. "Hello there, little one."
Rajah looked curiously at the girl hedgehog, and unlike previous visitors including Sonic at first and Vector just now, the little monkey felt delighted in meeting Staria, and happily rubbed his head into her hand which made her giggle happily. The giggle and smile which made Sun's heart leap a bit more and he couldn't resist in smiling himself. The way how she looked just now...she was absolutely beautiful. Her smile, her laughter, her kindness, strength, knowledge and encouragement...
It was hard not to like her in more ways than one.
"Ooogh...Yeah, cute, if he didn't jump out on people and giving them heart attacks." Vector grumbled as he sat up, rubbing his head that ached a little. He then noticed how a couple of villagers were giving him dirty looks of anger and annoyance which made him realize why after looking around with a sweat drop, before muttering sheepishly. "Uh, sorry 'bout that. That little guy startled me."
"Oh, Rajah. Have you startled visitors again?" A familiar, elderly voice called out with slight exasperation, making the traveling group look to see, in Sun's case, a familiar human who approached just as Rajah leaped off of the hedgehog's shoulder before climbing onto the man's. The human shaman, upon seeing the tangerine Mobian, smiled warmly. "It is good to see you again, Sun the Hedgehog."
"Uh...Uh, hey there, Mnyambo. Long time no see." Sun greeted a bit awkwardly, with a wave. "I'm surprised that you recognize me considering I'm...a little bit different."
'Then again, if this guy's pyshic powers got restored, I shouldn't be surprised if he saw me become a real Mobian.' The orange hedgehog then quickly realized in his mind, but decided against in mentioning it. He had to keep Mnyambo's future-sight a secret and all.
"And I am very relieved you have survived your ordeal, young hedgehog. Sonic certainly has done so much to keep you alive. I know why you, Staria Amantha and the Chaotix are here: You seek Gigan Canyon for the Luna Temple." Mnyambo nodded, which shocked most of the group who Sun flinched, before scratching the top of his head.
"Forgive me for my suspicions, sir, but how is it that you know who you are and what we are looking for?" Espio asked, carefully.
"Translation: He can see the past and the future, but the whole mess Egg-Breath made with Dark Gaia screwed up with his power. Not all of it since he knew who me, Sonic and the Squirt were." Sun nervously explained, knowing that the secret was pretty much out already, much to his dismay.
"Wow, really? I have known that there are certain humans that have gifts not even Mobians have, but the future-sight is one of the rarest gifts of both sides." Star breathed in awe.
"Indeed. It is unheard of." The purple chameleon admitted, stunned.
"So he can see stuff before they happen and already happened?" Charmy was even more shocked, before beaming in amazement. "That's so cool! That means he can tell us how to beat those creeps and save the world!"
"While it is true that the world shall once again be saved, this time by the hands of not Sonic the Hedgehog, but his brother who stands before you. However, this journey will be long and difficult, so you must be ready for the difficult trials you are about to face." The Elder Shaman nodded, with firmness in his voice.
"As if the two types of bad guys aren't enough already." Sun shook his head with a shrug. He then realized what Mnyambo said and jumped slightly in shock. "Wait a second! So I'm the hero to save Mobius this time?"
"That is correct, young Sun. You are the key to save us all, just as the Ultimate Lifeform Shadow the Hedgehog was the one destined to eliminate the dreaded Black Doom and his army, and destroy the Black Comet for good."
While Sun could understand Sonic's reason since he choose to after Eggman because he was willing to his speed to find the Chaos Emeralds, thus his heart was already in the right place, and Shadow was chosen due to Gerald Robotnik realizing his mistake in making the deal with Black Doom and thus built the Eclipse Cannon originally designed to blow up the Black Comet once and for all.
But him? The former Werehog who was originally a clone of one of the heroes of Mobius, that was accidentally created by the constant threat of the planet itself?
"...I'm no hero. I'm just trying to set things right." The orange hedgehog looked away, disheartened.
"Sun..." Star muttered, worriedly as she and Espio couldn't help but sense that Sun was doubting himself, even when he did do a lot of good things in the past couple of days already, and then some with Sonic and Chip a month ago. Charmy cluelessly stared at the hedgehog while Vector couldn't believe what he was hearing.
When Mnyambo saw this as well, he gave a thoughtful hum before gently gesturing the former Sonic Clone. "Perhaps you and I shall discuss this further in private, if you will follow me, Sun. My people will kindly see to your friends before you make your long journey to Gigan Canyon."
"Uh...Sure. Just as long as there's a look out for crazy guys lead by an insane Buttnik fan." Sun felt uncomfortable leaving his friends behind, but he felt that he should oblige to the shaman's request on what he wanted to talk about.
However, this made him feel a bit more like Sonic considering how the blue hedgehog was asked the similar way. But at least the last time it was after they found the Gaia Temple and drove away Eggman.
"In the meantime, I think we should help to clean up the mess Vector made, after the little scare he got." Star suggested, gazing at the aforementioned crocodile who, upon seeing the annoyed and stern looks from the villagers, he instantly felt quite embarrassed knowing that she was right and he was in big trouble.
"Sure...Let's do that." He muttered, blushing, despite thinking to himself in annoyance. 'If it wasn't for that little monkey, I wouldn't have accidentally been scared into crashing into the fruit baskets in the first place. Just great.'
While Star and the Chaotix were busy volunteering with the cleaning up and requesting for supplies for their journey, Sun followed Mnyambo to the wooden elevator that was originally named the Tree to Heavens, and was made welcome in the shaman's home where they sat at the cushioned table with the Assistant giving them cups of water and the bowl of fruit.
"You sure got a nice place here. I'd like to live in a house like this one." Sun remarked, glancing around at the nice homey feeling to Mnyambo's residence.
The african-like material, carpet to curtains, covers of soft, cushioned pillows on the floor placed onto mats, chairs that were made of thin tree barks cleaned up and bamboo, the tables were made of fine, smooth surface wood, bowls of fruit all set up, palm leaves decorated against the corners, wild flowers that fitted the theme, and pictures in bamboo frames certainly lived up to the decorations fit for the Mazuri environment.
"Thank you, young one. It has been home to my family for many generations, passed down from my father, his father and our late relatives who were also gifted with the power of Foresight itself." Mnyambo nodded gratefully.
"Really? Didn't think it would run in the family. No offense."
"I am not offended." The shaman chuckled, shaking his head. "Not all families in this world share unique powers or simple skills and abilities through bloodlines. You yourself know this, as Sonic is the first to be born with the power of great speed."
Sun let those words absorb themselves into his mind, gazing low thoughtfully over it. "Huh. Guess that explains it. I thought it was kinda weird how our...erm, I mean, his family don't have the speed power like he does."
'That, and it wasn't even copied into me either. Instead I got the strength similar to Knuckles.' That really confused him to no end. Then the orange hedgehog felt an sense of unease form into his stomach. If that was the case, would that mean...he was a weak kind imperfect clone of his brother?
"An unnatural gift is unpredictable, not even my power can foresee it." The Elder shook his head gently with acknowledgement. "You see, child, it can happen to anyone even without a bloodline connection. It depends how children are born in this world."
"...Then I guess you know that I...well...you know." The orange hedgehog shifted very uncomfortably, a pit falling up and down in his stomach.
Mnyambo nodded, yet his expression softening. "I know you are still having difficulty adapting as a true Mobian in body, young Sun. The knowledge of the truth has caused fear and hurt within your heart, mind and soul despite that all three, as Sonic had already known from the very beginning upon your birth, are just as real and much like the rest of us."
"But why would all that pick me? The monster inside me nearly took control over me if it weren't for Chip, and I...as a Werehog I almost...I almost ate Sonic!" Sun squeezed his eyes shut in guilt, sorrow and fear over the terrible memories of those times. "It wasn't his fault that Eggman tried to control Dark Gaia so that he could take over the world and turn it into a giant iron ball...! Heck, I almost killed Sonic...I hated him at first because I thought I had amnesia...I was stupid..."
His chest felt tight as though something was attempting to squeeze it to let his heart burst out and explode, his throat feeling the same, that and his eyes burning hot with tears forming. To make matters worse, the memories of his nightmares began to come back with a vengeance.
"I'm not like Sonic, even though I came from him...and...being his friend is way better than listening to that thing and being Eggman's...puppet. Still...Sometimes I think that maybe I'm not a real Mobian the Squirt said I was, even though they saved my life from being stuck inside the giant thing forever. Like I'm still...that I'm still Sonic's clone after all and something went wrong." The orange hedgehog concluded, struggling to hold back the urge to cry. "To make things worse, I stupidly gotten myself involved into this mess with Starline. If he figures out what I really am...Sonic's in danger and it's all my fault...!"
It wasn't until Sun noticed that Mnyambo had gotten up and sat beside him the same way he did with Sonic, because he felt the man gently rub his back which made the hedgehog look up at him in surprise.
"Fear of losing loved ones can plunge us further deep into it when we put ourselves in mortal harm." The Elder explained gently with great sympathy, his own heart aching for the young hedgehog's dilemma. "There are also times when we question our identities when our origins are not what we would expect or hope for, or even when we feel responsible for other people's terrible actions they do not regret all the time. Our pasts can either change us for the better, or for worse, or perhaps not make any difference what so ever."
Sun softly gasped at those words, and while he still questioned himself being able to find his place in Mobius, and his guilt for putting his friends in danger continued to eat him alive because of what Starline and his stupid Hybrians had done, he lowered his gaze in realization.
"...That's what the others kinda told me. At least Knuckles and...Shadow did." He admitted, somberly.
Flash-Back: One week before Sun's departure...
This spot seemed to be a good place as any, Sun thought to himself. A nice hill top just outside of Station Square where Sonic had suggested to meet with a certain someone he really wanted to talk about with his problems. It had been a week since they and Tails came back from Green Hill Zone visiting and spending time with their parents, Jules and Bernadette Hedgehog.
Parents...what an odd word for him to say. Tails had explained to him that cloning wasn't common at all, and he and Sonic mentioned how some scientists would remark that those that are cloned from are considered to be biological parents without the proper way to create and give birth to life. But neither of them or their friends liked that idea and Sonic continued to firmly insist that he and Sun were brothers. Not to mention the hero of Mobius, despite being fifteen, is still way too young to be a father.
"Hello, Sun."
"Hm?" Hearing the familiar, deep-ish voice speak from his left, Sun glanced up from his sitting position to find none other than Shadow the Hedgehog approach him, looking as stoic and stern as always. "Hey there, Shadow."
"I hear you want to speak to me." The Ultimate Lifeform stated, in a tone that he wanted to get straight to the point. Frankly, the former Werehog wanted to get this over with as well, so he just nodded.
"Sonic's suggestion and...well, you're the only guy I can kind of relate to. If you know what I'm saying." The orange hedgehog half-whispered, shifting to the side a little to allow the older hedgehog to take a seat next to him.
"This wouldn't be related to...the very idea of being created, would it?" Shadow questioned, yet unlike to most of his allies, even to Rouge and Omega, there was a hint of understanding and, perhaps even sympathy in his voice he very rarely allowed to express given his tragic past.
"I just...can't stop thinking about it. Sonic and Chip not only saved me from being absorbed like the other clones in the past...my own ancestors...but their power and even the Chaos Emeralds made me real. This whole time before Eggman kidnapped me, I thought...I thought I was real already, just without memories that didn't even exist until I began traveling with my friends. It's even worse that...that I'm Sonic's clone. Or I used to be." Sun explained, a twinge of uncertainty and fear shown on his face, his heart pounding slightly in his chest.
Taking a deep breath to try and continue, the tangerine Mobian swallowed hard. "Shadow...How do you...how do you even manage to fit in so easily? Like me, you were created through different science stuff or whatever. But everybody else treat you like a normal person. How did you manage to even cope?"
Seeing what the problem is and understanding the younger hedgehog's fears, the black hedgehog looked away slightly. "I can't really answer, because there are times even I still question my identity on this planet. Before I lost everything, even when I was awakened, the Professor saw me as his son and Maria...she treated me no differently to everybody else. A little brother, even."
"Like how...Sonic, Tails and the others treat me?"
Shadow closed his eyes, answering. "In a way, yes, I suppose so. As you recall, I was the only hedgehog in the Space Colony ARK, and the more successful experiment of the Project Shadow, the perfect Ultimate Lifeform. But even when I was a project, at first the Professsor never truly saw me as such, and Maria always knew I was alive. At times when I asked her why I was different, she would tell me that created or not, I am not that much different at all."
"Sounds like something Sonic would say." Sun remarked, a little bit surprised.
"Heh. The faker may be annoying most of the time, but I cannot help compare him to my best friend, my sister. Like him, she loved the planet, and she longed to see it with her very eyes. She devoted her limited life to be kind towards others, to help in every way she could, and to one day feel the wind on her skin, the smell the flowers...to be fully free and experience life itself. Her heart and soul were so pure, she wouldn't even hurt a little fly." The ebony hedgehog smirked softly, before it faded.
"But because of what the Government back then did, she never got the chance." The younger Mobian lowered his gaze, still shocked and saddened over the horrible tragedy Shadow had to go through. "They didn't care if she was sick, did they?"
A moment of silence which lasted for a few minutes.
"Most likely not." Shadow somberly agreed, his chest still aching even though he let go of his past long ago. "Orders were to either destroy or capture me, and execute witnesses who stood in the way. Children included. There are people who despise those younger than them even if they behave in a gentle way. As far as they were concerned, Maria was nothing more than a waste of space. They feared for their own safety and not other people."
"That explains why Gerald lost it, because he thought he and his granddaughter were the only ones who deeply cared for others. Guess grief can make anybody do all sorts of crazy things." Sun sighed, thinking back of how Sonic nearly lost his temper completely after hearing Kaiser confess that he was the one who murdered Uncle Chuck and all of those fifty innocent people. Yet the hero of Mobius managed to regain control and stopped himself from going for dark vengeance.
Then again, nearly losing the orange hedgehog himself nearly destroyed Sonic entirely, more times than any of them could count. Seeing the blue hedgehog cry, it hurt so much and what scared Sun was that if he died, then Sonic would never be the same again. Sadly it was the same story for everybody the cobalt speedster loved so much, and even after almost ten years, he was still grieving for his late uncle that he would struggle not to cry when he forced himself to talk about it.
"Yes...It can." The Ultimate Lifeform nodded. "Even without most my memories, the very first thing I kept on seeing was that gruesome image of her death, crying out her name. I wasn't even certain if Shadow was my actual name. Or if I belonged here. However, upon regaining my memories and began to live here on Mobius for the first few months afterwards, I have learned something of great importance."
"What's that?" The former Werehog tilted his head slightly, blinking.
"The same as you should know, Sun. It doesn't matter where or when you came from. It's how you live your own life that matters the most, appreciate what you have, and never let them go." Shadow turned to fully face him when he said this.
Sun's eyes widened, stunned by his older ally's words. It didn't really...matter where he came from, but how to live his own life that was most important? That was a hard thing to swallow. On the other hand, it did connect to what Sonic and the others were telling him lately and maybe, just maybe, he really should start looking for a way to live the way he wanted, while he deeply appreciated what he had: All of his friends who had treated him as one of their own, no matter how different he was or how he was born.
"Remember that, and never question how you were born. It is in the past, and you cannot change it." Shadow continued.
"That...makes sense." Sun nodded slowly, gazing out of the horizon once more. "Maybe I should start going out and find my place in the world, to be like everybody else."
"That would be a wise decision, but be careful on who you speak to. You have friends to turn to should anything happen and do not trust anybody that are strangers and may cause you harm or use you for corruption." The Ultimate Lifeform nodded.
The orange hedgehog scoffed. "After having Eggman wanting to use the darkness inside me, a crazy Myth Hunting-Loser completely blind trying to sell my dead Werehog body for money, and a monster inside my head trying to eat Sonic, you can be sure that I won't let that happen again. I'd rather hang out with a guy who either runs too fast or eats nothing but cucumber sandwiches."
"How Professor Pickle could stand eating that every single day is nauseating." Now it was Shadow's turn to scoff, shuddering slightly in disgust.
"Yeah, no kidding."
The two hedgehogs remained silent for a moment before the black Mobian stood. "I apologize if I was not much of a help to you. But always remember my advice, and never forget what you truly still have."
"Actually, what you said made a whole lot of sense. It put some of the weight off of my chest." Sun shrugged, smiling softly at the GUN Agent. "Thanks, Shadow."
A little caught off-guard by the younger hedgehog's gratitude, Shadow found himself smiling softly in return. "You're welcome, Sun. We will meet again I assume."
"Looking forward to it." The orange hedgehog nodded.
Satisfied with the response, Shadow turned to walk away, but paused when he decided to add. "For it's worth, I'm really glad that you survived. Not just for Sonic's sake..." He looked over his shoulder with a smirk. "But because you are a good friend. Take care of yourself, and live your life freely, Sun the Hedgehog."
Sun couldn't help but softly gasp by this. Shadow...the Ultimate Lifeform...Called him a friend. Being glad he was alive and here to stay. This was the side of the black hedgehog Sonic, Tails, Amy, even Rouge didn't even speak about. Maybe it was because of his tragic history he didn't care to get close to anybody. That and at the time he was the only living creation of flesh and blood, before the Dark Gaia incident changed all that forever.
Suddenly the tangerine former clone didn't feel as lost and while he still loved Sonic as his brother, he could feel the kinship with Shadow now more than ever. They were very much alike and, to their realization, they were created by two scientists of the same family, one intenting to cure a sick young girl, while the other through an accident while attempting to take over the world.
Shadow was created by a kind scientist with the blood of an evil alien, yet both had perished under different circumstances lead into the future conflict to save the world.
Sun was created by an evil scientist through the quills, tears and emotions of a kind and heroic hedgehog, and they still lived fighting each other to this day, and the hero himself leading his clone to live a life of his own.
But all in all, perhaps, in a weird coincidence, Shadow, Sonic and Sun were all more connected than ever before. Like a strange trio of hedgehog brothers.
"Same goes for you, Shadow the Hedgehog." Sun finally said with a smirk of his own, earning him a chuckle from his older friend who then waved a farewell and walked away, leaving the young Mobian to his thoughts as he gazed at the sky. While he still felt uncertain, he now knew what he had to do. "Looks like...I'll be going on another adventure of my own. And find a place where I belong."
All he had to do now was talk to Sonic and the others to let them know of his travel plans.
End of Flash-Back:
"...But it's not my past that's giving me trouble. I just...Can't stop thinking about if I am a real Mobian on the outside or if I'm still a you-know-what." Sun continued, after forcefully bringing himself out of his memories upon meeting with Shadow.
"The path of knowing who you truly are and what you wish to be can be difficult at times. However, I can tell that your feelings are true to your heart. You wish to keep Sonic and all others safe by not bringing them into your conflict." Mnyambo nodded, understanding before saying. "I have warned him not to bring himself into your battles against the Hybrians."
That made the orange hedgehog gasp in shock, leaning back a little. Mnyambo did...what!? "Wait, he...Sonic was here already!? And you told him about the future!?"
"He came a week ago to see how we were faring along with young Miles. Like you, he is having his own problems, and as you may have predicted, Sonic needs to continue his own recovery...and learn to let go of his misguided guilt." The elder man confirmed.
Flash-Back: A week earlier...
Things were quite peaceful for the last month in Mazuri since Sonic and his friends saved it as well as the world from Dr. Eggman's reckless and near-catastrophic actions. Surprisingly to most of the villagers with the exception of Mnyambo who had foreseen their arrival, Sonic himself and Tails came for a visit to check up on them and in gratitude for their, Sun and Chip's heroic achievements, were invited to stay for a day or two as long as they wanted.
At first the two young brothers felt the need was unnecessary, but at some of the Mazurian Children's urging since they wanted Sonic to stay to thank him for defeating Eggman, the blue hedgehog and his little brother agreed and Mnyambo was generous enough to let them both stay in his home until they were ready to head back to Station Square.
Yet during the night after tucking Tails to bed, Sonic let out a sad sigh before approaching the balcony, gazing up at the stars in the clear night sky, leaning against the wooden railing deep in thought. He was making progress in recovering from his traumatic experience, but it was very slow going and just as hard as he thought it was.
"Having trouble sleeping, young one?"
"Huh?" Startled slightly while looking over his shoulder, Sonic jumped a little upon seeing the elder Shaman who approached silently, holding a soft, sympathetic yet understanding expression. "Oh, uh...Y-Yeah, sort of. Guess I was...just thinking about a lot of things, that I'm not really tired yet."
Sighing, the blue hedgehog looked away, his gaze low as he absently stared at the village below the kind elder's home. "But what am I sayin'? You know about how much I screwed up and...even after saving the world by putting it back together, I just...can't stop thinking about it. Plus, last week I met up with Sun and now our friend Gaiver is growing even bigger. I wanna find a cure, but...where do I start looking? So many terrible things happened even before I was born..."
Sonic felt his heart squeeze and his throat tighten with guilt and tears threatening to burst, he shut his eyes while struggling not to cry. "And I'm supposed to be the hero of Mobius...To face every challenge and know a lot...and I let everybody down...!"
"No, young Sonic. You are not meant to know everything." Mnyambo firmly but gently disagreed, standing by the troubled hedgehog's right and placing a comforting hand onto the fifteen year old's back. "There are many people who like you can do so many right things, and those like Dr. Eggman or perhaps even worse who will always cause harm. The trouble is that people who see one or a few save them ultimately make the wrong conclusion they are to be worshiped, treated as kings or gods. They rely solely on those who are pressured and no longer feel any free will."
"Yeah...Guess you got a good point. I just do what I gotta do, since it's the right thing. Always been like that even before Egghead showed his ugly mug. Kinda runs in the family, ya' know." Sonic opened his eyes, feeling the warmth and comfort from the kind elder who really had a fatherly instinct. "I just can't stop worrying about everybody, especially now, and I try to move on. It's...it's really hard."
"I know. However, I can say that you will recover and soon you will find peace within yourself inspite of trials that will put your heart into the ultimate test. And as I have told you, there are many people like you that can do the right thing." Mnyambo nodded, looking apologetic with a bit of a grim expression. "I'm afraid that time will come again. In one week from today, the world will be in mortal danger by a new threat, one from eons ago."
Sonic softly gasped in shock and dismay and almost instantly the blue hedgehog's instincts to go out and do something about it took over. He narrowed his eyes. "Then I'd better get to it, fast! Just tell me what Eggman or whoever else's doing and I'll stop them."
"Forgive me, Sonic, but it is not your task to save the world this time, and while Dr. Eggman is up to another scheme I cannot predict quite yet, he is not the cause of what is yet to come." Mnyambo shook his head, stopping the cobalt quickster in his tracks.
"Say what? Then...who's gonna be savin' the world this time if I'm not there?" Sonic was stunned, unable to believe what he was hearing and more than a little uncomfortable for not being the one to save Mobius this time. Sure Shadow saved it, but at least the teenage hero helped out that time.
The Elder Shaman was silent for a moment, glancing over to the guest room where Tails was sleeping, before leaning over towards Sonic's right hear and whispered the answer. Once he was done and leaned away, the fifteen year old felt his blood run cold, his heart's rate accelerating and his emerald green pupils shrinking in sheer horror.
"Sun!? Are you kidding!?" Sonic managed to softly exclaim to avoid in shouting it aloud and accidentally wake the whole village. "I mean, sure he can take care of himself and he's a really good fighter, but...are you saying those creeps are gonna go after him?"
"There is an evil enemy who seeks out a secret similar to the Chaos Emeralds. Unfortunately, I am not permitted to reveal to you of that. Only your brother shall tell you once he and others joining him will save our world, as you will, Sonic." The Elder shook his head apologetically.
"But why am I not allowed to get out and help him? I can't let those guys hurt anybody! I have to go out there!" The blue hedgehog protested, shaking his head in disbelief and growing fear.
"I know you wish to help, but this is not your task and you must save our strength and heart for your true goal the lies before you. Also, you are still recovering and you will need to continue your rest and healing, or else you will not be able to overcome the future challenge against Dr. Eggman." Mnyambo explained.
"But what about Sun? He's gonna get hurt because of me..." Sonic began to tear up, placing a hand to his face, while using the other to support himself onto the railing. "I've should've gone with him...He's supposed to have fun and go on adventure, not risk his own life to save the world."
Mnyambo sighed, bending down to the distraught hero's height, gently placing both hands onto the teenager's shoulders which prompted Sonic to gaze at him. "You will see him again. This is his task he must do on his own. I can at least say that he would not want you to be involved in your current state. Moreover, he wishes for you to continue your healing, and to protect you from those who seek him out as well as a friend who's past is unknown."
"...That still doesn't make me feel any better. Tails, Sun, Chip and even Knuckles and a human kid named Chris are my brothers and I love them. How am I supposed to know he'll be okay without worrying so much?" Sonic pointed out, unintentionally sniffling.
"There is a sign you will see which will allow you to discover Sun the Hedgehog and another will return home and Mobius will be saved." The Shaman reassured, gazing at the night sky, solely onto the brightest star shining which had the hero of Mobius notice as well. "On the night of great evil's defeat and the return of Sun the Hedgehog as well as the special friend, the brightest star will shine and send out shooting stars. Keep an eye out for the tangerine and lavender ones, and they will show you they have returned home safely."
"The North Star...sending out Shooting Stars?" Sonic whispered, blinking in confusion yet relief which was slowly growing. He didn't understand half of what Mnyambo was talking about, but deep within his aching heart, there was a feeling which told him that the Elder was right. They would just have to wait and see until the time comes.
"Another thing, young Sonic. You will also reach for the stars one day. In an unexpected event. That is a day you and young Miles will meet a new friend on a new journey." The Village Leader continued, earning a baffled expression from the hedgehog. He smiled warmly. "Everything will be alright. For now, do your best to keep everyone safe, and trust your faith in your brother. He deeply cares for you, and wants you to fully recover to your true self once more."
While Sonic was still uneasy with the idea of having his former clone risk his life to save Mobius, knowing that Mnyambo hasn't lied to him yet and that he had a feeling that Sun would be alright, he knew that he had to focus on at least keeping an eye out for danger in Station Square and figure out how to help without getting in the way or causing more problems. He just hoped that his brother would be alright.
"...Alright. If you see Sun, could you tell him that...that I'm doing okay and getting there in recovering, and that he should be careful? I don't want him or anybody else to worry. The world is more important than just me." Sonic reluctantly sighed in defeat.
"Of course, Sonic. I promise you that." Mnyambo nodded, vowing to keep to his promise.
Sonic smiled softly in relief. "Thanks, Mnyambo. I really owe ya."
The two shared a warm expression, and even though whatever challenge Sun had to face made Sonic wanting to go out and help him, to warn him of the dangers, he knew that, given future-sight, he can't change the future. The only blessing was that everything will be okay and his brother would come home safe and sound, as another hero just like he and the rest of their friends all were.
End of Flash-Back:
"...As much as Sonic wishes to aid you on your quest, Sun, he can only support you in spirit. He does not like it, but he knows your worries and only hopes you will be able to return home safely." Mnyambo concluded, gently rubbing the concerned and guilt-ridden orange hedgehog. "Do not fear, young Sun. He is making progress and in one month from today, he shall fully recover and return to his happy self once again. Sonic also wishes you to be careful."
'Sonic...You knew because Mnyambo knew, but since I can't let you get involved in all of this because of that stupid Platy-Wuss wanting me to use against you if figures out the truth, you have to stay away until I save the world...' Sun thought to himself, a little bit relieved that it took the Shaman's powers and words to convince Sonic to stay away until this was all over.
It made things a little bit easier knowing that at least Sonic was aware of this while at the same time staying put to focus on keeping people safe, hopefully from Eggman and the Hybrians haven't even reached Station Square yet. Or South Island. Still...Sun himself to be the hero of Mobius this time? Guess he will have to do his best and learn more about the truth on his own with Star and the Chaotix by his side.
"Thanks, Old Timer. For making sure Sonic's okay and well away from Beak-Face." Sun sighed, smiling softly. Even he still had his doubts, he could see why Sonic was fond of this guy. Future-sight or not, Mnyambo sure knew how to cheer people up and be supportive. Just like the Cobalt Hero of Mobius.
"Your journey will be a difficult one. To overcome your troubled thoughts and find the strength within you, you must continue to keep Staria safe, find the Cosmos Sapphires, restore Gaiver to his senses, and stop Dr. Starline and the Hybrians." Mnyambo cautioned, before leaning over to the hedgehog's ear and whispered. "Also...Beware of the Zeti...and the Mightiest Hybrian of all: Terrance."
"Huh?" The tangerine hedgehog blinked, puzzled as he whispered. "Terrance?"
Before Sun could ask further about this new info, suddenly there was a loud, awful singing coming from outside which made him and even Mnyambo flinch in fright before gazing out of the balcony behind them. The two shared a glance, then got up to see what was going on. When the former Werehog and the Shaman looked below, Sun groaned with frustration and embarrassment with a sweat drop as, while Star and the Chaotix had finished cleaning up, Vector had, against the wishes of Espio and Charmy, began to sing one of his songs that was used during Metal Sonic's conquest for world domination attempting to impress the villagers as an apology for making a mess.
Unfortunately, it was only making everyone cover their ears with groans of agony wishing for the green crocodile to stop.
"Vector, can you please stop? I don't think this is going to help at all!" Star pleaded, wincing as she wished for the detective to stop as well.
"Come on, everybody! Join in! I know you want to!" Vector, not listening or even noticing, encouraged with a wave of his hand, and continued to 'sing'.
Yet even his teammates knew how terrible he was, as while Espio slumped in humiliation with a groan, Charmy had pulled out a pair of earmuffs out of nowhere and plonked them over his head and helmet to block out his oldest friend's bad voice vocals, smiling innocently to himself.
Back up on the balcony, Sun winced as he covered his own ears to block out the terrible noise. "Now I know why Sonic said Vector can't sing to save his life! My brother sounds a million times better!" He then turned pleadingly to Mnyambo, asking. "Is there a future where that guy will accept that he's the worst singer in the universe?"
The Elder Shaman just sweat dropped, as behind them little Rajah screeched a wail before picking up two small pillows and placed them over his ears to block out the awful sound.
Meanwhile, back in Starline's secret lab, the Deadly Three have returned with the beaten up Hybrians that were left tied up by Sun and his friends, also capturing Black Fang and his men who were now unconscious and in separate tubes with oxygen masks, and the evil Platypus observing them despite the failures of abducting the two hedgehogs and securing the Cosmos Sapphires.
Behind him were the three Zeti as well as Grotto who sneered angrily at the aliens. "You brought in near unbeatable thieves who had the Cosmos Sapphire...yet you couldn't capture two small hedgehogs who got away!?"
"It was a mistake to leave Zomom in capturing them, I admit. They have proven to be stronger than they anticipated." Zavok grunted, glaring in disapppointment at the aforementioned yellow Zeti who, having a crossed banadage on his head, grumbled.
"Hey, it's not my fault!" Zomom protested with a pout, folding his arms. "They just got away when that shiny orb thingy made them fly! I bet that hedgehog girl made it appear."
"Correction, Zomom. It was not the girl who opened up her power, not yet at least." Starline corrected, earning confused murmur from his agents and soldiers, his gaze still mindlessly onto his new latest soldiers that were undergoing his experiments. "It was the Cosmos Sapphire they already had, just as Grotto has mentioned in his own report."
"The Sapphire itself, you say?" Master Zik remarked, taking interest with a smirk. "Then I suppose the so called Champion has been chosen. What intrigues me is who could it be."
"It is quite simple, my dear Zik. While Espio the Chameleon would be a worthy candidate because of his calm mind and training in ninjisu, unfortunately his Chaos Energy is as normal as the rest of the weaklings, so he holds no connection with even the Chaos Emeralds. Vector the Crocodile is not worthy because his heart, pure as it is, is more into making a name for himself, that foolish buffoon and Charmy the Bee is too highly energetic and nothing more than a child." The scientist explained.
Catching on what the Eggman-Fan meant, Zavok narrowed his eyes while taking a step forward. "So you think it is Sun the Hedgehog who is the chosen one? He does have the eyes and soul of a foolishly brave fighter."
"Exactly." Starline grinned, turning around with a snicker of laughter. "Little is known about that boy, only he has a strong connection with Sonic the Hedgehog. More so than he lets on. Why would would the child and those ingrate detectives find the first Cosmos Sapphire so easily, besides the girl?"
"Lucky guess?" Zomom shrugged, cluelessly.
Starline shook his head, approaching the table where he picked up the letter and held it out to show his comrades. "The girl is fully unaware of her true inheritance, only that her chosen Champion is in reach. So it finally begins, the final piece of what I have been waiting for. The key in taking over Mobius for Dr. Eggman himself."
"Interesting." Zavok remarked in deep thought. "Who would have thought that small hedgehogs would be worthy as protectors of this small planet?"
"I agree. Shadow the Hedgehog was chosen because of Professor Gerald Robotnik who has created him. Sonic himself was chosen by the Chaos Emeralds simply because he was foretold in the prophecy long before he was born. There is more that needs to be known about Sun the Hedgehog. I must capture him and learn of his origins." Starline nodded.
He then turned to Grotto and ordered. "Grotto, you are to head to Metropolis to find information of the good doctor's location. No doubt he will be interested in our plans."
"As you wish, Dr. Starline." The Hybrian Agent bowed with a wicked grin, before stomping away to begin his new assignment with one small part of the army following him obdiently.
"Whaddya do with the giant monkey boy?" Zomom asked, curiously.
"He is resting until his next task. There are other chances to make good use for him. As he is a friend of Sun the Hedgehog and the girl, he will make a very good use." The evil Mobian Scientist responded.
"I admire your clever thinking of recuiting the most powerful fighters and increase our strength. Even if we don't need it as much." Zavok remarked, yet deep in his mind, there is a sneer of hatred and anger towards the Platypus.
He and his two companions will find a way to achieve their own goal, no matter how long it would take. Not even Dr. Starline will know of the red Zeti's true plans of his own.
"Thank you. Now then, Zavok, Zik, Zomom, you are to await for your next assignment along with Ceilia. It is disappointing that you failed to bring me the hedgehogs and the Cosmos Sapphires, these oblivious wolf pack make a far nice consulation prize and new addittions to the Hybrian Army." Dr. Starline added to the Deadly Three, who, knowing what he would do to them if they even protested or disobeid, nodded and walked off.
'To think that the Sapphires have chosen Sonic's new friend as the Princess's Champion rather than the blue child himself. Very fascinating. The more I hear of Sun the Hedgehog, the more I want to capture him and learn of his origins. Perhaps Dr. Eggman may know of the boy, if I can get this chance of meeting with my idol.' Starline thought to himself, grinning wickedly.
At first he was alone once everybody else have left the room...but then the doors opened as another person walked up behind him, speaking in a deep and dark tone. "You wish to see me, Dr. Starline?"
"Indeed. I have a special mission for you, if you are interested..." Starline turned around calmly with a dark smirk. "Terrance."
The figure before him, known as Terrance who is standing in the shadows of the room, gleamed his eyes with a dark and sickening grin of his own, waiting eagerly for his assignment.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait and not much of action in this chapter. I thought I would be able to have Sun and the others reach their next destination, but as I continued along with the visit in Mazuri, I ended up turning this into a somewhat calming chapter involving quite a few new twists as well as the prologue introduction of a certain evil character who made his appearance in my other ongoing story "Sonic and the Curse of the Sun Stone".
Now Sun is informed that he is to save the world this time, while Star begins to have dreams of her connections with the Twilight Cage, and in the next chapter(hopefully) we will arrive in Gigan Canyon! I'll try and update this again as soon as possible, but who knows.
See you later!