Chapter 3 - Leftover Remains
Andrew Pierce was chewing on the last of a bacon sandwich as he travelled back towards the dig site. He had left the newly found gems at the main base and was travelling back to the dig site to look at the new discovery. To say the least he was highly interested. At first this assignment had seemed boring but the latest find was anything but boring. A set of powerful odd gems and now a perfectly preserved furry specimen, yes this would definitely get him a promotion. As the transport slowed to a stop he called to one of the chief workers.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"Sir! We've got everyone working on the drilling rig right now. We won't be needing it any more so we've begun clean up and clearance." he replied.
"Anyone in the tunnel?"
"Just that group of experts, as I said everyone is working on deconstructing the drilling rig."
"Good ok then. I'll need a small team to take me down to the chamber and….who's that?"
Andrew pointed towards the tunnel entrance, a figure was standing in the middle of the tunnel entrance looking around.
"I thought you said everyone was working on the drilling rig?" asked Andrew.
"They are, whoever that is isn't one of my men." replied the foreman.
Just then the figure began to walk out of the tunnel. As it came into the light it became easier to see who it was.
"What the? That's not a human! It's a furry and….unless I've gone blind, looks exactly like the one those experts described in the chamber." said Andrew.
"Come again sir?" asked the foreman.
"Don't worry. Get a couple of men and stop that furry."
The foreman yelled at a couple of men and they dropped their tools and made their way over to the new furry. As they got close one of them glowed white and collapsed and the other two were cut down as the echidna swung a huge staff and slashed both of them across the chest.
"Holy shit!" cried the foreman.
Andrew didn't wait for another moment as he drew his side arm and fired. The shots flew towards the furry, who was a few hundred yards away, but before they reached her the shots stopped dead in mid air. She glanced over at where the shots had come from and then the shots flew back along their original path at three times their original speed. Andrew had no chance to dodge as he was hit in the shoulder, right arm and lower abdomen with his own shots. He collapsed to the ground with a scream. The foreman watched in horror and then screamed at his men.
"Everyone run! Get the hell outta here!" he cried before jumping into the transport Andrew had arrived on and tearing from the site at breakneck speed.
The rest of the workers scrambled from the drilling rig and started to run. A few were cut down as the echidna continued to advance out of the site. As she cleared the site she easily spotted the main base a short distance away and with a small smirk set of towards it.
-----------------------------------------
"She hasn't done this in a long time…" said Amy slowly running her hand through Lavender's hair.
Lavender now lay on a proper bed surrounded by ice packs. Lavender had calmed as usual with this procedure but her face was still tense. Obviously whatever was doing this was a lot more powerful than previous incidents. Amy turned to see that her parents, Miles, Sally, Chalk and Jet were still waiting behind her looking worried. Amy and her parents had arrived back a short time ago from their walk and their happy mood had been shattered by the news. Amy had spent the last hour calming Lavender and sending her to sleep and was stressed and tired from the work. She slowly got to her feet and sighed.
"What's causing it this time Lavender?" she asked to herself.
None of the others answered her question fore they didn't know either. She turned towards then and then slowly left the room flanked by Sally and Chalk. Her parents gave Lavender a final look and then slowly left themselves. Miles and Jet remained in the room watching Lavender. Miles stepped forwards and knelt down next to the bed. He leaned forwards and rested his chin against the side of the bed.
"Ah jeez…" he said slowly to himself.
"She never catches a break does she." replied Jet walking forwards.
"No…it's not fair on her."
Miles gave Jet a small look and then returned to looking at Lavender.
"You like her don't you?" said Jet.
"What?" said Miles.
He quickly leaned back startled by the sudden question and looked back at Jet, who had his arms crossed as he looked at him. Miles gave a small nervous smile and looked back at Lavender.
"I…um…" he said.
"I can tell Miles, it's plainly obvious really." replied Jet.
"It is?" asked Miles looking back at Jet.
He sighed and threw up his arms.
"Guess you found me out." he said, "Just never got round to telling her."
"Same here." replied Jet.
"What? You mean you like her too?"
"No no! She's family, someone else."
"Who? The only other girl around here is Alici….no! You like Alicia? But then this morning…"
Miles expression dropped. He blinked and looked straight at Jet nervously.
"I walked in on it didn't I?" he asked.
Jet just nodded slowly. Miles slapped himself hard across the side of the face.
"I'm an idiot! Damn I'm sorry Jet, I didn't know."
"It's ok I guess." said Jet with a shrug, "Right now doesn't seem to be a time for relationships anyway."
"True but I'm still sorry."
"Ok."
The two boys looked at Lavender and fell into thought.
"Damn what's wrong with her this time?" said Miles.
-----------------------------------------
The base was in disarray as the echidna made her entrance. Men fled in every direction as she carved a path of death and destruction into the base. Ahead of her stood a blockage of men with heavy weapons but with a swift swipe of her hand she sent their shots flying back at them and leapt over the barricade. All of the men lay dead apart from one who hadn't been hit square on. She strode up to him and knelt down next to the man. He tried to back away but couldn't due to his injury. The echidna brought her hand up brushed it slowly across his face.
"Hush now. Where are the Emeralds?" she spoke softly.
"What?" replied the man.
"Tell me where the Emeralds are. Please do that for me."
"Like hell bitch! You'll kill me!"
"No I won't. Tell me and I'll let you live."
The man thought for a moment and then spoke.
"They're in the lower compound."
"Thank you so much."
The echidna slowly raised her weapon and brought it to the man's chest. The man suddenly looked terrified and spluttered.
"But you said…"
"I lied."
With a swift motion she buried the staff's blade into the man's chest and gave it a twist. Pulling it out she wiped the blood off with her hand and then stroked the man's face as he gasped his last few breathes.
"Shh, shhh." she cooed closing her eyes.
Opening them she saw that the man was dead and got up. Giving his body a final look she turned away and carried on. Battling her way down another floor she finally made it to a large steel door. On it was stencilled a large white sign saying 'Lower Compound 1'. The echidna smiled and closed her eyes. As she did she raised her arms to the side and looked down. Slowly a black glow surrounded her and she brought her hands behind her slightly. As her eyes suddenly flew open she swung her arms round to point at the door and, with the sound of twisting metal, the doors buckled and swung open collapsing to the ground as they did. She slowly stepped forwards into the room. It was large and square with various messages stencilled onto the wall and boxes and crates were stacked up to the ceiling on huge long shelves. It was easy to tell that it was a store room.
The echidna stood in the doorway for a moment before stepping into the room. She looked to both sides and then set off down the middle of the shelves. Closing her eyes, she continued on, occasionally turning a corner until she finally stopped. She slowly opened her eyes and smiled. In front of her on a small shelf was a large metal case. It had two locks on it, one either side of the handle, and was a silvery colour. The echidna smiled and held her weapon firmly in her hands. Pulling the two pieces apart, she brought one down on each lock, shattering them to pieces. Slotting the weapon back together she stepped forwards towards the case and threw back the lid.
With a scream she staggered back, threw the case from its shelf, and collapsed to the ground. The echidna started breathing heavily and then looked up from her position. The case had landed a few meters away and the two items in it had clattered to the floor. Nearest her was a black coloured gem and a little further away was a white coloured one. She got to her knees and shuffled over to the black gem. As she reached it she stretched out her hand towards it but stopped as if nervous to touch it. She stayed like this for a moment and then finally put her hand on the gem. As she did a black glow suddenly surrounded her and her eyes flew open, focussing on the gem.
The glow then started to change, forming into a mist around her. The mist flowed off in a few direction, long finger like strands probing the rest of the room before it gather back around her. The mist began to swirl and then slowly started to disappear as it sunk into the echidna. She went stiff as this happened, still clutching the emerald. As the last of the mist vanished the emerald gave a flash and the echidna collapsed to the floor.
It was a few minutes before she moved again and even then it was just to roll onto her front. Gingerly she propped herself up on one arm and starred at the emerald again. Her eyes were even blacker than before now, if that was possible. Slowly she stood up and placed the gem in her dress pocket. She retrieved her weapon from the floor next to her and then looked around the room again. Her gaze narrowed on the white gem and she snarled. Taking a few steps towards it she reached out with one end of her weapon and tapped it cautiously. Nothing happened and so she stepped forwards herself to pick it up. Her hand got to within a few inches before there was a massive white flash. When the flash had cleared the echidna was lying in the remains of a few shelves half way across the room from where the gem was. Picking herself out of the wreckage with a roar she glared at the gem.
"Fine! If that's how you want it I'll leave you here…" she snarled.
She picked up her weapon once more and then turned to leave the room. She headed back up to the surface and walked out of the base. No one challenged her, everyone had either fled or was hiding in fear of their life. As she cleared the base gates she glanced over her shoulder slightly before she took the black gem from her pocket and turned slightly. The gem flashed and with an almighty sound that shook the ground the entire Alliance base imploded on itself as a black mist swirled around where it had been. The mist soon faded and the echidna turned away. Stopping, she closed her eyes and raised her head. She stayed like this for a minute before opening her eyes again and glancing to the side. A smile spread across her face.
"So you still exist even after however long it's been." she said to herself, "This I must see."
She turned to the side and began to walk.
-----------------------------------------
Bunnie sat in a chair with her head in her hands. She was depressed and worried and rightly so too. Across from her sat Links and Sonic who were both leaning on their hands thinking. At length Sally walked into the room making everyone look up at her.
"How is he?" asked Bunnie.
"And Lavender?" added Links.
"Both sleeping." replied Sally, "Lavender seems to be the worst affected but it's odd that they both started feeling like this suddenly."
"I know." agreed Links, "I too feel something…not very strong mind. It's more a nagging irritant in my head but it is there."
"This is getting too much." said Sonic, "Just what is going on? Any thoughts Links?"
"None at all." replied Links giving his head a small shake and closing his eyes for a second.
"Well whatever it is it can't be good." said Sonic, "Last time Lavender did this was…when the Chaos Zone expanded if I remember correctly. That wasn't a pleasant experience."
"Poor darling seems to be a huge warning bell." agreed Sally sitting down, "But we also have to consider Knuckles. Why are they both bad?"
"Could be to do with their powers." said Links, "I know I feel something and my power stems from the ring substance. Knuckles is also powerful and draws his energy from the Chaos Emeralds. Lavender…well she draws her energy from everywhere so it would be a lot worst for her."
Sonic nodded, "Yes but what is causing it?"
"Who knows sugah, I just don't want to loose him again." sniffed Bunnie.
"Oh Bunnie." cooed Sally.
She stood up and crossed to Bunnie's seat. Taking hold of one of Bunnie's hands and knelt down in front of her.
"You won't loose him Bunnie." she said.
"Ah'm just scarred for him that's all." replied Bunnie.
"We all are. Don't worry though, Alindel is looking after him."
Bunnie looked up and smiled slightly at Sally.
"Ah think I might go help her." she said.
"That's a start Bunnie." replied Sally.
Sally let go of Bunnie's hand and the rabbit slowly got up. She started to walk towards the door as the other continued the conversation.
"Ok then we need to find out what's going on." said Sally, "Links do you think you're ok for a search…"
Bunnie let the conversation slip away as she left the room and headed upstairs. As she climbed she began to think. Could the Chaos Emeralds be responsible for this? If so what were they to do? The Emeralds kept Knuckles going, without them he'd fall unconscious and could die. Reaching the top of the stair she turned to the left and headed for Knuckles' room. Opening the door she found Alindel inside dabbing Knuckles brow with a damp cloth. Alindel was so focussed on her task she didn't notice Bunnie enter until the rabbit coughed to announce herself. Alindel jumped and turned to look at the door.
"Oh Bunnie! You started me." she said.
"Sorry." replied Bunnie, "How is he?"
"Roasting! I think we should put ice packs round him too! His temperature is frighteningly high."
Bunnie crossed to the bed and stood next to Alindel looking at Knuckles. Alindel placed a hand on her shoulder.
"He'll be fine though." she said.
"I hope so Alindel, I hope so." replied Bunnie slowly.
-----------------------------------------
Back in the front room the discussion was coming to a stalemate.
"So what do we do?" asked Sally.
"You're the brains, you tell us! Where's Nicole?" said Sonic.
"Back in my room Sonic." replied Sally gruffly, "Links any thoughts?"
"I already said no Sally." said Links shutting his eyes, "I suggest we stay here for now. If we go darting about all over the place we could end up making things worst."
"But if we stay here we won't be able to find out what's going on." protested Sonic.
"And if we…"
A sudden sharp scream pierced the air with the volume of a jet engine. Sonic, Sally and Links stopped their arguing and turned to look at the door, frozen to the spot.
"That sounded like Petya!" cried Sally.
She quickly made the first move darting to the door and racing out as Sonic and Links followed slightly afterwards. The three crossed the house, bumping into Jet, Miles and Alicia who had been visiting Lavender, as they went. The scream had stopped now but as they drew closer to T2 and Petya's room they could hear the sounds of agonised groans and muffled sobs. Sonic was first there and charged the door in making it almost fall off its hinges. He stopped dead as he entered. Petya lay on the bed curled into a tight ball and surrounded by a black sphere. She was shaking and making gasps of pain as she lay there. T2 lay on the floor looking equally the same way. He wasn't curled up as much but he did look in pain. Sonic rushed over to him as did Links and Alicia, the others went to Petya's side. Sonic reached forwards and tried to grab T2's shoulder, however as he got his hand near it started to feel like his hand was ablaze. He swiftly pulled it back and resorted to shouting.
"T2! T2 it's Sonic! What's going on?!"
T2 moved his head slightly and opened one of his eyes. His face was completely contorted in pain and he found it hard to speak.
"Ah Sonic!" he groaned, "Stones! They've reverse….reversed polarity! Dark and…..YAAAAAAAAAARGH!"
T2's howl split the air and was joined by a second scream from Petya. Sonic looked at T2's hand and gasped. The Power Stone was glowing a bright almost white hot colour and so was the rest of his hand. Now that Sonic took notice of it he could smell a faint waft of burning fur in the room.
"My god Sonic! What do we do?" cried Sally from Petya's bedside.
Sonic looked up at her his face a complete blank. He quickly looked at Links for some help but was shocked at the sight. Links was now leaning back against the wall clutching his head. His staff's gem was glowing a blackish colour as was the one in his amulet. As if to make matters worst Bunnie and Alindel burst into the room looking frantic.
"Everyone what's going on? What the screaming?" cried Alindel.
"Knuckles is getting worse!" screamed Bunnie almost breaking into tears.
It was only a brief moment before Patrick and Marian shot into the room. Marian was panicking.
"Lavender isn't breathing!" screamed Marian.
"What?!" cried Miles looking up from Petya.
His eyes suddenly filled with fear and he raced from the room ignoring everything else. He almost sent Amy flying as she raced in.
"Guy's the Time Stones are….WHAT IS GOING ON?!" cried Amy coming to a stop.
"Amielle! Lavender isn't breathing!" screamed Marian throwing herself at her daughter.
Amy couldn't take it all in. Nobody could! They all stood rooted to the spot in complete shock, dismay and fear. Just then Chalk appeared at the doorway with her gun fixed to her.
"Everyone, someone is approaching! Manic and Sonia are already there!" she cried as she passed by not even noticing anything that was happening.
Sonic seemed to snap back to reality slightly and looked up.
"Sally, get the kids and help Lavender! Bunnie and Alindel, get back to Knuckles! Patrick, Marian look after these two! Everyone else with me!" he cried.
His orders didn't even seem to register with anyone. Amy, Marian and Patrick took off towards Lavenders room, Sally was still at Petya's side, Alicia just stood in the middle of the room in shock and Jet had knelt down next to T2. The only people who seemed to hear him were Bunnie and Alindel who took off back towards Knuckles' room. Sonic quickly grabbed Links and dragged him out of the room. Links was still clutching his head but seemed the least affected by everything, at least for now. He tore out of the house dragging Links as he ran after Chalk.
-----------------------------------------
Miles arrived in Lavender's room to find it completely quiet. There wasn't a sound in the whole room at all. He quickly raced to Lavender's side and almost fell on her. Bending over her he could instantly tell that she wasn't breathing. He straightened up, shaking his head frantically as he did.
"No…No Lavender don't do this!" he cried as he took hold of her and started to shake her violently, "Dammit! Don't leave us! Don't!"
"Miles!" cried Amy as she flew into the room.
Miles looked up as Amy knelt down on the other side of Lavender. She quickly pushed Miles off her and tried to calm herself. She extended her hands out over Lavender and they began to glow softly. However Amy's face was one of worry.
"It's not working…" she said.
"Amielle!" cried Marian as she entered the room with Patrick, "Amielle do something!"
"I…I can't! The Time Stones aren't as they should be. I can't keep a stable healing field!" spluttered Amy turning.
"What?" said Patrick quickly.
Marian threw herself at Amy, hugging her close.
"Amielle you have to do something!" she said again.
"I…I…I…"
As this was happening Miles pulled himself off the floor where he had been pushed and scrambled over to Lavender. The kitsune's face was still and an even whiter white than normal. Her fur and skin was cold to the touch due to the ice packs and the usual yellow glow at the ends of her tails was completely gone. Miles slowly leaned closer to Lavender, his breathe moving her fur.
"Lavender?" he whispered quietly.
There was no response from the small kitsune. Miles leaned closer still.
"Lavender please." he said slowly, "Come on, don't do this. Lavender don't die! Please come back to us…to me. Don't go before I tell you, please!"
Miles moved his hand and brushed it past Lavender's face.
"Lavender, I…I…I…love you." he said as he leaned fully over her and planted a small kiss on her lips.
It took but a millisecond for the next event to happen. In a massive pulse of light, Lavender's tails flared with a huge yellow glow. Amy, Marian and Patrick all looked round as it happened and Miles pulled back sharply falling over backwards as he did. There was a moment of silence and then Lavender suddenly took a huge breathe of air. Amy collapsed back down next to Lavender and threw her arms around her. Lavender was still unconscious but was breathing again. Amy looked up at Miles who was just blinking in surprise. She wanted to ask what Miles had done, she wanted to stay here with Lavender but something else made her stand up. She turned towards Patrick and Marian slowly.
"Look after her, I'm going to help the others." she said before she raced past them and out of the house.
-----------------------------------------
Manic and Sonia had no idea what was going on really. They knew about Lavender and Knuckles being ill but had then gone out on watch duty and knew nothing of recent events. One thing they did know though was that someone was heading their way. They had picked the person up on Nicole's scanners a few minutes ago. Right now they didn't know who it was but they were alone.
"I don't like it Sonia. Too much is going on." said Manic.
"Oh will you stop being paranoid. It's probably just someone who is lost, besides if they are hostile I'm sure we can take one person." replied Sonia rolling her eyes.
"Yeah I guess so."
"Heads up."
Just then the transporter gave a spark and a familiar glow erupted into the air. As it cleared Manic and Sonia could see a figure standing still next to the transporter. They were about to stand up and greet the new person when all hell seemed to break loose. Firstly all the grass and plants in the area immediately died and the ground started to glow black where the figure stood. At the moment neither could tell who the person was, they were surrounded in a long cloak with a hood but the person was short, probably about the same size as Alicia and carried a huge twin bladed staff. The figure stepped forwards towards where Manic and Sonia were. As the person approached all the grass and plant life around withered and died. Manic stood up in full view.
"Ok that's far enough, who are you?" he said cautiously.
The person came to a stop and turned to face Manic.
"Who I am is not important. Where are the Emeralds?"
It was a female's voice and it sounded young but also threatening.
"Emeralds? What business do you have with them? And I'd drop that tone too." replied Manic as Sonia stood up also.
"Two of you, this could be fun." replied the girl.
"Fun? Just who are you anyway?" asked Sonia.
The figure turned sharply towards Sonia and, before Sonia could react, swung her staff round. The blade grazed the front of her tearing her clothing to bits and slashing the belt Sonia wore making it fall off. This however wasn't the major problem. The blade grazed Sonia's stomach, cutting into her flesh. Sonia screamed and collapsed over backwards curling up into a ball as she did. Blood started to pour out of her wound staining her hands and clothes. Manic was just awe struck by the event, almost so awe struck he didn't dodge the attack on him. The figure swung the other blade round but Manic was able to dodge slightly so the blade just caught his jacket. He jumped back looking from his torn jacket to the figure to Sonia. It didn't take him a moment more to touch his medallion and expand it into his drum set. Leaping onto it he wasted no time in firing a volley of laser bolts at the new arrival.
"You stinking scum! I'll get you!" he screamed.
-----------------------------------------
Chalk upped the pace towards the transporter as she saw the explosions from Manic's bolts. As she did Sonic drew up along side.
"We never catch a break." growled Sonic, "Chalk go right, I'll take left with Links."
"Got it!" replied Chalk bolting to the side.
Chalk rounded a large rock and fell into thought for a moment. Who was attacking? Was it a new robot or something from the Earth Alliance? She got her answer quick enough as she rounded the rock and stopped dead. Manic lay in a fairly battered state on the ground clutching his right arm which was bleeding heavily. Over him stood a cloaked figure holding a large twin bladed staff. The figure stopped and looked round as Chalk entered the scene but Chalk couldn't make out any features. She continued to scan the area for a moment and her heart almost jumped out of her mouth. Sonia lay in a bloody ball on the floor. She wasn't moving one bit.
"Another person to play with? So be it." said the figure slowly.
Chalk spun towards the person and swung Catrina round in front of her. The energy battery on the gun glowed for a moment and then fired spraying a flurry of shots towards the hooded figure. Chalk didn't even say anything as she fired but her face froze on one emotion, pure anger. As the shots approached the figure flung up their arm in a fluid motion. The shots slowed to a sudden stop and then flew back towards Chalk. The rabbit wasn't expecting this and had no time to dodge. Her own shots hit her with such a force that she flew back about twenty meters before hitting the floor with a sickening crack. She let out a shrill wail and then fell silent and went limp. The figure turned back to Manic who hadn't moved.
"Just you to deal with now."
"I DON'T THINK SO!" cried a voice.
The figure looked up just in time to see a massive blue blur heading straight for her. Sonic collided with the figure with such a force they were both thrown back away from each other a fair distance. Sonic landed on his feet and uncurled and Links stepped into view beside him. The figure slowly picked herself up and growled softly. It was an unusual noise, throaty and low.
"More fools! SO BE IT!"
-----------------------------------------
Back at the house Bunnie and Alindel listened to the sounds coming from outside.
"It sounds bad." said Alindel.
"Yes." replied Bunnie slowly.
"I hope Links is alright."
"Knuckles! Knuckles wake up we need you!"
Bunnie took hold of Knuckles' shoulders and shook him heavily. When this didn't work she resorted to hitting him a few times sobbing as she did. Alindel acted quickly and grabbed Bunnie before she could do anything else.
"Bunnie that won't help us right now." she said.
Bunnie just turned and started to cry against Alindel's shoulder. Slowly she looked up at the ceiling and let out a gentle wail. Alindel pulled Bunnie closer and looked over the rabbits shoulder at Knuckles. Just then she blinked.
"Hmm?" she murmured.
"Huh?" replied Bunnie pulling away and turning round.
Bunnie almost gasped in amazement. Knuckles' body was glowing with a slightly pinkish colour and it was getting brighter. Bunnie knelt down and continued to stare as Knuckles gave a small twitch. Bunnie continued to watch, not moving or saying anything.
-----------------------------------------
A second lightning bolt screeched across the sky as Links let another attack slip. Like before the hooded figure easily batted it away. Sonic then had to act quickly to dodge a swipe from the figures staff. He landed next to Links and looked at him. The fox was clutching his forehead heavily and cringing.
"Links?! Links what's wrong?" cried Sonic.
Links didn't reply. He simply withdrew his hand from his forehead and Sonic gasped. The fox's hand was covered in blood and, now that he had removed his hand, Sonic could see that so too was his forehead.
"This one contains the dark force." said Links slowly.
"What?!" replied Sonic.
"The dark force. I believe you've come across it before."
It took Sonic a moment to remember but he did. Many years ago before the trouble with the Alliance, before they had even met Petya. The old echidna space station and the clone of Sarath. Yes Sonic remembered.
"You know of the dark force?" said the figure, "Interesting."
"Who the hell are you?!" demanded Sonic.
The figure just gave a laugh. It was child like and slightly musical, most unfitting for the situation at hand.
"I'm your worst nightmare." replied the figure.
Just then Links almost collapsed. Sonic moved quickly to support him before he fell. The ring substance in Links' staff and amulet was now glowing a black colour. Links' forehead was bleeding heavily now but Sonic couldn't tell why.
"Links? Links?!" he cried.
"Cor…corrupting…ring…sub…"
The fox didn't have time to finish as he passed out and completely collapsed. Sonic looked at Links for a moment and then turned back towards the figure. He didn't even have time to focus as the figure charged at him knocking him clean over and slashing his left shoulder. The figure turned quickly as Sonic fell over and spun their staff round. With a swift movement the figure imbedded it deeply into Sonic's left leg pinning him to the ground. Sonic screamed but couldn't move from his position. The figure twisted her staff separating it into two and, keeping Sonic pinned with one half, brought the other end round to his chest.
"Foolish hedgehog." the figure cooed.
"SONIC!" came a familiar cry.
The figure turned just in time to see a mass of pink hurtling towards her. The figure dodged but had to release Sonic in the process. Amy came to a stop next to Sonic and collapsed next to him.
"Sonic? Sonic you alright?!" she cried.
"Yeah I'm swell Aimes!" cringed Sonic, "Absolutely perfect!"
Amy looked away and back at the figure who was taking up a fighting stance. Amy stood and to face her.
"Two foolish hedgehogs." the figure stated, "Your species is very unintelligent."
"And yours is complete scum! Who are you?!" replied Amy.
"None of your concern. Step aside little guardian of time before I am forced to deal with you too."
Amy gasped, how did this person know that?
"Shocked? I know more than you can ever imagine."
"Well I know a thing or two myself." retorted Amy.
"So be it."
-----------------------------------------
The glow around Knuckles continued to build. It was now a bright reddish pink colour and pulsing. Knuckles himself was also starting to glow, his body pulsing from red to pink and back again.
"What's going on?" asked Alindel.
"This is….what happens when Knuckles goes super."
It had taken Bunnie a while to realise what was happening but she was sure now. There was no other explanation. Bunnie leaned closer to Knuckles when suddenly his eyes flew open. Bunnie jumped back in surprise as Knuckles moved and sat up. He was staring straight ahead and for a moment he didn't move again. Slowly he closed his eyes and stood up on the bed. He opened his eyes again and gave a small glance at Bunnie and Alindel.
"Knuckles?" asked Bunnie slowly.
"I am needed." replied Knuckles looking up.
Moments later there was a bright flash of light, which made both Bunnie and Alindel fall over, and Knuckles left the room by mans of the roof. Bunnie got to her knees and looked up at the hole in the ceiling.
"Knuckles…" she said slowly.
-----------------------------------------
Amy hit the floor with a crunch and a moan. She tried to get up but couldn't move an inch. Blood oozed from wounds scattered across her body and her Acolyte clothing looked more like a rag now. She was starting to loose feeling in her feet and couldn't understand what was going on. How come this person was so strong? What did they want? More questions flashed around her head but she couldn't answer any of them. She felt herself being rolled over onto her back and looked up. The cloaked figure was standing over her, their staff mere inches from her neck.
"I will now take my revenge for last time."
"Huh? Revenge?" murmured Amy quietly.
"Do not act like you do not know. You may have destroyed my counterpart but unlike him I am not weak."
The figured raised their staff and Amy froze solid. She wanted to move but couldn't, all she could do was lie there and wait. However, the figure didn't strike. Instead she looked away to one side and then spun away from Amy to take up a fighting stance. Amy could barely look up but what she saw amazed her. A bright pinky red blur slammed into the ground a few meters away rocking the earth itself. The blur slowly settled and took a form, it was Knuckles.
"KNUCKLES!" she cried completely ecstatic.
Knuckles just glanced at her and grinned before turning back to the figure.
"Well well this is most unexpected." said the figure, "I knew they were here but who would have thought the Emeralds would be merged with a person."
"Enough talk you!" growled Knuckles, "I've got a very good idea of just who you are!"
"Oh? They why don't you try your luck."
"The Emeralds sure went crazy recently. I started feeling tired and I know why now, you were dampening their power."
"The seal was finally broken, just as prophecy said it would. This world is different to before but it doesn't mean you will stop me."
"Oh? I stopped you before!"
"That was not me. Yes it was a part of me but not my essence. You would not have won if I had actually been there. But as you said enough talk. It is time for action!"
With a swift move the figure discarded her cape and stood tall. Everyone close who was conscious and Knuckles gasped in surprise. The figure of an echidna stood before them, a girl, not more than middle teens in age. Knuckles soon got over his shock and spoke.
"Who are you?" he said.
"Her name is Basanda and she will be the last thing you see."
The echidna suddenly leaped forwards at Knuckles who jumped straight up. A flash of light passed over Knuckles as he went super and spun in mid air. Basanda turned steeply and jumped onto a nearby rock before leaping of it to join Knuckles in the air. The front blade of her staff slid past Knuckles but he dodged it and smacked her directly in the jaw as she passed. Basanda was sent plummeting to the ground and hit with a loud bang. Picking herself up she glared up at Knuckles.
"So you want to fight dirty? Fine."
Basanda bowed her head and closed her eyes for a moment. Looking up suddenly she flung up her arms. Points of purple light appeared in her palms and two splitting bolts of lightning ripped upwards towards Knuckles. Knuckles didn't move and suddenly a clear bubble appeared around him. The lightning hit and scattered off all over. Knuckles dropped to the ground, the bubble still around him.
"You forget I've fought you before. I know you're little tricks too well." he said.
"Or so you think! Feel the true power of the black Emerald!"
"Black Emerald?"
Knuckles didn't have time to say anything else as the bubble around him went a pitch black colour. He couldn't see a thing nor could he move. The next thing he knew was Basanda charging straight through the bubble smashing it to pieces with her staff and impaling him to the rock behind him. Knuckles screamed in pain as the blade passed through his chest and his whole body gave a dark red pulse. His body then flashed each of the Emerald colours and one by one they fell from his body with a clatter. Knuckles almost passed out but managed to look up at Basanda. She gave a glance at the fallen Emeralds and then at Knuckles.
"And now the controller." she said.
Basanda suddenly twisted her staff causing Knuckles' scream to pitch at an inaudible level. Reaching forth her hand she placed it on Knuckles chest and then drew it back sharply. With a massive green flash the Master Emerald appeared from Knuckles' body. Knuckles gave a gasp and the glow around him faded away, his body returning to its normal colour. Basanda stepped back raising the Master Emerald high and yanking the staff from Knuckles' chest. Knuckles slumped to the ground with a thud and didn't move. Basanda looked down at him.
"Finally they are mine." she said slowly.
Just then the seven Emeralds rose from the floor and begun to float around Basanda. She raised her hand and one by one they gave a flash and turned into streaks of light before disappearing. Basanda stood for a moment with her eyes closed contemplating her next move before she was interrupted.
"Knuckles!" came a wailing cry.
Bunnie leaped onto the scene followed closely by Alindel. Bunnie threw herself at Knuckles and didn't even seem to notice Basanda. Finally she looked up at the echidna. With a scream she spun and leaped at her but Basanda didn't even attempt to dodge. A quick flick of her hand sent Bunnie hurtling through the air and smashed her into a nearby rock. She slumped to the ground and didn't get up. Alindel meanwhile had run to Links' side.
"Links! Links wake up!" she cried at him.
"He won't wake up…and neither will you." said a voice.
Alindel turned just in time to see the flat side of Basanda's blade make contact with her head. She fell to the ground with a small gash down the side of her face. Basanda looked around at the fallen furries and then turned away, heading towards the house.
-----------------------------------------
From a second floor window, Miles watched the event take place outside. As Basanda started to approach the house he raced from the room to the top of the stair. Sally was already standing in the hallway.
"Mom! What's going on?!" he cried.
"Miles get yourself out of here. Grab…"
Sally didn't get a chance to say anything else as a massive blast of energy smashed the front of the house in and sent her flying into a wall with a crack. Miles stood frozen to the spot for a moment before Alicia came flying into the hallway. She skidded to a halt mere feet from Basanda and the fallen Sally and froze also. Basanda wasted no time in waving her hand at Alicia and sending the squirrel flying back into the room she had come from with a crash.
"SIS!" cried Miles before realising his mistake.
Basanda's head snapped round at him and she instantly threw up her hand. Miles found himself travelling backwards at a fair speed and then slamming into the wall. Luckily for him he had been far away and the stairs had blocked the shot slightly. He sat for a moment with his head ringing before he heard someone coming up the stair. Scrambling to his feet he darted down the corridor and back into Lavender's room. Lavender was still lying on her sleeping bag unconscious as Miles entered. He raced to her side and started to shake her.
"Lavender! Lavender wake up we have to get out of here!"
He stopped and looked round. He could hear her coming along the corridor now, her staff making a soft thunk each time it hit the floor. He grabbed the kitsune again and shook her.
"Dammit Lavender wake up!"
Lavender didn't respond and Miles started to look around frantically. He had to get out of here but the only way was...
He quickly took a firm hold of Lavender and sung her into his arms. She weighted a tonne being unconscious but he managed to lift her. He looked towards the window and then back at the door. As he did Basanda appeared in the doorway. Basanda's expression changed to surprise as she saw Lavender. Miles wasted no time in racing towards the window and jumping into it. He curled into a ball as he did, protecting Lavender, and smashed the window to pieces. He fell the short distance to the ground and landed with a thud. Not looking back or stopping to think, he just turned and ran. Racing round to the front of the house, Lavender still in his arms, he flew towards the transporter. As he neared he saw the situation first hand. His friends and family lay around, some unconscious, some bleeding, some moaning. Miles nearly collapsed to his knees as he saw his father. Sonic was leaning on a rock holding a wound on his shoulder. A tourniquet made of a piece of his torn cloak was wrapped around his leg and he was breathing heavily, his eyes shut. Miles quickly raced to his side and stood over him not moving. Sonic noticed his arrival and opened his eyes.
"Ah Miles." he said slowly.
"Dad! What's…" started Miles.
Sonic placed a finger to his lips.
"Shh Miles, listen to me. Get out of here, take Lavender and go ok."
"But…"
"No buts Miles…get out of here! GO!"
"But…dad I can't!"
"Miles go! You can't fight here! Do what I do, RUN! Run and don't look back!"
"Dad…"
"Run Miles! NOW!"
Sonic glanced to one side and Miles followed it. A short distance away Basanda could be seen slowly approaching. Miles quickly looked back at Sonic.
"Miles go!" said Sonic sharply.
"Dad…"
"Dammit Miles! GO NOW! RUN!"
Miles looked down at Lavender in his arms, then at Sonic and then finally at Basanda. He watched her for a brief second and then took off towards the transporter.
"Run Miles!" came Sonic's fading voice, "RUN!"