After a few minutes, the heroes finally arrived at the royal summer cottage. Once they got inside, Elise instructed the staff that Cream was to receive immediate medical care. She was quickly taken to another room, Vanilla, Cheese, and Chocola right behind her. Keith and Kat both basically collapsed onto a couch together, exhausted from their ordeal. Knuckles even took the extra step of turning off Kat's suit so she could properly rest, taking vigil on a balcony outside while the others got their rest. This left Chuck and Dr. Birnbaum to sit down and review what had happened. Tails, Blaze, and Amy joined them after Amy slipped a blanket over the teens and a sleeping Helen.
"I still can't believe Sonic went back in time like that," Amy commented. "That just sounds like an all around horrible idea."
"This world does have several movies about why that's not a good idea," Tails admitted. "Then again, we've already damaged the barriers between space time, so time is probably already messed up."
"Whatever happens, I only hope that they find the answers we need to save our worlds," Blaze mused. "If what you said about that article involving the Queen is true, we're running out of time."
"We're just going to have to wait until they return," Chuck admitted. "And hope for the best."
"In the meantime, I hope the residents of that castle won't present too much of a problem," Dr. Birnbaum added.
"Oh, we shouldn't have too much to worry about," Amy reassured. "It looks like one of the many abandoned castles around Mobius. It's probably Sylvania Castle. Or one of the fallen Mercian duchies. It could even be a Eurish ruin."
"You… certainly have a lot of castles on Mobius."
"Mobius is divided into various Zones," Tails explained. "And within each Zone, there can be different levels of technology, ages of industrial progression, all of it. You could have a platoon of knights in armor fighting alongside soldiers with muskets and mercenaries with lasers."
"You certainly have a unique world," Chuck commended.
"We do, yes," Amy said with a nod. "And it'll be even more so when we full merge it with Earth. Safely, of course."
"Here's hoping…"
…
Outside, Knuckles continued standing watch on the balcony. Just then, an engine sound caught his attention, causing him to look down and see a buggy pulling up with Hope and Topaz in it. Chessie, Rouge, and Omega followed close behind, the former on Shadow's bike, prompting Knuckles to leap down to the ground.
"You guys?" he let out, eying Hope climbing out. "Hope. Glad to see you're okay."
"Yeah, thanks to Shadow," Hope replied. "Speaking of which, where is he?"
"He's with Sonic and Silver… in the past."
"What?!" Chessie let out. "Why would he do that?!"
"To find out the truth behind Mephiles and Iblis. There's something we're still missing, and we need it if we're going to stand a chance of saving both our worlds, and Silver's future.
"It's not like we've found answers in the present," Rouge conceded.
"And the future is a wasteland," Hope added.
"Well, you know what they say," Topaz mused, glancing up at the sky, "Reverberations from the past provide learning rubrics for living today."
"I just hope they can learn fast…" Chessie hoped.
…
The portal opened up, allowing Sonic, Shadow, and Silver to leap out and land on the ground. They looked up, seeing the old Soleanna Castle in all its original pristine glory. Sonic let out a whistle as they got to his feet.
"Sweet place," Sonic commented.
"The lab must be in the lower levels of the castle," Shadow surmised.
"Then let's get going."
The three head toward the castle, Silver carefully opening up the door with his power before hovering in the air and poking his head in. He looked around, making sure no one was around.
"All clear," Silver reported.
The other two hedgehogs made their way inside alongside Silver.
"So how do we get down to the lab?" Silver asked.
"Not sure," Sonic admitted. "Shadow, any suggestions?"
"There has to be a hidden entrance close by," Shadow deduced. "Something only a select group of people would know about."
"Hmm…" Sonic pondered. "Give me three seconds."
Sonic took off to look around, giving Shadow and Silver a chance to chat one on one.
"So…" Silver let out nervously. "How do you know Mephiles?"
"He tried to get me to join him. Said that humanity would turn on me."
"He sure is tricky…," Silver leaned against a wall. "He made me believe that Sonic was the cause of Iblis' rise. I was so desperate to change my fate that I didn't even question it."
"You were desperate. No one can blame you for that. And now, you're working to make things right. Focus on that."
Silver sighed. "I'm trying."
…
Meanwhile, Sonic continued speeding around the castle, looking for any entryway into the lab. Just then, he saw some figures approaching, causing him to quickly hide behind a decorative column.
"Where are you going, daddy?"
Sonic poked around the corner, seeing a young girl who looked like Elise talking to a man with a beard dressed in white.
"I'm working on an important project, my dear. It's very important, and must remain a secret. Don't worry, once I'm done, we'll be able to play together again."
"Okay, daddy," Elise replied, giving him a hug.
"That's my girl," the King replied, hugging her back. "Now run along."
Elise nodded before running off, leaving the King to walk toward a nearby bookcase. He looks at a clock on one of the shelves, twisting the hands so it would be set at a specific time. As he did, the bookcase slid back, revealing a secret staircase that the King proceeded to go down.
"Bingo," Sonic cheered, rushing off to grab Shadow and Silver.
…
It only took a few seconds for Sonic to reach them.
"I found it," he informed. "Secret staircase behind a bookshelf. This way."
He motioned for them to follow him, prompting the three to take off down the hall. Sonic quickly ran up to the shelf, moving the clock hands so the shelf would slide to the side.
"Impressive," Shadow conceded.
"Be careful," Sonic insisted. "Don't forget who's here in the past with us."
"Right… let's go."
The three hedgehogs quickly made their way down the stairs, unaware of a young girl heading back into the room to grab something, only to look up and see the hidden stairs.
"Whoa…" she let out.
…
Down in the lab,the three hedgehogs quietly made their way inside, making sure to stay out of sight as the King put on a lab coat and made his way down to a large machine.
"What were the results from the last test?" he asked one of the scientists.
"Quite promising, Sire," the scientist replied. "We 're positive that this next test will bear fruit."
"Excellent," the King replied, looking up at a painting of the deity of their country. "Solaris… the fiery spirit, the shadow that stretches across time… and the hope for a better future."
Shadow perked up, remembering Robotnik said similar words before.
"With this power, we will be able to give people a second chance. A means to go back and correct past mistakes… and my dear Elise won't have to grow up without a mother."
"So that's why he did all this…" Sonic realized. "He wanted to save Elise's mom."
"Save his family," Silver added.
"Something all of us understand all too well."
"It won't be long now, sir," the scientist reassured. "Ivo, how are the final preparations coming?"
At that name, all three hedgehogs froze. They all looked down to see a young man with a modest mustache looking up from his work on the machine.
"Just about done, sir," he informed. "Should be just about ready. I promise that this will be some of my finest work."
"I look forward to seeing it," the King replied.
Sonic's fist clenched, his every impulse telling him to go down there and put a stop to whatever he had planned. Shadow glanced over, noticing Sonic's tense demeanor. Just as the blue hedgehog took a step forward, Shadow caught his arm.
"Don't," he insisted. "We can't interfere. We can't change this."
"I know. I just…"
"I get it. But if this doesn't happen, Eggman never arrives on Mobius. You never meet your friends and enrich their lives. You never come to Earth and meet Keith, you never save me, and so much more. Eggman may be a villain, but without him, you never would have become the hero you are today.
Sonic paused, thinking about what Shadow said. "I get it, I just… hate not acting when I know I can change things."
"This is a fixed point in time, Sonic," Silver interjected. "It will change everything, and not for the better."
"I know. It's just… the pain he's caused others… I just-"
Sonic was cut off when the engine went online. The three hedgehogs looked out to see the scientists at work. This included Ivo, who sneakily flipped a hidden switch, doubling the engine's power. Another one of the scientists kept tabs on the engine's output, noting a sudden spike in energy.
"That shouldn't be happening…"
"What is it?" the King asked.
"The power levels are exceeding risk parameters. I'm trying to contain it but-" the screen just started flashing. "No.. an electromagnetic pulse has just been generated. Quick, inject a decompression agent!"
"Right," another one of the scientists replied, complying with his request.
"Oh no you don't," Ivo whispered, hitting a side button.
Suddenly, the energy in the tank in front of them started glowing more, much to the surprise of the other scientists.
"No… the levels aren't dropping," the second scientist let out.
"If this keeps building…" the first scientist dreaded. "A spacial meltdown is imminent. My lord, we've got to take shelter!"
"No!" the King let out, slamming his fists down. "Why Solaris? Why do you refuse to hear me?"
"Daddy?"
The King perked up, turning around to see Elise running up to him.
"Elise? What are you-"
Just then, the engine started to surge with energy. To an extent that even Ivo was afraid of.
"No!" he let out. "I'm not clear! I can't-"
Finally, the energy reached its peak, the King instinctively covered Elise with his own body just as the engine exploded, engulfing Ivo in its energy. Silver quickly grabbed two sheets of metal and used them to shield the three from the blast. He strained a bit against the energy, doing his best to hold the makeshift shield in place. Once he was sure the energy died down, Silver lowered the metal sheets, allowing them to head out. Shadow quickly ran over to the King, making sure he was alright. Sonic ran up next to him, checking on Elise.
"She seems alright," Sonic noted.
"He took the worst of it," Shadow informed. "I don't think he'll last long."
"No sign of Eggman," Silver informed, looking around the room. "Guess he's on his way to Mobius."
"Guess so…" Sonic remarked.
Silver turned to check on the other scientists, but stopped when he saw something in the wreckage of the engine.
"Is that…?" he let out.
It was a massive ball of light, hovering over the wreckage. The light then dissipated, leaving a molten ball behind that broke into pieces. As it did, a black liquid drained out onto the ground, leaving a small chunk of rock that suddenly ignited into a flame.
"That flame…" Silver recognized. "It's Iblis!"
"And that black shroud is the original Mephiles," Shadow deduced.
Suddenly, the flame and the shadow took off, heading down separate paths in the facility.
"Hey, they're getting away!" Silver let out.
Just then, the ground started shaking, causing the three to stabalize themselves.
"The blast must've damaged the foundation of the castle," Sonic realized. "The scientists didn't survive but civilians did."
"Get as many people out as you can," Shadow encouraged. "We'll take care of those two."
"Right," Sonic replied before pulling out his Chaos Emerald. "Silver, here," he tossed it to him. "Might need this more than me."
Silver caught it, nodding at Sonic as he grabbed Elise and took off upstairs. As he did that, Shadow turned toward Silver.
"We'll have to split up," he instructed.
"Then you take Mephiles," Silver suggested. "Leave Iblis to me."
"Wait…" the King called out.
The two turned toward him, seeing that he was barely able to pull himself up. He managed to reach into his lab coat, pulling out the Scepter of Darkness.
"The shadow… seal it with this," he held out the scepter. "There's an inscription on it… to lock it away."
Shadow nodded, taking the scepter and heading off.
…
Up in the main castle, Sonic quickly ran Elise back up the stairs and outside, carefully setting her down near a tree.
"Just hang tight, Elise," Sonic reassured. "Hopefully this will all be over soon."
Not wasting a second, he took off back inside, searching for any civilians he could find and carrying them outside. Palace staff, guards, scientists who somehow survived, anyone Sonic could find as the building began crumbling around them. He gritted his teeth and kept moving, determined to save as many as he could. He quickly double backed into the castle, making sure there weren't any stragglers or anyone in rooms he hadn't thought to check. Once he was certain that everyone was out, he made his way back outside just as the roof started caving in.
"Okay.. I think that's everyone." He leaned against a tree to breathe, only to freeze mid motion. Elise was no longer where he had left her. "No, no, no, no, no!"
He looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her nearby, only to look back at the castle and see it crumbling in. not wasting a second, Sonic rushed back inside, hoping to find Elise in time.
…
Meanwhile, Shadow skated along the long corridor of the castle, trying to find the slithering shadow that was Mephiles. As he kept moving he leaped over some debris before landing and rolling into a spin dash to bust through a destroyed wall. As he landed, he caught glimpse of the shadow, just noticing it as it slithered through a broken window and out of the castle. Shadow leaped through the window, landing outside as he pulled out his Chaos Emerald.
"Chaos Control!" he cried out, causing the shadow to freeze up.
As the shadow remained motionless, Shadow pulled out the scepter and recited the incantation on the back.
"Ifalas zares I e zaraq. Ifalas zares I e zaraq."
As he spoke, the scepter began floating in the air, glowing with power as the shadow was called to it.
"What?..." the shadow let out, to the surprise of the hedgehog. "Who… who are you?"
"... I am Shadow. Shadow the Hedgehog."
"...Shadow… your face… your form… I will remember…" the shadow then began being pulled into the scepter itself. "Your death… is certain… you… will die!"
The shadow was fully pulled into the scepter, completely sealed away. The second the last shred of shade was gone, the scepter stopped glowing and dropped toward the ground. Shadow quickly caught it, looking down at it in contemplation.
"So… this is how he knew of me…" Shadow realized.
…
Meanwhile, Silver managed to catch up with the flames. He used his powers to encase the flames in a glowing ball, condensing them as best he could. However, it was a difficult process, and he knew he couldn't keep it up. As he strained to keep the power contained, he heard a grunting sound, causing him to turn and see the King hobbling toward him.
"You?!" Silver let out. "What are you doing here? You have to leave!"
"I can't," the King insisted. "This flame has been entrusted to the royal family. I have a duty… to see it doesn't get loose."
"But… you're hurt."
"That doesn't matter. The Flames of Disaster will destroy everything if they are let loose. I will not let that happen."
"Think of your family… Think of your daughter…"
"Everything I have done… I have done for her."
Silver paused for a moment, before pulling out the Chaos Emerald. "Then use this."
The King took the Emerald before lumbering toward the flame. He held the Emerald up to the flame, causing it to float in the air.
"Eternal Sun…" he let out. "The living flame that… has been entrusted to the royal family… fall into slumber… with a royal soul…"
With that, he keeled over just as the flame was focused through the Emerald, allowing Silver to ease up on his power.
"Daddy!"
The two instantly perked up, seeing Elise running over to help her father.
"Elise!" the King led out as she approached.
"No!" Silver cried.
Just as she reached him, the flames focused through the Emerald right into Elise. She tensed up as the power coursed through her, causing her to scream in agony. The screams allowed Sonic to find his way down to them, freezing up at the sight.
"No…"
Finally the flames fully passed into her, causing her to become weak and pass out. Sonic rushed forward and caught her as the King turned to her.
"Elise… oh my poor girl…"
She stirred a little, still in pain from the power that was siphoned into her.
"Daddy…?" she let out, clearly still hurting.
The King carefully moved toward her, stroking her face with his hand.
"It's alright, Elise…" he reassured. "I need you to be brave. Don't cry, no matter what happens… the power you wield is drawn to… intense emotion… should those emotions… become uncontrolled… they will call forth the flames dwelling inside you. Promise me you'll… grow up to be a strong queen… who doesn't cry, no…" he winced in pain. "no matter what happens… and live… happily…"
With that last ounce of strength, the King keeled over onto the ground, still forever more. Elise's own strength had given out, causing her to pass out from the strain of the flames inside her. Silver caught her, scooping her up in his arms. He looked at her with empathy, then looked over at the King. Using his TK to keep Elise steady, he reached over and closed the man's eyes. Sonic lowered his head, clenching his fist in regret.
"Come on…" Sonic spoke up, his voice low. "Let's go."
Silver nodded, heading off. As Sonic followed, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see a small sparking down one of the hallways. Curious, he ran down to investigate. He quickly approached, seeing what looked like a spark of fire flickering on one of the walls.
"What the…?"
Curious, Sonic reached out a hand toward the small spark. As he did though, the spark seemingly dissipated, Sonic waving his hand as a result.
"Whoa!" He let out, looking down at his hand and seeing it was fine. "What was that?"
…
Later, Sonic caught up with Silver as they met back up with Shadow, still holding the Scepter.
"Mephiles taken care of?" Sonic asked.
"Yes," Shadow confirmed. "And the flames?"
"Properly sealed," Silver added.
He walked over to a nearby tree, carefully setting Elise down next to it. Shadow set the scepter down next to her, much to Sonic's surprise.
"You sure you wanna leave that behind?" Sonic asked.
"Can't take the chance otherwise," Shadow replied. "Let's go."
"Yeah…" Silver agreed. "We've seen enough."
He and Shadow pulled out their Chaos Emeralds and became in sync before holding them out.
"Chaos Control!" they declared.
Their combined energies opened a portal above them, prompting Shadow and Silver to leap through. Sonic paused, taking one last look at Elise.
"It won't be for nothing…" he promised. "Count on it."
With that, he leaped through the portal, leaving the past behind.
…
At the royal summer cottage, the heroes all convened in the living room, discussing amongst themselves about various topics.
"I'm glad to see you're doing better Cream," Elise commended as the two sat on a couch together. "I wanted to thank you again for helping me. You were very brave."
"I was happy to be able to help, Miss Elise," Cream replied.
"Please, just Elise."
Across the room, Hope was talking with Keith and Kat about her time with Team Dark.
"You're looking a little better than before, Hope," Keith noticed. "There's more life in your eyes."
"Thanks," She replied. "I think it's cause of what happened in the future with Shadow and that… Mephiles guy. Seeing Shadow stand up to him despite what could happen… gave me reason to hope again."
"Heh," Kat replied. "Who'd've thought a guy like Shadow could be so inspiring?"
"I guess Shadow is the Mobian that Hope needed in her life," Keith mused. "Like me and Sonic, or you and Knuckles."
"Which is why…" Hope spoke up. "When things get moving again… I wanna stick with Shadow and the others. You guys have been great and all, but-"
"No need to explain," Keith insisted. "Team Dark's where you need to be."
"If anyone gets it, it's us." Kat gave Hope a pat on the back. "It's why I live in a treehouse on a floating island."
They all shared a laugh at that. Meanwhile, Chessie was tinkering with one of her wristbands, her tongue sticking out slightly as she worked.
"Was one of your cables damaged?" Amy asked, walking up to her.
"No, but I wanna increase the reaction time for when we encounter Mephiles. If he's half as dangerous as Shadow and Hope described, we're gonna need every advantage we can get."
"Maybe I could get you to upgrade my hammer too," Amy mused.
Chessie stopped mid-twist of her screwdriver, glancing over at the hammer. Her eyes narrowed a bit.
"I have a few ideas."
"And I just got this sinking feeling that I am going to regret my suggestion."
"Hey, it's me we're talking about here Amy."
"I know…"
Just then, the main doors to the cottage opened up, causing everyone to turn and see Sonic, Shadow, and Silver enter the room.
"Hey guys," Sonic greeted. "Miss us?"
Everyone got up, quickly approaching the three hedgehogs. Blaze looked Silver over with a concerned eye.
"Are you alright?" she asked. "What did you find?"
"A lot," Silver answered.
"We did find more than a few answers though," Shadow added.
"Well, don't keep us in suspense," Rouge remarked.
Before Sonic could speak, he looked up and saw Elise quietly stepping out of the room. A brief glance at her face showed a mournful melancholy that Sonic knew all too well.
"Shadow, you and SIlver mind handling this?"
He quickly took off, much to their confusion.
"What was that about?" Silver asked.
…
Out in the back of the cottage, Elise walked out amongst the flowers to a large blossom tree that was in bloom. She gave a weak smile as she reached out to cup one of the flowers.
"Stand a little company?"
Elise perked up before turning to see Sonic approaching. At the sight of him, she just sighed, turning to face him fully.
"I'm sorry for walking out like I did."
"Don't be. I get why… after what I saw."
Elise sighed a second time. "My memories of that night are… fractured. But one thing I remember vividly is my father taking that hit for me… and watching him die."
"I know that was hard… but he only did what he did for you. So you could have a chance to live."
"I know… and I've worked hard to make him proud. Still…" she placed a hand to her chest. "I can feel it, deep within me. I know it's waiting for me to slip, to let my guard down."
"Keeping that kind of power contained and running a country?" Sonic smiled a little. "You're stronger than I thought."
Elise couldn't help but smile at that. "Honestly, I could say the same thing about you."
Sonic cocked an eyebrow at that as Elise sat down under the tree. He joined her as they both looked up at the leaves.
"When we first met, you said you lost your family too. Like me, you have been left alone in this world, with responsibilities far too heavy for us to bear. And yet, we do. But you… you always seem so hopeful. So sure that everything will be alright. How do you do it?"
"Well it isn't always easy, I'll tell you that. But I never had to deal with it alone. Not long after losing my Uncle Chuck, I was found by someone who helped me overcome my pain. Channel it into something that could benefit others. And in time… reconnect with the world…"
…
It was a few days after Sonic thwarted Robotnik's attempt to invade South Island Sonic was in the hut he grew up in, packing up his few meager possessions so he could head out into the world in order to fight him further. As he neared the end of his task, Longclaww came soaring across the sky, landing near the hut that had been his home since she found him.
"I'm surprised to see you here, Sonic. Usually you're running laps on the big loop by now."
She then noticed the knapsack he was filling up, causing her to realize his intentions.
"You're leaving… aren't you?"
Sonic didn't say a word, he just nodded. Noting this, Longclaw adjusted herself so she was sitting slightly.
"A quiet day today? Let me guess, you're still thinking about Robotnik's attack on the island."
Sonic nodded again as he slung his knapsack over his shoulder. Longclaw just sighed in response.
"I'm not going to stop you. I doubt I could if I tried. Just… let me say something first before you go. Please."
Sonic stopped in the doorway of his hut, slowly turning to face the owl that had been like a mother to him since the day he ran into her. He didn't have to wait long before large wings enveloped him, pulling him into a gentle hug.
"Sonic… I know you feel like you need to keep people at a distance. I know you're afraid of making connections, afraid of the pain of losing them. But you can't go through life alone, at least not without leaving your heart devoid of love. I beg of you… don't close yourself off anymore. If there is any reason you stand a chance at defeating Robotnik, it's not because of your speed. It's because you have a heart greater than any Mobian I've ever met. All I ask is you find people you can trust so that heart will always remain strong. Let yourself love. Let yourself heal. If not for yourself, then for me?"
Sonic stayed in that embrace for a minute or two. Then, the bindle dropped from his shoulder and he buried his face in Longclaw's stomach.
"...I'll try…." It was so quiet that she almost didn't hear him. "Thank you… for everything."
After a few moments, Sonic finally pulled himself from Longclaw, grabbing his bag and getting back on his feet. With one last reassuring smile, he ran off, ready for what the world would have in store for him as Longclaw watched on with pride.
"Goodbye Sonic…"
…
"I never forgot the words she said to me," Sonic continued. "And in the end, it paid off. I found people who always had my back. Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Cream, Keith, Kat. the best friends I could ever ask for."
"They speak highly of you," Elise commended. "You inspire a lot in them."
"Honestly… there are times where they inspire me."
"It still sounds wonderful to have people you can count on like that…" her face dropped a little. "I only wish I had something like that."
"Nothing saying you can't."
That caught Elise off guard. "But, the Flames-"
"I'm not saying you have to shirk that duty. But that doesn't mean you have to close yourself off completely. I saw what that does to people first hand with Knuckles when we first met, and with Shadow when he woke up. It left them empty, bitter, and broken. But now look at them. They have friends, people they care about, and they're happy."you can be too," he gave her a reassuring smile. "You don't have to be alone anymore."
Elise was taken aback by the thought. Several emotions began swelling up in her, causing her to pull back for a second.
"Elise?" Sonic asked in concern.
"I… I'm alright," she tried to reassure. "I just… I can't let myself be overcome by emotion."
"I'm sorry, I didn't-"
Elise suddenly snapped around and hugged Sonic, shuddering slightly as she did. He was stunned for a moment, but gently returned the hug, patting her back.
"But thank you…" she whispered. "For everything."
"Hey," he replied. "What are friends for?"