---------------------------------CHAPTER 11---------------------------------
Authors note: This story takes place with issues 124 and 125. If you read them you'll get a better understanding.
Some time later...........
Up high in outer space a large ship approached the planet Mobius. It was more rounded and tubular than the ship leaving that looked flat and sleeker. A golden hedgehog was watching from above the planet.
Where...am I? Feel...disoriented...one vessel on approach and another one leaving. Why? So many questions...Wait. I remember. I am Shadow the Hedgehog. The ultimate life-form. Bio-engineered nearly a century ago by Professor Gerald as a weapon for the Station Square Government. The only friend I made during my brief time aboard his sophisticated space lab, the Ark, was his granddaughter Maria. She was king, then....tragedy. I was locked away in stasis until Gerald's descendent, the evil Doctor Robotnick, freed me and I became his ally. I wanted the world to pay for Maria....but Sonic the Hedgehog made me see the light....and I made the ultimate sacrifice to save the planet Mobius. I remember falling toward her surface. Blacking out. I was transported. Saved from doom, by a group of alien scientists called the BEM whose ship was in orbit. They restored me to health. I do not know why. When the BEM detected the approaching vessel..they awakened me, imbuing me with enough energy to obtain Super Shadow form. To battle this new threat while they made there escape. But is it enough.
Super Shadow dodged as a blast of red energy came at him. Several more came shooting at him as he punched and dodged his way toward the ship. Pushing through their shields he flew forward with the intent to destroy the ship even if it took his life.
It should be. With the power of Chaos Control to guide me...I can breach any defense so...
He was just nearing the front of the ship when a blast hit him. Losing the Chaos Control he plummeted toward Mobius.
Here I go again.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END?
Knothole Village.......
Sonic woke up with a loud yawn. Getting out of his race car bed he started putting his shoes on when Tails walked in.
"Are we going on an adventure?" Tails said with excitement. "Huh, Sonic? Huh, Sonic? Huh, Sonic?"
"Sorry, Tails but not today...I got other stuff to take care of!"
"Awww.." Tails said looking shot down.
"Down worry bud, we've got tomorrow..." he said walking him to the kitchen. "And the rest of our lives for adventures! G'morning, mom and dad! What's shakin' Uncle Chuck?"
Everyone sat down at the table to eat except Jules who just sat and watched. Sonic was heading elsewhere though.
"Join us for a bite O'breakfast boys?" Chuck said.
"Yummy." Tails said putting on a bib.
"Not Sonic! He's got a royal date!" his mom said. "Good lick son!" she said giving him a kiss. Jules gave him a hug too.
"He doesn't need luck. He'll do just fine." Chuck said.
Tails was too busy eating to notice.
"Thanks! See ya later!" Sonic said racing off.
Ford and Mel where walking along enjoying each others company as Sonic ran by them some distance off.
"If I think he's about to do what I think then its taken him forever to do it."
"Do what?" Mel said.
"This." Ford said getting on one knee. "Will you marry me?" he asked pulling a diamond from his pocket.
"YES!" she practically screamed as she hugged him.
Several others around that saw what happened smiled and went about there business.
Soon...
Sonic was inside the castle with Sally embraced in a romantic kiss.
"Oh Sonic...I've missed you so much!"
"I missed you too Sal.."
"So are you ready to pop the question?" she said affectionately.
"Am I!" he said putting an arm around her.
Meanwhile the mysterious vessel has moved into position over the mountain entrance to Station Square. It's purpose: Unknown. For now.
The President of Station Square was riding along in his black car listening to Robotnick.
"Well, Mister President? What do you say? An alliance between your city and mine." Robotnick said from a lap top screen in the Presidents lap. "Why, imagine if Station Square had a robotic police force on par with the one here in Megaopolis."
"Don't hold your breath Robotnick! We'd never join the likes of you!" the President yelled back.
"Wrong answer!" Robotnick said.
The President's car swerved into oncoming traffic and headed for a large red semi truck.
"CORBIN, you're in the oncoming traffic lane! We're headed for that semi-truck! MOVE!" he yelled to his aged driver.
"It's not me, sir!" the driver yelled back.
Suddenly the car moved back into the right lane.
"That's right..I'm controlling your limousine via remote! Maybe your successor will be more willing to do business. Ta-Ta." Robotnick said signing off. As the car was driving along a female bat flew by.
"Don't worry Chief..I've gotcha!"
"Rouge the bat!" he exclaimed as she pulled him out of the car. As he was pulled out the vehicle went over the bridge and into the water.
"Yes, Sir you couldn't ask for a better field op for a rescue of this nature!" she said flying them to a nearby building top.
"Corbin!"
"Don't worry I'll save him..but getting you to safety is my first priority!" she said setting him down. Suddenly the sky above them shattered.
SHRAKT!
"What now?!" Rouge yelled out.
"Dear Lord! The sky dome...it's shattered!"
They both were stunned at the sight.
Back at Castle Acorn...
"Mom...dad...I'd like Sonic to become my royal consort who will someday have my hand in marriage." Sally said with her arm intertwined with Sonic's.
"You have our full consent Sally!" King Max said.
"Your father and I can't think or anyone we'd rather see you with darling!" her mom said.
WHOOOM!!!!!
Sally turned looking around as did Sonic.
"What was..." Sonic had raced out so fast her hair was pulled in his direction. "...THAT!" she said watching him leave.
Good Question. Sonic thought as he raced out of the castle and through the kingdom. Tails was right behind him in the air with Bunnie following using her rockets on her feet.
"What's going on?" Tails asked.
"I'm not sure..." Sonic said stopping near a hole in the ground.
Ford and Mel were celebrating in the garage when they heard the sound. With Shelby monitoring they headed out quickly.
Bunnie, Sonic and Tails were looking at the hole as the smoke left.
"Sonic, isn't that..." Tails was saying.
"I think your right Tails.." Sonic said jumping into the hole. Others had now showed up on the scene. "But I thought he was dead..." he was saying as Shadow got up and hit him hard enough he flew out of the hole.
"UGH!"
"Hold it right there buster...we don't want any trouble!" Sally said holding her hand out. Antoine was ready behind her with his sword half unsheathed. Tails and Bunnie looked ready for anything and Amy had her large hammer.
"Who..I...I..I'm sorry. I thought I was still under attack." Shadow said rubbing his head.
"You are, ya big poseur!" Sonic said running right at him. Sally got between them quickly.
"No. No, he's not."
"What?!" Sonic said coming to a halt.
"We don't have time for this. Nichole's emergency beacon is flashing." she said opening her up for everyone to see.
"Thank you Princess. I'm picking up an urgent signal. It's source- Castle Acorn."
"You heard Freedom Fighters...We're needed there at once. Sonic you can resolve, as in quietly discuss, your misunderstanding with Shadow later." she said with giving them both a look like try me.
Ford came running up with Mel and startled Shadow.
"Well I never figured that he was dead anyway." Ford said crossing his arms. "He was quite a popular figure back home."
"I though I was." Sonic said.
"You are.."
"Now is not the time for this! Shadow, this overlander is a friend who has proven himself to our cause many times. You can trust him. I'll explain later." she said ordering everyone to the castle.
Soon...
Up on a big video screen inside the castle Robotnick was talking.
"It descended from the heavens.."
Ford commented saying yeah right but only Mel heard him.
"And attacked the very heart of my empire! Some kind of vessel. It's technology on par with my own! Scores of Shadow-bots were instantly annihilated. Poor Snively is missing. Megaopolis lies in ruins."
"Why should I believe anything you say? All you've ever done is hurt me and my kingdom." King Max said with annoyance.
"Despite his past treachery, I think the Eggman speaks the truth now. I encountered the vessel earlier." Shadow said.
Nichole turned on suddenly. "Incoming Holo-transmit from Station Square." A holo version of Rouge appeared in the air above Nichole.
"Knothole, sqwwwkkkk, Station Square, sqwwwkkk, attacked, sqwwwkkk, President, sqwwwkkk, injured."
"But if this is all true...who on Mobias is responsible?" Sonic asked. Then, suddenly, as if in response to Sonic's question, a telepathic message goes out across the face of the globe. To Angel Island, to Downunda continent, the Kingdom of Mercia, the Great Unknown, everywhere. No mind is left untouched.
Ford squinted a bit like his head was hurting Mel noticed. He started to look blurry like he was fading and then it quick. Mel was about to ask if he was ok when the aliens spoke.
"SENTIENT INHABITANTS OF PLANET EARTH. WE ARE THE XORDA. OBSERVE. THRICE MILLENIA PAST."
A picture was placed into everyone's mind of there ship in orbit around Earth. A small shuttle came down to the planet. "THE XORDA CAME TO THIS MUDSHPERE TO OFFER AN ALLIANCE TO ITS HUMAN POPULACE. PEACE."
The next picture showed the strange shuttle land. Several armed troops approached the shuttle. "AN EMISSARY WAS DISPATCHED TO THE SURFACE OF YOU EARTH. BUT INSTEAD WAS CAPTURED."
The next scene was on a lab with a large water tank holding the alien creature. It looked like an overlarge octopus with many more arms than the usual octopus and had a large head shaped like a brain. In the middle between the brain and arms was a large eye. Many scientists were studying it. "IMPRISONED."
The next scene after showed another lab where they were dissecting it. "DISSECTED. THE XORDA REACTION WAS A STRONG ONE. THE XORDA THOUGHT THEIR GENE-BOMBS HAD EXTINGUISHED ALL LIFE HERE THAT DAY."
The last scene showed death and destruction. One looked like a explosion taking apart Rome and the other devastating the Capitol of the United States of America. "THE XORDA WERE WRONG. THE XORDA HAVE RETURNED TO CORRECT THAT OVERSIGHT."
Over in Robotropolis, Robotnick watched the alien ship fly over his ruined city.
"Fiddlesticks. Max it's become apparent that we seriously need to..." he was saying to a monitor with King Max on it. Max shut his side off as Robotnick talked. "talk. Ulp!"
Back at the castle....
"Dad, you ended Robotnick's transmission in mid-sentence. Wouldn't it have been wiser to hear him out?" Sally said worried.
"Quite the opposite Sally. He's no longer robotic. No longer invincible. For the first time in a long time he's scared, better to let him sweat. We can use it to our advantage. In the meantime...Rotor?" he said into a communication device. "Can you find a way for us to communicate with the Xorda?"
"Already working on it, your highness."
"Good. Keep me posted."
"Those Bozo aliens have got the wrong planet. This planet is Mobius, not urf!" Sonic said with anger. Ford snickered a bit.
"It's E-A-R-T-H. Not urf." Ford said sounding it out for him.
"Whatever."
On the screen appeared two Echidna's.
"Greeting Maximillian Acorn. I only wish it were under better circumstances."
"Indeed Locke. Did you hear the alien's story. It can't be true." Max said.
Ford muttered something about saying that it was Earth they were on but Mel didn't catch all of it.
"They believe it and as long as they do this planet is in grave danger." Locke said.
"Where going to need all the help we can get. Where's Knux?" he said then realized what he said forgetting what he already knew.
"Sonic..Knuckles is dead."
Everyone already knew it was true but it hit them a little harder hearing it from the father.
"We already knew I just forgot for the moment." Sonic said shaking his head in sorrow.
"How?"
"Everyone please. You must compose yourselves. We have already grieved for him and can do more so later." King Max said.
"He's right. Nichole and I are going to do some historical researching. We'll find a way to prove the Xorda are wrong." she said leaving. Ford spoke to her on the way out.
"Sally your only going to confirm what I've already said. This is Earth."
"Then you better hope your wrong." she said with anger as she left.
"How I wish I was."
On the screen Locke continued talking to King Max.
"We'll do the same here on Angel Island."
"Angel Island?" Max asked.
"Long story. We'll be in touch. Locke out."
"And another thing: Why did it take these losers over three thousand years to figure out they botched the job?" Sonic said with his hands out. Everyone turned suddenly to the new voice in the room.
"I..I..think I know." said a little human girl as she walked in. "I think so. While traveling through space our overlander ships were attacked by the same alien vessel. We thought we'd escape but it must have found us." she said staring at the black hedgehog. That strange black hedgehog..why is he staring at me like that?
That overlander girl...she somehow reminds me of my lost Maria." Shadow thought looking at her.
"I've got news. Bad news." Sally said walking back in. She glanced at Ford slightly before continuing in.
"Sal...?"
"The Xorda are right. Mobius and Earth...are really the same planet."
Ford shook his head and walked out with Mel following.
Everyone heard him yell "DAMN!" Mel heard the rest of it.
"I hate being right sometimes! I meet a woman who likes me for once and some screwed up aliens ruin it!"
"We'll figure a way out of this Ford."
"I've got an idea that only Shelby can help us with. Let's go put it into action Mel!"
"Run that by us again Sal.." Sonic said worry on his face.
"Nicole and I learned that the attack dates during which the alien Xorda claimed to have wiped out all of planet Earth's civilizations roughly corresponds to the legendary days of fury here on Mobius, which means there's a 99% chance that Mobius and Earth are the same planet just like Ford said!"
"The computer network here at Haven has reached the exact same conclusion Princess Sally." Locke said from the screen.
"Thank you Locke. It's important we contact the Xorda ship in Megaopolis at once...Rotor?" Sally said.
Down in the lab Rotor was working on a helmet. "I think I've got something Princess. If you could just have Sonic..." Just then he rushed in.
"Have me do what?" he asked scratching his chin.
"Help me carry this thing over to the castle. It's huge!"
Back at the castle Rotor started to place it on the King's head.
"This headgear will enable you to project your thoughts into the Xorda space ship King Max. You'll be able to communicate with them and hopefully change their minds about destroying Mobius." Rotor said.
"Wish me luck..." Max said.
"Dad wait. Let me do it." Sally said.
"Sally?"
"Yes..I think I can make a really good argument based on my findings." she said placing it on her head. There was a humming noise as it switched on.
Up in the Xorda ship two of the Xorda were floating when Sally seemed to pop into their environment. The inside looked alot like a large aquarium with control panels.
"OH that was quick." Sally said.
"COMMANDER WHAT IS THIS?" one of the Xorda said.
"I am Princess Sally Acorn. I come in peace to plead with you to spare our world. The humans who were your sworn enemies are no longer the dominant species on the planet. As a matter of fact, my scientific data shows that your gene bombs you once used to wipe out their kind mutated Earth's lower life forms giving rise to a new race. My race. Mobosapiens."
"THE XORDA ARE ALREADY AWARE OF THE NEW SPECIES. THE XORDA SCANNED YOU AFTER ENTERING ORBIT. SCANS SHOW THAT DESPITE A CUTE FURRY APPEARANCE, YOUR SPECIES HAS A SIZABLE AMOUNT OF HUMAN DNA. THEREFORE THE XORDA STILL INTEND TO DESTROY THIS WORLD."
"No! WAIT!" Sally said as they forced her out of their minds.
"It's hopeless. They won't listen to reason." Sally said yanking the helmet off.
"They must have a weakness." Alicia said.
Up on the screen Locke started to talk but reception was fading.
"We must, sqwwkkk, all, sqwwwkkk, our..." Locke was saying as someone else broke into the conversation. Sonic remarked saying lousy reception.
"Sqwwwkkk, Max! It's me! Can you hear me?" Sqwwkkk." Robotnick was saying as he tried breaking through. Max! It's me! Your number one pal. I think I have a means of beating back these icky aliens!"
"I'm listening Robotnick..." Max said.
The screen changed over to show a enormous robot.
"Please allow me to introduce you to GIGA-BOT PRIME. Latest testament to my inventive genius. It stands over one hundred feet tall and has enough destructive capability to level an entire mountain. However, my creation is so huge only Sonic's speed can generate enough energy to power it. How cruel is fate that my worst enemy should possess the ability to drive my latest greatest weapon."
"As much as I hate it. I'm your hog, Ro-butt-nick. The Xorda are the greater evil." Sonic sad stepping forward.
"Not so fast Sonic. Your services aren't for free. Robotnick must pay a price." King Max said pointing at the screen.
Ford and Mel where approaching the garage as King Max was telling Robotnick his fee. They were several feet from the door when Ford collapsed. Mel reached down to help him up but her hands went right through him.
"FORD! WHAT'S HAPPENEING!" she yelled. "SHELBY!"
Shelby came rushing out quickly and stopped in front of them. She instantly started scanning. Luckily the door was open so she got out easily.
"Mel....whaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttsssssss............" he said in a slow voice as he faded away.
"SHELBY WHERE IS HE?!"
"I don't know. I couldn't even detect he was there when I saw him fading. I had a lock on both of you as you approached and then he just quit being there."
Ford woke up in his house. Looking around he noticed he was in his apartment. Getting up off the floor he felt the side of his head aching. Looking around he saw he had hit the coffee table.
"Must have dozed off standing. WAIT A MINUTE! How did I get back here?!" Running to the door he opened it to see cars driving by and people walking around.
"I'm back home. In my universe." he said sadly. Shaking his head he walked back into the house. He glanced around seeing nothing had changed since he left. Asking the computer for his phone messages he grabbed a bottle of soda from the fridge. Surprisingly there was only two. Both from his boss.
"Smeg. Computer what there an accident on...what day was that...Computer tell me the how many accidents have been with Time Cops?"
"Please specify dates."
"Over the past year."
It read off several until coming across his. He spat his soda across the room when it said he had been reported missing from the crash he had two days ago.
"Several months to a year in another universe and two days have gone by. I must have been dreaming. But it felt so real!" he said throwing his soda bottle into the wall. It shattered leaving a reddish stain. He went to the kitchen to get an ice pack for his head when he noticed something on his finger. It was a small metal ring with an inscription.
"Where, wait!" he said looking at it closely. It read, "To my love Ford. May we always stay together forever. Melanie."
Ford almost broke down when he heard a noise coming from his front door. Rushing to it he pulled the door open with enough force it almost removed it from it's hinges.
"Something wrong today Mr. Primus." the mailman said.
"Sorry." he said not recognizing the man.
"You opened the door like you were about to be attacked or something. If you're excited about getting your comic it's in your box." the mailman said with a wink. Tipping his hat he turned and headed off to the next house.
Ford closed the door and opened the mailbox inside the house. Hanging on the wall near the door was a drop box that collected the mail for him. It used to be on the bottom of the door but he got tired of it being there because he kept coming home and ripping mail or ruining it when he walked in on it. Sorting through quickly he pulled out two comics. One was issue 124 and the other 125. He glanced through them quickly when a voice said in his head, "SAVE MOBIUS." He looked at beam of light that was coming from his front door. The voice told him to step through to save Mobius. Rushing around quickly and quite loudly he grabbed a suitcase and travel bag. Quicker than before he tossed things in the cases. Coming back into the room he picked up the comics and opened the door. Grabbing his things he walked through. Seconds later his room erupted into flames as the pop shorted out a wall socket.
Back at the castle....
"Price?! What price?!" Robotnick said crossing his fingers.
"Currently you are the ruler of 99.9% of the planet. I demand that you cede half of your global territories to the Kingdom of Acorn. That's the price. Take it or leave it." he said with stern conviction.
"Cool. Way to go King Max!" Sonic said.
"Dad. Wow." was all Sally could say.
"I...I.." Robotnick was saying.
"You have no choice. It's do or die." Max said pointing at him again.
"Fine!" he said with contempt as he signed off.
Elsewhere....In a realm outside time and space. The entity who was once Knuckles the Echidna senses...Death! Moments later on a higher plane of reality.
A female Echidna was watching a burst of light suddenly appeared.
NO...It can't be!
"Aurora! I'm back!" Knuckles said coming out of the burst of light.
"Knuckles...you were one with the Chaos Force! How can you so casually forsake spiritual enlightenment?"
"I sense a menace to Mobius...to my folks, my friends...everybody I've ever known. A danger so serious they may perish without my help. Tell me, can they beat this enemy or not?"
"They..."
"Please Aurora. I've gotta know. You told me we only get one life...is that true?" he said as she turned away.
"It's not true is it? Some of us do get a second chance at life. I gained that knowledge during my brief time merged with the Chaos Force."
"A second chance is possible if one is worthy." A aged Echidna said.
"Athair!" Knuckles and Aurora said together.
"And you are more that that Knuckles."
"Then that settles it. I'm going back to Mobius to help in the battle! How do I get there?"
"Knuckles, I beseech you, hear me out! You have a greater purpose, a higher calling within the cosmic design. Don't squander it. If you turn your back on this, the change is irreversible, and your place in the natural order will forever be denied." Aurora said.
"But my friends..."
"Will eventually die no matter what you do. That is the pain of existence. Don't be foolish or worst selfish."
"If I save my loved ones, how is that selfish? Athair I need to get back to Mobius, NOW!"
"The power is within you. But it is impossible to predict how it will be affected once you return."
"That's a risk I'm willing to take!" he said leaving in a flash of light.
"How can he give up the chance to be cloaked with the very fabric of eternity? To unlock the secrets of the universe?" Aurora said to Athair.
"Weren't you ever sixteen?" he said.
Mel was working with Shelby to try and find him on her scanners. Shelby apprised Mel of the situation she heard from Nichole and told her that getting help wasn't possible. Mel grumbled but didn't argue. Shelby had said she was picking up a strange time disturbance that looked to have Ford's unique signature but couldn't pinpoint the position. All she got was that it looked to be around their area. So they waited.
Sally had gathered everyone into a large clearing and began telling them their situation. For some reason Ford and Mel hadn't showed up.
"Fellow MOBIANS...By now you know of the menace that threatens our world. Sonic has volunteered to go on the mission that will beat back these space invaders."
"Darned tootin'!" he said with a thumbs up.
"The rest of the planet's Freedom Fighters are on standby should he fail.....as are we." she said looking unsure.
Inside the castle....
"And Robotnick actually agreed? Most impressive Maximillian." Locke said from the screen.
"Desperation can make us do things we normally wouldn't Locke. Desperation, in this instance Robotnick's, worked in our favor."
"I see your point. Here on Angel Island even the most unlikely groups are willing to work together in this moment of crisis. Keep me aware of young Sonic's progress." Locke said.
"Will do." King Max said.
Meanwhile...
"Well, I'm off. Be back in time for dinner..."
"Sonic, WAIT. Wherever you go, I go. If you fall in battle, I refuse to be anywhere else other than by your side." Sally said as they raced off together.
Soon...
"You made excellent time Hedgehog." Robotnick commented as they walked in.
"Let's skip the chitchat creep. Where's your bot?"
"Right here. Well rodent, what do you think, hmm?"
"Not bad, if you're into the whole giant ROBO thing that is. What am I suppose to do anyway?"
"Just strap those clompers into the pedals in front of you. Once you get going you'll generate enough power to bring GIGA-BOT PRIME online."
"Well I guess the rest ain't rocket science." he said putting his feet in. Sally was sitting in a chair next to his.
"Sonic you're doing it. It's moving!" Sally exclaimed.
The large robot walked through Robotropolis heading for the alien ship. On the alien ship they spotted the approaching robot.
"COMMANDER OBSERVE. THE EARTHLINGS ARE STAGING AN OFFENSIVE ATTACK AGAINST THE XORDA. THE XORDA MUST NOT ALLOW THIS!" they said bring their ship to bear on the giant metal being. Firing their primary weapons at it the robot brought its arms in front of its self and erected a shield.
SHRAK!!!!!!!!!!
The mighty robot pulled back its left hand and delivered a staggering uppercut to the alien ship.
KLONG!!!!!!!!!
"NOOOOOOOOO! RETREAT! RETREAT!!" the Xorda started yelling.
The robot watched as the alien ship flew away.
"I think the Xorda are feeling a little ALIENATED Sal. Get it?" Sonic said.
"Oh. Sonic, I could kiss you!" she said giving him a big hug.
"Well follow your heart darling!" he said.
KLANK!
"What the...?!" Sally said as she watched two clamps come out and grab Sonics legs.
"My legs!"
"FOOLS!!!!1 The Xorda have been defeated and I no longer have to stick to my promise! Now I can use GIGA-BOT PRIME to conquer Mobius!" Robotnick said laughing. "You'll make a fine battery Sonic. Until you starve to death that is."
Suddenly...
"INHABITANTS OF EARTH. THE XORDA ARE NOT SO EASILY THWARTED. BEHOLD THE QUANTUM DIAL. GREATEST OF XORDA WEAPONS. ONCE ITS GEARS HAVE ACTIVATED, THE ARM OF THE DIAL WILL PROCEED TO ADVANCE, RUPTURING THE SPACE- TIME CONTINUUM. ONCE IT HAS COMPLETED ITS ROTATIONAL CYCLE, THE RIFT WILL CREATE A BLACK HOLE TO GOBBLE EARTH AND HER ENTIRE STAR SYSTEM. GOOD RIDDANCE."
As the Xorda spoke a large fin shaped object of immense size landed on the ground. It had the look of a enormously half-closed hand fan.
"Poppycock! I'll simply use GIGA-BOT PRIME to smash this quantum dial six ways to Sunday!" Robotnick said.
"The pedals are staring to move!" Sonic exclaimed.
"You bet your blue butt cheeks they are hero...fueled by nothing short of pure, hedgehog unleaded! Onboard sensors tell me that the dial has landed on Mobius' southern tundra...so mush!" Robotnick yelled as the mighty robot's rocket feet took off.
Knothole....
Mel was pacing back and forth as a bright light appeared inside the garage. Shelby was informing Mel of everything she was hearing when she stopped to scan the light. Ford came out as though he had jumped. His bags and carrying cases flew off to the sides as he came down into Shelby's windshield.
WHACK!!!!!
He slid a bit on the windshield but didn't slid off.
"Great. He's out cold. Lucky for him my windshield is protected otherwise he'd be needing serious surgery." Shelby said. Mel got him off the hood and onto the floor gently. Splashing cold water in his face woke him.
After a few coughs, "Thanks, I think. Shelby am I really here?"
"You feel pain?"
"Yeah. What hit me?"
"My windshield. If you're hurting your definitely here."
"Good! Maybe there's still time! Mel look around for two comic books like the ones I showed you before. These will have the numbers 124 and 125! Shelby what is going on in Knothole right now."
She relayed what was being done.
Inside a building in Knothole a massive army of soldiers were lined up. Antoine's father, General D'Coolette was addressing them.
"All right zen, mes braves...zee mission eez to destroy zis weapon terrible. We leave at once...on direct order from zee King!" All the planes that Knothole had were taking off. Soldiers and other fighters were heading out to fight for their planets very existence.
Southern Tundra....
"This quantum dial must possess an automated defense system around its entire perimeter. All technology based weapons including Station's Squares most powerful missiles fall apart harmlessly once they arrive within fifty feet of that thing." A human commander said.
"Holy cow Commander Brass!" Tails said.
"That's what I'm taking about Tails. These alien hostiles are highly advanced. We're gonna have to tackle the dial head on." he said looking through binoculars at the dial. The dial was standing up like a large fin out of the water in a massive pile of snow. Unfortunately it was snowing and making things cold.
They came from all walks of the planet, in order to save it. In the past some have stood together as allies, while others have faced off as enemies. Today, all petty feuds must be put aside, to destroy a device capable of global annihilation. Heroes. Villains. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
"Look, Tails...the dial's arm has started to move! So what're waiting for everybody?" The commander said.
"Let's do it to it!" Tails said rushing forward. A massive surge of Mobians and overlanders plowed forward toward the dial. The amount of people charging the device stretched for miles. As they got closer to the dial, without any warning a sophisticated defense grid is activated. Laser turrets came out of the snow and fired.
VIP! VIP! VIP! VIP!
Those who could dived for cover as others fought back. Tails jumped and knocked over a small female fox.
"LOOK OUT FIONA!" he yelled taking her down. Hey there's GIGA-BOT PRIME! Then that means...
Up in the sky on approach was the large robot. Inside Sonic and Sally watched their approach.
"Sonic, up ahead!" Sally said pointing it out.
"I see it Sal, the quantum dial!"
As they got closer the robot started to shake. Suddenly it completely fell apart. Both of them fell just next to the dial and both on their backsides.
Ford was driving because he threatened to pulled Shelby's AI program if she didn't cooperate. Mel was reading issue 125 as Shelby tried to get a message to the battle scene. Unfortunately the dial was causing massive interference and she wasn't getting through. Jumping over a several piles of debris ranging from rocks to broken down trees he floored it. He was tempted to use a power ring but wanted to leave that for Mel. They were still quite a few miles from the dial.
"Shelby, ETA?!"
"At this speed ten minutes."
"Damn! Where not going to make it!" he said shifting to a higher gear. Activating the turbo boost he added to his already dangerous speed.
"What if I'm incapable of using my power to stopping it?"
"Then Sonic will have to do it, even if it means his life."
"What if I can cause it to explode but we,..."
"If we make it there in time, I'll pull us up into the side where you can reach out and touch it. Then we'll have almost five seconds to get away. Shelby will get some damage but we can do this." he said giving her a quick kiss.
Inside the perimeter with Sonic and Sally.
"I don't understand Sonic. Robotnick's robot just fell apart in mid- flight. Well at least we're inside the defense perimeter." she said rubbing her backside.
"A blessing because it ruins Robotnick's plans for conquest and a curse because how're we gonna stop the dial now?" he said getting up and looking at there new enemy.
"Nichole?"
"I've scanned the dial and I'm relaying the info back to Rotor in Knothole."
Back in Knothole, Rotor was looking at a screen.
"Got it Nichole. These readings indicate that once the dial's arm is in motion, there's no stopping it, but if we create a counter-force that causes the arm to reverse, we can destroy its gears!"
"If I use my super speed to run counter-clockwise to the dial, I can create that force!" Sonic said.
"That would be inadvisable. The dial's destruction will cause it to implode. Anything within its immediate vicinity would implode as well. Anything refers to you, Sonic." Nichole said.
"But everyone else would be safe, right?" he said looking at Sally.
Shelby came at the farthest end of the battle line. She activated the Emergency Braking System when she saw there were to many life-forms in the way to keep driving. Blowing her horn to get their attention she slid side ways, on the right side, without flipping over, for another couple hundred feet. Everyone scattered as she flew by. Finally coming to rest Ford got out and started yelling at some soldier to get everyone out of the way.
"Even if you could get through your car would be scrap before it got within half a mile. Either the lasers would blow it up or the energy field the dial is producing would disassemble it."
Ford looked ready to deck the soldier but instead turned around and punched his car. Turning back around, "I need someone to get me and her to that dial within less than two minutes. If not Sonic's dead!"
Nichole was showing a readout on her screen to Sonic and Sally.
"Perhaps, but we'll have to debate that later, right now my sensors are detecting a strange energy build up coming from inside the dial."
"What is it?" Sonic asked.
"A back up defense system to prevent damage from organic assailants, a destructive quantum wave burst that will incinerate anything within a hundred mile radius."
"Jeez! Talk about overkill! How much time do we have before the wave hits?!"
"Three point five seconds..."
"Too late." Sonic and Sally said at the same time. Sally let go of Nichole. She hung from her shoulder strap.
"Here it comes! Sal, I love.." Sonic was saying as a large wave approached them both. Suddenly it quit.
"Hey! Nothing happened!" he exclaimed.
"We're still alive! But how?" Sally said.
Were the intrepid couple outside the dials defense perimeter they would know whose power was responsible for halting the deadly wave! Suddenly all the laser turrets were destroyed and a bright green light appeared.
"The laser cannons....They've been destroyed!" someone exclaimed.
"That green light, all up in my face! What is it?" Someone else said.
Knuckles came flying out of the green field only to be tackled by Julie-su.
"Knuckles! It's really you, isn't it?" she said crying.
"Always was a sucker for an apocalyptic, end of the world, doomsday type scenario Julie-su!" Getting up, "No time for tearful reunions now, though Sonic's mind was open to me as I returned to this plane and he'll need a hand if we're gonna survive this. Let's guughh!!!!!!!!" he said as he tried to fly. Instead he went face first into the snow.
"Knuckles?!" Julie-su said running over.
"Hey handsome, you okay?" Rouge asked.
"No! My powers.....THEY'RE GONE! That's what Athair meant..." It's all up to the hedgehog. Good luck Sonic and goodbye..." Knuckles said looking toward there direction with sadness on his face.
Ford had said to hell with it after the soldier tried to tell him it wasn't possible. Getting back into the car he started back toward the dial. Snow was blown into several faces as Shelby's tired spun out.
"Ford this isn't going to work. Even if we get close enough without the field effecting me there isn't anytime left." Shelby commented. "Hey the comic says.."
"I don't care what it says! I don't know what happens afterward and that's what bothers me! If Sonic is gone then Knothole is in trouble! Robotnick somehow finds out and may try something. If he managed to send a satellite signal to Knothole then he probably traced it and knows where Knothole is."
"Oh no........I see now why you want to save him."
"That's one of the reasons. If Sonic ends up gone and doesn't make it back then you and me will have to become Knothole's new protectors."
Sally was crying as she and Sonic talked.
"The quantum wave has dissipated Sonic!"
"But the dial is still active Sal! I have to go through with my plan."
"Sweetie you can't! You heard what Nichole said, you'll die!"
"I know, but if I don't.." he said with tears in his eyes. Hugging her, "We'll all die darlin'!"
"Why did we waste so much time before admitting what we always knew deep inside?"
Pulling each other into a passionate kiss, "I love you, Sonic the hedgehog!" she said. "And I love you Sally Acorn! Always have, always will..." Pulling out of the embrace he ran.
He doesn't look back. If he did he might change his mind. So the mad dash begins. Racing against alien forces too difficult to comprehend. Running to save the lives of his family, his friends, his world. How many times has he done this? Risked his life and limb for the greater good? Perhaps too many times too many. But if he can do it just once more...it will have all been worth it!
A explosion as bright as a supernova came from the center off all their problems. Many were blasted back as it send out a shock wave. Ford had just jumped a rise and only needed a few hundred feet to go and he could have saved Sonic. The wave blew Shelby and her occupants back and rolled them over and over through the snow. She bounced off several large boulders as she tumbled. She finally came to rest in the snow buried up to the windshield with the back end in the air. Smoke rose from several places on the car. Several sections or the car were bent, dented, or poking out.
"Sonic..." Tails said with tears in his eyes.
Where the dial once stood was a gaping hole that looked bottomless.
"H...he's gone." Sally said.
Her words are too heavy, crushing them beneath their weight, with enough heartbreak, loss, and pain. A world is once more safe...but a champion has fallen. What price victory?
As everyone was picking up their wounded and dead a slightly muffled sound of a long beeping noise was heard. Lots of them went thinking it was Sonic only to find a blue badly damaged and smoking vehicle sticking out of the snow. A overlander looking extremely injured fell out. He was calling out for the Freedom Fighters, mainly Sally. A few got close but waited for Sally to show up.
"I'm.........sorry Mel. I'm.......sorry I couldn't....stop this." he whispering through tears. Sally came running up after someone told her she was needed. Learning it was Ford she reluctantly went over.
"I was..........sent......home Princess....Sally. I got this........tried.......to save him. I........... wasn't.......fast enough. I'm.....sorry." he held out an open book to her still saying he was sorry. She took it from his hand as he slumped over into the snow. Blood slowly came out from a ugly cut on his head and several other cuts. Sally looked at page that was open. There was some blood on it but it was still readable. It showed a picture of her telling everyone Sonic was gone and another picture of some of his close friends crying. The last picture showed all his family and friends around a coffin in the pouring rain. She turned the page to see something that gave her hope. The picture had one important saying: TO BE CONTINUED!
The picture Sally sees is written in the following epilogue.
Epilogue: 849,000 LIGHT YEARS AWAY.....
A bleak and desolate planet being orbited by four others is suddenly shook by a large impact.
SHOOM!
Here we see our hero, in a hole he created from impact. Beat, defenseless and weak, but alive.
A statue was made for Sonic with the words "SONIC THE HEDGEHOG SAVED THE WORLD (A LOT)" The statue showed him holding a flag with the crest of Acorn on it. Two of his fingers were out in a V shape while his other hand was on his chest, looking like he was pledging allegiance as he did all his life to Sally's cause. His head showed him smiling while he looked on past the flag.
Even though she showed everyone what Ford had given her most mourned anyway. The funeral did go through at the behest of her father and others, mostly because they didn't know if he would be coming back even though the hope was there. Ironically the funeral ended up looking exactly like the picture in the comic.
And though the laughter of a friend is no longer heard, his memory will endure. His spirit lives on. The days will be long. The nights longer by far. Can the Princess ever accept this irreversible fate? This overwhelming sadness? Can any of them? She's uncertain. As the Mobian moon shines on a world that should've perished, the Princess come to one conclusion, life is too short. And indeed, too fast.
Down in what is left of the command center in Robotropolis, Robotnick was laughing at the turn of events.
Authors note: This story takes place with issues 124 and 125. If you read them you'll get a better understanding.
Some time later...........
Up high in outer space a large ship approached the planet Mobius. It was more rounded and tubular than the ship leaving that looked flat and sleeker. A golden hedgehog was watching from above the planet.
Where...am I? Feel...disoriented...one vessel on approach and another one leaving. Why? So many questions...Wait. I remember. I am Shadow the Hedgehog. The ultimate life-form. Bio-engineered nearly a century ago by Professor Gerald as a weapon for the Station Square Government. The only friend I made during my brief time aboard his sophisticated space lab, the Ark, was his granddaughter Maria. She was king, then....tragedy. I was locked away in stasis until Gerald's descendent, the evil Doctor Robotnick, freed me and I became his ally. I wanted the world to pay for Maria....but Sonic the Hedgehog made me see the light....and I made the ultimate sacrifice to save the planet Mobius. I remember falling toward her surface. Blacking out. I was transported. Saved from doom, by a group of alien scientists called the BEM whose ship was in orbit. They restored me to health. I do not know why. When the BEM detected the approaching vessel..they awakened me, imbuing me with enough energy to obtain Super Shadow form. To battle this new threat while they made there escape. But is it enough.
Super Shadow dodged as a blast of red energy came at him. Several more came shooting at him as he punched and dodged his way toward the ship. Pushing through their shields he flew forward with the intent to destroy the ship even if it took his life.
It should be. With the power of Chaos Control to guide me...I can breach any defense so...
He was just nearing the front of the ship when a blast hit him. Losing the Chaos Control he plummeted toward Mobius.
Here I go again.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END?
Knothole Village.......
Sonic woke up with a loud yawn. Getting out of his race car bed he started putting his shoes on when Tails walked in.
"Are we going on an adventure?" Tails said with excitement. "Huh, Sonic? Huh, Sonic? Huh, Sonic?"
"Sorry, Tails but not today...I got other stuff to take care of!"
"Awww.." Tails said looking shot down.
"Down worry bud, we've got tomorrow..." he said walking him to the kitchen. "And the rest of our lives for adventures! G'morning, mom and dad! What's shakin' Uncle Chuck?"
Everyone sat down at the table to eat except Jules who just sat and watched. Sonic was heading elsewhere though.
"Join us for a bite O'breakfast boys?" Chuck said.
"Yummy." Tails said putting on a bib.
"Not Sonic! He's got a royal date!" his mom said. "Good lick son!" she said giving him a kiss. Jules gave him a hug too.
"He doesn't need luck. He'll do just fine." Chuck said.
Tails was too busy eating to notice.
"Thanks! See ya later!" Sonic said racing off.
Ford and Mel where walking along enjoying each others company as Sonic ran by them some distance off.
"If I think he's about to do what I think then its taken him forever to do it."
"Do what?" Mel said.
"This." Ford said getting on one knee. "Will you marry me?" he asked pulling a diamond from his pocket.
"YES!" she practically screamed as she hugged him.
Several others around that saw what happened smiled and went about there business.
Soon...
Sonic was inside the castle with Sally embraced in a romantic kiss.
"Oh Sonic...I've missed you so much!"
"I missed you too Sal.."
"So are you ready to pop the question?" she said affectionately.
"Am I!" he said putting an arm around her.
Meanwhile the mysterious vessel has moved into position over the mountain entrance to Station Square. It's purpose: Unknown. For now.
The President of Station Square was riding along in his black car listening to Robotnick.
"Well, Mister President? What do you say? An alliance between your city and mine." Robotnick said from a lap top screen in the Presidents lap. "Why, imagine if Station Square had a robotic police force on par with the one here in Megaopolis."
"Don't hold your breath Robotnick! We'd never join the likes of you!" the President yelled back.
"Wrong answer!" Robotnick said.
The President's car swerved into oncoming traffic and headed for a large red semi truck.
"CORBIN, you're in the oncoming traffic lane! We're headed for that semi-truck! MOVE!" he yelled to his aged driver.
"It's not me, sir!" the driver yelled back.
Suddenly the car moved back into the right lane.
"That's right..I'm controlling your limousine via remote! Maybe your successor will be more willing to do business. Ta-Ta." Robotnick said signing off. As the car was driving along a female bat flew by.
"Don't worry Chief..I've gotcha!"
"Rouge the bat!" he exclaimed as she pulled him out of the car. As he was pulled out the vehicle went over the bridge and into the water.
"Yes, Sir you couldn't ask for a better field op for a rescue of this nature!" she said flying them to a nearby building top.
"Corbin!"
"Don't worry I'll save him..but getting you to safety is my first priority!" she said setting him down. Suddenly the sky above them shattered.
SHRAKT!
"What now?!" Rouge yelled out.
"Dear Lord! The sky dome...it's shattered!"
They both were stunned at the sight.
Back at Castle Acorn...
"Mom...dad...I'd like Sonic to become my royal consort who will someday have my hand in marriage." Sally said with her arm intertwined with Sonic's.
"You have our full consent Sally!" King Max said.
"Your father and I can't think or anyone we'd rather see you with darling!" her mom said.
WHOOOM!!!!!
Sally turned looking around as did Sonic.
"What was..." Sonic had raced out so fast her hair was pulled in his direction. "...THAT!" she said watching him leave.
Good Question. Sonic thought as he raced out of the castle and through the kingdom. Tails was right behind him in the air with Bunnie following using her rockets on her feet.
"What's going on?" Tails asked.
"I'm not sure..." Sonic said stopping near a hole in the ground.
Ford and Mel were celebrating in the garage when they heard the sound. With Shelby monitoring they headed out quickly.
Bunnie, Sonic and Tails were looking at the hole as the smoke left.
"Sonic, isn't that..." Tails was saying.
"I think your right Tails.." Sonic said jumping into the hole. Others had now showed up on the scene. "But I thought he was dead..." he was saying as Shadow got up and hit him hard enough he flew out of the hole.
"UGH!"
"Hold it right there buster...we don't want any trouble!" Sally said holding her hand out. Antoine was ready behind her with his sword half unsheathed. Tails and Bunnie looked ready for anything and Amy had her large hammer.
"Who..I...I..I'm sorry. I thought I was still under attack." Shadow said rubbing his head.
"You are, ya big poseur!" Sonic said running right at him. Sally got between them quickly.
"No. No, he's not."
"What?!" Sonic said coming to a halt.
"We don't have time for this. Nichole's emergency beacon is flashing." she said opening her up for everyone to see.
"Thank you Princess. I'm picking up an urgent signal. It's source- Castle Acorn."
"You heard Freedom Fighters...We're needed there at once. Sonic you can resolve, as in quietly discuss, your misunderstanding with Shadow later." she said with giving them both a look like try me.
Ford came running up with Mel and startled Shadow.
"Well I never figured that he was dead anyway." Ford said crossing his arms. "He was quite a popular figure back home."
"I though I was." Sonic said.
"You are.."
"Now is not the time for this! Shadow, this overlander is a friend who has proven himself to our cause many times. You can trust him. I'll explain later." she said ordering everyone to the castle.
Soon...
Up on a big video screen inside the castle Robotnick was talking.
"It descended from the heavens.."
Ford commented saying yeah right but only Mel heard him.
"And attacked the very heart of my empire! Some kind of vessel. It's technology on par with my own! Scores of Shadow-bots were instantly annihilated. Poor Snively is missing. Megaopolis lies in ruins."
"Why should I believe anything you say? All you've ever done is hurt me and my kingdom." King Max said with annoyance.
"Despite his past treachery, I think the Eggman speaks the truth now. I encountered the vessel earlier." Shadow said.
Nichole turned on suddenly. "Incoming Holo-transmit from Station Square." A holo version of Rouge appeared in the air above Nichole.
"Knothole, sqwwwkkkk, Station Square, sqwwwkkk, attacked, sqwwwkkk, President, sqwwwkkk, injured."
"But if this is all true...who on Mobias is responsible?" Sonic asked. Then, suddenly, as if in response to Sonic's question, a telepathic message goes out across the face of the globe. To Angel Island, to Downunda continent, the Kingdom of Mercia, the Great Unknown, everywhere. No mind is left untouched.
Ford squinted a bit like his head was hurting Mel noticed. He started to look blurry like he was fading and then it quick. Mel was about to ask if he was ok when the aliens spoke.
"SENTIENT INHABITANTS OF PLANET EARTH. WE ARE THE XORDA. OBSERVE. THRICE MILLENIA PAST."
A picture was placed into everyone's mind of there ship in orbit around Earth. A small shuttle came down to the planet. "THE XORDA CAME TO THIS MUDSHPERE TO OFFER AN ALLIANCE TO ITS HUMAN POPULACE. PEACE."
The next picture showed the strange shuttle land. Several armed troops approached the shuttle. "AN EMISSARY WAS DISPATCHED TO THE SURFACE OF YOU EARTH. BUT INSTEAD WAS CAPTURED."
The next scene was on a lab with a large water tank holding the alien creature. It looked like an overlarge octopus with many more arms than the usual octopus and had a large head shaped like a brain. In the middle between the brain and arms was a large eye. Many scientists were studying it. "IMPRISONED."
The next scene after showed another lab where they were dissecting it. "DISSECTED. THE XORDA REACTION WAS A STRONG ONE. THE XORDA THOUGHT THEIR GENE-BOMBS HAD EXTINGUISHED ALL LIFE HERE THAT DAY."
The last scene showed death and destruction. One looked like a explosion taking apart Rome and the other devastating the Capitol of the United States of America. "THE XORDA WERE WRONG. THE XORDA HAVE RETURNED TO CORRECT THAT OVERSIGHT."
Over in Robotropolis, Robotnick watched the alien ship fly over his ruined city.
"Fiddlesticks. Max it's become apparent that we seriously need to..." he was saying to a monitor with King Max on it. Max shut his side off as Robotnick talked. "talk. Ulp!"
Back at the castle....
"Dad, you ended Robotnick's transmission in mid-sentence. Wouldn't it have been wiser to hear him out?" Sally said worried.
"Quite the opposite Sally. He's no longer robotic. No longer invincible. For the first time in a long time he's scared, better to let him sweat. We can use it to our advantage. In the meantime...Rotor?" he said into a communication device. "Can you find a way for us to communicate with the Xorda?"
"Already working on it, your highness."
"Good. Keep me posted."
"Those Bozo aliens have got the wrong planet. This planet is Mobius, not urf!" Sonic said with anger. Ford snickered a bit.
"It's E-A-R-T-H. Not urf." Ford said sounding it out for him.
"Whatever."
On the screen appeared two Echidna's.
"Greeting Maximillian Acorn. I only wish it were under better circumstances."
"Indeed Locke. Did you hear the alien's story. It can't be true." Max said.
Ford muttered something about saying that it was Earth they were on but Mel didn't catch all of it.
"They believe it and as long as they do this planet is in grave danger." Locke said.
"Where going to need all the help we can get. Where's Knux?" he said then realized what he said forgetting what he already knew.
"Sonic..Knuckles is dead."
Everyone already knew it was true but it hit them a little harder hearing it from the father.
"We already knew I just forgot for the moment." Sonic said shaking his head in sorrow.
"How?"
"Everyone please. You must compose yourselves. We have already grieved for him and can do more so later." King Max said.
"He's right. Nichole and I are going to do some historical researching. We'll find a way to prove the Xorda are wrong." she said leaving. Ford spoke to her on the way out.
"Sally your only going to confirm what I've already said. This is Earth."
"Then you better hope your wrong." she said with anger as she left.
"How I wish I was."
On the screen Locke continued talking to King Max.
"We'll do the same here on Angel Island."
"Angel Island?" Max asked.
"Long story. We'll be in touch. Locke out."
"And another thing: Why did it take these losers over three thousand years to figure out they botched the job?" Sonic said with his hands out. Everyone turned suddenly to the new voice in the room.
"I..I..think I know." said a little human girl as she walked in. "I think so. While traveling through space our overlander ships were attacked by the same alien vessel. We thought we'd escape but it must have found us." she said staring at the black hedgehog. That strange black hedgehog..why is he staring at me like that?
That overlander girl...she somehow reminds me of my lost Maria." Shadow thought looking at her.
"I've got news. Bad news." Sally said walking back in. She glanced at Ford slightly before continuing in.
"Sal...?"
"The Xorda are right. Mobius and Earth...are really the same planet."
Ford shook his head and walked out with Mel following.
Everyone heard him yell "DAMN!" Mel heard the rest of it.
"I hate being right sometimes! I meet a woman who likes me for once and some screwed up aliens ruin it!"
"We'll figure a way out of this Ford."
"I've got an idea that only Shelby can help us with. Let's go put it into action Mel!"
"Run that by us again Sal.." Sonic said worry on his face.
"Nicole and I learned that the attack dates during which the alien Xorda claimed to have wiped out all of planet Earth's civilizations roughly corresponds to the legendary days of fury here on Mobius, which means there's a 99% chance that Mobius and Earth are the same planet just like Ford said!"
"The computer network here at Haven has reached the exact same conclusion Princess Sally." Locke said from the screen.
"Thank you Locke. It's important we contact the Xorda ship in Megaopolis at once...Rotor?" Sally said.
Down in the lab Rotor was working on a helmet. "I think I've got something Princess. If you could just have Sonic..." Just then he rushed in.
"Have me do what?" he asked scratching his chin.
"Help me carry this thing over to the castle. It's huge!"
Back at the castle Rotor started to place it on the King's head.
"This headgear will enable you to project your thoughts into the Xorda space ship King Max. You'll be able to communicate with them and hopefully change their minds about destroying Mobius." Rotor said.
"Wish me luck..." Max said.
"Dad wait. Let me do it." Sally said.
"Sally?"
"Yes..I think I can make a really good argument based on my findings." she said placing it on her head. There was a humming noise as it switched on.
Up in the Xorda ship two of the Xorda were floating when Sally seemed to pop into their environment. The inside looked alot like a large aquarium with control panels.
"OH that was quick." Sally said.
"COMMANDER WHAT IS THIS?" one of the Xorda said.
"I am Princess Sally Acorn. I come in peace to plead with you to spare our world. The humans who were your sworn enemies are no longer the dominant species on the planet. As a matter of fact, my scientific data shows that your gene bombs you once used to wipe out their kind mutated Earth's lower life forms giving rise to a new race. My race. Mobosapiens."
"THE XORDA ARE ALREADY AWARE OF THE NEW SPECIES. THE XORDA SCANNED YOU AFTER ENTERING ORBIT. SCANS SHOW THAT DESPITE A CUTE FURRY APPEARANCE, YOUR SPECIES HAS A SIZABLE AMOUNT OF HUMAN DNA. THEREFORE THE XORDA STILL INTEND TO DESTROY THIS WORLD."
"No! WAIT!" Sally said as they forced her out of their minds.
"It's hopeless. They won't listen to reason." Sally said yanking the helmet off.
"They must have a weakness." Alicia said.
Up on the screen Locke started to talk but reception was fading.
"We must, sqwwkkk, all, sqwwwkkk, our..." Locke was saying as someone else broke into the conversation. Sonic remarked saying lousy reception.
"Sqwwwkkk, Max! It's me! Can you hear me?" Sqwwkkk." Robotnick was saying as he tried breaking through. Max! It's me! Your number one pal. I think I have a means of beating back these icky aliens!"
"I'm listening Robotnick..." Max said.
The screen changed over to show a enormous robot.
"Please allow me to introduce you to GIGA-BOT PRIME. Latest testament to my inventive genius. It stands over one hundred feet tall and has enough destructive capability to level an entire mountain. However, my creation is so huge only Sonic's speed can generate enough energy to power it. How cruel is fate that my worst enemy should possess the ability to drive my latest greatest weapon."
"As much as I hate it. I'm your hog, Ro-butt-nick. The Xorda are the greater evil." Sonic sad stepping forward.
"Not so fast Sonic. Your services aren't for free. Robotnick must pay a price." King Max said pointing at the screen.
Ford and Mel where approaching the garage as King Max was telling Robotnick his fee. They were several feet from the door when Ford collapsed. Mel reached down to help him up but her hands went right through him.
"FORD! WHAT'S HAPPENEING!" she yelled. "SHELBY!"
Shelby came rushing out quickly and stopped in front of them. She instantly started scanning. Luckily the door was open so she got out easily.
"Mel....whaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttsssssss............" he said in a slow voice as he faded away.
"SHELBY WHERE IS HE?!"
"I don't know. I couldn't even detect he was there when I saw him fading. I had a lock on both of you as you approached and then he just quit being there."
Ford woke up in his house. Looking around he noticed he was in his apartment. Getting up off the floor he felt the side of his head aching. Looking around he saw he had hit the coffee table.
"Must have dozed off standing. WAIT A MINUTE! How did I get back here?!" Running to the door he opened it to see cars driving by and people walking around.
"I'm back home. In my universe." he said sadly. Shaking his head he walked back into the house. He glanced around seeing nothing had changed since he left. Asking the computer for his phone messages he grabbed a bottle of soda from the fridge. Surprisingly there was only two. Both from his boss.
"Smeg. Computer what there an accident on...what day was that...Computer tell me the how many accidents have been with Time Cops?"
"Please specify dates."
"Over the past year."
It read off several until coming across his. He spat his soda across the room when it said he had been reported missing from the crash he had two days ago.
"Several months to a year in another universe and two days have gone by. I must have been dreaming. But it felt so real!" he said throwing his soda bottle into the wall. It shattered leaving a reddish stain. He went to the kitchen to get an ice pack for his head when he noticed something on his finger. It was a small metal ring with an inscription.
"Where, wait!" he said looking at it closely. It read, "To my love Ford. May we always stay together forever. Melanie."
Ford almost broke down when he heard a noise coming from his front door. Rushing to it he pulled the door open with enough force it almost removed it from it's hinges.
"Something wrong today Mr. Primus." the mailman said.
"Sorry." he said not recognizing the man.
"You opened the door like you were about to be attacked or something. If you're excited about getting your comic it's in your box." the mailman said with a wink. Tipping his hat he turned and headed off to the next house.
Ford closed the door and opened the mailbox inside the house. Hanging on the wall near the door was a drop box that collected the mail for him. It used to be on the bottom of the door but he got tired of it being there because he kept coming home and ripping mail or ruining it when he walked in on it. Sorting through quickly he pulled out two comics. One was issue 124 and the other 125. He glanced through them quickly when a voice said in his head, "SAVE MOBIUS." He looked at beam of light that was coming from his front door. The voice told him to step through to save Mobius. Rushing around quickly and quite loudly he grabbed a suitcase and travel bag. Quicker than before he tossed things in the cases. Coming back into the room he picked up the comics and opened the door. Grabbing his things he walked through. Seconds later his room erupted into flames as the pop shorted out a wall socket.
Back at the castle....
"Price?! What price?!" Robotnick said crossing his fingers.
"Currently you are the ruler of 99.9% of the planet. I demand that you cede half of your global territories to the Kingdom of Acorn. That's the price. Take it or leave it." he said with stern conviction.
"Cool. Way to go King Max!" Sonic said.
"Dad. Wow." was all Sally could say.
"I...I.." Robotnick was saying.
"You have no choice. It's do or die." Max said pointing at him again.
"Fine!" he said with contempt as he signed off.
Elsewhere....In a realm outside time and space. The entity who was once Knuckles the Echidna senses...Death! Moments later on a higher plane of reality.
A female Echidna was watching a burst of light suddenly appeared.
NO...It can't be!
"Aurora! I'm back!" Knuckles said coming out of the burst of light.
"Knuckles...you were one with the Chaos Force! How can you so casually forsake spiritual enlightenment?"
"I sense a menace to Mobius...to my folks, my friends...everybody I've ever known. A danger so serious they may perish without my help. Tell me, can they beat this enemy or not?"
"They..."
"Please Aurora. I've gotta know. You told me we only get one life...is that true?" he said as she turned away.
"It's not true is it? Some of us do get a second chance at life. I gained that knowledge during my brief time merged with the Chaos Force."
"A second chance is possible if one is worthy." A aged Echidna said.
"Athair!" Knuckles and Aurora said together.
"And you are more that that Knuckles."
"Then that settles it. I'm going back to Mobius to help in the battle! How do I get there?"
"Knuckles, I beseech you, hear me out! You have a greater purpose, a higher calling within the cosmic design. Don't squander it. If you turn your back on this, the change is irreversible, and your place in the natural order will forever be denied." Aurora said.
"But my friends..."
"Will eventually die no matter what you do. That is the pain of existence. Don't be foolish or worst selfish."
"If I save my loved ones, how is that selfish? Athair I need to get back to Mobius, NOW!"
"The power is within you. But it is impossible to predict how it will be affected once you return."
"That's a risk I'm willing to take!" he said leaving in a flash of light.
"How can he give up the chance to be cloaked with the very fabric of eternity? To unlock the secrets of the universe?" Aurora said to Athair.
"Weren't you ever sixteen?" he said.
Mel was working with Shelby to try and find him on her scanners. Shelby apprised Mel of the situation she heard from Nichole and told her that getting help wasn't possible. Mel grumbled but didn't argue. Shelby had said she was picking up a strange time disturbance that looked to have Ford's unique signature but couldn't pinpoint the position. All she got was that it looked to be around their area. So they waited.
Sally had gathered everyone into a large clearing and began telling them their situation. For some reason Ford and Mel hadn't showed up.
"Fellow MOBIANS...By now you know of the menace that threatens our world. Sonic has volunteered to go on the mission that will beat back these space invaders."
"Darned tootin'!" he said with a thumbs up.
"The rest of the planet's Freedom Fighters are on standby should he fail.....as are we." she said looking unsure.
Inside the castle....
"And Robotnick actually agreed? Most impressive Maximillian." Locke said from the screen.
"Desperation can make us do things we normally wouldn't Locke. Desperation, in this instance Robotnick's, worked in our favor."
"I see your point. Here on Angel Island even the most unlikely groups are willing to work together in this moment of crisis. Keep me aware of young Sonic's progress." Locke said.
"Will do." King Max said.
Meanwhile...
"Well, I'm off. Be back in time for dinner..."
"Sonic, WAIT. Wherever you go, I go. If you fall in battle, I refuse to be anywhere else other than by your side." Sally said as they raced off together.
Soon...
"You made excellent time Hedgehog." Robotnick commented as they walked in.
"Let's skip the chitchat creep. Where's your bot?"
"Right here. Well rodent, what do you think, hmm?"
"Not bad, if you're into the whole giant ROBO thing that is. What am I suppose to do anyway?"
"Just strap those clompers into the pedals in front of you. Once you get going you'll generate enough power to bring GIGA-BOT PRIME online."
"Well I guess the rest ain't rocket science." he said putting his feet in. Sally was sitting in a chair next to his.
"Sonic you're doing it. It's moving!" Sally exclaimed.
The large robot walked through Robotropolis heading for the alien ship. On the alien ship they spotted the approaching robot.
"COMMANDER OBSERVE. THE EARTHLINGS ARE STAGING AN OFFENSIVE ATTACK AGAINST THE XORDA. THE XORDA MUST NOT ALLOW THIS!" they said bring their ship to bear on the giant metal being. Firing their primary weapons at it the robot brought its arms in front of its self and erected a shield.
SHRAK!!!!!!!!!!
The mighty robot pulled back its left hand and delivered a staggering uppercut to the alien ship.
KLONG!!!!!!!!!
"NOOOOOOOOO! RETREAT! RETREAT!!" the Xorda started yelling.
The robot watched as the alien ship flew away.
"I think the Xorda are feeling a little ALIENATED Sal. Get it?" Sonic said.
"Oh. Sonic, I could kiss you!" she said giving him a big hug.
"Well follow your heart darling!" he said.
KLANK!
"What the...?!" Sally said as she watched two clamps come out and grab Sonics legs.
"My legs!"
"FOOLS!!!!1 The Xorda have been defeated and I no longer have to stick to my promise! Now I can use GIGA-BOT PRIME to conquer Mobius!" Robotnick said laughing. "You'll make a fine battery Sonic. Until you starve to death that is."
Suddenly...
"INHABITANTS OF EARTH. THE XORDA ARE NOT SO EASILY THWARTED. BEHOLD THE QUANTUM DIAL. GREATEST OF XORDA WEAPONS. ONCE ITS GEARS HAVE ACTIVATED, THE ARM OF THE DIAL WILL PROCEED TO ADVANCE, RUPTURING THE SPACE- TIME CONTINUUM. ONCE IT HAS COMPLETED ITS ROTATIONAL CYCLE, THE RIFT WILL CREATE A BLACK HOLE TO GOBBLE EARTH AND HER ENTIRE STAR SYSTEM. GOOD RIDDANCE."
As the Xorda spoke a large fin shaped object of immense size landed on the ground. It had the look of a enormously half-closed hand fan.
"Poppycock! I'll simply use GIGA-BOT PRIME to smash this quantum dial six ways to Sunday!" Robotnick said.
"The pedals are staring to move!" Sonic exclaimed.
"You bet your blue butt cheeks they are hero...fueled by nothing short of pure, hedgehog unleaded! Onboard sensors tell me that the dial has landed on Mobius' southern tundra...so mush!" Robotnick yelled as the mighty robot's rocket feet took off.
Knothole....
Mel was pacing back and forth as a bright light appeared inside the garage. Shelby was informing Mel of everything she was hearing when she stopped to scan the light. Ford came out as though he had jumped. His bags and carrying cases flew off to the sides as he came down into Shelby's windshield.
WHACK!!!!!
He slid a bit on the windshield but didn't slid off.
"Great. He's out cold. Lucky for him my windshield is protected otherwise he'd be needing serious surgery." Shelby said. Mel got him off the hood and onto the floor gently. Splashing cold water in his face woke him.
After a few coughs, "Thanks, I think. Shelby am I really here?"
"You feel pain?"
"Yeah. What hit me?"
"My windshield. If you're hurting your definitely here."
"Good! Maybe there's still time! Mel look around for two comic books like the ones I showed you before. These will have the numbers 124 and 125! Shelby what is going on in Knothole right now."
She relayed what was being done.
Inside a building in Knothole a massive army of soldiers were lined up. Antoine's father, General D'Coolette was addressing them.
"All right zen, mes braves...zee mission eez to destroy zis weapon terrible. We leave at once...on direct order from zee King!" All the planes that Knothole had were taking off. Soldiers and other fighters were heading out to fight for their planets very existence.
Southern Tundra....
"This quantum dial must possess an automated defense system around its entire perimeter. All technology based weapons including Station's Squares most powerful missiles fall apart harmlessly once they arrive within fifty feet of that thing." A human commander said.
"Holy cow Commander Brass!" Tails said.
"That's what I'm taking about Tails. These alien hostiles are highly advanced. We're gonna have to tackle the dial head on." he said looking through binoculars at the dial. The dial was standing up like a large fin out of the water in a massive pile of snow. Unfortunately it was snowing and making things cold.
They came from all walks of the planet, in order to save it. In the past some have stood together as allies, while others have faced off as enemies. Today, all petty feuds must be put aside, to destroy a device capable of global annihilation. Heroes. Villains. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
"Look, Tails...the dial's arm has started to move! So what're waiting for everybody?" The commander said.
"Let's do it to it!" Tails said rushing forward. A massive surge of Mobians and overlanders plowed forward toward the dial. The amount of people charging the device stretched for miles. As they got closer to the dial, without any warning a sophisticated defense grid is activated. Laser turrets came out of the snow and fired.
VIP! VIP! VIP! VIP!
Those who could dived for cover as others fought back. Tails jumped and knocked over a small female fox.
"LOOK OUT FIONA!" he yelled taking her down. Hey there's GIGA-BOT PRIME! Then that means...
Up in the sky on approach was the large robot. Inside Sonic and Sally watched their approach.
"Sonic, up ahead!" Sally said pointing it out.
"I see it Sal, the quantum dial!"
As they got closer the robot started to shake. Suddenly it completely fell apart. Both of them fell just next to the dial and both on their backsides.
Ford was driving because he threatened to pulled Shelby's AI program if she didn't cooperate. Mel was reading issue 125 as Shelby tried to get a message to the battle scene. Unfortunately the dial was causing massive interference and she wasn't getting through. Jumping over a several piles of debris ranging from rocks to broken down trees he floored it. He was tempted to use a power ring but wanted to leave that for Mel. They were still quite a few miles from the dial.
"Shelby, ETA?!"
"At this speed ten minutes."
"Damn! Where not going to make it!" he said shifting to a higher gear. Activating the turbo boost he added to his already dangerous speed.
"What if I'm incapable of using my power to stopping it?"
"Then Sonic will have to do it, even if it means his life."
"What if I can cause it to explode but we,..."
"If we make it there in time, I'll pull us up into the side where you can reach out and touch it. Then we'll have almost five seconds to get away. Shelby will get some damage but we can do this." he said giving her a quick kiss.
Inside the perimeter with Sonic and Sally.
"I don't understand Sonic. Robotnick's robot just fell apart in mid- flight. Well at least we're inside the defense perimeter." she said rubbing her backside.
"A blessing because it ruins Robotnick's plans for conquest and a curse because how're we gonna stop the dial now?" he said getting up and looking at there new enemy.
"Nichole?"
"I've scanned the dial and I'm relaying the info back to Rotor in Knothole."
Back in Knothole, Rotor was looking at a screen.
"Got it Nichole. These readings indicate that once the dial's arm is in motion, there's no stopping it, but if we create a counter-force that causes the arm to reverse, we can destroy its gears!"
"If I use my super speed to run counter-clockwise to the dial, I can create that force!" Sonic said.
"That would be inadvisable. The dial's destruction will cause it to implode. Anything within its immediate vicinity would implode as well. Anything refers to you, Sonic." Nichole said.
"But everyone else would be safe, right?" he said looking at Sally.
Shelby came at the farthest end of the battle line. She activated the Emergency Braking System when she saw there were to many life-forms in the way to keep driving. Blowing her horn to get their attention she slid side ways, on the right side, without flipping over, for another couple hundred feet. Everyone scattered as she flew by. Finally coming to rest Ford got out and started yelling at some soldier to get everyone out of the way.
"Even if you could get through your car would be scrap before it got within half a mile. Either the lasers would blow it up or the energy field the dial is producing would disassemble it."
Ford looked ready to deck the soldier but instead turned around and punched his car. Turning back around, "I need someone to get me and her to that dial within less than two minutes. If not Sonic's dead!"
Nichole was showing a readout on her screen to Sonic and Sally.
"Perhaps, but we'll have to debate that later, right now my sensors are detecting a strange energy build up coming from inside the dial."
"What is it?" Sonic asked.
"A back up defense system to prevent damage from organic assailants, a destructive quantum wave burst that will incinerate anything within a hundred mile radius."
"Jeez! Talk about overkill! How much time do we have before the wave hits?!"
"Three point five seconds..."
"Too late." Sonic and Sally said at the same time. Sally let go of Nichole. She hung from her shoulder strap.
"Here it comes! Sal, I love.." Sonic was saying as a large wave approached them both. Suddenly it quit.
"Hey! Nothing happened!" he exclaimed.
"We're still alive! But how?" Sally said.
Were the intrepid couple outside the dials defense perimeter they would know whose power was responsible for halting the deadly wave! Suddenly all the laser turrets were destroyed and a bright green light appeared.
"The laser cannons....They've been destroyed!" someone exclaimed.
"That green light, all up in my face! What is it?" Someone else said.
Knuckles came flying out of the green field only to be tackled by Julie-su.
"Knuckles! It's really you, isn't it?" she said crying.
"Always was a sucker for an apocalyptic, end of the world, doomsday type scenario Julie-su!" Getting up, "No time for tearful reunions now, though Sonic's mind was open to me as I returned to this plane and he'll need a hand if we're gonna survive this. Let's guughh!!!!!!!!" he said as he tried to fly. Instead he went face first into the snow.
"Knuckles?!" Julie-su said running over.
"Hey handsome, you okay?" Rouge asked.
"No! My powers.....THEY'RE GONE! That's what Athair meant..." It's all up to the hedgehog. Good luck Sonic and goodbye..." Knuckles said looking toward there direction with sadness on his face.
Ford had said to hell with it after the soldier tried to tell him it wasn't possible. Getting back into the car he started back toward the dial. Snow was blown into several faces as Shelby's tired spun out.
"Ford this isn't going to work. Even if we get close enough without the field effecting me there isn't anytime left." Shelby commented. "Hey the comic says.."
"I don't care what it says! I don't know what happens afterward and that's what bothers me! If Sonic is gone then Knothole is in trouble! Robotnick somehow finds out and may try something. If he managed to send a satellite signal to Knothole then he probably traced it and knows where Knothole is."
"Oh no........I see now why you want to save him."
"That's one of the reasons. If Sonic ends up gone and doesn't make it back then you and me will have to become Knothole's new protectors."
Sally was crying as she and Sonic talked.
"The quantum wave has dissipated Sonic!"
"But the dial is still active Sal! I have to go through with my plan."
"Sweetie you can't! You heard what Nichole said, you'll die!"
"I know, but if I don't.." he said with tears in his eyes. Hugging her, "We'll all die darlin'!"
"Why did we waste so much time before admitting what we always knew deep inside?"
Pulling each other into a passionate kiss, "I love you, Sonic the hedgehog!" she said. "And I love you Sally Acorn! Always have, always will..." Pulling out of the embrace he ran.
He doesn't look back. If he did he might change his mind. So the mad dash begins. Racing against alien forces too difficult to comprehend. Running to save the lives of his family, his friends, his world. How many times has he done this? Risked his life and limb for the greater good? Perhaps too many times too many. But if he can do it just once more...it will have all been worth it!
A explosion as bright as a supernova came from the center off all their problems. Many were blasted back as it send out a shock wave. Ford had just jumped a rise and only needed a few hundred feet to go and he could have saved Sonic. The wave blew Shelby and her occupants back and rolled them over and over through the snow. She bounced off several large boulders as she tumbled. She finally came to rest in the snow buried up to the windshield with the back end in the air. Smoke rose from several places on the car. Several sections or the car were bent, dented, or poking out.
"Sonic..." Tails said with tears in his eyes.
Where the dial once stood was a gaping hole that looked bottomless.
"H...he's gone." Sally said.
Her words are too heavy, crushing them beneath their weight, with enough heartbreak, loss, and pain. A world is once more safe...but a champion has fallen. What price victory?
As everyone was picking up their wounded and dead a slightly muffled sound of a long beeping noise was heard. Lots of them went thinking it was Sonic only to find a blue badly damaged and smoking vehicle sticking out of the snow. A overlander looking extremely injured fell out. He was calling out for the Freedom Fighters, mainly Sally. A few got close but waited for Sally to show up.
"I'm.........sorry Mel. I'm.......sorry I couldn't....stop this." he whispering through tears. Sally came running up after someone told her she was needed. Learning it was Ford she reluctantly went over.
"I was..........sent......home Princess....Sally. I got this........tried.......to save him. I........... wasn't.......fast enough. I'm.....sorry." he held out an open book to her still saying he was sorry. She took it from his hand as he slumped over into the snow. Blood slowly came out from a ugly cut on his head and several other cuts. Sally looked at page that was open. There was some blood on it but it was still readable. It showed a picture of her telling everyone Sonic was gone and another picture of some of his close friends crying. The last picture showed all his family and friends around a coffin in the pouring rain. She turned the page to see something that gave her hope. The picture had one important saying: TO BE CONTINUED!
The picture Sally sees is written in the following epilogue.
Epilogue: 849,000 LIGHT YEARS AWAY.....
A bleak and desolate planet being orbited by four others is suddenly shook by a large impact.
SHOOM!
Here we see our hero, in a hole he created from impact. Beat, defenseless and weak, but alive.
A statue was made for Sonic with the words "SONIC THE HEDGEHOG SAVED THE WORLD (A LOT)" The statue showed him holding a flag with the crest of Acorn on it. Two of his fingers were out in a V shape while his other hand was on his chest, looking like he was pledging allegiance as he did all his life to Sally's cause. His head showed him smiling while he looked on past the flag.
Even though she showed everyone what Ford had given her most mourned anyway. The funeral did go through at the behest of her father and others, mostly because they didn't know if he would be coming back even though the hope was there. Ironically the funeral ended up looking exactly like the picture in the comic.
And though the laughter of a friend is no longer heard, his memory will endure. His spirit lives on. The days will be long. The nights longer by far. Can the Princess ever accept this irreversible fate? This overwhelming sadness? Can any of them? She's uncertain. As the Mobian moon shines on a world that should've perished, the Princess come to one conclusion, life is too short. And indeed, too fast.
Down in what is left of the command center in Robotropolis, Robotnick was laughing at the turn of events.
