Chapter 9: Memories

Deep within the depths Tails' mind, as he thought of what he had just done, a

memory came flooding back to him. Not a major event…but simply a conversation

he and Cosmo had once, about the properties of the Chaos Emeralds…

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"We'll be safe now that we've thrown off the Metarex." said Tails, as he and Cosmo cautiously made their way through a subterrainean cave system," And we'll be out of here in no time."

Cosmo smiled at Tails, her beautiful gaze locking with his. It was a feeling that always made him feel better.

"Sure, we'll be okay," Cosmo said, turning her gaze to the bright Chaos Emerald clasped in her hands. As she and Tails walked closely together, she looked up, enjoying the feeling the emerald was giving her," The light…it reminds me of how mother made me feel, like nothing bad could happen. Its just so bright…and warm…and loving…"

Tails smiled. If only…it were he that Cosmo was talking about.

"Yeah…I guess chaos Emeralds have that effect on people." Tails replied, trying to keep the conversation going. "You know, it's interesting. You could be in the worst kind of danger, and yet when you hold a Chaos Emerald in your hand, you feel a lot safer.

Cosmo looked up at Tails, staring into his face with her beautiful blue eyes. Tails only wished he could tell her how he felt.

"My sister Galaxina," Cosmo explained," she used to tell me of the legend of the Chaos Emeralds. And I used to dream that one day I would hold one in my hands and feel all of its magical power."

Tails smiled. "A power which is greatest when used by someone who is pure of heart and intention." Tails was hoping to impress Cosmo with his knowledge.

"I don't understand…"said Cosmo, puzzled.

Tails grinned and explained what Sonic had taught him about the emeralds long ago. "Its power depends on those who use it, you see. Like Sonic for instance; he uses it for good, so only good can come of it. But then…there are people like the Metarex and Dr. Eggman who use them for purposes of evil. That…is when the power changes into something dark and destructive."

At hearing this, Cosmo stopped. Tails turned to her. Her eyes…they were so filled with sadness.

"What's the matter?" asked Tails with a concerned look.

"Oh Tails," said Cosmo sadly," I am not worthy to be touching the Chaos Emerald! Please take it away from me!"

She handed it to Tails, and he took it in his hands.

" But…why Cosmo?" asked Tails.

Tears began to flow from Cosmo's eyes, as if her heart were breaking." Because…my soul is filled with nothing but sadness and hatred…hatred for the monsters that destroyed my planet…and took away my family…my friends…and everything else that was precious…and left me all alone…"Cosmo began sobbing. Tails…had never seen Cosmo this sad before. He nearly felt like crying himself.

"Nothing good can ever come from me…"Cosmo said between sobs" …I can only bring you evil and disaster!"

"Cosmo…" Tails could feel her sadness, and all of the suffering she felt in that very moment.

I'll never let them hurt you again Cosmo…I'll protect you with my life…

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And now…Tails had failed. He was now the one whose soul was filled with nothing but

sadness and hatred. He was now the one who was changing the power of the emeralds

into something dark and destructive. And he had broken his vow to protect Cosmo with

his life, when he shot her with the Sonic cannon.

As Tails came to this realization, on his way toward getting the final Chaos Emerald….

…It brought him further along into his Journey Into Darkness….

But there was no turning back now.