Chapter 6: Enticed by Darkness The voice wouldn't stop talking in his head. Sonic followed the orb, like he was hynotized by it. He didn't want to hurt those guards, but he had to get out. Up the hill we went, his head screaming by the orb. He was half-aware of the palace he was approaching and was hesitant of entering, his will straining to free itself of the orb's power. He finally stepped through the gates into the palace, where it was dark. He could sense others watching him, yet he felt...safe...from them. He entered a dark room where the orb settled on a pedistal and quietened down. Sonic shook his head clear and stared at the orb. "Isn't it something?" a woman's voice asked. Sonic turned to the door where he saw the squirrel. "You must be Shaetore," Sonic said quietly. "I see those rebels were quick in educating you." "What can I say? I'm a fast learner," Sonic said sourly. "Now you can explain why you...lured...me here." "Well it was your pet that called for you," Shaetore pointed out. That statement puzzled him. "My...wha?" Shaetore tsked. "You have NO idea what you are, do you?" "What are you talking about?" Sonic asked. Shaetore sat down in her throne. "Sit down, and I shall tell you." "I'd rather stand, thank you," Sonic said, folding his arms. "Suit yourself," she shrugged. "Many centuries ago, I was a teenager who fell in love with a handsome hedgehog named Lord Patrick. We were together for a long time before I found out he was a vampire. He offered me a chance of eternal life with him, and I agreed. He took my blood and I became a vampire myself. But as I learned later, I was more than just an ordinary vampire. Lord Patrick was an Alpha, and I had been turned into a Queen vampire. Over the years, Patrick and I shared different views on our...food supply...he would only offer choice to the sick and dying. He would even use the Master Orb to offer immunity from the viris that would change someone into one of us. I believe that the others are nothing more than cattle." "Now just wait-" Sonic protested. "SILENCE!" Shaetore shouted. Sonic shut his mouth, and Shaetore continued. "I decided it was time for the Queen to take the Alpha's place as leader of of the vampires. So we had a huge fight. In the middle of the final battle, the Master Orb glew brightly, and Lord Patrick dissappeared. He's been gone for centuries. I thought he was destroyed, but I see his spawn stands before me," she said, glaring at him. Sonic stared at her in disbelief. "You're lying! There's no way I decended from a line of VAMPIRES." "Lemme put it this way: that orb favors the Alpha family, and it CERTAINLY likes you. Plus, only the Alpha and Queen can understand the little blinker. You and me." Sonic stared at the orb for a long time, where after a moment, it started to speak with him. "I think...I understand..." he said slowly after a momement. It blinked. "Really? So that means-" Another blink. Sonic looked at Shaetore. "I got news for you, Shaetore. That machine your minion made? It never worked." "WHAT?!" Shaetore yelled. "Yea. Apparently Blinker here was responsible for bringing us here, and..." He paused. "...and saved my friends...it wasn't sure which one I was, not until my blood was drawn." Shaetore calmed. "Just as well. You're here now." "What do you want with me?" Sonic demanded. Shaetore stood up and put an arm around him. "I'm offering you a chance to become what you're supposed to be." "No way!" Sonic growled. "Wait, don't be so quick to judge. Have you thought of the possibilities?" Sonic paused. "I'm listening." "You are an Alpha, and you have a resposibility to your people," she said. "Besides, do you have any...enemies?" Sonic looked at her. "...I..." "Together, you and I can work together to destroy our enemies. You just have to agree..." she said, holding out her hand. Sonic looked at it for a long time, trying to decided...enough power to stop his enemy...Dr. Eggman...he shook his head. No, his friends came first. His will was strong still. He backed up. "NEVER," he growled. "Fine, if that's what you choose, then I'll drain you till you CAN'T revive!" Shaetore hissed, baring her fangs. She lunged forward and attacked. She grabbed him and exposed his neck, and in a moment, she bit into his neck. Sonic cried out in pain, and felt himself growing weak. The orb suddenly floated into the air and zapped Shaetore. She hissed and dropped Sonic, angry. His blood dripped from her lips, and from his neck as he weakly got up. He heard the orb and stumbled for the door, fighting to stay concious. "COME BACK HERE!" Shaetore yelled, but was zapped back by the orb. Kalita and the others crawled up the hill towards the castle. "Just a little bit father and-" she started to say, but gasped as she saw a pale, weak Sonic stumble down the hill, the orb following him. "Sonic!" Kalita yelled, running to him. Sonic looked at her. "Kal," he whispered and collasped into his arms. "Sonic!" Amy cried and lookedc at Kalita. "What's wrong with him?" Kalita tilted Sonic's chin. He looked up at her, and she could see that his eyes were changing from green to yellow. "Help me..." he whispered. She hugged him gently, picking him up in her arms and cradling him. "We're too late, Amy. Sonic's dying."