Sky: All right! A new chapter. Not much to say, but I hope you like it.
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Stan let out a loud yawn as he leaned against his heavy gun. He was a guard in the museum all the way in Diamond town. It was a town that was quite a few hours away from Station Square.
He scratched irritably at his blue uniform, mumbling about how uncomfortable it was. Stan was a man who liked his comfort when working. He had been a well trained guardsman for years now. He had a wife, Rebecca, and one daughter, Annie.
Stan hated having to be away from his family so late at night; he loved no one more than Becka and Annie. Unfortunately, they needed the money so that their little Annie could grow up healthy. He was being paid extra for guarding the museum tonight, the graveyard shift always did.
Stan's best friend, Al, stood across from him, leaning against his large gun as well. Al and Stan had been friends since as long as he could remember. Al was an easy going man, who always seemed to resolve any arguments that came up. Stan had been lucky that the he had never been separated with Al after all these years. Both had loved the thought of being an officer.
But, both eventually needed money. The Diamond Museum where they stood in the darkness was an important place indeed. Behind the two men stood the legendary Chaos Emerald, sitting on a pedestal under a glass frame. No other museum in the world could offer such a glorious sight, and no other museum in the world went to such extreme security measures.
The gun under Stan's elbow was not something to be tampered with. It could shoot hundreds of bullets in minutes, and it was fairly light as well.
Sure, Stan and Al, rarely had to resort using the guns, but they both knew how to use their weapons when needed. The two officers were the best shooters in their whole force, and no one could even hope to become as great as them.
Al let out another groggy yawn across from Stan, the ruby red Chaos Emerald slightly gave him a crimson light in the darkness as it shined under its pedestal. "What time is it, Stan?" he lazily turned to face man.
Stan looked down to his watch after pulling his dark blue sleeve up. "It'll be about one in twenty minutes," he replied.
Al groaned. "I really want to get back home…and spend some time with my wife," he smiled slightly.
Stan gave his best friend a gentle smile. "I know, I feel the same way about my Becka," he sighed. Stan didn't want to admit it, but he often grew worried about his wife and child, spending the entire night alone. Annie was slightly sick, and the medicine was costing more than usual. It was simple, he loved his two girls.
Al shrugged, unable to think of anything else to keep the conversation going. After a lengthy time had past, and not a sound had entered each of the guard's ears, Al decided to speak up. "Stan, did you hear about that Sonic character yet? I heard he saved the world again from some evil robot."
Stan chuckled and shook his head. In Diamond town, news rarely made it to them. This 'Sonic' seemed more like a myth then real life. It indeed was hard to believe a little blue hedgehog was saving the world on a monthly basis. "Oh come on, Al," Stan smirked at him. "I believe that Sonic guy exists, but I seriously doubt he saves the world as often as everyone says he does."
Al nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean, but we live in a crazy world don't we? I mean, look, we're guarding the most legendary object right now," he motioned to the shining ruby emerald.
Smiling, the guard couldn't help but see the sense that his friend was telling. That Chaos Emerald had unlimited power, or so they say. Stan had even heard that Sonic the Hedgehog came to borrow it a few times.
Although Station Square wasn't incredibly a long length away, all those strange happenings seemed so far away, and so fictional. Robots and mad scientists trying to take over the world? He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. "Wouldn't it be nice if we could one day meet one of those Sonic guys?" Stan smiled.
Al nodded, holding up his huge weapon. "Yeah, and if we ever see one of the bad ones, we'll shoot em up," he said, his eyes shining with a child's excitement. Just like that Al, he got worked up over the strangest things.
The time passed by again, causing Stan to eventually stare out into the darkness that was the entry to the Chaos Emerald exhibit in the museum. How boring… how dull. Stan loved his life, but he couldn't help but want a little more excitement in life.
Be careful what you wish for.
These words suddenly entered his mind the next moment. A strange shadow seemed to run across the darkness and Stan heard a quick gasp from the other side of the room. In an instant, Stan turned to face Al.
His facial expression didn't seem to fit the horrifying quick gasp that Stan had heard escape from his lungs. He did, however, look surprised as he stared out into the darkness. "Stan, do you hear that?"
Shaking his head, Stan came back to his senses.
Indeed, he heard something. The clicking of boots against the tile in the museum came into his ears, and the guard hauled up the gun into his arms. This could be bad. The clicking grew louder and louder, until the two men knew that the intruders were just around the corner.
This was no time to be afraid.
Stan had learned to conquer his fear of shooting a man, or of being shot. It was simple, he remembered who he was fighting for and his courage would sky rocket. He would never die with Rebecca and Annie still around. Stan kept his gun pointed in the darkness. "Intruders!" he bellowed with authority. "Show yourselves now, or we will be forced to fire!"
Al had a cocky grin on his face. "Or we can just come out there and shoot you up. Either way it's up to you guys."
Silence fell upon the room like a thick choking blanket, nearly suffocating Stan as he waited for a response. Someone was there, and his senses were telling him it was someone dangerous.
Without a word, three men clothed in black stepped forward out of the darkness casually. Each holding a large weapon of their own.
Thieves.
The man in the middle stepped forward, a toothy grin across his face. He was obviously the group's leader. "You two, drop your weapons and let us get to the Chaos Emerald. We wouldn't want you to get hurt," his voice was smooth like the shadows he had emerged from.
Give up or fight?
These words rang through Stan as he felt sweat beginning to fall down his face. It was three against two, not good odds. If he died, he would never see his family again. However, by the looks of the men's glaring eyes, he could see that they planned on killing him, no matter his answer.
The man had bright blue eyes, with golden-yellow hair that almost reached down to his eyes. "Your answer?" he repeated with that grin still plastered on his face.
Al glanced to Stan; a determined frown had formed his lips.
"Surrender now," the officer ordered, aiming a shot right between the blonde's eyes.
Al's face suddenly turned to an excited smile. "Now that's more I like it!" he cried out, aiming his own ebony weapon at one of the lackeys.
Stan held his breath, his aim right on the dot. There was no time to back down now. He pulled the trigger.
The explosion boomed through the empty exhibit, and a red light from the Chaos Emerald engulfed the bullet as it flew past the thief leader. He had dodged to the side at the last moment. "That's what I thought," he said gracefully.
Al smirked. "Let's see how well your minions can dodge then!" he fired the weapon at the next moment. The man gasped his last breath, as it struck him dead on in his throat, letting no oxygen reach his lungs.
The man in black toppled down to the tiled floor, blood oozing from his wound as he twitched with his last moments of life. The thief leader looked at his comrade and his eyes flashed with concern, but not because he cared about the man, simply because he cared about his own life. "Very well… I underestimated you," his voice echoed as he slipped back into the darkness with his lackey. "Come…" He taunted.
Stan looked back at Al, gaping with astonishment. It was partially the fact that Al had nailed such a nice shot on the thief, but also that he had taken a life so easily without giving it another though. That was just like Al… he never let anything get to him. Stan couldn't help but envy the man slightly.
"Stan, let's go get them," he growled, suddenly turning serious. "They'll kill us if we don't kill them first." Al rushed into the darkness after them.
The officer gathered his courage up, and dived after. He couldn't let his best friend go alone in there. Stan pulled out the flash light from his belt, and switched it on as he ran through the dark with his friend leading the way.
Their breaths and steps echoed eerily through the hallways, and the flashlights cast strange shadows everywhere. Statues and paintings that had once looked so timid and beautiful were now nothing but horrifying images, twisted and insane against the shadows of the night. The thieves could be anywhere…
Al rushed forward, motioning to the spiral stairs ahead. The two made their way up quickly, boots clanging against the metal steps. As they entered the second story of the building, the leading officer shushed Stan quietly, motioning to be quiet.
The second story wasn't an exhibit. It was merely a storage place for any new or old works of art, or any other various objects. Black and white tiles were still placed up on this floor, simply to help the museum look nice. Of course, as the shine of the flashlight hit the floor, it simply created the illusion of an endless hall.
Stan was afraid. He knew he could die, but he had that courage inside that kept him going. That yearning to be able to run back to his family, and tell them of his daring adventure he lived through. He was going to live and tell this tale for ages.
Al stood strong as well. Stan admired the man as he walked bravely and silently down the tiled hallway, random paintings and statues cast aside against the walls like useless garbage. Their breaths were hushed, but each good hear the beating hearts in the room.
"Your life is mine!" a rough voice sliced through the silence. Stan stiffened, knowing that the lackey's voice came from straight behind him. This was it. He was dead!
An insane laugh escaped the random thief's lips as the gun shot bullets madly down the hall. Stan had only that millisecond to turn around and see the shots come right at him, an easy kill.
"Stan, get down!" Al roared, tackling the officer down behind an old crate filled with useless objects. Stan's heart was beating madly; his breath came out as nothing but gasps for air, as if he had been drowning in his own fear of death. "God damn man…" He breathed out. "I thought you were dead."
"So did I," Stan smiled, knowing that he indeed would live on.
The gun shots continued to fly through the air over them, and the thief obviously thought he was smart. Stan wasn't going to let his best friend get all the glory. Al looked at him strangely as a half-mad grin appeared across Stan's face. "What are you doing?"
Giving no warning, the officer leaped out from behind the crate, ducking low under the harmful weapon fire. He gave no chance for the thief to see, and fired his own gun into the darkness down the hall.
The thief's fire ended soon after, a gurgling sound was only able to be heard after a loud thud. Stan allowed a large grin to curl across his lips as he looked at the astonished guardsman next to him.
After a moment of gaping silence, Al finally let out a playful, "Nice shootin' Tex," before hopping back up to his feet. "There's no time to waste on him now, we have to stop that blonde bastard from getting the Chaos Emerald." Al looked to the way they had come down the hall. "I'll go back to the Chaos Emerald Exhibit this way, and you run back the other way to make sure he's not lingering around there."
Al said no more, and dashed off back the opposite way, determined to keep the legendary item safe. Stan did the same, charging down the rest of the hall.
He looked through every shadow, through every hiding spot, and there was no sign of the leader. Stan's heart skipped a beat, knowing that Al must be all alone with that man by now. Not wasting another second, he bolted down the hallway, careful not to step on the bloody corpse as he passed it.
Stan wasn't going to let his best friend be killed!
He pressed on, running down the metal spiral stairs, almost stumbling down them, until he found his way back to the Emerald Exhibit.
The faint glow of the red emerald seemed to have grown. The room looked as if it had been engulfed in a raging fire with the gem glowing so brightly. There was no time to question the strange reaction.
Stan skidded to a stop as he saw the leader of thieves glaring straight at Al.
Both had their guns slightly down, both eyes were focused on each other, each begging for a chance to kill the other. One false movement would lead to death.
Stan's boots hit the tile heavily, breaking Al's attention away for a split second.
"Dead," the man whispered, firing his weapon at the next moment.
Stan could only gasp in horror as Al's eyes widened, knowing that he couldn't break free from the bullet.
"No! Al!" Stan desperately screamed out. His best friend can't die!
It was too late.
Stan turned his head away, unable to see his friend's death.
"What in the hell!" the thief leader let out, his voice cracking slightly.
Stan jolted his head back to the scene, feeling his heart soar. Al was standing there! He was alive! But… how had he escaped that bullet?
No amount of training could prepare Stan for the next moment.
A large silver dagger-like claw protruded itself from one of Al's fingers, having blocked the bullet with that metal. Stan's breath was lost in horror and confusion. Al turned his head back to the officer, an insane grin across his face. "Looks like I've been found out."
What? That wasn't Al's voice!
The man's skin began to ripple like water, his body slowly changing to a dark blue. Spikes lined with sliver began to appear on this monstrous being's body, and it grew taller yet.
Once the transformation was over, a tall sapphire robot stood against the tile, his clawed hands clicking at his sides with obvious frustration. Where was Al?
"That is not of your concern," the monster's crimson eyes burned into Stan's. "You should be more wary of the danger you are now in."
The thief leader was just as shocked as Stan. His mouth was left agape, and all his easy-going looks had left him. "What the hell are you?" he managed to whimper out.
Turning to face the blonde, the metal creature gave no response. In the next moment, he darted forward, faster than lightning could strike. The thief screamed in terror, firing his weapon madly, only to see the bullets ricochet of the beast's claws as it bolted at him.
The Chaos Emerald began to glow brighter, giving the robot a look as if it were the Devil himself.
In the next instant, it slashed its claws through the thief leader's body like it was slicing warm butter. Blood spattered against the tile, and the last sound was a scream of agony. As if annoyed by the noise, the sapphire creature simply used his dagger-like finger to slice off the man's head, silencing him in an instant.
Stan couldn't breath.
The devil creature turned back to him now, blood painting his armor. "Be careful what you wish for, Stan," it whispered through the stiff air. With no warning, the metal devil was standing in front of the officer.
Stan had no time to move, only to fall straight down against the rough tile. The metal creature had its claws dangerously close to Stan's neck, yearning to taste more blood. He dared not make a move as the creature kneeled down, its gleaming eyes glaring into his own. "You wish to know what happened to your best friend?" it asked.
Nothing could move Stan's mouth, the claws poked against his throat, able to kill him if he so much drew in another gasp of air.
The Metal creature turned his gaze to a corner across the room. Stan choked, seeing what lay there.
Al, his best friend, was nothing more than a bloodied corpse, thrown against the corner. "I killed him when you saw that strange shadow, and took his place," the creature would have been grinning madly, had it have a mouth. "You had no idea."
Stan knew it was over. Anne, Rebecca…
"Don't worry," the robot laughed. "I'll be sure to visit them shortly after. You'll see your family in the afterlife."
Stan took in a breath to scream "No!" but he had seemed to forget that the claws were dangerously close to his throat. The claws buried themselves in his lungs at the next moment. The monster twisted his claws, digging deeper into the officer's flesh, enjoying the fresh blood.
"Looks like you took a breath."
His dreams, his family, his friend, and his life had been taken.
The creature took its claws out from the skin, blood dripping down each finger. Stan fell to the tile, no more oxygen able to fill his lungs, no more life, and no more love. The world began to fade, and the last thing he thought about was his wife and daughter.
"Pleasant dreams…"
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I shook the blood of my claws, growling at the thought of having to show myself to these wretched humans. The human, Stan, fell down before me, gasping for air that he could not take. His final thoughts clung to the ones he called Anne and Rebecca. It was his fault I had to show myself… I'll kill them too.
If he had just not distracted me as I was in the form of his human best friend, I would have stolen the gem without a problem. It was bad enough that those thieves came to steal the emerald the same night as me, but then that Stan had me lose my concentration for a second.
At least I took joy in killing each one.
The crimson Chaos Emerald was shining vibrantly, almost exploding with red flames. It was reacting to the two others I had in my possession. I took a few slow steps to the emerald, savoring the smell of blood in the room.
In a flash, I tossed aside the glass case that protected the gem from my reach, feeling a new energy flow through me as I took one more step to reaching my goal.
I wrapped my claws around it, and thrust it up into the air. Five Chaos Emeralds… Two more left.
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"Come on you guys…" I waved a hand towards the two, motioning them to hurry up. "We need to keep moving." The bubbles from my movements floated up into the ocean's surface, darkness engulfing them quickly.
Shadow and Blaze were doing quite well, at least at a slow pace. Down here, the steps did not explode into their ears, but they were under the impression that they were suffocating in the shadows. Those two kept close always.
It had been hours and hours traveling through the ocean, the only sight around was darkness and sand. I didn't mind it, the water was actually quite refreshing, and it gave me time to think. Working for Deception was the only thing I could do in this world now. I have nothing left but my destiny after all. To reawaken Chaos unto the planet… that is what I was destined to do when I was born. That is my only purpose, and no one can change that. Shadow and Blaze may not know it… but that is their only purpose too.
Shadow the Hedgehog…
I remember Gerald speaking about him while I was under his research. Professor Gerald was astonished by his discovery that was me. I led him to find the information and ruins of the ancient civilization, and I led him to find the information of the God of Destruction, and I led him to his obsession over Chaos.
Why he wanted the power of Chaos so badly, I can hardly remember. He said that harnessing the power could help make the Earth happier, and help keep his beloved granddaughter safe. I, unfortunately, saw it all.
When Sonic found me on the beach so long ago, I had lost all my memories… but after that traitorous hedgehog sent me to my death, I was thrown back into the Master Emerald, with all my memories.
Gerald was quite a sweet old man. Despite the fact that I tried to kill him several times in my "Wrath" state, he showed me what love was, and soothed that power that was inside me. Shadow… I met him on the ARK, even though he has no memory of it.
Professor Gerald had attempted so many times to make a creature like Chaos. Artificial Chaos were seen flooding through the hallways. All were failed experiments that eventually went wrong. I remember the closest he had ever come to creating Perfect Chaos was that hideous parasite he named "Biolizard."
It's funny really…
Bio means life. Gerald made this horrifying creature to protect life on the planet, it had the same energy waves as Chaos, and it had the same weak point as Chaos. It also held the same destruction inside itself as Chaos as well. Eventually, with my help, we put the Biolizard away.
Gerald lost some of himself that day; it was yet another time his failed experiments had cost the lives of scientists. The only thing that held his sanity together was Maria. I often was ignored by the scientists, as they had studied me enough, finding nothing else possible to find about me. I was the God of Wrath, a family member to Chaos if one would like to say.
Then the day GUN came…
I remember my jealousy for Shadow the Hedgehog. Maria constantly lingered around him, like a beautiful scent that simply could not be blocked out. Her golden hair and kind treatment soon won Shadow's heart, and he was at her will.
Each one dressed in black came roaring in one day, with no warning at all. GUN took no prisoners, and held no exceptions. They killed anyone that was near them, anyone that wasn't wearing a GUN suit at least. Heh, they had trouble containing me though. I was able to escape their grasp, as was Shadow. Unfortunately, Maria was not so lucky.
After Shadow was thrown out to Earth, he was captured by GUN and but away into a deep sleep.
Gerald was hidden away in safety at the GUN attack, I made sure of that. One thing I wish I could forget though… one thing I hate more than anything…
The look on Professor Gerald's face when he saw Maria among the list of those who died.
His heart was broken, his life was ruined. The old man's tears never died, even though his soul had. Never do I wish to see someone in so much pain again…
It was true. Gerald had gone insane afterwards. His skin was paler than usual, his eyes always blood-shot, he no longer cared about his appearance, and he just stopped living. I tried to comfort him… I tried to tell him I cared…
But he just slapped me across the face.
I remember the fear I experienced as he tied me up to a pole nearby with simple bed-sheets. Of course I could have escaped, but I wanted Gerald to be happy, even if it meant hurting me.
His face… his eyes were wide, his skin was disgusting, and an insane grin had placed itself across his face. "Reawaken the God of Wrath! Bring back the destruction to this wretched planet! Kill all of the ungrateful humans!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, working the controls for the Eclipse Cannon. "Emerl! Show me your power!"
I saw the beam fly out into the deep void of space, targeting a bright star in the distance, light years away. Automatically, my body began to try and copy the move.
But… I couldn't.
I tried Gerald… I really did… I wish that I could have made you happy… I'm sorry I failed you…
After that, I don't know what happened. All that comes to me now are screams of horrible pain, and destruction. How many I killed, I don't want to know. After that I lost all my memories, and that's when Sonic found me…
So that's it. That's my story. That's why I will now follow Deception.
For Gerald.
That filthy planet took away his happiness, and took away mine. I'll show them what true wrath is…
"There it is…" I pointed weakly, as if I was nothing but a lifeless zombie. "…the door to Chaos."
Shadow and Blaze nodded, keeping close as we came near to the plain brown door. Deep in the ocean of shadow's… that light is fading…
"Careful," I said with little enthusiasm, "the first step is a doozy."
I grabbed the doorknob and turned it with an echoing 'click.' The door swung open and sucked all of us straight in, blinding us in its usual white light.
"So, Wrath…" Chaos' voice boomed through before I could even stand up to my feet. "You've brought them as Deception ordered… very good."
I let out a groan. "Hurry up and give them their powers."
"Don't talk to your su-."
No more. No more being cast aside like a pawn. I will use my power, and control these emotions as Deception has said to.
"I said give them their power!" I roared, louder than Chaos' own voice. "You have no power over me until you are awakened! Now do it!"
Silence.
Chaos knew I was right. "…very well," he said with irritation. "You're learning of your power… just remember it is nothing compared to mine."
Shadow finally stepped forward, away from Blaze's comforting presence. "…I will get to see Maria?" he asked timidly.
"Yes."
Shadow nodded, determination in his eyes. "That is… why I fight."
"Ah, yes…" Chaos seemed amused. "Blaze, you know why you're here don't you?"
What? What's he talking about?
"Yes," she nodded, sadness in her eyes. "The day has finally come…"
"All of your people rejected you for what you were one day born to do," Chaos began. "To destroy their planet. You have known it since you were a child… you've been alone ever since."
Tears started to form at the rims of the cat's eyes, and she held her arm tightly for support. "Yes."
"The Sol Emeralds?" Chaos growled.
Right after, the rectangular-shaped gems floated out of Blaze's pockets, each one shining brightly. "They are here, master."
"Good," he said. In the next moment, a blue pool of water washed itself over Blaze, covering her entire body with its strange liquid form. After settling, the blue skin-like substance grew bright red, until flames engulfed the substance, disintegrating the skin. "You are now born… the Goddess of Rejection."
The flames fell off of Rejection's body, and a frown appeared across her lips. "Thank you, Chaos."
Next came Shadow.
Suddenly, from seemingly nowhere, dark black blobs threw themselves against his body. Shadow was obviously surprised as he tried to rip the sticky stuff off. It was impossible, and it continued to spread across his body like an infectious disease. After it completely covered his body, the hedgehog let out a roar, and the darkness seeped into his body.
"Dark God of Betrayal…" Chaos announced. "You are now born."
Betrayal nodded, his fear completely gone. With his new Chaos powers, he had nothing to fear after all.
Rejection and Betrayal stood side by side. One with an aura deep red flames, and one with an aura of never ending darkness.
"Now go. Gather the Chaos Emeralds, and set me free," Chaos ordered.
"Yes, master," the two said simultaneously.
Two more have been added to our little "party" wagon. It's a good thing I can sense Emeralds… I know just where to start…