Ch.8: Silver Influence

Knuckles wondered around outside Zerou's fortress. He had transported him here to carry out the first step of the ritual. He knew Sonic and the others would be coming, in fact he regconized the first scent now. It was Kimara, she was hiding in the brush, he knew all to well. His mind wasn't in Zerou's complete control, so he left Kimara alone, although he was still looking at her. Kimara could see those dark voilet eyes that used to belong to the Knuckles she knew, but this was no longer him. She knew he saw her, but he didn't attack. Closing her eyes, she whispered in her mind.

Kimara: Please let this work.

With that she stepped out of the bushes and walked towards Knuckles. He looked at her, his claws looking ready to shread her even if he didn't want to. Tails Doll flew from behind the trees and Kimara dropped to her knees. Her hands grew claws and she let out an inhuman-like roar. Knuckles stepped back, Tails Doll was transforming Kimara once agian.

Tails Doll: I knew one day you would be of use to me Kimara, I'm almost sorry that your parent's had to die after they gave me to you. My curse has a bad influence indeed. There was a level of power within you that I couldn't merely destroy, even kill. So I gave you power along with the curse of change. Now use your hidden power and defeat Zerou's slave.

Kimara's transformation was complete and she lunged at Knuckles, Knuckles did the same. A rapid fury of claws sliced the air as Sonic and the others made their way inside the fortress.

Sonic:Man, talk about creepy.

Shadow: Seems like Zerou doesn't waste time, we got to find out where to find him.

Voice: I think he just found you!

Everyone turned around to see Zerou right behind them. Zerou's eyes glared at Nazo and the Tails Doll.

Zerou: You two agian! You used to be on my side not to long ago, but when I started The Awakening a human girl told you different. I was glad when the goverment killed her those 50 years ago, a gun shot was all it took. Her name still rings foul in my mouth, I believed you called her Maria.

Shadow was shock still. Sonic and Eggman gasped. Nazo and Tails Doll glared angrily at Zerou. Time seemed to stand still and Shadow felt himself talking to the long lost spirit of Maria.

Shadow: Maria...

Maria: Shadow...what he says is true, I knew about Nazo and the Tails Doll. They appeared in dreams, they were curious why I was up there on the ARK. I made friends with them and they stopped Zerou, but it was after I was shot, so I never got to see them agian. But you have and now you have to help them, please Shadow.

Back to realitly.

Shadow: I will Maria. Nazo! Tails Doll!

The two looked over at Shadow.

Zerou: What's this?

Shadow: You didn't just take Maria from them Zerou. Maria was my friend, and you'll have to get past all three of us to survive!

Nazo and the Tails Doll nodded, and glared at Zerou. Sonic and Eggman left leaving this battle to them. Meanwhile Kimara and Knuckles were still going at it, both of them refusing to back down. Kimara was getting tired and Knuckles noticed. With one final slash of the claw, Kimara was down and out for the count. She struggled to get up but it was useless, and she turned her eyes to Knuckles. His claws were raised for the killing blow. Kimara closed her eyes ready for the end as Knuckles swung down his claws to kill her.