Daily Log, uhh…Sonic the Hedgehog Reporting

What do I even enter for the date? Today is yesterday… or is it that today is tomorrow? Yesterday is tomorrow? Tomorrow is yesterday? No, that last one doesn't make any sense. Or does it? Time travel is confusing.

Suffice it to say that I've been stranded a thousand years in the past, and I'm on a mission to find six more Chaos Emeralds. Those Emeralds are my only shot at getting back home. This was supposed to be a simple retrieval mission, but things got a whole lot more complicated when that thing showed up.

Sonic the Hedgehog: The Chaos Project

Season 1, Episode 14

Out of the Shadows Part 2

Guest Written by Yuni Oha

Imperial Palace

~1,000 B.E.

Sonic demands, "How is this possible? Shino said that Kamitatsu was taken care of."

Nocta and Ryu, with looks of horror and dismay still on their faces, aren't sure how to answer. After a pause, Ryu asserts, "There must be some sort of trickery. Kamitatsu can't be here. Shino Sensei nearly sacrificed himself to stop him."

Nocta comments, "And yet he appeared before our very eyes. We cannot afford to assume anything but the worst. Kamitatsu has escaped the Demon's Seal." She pauses. "And never before have we attempted to infiltrate Kamitatsu's palace while he's there. This is extremely dangerous."

Sonic asserts, "We have no other choice. We need those Emeralds."

Nocta stresses, "You don't understand. Kamitatsu is dangerous, extremely dangerous."

Ryu announces, "I agree with the Hedgehog."

With surprise, both Sonic and Nocta ask, "You do?"

Ryu nods. "If Kamitatsu really is back, then we need Shino Sensei here. Without him, we have no hope. This is a risk we have to take."

Nocta is swayed, "Yes, you're right."

Sonic prepares to run. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's get moving!"

Nocta shouts, "Wait, stop!"

Sonic stops just before he's about to dash. "What?"

"We can't just rush in head-on. When facing an enemy of disproportionate strength, frontal assaults rarely work."

Sonic nods as he thinks this over. "Right, you're ninjas. You prefer to fight a sneaky war."

Nocta iterates, "Ninja do not fight war with stealth because they are ninja. Ninja fight with stealth because they are at war."

This confuses Sonic. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that ninja developed their stealthy approach to war out of necessity, not style. We've been fighting this war for over a hundred years against an enemy of disproportionate strength. Stealth is not our preference, it is our only choice."

Sonic takes it in and ponders her words. "I've never thought about it that way. I've only been fighting a war for under a year, I guess I have to defer to you on this one. Stealth it is. What's the plan?"

—–—

Imperial Palace

Present Day

Shino and Espio have been captured and are locked in a dungeon beneath Kamitatsu's palace. The humanoid form of Kamitatsu stands on the opposite side of the bars from them. He is flanked by guards both his own and of Eggman origins. Heavy Shinobi stands silently at the end of the room.

Shino demands, "How are you here, Kamitatsu? How is this possible?"

Kamitatsu grins malevolently. "Does my new form unsettle you? The answer is, you failed, Shinobi. When Eggman attempted to free me, I was partially unsealed. When the seal was forcefully closed again, I existed half in this time, and half in our own. This caused my very essence to split into two. My very being split into its essential components. In our time, was left my physique, my raw power, my body, so to speak, while here remained my cunning, my intelligence, my mind. Here I am Kami, in the past I am Tatsu."

Shino realizes with horror, "It's not just here, you're in the past too!?"

Kamitatsu, or rather Kami, seems to enjoy this tormenting of Shino. "Yes, I promise you that your friends' quest to capture my six Sacred Stones will end in utter disaster. Not only that, but thanks to your blunder, I am about to become more powerful than I have ever been before. You could even say that my time has come."

Espio announces, "If you think you can stop both Master Shino and Sonic, you're sorely mistaken. Shino has already defeated you before, and Sonic has dealt with much worse."

This causes Kami to laugh. "And look where Shino's previous 'defeat' of me has landed you." He leans in towards Espio. "Allow me to let you in on a secret. Shino is relieved I haven't been defeated."

Espio raises a brow with suspicion but says nothing.

Kami explains, "Shino and I are counterparts existing in a perfect symbiosis. You see, Shino is a man of war. He has lived his entire life in war and doesn't know what he is without it. And I, I am the provider of that war. He may work to defeat me, but that's not actually what he wants."

Espio can't help but look to Shino to gauge his response. Shino has adopted an indifferent look that displays no reaction. Espio looks back to Kami and challenges, "When, not if, we escape from this prison, you will be defeated, for real this time. It is inevitable."

"We shall see." Kami turns to leave. On his way out, he says to Heavy Shinobi, "Automaton, you may do with them what you please." He leaves with many of the guards. As he leaves the room, he can be heard saying, "Now we will resume our search for the gem."

Shino shouts, "Get back here! This isn't over!" Kami ignores him.

Heavy Shinobi approaches the bars. He looks to Espio and gloats, "It would seem that our rivalry has come to an end, Chameleon."

Espio responds, "You underestimate me if you think I'm through fighting."

Heavy Shinobi pays him no heed and turns his attention to Shino. "As for you, I now have you exactly where I want. You will reveal to me the location of the lost scroll."

Espio objects, "The lost scroll!?"

Heavy Shinobi seems to take pleasure in Espio's dismay. "Yes, Shino's lost scroll of ninja wisdom. With the ultimate ninjutsu arts inscribed upon it, I will become unstoppable. I have spent most of brief existence hunting for the legendary treasure, and now that work will finally pay off. Shino, you are the being who knows of its location, and you will reveal it to me."

Shino denies, "You will get no information from me."

The robot unsheathes a blade. "You'd be surprised at how torturous an experience it can be, being frozen in ice."

Shino scoffs. "Do your worst. I've been tortured by worse than you."

"Of that, I don't doubt, but your friends, on the other hand…" He faces Espio.

Espio's stoic face betrays no emotion. Shino, on the other hand, does. "Wait, no."

Espio objects, "Don't tell him anything, master Shino."

Shino hangs his head in regret. "The truth is, I can't tell you where the scroll is."

Heavy Shinobi announces, "Then I suppose it does not matter to you what happens to the chameleon."

Shino shakes his head. "No, that's not what I mean." He sighs. "There is no lost scroll. I only ever wrote twenty-four scrolls."

Espio's eyes widen. "Master Shino…"

Heavy Shinobi questions, "No lost scroll?"

Shino slouches against a wall and explains with misery, "I couldn't bring myself to write the final scroll. The war was never-ending, and it consumed all of my life. I was writing those scrolls for future, but I became convinced…that there would be no future…"

Espio desperately looks like he wants to comfort Shino, but he doesn't know how.

"War consumed me, I lost hope in the future. There is no lost scroll…" He looks to Espio and apologizes, "I gave up. I'm sorry, Espio. I'm not the staunch hero you thought me to be. I gave up…"

Before Espio responds, Heavy Shinobi interjects, "I will assess whether or not I believe that story." He turns to leave.

Without getting back up, Shino, still with sorrow in his voice, says, "Everything Kami said about me is true. I am a man of war. I know nothing about peace, I have never experienced peacetime, and I do not know who I would be in such times. Those scrolls were written for a future filled with nothing but peace, and I realized that I had no right to speak to that future, for it was a future in which I had no place." He pauses. "Espio, I understand if you no longer wish to associate with me. I am a fake, and I led you straight to capture."

Espio abruptly grabs Shino and forces him to stand. "Cut that talk out! Who cares if you didn't write a scroll? You're still the legendary ninja grandmaster. And let me tell you something. War is not what defines us. It is what we fight that war for that matters. You're fighting for peace, and that's a goal that can't possibly be wrong! Maybe you've never experienced peace yourself, but if it's what you fought for, it's what you deserve! Now cut out the pity act and let's figure out how to get out of here."

Shino quietly objects, "But-"

"No. No excuses. I don't care if you wrote a scroll or not. Yes, those scrolls meant a lot to me, but you not writing one of them doesn't change anything about what I think of you. It's you that matters, not the scroll."

Shino takes a deep breath. "Espio, you are wise beyond your years. You're right. Let's find a way out of here."

Espio asks, "Can't you just use your teleportation ninjutsu to break us out?"

Shino shakes his head. "No, Kamitatsu built this prison specifically to hold me. The iron bars are enchanted to block my teleportation." He contemplates what they could do. "If Ryu were here, he could rip right through these bars."

Espio adds, "Vector too."

Shino suggests, "Perhaps age has withered the enchantments on the bars. Allow me to try. He pulls out his Emerald and strikes his ninjutsu pose. "Sacred Ninjutsu Art: Teleportation!"

He is enveloped by a golden light.

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Inside the same dungeon, a grate in the floor is pushed up and moved aside. Sonic, Nocta, and Ryu climb out. Sonic comments, "Can't say that sneaking in through a sewer is my idea of a good time, but it looks like we made it in."

Ryu jests, "You smell awful, Hedgehog."

Sonic scoffs, "You don't smell too good yourself."

Ryu laughs and plays it off, but then looks somewhat concerned.

Sonic asks, "Nocta, what's the plan from here?"

Nocta suggests, "Now that we're in, security should be somewhat lower. Do you think you could scout ahead to the floor above us with your teleportation?"

Ryu sniffs at his armpit and gags at what he smells.

Sonic nods. "Yeah, I should be able to do that." He produces his Emerald. "Chaos Control!" Like Shino, he is enveloped in a golden light.

—–—

? ? ?

Sonic and Shino both appear in the vast void. After taking a moment to get over their initial surprise, both warn each other, "Kamitatsu is back!"

After a moment, Shino explains, "I am afraid that Kamitatsu now exists in both time periods, split between his mind in your time and his body in mine."

Sonic nods. "That doesn't sound good."

"It's not. I cannot stress enough how powerful Kamitatsu is. You must proceed with the utmost caution."

"Will do. Your friends and I are in Kamitatsu's dungeon right now. We just snuck in, and we're about to move on."

"Did you say you're in the dungeon?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"As are we. I have an idea."

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Sonic reappears. Nocta eagerly asks, "Did you contact Shino Sensei again?"

Sonic looks to Ryu. "Yes, and he needs you to do something for him."

Ryu questions, "What?"

Sonic points to one of the cells and says, "Rip out those bars."

Ryu doesn't follow. "Huh? What good will that do?"

"Just trust me."

Ryu shrugs and walks over to the bars. With great might, he grabs on to two of the bars and pulls out the entire frame.

"Good. Now put them back. Loosely."

—–—

Present Day

Shino reappears, leading Espio to question, "You saw Sonic again, didn't you?"

"Yes, and I believe we have found an answer to our predicament."

Espio questions, "What's that?"

Instead of answering, Shino walks up to the bars, and pulls them out as if they weren't secured at all. He then urges, "Let's go!"

—–—

Kami and Heavy Shinobi oversee a group of Egg Pawns performing an excavation job. Heavy Shinobi asks, "Do you believe him to speak the truth?"

Kami slowly nods. "Yes. It is as I said. Shino is nothing but an actor playing a role. Whatever legends you have heard have been greatly exaggerated."

Heavy Shinobi slowly nods. "I see. And what of you? What is your role in this grand play?"

"I am the force of nature. I am the coming storm that cannot be stopped, the power that cannot be quelled. Shino and those like him speak as if war is something to be avoided, but it is through war that the world progresses. Much like your Eggman, I exist to bring strife to this mortal world. I keep this world from turning stagnant. That is why I will prevail, that is why I am a god."

—–—

Espio and Shino stealthily work their way through a collapsed corridor. Being so utterly destroyed, there seems to be no security. Espio ponders, "We're missing something here. This palace is nearly in ruin. Eggman has high-security fortresses all around the world. Why hole up here? Kami must have some sort of plan in motion."

Shino urges, "We don't have time to worry about that now. We must focus on the task at hand and find a way to defeat Kami."

The two come to a stop when they find their path blocked by a massive piece of debris. Shino suggests, "Perhaps I can use one of my ninjutsu to break through."

But before he attempts this, there's a powerful flash of golden light, and the rubble vanishes.

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Sonic, Nocta, and Ryu have also met with a dead-end. The hall they travel through, for an inexplicable reason, is bisected by a massive trench. Before they can raise any questions as to how to proceed, a golden vortex opens above the trench, and the debris from Shino and Espio materializes through it and lands atop the trench like a bridge.

The three stare for several moments at this. Sonic speaks up, "I know, don't look a gift horse in the mouth and everything, but between this and the robots, I'm getting the sense that whatever fabric of space separates Shino and me is beginning to break down, and I have to assume that's a bad thing."

Nocta points out, "We aren't far from the main vault now. That's where the Sacred Stones will be."

Ryu says with worry, "Unfortunately, I think the sound of that crash just gave away our location."

Sonic asks, "What makes you think that?" as he turns around.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe the armed guards?"

Sonic realizes that Kamitatsu's soldiers are pouring into the room. The three prepare for action. Ryu leaps forward, and then slams down onto the ground with a fist. This creates a shockwave that lifts many of the soldiers into the air. Once there, Nocta throws a handful of her sharpened quills, impaling several of the guards, after which they disappear in a cloud of smoke. Sonic then jumps and curls up to hone in on the remaining enemies and jump from to the other, destroying all of them.

Once Sonic lands, he says, "Say, that wasn't too bad. We make a pretty good team."

Ryu scoffs, "Of course it was easy for you. I did all the heavy lifting in that one."

Before Sonic can retort, the hall shakes as a loud roar echoes through the building.

Nocta says with worry, "That has to be Tatsu, and he sounds close."

Ryu agrees, "Yeah, he looks close too." Once again, Ryu has noticed an approaching enemy before the others. The body portion of Kamitatsu, Tatsu, has entered the room.

At the same time, both Sonic and Ryu say, "Good, I've been wanting a challenge." Nocta, on the other hand, looks worried.

—–—

Present Day

With their path cleared, Espio and Shino managed to proceed. Shino comments, "The increased frequency of these temporal incursions is not reassuring."

Espio agrees, "It is as if time is falling apart at the seams." He thinks for a moment. "According to Sonic, something like this once happened to him over a year ago. This doesn't seem as drastic as that, but that's not all that reassuring. We have to put a stop to this."

The voice of Heavy Shinobi calls, "Unfortunately for you, it will be us, who puts a stop to you." With that, stealth Egg Pawns decloak and Kamitatsu soldiers materialize, completely surrounding Espio and Shino with a force several times larger than Sonic faced. Heavy Shinobi stands behind them.

Shino complains, "Not again."

Heavy Shinobi declares, "I don't know how you escaped your cell, but you go no further than this. Kami will not allow it. Get them."

At this order, the robots and soldiers charge in to attack the two ninja. Shino draws his blades and Espio produces several ninja stars, and they leap into battle.

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Tatsu attacks with an intense breath of white and black flames. Sonic, Nocta, and Ryu scatter to avoid getting hit. The dragon roars in rage.

From the air, Nocta shouts, "Ninjutsu Art: Quill Cascade!" She begins to throw an unrelenting barrage of quills. These seem to do little but annoy Tatsu. It looks up to aim its flames at Nocta.

Ryu notices Tatsu's aim, leaps up, and yanks Nocta down and out of Tatsu's path.

Meanwhile, Sonic runs straight at the serpent and grabs onto its tail. This allows Sonic to climb up onto it and run up the spiraling back. Tatsu twists and shakes in an attempt to force Sonic off, but Sonic manages to stay on. Once atop Tatsu's head, Sonic jumps straight up, curls into a ball, and slams straight back downward, landing a powerful blow to the head.

Tatsu roars in anguish and attempts to force Sonic off by slamming its head against the roof. Nocta manages to swoop in and pull Sonic away before he's crushed. They land back on the ground.

Nocta observes, "This Tatsu is fighting with blind rage and no strategy whatsoever. He really has been split from his mind."

Ryu asserts, "And that's why we'll be able to beat him this time." Ryu now adopts a pose and announces, "Ninjutsu Art: Fire Storm!" Ryu attacks Tatsu with a turbulent and churning breath of fire. This seems to do little but enrage Tatsu even further.

Sonic, preparing for another assault, runs at Tatsu. Tatsu roars and turns to Sonic in order to attack with more black and white flames. Sonic's eyes widen as he realizes he's too committed to the run to dodge.

That's when Ryu leaps in shouting, "Look out, Hedgehog!" He knocks Sonic to the side with his shoulder, pushing Sonic to safety, but leaving himself to be scorched by the flames.

Nocta shouts with concern, "Ryu!" When the flames stop, Ryu is on the ground.

Sonic shouts, "We have to end this! Nocta, give me a boost!" Nocta agrees, flies over to him, and Sonic grabs onto her legs. She flies him up to Tatsu's head, avoiding several bursts of fire in the process. She tosses him at Tatsu.

Once above the dragon's head, Sonic curls up once more and pounds straight down. This time, he bounces back up and repeats several times.

Tatsu roars in anguish and rage. In order to escape, it flies straight up, crashing through the roof.

With it gone, Sonic and Nocta rush over to Ryu, finding him lying semi-conscious on the floor. He manages to say, "Knew we could beat him…"

Sonic asks, "Why? Why'd you save me?"

Ryu coughs. "Stop sounding so self-centered. I need you in order to get Shino Sensei back. That's all."

Sonic chuckles. "So, how many points was that worth?"

Ryu suggests, "Fifty…?"

Sonic nods. "We'll split those evenly then."

"I guess-" He coughs "I guess we're still tied then…"

Sonic asks Nocta, "How is he?"

Nocta, who's been looking over Ryu, responds, "It would be an understatement to say Ryu is tough. He'll make it, but he'll probably have to sit out any fights in the immediate future."

Ryu manages to jest, "I guess that means you'll get the chance to pull ahead."

Sonic shakes his head. "Nah, we'll put that on hold until you can give me a fair fight."

Nocta suggests, "Come on, help me support him. We've got to keep on moving." She and Sonic each take one of Ryu's arms and throw them over their shoulders. They begin their progress onwards.

—–—

Present Day

Espio and Shino are pinned back-to-back as the horde of robots and phantom samurai encroach on them. Espio throws a kunai knife that sails through multiple opponents, while Shino uses his Chaos Spear. But no matter how many enemy units they destroy, more march right in to take their place.

Espio says with concern, "I don't know how much longer we can hold out like this."

Shino agrees, "Our chances seem bleak."

Espio throws several shuriken and says under his breath, "What we need is back-up…"

And his wish is granted. Large pink bubbles float into the battlefield. Shino questions, "What in the world?"

Espio's eyes widen in surprise. He shouts, "Get down!" He and Shino both duck just in time, as each of the pink bubbles go up in a fiery explosion that rips apart robots and soldiers.

A loud voice announces, "The detectives you want on your side have arrived!" Vector and Charmy have entered the room.

Espio asks, "Vector, what are you doing here?"

Vector explains, "When you didn't report in for your recon mission on time, Tails thought you might be in trouble, so he sent us as backup. Hope you don't mind."

Espio shakes his head. "Not at all."

"In that case, let's get 'em, Charmy!"

Charmy shouts, "Let me at 'em, let me at 'em!" Vector grabs Charmy's back and hurls him forward. As he soars through the air, Charmy positions his stinger for maximum damage, and he impales an Egg Pawn with it.

Vector then leaps forward and bites down on another Egg Pawn, using his massive jaw to rip its head off. He spits the head out as the robot falls to the ground and shouts to Espio, "We'll handle the grunts, you two take care of the boss!"

Shino agrees, "Let's go." And runs for Heavy Shinobi.

Espio follows but stops next to Vector. "Thank you, Vector."

Vector grins. "What are friends for?"

Espio grins back and runs to join Shino.

Shino offers, "Automaton, surrender now and lead us to Kami. You couldn't defeat me last time, and now I have Espio fighting alongside me. You can't possibly defeat us both!"

Heavy Shinobi rejects, "Surrender is not in my programming! You beat me before only because of the element of surprise. You have no such advantage this time!" With that, he hurls three Asterons.

Espio and Shinobi both leap up and over the projectiles. While in the air, both of them attack back with their own shuriken.

Heavy Shinobi pulls out his sword and uses it to deflect the projectiles. He then leaps forward, performing several front flips as he lunges towards Shino to attack.

In the blink of an eye, Shino draws one of his own blades and leaps forward as well. The two blades cross midway. While they're locked, Espio takes advantage and throws a kunai at Heavy Shinobi. This forces Heavy Shinobi to leap backwards. Shino and Espio land on the ground.

Heavy Shinobi holds a finger up in front of his face in a ninjutsu pose of his own. "You won't escape this!"

Espio and Shino look for an attack from in front, not realizing that the Asterons that Heavy Shinobi threw earlier, which are now embedded in the walls behind them, have fired off their spike tip projectiles.

In the middle of continuously stabbing an Egg Pawn with his stinger, Charmy notices this, and shouts, "Look out behind you!"

Espio and Shino realize their mistake. Shino grabs Espio and teleports them both away, narrowly avoiding the spikes. They then reappear behind Heavy Shinobi and rush in to attack him from behind, Shino with his swords, Espio with two kunai knives.

Heavy Shinobi spins around and slashes his blade through the air, shouting, "Ninja Arts: Ice Wall!" His blade slices through the air, freezing it as it goes. This creates a literal wall of ice between him and his opponents. Shino and Espio's blades crash into the ice and don't make it through.

Espio reacts quickly and leaps upwards. He adheres his feet to the roof and sends a storm of ninja stars flying down at Heavy Shinobi.

The Hard-Boiled Heavy leaps backwards to avoid the attack and begins to run down the hall. Shino picks up a run parallel to his, while Espio runs along the roof. Simultaneously, Heavy Shinobi and Shino each pull out shuriken, Shino his ninja stars, and Heavy Shinobi an Asteron, and they both throw them.

The shuriken collide midway, but as a surprise, a second Asteron suddenly appears beneath the first and curves away. It's now flying up at Espio. Espio realizes this too late. He attempts to use a kunai to knock it away but can't do so in time. The Asteron hits Espio and knocks him off the roof.

Shino looks concerned but has to keep his attention on Heavy Shinobi. The two ninja adversaries keep running parallel. Simultaneously, Heavy Shinobi and Shino begin to make ninja hand signs. Shino shouts, "Sacred Ninjutsu Art: Golden Bolts!"

While Heavy Shinobi shouts, "Ninja Arts: Ice Shot!"

Shino throws his Chaos Spear variant while Heavy Shinobi slashes his sword through the air, creating a wave of icy air. Once more, these attacks collide and explode.

Both realizing they need to do something different, they leap backwards and kick off the wall behind them. Now both fly through the air towards each other, drawing their blades. They collie midair with crossed blades. They quickly leap backwards, rebound off the roof and floor this time, and then collide once more. They repeat this several more times in rapid succession.

Now they're on the ground again with swords locked. Shino grunts, "How can you match my every move?"

Heavy Shinobi answers, "When I was but an Egg Robo, I downloaded the contents of your scrolls for a mission. When I was transformed into the form you see now, your scrolls integrated themselves into my very being. Your techniques are my techniques. That is why I needed the lost scroll, so I could complete myself. Now that I know it doesn't exist, I will have to take your knowledge a different way!"

"Then I suppose I need something to break this deadlock."

"There is nothing you can do that I can't anticipate."

"Nothing I can do, maybe."

On that cue, Espio materializes behind Heavy Shinobi, shouting, "Spirits unite!" and delivers a powerful kick to Heavy Shinobi, rocketing him straight up.

Shino performs a quick Chaos Control and teleports above Heavy Shinobi. He shouts, "Ninjutsu!" He performs a somersault kick to redirect Heavy Shinobi back downwards.

Espio leaps at Heavy Shinobi from the side and shouts, "Arts!" He performs a spin kick, which now sends Heavy Shinobi flying parallel to the floor.

Now Shino teleports again and Espio lands then bounds forward. Both are now on either side of the careening Heavy Shinobi, and together they shout, "Twofold Strike!" Each deliver their strongest strike yet to Heavy Shinobi simultaneously. Inflicting massive damage and causing him to crash into the ground with immense force.

Espio and Shino land on the ground and share a celebratory high-five. They turn to observe Heavy Shinobi.

The Heavy is badly damaged. Dents cover most of its body, and sparks jump randomly from it. The robot asks, "H-h-how? How d-d-did I n-not s-s-s-sense you?"

Espio answers, "Because I've learned from the best."

Shino adds, "He was able to hide himself from more than just your eyes."

Vector and Charmy now approach. Vector whistles to express his impression. "You really did a number on him."

Charmy gushes, "That was awesome, Espio! You really are a ninja!" He cheers, "Ninja! Ninja! Ninja!"

Heavy Shinobi stammers, "I-it d-d-does not m-matter that you h-have defeated me. Kamitatsu h-h-has a p-plan that you c-c-c-cannot stop. Y-you will-"

Vector slams a foot down atop the robot's face. "Shut your yap!"

Espio says, "I don't like this. There clearly is more going on here than we know."

Shino urges, "It does not matter what he has planned. We will stop him regardless."

Vector suddenly objects, "Woah, woah, woah! I beg to differ! If there's something going down, we got to know what it is." He looks to Espio. "Espio, I know you're embracing your ninja side and everything, but don't forget, you're not just a ninja, you're also a detective, and a darn good one at that. And it's a detective's job to put the pieces together. Maybe a ninja is okay going into battle not knowing the full story, but a detective is not. Now put that analytical mind of yours to work and solve this mystery!"

Espio is somewhat taken aback by Vector's praise. "Vector…" He then pulls himself together and begins to think. He recalls several things that have been stated over the course of this adventure.

He remembers Shino saying when they first met, "I've never tested it before, but I was forced to use it, as Kamitatsu had just uncovered a relic of untold power, and he had to be stopped before he could use it."

Then he has a flashback to later conversation with Shino. Shino said, "Our destination is the castle of Kamitatsu."

Espio stopped momentarily and pondered, "The same destination as Sonic. That can't be a coincidence."

In another flashback, Kami taunted, "Not only that, but thanks to your blunder, I am about to become more powerful than I ever have before. You could even say that my time has come." Kami turned to leave. As he did, he could be heard saying, "Now we will resume our search for the gem."

In yet another, Espio pondered, "It is as if time is falling apart at the seams." He thought for a moment. "According to Sonic, something like this once happened to him over a year ago."

In the present, Espio realizes something staggering. "No, it couldn't be…"

Charmy asks, "What!? What is it!? Tell us!"

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Nocta says, "This is it. This is Kamitatsu's vault." They stand before a massive metal door.

Sonic nods. "Good. Let's go get those Emeralds." He pulls out his own, and it glows faintly, as if calling to the others. "I'll just warp in and out. Chaos Control!" His attempt is thwarted when he reappears and crashes into the door. Rubbing at his head as he gets back up, he complains, "Hey, what gives?"

Nocta explains, "Kamitatsu has a special enchantment that makes certain metals impervious to teleportation ninjutsu."

Sonic nods. "So we need another way in."

Ryu says, "If I weren't so badly hurt, I could probably rip the door off its hinges."

Sonic says, "That's not an option. We need something else."

Nocta is already on it. She flies to each of the hinges and places a small black orb. She lands back on the ground and claims, "A ninja is ready for any eventuality." Seconds later, the orbs all explode, destroying the hinges. The door falls to the ground with a heavy thud.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Sonic speeds into the vault. Nocta and Ryu follow him. There they find Sonic standing dumbfounded. He says with disbelief, "No…"

The six Chaos Emeralds do sit on a stand on the far wall, but in front of them floats a rod-shaped crystal with a dazzling blue color. It's floating within a red field of energy that exudes red electricity. The crystal seems to pulsate, as if calling out to something.

—–—

Present Day

Espio answers, "Kamitatsu has a Temporal Sapphire."

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Ryu asks, "A Temporal Sapphire? What in the world is a Temporal Sapphire?"

Sonic explains, "If Kamitatsu has one, nothing good. The Temporal Sapphires are gems similar, but completely different than the Chaos Emeralds. They regulate the flow of time. They're practically impossible to find. They exist at random points in time, and only exist in one time period shortly, erasing themselves from that location in history after that point. It looks like Kamitatsu has somehow imprisoned this one in this time."

—–—

Present Day

Espio deducts, "Not only did Kamitatsu find a Temporal Sapphire in the past, he found a way to trap it in time. Now, once he locates it in these very ruins, both Kami and Tatsu, two halves of the same being, will posses an extra-temporal item of extreme power in two different times."

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Sonic continues, "I can only guess that over the course of the thousand years that separate Tatsu from Kami, the Sapphire will have been charged with a thousand years of temporal energy. If both Kami and Tatsu wield that same gem a thousand years apart, I don't even want to guess what he could do with that kind of power."

Ryu asserts, "In that case, let's grab that thing, too." He marches forward to grab it.

Sonic and Nocta both shout, "No, don't!"

Too late. Ryu touches the barrier, and it not only electrocutes him, but sends him flying back to slam against the wall.

Almost immediately, a roar can be heard. It's Tatsu.

—–—

Present Day

Espio, Shino, Vector, and Charmy run into the modern-day version of the vault room. The vault door is lying on the floor, right where Nocta's explosions left it. Kami stands in front of the floating energy sphere that shields the Temporal Sapphire.

Shino shouts, "Kami! Don't you dare touch that Sapphire!"

Kami looks up to them and chuckles with amusement. "You're too late, Shino. Once I touch this stone in both time periods, I will exist across the past thousand years all at once. My power will be multiplied a thousand-fold! The irony is, it's all because you used that Demon's Seal on me." Kami looks back to the Sapphire.

Espio hurls a ninja star in an attempt to stop Kami, but Kami, without turning to look, holds a hand up and stops the projectile mid-air. He reaches for the Sapphire.

Vector and Charmy lunge forward. Vector shouts, "Oh no you don't!"

With a flick of his hand, Vector and Charmy are shoved aside. Kami continues to reach forward, and his hand begins to penetrate the barrier.

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Tatsu flies in, knocking Sonic and Nocta aside to join Ryu. Sonic shouts, "No!"

But he's not fast enough. Tatsu reaches in through the barrier to grab the crystal.

—–—

Simultaneously in both time frames, Kami and Tatsu reach for and grab the Temporal Sapphire. The moment they do, massive bursts of energy begin to pulse out from the gem. The ground begins to rumble, and the room shakes. There's a violent flash of blue light and both Kami and Tatsu vanish.

Charmy cheers, "Yeah! He's gone! We win!"

Vector shakes his head slowly. "Nothing's that easy, Charmy. Nothing."

Shino pulls out his Chaos Emerald and stares at it for a second. Espio asks, "What are you doing?"

"I'm hoping that Sonic got the rest of the Sacred Stones. Sacred Ninjutsu Art: Teleportation!"

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Nocta asks, "What can we do now?"

Sonic runs to the six Chaos Emeralds and picks them all up. "There's only one thing we can do. Fight with everything we've got. Chaos Control!"

—–—

DIVINE KAMITATSU

Sonic and Shino rejoin in the endless void outside of time, but this time they are joined by Kamitatsu some distance away from them. He has grown several times his original size and transformed in several ways. Instead of black with white markings, he is now white with glowing red markings. His horns have grown outwards to a sharp spike, and his arms and legs have grown longer and more muscular. A massive flowing mane of red hair grows out of the back of his head and floats weightlessly.

In an even more ominous form of his usual voice, he roars, "Hedgehogs! You will regret following me here! It is from here that I rule all of time! The power of the Temporal Sapphire has granted me true divinity!" He roars an ear-piercing shriek.

Sonic asserts, "I already have to deal with one megalomaniacal overlord, no way I'm settling for two!"

Shino adds, "Long have we fought each other. Today only one of us will walk away!"

Kamitatsu roars, "I was about to say the exact same thing!" From his mouth, he generates a tremendous beam of white and red energy.

Sonic and Shino look to each and nod. From Sonic floats out six Chaos Emeralds, from Shino comes the seventh. Kamitatsu's attack hits but is reflected by the Emeralds. The Emeralds begin a figure eight orbit around both Sonic and Shino. An intense golden glow emanates from them as they begin to store energy. Sonic holds a fist out to either side of him and close his eyes. Shino stands on one leg in a crane style stance and makes a hand sign in front of his face. Shino shouts, "Ultimate Ninjutsu Art: Super Transformation!"

With this, there's a concentrated pulse of golden light, which subsides to reveal that the two Hedgehogs have transformed into their super forms. Super Shino has taken on an almost silver-gray color with the slightest of golden tints, while his chest and mouth are slightly more gold. His spikes now bend outwards on the side, and upwards on top, forming an arc around his head. A golden aura surrounds both of them.

Sonic announces, "Kamitatsu, you're through!"

At blinding speeds, Super Sonic and Shino dash towards their adversary. Sonic rams into Kamitatsu, bounces off, then rams again at several different points in rapid succession. Each individual hit seems to do little.

Shino stops with some distance between them, holds an arm into the air, and shouts, "Super Ninjutsu Art: Shuriken of Light!" Above his upraised palm, golden energy begins to accumulate and swarm. The mass of light grows larger and larger, while also spinning faster and faster. It quickly flattens into a disk, which then grows arms, becoming a gigantic shuriken made of pure Chaos energy. Shino grunts as he throws the weapon with all his might.

Kamitatsu attempts to stop the projectile with an arm, but the Shuriken weaves around to hit the body. The attack makes contact but seems to do little but push Kamitatsu back.

At this point, Sonic has retreated back. Shino advises, "That was my single most powerful technique, and Kamitatsu was able to withstand it."

Sonic nods. "Same for me. It doesn't matter what I do, I can't seem to hurt the guy. There must be some sort of trick to his endurance."

Shino says to himself quietly, "Think like a detective…" He suddenly realizes something. "He exists across a thousand years at once! That's how he's so powerful!"

"Okay, and how does that help us?"

"We also exist across a thousand years. A thousand years separates your time from mine. If we can both land simultaneous hits to him, we too would be attacking with the power of a thousand years!"

Sonic grins. "Sounds crazy, I like it. Let's do it!"

Shino suggests, "You get his attention, I'll sneak behind." Sonic nods in agreement, and the two move into place.

Sonic flies headlong towards Kamitatsu once more. Kamitatsu demands, "Nothing is different this time! You can't hope to hurt me!"

Sonic counters, "We'll see about that!" Kamitatsu attempts to attack Sonic with an energy beam, but Sonic is able to zip to the side to avoid it. Kamitatsu then lunges forward and attacks by swiping one of his massive arms at Sonic, but Sonic is once again able dodge to the side and avoid the attack. In another attempt to hurt Sonic, Kamitatsu roars and summons a swarm of red and white orbs of energy. These orbs are shot as projectiles at Sonic. Sonic looks worried for a split second, but then decides to take it as a challenge. Speed faster than the eye can see, Sonic dodges each orb one by one.

Enraged, Kamitatsu demands, "What do you hope to accomplish by this!?"

Sonic grins. "This."

Shino has made it into position behind Kamitatsu. He draws his swords, which have also transformed into blades of golden light, and shouts, "Super Ninjutsu Art: Climactic Blades!" He dashes towards Kamitatsu's back with an intense burst of speed. His blades grow several times in size as he prepares to slash them.

At the same time, Sonic curls up into a ball and prepares for a super-charged Spin Dash. Both of these attacks impact Kamitatsu at precisely the same time. The two attacks create a flash of golden light not dissimilar to the one created when they both used Chaos Control simultaneously. Kamitatsu can be heard roaring in pain.

When the light subsides, Sonic and Shino have been forced backward, and Kamitatsu seems to have mostly recovered.

Sonic says, "That seemed to work, but he's not through yet!"

Shino agrees, "One more time then!"

Kamitatsu screeches, "I will not be defeated! I cannot be defeated! You will be destroyed!" With a massive roar, Kamitatsu once again summons the orbs of energy, but this time in staggering numbers.

Shino says, "I've got an idea, but we're going to have to get in closer."

Sonic nods. "Lead the way!"

Sonic and Shino once more dash into action. At Kamitatsu's beckoning, the orbs begin to attack. One after the other, these orbs soar straight at either Sonic or Shino in a never-ending barrage. Shino uses his blades to slash through several of them, while Sonic weaves in and out, up and down. Sonic's about to be hit by one, but Shino throws a miniature Shuriken of Light of to destroy it. Sonic glances a look of thanks at Shino, and then quickly returns that favor by Spin Dashing into one about to his Shino from behind.

This keeps up for several moments more as the hedgehogs fight their way steadily closer. As they start to get significantly closer, Kamitatsu attempts to deter them further with blasts of his energy beams, but Sonic and Shino manage to expertly weave around each and every one of them.

Then Shino shouts, "This is it! We're in range! Get above me and prepare to attack!"

Sonic seems to instantly know what to do. He moves into position above Shino, curls into a ball, and begins to charge for another Spin Dash.

Shino holds an arm up to just beneath Sonic, and declares, "You're through, Kamitatsu, this time for real!" Just like before with his Shuriken of Light, Shino begins to gather energy, but this time it swirls around the spinning Super Sonic. Before long, Sonic's Spin Dash is surrounded by orbiting energy in the form of an even larger shuriken than before. "Tag-Team Super Ninjutsu Art: Super Sonic Shuriken!" Shino hurls Sonic with all the might he can muster.

Knowing he could block the Shuriken before, Kamitatsu instead attacks with a continuous breath of energy, while also summoning his attack spheres. The Spin Dash-shuriken simply slices through the energy beam and is unhindered by the orbs. The attack moves in towards Kamitatsu, completely unimpeded.

Kamitatsu looks at the incoming attack and realizes it really is over for him. "No…"

The Super Sonic Shuriken strikes Kamitatsu mid-body and passes straight through it. This leaves a large hole in the phantasmal body of energy. Kamitatsu appears stunned, and the wound begins to slowly heal.

Shino shouts, "Sonic! Now is the time! Kamitatsu cannot fight back! Let's finish this!"

Sonic is now floating on the opposite side of their opponent. He agrees, "I'm ready!"

Together they shout, "Super Ninjutsu Art: Ultimate Seal!"

Both leap into action and begin to fly at high speeds around Kamitatsu. As they fly, they leave a trail of golden light behind them. They begin to weave and spiral around each other in an intricate pattern, forming a 3D version of the Demon's Seal. They quickly complete the seal and take positions on either side of the still wounded Kamitatsu.

Kamitatsu reaches an arm forward, but recoils in pain when it touches one of the lines. In one last act of desperation, Kamitatsu looks to Shino and says in his booming voice, "Shino, you're making a mistake! You're nothing without me! Nothing without war! You will regret this!"

Shino firmly responds, "Facing the known may be easier than the unknown, but I am a ninja grandmaster, I can face anything! I am ready to face whatever lies ahead of me, even the unknown of peace! Kamitatsu, you're through!" He holds to fingers up in one last ninjutsu pose and shouts, "Seal!" In the most intense flash of golden light yet, the entire surroundings are engulfed.

Through the light, Kamitatsu shouts in rage, "No! I am a god! I was to rule all of time! No!"

—–—

Imperial Palace

Present Day

The Chaotix stand staring at the Temporal Sapphire, still bound in its prison. It seems to be pulsating eerily.

Charmy asks, "Isn't there anything we can do to help?"

Espio shakes his head. "No, Shino and Sonic have gone where we can't follow. We must have faith in them."

Abruptly, the energy barrier around the Sapphire explodes, shattering into hundreds of pieces. As soon is its gone, the gem disappears with an audible pop.

Vector asks, "What does that mean?"

Espio says with cheer, "It means they did it. They defeated Kamitatsu."

Shino announces, "We did."

The Chaotix turn around to see Super Shino floating behind them.

—–—

~1,000 B.E.

Similarly, the Sapphire vanishes from Nocta and Ryu's time as well. Nocta says with disbelief, "They actually did it. They defeated Kamitatsu…"

Ryu says to himself, "I guess you win our little contest, Hedgehog…"

Sonic asks, "Do I really?"

Ryu jumps up in surprise. Both he and Nocta look up to see Super Sonic descend towards them.

Nocta asks, "Is it really true? Did you defeat Kamitatsu for good?"

Sonic nods. "He's been sealed away in another realm. You won't ever see him again. Your war is over."

Nocta can't believe this. "Our war… is over…?"

Ryu asks, "But why are you here? And where's Shino Sensei?"

"Shino wanted to say goodbye first. I decided to do the same. Thank you both for all your help. I would never have been able to make it back to my own time if not for you two."

Nocta shakes her head. "No, it should be us who thanks you. It's because of you that peace will now come to our land at last. I only wish we could return the favor."

Sonic shakes his head. "You already have. The talks we had have prepared me for what's to come. Even should the worst happen, I'll be ready for it. Goodbye."

Nocta grins. "Goodbye, Sonic the Hedgehog. Good luck with your war."

Sonic responds, "Good luck with your peace."

Ryu, not entirely sure he wants to say anything, finally convinces himself to say, "Farewell, Sonic."

Sonic grins, knowing what Ryu using his name means.

—–—

Present Day

Espio asks, "Master Shino, did you really do it?"

Shino nods. "Indeed. And I decided to come back here first, before returning to my own time." Shino offers a hand. "Espio, you are ninja with potential that very few possess. With my training, you could become one of the world's greatest ninja, even rivaling myself."

Espio asks, "What are you saying, Master Shino?"

"You said you felt you were born in the wrong time. You said you wished you could live in my time and train with me. Come with me Espio. Return to my time with me and join my team."

Charmy shouts in distress, "What!? Espio, don't-!"

Vector slaps a hand over Charmy's mouth to stop him. Espio looks back to Vector questioningly. Vector nods with approval. Charmy fights to remove Vector's hand.

Espio takes a deep breath and says, "Master Shino, I am beyond honored at your offer. It is truly a dream come true."

Charmy manages to free himself but doesn't say anything. A tear falls from his eye. Espio looks back and sees this.

"However, I can't join your team. You see, I'm already a part of a team. I'm a Chaotix."

Shino grins and nods. "I had a feeling you would say that."

Charmy zips over to Espio and hugs him with all his might. "Espio!" He sobs tears of joy. Espio is about to try to pry Charmy off, but decides against it.

Then Vector comes in from behind, saying, "Okay, bring it in." He lifts both of them off the ground in a big bear hug.

Shino says, "In that case, I must be on my way. Farewell, Espio. I know it's not possible…but may we one day meet again."

Vector sets Espio down, and Espio nods in affirmation. "Farewell, Master Shino."

One final time, Shino announces, "Sacred Ninjutsu Art: Teleportation!"

While Sonic shouts, "Chaos Control!"

Sonic and Shino appear once more in the void. Sonic says, "Well, I guess it's about time we get back to our own times."

Shino nods. "I have learned much from your time, but I must now return to mine."

Sonic agrees, "Same here."

The two suddenly switch locations in the blink of an eye, their golden lights faded. Sonic's six Emeralds and Shino's one then fly off in Shino's direction and disappear.

Sonic watches them go. "Too bad I couldn't borrow those for a while longer. Sure would help my war along."

Shino glances back in their direction as well. "If you could steal Sacred Stones from Kamitatsu's palace, I'm certain you can reclaim them from the Eggman just as well. You need only wait for the opportunity to arise."

Sonic smiles as he offers a hand. "We didn't really get the chance to talk much…but I still feel like we have a bond."

Shino accepts Sonic's handshake. "As do I. It is the bond of the Hogo-sha. We are bound at a spiritual level. And that bond suggests to me that we will meet again someday."

Sonic nods. "And until then, so long."

"Farewell."

At this, the two disappear.

—–—

Emerald Canyon – The Rebellion Base

Sonic and the Chaotix stroll back into base. Tails comes running at Sonic, shouting, "Sonic! You're okay!" He hugs Sonic and steps back.

Sonic gives Tails a thumbs-up. "Come on Tails, I've made it through worse."

"Still, it's great to see you again."

Vector asks, "So Espio, I suppose you're going to want to do some more training now?"

Espio responds, "Soon, but right now I require rest."

Vector nods. "The tent's all yours." He whispers, "I'll make sure to keep Charmy busy so he can't bug you."

Espio nods. "Thank you."

Vector remembers something. "Oh yeah, I hope you realize that that whole thing about paying dues for the tent was just a joke. I didn't mean anything by it."

A slight grin comes to Espio's face. "Sure you didn't, Vector. Sure you didn't."

Espio enters the Chaotix's tent and sits down on his bed mat. He's about to begin a meditation session when he notices something is amiss. He gets back up and walks over to his scroll shelf. A single scroll sits out of place atop the others.

With surprise, Espio quickly counts the scrolls, "22…23…24… … … 25…. Impossible…"

He reaches for the scroll, opens it, and begins to read. Shino's voice narrates, "This final scroll in my series is dedicated to a student I once had. I only knew him for a short period of time, not even a full day, but he changed my life forever. Espio, never forget who your friends are, and I'll never forget mine. Friendship is a bond that reaches beyond the confines of time and connects us. It was my honor to teach you, and may I continue to teach you with the contents of this scroll."

Espio rolls the scroll back up and places back on the shelf. He sits back down, too stunned to do anything else. After several moments, he says aloud, "Master Shino, thank you."

—–—

Eggman's Hidden Base

Eggman pounds a fist on his throne in outrage. "He did what!?"

A severely damaged Heavy Shinobi answers with some fright, "He had a secret plan all along to uncover a Temporal Sapphire and take control over all of time. Had it not been for Sonic and Shino, he would have succeeded"

Eggman slams a fist down again. "Who does he think he is!? We had a deal! He can't possibly rule all of time when that's my destiny!"

Orbot sighs. "Boss, don't you think this sounds a little, I don't know… familiar?"

Eggman looks to Orbot angrily. "And what, pray tell, is that supposed to mean?"

Orbot cowers back. "It's just that… well… how do I put it… Let's just say your track record for allying yourself with creatures of monstrous power isn't exactly the best…"

Cubot blurts, "They all turn on you!" Orbot cringes at his bluntness.

Eggman eyes them angrily but doesn't say anything. Eventually, he says, "Get this failure out of my sight," referring to Heavy Shinobi, "and bring me someone who doesn't fail. Get Discord in here, now."

Orbot whispers to Cubot, "Do you think he recognizes the irony of this situation?"

Cubot spouts loudly, "Silly Orbot! We're made of steel, not iron! There's nothing iron-y about this!"

Eggman glances another killer look at them.

To Be Continued…