Author's Note: Another chapter here and ready! Here we go!
I hold no rights to Sonic the Hedgehog. All propeties of the franchise belong to Sega. I only own the OCs(including the titular character of this story).
Chapter 5: Uneasy Thoughts.
When Dr. Starline heard of Ceilia and Gaiver's failures in securing both Star and Sun, as well as the lack of captives for his experiments, he was greatly disappointed. It was an hour after they and the squad of Hybrians sent to Seaside Island came back along with the soldiers that have been defeated and tied up by the tangerine hedgehog and the Chaotix who had rescued the two hedgehogs along with two more and a squirrel. Gaiver had once again been locked up to keep him from escaping or breaking out.
"You all disappoint me. Not only you let those hedgehogs go, you even have no idea where the Cosmos Sapphire is?" The evil Platypus grunted with a dark frown as he gazed at Ceilia who held a scowl on her expression as well.
"Well, don't blame me, doctor. Those Detective-Wanna-Bes are the ones who saved them! They also got one of the seven Cosmos Sapphires!" The Hybrid Woman hissed, folding her arms with a pout. "That Sun the Hedgehog...As cute and delicious as he is, he's a rat just like Sonic!"
"Hmmm...It seems that Sun the Hedgehog is more meddlesome than we thought. No doubt dear Andrew has requested him and those Chaotix fools to secure his 'daughter' and also giving the boy the knowledge of the Sapphires' existence." Starline muttered in deep, calm thought after a moment of thinking. "What intrigues me is that Sonic and his own little cohorts have not yet come to know of this. Perhaps Dr. Eggman is causing problems for them once more, to keep them busy."
"Who cares about that blue rodent? He's a big of a loser anyway!" Ceilia grumbled. "I want my revenge on that orange hedgehog!"
"And you will get your chance, my dear. But we need him and the precious one alive. Sun is an interesting case. I must learn of his origins. As for Professor Amantha's adoptive daughter, and the Cosmos Sapphires, they are the keys of entering the Twilight Cage, learn of it's secrets and offer those secrets to Dr. Eggman, so he can use whatever powers it holds to rule Mobius, destroy Sonic and everything he loves, and I will be his most trusted assistant and apprentice." The evil Mobian scientist turned around to face his lacky, before approaching the table and picked up the letter, smirking evilly.
Ceilia shook her head, "Not to doubt you, Oh Mighty Evil One, but are you sure that pink and purple hedgehog is the so called Princess of the Twilight Cage?"
"There is no doubt about it. The day when Andrew found the little girl and this letter was discovered by me is much too big of a coincidence. After all...he has failed what should have been done long ago, and giving me the opportunity to achieve what is rightfully Dr. Robotnik's." Starline grinned as he read through the letter once again.
Their conversation was then interrupted when the video monitor came on and the two turned to see another Hybrian, this one being thin-ish in weight, having a face with a mouth that revealed his teeth that were sharp as, eyes like a hawk, elf-like-ears, a human's neck, four tentacles for arms, two on each side, hoove-like legs, and wearing a full on black leather suit.
"Dr. Starline, sir. We have discovered the location of the Cosmos Sapphire in Botanical Kingdom off-coast of Westside Island." The Hybrian-Male reported with a monotone like expression and voice.
"Excellent. Send in our best agents. I think it may be time for them to awaken. Be on the look out for a certain orange hedgehog and bring him as well as the Cosmos Sapphire to me." The evil Platypus cackled with a grin.
"Sir, are you sure it's wise? The agents, they...leave me uneasy, even after ten years." The Hybrian questioned.
"Yes, the experiment has gone awry, and they are dangerous when left alone, but fear not, Kobuta, they will be under my control...with this." Starline grinned, pulling out what appeared to be some sort of Cacophonic Conch shell, dark purple in colour on the outside with spikes, and deep red on the inside.
Just before leaving Seaside Island, Sun and his friends did return to the village to make sure everybody was alright and that Ceilia, the Hybrians and the mind-controlled Gaiver were gone for now, before Star decided to join Sun and the Chaotix back to Clocksworth Town while Manny, Kairi and Sophia stayed behind in case they were more attacks in the future. Again, the orange hedgehog of the group denied in informing Sonic, Tails, Amy or even Knuckles of the situation. Instead, the former Werehog suggested in informing Shadow, but to his dismay, the black hedgehog was already on another mission somewhere for GUN.
As they flew, with Star having a conversation with Charmy and Espio and occasionally Vector, Sun did say a few things to the girl hedgehog he managed to save, and even blushed a little whenever she talked to him before returning his attention back to the window as they flew across the ocean to head back to Isalenna, thinking about why Starline and the Hybrians had captured Gaiver in the first place. He remembered how the now giant gorilla mentioned that the evil platypus left him for dead and the scientist was thought to be dead as well, so why did that guy want him again now after twelve years?
The orange hedgehog thought back to how he went back to Adabat to check up on him and had been in for a surprise when he bumped into Sonic who had the same idea.
Flash-back: Two weeks ago...
"Well, this place hasn't changed a bit. Except for the jungle, but that's further up ahead." Sun remarked to himself, after thanking the captain of the boat he hitched a ride on and made his way into the familiar village of Adabat.
True to his word, it was just as the same as the first time he, Sonic and Chip had came in; the same people doing their usual business and the orange hedgehog caught the scent of grilled fish being cooked in the small family hut nearby, probably from the fish one of the fishermen caught earlier. Up ahead was the village which had been normal and peaceful since Eggman's latest defeat a month ago. As he looked around, the former Werehog couldn't help but think about a certain female hedgehog he also met for the first time here as well.
'Has it really been a month already? Boy, time really does fly.' Sun thought to himself, softly smiling at the thought of meeting Staria "Star" Amantha, the most beautiful hedgehog girl he'd ever seen, not even the other girls he met during his adventure with his brothers or his trip across the globe since leaving Station Square could come close.
He was so lost in his thoughts that Sun failed to notice a familiar blue hedgehog approach from another port nearby. That Sonic, having just arrived himself thanks to using his own plane the original Tornado that his father had given him, and after a few re-training on how to fly thanks to Tails and their father Jules, stretched out his arms and legs.
"Man, it's been a while since I flew this old bird. Still like to have my feet on the ground though, but it is nice to use my hands once and awhile." The hero of Mobius said to himself, sighing.
The fifteen year old looked around until he caught sight of a familiar orange fur which made him do a double-take before a bright smile lit up on his face.
"Hey, Sun!" Sonic called up, snapping Sun out of his thoughts which startled the former clone, and turned to face the blue hedgehog as he waved happily. "Hi!"
"Huh? Sonic?" Sun blinked, startled and not having expected to see his brother here today for the first time in weeks. While he felt a bit uncertain for Sonic's reason for being here, he felt happy to see him again. Smiling himself, the orange hedgehog ran up to the cobalt hero who did the same.
The two brothers shared a brotherly hug and laugh, so happy to be back together again and shaked a fist-bump.
"Well, as I live for need of speed! It's great to see ya', pal!" Sonic said happily, grinning rather more brightly than Sun had seen him since leaving 'home'.
"Same here, Sonic. Wasn't expecting to see you today." The former Werehog replied, and while he still felt really worried for his brother's well-being, it was nice to see the hero of Mobius smiling and cheering and being speedy as usual, maybe a bit more than what he was used to since their first adventure together.
"You got me by surprise too, bro." The blue hedgehog responded. "I came by here to visit Gaiver to see how he's doing and also to check up on the rest of this place. Ever since...well, you know."
While Sonic didn't say it, Sun blinked in surprise, before softly gasping as, while the blue hedgehog tried to hide it, he could see it in his emerald green eyes; the signs of guilt still lingering and scarred deep into his heart and soul. This place, not only was where one of the Gaia Temples used to be, but it was also a place where Eggman attacked, a place where they traveled together with Chip and Star, where they learned of what happened to Gaiver, and...something that he didn't know yet, but Sonic would forever be haunted by.
"You know, I came by to check up on him too." The orange hedgehog said, deciding to not talk about it which he feared it could break all of the hard work Sonic gained from beginning to recover from the Dark Gaia nightmare. "Could it be a coincidence...or did we just read each other's minds or something?"
"I say more of a great timing. But I think Gaiver would be shocked to see you in your new cool colour that he might not recognize you." Sonic replied, still feeling guilty for what happened a month ago, but he was doing his best to hide it. Yet he could sense that his brother was trying to avoid the dark past and while it made him feel a little guilty for that part, he deeply appreciated it.
Blinking in confusion, Sun then realized what his friend was talking about and looked at him self, before groaning and facepalmed himself. "Ugh, I forgot about that. Didn't even think about how I'm supposed to explain this."
Sonic smirked and reassuringly placed his arm around his brother's shoulders, saying with a thumbs up. "There's nothing to worry about, Sun. I'm sure he'll recognize your voice and you can come up with a perfect way to tell him about your appreance. Plus with me around, it'll be a cinch."
"Thanks, Sonic. I...I really missed you." Sun replied gratefully.
"I missed you too, bro. Tails and everybody else really miss ya' a whole lot." Sonic said back sincerely.
While the two brothers smiled at each other with the deepening bond they shared, the former Werehog then asked in slight confusion. "Speaking of Tails, where is he? Is he checking the plane or something?"
"Nah, Tails is back at home in the Mystic Ruins. I flew here by myself in my plane I burrowed." The blue hedgehog replied, jerking his thumb behind him, which the orange hedgehog looked to see and saw the blue Bi-plane sitting on the shore, it looked similar to the Tornado 1, only it had just two-seats.
"That's your plane?" Sun asked, surprised.
"Yep. The very plane I gave to Tails even though he likes to keep it for me in case I have to fly to places and he deserves a break. Had this beauty since after my first adventure in beating Eggy's butt." Sonic explained rather proudly. "Pretty cool, huh?"
"You had this...since you were eleven?" The orange hedgehog blinked.
"Didn't I tell ya?" Sonic asked, confused. A deadpanned expression from his brother which translated, 'Seriously?' was his answer, making the blue hedgehog chuckle sheepishly, scratching the top of his head. "Uh, heheheheheh...Sorry. Slipped my mind. Anyway, it isn't much and Tails did model most of his planes from this one, but a couple weeks after I saved the world, Dad gave it to me to allow me to travel around the world."
"Huh? Really?" Sun asked, becoming amazed.
The blue hedgehog nodded. "Yeah. Sure did. It was kind of a late birthday present. Not only this plane began to make my dream come true in traveling the world, it also helped in meeting Tails who fixed it for me, and even gave it a new paint color since it used to be red, and I liked how he chose it."
"That explains everything. So this plane holds special memories for you, huh?"
"Yep. I only use it once in a blue moon, but I do like to keep my legs running."
"Is there anything else that's blue besides you?" The tangerine hedgehog teased.
Sonic snorted in laughter, replying jokingly. "I blend in with the sky on a sunny day. You and I are like that! I'm the Sky, you're the Sun. Get it?"
"I wonder about your jokes, sky-boy." Sun shook his head, but they both did laugh at the collaborated joke.
A little while later, Sonic and Sun visited the village before heading into the jungle to find the location on where Gaiver was while hoping to not run into anymore traps. Following their memories of where to go even though they felt a bit of emptiness as they went further in, the two hedgehogs eventually found the same spot where they, Star and Chip first met the half-giant gorilla. Though they both had different perspectives of this place; for Sun, this was where he learned about the gripping hooks which made him admittedly admiring Star in a short time of knowing her, and he was glad to have taken up her lessons because he loved these things better than using his arms as a Werehog.
For Sonic, it gave him memories of both of what Eggman had told him upon the latter's defeat before their showdown in Eggmanland, and the revelation of Chip's origins, which, in the blue hedgehog's mind, shattered the wishful thinking of what he thought would've been the future; one where Sonic had been looking forward on going on more adventures with the pixie-dog, Sun and Tails once Mobius was returned to normal.
"...Oh, Chip..." Sonic whispered sorrowfully as he paused in his steps, gazed at the ground.
"Huh?" Sun blinked, having inadvertently heard what his brother said, and turned around before his eyes widened in shock before his expression turned to sympathy; there he saw, the lingering guilt that grew, the sorrow of the events that happened a month ago, the despaired Sonic who even though the darkness no longer resided in his heart, that said heart was still hurting.
"Sonic? You okay?" The orange hedgehog muttered as he approached his brother who blinked before realizing that he had been noticed on what he was thinking and sighed.
"Yeah, I'm okay. It's just...this place. It holds so many memories." The blue hedgehog replied, attempting to smile before sighing and looked away. "I miss Chip so much, and not only that...it's been a month now, Sun. I thought that when Mobius was put back together, I'd be okay and everything would be back to normal even though I miss our friend and I missed you..."
Sonic paused, trying very hard not to sink into it and he had made a good progress, tears beginning to sting his eyes as they swelled up, his chest tightening like someone was squeezing it, his lips beginning to tremble a little.
"But I was wrong...I...I try really hard to move on, but it's harder than I thought. Especially when...when the world was split into pieces and I..." The hero of Mobius trailed off, rubbing his right arm while struggling not to cry.
"It wasn't your fault, and you know it." Sun pointed out, trying to be as comforting and supportive as he could, gently placing his hands on his former original's shoulders, making the fifteen year old gaze at him, his eyes glossy with tears. "To tell the truth, I'm still adjusting in being a real Mobian, but then I remember that it was you and Chip who saved my life, and you saved the world like you always do. If there's anything I can do help you, Sonic, please let me know, okay? Anyway, Eggman was the idiot who came up with that idea in the first place, not you."
"I know...but still...remember what he said after we beaten his robot spider?" Sonic sighed, acknowledging some of the good that happened during the previous adventure. "He said that one of these days I'll be caught off-guard by him and whatever he can come up with, because of me being overconfident and cocky. Sometimes I get nightmares of him winning and it scares me to the core. That's why I keep fighting him, to prevent that from ever happening. Because sometimes I can't help but wonder...what if those nightmares are predicting the future?"
"...I wish I had the answer to that one. Except maybe send Ro-butt-nik in jail and keep him there for the rest of his life." The orange hedgehog sighed, really uncertain on how to answer.
Sonic somberly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, probably. Sorry, it's just...I've been getting a little better for the past month and I thought that I should check up on Gaiver to help him and...get my mind off of what happened. But everyting keeps coming back to me. I haven't felt his awful since everybody thought Shadow died."
Sun lowered his gaze too. "Maybe the fact that the world has a giant dark and ugly monster within it since the beginning of time that's got to us the most and nobody in this generation even know it. Heck, I wasn't even thought of until that happened, and you're only fifteen."
"Could be. Boy, who've thought I'd help an ancient protector of light to restore the world and save it from an evil monster of darkness? Let alone get a new brother along the way." The cobalt speedster smiled a little, which earned a smile in return from the former Werehog before they shared a warm and comforting embrace. "Thanks, Sun."
"For what?" The orange hedgehog blinked.
"For cheering me up, and, being there. I guess I've been holding it up for so long, maybe I just needed to let it out of my chest. I should really take Mnyambo's advice more often and maybe try and talk to our friends about it." The blue hedgehog explained.
Sun nodded after a moment, only for his and Sonic's brotherly moment to be cut short when they heard and felt a strong vibration and tremor, making the two hedgehogs gasp and let go before frantically look around as they quickly realized it was thunderous steps that seemed to be getting closer and closer.
"What's that!?" Sonic asked nervously with a sweat drop.
The tangerine hedgehog was about to respond when a looming shadow appeared over them and the two frozen, their eyes widening before Sonic noticed something and almost screamed when he saw something to Sun's left.
"What? What is it?" The former Werehog asked worriedly, and Sonic held a panic-stricken look while he pointed frantically behind him.
"LOOK OUT!" The cobalt teenager screamed, and Sun spun around before he too flinched in shock to see a towering figure, standing at approximately 60 feet tall that looked oddly familiar but the two were far too busy stricken in fear and shock to see a giant gorilla within the jungle. Sonic quickly then stood in front of his brother with his arms spread out and narrowed his eyes as the huge beast emerged from the trees.
"Back off, pal, or you'll be sorry!" The blue hedgehog threatened the giant ape, his panic quickly turning to bravery and determination.
"Sonic? I wasn't expecting to see you again today." The giant gorilla suddenly spoke with the sunlight making it a bit difficult to make out the outlines. But the voice made the two Mobians pause, because it was strikingly familiar. "And...who is this young man with you?"
While Sonic and Sun blinked in confusion before sharing a glance, it suddenly registered in their minds as they then blinked but also flinched slightly in fear as the giant gorilla bend down onto his knees and slowly reached out for them. The two hedgehogs took slow, cautious steps back yet unaware that there was yet another trap behind them that they didn't even notice, only to be then quickly clasped into the ape's grasp and held up into the air. They screamed and then attempted to pull themselves free.
"Hey! What's the big idea here!? Let us go now!" Sonic shouted, as he and Sun struggled within the tightening grip. "HELP! HELP US!"
"Get your paws off of us, you ape!" The orange hedgehog grunted, squirming to try to get himself and his brother out of the giant's hand.
To their surprise, the giant gorilla then opened up his hand and allowed the two teenagers free and having more freedom to slump onto the huge palm that was big enough to fit maybe five people. Sonic and Sun looked up only for their eyes to widen as they got a good look at their captor who looked apologetic yet surprised and confused himself.
"Is that you, Sun? I didn't recognize you with your new fur dye colouring." The giant gorilla, now identified as Gaiver, remarked.
"GAIVER!?" Sun and Sonic exclaimed in complete shock, unable to believe that it was their newest friend who had approached them and held them in his huge hand.
"What the...!? You're...even more huge!" The blue hedgehog exclaimed, wondering if he was having some sort of dream. He still looked scared, and then gulped nervously when he and the orange hedgehog realized what they said. "G-Gaiver...Please, let us explain."
"I'm sorry, Sonic. I hadn't meant to frighten you two. I merely stopped you both from falling into another pitfall trap that would have both captured in the cage." Gaiver explained, pointing at the ground which Sonic and Sun looked behind them to see that there was a cage hanging over a spot on the ground where they both would've stepped onto if the giant gorilla hadn't grabbed them.
While the two were still shaken by the terrifying experience, the former Werehog groaned while rolling his eyes before gazing at Gaiver skeptically. "Ugh, don't tell me those two Chimp losers are still stealing your food?"
"Actually, they have stopped once they have earned their punishment. As you can see, my growth is still increasing, so the two thieves have stopped coming here all together and I was in the process of removing these traps until I heard familiar voices and came to investigate." The over-grown Mobian ape explained, a bit sheepishly.
"Guess they decided to finally give up and that around here, there's no free lunch." Sonic carefully teased, before sighing in relief to calm down. "We both came here to check up on to see how you were doing. I'm really sorry that I didn't come sooner. If I had, then I would've known that your problem is getting bigger. Uh, n-no offense."
"It's alright, little one. I knew this would happen." Gaiver reassured the younger Mobian, using a finger to gently pat Sonic, who along with Sun flinched in fright and squeezed their eyes shut, and the orange hedgehog, on the head which made the two feel like they were being kept as pets despite that it was oddly comforting. "What I'm curious about is where your friends are, and why Sun has changed his colour."
"Uh, well...it's a really complicated story." Sonic began awkwardly.
"Like, really complicated." Sun added with a sigh.
"I have time. Let's discuss this in my home." The giant Mobian replied, carefully cupping his hand so that the two young hedgehogs wouldn't fall off as he then turned and walked back towards his home, carrying the hero of Mobius and the former Werehog in his hand.
Sonic gulped nervously as while he and Sun both felt relieved that they weren't in trouble and that their friend still seems to be in slight good spirits, the fifteen year old couldn't help but half-jokingly. "Hope you're not planning in keeping us forever, dude. I don't wanna be anybody's pet."
"Really bad move to joke like that, Sonic." The orange hedgehog facepalmed himself, shaking his head over his brother's choice of words.
Gaiver though just chuckled. "Don't worry. I wouldn't dream of keeping anyone against their will. Especially young heroes such as yourselves."
The blue hedgehog sighed in relief, scratching the top of his head sheepishly. "Sorry. Just got a little scared there."
Sun couldn't help but gaze at his brother and felt really worried. It was clear that Sonic was beginning to get better, but the trauma of the giant Werehog-Beast, one that used to be within the tangerine hedgehog himself, and the effects of what happened before a month ago was scarred and buried deep within Soinc's body and heart.
Once the trio returned to the giant Mobian's home and Gaiver gently put the two hedgehogs onto the self-made pillow of his large bed while the Mobian gorilla took a seat in a new chair me made before Sonic and Sun, deciding that the truth had to come out to at least their new friend whom they promised to keep his problem a secret and they have, told him everything prior to their, Star and Chip's first meeting, right from the beginning up to defeating Dark Gaia, Chip's departure due to him being Light Gaia, and even the orange hedgehog's permanent change of colouring.
"I've heard many things in all my life, but never anything like this. That explains why you two look alike." Gaiver commented, astonished by what he was hearing. "Yet, I can tell that you are also different in regards of personalities."
"You don't find it...weird that I used to be...well, you know?" Sun began, awkwardly as Sonic placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Not really. But I am relieved that you are both safe and sound and the world is back to normal." The giant Mobian replied.
"What about you, Gaiver? Why are you still growing so big?" Sonic asked, concerned for the larger Mobian's well-being.
"I have noticed that my body's growth is increasing, and I am very concerned that it's just the beginning of getting worse. But you shouldn't have to worry about me, young hedgehog. I am alright, all things considered." Gaiver admitted.
"But it's still giving you trouble, right? If this keeps up, you might not be able to stay here anymore." Sun pointed out, as he mentally shuddered of the image that formed in his mind; that Gaiver would grow so big that he would tower the trees eventually and then the people of Adabat would notice and then cause major panic.
"Then we'd better find a cure fast, before it gets even worse." The blue hedgehog declared as he stood up. "Gaiver, if there's anyway to figure out how to help you, please tell us."
"I wish there was, but even I don't know where it could be."
"We'll search as long as we can." Sun said, standing up as he stood beside Sonic. "The whole world if we have to."
"He's right. Just hang in there and we'll find the cure as soon as I can. I promise." Sonic added.
While Sun had a feeling that this was a promise difficult to keep, he just hoped that it would turn out alright even as Gaiver thanked the hero of Mobius yet kindly told the teenager that he will be alright. Plus as he gazed at his cobalt brother, while Sonic did act like his old self and seemed to be fine, the guilt of what happened to Mobius was still there.
And it could remain there for a long time to come.
End of Flash-Back:
'So much for that promise, since that stupid Robuttnik-wannabe managed to catch Gaiver, so finding a cure now is slim to none. How can I tell Sonic about this? Or better yet, how can we turn Gaiver back to normal?' Sun thought miserably to himself. To make things worse, Starline was using Gaiver to cause chaos to capture Star and now that stupid Platypus was after the orange hedgehog himself which makes things worse.
If Sonic ever found out about this, the fifteen year old would go into a further breakdown than he already was. The orange hedgehog thought he could handle the situation in protecting Star, but now Starline was too curious about the former Werehog's origins which puts himself as well as the hero of Mobius in grave danger. Plus the Cosmos Sapphires have something to do with this and whatever this Twilight Cage is, Sun felt that it was a bit of a bad place.
"Hello?" All of the sudden Charmy hovered into his view the moment the hedgehog looked up, and that the young Mobian Bee was right too close up to his face.
"AAAHHH!" Sun screamed, stumbling out of his seat and fell onto the floor of the plane, getting Vector, Espio and Star's attention, before the former Sonic clone growled in irritation while feeling his heart beat too fast for his liking. "CHARMY! What the heck was that for!?"
"Sor-ry. You were so quiet that you didn't hear what we were saying, and you were kinda looking like a zombie." The six year old bee muttered, a bit annoyed by the hedgehog's overreaction.
"I wasn't acting like a zombie." The tangerine hedgehog scoffed, looking away. It wasn't his fault that he was thinking worriedly about the whole thing or that he didn't even realize his mind went down the memory lane. "Besides, there's not such thing as zombies. That's just stupid made up stuff for horror movies and scary stories on Halloween."
"Yeah, but a lot of people used to say that there were no such thing as aliens either, and then those Black Arms guys showed up." Vector pointed out.
"Except unlike Zombies which were originated here on Mobius, there are other worlds out there and Black Doom sought each of them out for destruction and feed humanity to his people like a gourmet restaurant." Espio shook his head as he made his own argument.
"Good thing Shadow gave them a taste of their own medicine." Charmy said happily. "I have a feeling that Sun's gonna be the new hero this time especially since the Cosmos Sapphire thingy really likes him."
"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not chosen by the Cosmos Sapphires?" Sun groaned, placing a hand to his forehead. "Why would they pick me when it's reacted to either of you?"
"Well, not to make it more complicated, Sun, but maybe there's a link between you and the Cosmos Sapphires." Star hesitantly began, making the others gaze at her in confusion as she explained. "Through the research of the Lunar Temples, I've heard that they are the hidden areas of the Sapphires themselves, and in a time of crisis where a portal that can only be opened by them as well as a wielder capable of shining stars at night from another world where evil on both sides would attempt to combine both, the Cosmos Sapphires would chose a newborn whose body was created by the power of both lights of a protector and their chosen, and darkness which is to be vanquished and turn that newborn into a real being as their heart, mind and soul were already real. But there was no proof of that theory."
Sun's eyes widened in shock as he and the Chaotix heard this. Could it really be possible? He himself was created even by accident through the use of the Chaos Emeralds, Dark Gaia, and of course Sonic through his quills, emotions and tears. But would that mean the Lunar Temples were also part of the ancient history of Light and Dark Gaias?
"Um...is that linked to everything that's happened a month ago?" The orange hedgehog asked, a bit nervously.
The lavender hedgehog thought deeply about this in concern. "Hmmm...Possibly. They didn't say how or why that being chosen by the Cosmos Sapphires would be born. But they do say that once the chosen is close by and is put in danger, they would combine their magic to protect them and those who are his or her allies. But again, it's not yet proven, so I'm not so sure. On the other hand, there's another link to which they are the counterparts of the Chaos Emeralds, because they would also protect the one who can link the Chaos Emeralds."
"That still doesn't mean it's me. I was a Werehog who it's inner dark side tried to force me to eat Sonic. I was mostly born from darkness, and the only reason I'm still here and made a real Mobian now is because Sonic cared about me so much it helped the squirt to use his light to save me." Sun pointed out, still desponted over the situation. "Let's face it, I'm no hero. I was born from a true hero and that's Sonic. He's the one who did better."
"Then why not contact him if you have faith in his abilities?" Espio questioned.
"If Sonic is put into the loop, Starline will come after him too! It's the only way to keep him and the others as safe as possible, okay!?" The orange hedgehog snapped at the purple chameleon. "Besides, he might be busy dealing with Dr. Egg-yolk for we know right now."
"Why are you so worked up today, Sun? You've been cranky since this morning." Vector demanded, annoyed by the hedgehog's temper.
Realizing that he was being snappy, Sun sighed and looked away as he muttered in guilt while trying to hide it. "Sorry. It's just...I'm a little bit scared that Starline will find out that I was Sonic's clone and if Ro-butt-nik figures out what's going on now, he'll just use me to his advantage against Sonic...And I don't want that. Just like I don't want that Platypus hurt Star or anybody else."
"But you were made a real Mobian by Light Gaia. What makes you think otherwise?" Star gently pointed out as she bend down next to the former Werehog, with concern in her beautiful eyes.
Sun didn't know how to respond to that, and while he refused to listen to the Werehog-Beast, he still felt the lingering dread that he may still be his brother's clone, regardless to what Sonic had told him on their adventure together. What scared him even more was that he was already failing on what his brother would do, and yet the hero of Mobius, even two weeks on, was still feeling the effects of what happened a month ago. The orange hedgehog didn't want to put this pressure onto the cobalt speedster's shoulders when he was still healing himself.
Yet who's to say that would Starline would do to the girl in front of him, the one who he thought was gentle and sweet, kind, brave, caring, a real great fighter, and...and very beautiful? When the orange hedgehog gazed at the lavender hedgehog, he felt his heart race a little the longer he stared at Star, feeling a blush form on his muzzle and the female hedgehog in return, realizing that she was this close to him, found herself blushing as well yet she was unable to turn away from his own wonderful eyes, coming to know him as a brave hedgehog, caring in his own way who had saved her life. She smiled softly at the former Werehog who to her was also very handsome.
"Look at 'em." Vector whispered as he, Espio and Charmy noticed the two hedgehogs staring at each other, the trio having known that Sun and Star were good friends and the green crocodile, coming to his own conclusion that they were in love with each other. "Sun's tough on the outside but he's a big ol' softy, and he's too shy to admit how much he cares about Star."
He then began to tear up as his thoughts were onto a certain beautiful motherly rabbit that he had a crush on for a long time. "I know exactly what that feels like." Vector then began to cry with his tears flying out like waterworks.
"I think you drank too much swamp water when you were a baby." Charmy dryly deadpanned.
Unfortunately, as the youngest detective looked out of the window, he let out a yelp which alarmed his two best friends and even the hedgehogs who, realizing that they were staring at each other and blushed heavily in embarrassment, and all four of them looked up to see what was going on.
"What is it?" Vector asked as he immediately stopped crying.
"We've got company...!" Charmy answered nervously, feeling his insides scream in complete panic.
True to the youngest Mobian's words, a huge aircraft flew overhead just as the group's plane flew over a large almost futuristic city and above a large giant dome of a garden that was known as Botanical Kingdom on the off-shores of Westside Island, one that had the symbol of the Hybrians. As sent by Dr. Starline to find the Cosmos Sapphire, noticed the smaller plane and with scanners detecting the body tempretures of the give Mobians, yet one of them had a pink heat on their body, it then opened up a cannon at the bottom of the vessel to fire a missile.
"The Hybrians are here too!" Star exclaimed in horror.
"How did they find us!?" Sun shouted in disbelief, before grunting and turned to the Chaotix. "Vector, try and get us out of here!"
"Fasten your seat-belts! We're going into the Botanical Kingdom!" Vector announced as he quickly went back into his seat. The others quickly did the same.
"Whatever you do, do NOT go too fast!" Espio warned. "Last time you did, you almost got us killed."
"D-Do I want to know?" The fourteen year old hedgehog asked the orange hedgehog nervously.
"Let's just say that Vector's a real lousy pilot." The former Werehog replied with a sweat drop. "Especially when it comes to speed and landing."
Even as they were being fired at again, Vector struggled to pull the plane towards the dome of Botanical Kingdom when suddenly the Cosmo Sapphire with them began to glow brightly once more, surprising the five Mobians who stared at the cyan gem before it's light forced them to shield their eyes as it spread over the plane and within it's newly created protective sphere, it somehow turned the plane and it's passengers invisible before it carried the plane into the dome safely and out of reach from the Hybrian ride, with it's crew shocked to have seemingly lost it's signal and targets.
"Whah!? They disappeared!?" One of the Hybrians shouted in disbelief.
"Where'd they go?" Another exclaimed.
"Sir, we've lost our targets! The two hedgehogs and the Chaotix with the Cosmos Sapphire have vanished!" A third Hybrian reported through the vessel's communication.
"They didn't disappear. The Cosmos Sapphire has reacted." A new, deep voice spoke from behind the crew of Hybrians who flinched and spun around in their seats to find that they had company. "It seems Dr. Starline was right. The Cosmos Sapphire and the Princess of the Twilight Cage are the keys. Yet, who have they chosen...as their champion?"
Standing in the doorway was Grotto who grinned hungrily and evilly as he had been sent along side the top agents. "Our top agents will be arriving in Botanical Kingdom in any moment now."
The Hybrians shared glances, wondering what one of the highest ranking members was talking about.
One minute Sun, Star and the Chaotix couldn't see, the next they found that their plane was once again protected by the mysterious light from the Cosmos Sapphire, leading them safely through the dome as though it wasn't there and landed somewhere in the dense clearing of the Botanical Kingdom which was a nature park for people to explore all around. It was massive and huge and spread throughout the area, much more than Botanical Gardens, hence to it's name.
Once they made their landing, the five of them exited their ride to find that it was again undamaged, and the crystal in Sun's backpack stopped glowing.
"This is getting more and more weird." Charmy remarked. "First that weird light show stopped us from crashing and then it just brought us here?"
"I can't believe the Cosmos Sapphire reacted as much. Though from the looks of it, it appears to be reacting to something." Star remarked.
"It could be reacting to another Cosmos Sapphire somewhere here in Botanical Kingdom." Espio corrected. "While there are a few things Master Koga did not know like Star has learned, like the Chaos Emeralds, the Sapphires react to when they are close by."
"So in other words, the reason why those Hybrians were here was not just because they found that we have one and that they're still looking for Star, but because there's a Cosmos Sapphire here like you said." Sun realized, before shaking his head. "But I'm still skeptical on why they would react to me. For all we know, they're reacting to you guys."
"You know, I'm beginning to think that maybe there is a connection between me and this Twilight Princess. I have no clue about my past and neither does my dad." Star admitted, rubbing her arms as she began to feel uneasy. "But it's not like I'm special or anything. What gets to me is that where did Dr. Starline that that idea from."
"The only way to find out is to learn the truth from those guys and it sure ain't gonna be easy. We need to come up with a plan without getting ourselves caught." Vector declared. "Investigating is what we Chaotix do best!"
"Okay, so let's forget about the whole confusion thing and figure out how to stop that guys without Beak-face kidnapping Star. Since he's after her and the Cosmos Sapphire, I think it'll be a good idea split up. I'll go look for the second Cosmos Sapphire. If Star's okay with it, she'll-"
"I'm going with you." Star interrupted Sun, much to his surprise. "It's obvious that we need to know more about this and at least prevent those Hybrians from stealing the Cosmos Sapphires, and perhaps hide them again so they won't be found. I know they're after me, but they're after you now too, Sun. Trust me, it's best that we both team up."
"Uh...um..." Sun trailed off, feeling very uneasy. He didn't like the idea of putting Star into danger, especially since what happened on Seaside Island, and this was a dangerous situation. On the other hand, he would feel a bit better to protect her himself even though she was capable of looking after herself...
Plus the three detectives would probably mess up one way or another despite that he trusted them.
Finally sighing in defeat, he reluctantly nodded. "Sure. Okay. Just promise me that you'll be careful."
"I promise, and the same goes for you, Sun the Hedgehog." The young hedgehog girl replied warmly, giggling which made the orange hedgehog blush a little again.
"A-anyway..." The tangerine Mobian continued, turning to the trio once more. "Maybe you guys can figure out what else they're up to, or maybe catch one of those guys and interrogate them."
"No problem." Espio agreed.
"Yeah, and if they cause any trouble, I'll just threaten them with my stinger. That'll get 'em to talk!" Charmy added.
"Sure thing, Sun. Those guys won't know what hit them!" Vector declared.
"Thanks. I'm counting on you." Sun nodded, and as he and Star waved a brief farewell to the trio who went into one direction, the two hedgehogs shared a nod before hurrying to the opposite direction to find the second Cosmos Sapphire.
Unaware that in the far distance and standing on a high giant tree branch, were three fairly large half-giant figures observing the group. One was a large red figure with a very stocky build. The majority of his upper body is pure red, as is his serpentine tail and five-fingered hands that end with sharp cyan-colored nails.
The second was much smaller than the other two, blue in colour, his head and body are indistinguishable and are of a spherical shape, with small limbs, and while his head was blue, the rest of his body was black.
Finally was a large yellow figure which his body was a somewhat circular in shape, giving him a rather chubby appearance. His upper body is a vibrant orange-yellow color. His thick arms end with equally large five-fingered hands with yellow nails.
All three of them, even with a slight pain they had endured earlier under unknown circumstances, all grinned evilly as they eyed the unbeknownst Mobians below.
A/N: Sorry that it took me so long, and that this chapter was even less action-packed. Hopefully next time it'll be more action. Few interesting tips for this story.
1: Botanical Kingdom is a race course from Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity.
2: While I did say long ago I wouldn't write an adaption or re-write of Sonic Lost World due to how the other Sonic stories ended, and while I'm still not a fan of the game itself(it's story or it's gameplay which was too much like the Super Mario games), I decided to have at least three familiar characters to be part of the plot of this story, something that Starline would be regretting no doubt.
See you later!