Mechanical Monstrosity
Chapter 3: Revelations
I remember being alone, cold, in a place that was unfamiliar. There were strange lights all around me, like little floating spirits, burning from some infinitesimal source of life, each a different colour. When I got closer to one, a bright, pulsating red flame, I heard yelling, screams and the sounds of battle. Strange languages and unfamiliar voices filled my head, almost driving me mad with pain and despair. Then, I moved to the next glowing flame, a golden-coloured fire as bright as the sun, and I heard the sound of wedding bells, singing and laughing, and the cheerful, joyous voices of Sonic and Sally, louder than the rest, for it was their day. Memories are who we are, and friends and family are our strength. Take either away, and you have helplessness and loneliness.
Precious Memories, excerpt from the diary of Amy Rose.
*****
Rotor heard steel skidding along the ground, and turned to see one of the small, claw-like fighters come to a stop just in front of him, the razor-edged wings halting a pin's length before his head. Before anyone could react, the master engineer of the Freedom Fighters hopped aboard and scoped the inside of the cockpit. "WHOA! What awesome technology! Guys, I've got an idea!" Rotor explained his idea to the group, and they all grinned in anticipation.
*****
"Now, if I remember correctly, those golden ships tried to damage me, didn't they?" Chaos Wraith hovered in the distance, watching intently as the smaller fighters patrolled the area. "NO! Don't you start! I don't want to destroy anything! I'm the most powerful now, so I don't need to prove it!" Mecha Sonic cut through Chaos Wraith's thoughts, the neon eyes flickering from red to gold and back. "Well, I don't feel as angry anymore, so I guess I'll let you have your own fun..." Before long, the armor melted from the dark shadow of Chaos Wraith, turning into a white, shapeless light, and then to the golden-armored warrior known as Mecha Sonic.
"Alright then!" Mecha Sonic laughed: With Sonic gone, the mechanical fighting machine was now truly unbeatable! "I feel like having a little game of shoot-the-birdy with them!" Guilt still ate at the back of Mecha Sonic's mind: He really hadn't wanted them dead, and certainly not with some cheap trick. If he had really wanted to go as far as murder, the golden warrior would have challenged them head-on, in a fair battle! But, what happens happens, so...
"Chaos Wraith! Betcha I can take all of them out without firing a shot!" Mecha Sonic smirked to himself. His darker side didn't completely take over, but merely shrugged its shoulders. "I'll take that bet! 24 hours of control if you knock out all of them without using any energy!" Mecha Sonic returned with a grin, and streaked into battle, ducking, dodging and weaving to avoid the plasma bursts.
"HAHAHA! Can't hit me, can you?" Then, with a quick loop, the mechanical monstrosity flew straight into the middle of them, completely surrounded. "COME ON!" With a shout, he took on a mask of grim determination, seemingly ready to destroy the whole lot of them. On cue, they all fired at once, and Mecha Sonic laughed, corkscrewing between the shots before they converged on him, like some missile spinning out of control. With a sudden flare, the shots met in the same place, all absorbing each other into one focused orb of plasma energy.
"Now, here's the pitch!" With a quick lunge, Mecha Sonic grabbed a passing ship and, with a mere flick of his wrists, flung the helpless attacker straight into the collected power before the others could react. With a sudden flash, the anti-matter ball combined with the golden material of the starfighter, cancelling each other out in a violent surge of explosive power, destroying or heavily damaging anything nearby. "WHOO! Beautiful! Home run, right down the middle! Can't get any sweeter than that!" With that, he turned his attention to the alter ego that his rage had created.
"HA! Got 'em all, without any energy!" Mecha Sonic's laughter was cut off as Chaos Wraith abruptly took over. "WHA? I'm supposed to be in control now! What's the deal? I won our bet!" Chaos Wraith chuckled evilly, inwardly recording the techniques that had just been displayed to him by Mecha Sonic's little game of dodgeball. With a quick charge-up, the shadowy robotic villain launched himself from the scene of destruction, laughing to himself.
"Sorry, brother! We didn't shake on it! Rules are rules, after all!" With a full-blown laugh, the evil machine left into the horizon, to see what other challenges there might be. Without the hedgehog in his way, the maniacal machination was free to do whatever he wanted, without the restraint of his softened, emotional setbacks. "Maybe I'll go check up on Knothole, maybe see who's still around..." With a quick veer to the left, the dark force of Chaos Wraith made a beeline for the hidden city of the Freedom Fighters.
Moments later, the aerial assault stopped, and the fast, miniature attackers returned to the large starship. Battle-damaged and severely diminished in number, they feebly landed on the docks, some skidding harshly along the bay surfaces. However, had Chaos Wraith stayed just a few moments longer, his sensors would have picked up an unusual number of lifesigns inside one particularly wobbly spacecraft.
*****
Rotor had quickly managed to get the ship fixed up, and with Sally's help head had learned most of the controls. With a flick of her finger, the mechanically-learned ground squirrel disengaged the open comm link, grimacing in concern and worry. "Rotor, send a message through the comm link to our forces at Knothole. Get them to the evac' point, and tell 'em we'll try to bring some help." With a nod, Rotor worked a series of glowing blue buttons, speaking loudly into a floating orb the size of a child's ball. "MOVE OUT! MECHA SONIC'S COMING, AND HE'S LOADED FOR BEAR! GET TO EVAC POINT AND WAIT FOR PICKUP! STAY IN THE MYSTIC CAVES, WE'LL COME TO YOU!" With a flash of ethereal teal-coloured light, the sphere disappeared, in truth racing at lightspeed towards the destination Rotor had set for it.
"God pray it gets there in time!" Bunnie muttered aloud, and Tails nodded, clearly worried. "Don't worry! It'll get there before Chaos Wraith does, and big sis' 'n bro'll take care of everything!" Sonic nodded silently, remembering his twin siblings, Sonia and Manic Hedgehog, and the spirit of their mother, Queen Serenity of the Mobian Ruling House. A tear coursed down his warm cheek, and he brushed it away, smiling solemnly. "Yeah, you're right! Sonia's got as much smarts as Sally, 'n that shifty brother of mine'll sneak out the entire troupe, right under that mechanical monstrosity's nose!"
Sally thought deeply for a bit at this, remembering the conversation they had heard between Chaos Wraith, and the truthful, almost dutifully honor- bound soul of Mecha Sonic, being manipulated by the twisted hate that was attacking every notion of conscience and control the warrior had. "We can only pity Mecha Sonic, I guess." Sally spoke aloud, and the party bowed their heads, contemplating silently of the golden, light-hearted side of what had usually been considered nothing more than a rival, seeking a challenging battle.
Now, that being, who had always wished for nothing more than a good, clean fight between himself and Sonic, was fighting a battle all his own, against an enemy that had began the bloodiest massacre in Mobian history. An enemy that had transformed an honorable warrior into a murderous, totally evil creature, bent on the sadistic destruction of the entire planet's population.
Rotor and Sally worked the consoles, steadying the strange craft for a landing inside the carrier. Tails and Sonic were close behind, keeping Amy's stretcher stable. Each had a modified semi-automatic handgun holstered. The Chaotix loaded their rifles and checked the fuel in the napalm tanks. Bunnie taped a grenade launcher onto one of her arms, and attached a modified sniper rifle on the other. Sonar and Sandra were loaded for bear, with grenades, shotguns, clip belts and combat knives. With a slight screech from the impact of metal on metal, the small starfighter landed, and the cockpit opened.
"Alright! Holster your weapons, and come out slowly." Sonic cautioned the team as Rotor and Sally pulled themselves free from the repaired spacecraft. They were followed by Tails, who carefully lifted Amy from the ship and carried her in his arms. Antoine carried out the stretcher for Amy, allowing Tails to set the sleeping hedgehog onto the makeshift pad. The Chaotix filed out of the open back of the ship, guns shouldered over their backs. Sandra and Sonar were the next two to emerge from the damaged battleship, weapons unloaded in knapsacks behind them. Sonic came out last, his quick eye roving around the room, catching every detail.
"Welcome aboard the Gantrithor, Mobian creatures!" A voice rang out from behind them. They turned quickly, and got their first view at the masters of the technological marvels that had battled those aliens so easily. Sonic quickly cautioned Sonar and Sandra, whose hands had flown by reflex to the knives sheathed at their shoulders. The speaker was humanoid in build, only fairly slender and taller, with an almost skeletal complexion. It was garbed in a golden suit of armor, with large armored units mounted on either wrist, and some form of jewel centered within the plating. "I am Fenix, Praetor of the Protoss Expeditionary Force."
Sonic got over his awe the fastest, and answered the Protoss in as polite a manner as he could manage. "Thank you for your help, sir. I am Sonic, leader of the Mobian Freedom Fighters." Fenix's eyes glowed for a moment, and the Protoss commander bowed his head. "An honor to meet you, Sonic." Sonic was about to introduce the rest of the crew, but Fenix simply held out his hand and gestured for them to follow him. "Now please forgive me, for I must ask you to come quickly. We have little time to spare, and this would not be the best place for us to be when the Gantrithor leaves the atmosphere of Mobius."
They followed their guide without hesitation, hearing the doorway clamp behind them and seal itself. Fenix turned a left, and they found themselves in a massive room, with one circular desk and a host of other Protoss sitting around it. The tallest of them, apparently their leader, spoke to Fenix in an alien tongue, unknown to the Freedom Fighters. "En Taro Adun, Fenix." Was all they could catch out of the quick conversation. Fenix bowed his head towards the group, obviously a show of respect. The highest of the Protoss then turned his attention to Sonic's team. They imitated Fenix's bow, tilting their heads downward uneasily, and their host laughed.
"You are observant, Mobians. I am Tassadar, the commander of this vessel." Sonic was amazed that these Protoss knew their language so fluently. "I expect you have a few questions, but first would you introduce your crew to us?" Sonic bowed his head again and spoke clearly, in a respecting tone. "I am Sonic the Hedgehog, the leader of the Mobian Resistance." Tassadar acknowledged this, and his eyes then turned to the others. Sally was next. "I am Sally Acorn, former princess of the Royal Family, and loyal companion to Sonic." Then Rotor spoke up. "Rotor, chief engineer of the Resistance. I can fix anything, be it Mobian or foreign!" Bunnie had her say next. "Bunnie Rabbot, Resistance Field Commander. My arms were transformed to weapons long ago." Then Antoine gave his introduction. "Antoine, Morale Officer." Ant didn't say anything more, since he didn't want to embarrass himself. The Chaotix all spoke at once. "Charmy, Espio and Vector, the Chaotix, HQ Security." The last two were the newest recruits. "Sandra Vixen and Sonar Spike, Arms Sergeants."
Tassadar nodded, then looked to Tails. "What about you, young one?" Tails stood up and gave his name to the Protoss commander. "Miles Prower, though most call me Tails. We don't generally use ranks in our resistance, so I'll just say I go where Sonic goes." He then crouched back down, and Tassadar's attention flickered to the calm form that Tails was watching. "And what of the young hedgehog maid?" Sonic spoke for Tails. "That is Amy Rose. We will explain the situation as best as we can."
Sonic went on to tell of the war, their individual deaths, and the final sacrifice of Knuckles and Mighty. The Protoss never interrupted once, silently listening to the hedgehog as he told their tale. Finally, at the end of the narrative, one of the Protoss spoke up, apparently concerned.
"These Chaos Emeralds you spoke of are intriguing. They are obviously powerful objects, but you do not know the whole truth about their origins. The Emeralds are not of this world, nor any other we know of. They come from the race that created us and the Zerg, the creatures that attacked you. The Emeralds are made of a material called Khaydarin, a highly coveted source of power for our technologies."
"Legends of our people speak of the seven key crystals, which are capable of incalculable abilities. Each is based on a separate element: Fire, Air, Water, Earth, Steel, Thunder, and Life. Each individual crystal is capable of different powers on their own, but together they are infinite. This Mecha Sonic wields the Thunder Emerald, allowing him to unleash an incredible amount of energy and charging his steel armor with golden power. Mecha Sonic alone is not dangerous: Like many of our own warriors, he merely seeks a challenging battle against a worthy opponent."
"Unfortunately, by your own story, this robotic creature has tapped into the dark emotions of hatred and rage. The emeralds reflect the feelings of their master, and when this boundless fury towards you surfaced during his usage of the Thunder Emerald, the power of his own anger overwhelmed the mechanical monstrosity, causing his golden armor to become stained in shadows."
"The crystal requires some time after repeated use to recharge its power, meaning that his abilities are only able to hold for a short time. The rest of the crystals must be protected at all costs, or this Chaos Wraith may just become the strongest and most evil being in existence! Luckily, he left after his battle with our Interceptors, otherwise his sensors may have detected your party within one of them!"
The new Protoss speaker's eyes flashed, and Tassadar nodded grimly. "I have to agree with you, Zeratul. The emeralds are far too powerful for us to hold off. We must gather the remaining crystals to prevent their misuse." Sonic mused alone for a bit, then the Chaotix spoke up.
"What about our leader, Knuckles? Where is he?" Fenix sighed, and came straight out with his answer. "We originally believed that Knuckles was the source of the power, and wanted to secure it away from the Zerg, so we transported him to our Carrier." The Chaotix breathed a sigh of relief, and Sally stood forward. "What help can we offer? We can't sit around and watch our friends and family suffer again! Knuckles' sacrifice can't be made in vain!" Sonic stood alongside Sally, holding her hand and staring into the eyes of Tassadar and nodding grimly, the light of coming battles burning white in his soul.
"She's right! We will fight to keep our planet safe again, even if we must give our lives again to protect what is right!" The rest of the Freedom Fighters yelled out a cheer, completely in support of Sonic's heartfelt decree. Tassadar relaxed, a smile of understanding playing across his face. Zeratul spoke first, though. "Tassadar, these warriors are our allies, and indeed, are all too similar to my Dark Templar. We may be regarded as a little thing, insignificant, but we will fight to protect what we hold dear to the last!" Tassadar looked into the eyes of Zeratul, and saw a familiar blue fire burning in them.
"Zeratul, your words are true. Our home planet saw you as outcasts, but you still helped us in our time of need, during the greatest of our battles against the Zerg. These creatures are indeed like your Dark Templar, and so we shall indeed give these creatures the aid they ask for." With that, Fenix escorted the Freedom Fighters to their quarters.
"You did well, Mobians. You can expect your arms commander in 8 hours. I suggest you get some rest before then." With that, before continuing, he lifted the unconscious Amy Rose onto his broad shoulder and started to leave the room. "I'll take her to the infirmary, and see if we can get her well again. En Taro Mobius!" Sonic guessed that was some sort of compliment or honor. He performed the Protoss bow, and Fenix left for the on-ship medical office. Sonic immediately cracked his fists in anticipation of their first sortie.
"Alright! Everything's worked out so far! The Protoss are benign, and are willing to help and supply us for some major action!" Sonic then got his team to get some rest, divvying up the separate rooms between them. "OK. Me, Sally, Tails & Amy will get this room. The Chaotix can have Room #2, and the last room goes to Rotor, Antoine & Bunnie." Everyone left for their separate bunks, and Tails got ready to leave.
"Whoa, little bro! Where're you going?" Sonic asked. Tails looked imploring to his friend as he explained himself. "Sorry, Sonic! I'm gonna catch up with Fenix, and check on Amy!" Sonic and Sally looked at each other, and nodded, smiling at the fox's devotion. Tails immediately ran out into the corridor, following the signs to the infirmary.
"Tails is getting older, Sonic." Sally assured the creature she was destined to be with forever. "He's a lot like you now, and will do anything for Amy." Sonic nodded and scratched the back of his head, blushing profusely and showing a modesty he rarely let out. "Nah! He's not much like me! He's not completely selfish, like I was. Still, you're right: Amy really could use his support now, in the way you gave me your help." Sally and Sonic both smiled, tears trickling down their cheeks as they reminisced of old times.
"I missed you for so long, Sonic!" Sonic stared deep into Sally's eyes, past memories and unconfined emotion passing between them in a brief eternity. Their lips met, and the kiss went on, surging the feelings they had kept in check with the endless depth of a passionate moment. They both stayed in that moment forever, never letting the love between them dwindle into anything less than it was now.
*****
"Well, young one. I can see you feel deeply for the hedgehog." Tails' cheeks went red, contrasting to his golden-tanned and white fur like a roaring fire over a calm and endless desert. Fenix smiled and ruffled the fox-cub's head, chuckling softly. "No need to be ashamed! That passion for life, and your own hidden emotion, make you strong! It is the power of your heart that allows you to overcome any obstacle!" Tails was enthralled by the poetic tongue of Praetor Fenix, and thought deeply.
Wow! I'd expect something like this from Amy or Sally, but the Protoss are amazing! It's like they can peek into my thoughts and use our own feelings to give us strength! Tails was no less surprised when Fenix cut into his thoughts. Indeed, Tails. Protoss have the ability to read into your mind, and we can also see into your very soul. You are courageous and brave, deep inside that shell of youth. I can feel it: You will be a force beyond all of us someday if you follow your heart. Tails gasped aloud, then bowed his head in respect and gratitude for Fenix's kind words.
"Now then, Tails! I believe there is someone you wanted to meet?" With those words, the muscular alien flicked a switch on the steel wall, opening a small door to reveal a sight Tails had been longing for. Amy sat on the edge of an infirmary bench, bending her arms and legs experimentally, as if she was afraid they might stop working.
"Boy, these guys sure know how to make a girl whole again!" Amy exclaimed, standing up and flexing her legs in the way she used to, before the resistance, when she was interested in racing. Then her eye flickered, and she looked towards the pair standing in the doorway, one chuckling softly to himself in a deep bass voice, the other gazing at her in wonder and awe. A flash of rare and deep emotion passed over Amy's face, but quickly dissolved behind the cool, emotionally in-check exterior that was Amy Rose.
"Amy? You got better!" Tails did a little hop of joy, and rushed to give Amy a hug. Amy smiled and returned the gesture, glad to be back among friends. "Yeah, I'm in top shape again, thanks to the Protoss! Where're the others?" Tails excitedly grabbed her hand and ran with her to the hallway, stopping for a moment to look up at the kindly Fenix. "Thanks, sir!" Fenix just nodded slowly, smiling softly as Amy and Tails dashed helter-skelter towards their rooms.
*****
"Hey, little bro! How's Amy?" Sonic enquired his best bud. Tails smiled and stepped aside, laughing with the joy of youth. With a sudden skip, Amy appeared in the doorway, a indifferent grin set on her face. "Oh, I'll get by! How've you lovebirds been holding up?" Sonic adopted his old, arrogant tone. "Eh, we've managed good enough, and you two?" Amy looked confused at this, then decided not to question it. Instead, she noted the sound of running water, and a cheeky grin stamped itself on her face.
"So, where's Sally at? Surely she'll around here someplace!" Now Sonic's blue fur took on a reddish tinge, blushing hotter than the sun could have. "Well, she's... currently unable to come, ahem, right now, 'cause she's showering." Sonic couldn't have turned any redder if they had thrown him in a vat of crimson paint. Amy then gave Sonic a pat on the back, laughing outrageously, and attempted to talk between laughs. "Sonic, you could pass off as Knuckles! Look at 'im, he's redder than his shoes!" Tails was barely able to keep from falling to the floor in hysterics.
Amy soon got over her laughing long enough to yell out "HEY SAL! WHERE YA AT?" Something similar to a shriek was heard, followed by the unmistakenable sound of something hitting a steel floor. Before anyone could remark, Sally opened the door, wearing an ivory-white housecoat that contrasted wonderfully with her deep chestnut fur, and rubbing her rear tenderly, where she had recently fallen. Sonic went complete maroon red as the ground squirrel gave Amy a good long embrace, laughing aloud.
"AMY! You've got some nerve, girl, interrupting my shower!" Sally and Amy both burst into hysterics as they caught sight of Sonic, crimson from eartip to toe. "Poor guy! Think he's embarrassed?" Amy gasped between giggles. Sally chuckled as she replied. "Sonic? He's usually too cocky for his own good, but he's redder than Knux, so maybe he's just being modest!" Amy and Tails left the room, towing behind them a completely petrified and glowing hedgehog.
*****
"So, that's what happened." Sally finished telling the tale, right down to Mighty's last stand, to Amy, who was shocked. "Mighty and Knuckles didn't deserve this. They're the most selfless people I know, though they don't like to admit it." Sonic nodded, then decided it was time to let Amy in on the secret. "Yeah, but Tails comes pretty close to them. When you were ill, Tails stayed with you the entire time! He carried you most of the way here, and comforted you when you were out!" Amy was taken aback by Sonic's tone: it was more solemn than anything she'd ever heard from him.
"Sonic's right, Amy!" Sally continued for Sonic, voicing her own opinion. "Tails cares for you, as deeply as I do for Sonic. He will do anything to keep you safe, because he's fallen for you!" Amy gasped aloud, almost waking the softly snoring fox-cub. "He really did all that? Tails really likes me that much?" Sally and Sonic nodded together, and Amy felt tears trickle down her face.
"I've always loved Tails secretly, but I never wanted to tell anyone. I was afraid that he would go, and I would be alone again. But now I know that I'll never be alone, because I have all of you in my heart, and Tails by my side!" Sally wiped away her tears, comforting the hedgehog's head in her lap. "Shhh! Hush now, Amy. We should get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day..." Amy looked up from the tear-stained nightgown of the woman she had come to respect and love as a child loves her mother, and nodded slowly, laying down on her prepped-bed.
Sally and Sonic returned to their own bed, pulling the white sheets over them and falling asleep instantly, cradled in each other's arms and smiling lovingly, their thoughts already dissolving into warm, pure, innocent dreams of their own design. Amy watched them for a while, thinking to herself as she reflected on the strong-hearted couple. Sonic and Sally look so peaceful together. Just as innocent and cute as Tails. I wonder what'll happen to us after tomorrow. Me 'n Tails.. kinda hard to imagine me being much like Sally. Tails is more like them than I am. Ah, well...
Amy sighed and rested her head upon the silky cushion of her bunk, watching the sleeping, peaceful look of youth etched on her admirer's gentle, innocent face. With a smile of wonder and understanding, the sensitive, emotionally-complex hedgehog lady settled into the perfectly- warmed satin covers of her new bed, and looked towards the future and whatever fate would bring them: Love and triumph, pain and death, journeys and adventures. Only time would tell what destiny's hand would toss upon them...
End of Chapter 3: Revelations
Things begin to get more intriguing. Barely escaping the attention of Mecha Sonic, who still fights against his darker side, Chaos Wraith, the ingenious Rotor and Sally manage to repair and operate a damaged Protoss Interceptor, flying straight into the Carrier without even a glance from the shadow android. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Fenix, the leader of the Protoss warriors. After a brief moment, Sonic and his crew find themselves seated before the Protoss High Council. After relating their terrifying ordeal to the ship's commander, Tassadar, they get a little wisdom from the shadowed Zeratul, on the origins of the mystical Chaos Emeralds, and the ravenous, unchecked Zerg horde.
Unfortunately, the Freedom Fighters, after a quick eavesdropping session, have become crestfallen, as the seemingly-unstoppable black machination decides to drop by their hometown, the hidden base at Knothole! Rotor's sent a message to Sonia and Manic, Sonic's twin sister and brother, to call an evacuation to the Mystic Caves, but Chaos Wraith is still on the move. Can Sonic's siblings get everyone to safety before the evil silhouette of death hangs over them? Find out in the fourth chapter: Evasions!
I remember being alone, cold, in a place that was unfamiliar. There were strange lights all around me, like little floating spirits, burning from some infinitesimal source of life, each a different colour. When I got closer to one, a bright, pulsating red flame, I heard yelling, screams and the sounds of battle. Strange languages and unfamiliar voices filled my head, almost driving me mad with pain and despair. Then, I moved to the next glowing flame, a golden-coloured fire as bright as the sun, and I heard the sound of wedding bells, singing and laughing, and the cheerful, joyous voices of Sonic and Sally, louder than the rest, for it was their day. Memories are who we are, and friends and family are our strength. Take either away, and you have helplessness and loneliness.
Precious Memories, excerpt from the diary of Amy Rose.
*****
Rotor heard steel skidding along the ground, and turned to see one of the small, claw-like fighters come to a stop just in front of him, the razor-edged wings halting a pin's length before his head. Before anyone could react, the master engineer of the Freedom Fighters hopped aboard and scoped the inside of the cockpit. "WHOA! What awesome technology! Guys, I've got an idea!" Rotor explained his idea to the group, and they all grinned in anticipation.
*****
"Now, if I remember correctly, those golden ships tried to damage me, didn't they?" Chaos Wraith hovered in the distance, watching intently as the smaller fighters patrolled the area. "NO! Don't you start! I don't want to destroy anything! I'm the most powerful now, so I don't need to prove it!" Mecha Sonic cut through Chaos Wraith's thoughts, the neon eyes flickering from red to gold and back. "Well, I don't feel as angry anymore, so I guess I'll let you have your own fun..." Before long, the armor melted from the dark shadow of Chaos Wraith, turning into a white, shapeless light, and then to the golden-armored warrior known as Mecha Sonic.
"Alright then!" Mecha Sonic laughed: With Sonic gone, the mechanical fighting machine was now truly unbeatable! "I feel like having a little game of shoot-the-birdy with them!" Guilt still ate at the back of Mecha Sonic's mind: He really hadn't wanted them dead, and certainly not with some cheap trick. If he had really wanted to go as far as murder, the golden warrior would have challenged them head-on, in a fair battle! But, what happens happens, so...
"Chaos Wraith! Betcha I can take all of them out without firing a shot!" Mecha Sonic smirked to himself. His darker side didn't completely take over, but merely shrugged its shoulders. "I'll take that bet! 24 hours of control if you knock out all of them without using any energy!" Mecha Sonic returned with a grin, and streaked into battle, ducking, dodging and weaving to avoid the plasma bursts.
"HAHAHA! Can't hit me, can you?" Then, with a quick loop, the mechanical monstrosity flew straight into the middle of them, completely surrounded. "COME ON!" With a shout, he took on a mask of grim determination, seemingly ready to destroy the whole lot of them. On cue, they all fired at once, and Mecha Sonic laughed, corkscrewing between the shots before they converged on him, like some missile spinning out of control. With a sudden flare, the shots met in the same place, all absorbing each other into one focused orb of plasma energy.
"Now, here's the pitch!" With a quick lunge, Mecha Sonic grabbed a passing ship and, with a mere flick of his wrists, flung the helpless attacker straight into the collected power before the others could react. With a sudden flash, the anti-matter ball combined with the golden material of the starfighter, cancelling each other out in a violent surge of explosive power, destroying or heavily damaging anything nearby. "WHOO! Beautiful! Home run, right down the middle! Can't get any sweeter than that!" With that, he turned his attention to the alter ego that his rage had created.
"HA! Got 'em all, without any energy!" Mecha Sonic's laughter was cut off as Chaos Wraith abruptly took over. "WHA? I'm supposed to be in control now! What's the deal? I won our bet!" Chaos Wraith chuckled evilly, inwardly recording the techniques that had just been displayed to him by Mecha Sonic's little game of dodgeball. With a quick charge-up, the shadowy robotic villain launched himself from the scene of destruction, laughing to himself.
"Sorry, brother! We didn't shake on it! Rules are rules, after all!" With a full-blown laugh, the evil machine left into the horizon, to see what other challenges there might be. Without the hedgehog in his way, the maniacal machination was free to do whatever he wanted, without the restraint of his softened, emotional setbacks. "Maybe I'll go check up on Knothole, maybe see who's still around..." With a quick veer to the left, the dark force of Chaos Wraith made a beeline for the hidden city of the Freedom Fighters.
Moments later, the aerial assault stopped, and the fast, miniature attackers returned to the large starship. Battle-damaged and severely diminished in number, they feebly landed on the docks, some skidding harshly along the bay surfaces. However, had Chaos Wraith stayed just a few moments longer, his sensors would have picked up an unusual number of lifesigns inside one particularly wobbly spacecraft.
*****
Rotor had quickly managed to get the ship fixed up, and with Sally's help head had learned most of the controls. With a flick of her finger, the mechanically-learned ground squirrel disengaged the open comm link, grimacing in concern and worry. "Rotor, send a message through the comm link to our forces at Knothole. Get them to the evac' point, and tell 'em we'll try to bring some help." With a nod, Rotor worked a series of glowing blue buttons, speaking loudly into a floating orb the size of a child's ball. "MOVE OUT! MECHA SONIC'S COMING, AND HE'S LOADED FOR BEAR! GET TO EVAC POINT AND WAIT FOR PICKUP! STAY IN THE MYSTIC CAVES, WE'LL COME TO YOU!" With a flash of ethereal teal-coloured light, the sphere disappeared, in truth racing at lightspeed towards the destination Rotor had set for it.
"God pray it gets there in time!" Bunnie muttered aloud, and Tails nodded, clearly worried. "Don't worry! It'll get there before Chaos Wraith does, and big sis' 'n bro'll take care of everything!" Sonic nodded silently, remembering his twin siblings, Sonia and Manic Hedgehog, and the spirit of their mother, Queen Serenity of the Mobian Ruling House. A tear coursed down his warm cheek, and he brushed it away, smiling solemnly. "Yeah, you're right! Sonia's got as much smarts as Sally, 'n that shifty brother of mine'll sneak out the entire troupe, right under that mechanical monstrosity's nose!"
Sally thought deeply for a bit at this, remembering the conversation they had heard between Chaos Wraith, and the truthful, almost dutifully honor- bound soul of Mecha Sonic, being manipulated by the twisted hate that was attacking every notion of conscience and control the warrior had. "We can only pity Mecha Sonic, I guess." Sally spoke aloud, and the party bowed their heads, contemplating silently of the golden, light-hearted side of what had usually been considered nothing more than a rival, seeking a challenging battle.
Now, that being, who had always wished for nothing more than a good, clean fight between himself and Sonic, was fighting a battle all his own, against an enemy that had began the bloodiest massacre in Mobian history. An enemy that had transformed an honorable warrior into a murderous, totally evil creature, bent on the sadistic destruction of the entire planet's population.
Rotor and Sally worked the consoles, steadying the strange craft for a landing inside the carrier. Tails and Sonic were close behind, keeping Amy's stretcher stable. Each had a modified semi-automatic handgun holstered. The Chaotix loaded their rifles and checked the fuel in the napalm tanks. Bunnie taped a grenade launcher onto one of her arms, and attached a modified sniper rifle on the other. Sonar and Sandra were loaded for bear, with grenades, shotguns, clip belts and combat knives. With a slight screech from the impact of metal on metal, the small starfighter landed, and the cockpit opened.
"Alright! Holster your weapons, and come out slowly." Sonic cautioned the team as Rotor and Sally pulled themselves free from the repaired spacecraft. They were followed by Tails, who carefully lifted Amy from the ship and carried her in his arms. Antoine carried out the stretcher for Amy, allowing Tails to set the sleeping hedgehog onto the makeshift pad. The Chaotix filed out of the open back of the ship, guns shouldered over their backs. Sandra and Sonar were the next two to emerge from the damaged battleship, weapons unloaded in knapsacks behind them. Sonic came out last, his quick eye roving around the room, catching every detail.
"Welcome aboard the Gantrithor, Mobian creatures!" A voice rang out from behind them. They turned quickly, and got their first view at the masters of the technological marvels that had battled those aliens so easily. Sonic quickly cautioned Sonar and Sandra, whose hands had flown by reflex to the knives sheathed at their shoulders. The speaker was humanoid in build, only fairly slender and taller, with an almost skeletal complexion. It was garbed in a golden suit of armor, with large armored units mounted on either wrist, and some form of jewel centered within the plating. "I am Fenix, Praetor of the Protoss Expeditionary Force."
Sonic got over his awe the fastest, and answered the Protoss in as polite a manner as he could manage. "Thank you for your help, sir. I am Sonic, leader of the Mobian Freedom Fighters." Fenix's eyes glowed for a moment, and the Protoss commander bowed his head. "An honor to meet you, Sonic." Sonic was about to introduce the rest of the crew, but Fenix simply held out his hand and gestured for them to follow him. "Now please forgive me, for I must ask you to come quickly. We have little time to spare, and this would not be the best place for us to be when the Gantrithor leaves the atmosphere of Mobius."
They followed their guide without hesitation, hearing the doorway clamp behind them and seal itself. Fenix turned a left, and they found themselves in a massive room, with one circular desk and a host of other Protoss sitting around it. The tallest of them, apparently their leader, spoke to Fenix in an alien tongue, unknown to the Freedom Fighters. "En Taro Adun, Fenix." Was all they could catch out of the quick conversation. Fenix bowed his head towards the group, obviously a show of respect. The highest of the Protoss then turned his attention to Sonic's team. They imitated Fenix's bow, tilting their heads downward uneasily, and their host laughed.
"You are observant, Mobians. I am Tassadar, the commander of this vessel." Sonic was amazed that these Protoss knew their language so fluently. "I expect you have a few questions, but first would you introduce your crew to us?" Sonic bowed his head again and spoke clearly, in a respecting tone. "I am Sonic the Hedgehog, the leader of the Mobian Resistance." Tassadar acknowledged this, and his eyes then turned to the others. Sally was next. "I am Sally Acorn, former princess of the Royal Family, and loyal companion to Sonic." Then Rotor spoke up. "Rotor, chief engineer of the Resistance. I can fix anything, be it Mobian or foreign!" Bunnie had her say next. "Bunnie Rabbot, Resistance Field Commander. My arms were transformed to weapons long ago." Then Antoine gave his introduction. "Antoine, Morale Officer." Ant didn't say anything more, since he didn't want to embarrass himself. The Chaotix all spoke at once. "Charmy, Espio and Vector, the Chaotix, HQ Security." The last two were the newest recruits. "Sandra Vixen and Sonar Spike, Arms Sergeants."
Tassadar nodded, then looked to Tails. "What about you, young one?" Tails stood up and gave his name to the Protoss commander. "Miles Prower, though most call me Tails. We don't generally use ranks in our resistance, so I'll just say I go where Sonic goes." He then crouched back down, and Tassadar's attention flickered to the calm form that Tails was watching. "And what of the young hedgehog maid?" Sonic spoke for Tails. "That is Amy Rose. We will explain the situation as best as we can."
Sonic went on to tell of the war, their individual deaths, and the final sacrifice of Knuckles and Mighty. The Protoss never interrupted once, silently listening to the hedgehog as he told their tale. Finally, at the end of the narrative, one of the Protoss spoke up, apparently concerned.
"These Chaos Emeralds you spoke of are intriguing. They are obviously powerful objects, but you do not know the whole truth about their origins. The Emeralds are not of this world, nor any other we know of. They come from the race that created us and the Zerg, the creatures that attacked you. The Emeralds are made of a material called Khaydarin, a highly coveted source of power for our technologies."
"Legends of our people speak of the seven key crystals, which are capable of incalculable abilities. Each is based on a separate element: Fire, Air, Water, Earth, Steel, Thunder, and Life. Each individual crystal is capable of different powers on their own, but together they are infinite. This Mecha Sonic wields the Thunder Emerald, allowing him to unleash an incredible amount of energy and charging his steel armor with golden power. Mecha Sonic alone is not dangerous: Like many of our own warriors, he merely seeks a challenging battle against a worthy opponent."
"Unfortunately, by your own story, this robotic creature has tapped into the dark emotions of hatred and rage. The emeralds reflect the feelings of their master, and when this boundless fury towards you surfaced during his usage of the Thunder Emerald, the power of his own anger overwhelmed the mechanical monstrosity, causing his golden armor to become stained in shadows."
"The crystal requires some time after repeated use to recharge its power, meaning that his abilities are only able to hold for a short time. The rest of the crystals must be protected at all costs, or this Chaos Wraith may just become the strongest and most evil being in existence! Luckily, he left after his battle with our Interceptors, otherwise his sensors may have detected your party within one of them!"
The new Protoss speaker's eyes flashed, and Tassadar nodded grimly. "I have to agree with you, Zeratul. The emeralds are far too powerful for us to hold off. We must gather the remaining crystals to prevent their misuse." Sonic mused alone for a bit, then the Chaotix spoke up.
"What about our leader, Knuckles? Where is he?" Fenix sighed, and came straight out with his answer. "We originally believed that Knuckles was the source of the power, and wanted to secure it away from the Zerg, so we transported him to our Carrier." The Chaotix breathed a sigh of relief, and Sally stood forward. "What help can we offer? We can't sit around and watch our friends and family suffer again! Knuckles' sacrifice can't be made in vain!" Sonic stood alongside Sally, holding her hand and staring into the eyes of Tassadar and nodding grimly, the light of coming battles burning white in his soul.
"She's right! We will fight to keep our planet safe again, even if we must give our lives again to protect what is right!" The rest of the Freedom Fighters yelled out a cheer, completely in support of Sonic's heartfelt decree. Tassadar relaxed, a smile of understanding playing across his face. Zeratul spoke first, though. "Tassadar, these warriors are our allies, and indeed, are all too similar to my Dark Templar. We may be regarded as a little thing, insignificant, but we will fight to protect what we hold dear to the last!" Tassadar looked into the eyes of Zeratul, and saw a familiar blue fire burning in them.
"Zeratul, your words are true. Our home planet saw you as outcasts, but you still helped us in our time of need, during the greatest of our battles against the Zerg. These creatures are indeed like your Dark Templar, and so we shall indeed give these creatures the aid they ask for." With that, Fenix escorted the Freedom Fighters to their quarters.
"You did well, Mobians. You can expect your arms commander in 8 hours. I suggest you get some rest before then." With that, before continuing, he lifted the unconscious Amy Rose onto his broad shoulder and started to leave the room. "I'll take her to the infirmary, and see if we can get her well again. En Taro Mobius!" Sonic guessed that was some sort of compliment or honor. He performed the Protoss bow, and Fenix left for the on-ship medical office. Sonic immediately cracked his fists in anticipation of their first sortie.
"Alright! Everything's worked out so far! The Protoss are benign, and are willing to help and supply us for some major action!" Sonic then got his team to get some rest, divvying up the separate rooms between them. "OK. Me, Sally, Tails & Amy will get this room. The Chaotix can have Room #2, and the last room goes to Rotor, Antoine & Bunnie." Everyone left for their separate bunks, and Tails got ready to leave.
"Whoa, little bro! Where're you going?" Sonic asked. Tails looked imploring to his friend as he explained himself. "Sorry, Sonic! I'm gonna catch up with Fenix, and check on Amy!" Sonic and Sally looked at each other, and nodded, smiling at the fox's devotion. Tails immediately ran out into the corridor, following the signs to the infirmary.
"Tails is getting older, Sonic." Sally assured the creature she was destined to be with forever. "He's a lot like you now, and will do anything for Amy." Sonic nodded and scratched the back of his head, blushing profusely and showing a modesty he rarely let out. "Nah! He's not much like me! He's not completely selfish, like I was. Still, you're right: Amy really could use his support now, in the way you gave me your help." Sally and Sonic both smiled, tears trickling down their cheeks as they reminisced of old times.
"I missed you for so long, Sonic!" Sonic stared deep into Sally's eyes, past memories and unconfined emotion passing between them in a brief eternity. Their lips met, and the kiss went on, surging the feelings they had kept in check with the endless depth of a passionate moment. They both stayed in that moment forever, never letting the love between them dwindle into anything less than it was now.
*****
"Well, young one. I can see you feel deeply for the hedgehog." Tails' cheeks went red, contrasting to his golden-tanned and white fur like a roaring fire over a calm and endless desert. Fenix smiled and ruffled the fox-cub's head, chuckling softly. "No need to be ashamed! That passion for life, and your own hidden emotion, make you strong! It is the power of your heart that allows you to overcome any obstacle!" Tails was enthralled by the poetic tongue of Praetor Fenix, and thought deeply.
Wow! I'd expect something like this from Amy or Sally, but the Protoss are amazing! It's like they can peek into my thoughts and use our own feelings to give us strength! Tails was no less surprised when Fenix cut into his thoughts. Indeed, Tails. Protoss have the ability to read into your mind, and we can also see into your very soul. You are courageous and brave, deep inside that shell of youth. I can feel it: You will be a force beyond all of us someday if you follow your heart. Tails gasped aloud, then bowed his head in respect and gratitude for Fenix's kind words.
"Now then, Tails! I believe there is someone you wanted to meet?" With those words, the muscular alien flicked a switch on the steel wall, opening a small door to reveal a sight Tails had been longing for. Amy sat on the edge of an infirmary bench, bending her arms and legs experimentally, as if she was afraid they might stop working.
"Boy, these guys sure know how to make a girl whole again!" Amy exclaimed, standing up and flexing her legs in the way she used to, before the resistance, when she was interested in racing. Then her eye flickered, and she looked towards the pair standing in the doorway, one chuckling softly to himself in a deep bass voice, the other gazing at her in wonder and awe. A flash of rare and deep emotion passed over Amy's face, but quickly dissolved behind the cool, emotionally in-check exterior that was Amy Rose.
"Amy? You got better!" Tails did a little hop of joy, and rushed to give Amy a hug. Amy smiled and returned the gesture, glad to be back among friends. "Yeah, I'm in top shape again, thanks to the Protoss! Where're the others?" Tails excitedly grabbed her hand and ran with her to the hallway, stopping for a moment to look up at the kindly Fenix. "Thanks, sir!" Fenix just nodded slowly, smiling softly as Amy and Tails dashed helter-skelter towards their rooms.
*****
"Hey, little bro! How's Amy?" Sonic enquired his best bud. Tails smiled and stepped aside, laughing with the joy of youth. With a sudden skip, Amy appeared in the doorway, a indifferent grin set on her face. "Oh, I'll get by! How've you lovebirds been holding up?" Sonic adopted his old, arrogant tone. "Eh, we've managed good enough, and you two?" Amy looked confused at this, then decided not to question it. Instead, she noted the sound of running water, and a cheeky grin stamped itself on her face.
"So, where's Sally at? Surely she'll around here someplace!" Now Sonic's blue fur took on a reddish tinge, blushing hotter than the sun could have. "Well, she's... currently unable to come, ahem, right now, 'cause she's showering." Sonic couldn't have turned any redder if they had thrown him in a vat of crimson paint. Amy then gave Sonic a pat on the back, laughing outrageously, and attempted to talk between laughs. "Sonic, you could pass off as Knuckles! Look at 'im, he's redder than his shoes!" Tails was barely able to keep from falling to the floor in hysterics.
Amy soon got over her laughing long enough to yell out "HEY SAL! WHERE YA AT?" Something similar to a shriek was heard, followed by the unmistakenable sound of something hitting a steel floor. Before anyone could remark, Sally opened the door, wearing an ivory-white housecoat that contrasted wonderfully with her deep chestnut fur, and rubbing her rear tenderly, where she had recently fallen. Sonic went complete maroon red as the ground squirrel gave Amy a good long embrace, laughing aloud.
"AMY! You've got some nerve, girl, interrupting my shower!" Sally and Amy both burst into hysterics as they caught sight of Sonic, crimson from eartip to toe. "Poor guy! Think he's embarrassed?" Amy gasped between giggles. Sally chuckled as she replied. "Sonic? He's usually too cocky for his own good, but he's redder than Knux, so maybe he's just being modest!" Amy and Tails left the room, towing behind them a completely petrified and glowing hedgehog.
*****
"So, that's what happened." Sally finished telling the tale, right down to Mighty's last stand, to Amy, who was shocked. "Mighty and Knuckles didn't deserve this. They're the most selfless people I know, though they don't like to admit it." Sonic nodded, then decided it was time to let Amy in on the secret. "Yeah, but Tails comes pretty close to them. When you were ill, Tails stayed with you the entire time! He carried you most of the way here, and comforted you when you were out!" Amy was taken aback by Sonic's tone: it was more solemn than anything she'd ever heard from him.
"Sonic's right, Amy!" Sally continued for Sonic, voicing her own opinion. "Tails cares for you, as deeply as I do for Sonic. He will do anything to keep you safe, because he's fallen for you!" Amy gasped aloud, almost waking the softly snoring fox-cub. "He really did all that? Tails really likes me that much?" Sally and Sonic nodded together, and Amy felt tears trickle down her face.
"I've always loved Tails secretly, but I never wanted to tell anyone. I was afraid that he would go, and I would be alone again. But now I know that I'll never be alone, because I have all of you in my heart, and Tails by my side!" Sally wiped away her tears, comforting the hedgehog's head in her lap. "Shhh! Hush now, Amy. We should get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day..." Amy looked up from the tear-stained nightgown of the woman she had come to respect and love as a child loves her mother, and nodded slowly, laying down on her prepped-bed.
Sally and Sonic returned to their own bed, pulling the white sheets over them and falling asleep instantly, cradled in each other's arms and smiling lovingly, their thoughts already dissolving into warm, pure, innocent dreams of their own design. Amy watched them for a while, thinking to herself as she reflected on the strong-hearted couple. Sonic and Sally look so peaceful together. Just as innocent and cute as Tails. I wonder what'll happen to us after tomorrow. Me 'n Tails.. kinda hard to imagine me being much like Sally. Tails is more like them than I am. Ah, well...
Amy sighed and rested her head upon the silky cushion of her bunk, watching the sleeping, peaceful look of youth etched on her admirer's gentle, innocent face. With a smile of wonder and understanding, the sensitive, emotionally-complex hedgehog lady settled into the perfectly- warmed satin covers of her new bed, and looked towards the future and whatever fate would bring them: Love and triumph, pain and death, journeys and adventures. Only time would tell what destiny's hand would toss upon them...
End of Chapter 3: Revelations
Things begin to get more intriguing. Barely escaping the attention of Mecha Sonic, who still fights against his darker side, Chaos Wraith, the ingenious Rotor and Sally manage to repair and operate a damaged Protoss Interceptor, flying straight into the Carrier without even a glance from the shadow android. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Fenix, the leader of the Protoss warriors. After a brief moment, Sonic and his crew find themselves seated before the Protoss High Council. After relating their terrifying ordeal to the ship's commander, Tassadar, they get a little wisdom from the shadowed Zeratul, on the origins of the mystical Chaos Emeralds, and the ravenous, unchecked Zerg horde.
Unfortunately, the Freedom Fighters, after a quick eavesdropping session, have become crestfallen, as the seemingly-unstoppable black machination decides to drop by their hometown, the hidden base at Knothole! Rotor's sent a message to Sonia and Manic, Sonic's twin sister and brother, to call an evacuation to the Mystic Caves, but Chaos Wraith is still on the move. Can Sonic's siblings get everyone to safety before the evil silhouette of death hangs over them? Find out in the fourth chapter: Evasions!