Disclaimer: I do not own Sonic the Hedgehog or any and all affiliated characters. They are owned by Sega (Though it might be Nintendo now) and Archie Comics, all objects and items related to Sonic the Hedgehog, are their property, and claim no responsibility for the content of this fan-made story. The plot of this story alone, and any characters introduced by the author that have not made an appearance in either the comic series or video game series are owned by the author and should not be duplicated by others without the written permission of the author. (why didn't i think of cutting and pasting the orginal disclaimer in the fist place!)
Damn it! That glitch has reset my hits again! This keeps up I'm always going to have more reviews then hits. Anyway, here we go folks the last plot chapter before the action starts up again.
A Visitor From Afar
Ch. 18 Questions and Answers
Sitting before his computer screen Robotnik chuckled wickedly to himself as he finished uploading the file he had recently located onto a computer chip. "I must thank you King Acorn. Amazing that after all this time, I never once thought to take the time to see what information you and your cohorts stored in these old royal files. I had no idea that when I took over this dump that the fool's data might actually come in handy."
"With something like this floating about, I wonder what else that old fool might have left in these old files." Robotnik added, switching the monitor back to the files he had been examining before. "Hmmm… fairly mundane stuff." Robotnik moped a little in disappointment. "Royal decrees, foreign policies, royal affiliates… wait; what do we have here?" Robotnik stopped, his eyes bulging as his eyes scanned through the long list. The file that had gained his interest so suddenly was labelled: floatingisland.geosurv/rf.cl.doc. Opening the file Robotnik couldn't believe what he saw.
"What irony! All those times I attacked the Floating Island to steal its Chaos Emerald I ended up being defeat because took too long to locate them and all this time I had complete geological survey of the entire island in the King's records!" Robotnik growled in annoyance. "Bah, I'll back up this data somewhere else till I figure out what to do with it." He grumbled in frustration.
Just then Snively entered the room, flanked by several hovering robots with rectangular shaped trays on their fronts. Inside the trays lay various miscellaneous robotics parts. "Sir, the Salvage-bots have retrieved the 'Badnik's memory cores as you ordered, Sir."
"Excellent, have the Salvage-bots place them on that lab station and ready for data extraction." Robotnik chortled, turning around to watch the Salvage-bots do as ordered.
"Just one small problem Sir, we were unable to retrieve the memory cores for Orbinaut because of the level of damage."
"What?" Robotnik asked, his eyes growing in surprise.
"All we found of him was a smouldering mass of metal, by the looks of it he got destroyed by a massive blast of heat." Snively explained.
Robotnik found himself at a loss of words. "The Freedom Fighters don't carry weapons of such destructive power as far as I know. Not to mention Orbinaut's armour could withstand very high temperatures, so what could have done something like that short of high explosive ordnance?"
"I'll begin downloading the data from the memory drives now, Sir." Snively stated, interrupting Robotnik's thoughts.
"Yes, this new development might prove to be quite a nuisance." Robotnik agreed turning back to Snively to continue his own work. Snively finished hooking up the memory cores and activated the data transfer, a task that took him very little time at all. With nothing to do while the data transferred to the main computer for analyse Snively took a quick glance at the data scrolling across the Robotnik's monitor.
The file appeared unfamiliar to him and curiosity soon got the better of him. "Dr. Robotnik, sir, what are you looking at?" he asked, hoping it wasn't something Robotnik didn't want him to see.
Surprisingly Robotnik showed no signs of irritation at the question, saying: "It would seem the king's Secret Service had a file here which contains a detailed combat training program. These files hold every technique and fighting style they've ever trained in. Comparing these fighting styles with my own combat protocols, it's easy to see just how slow and clumsy my robot's combat systems are. I've already designed a new combat routine into this disk; I want it installed in the new version of Swat-bots coming out." Robotnik stated holding out the data card to one of the Salvage-bots.
Turning back to Snively Robotnik continued his explanation. "Of course, I can only use a small portion of this data; there's far too much data here for me to be able to use in all of my metal minions, but it will be no trouble for my latest creation." He admitted, taking a proud glance over to the secret project still under wraps. And when it comes online, those Freedom Fighters will be helpless against it!"
Back in Freedom Fighter headquarters….
"Ooohhh! I can't believe I let myself eat so many of those Chilli dogs!" Slasher groaned as he, Tails and Sonic walked towards the War Room. Both Sonic and Slasher's belly's seemed a little larger then usual; a testament to just how many the two of them had indeed eaten. Slasher still limped a little as he walked, but it seemed he'd managed to loosen the stiff muscles enough for him to walk without the cane, or, at least he insisted he didn't still need it.
"Man, that was awesome; I haven't had an eating challenge like that in years." Sonic added rubbing his plumb tummy.
"Yeah…" Tails chuckled. "The last one to try was Rotor, and he hasn't eaten a chilli dog since."
"We'd better hurry up though or we'll be late." Sonic stated glancing at his wristwatch.
The door opened to the War Room where Sally and the others were already gathered waiting for the mission briefing. Sonic and Tails entered and quickly took their usual seats. Slasher made a small, courteous bow in the Princess's general direction when he entered and took an open seat at the foot of the table.
Sally nodded in acknowledgement of Slasher's bow. Once the late comers took their seats Sally stood up to signal the start of the meeting. "Alright, Slasher, I imagine you're still wondering why I asked you to come to this mission briefing right."
Slasher nodded yes. "Normally only those directly involved in the mission are allowed into these meetings, but in this case it does involve you. We plan on trying to retrieve your crystal tonight, but first we want to know some more about it. Is that alright?" Sally asked, trying not to sound overbearing.
Slasher nodded. "What would you like to know?"
"For instance, when Tails rescued you, he said you transformed when you touched the crystal, is this true?" she questioned, sitting down in her seat.
"Yes, it is true. The jewel is an ancient, magical artifact called the Ruby of Evolution. It grants the bearer the ability to evolve and mature in the blink of an eye. When Tails found me I was actually an adult, but an evolved version of my species." Slasher explained. "If I was to grow up naturally I'm betting I'd look a lot like I do now."
"But what about all that armour you were wearing and stuff?" Tails asked.
"To be honest, I don't know." He shrugged, at a loss for an answer. "From what the legends surrounding the jewel suggest, the jewel itself creates whatevr armour and weapons we need to fulfil the prophecy." Slasher answered sounding almost unconvinced himself.
"That would explain why you couldn't find any signs of workmanships on Slasher's armband Rotor." Tails said thoughtfully.
"Ah c'mon, you don't really believe that some jewel can do that do you, it's just not scientifically possible." Rotor shook his head in doubt. "I mean, evolving, aging creating something out of nothing, it just can't be done!"
"We've seen stranger things Rotor." Bunnie reminded him. "There's plenty a' strange things out there we don't understand."
"Good point, Bunnie; plenty of strange things have happened before, so this may not be too much of a stretch." Sally reminisced thoughtfully. Sally thought for a moment, something didn't add up, aside from creating weapons, it didn't really sound like this crystal could do anything that Robotnik would care for. "Is there anything else the crystal does that Robotnik might want the gem for?" Sally asked looking down the table to Slasher.
Slasher hesitated a several minutes and finally shook his head no.
Sally wasn't sure if Slasher hesitated because he had to think about it or because he wasn't telling them something, but she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt for now so they could proceed with their task. "Fine, alright everyone, the target for tonight is one of Robotnik's Swat-bot factories. Bunnie, Antoine and Rotor are going to hit there while me and Sonic sneak into Robotnik's fortress and recover this jewel of yours Slasher."
"What about me!" Tails whined.
"You're staying here and keeping an eye on Slasher, you both need time to rest and heal." Sally replied sternly.
"Ah man!" Tails grumbled crossing his arms as he slumped back into his chair.
"Your highness, I object!" Slasher protested as he stood up. "The Ruby was entrusted to me; I won't have others risk their lives retrieving something that is my responsibility."
Sally sighed loudly. "Slasher, you don't have a choice, you're wounded, you can't expect yourself to be able to fight like you are; you're barely able to walk!"
"Princess I…"
"Do as ze Preencess commands, you nave!" Antoine warned harshly. Slasher scowled fiercely at the obstinate coyote. Antoine flinched slightly under the harsh glare.
"Antoine, that's enough." Sally said harshly. "Slasher, Tails, I need to go over the details with the others, I'm afraid you can't stay here."
Slasher rose, visibly still angry and left without a word. Tails got up and waved good-bye and followed Slasher out the door and closed it behind him.
Sonic glared at Antoine and scowled at him angrily. "Real smooth 'Twan."
Outside the War Room…
Tails rushed outside the War Room to catch up with Slasher and quickly spotted him limping his way down the tunnel that led to the training center. "Hey, Slasher wait up!" Tails shouted; twirling his tails he lifted his body off the ground and flew off to catch up.
Tails quickly caught up, but Slasher didn't take any notice. "Where are you going?" he asked, flying just behind him.
"To blow off some steam." He grumbled angrily.
"Ah, come on Slasher don't listen to Antoine. He wrote the book on snobs." Tails said trying to calm Slasher down.
"I'll see you back at the hut." He replied crossly, ignoring Tails' advice. Tails stopped chasing after Slasher and hovered, watching Slasher hobble away. Tails took the hint he wanted to be alone, so he took another tunnel and headed back to his hut, feeling depressed to see Slasher like this, not to mention a little angry at Antoine.
Tails flew down the passageway, thinking absent-mindedly about the meeting. He soon reached the door way outside and opened it, feeling the cool night breeze blow across his fur. He felt his tails going tired so he set down and tried to walk through the rows of huts towards his own. His leg started to feel sore, but Tails pressed on, knowing his hut was near.
"Chosen one…" Called a faint, hollow voice.
Tails turned around "Hello, is someone there?" he asked, his eyes straining to adjust from the bright tunnel to the darkness, but he could see nothing. Tails shrugged and chalked it up to the wind and his imagination. He continued on and stepped onto the doorstep of his hut.
Just as he turned the knob and the door started to swing open, the wind picked up barley masking the strange voice that called out again, slightly louder. "Choosen onnneee…" slower it spoke this time, trying to hide its presence in the gust of wind.
"Who's there?" he asked, whirling around. Again nothing but silence as the wind died away immediately. "This is getting weird." Tails thought, entering the hut. "Maybe I need to take a nap, I must be imagining things." Tails shook his head in dismay.
Tails entered his room and lay down on the bed, resting his head on the pillow, not bothering to wrap himself up in the blankets. He closed his eyes, taking one last glance to see if those voices would start up again, but they never did, so he shut his and sleep fell upon him unusually fast.
Dream sequence….
He found himself in a familiar dream, a happy dream. Tails sat within the cockpit of the Tornado, flying it aimlessly across a vast blue sky, a lush forest below. The euphoria Tails felt was exhilarating, he always loved flying.
He flew for what felt like hours, performing various aerial manoeuvres. "Chosen one…" the strange voice called again, barley audible over the motor, but it was there for sure.
"Huh?"
Suddenly the voice exploded into many voices all saying the same two words at various volumes, but all as mysterious as the next, overpowering the noise of the motor. "Chosen one-chosen one-CHOSEN ONE!" The voices became so loud that Tails needed to cover his ears. The instant he let go of the joystick, the Tornado suddenly dissolved right out from under him. He fell continuously for what felt like hours, when he finally fell on some hard rock.
Tails looked around in bewilderment. The sky and land he saw in his dream before were completely gone. In its place Tails saw he seemed to be now standing on an asteroid drifting in space. Somehow this all seemed vaguely familiar to Tails.
"Greetings, Chosen one…" that strange voice called again.
Tails whirled around and this time he saw exactly who had spoken to him. Drifting a short distance away from his asteroid he could see three massive glowing tribal masks. The one of the left looked like a grey, pointed oval with yellow straw attached to the edges and small black eye slits. The right-side one looked like a skull with pointed brown stripes emanating from the edges. The center mask, one that overshadowed the other two, looked like a bird on a totem pole it beak yellow and the head painted a bright orange. The masks hovered mysteriously and glowed with an eerie light in the darkness. Tails instantly recognized the masks. Tails hadn't seen the divine, omniscient beings since his solo adventure in downunda way back when. "The Ancient Walkers!" he gasped.
"Yes, chosen one." The three masks answered in one voice, just as mysteriously as ever.
"What are you doing in my dream?" Tails asked.
"We are here for you... Entering your dreams is the simplest way we can contact you and we have great need of your skills. The cosmic balance has been up-hurled and you must return the balance." Spoke the fur-lined masked in a rough and scratchy voice.
"What? How? What do you mean?"
"Someone of great importance has been misplaced." The skull mask spoke out.
"Huh? Who?" Tails asked, wishing the Ancient Walkers would stop talking in riddles.
"You know of whom we speak." All three spoke at once, their voices resonating in the darkness.
Tails paused a moment, trying to think who they could mean. "Who? Slasher?"
"Indeed, the guardian's home is not on Mobius, he must be returned to where he belongs."
"I don't understand. How do you even know about him?" Tails confessed.
"We see many things across the vastness of the universe, and through that we have seen many worlds. The guardian you have befriended is not of your world, but of another, and he plays a crucial role in the future of his home world. He and his companions wage a desperate fight against powerful enemies and he must be there to face the threat. His world's fate is mired in uncertainty and without him to lead his companions his world will fall to chaos and all will be lost. But worse yet, if he remains upon Mobius hundreds of worlds will fall to Dr. Robotnik's evil might." The Ancient Walkers said, their words echoing the warning they spoke.
"How can one person be so important?" Tails asked in astonishment at the dark prospects.
"It is much as if you; or any of your friends were to suddenly be removed from the daily events. The Guardian's arrival here is an unexpected accident, and you must set things right."
"But Sonic has disappeared before, and we've always managed to make due until he came back." Tails argued.
"True, but your fates are not as directly tied to each other as Slasher is with his companions."
"What do you mean 'their fates are tied to each other'?"
"The companions the Guardian travel's with each bear a crystal of their own. Each commanding the power of the elements: earth, wind, fire, water, lightning. And each lends the others its strengths."
"You mean Slasher can control lighting, or water!" Tails exclaimed in surprise.
"No, such extreme manipulations can only be performed by those who bear an elemental crystal. But they do lend out other abilities that strengthen one another. The jewel the Guardian bear's allows him to mature and evolve, that ability can also be tapped by the ones who bear the elemental crystals. They need this power in order to become stronger and more capable of confronting the greater dangers that await them."
Tails placed his right hand under his chin, thinking out loud. "So, without Slasher's ruby, his friends can't evolve. And if they can't evolve…"
"They will be overwhelmed by the enemy they struggle against. Your insight is most encouraging, young one. The Guardians gem was forged using the combined powers of all the elements and as such shares the same bond the elemental crystals have with each other. Without the Guardian's leadership and the power of his crystal, his companions are doomed to a gruesome death."
"But there must be someone better for this then me." Tails objected, feeling the massive weight of responsibility fall upon his shoulders.
"No. Such is your fate and duty as the Chosen One; to undertake missions of monumental importance. But do not fear; we know you have the strength within to master the challenges ahead."
"But how do I send Slasher back home when I don't where he came from or how he got here in the first place." Tails asked helplessly.
"The crystal is the key; you must help the guardian reclaim it."
"What? I can't! 'Aunt' Sally told me I couldn't go; and besides, my leg is hurt, there's no way I can go on a mission now.!" Tails exclaimed in surprise.
"Fear not, for when the time comes, you will be ready to face the challenge." The Ancient Walkers said as they began to fade away like spectres into the darkness.
"Huh? What do you mean? When will that be?" he shouted out to the vanishing masks, but no answer in reply.
"Tails wake up! I need your help" Slasher said shaking Tails roughly.
"Uh, wha?" Tails mumbled; awaking with a start to see Slasher hunched over with a look of determination on his face.
"I'm going after the crystal. And I need your help" he said flatly.
"Huh!" The shock of the explanation shook the sleep from Tail's eyes and he instantly rose out of the bed. Then it occurred to him that he had stood up without any pain at all. Tails looked down at his leg and saw the gash on his leg was gone; even the bandages he knew had been there before.
Suddenly the words the Ancient Walkers had spoken echoed in his mind. "When the time comes, you will be ready to face the challenges ahead." Tails looked at Slasher with a hint of shock in his eyes; the Ancient Walkers prophecy came true, it was time. His expression hardened with the same look of determination as Slasher and nodded in his head. "Let's do it!"
WOOT! That time it only took me three chapters to set up the next action sequence! Next chapter… "Mission: Very close to near Impossible" oh! I just can't wait, send in those reviews please! Oh and by the way, anyone who isn't familiar with the Ancient Walkers, they're from the comic series, and like I said in the disclaimers they are not my property, so don't start throwing things at me Archie Comics, alright!
