CHAPTER 18
Versus

The group carefully made their way down a narrow road around the edge of the cliffs, finding the path suspiciously clear of any SWaT Bots. The citadel was also the power station for a large area, yet it was completely unprotected. The building was carved out of the side of the cliffside, facing the ocean. The place showed signs of age and weathering. High windows that were caged off, with no light from within. Above the front gate was a flag of Robotnik hastily nailed to the wall. Whoever built this place was long since gone, with new owners it seemed. If they could knock out the power here, then many other smaller bases spread out would be disabled as well. A bridge lead a path towards the front gate, which seemed abandoned. There was a check point but from the conditions it had long since been abandoned. The entire place felt empty in itself. Sally went first, when Antoine grabbed her and reeled her back.

" No, you mustn't touch zee bridge! "

" Why not? I don't see any signs of danger. "

He picked up a rock and flung it at the bridge which exploded in mid air.

" There 'eez a forcefield around this. We cannot get across but I know a way underneath the barrier. I will show you! "

He lead them down a secret stairwell carved out of the side of the cliffside. It went beneath the bridge to a small emergency exit below. Antoine carefully walked them each along, as the rocks were slippery and wet. Once down he showed them a trail of rocks they could use to cross to reach the small were lucky. The tide just happend to be low at the time.

" I stumbled upon zis place upon curiosity one day. I don't think its known about. "

" Knowing our luck, they do. Because its a trap. They know we're coming! " said Sally.

" But ah wonder how much of a trap it is? " said Bunnie.

Beyond the threshold was a long tunnel of darkness. As they carefully crept through the dusty tomb, they were still being watched by the mysterious group of strangers that had descended upon this place. They watched their progress on the monitors and began to talk amongst eachother.

" Now as you may or may not know, gentlemen " Mr Snively started. " This little merry band have become quite a nuisance in Robotnik's side. If one of us were to snuff them out, it would earn his attention and favor once more. However, he has requested the capture of Princess Sally. If she can be captured along with their deaths, then who knows what kind of reward he might grant. I happen to know personally that the good doctor has big things planned, and none of you want to be left out of the loop. To make things more interesting, I propose we wager on their deaths. There are four levels to this complex, and four of us. Let us each make a bet on each floor to take."

Mr 8 Ball turned and looked at the others, who seemed to like this idea. " There is no need to over estimate these rabble rousers. I will bet 20 million pounds on the first floor. "

" Only 20 million, 8 Ball? Are you on your way to the poor house already? " Mr Cirus cackled. " That fat fool will botch things, just as he did back in Casino Night Zone. I will place 30 million for the second floor" he said with a sneer.

" I will put 50 million pounds upon the third floor " said Mr Grim quietly. Mr Cirus laughed quietly to himself, shaking his head. Mr Snively nodded, taking a puff from a cigar in his hand. They then turned to him.

" Well, where are you placing your bet? " Mr Cirus asked. " I guarantee you they will not make it past the second floor. "

He went silent for a moment thinking it over. He puffed out two smoke rings, and gave a smile. " I will put 650 billion on the final floor. "

The room was filled with audible gasps. They turned to him, with incredulous looks.

" You think they can take us all on? You dare insult us! "

" Do you even have that kind of money? "

" Gentlemen, I assure you I'm not bluffing " Mr Snively said. He took out from his pocket a small device and passed it around. " See for yourself. My personal account that I have saved. I think you will find my credentials check out for this. Besides, I'm wrong then you will be even more rich men. My bet still stands."

They snickered and chuckled. " Oh well, it'll be your loss you fool. Nothing more enjoyable than to revel in a poor bastards suffering. "

" So, who will be taking the first floor? " he asked.

Before they could think Mr 8 Ball spouted up. " I'll take them all out myself! I'll have all your money and Robotnik's favor, hah! "

" A bold play. But are you sure about that old man? " Mr Cirus asked smirking.

" Laugh while you can you cocky fool. "

With that he rose from his chair and teleported. Mr Snively crossed his fingers watching the monitors. She had taught him a valuable lesson back in the circus camp. To underestimate your opponent is a recipe for disaster. Because of this great defeat, it made him want her all the more.

After following Antoine through the dusty halls, they came to a brightly lit room. The interior inside was completely round and looked like there had once been machinery in this place but had since been removed leaving an empty hall.

" Wait a minute! Zees was not here before! Zey must have moved the generator to a different level! "

Behind them a great reinforced steel door slammed shut sealing them in.

" There's that villainous trap. I suppose next would be their grand entrance? "

" You would be correct, my dear " said a voice.

They looked towards the center of the room and there standing was Mr 8 Ball, former general of Robotnik's armies.

" Welcome to the castle. We have been expecting you. "

" So it would seem " said Lupe.

" Seeing as how you have come here armed with recruits, I imagine you do not wish to surrender " he said, observing them more closely. " I don't mind, this makes the game more fun. "

Antoine's ears twitched. " Game? "

" Of course! " he replied, with a hearty laugh. " You wish to find the generator. It has been moved to the top of this fine establishment, but to reach it will be gaurded by four generals of Dr Robotnik, myself included. We haven't seen any action for a long time, and killing you is just the right motivation we need to put one of us back ontop. So you see, even if you insist on trying to kill me, there are three more floors above me that will be gaurded. I warn you, do not take us for the usual mutants that wander the wastelands. "

Sally's fists tightened till her knuckles went white. " I will ask you this once, please stand aside. We would rather not fight unless forced. "

Mr 8 Ball sneered. " You don't have a choice in this. You either kill or be killed. "

Bunnie snorted and stepped forward. " Dont worry sugas, I'll take care of this one mahself. If this old geezer is begging for an ass whoopin', then ah have to give him my best hospitality. "

" What did you call me?! I am no geezer! My name is feared across the southern side of Mobius! I was one of the first to help break through the ice tundra and plunder the sacred gold veins of the planet. I engineered artificial floating islands with anti-gravity technology! "

Bunnie stretched her neck, and legs getting herself ready. " Listen dear, ah don't care for your life story. If you wanna tussle, ah'm ready. "

Bunnie pulled out her sword, giving a cocky smile. Mr 8 Ball just shook his head.

" Of all the things to use against me...that sword wont dare harm me. "

Bunnie ignored his boast and charged at him. He merely folded his arms, confidently standing in place. She swung her sword but stopped just centimetres short of reaching him. He smiled, pushing it aside gingerly.

" I told you it won't dare touch me. I am its creator. "

" W-wha? "

" Yes, I am the one who forged the demon sword and locked the evil sprit inside of it. I cast it aside because its usefulness had reached an end. You cannot turn this sword against its master. I put my will into it. It is still mine to command if I so choose. "

Bunnie looked at the sword who seemed to be cowering from him. The usual fight it often had had drained entirely from it, submitting to its original owner. She gave a sigh and put it away.

" Alright, you win that one. But there is still plenty I can do."

" Show me. "

Two long blades unsheathed out of her wrists. She tried once again to attack. Mr 8 Ball shot a blast of energy from his robotic hand blowing her back. He pulled out a long electric charged whip from inside his coat, and gave it a good crack. The whip wrapped around her neck, slamming her against the walls and floor like a yoyo on a string. The charged shocks really hurt, feeling it travel through her body. With one free arm, she severed the whip, and went on the offensive. Her chest plate opened up, revealing two small missles targeted and ready. With a loud whistle, they shot out towards him, but he was easily able to dodge them. He charged forth, his speed taking her by surprise with him landing a solid punch to her face. She went down hard, skidding a few feet away.

" Fear not, child. I can grind you down after I'm done with you and turn you into something more useful. "

" N-never...I aint nevah gonna let some fat old man beat me! "

She activated her thrusters and shot towards him with incredible speed. She swung her leg out, to give him a hard kick that could break steel. Somehow, he was able to block it by raising his arm, pushing him back slightly. She sent a flurry of punches and kicks making sure he would not have time to counter attack now that the gap was closed. He fought like a master, being able to block and deflect her speed and power away from himself. Bunnie activated her thrusters full blast and body slammed him into the wall.

" Nice one Bunnie! " cheered Sally.

But Bunnie had payed for getting so close to him. His stomach mouth opened up wide and its teeth chomped down on her torso.

" Aaaahaaah! "

She felt the razor sharp teeth puncturing through her steel frame digging deeper and deeper. Its fat tongue wrapped around her and began with great thrusts pulling her in. She pounded away kicking and panicking to break loose but its grip was only tightening. She was being eaten alive. She then realised that with her being so close, he couldn't raise his gaurd up. She began pounding on his face, shattering his nose upon impact. He cried out, releasing her from his jaws. Her arm morphed into an energy cannon, blasting him apart. All that remained were traces of a black oil from his liquified corpse splattered on the floor.

Bunnie sighed in relief but then noticed the black oil started moving. It began to grow and expand, latching onto her feet pinning her to the ground.

" What the hoo haa is this? "

She tryed flying away but it didnt work. It began to crawl up her legs and wrap around her waist.

" I wont let you go until you die " said a gargly voice from within.

Bunnie screamed, freaking out as she began to lose control over her body. Suddenly when all seemed lost, Antoine suddenly sprang forward into action. He grabbed a hold of the black substanced and ripped it off her.

" Get off of her! "

" Antoine, look out! "

He barely managed to jump away before it leaped at him. She summoned up the reserves from her core and began to heat up. Her body started to glow red hot, the black oil let out a squeal and released her. It slithered off and began pooling itself together, taking on Mr 8 Ball's shape. Bunnie wasn't about to let him pick himself back together. She opened her mouth, and let a strong current of flames explode from within. The black oil had an expression of terror, seconds before the flames incinerated all trace of it.

" Phew, that was a close one. Guess I'm done here. "

Sally rushed over, wanting to hug her but kept her distance. Her body was still very hot. " Ah, that was amazing Bunnie. I didn't know you could do that. "

" Twas a marvelous fight! " complimented Antoine.

" There's a stairway on the far side that leads up " pointed out Lupe.

As they walked up she slowed down and let the others walk up aways for a moment. She grinned and turned to Antoine and gave him a playful kiss on the cheek. He looked at her surprised. " That's for saving me back there. "

As Mr Snively and his friends watched one of their own fall to the hands of the Rabbot they did not feel sympathy, nor loss for his death. In fact, they were all glad he was gone.

" Excellent. That's 21 million split between us three" said Mr Cirus. " Now who I wonder will be next? "

Their was a long pause. Mr Snively was like a statue with his eyes glued to the monitor watching them with utter contempt. From the dark corner Mr Grim stood up.

" I will go. "

" Ah, our mystery man finally proves his worth " Mr Cirus cooed. " Be sure to make it a good show for us. "

He didn't respond, giving Mr Snively a knowing glance and teleported to the arena.

" Well, now this should be interesting wouldnt you say? We've never seen Grim pull out his punches " said Mr Cirus.

Mr Snively puffed on his pipe. " Do not be underestimating them. "

When they reached the second floor Mr Grim was waiting for them. He seemed to be almost in a meditative state, hunched slightly with his head bowed forward. They stared at him for a long while, exchanging looks amongst eachother.

" Um, is he asleep? " asked Lupe.

" Perhaps he is just waiting to strike out " said Antoine.

" He does seem like an eerie fellow. "

His eyes slid open as he peered around the room. His trenchoat flapped about, but there wasn't any open windows to cause any wind. He pointed over to Antoine.

" You, I choose you to fight. Now step up. "

Antoine at first hesitated but then remembered Bunnie was watching. He bit down on his lip and stomped forward to face this new nightmare. This opponent was not cocky or boastful like the one before. He had a dead calm to him, which made Antoine's stomach turn. He was going to have to give his all here, or die. He put up his large spartan shield, and held his sword out.

" En gaurde! "

Two long swords appeared in each hand of his. He stood still like a statue, staring down the coyote warrior. Antoine made the first move by sending a electric blast out from his robotic arm at him.

Mr Grim stepped to the right avoiding it, and charged forth. His swords met Antoine's shield, with two exchanging blade strikes. Mr Grim hacked and slashed away at Antoine's shield with each strike becoming stronger than the next. The more agressive he became the faster and more lightning quick he moved until all that could be seen was a flurry of sparks raining off the shield. He raised one leg up, and delivered a kick knocking Antoine away. The coyote rolled along the floor some feet away. That had knocked the wind out of him. His movements were becoming sharper and stronger. He looked to his enemy, watching him conjure dopplegangers from within body making eight perfect copies of himself. Obviously a novice magician's trick to confuse their opponent.

" Ah, I see now. Vhich of one of you is the real one, eh ?"

" We all are real. "

They surrounded Antoine and attacked him from every direction. He felt their attacks sting, feeling the sharp blades tear at his arms and legs. Desperate to defend himself, he swung his shield around wildly to block the incoming hail of slashes. The pain stung like fire. He was getting worn down quick and would not last at this rate. All it would take is one clean stab past his shield and that would be it. Using his wits, he stabbed his sword into the ground and channeled a burst of electricity into the ground, electrifying them all. Luckily his boots had rubber soles to insulate that attack. Each one dropped to their knees, collapsing to the floor until one remained. He had been hurt, but it seemed to irritate him more than anything.

" Well played. I will show you something new " he said.

A dark green aura began to build up around him. A foul stink eminated from him, smelling like a corpse mixed with sewage. Antoine held his breath, trying to not breathe this rancid odor. Just being near him was turning his stomach. He had to attack before letting him finish what he was doing, charging in for the kill. Mr Grim threw up his arm and blocked the strike with his bare arm. Antoine's body felt his guts churn, collapsing to the floor. He began throwing up with his skin turning pale.

" Antoine! Whats happening to him! " cried Sally.

" You should have not come into my disease shield, vermin " Mr Grim spoke. " I would have thought you to have been smarter and used range attacks on me. "

" What is this disease shield? " Sally asked.

" I am a master of chemical and biological agents. I have created weaponized contagions that could kill the world a hundred times over. I have modified myself over time to be a plague carrier of these agents. Despite them being lethal to others, I am immune to their effects. I am Robotnik's perfect bio weapon. "

Sweat dripped down Antoine's face as he felt his stomach and organs shrivel and then burn. Weird spots apeared all over his body, throwing up again and then breaking out into a scratching fit.

" You are covered with a sickness no medicine can cure. You will die in 5 minutes very horribly if you do not defeat me. Your cure is my death. Now, get back up! "

He struggled to his feet. His veins began to become visible through his fur. His head pounded and it was hard to see. Mr Grim slowly outstetched his hand.

" That is not all I can do. Now you shall see my wonders. "

A slit opened up out of his hand and out swarmed angry hornets that attacked him. A blanket of buzzing stingers cut Antoine off from his friends for assistance.

" If they interfere with our duel they will die twice as horrible as you will " he warned.

Antoine got to his feet slowly feeling the pelting of stingers rain down on him like needles of hell. He screamed in agony hiding behind his shield and swinging his sword around blasting away swarms of them. Half of his face was filled with sting marks and one of his eyes was sealed shut. His jaw became fat and loose and he lost the ability to speak with his tongue. As if this wasn't bad enough he could feel his heart slowing down and parts of his body where the blood had stopped flowing to. He was going to die very horrible as Mr Grim had told him.

At least now the mystery behind his foes name was now realized. But he blindly charged forward summoning up all the energy he could swinging his sword arm and with his shield in front of him deflecting away the bugs. Mr Grim reached down and dipped his hand inside his own shadow which seemed to act like oil when it was touched. He pulled out a great black javeline spear and hurled it through the side of his shoulder. He slowed, but began to run which was now a fast stumble. He let open his mouth and shouted out a great kiai blast from his chest, driving Antoine back. He yanked the long needle out of shoulder, still stumbling forward. Cloudy black spots began to cloud over his vision. He only had this one last shot. Mr Grim was now getting angry he wasn't giving. The decorative spikes from his coat sprayed out like a pin cushion. Most bounced off his large shield but two hit him in the leg and dug deep into bone.

" Stubborn creature! You should know when to die with dignity. "

Mr Grim pulled out his last weapon which was a large golden sickle. He lept at the coyote, and came down with enough force to slice him in two with it. He broke through Antoine's shield and slammed his sickle into his skull. Blood trickled down Antoine's head and over his sealed eyelid. He began to grin, knowing he was still alive. The helmet he wore had stopped Mr Grim's final attack and had only partially broke skin. Antoine pressed a special button from inside his shield, revealing a hiddnen weapon. Blades folded out of the edges and turned into a giant spinning buzzsaw. He hacked off Mr Grim's hand holding the blade and then swung lazily to the side slicing open his throat.

He stumbled back, gripping his throat now gushing thick dark blood. Muffled curses were heard through sputters of blood seeping out of his torn throat. Antoine delivered the final low by slamming his sword blade into his chest and then unleashing all the power he could muster blowing Mr Grim away. Antoine collapsed and fell to the ground. The diseases had lifted from his body and the wall of hornets that seperated him from his friends had dissapeared into smoke. They rushed over to him.

" Its no good! He's hurt bad and lost a lot of blood " said Lupe.

" Their's no heartbeat! We have to act quick! " said Sally.

Bunnie shoved them aside and in desperation pushed against his heart over and over. Still no heartbeat. Precious seconds left before it would be too late. She opened up his mouth and proceeded to give him mouth to mouth, filling his lungs with all the air her mechanical ones could muster.

"Come on sugah! Live! Live, damn you!" she yelled, pounding on his chest and breathing more air into it. His body jolted back to life, his eyes opening slowly. He coughed uncontrollably, throwing up some of his blood. His life had been saved. Sally and Bunnie embraced him happy he's alive. Lupe gave a respectful nod.

" I am glad you are alright, Antoine. You fought like a true warrior. But, we still have a ways to go. "

" Yes, you are right... " he said staggering to his feet pulling out some of the spikes in his leg. He collapsed but Bunnie caught him.

" Forgive me, but I cannot fight anymore. "

" We will break here for a moments rest then. The next one I will fight " said Lupe cracking her knuckles.

Mr Cirus and Mr Snively watched all this in utter disbelief. He turned to Mr Snively. " How!? How could they have gotten this far! God damn them! Mr Grim had it won. He had that coyote in deaths grip " he said in hate.

Mr Snively looked coldly at him and then shrugged. " The coyote was obviously more lucky, appearently. But don't worry. I don't think he will be a threat to you now. The pot still climbs. Do you dare back out? "

Mr Cirus gave him a scornful look. " You seem to be glad they are doing so well. Like you want us all out of the way. You told me this would be easy!"

" I told you no such thing " Mr Snively remarked. " Before we started I consulted each of you of the danger. However it seems like Robotnik was right in casting you lot aside. None of you are professionals. "

" And what of you? Don't forget your humiliation at the hands of the squirrel. Your in the same boat as the rest of us " Mr Cirus said, angrily. " Your feeble little spider form was an embaressment. "

He handwaved that aside. " That was a minor setback. I still survived through my own means and suffered at the hands of our master. " He gave a sly grin. " Besides, I know you are stronger than the others and now that there is one heavily wounded, and the other fatigued, you have the advantage. "

Mr Cirus creeped closer. " Since it's down to just the two of us, lets up the stakes. If I lose, then you have total control over all my territories and resources."

Mr Snively stroked his chin, giving one last puff. " An interesting wager. But if you win? "

" I want your research. All of it" he replied. " I know with Robotnik's help, you have had unlimited access to Naugus's ruins which contained some of his greatest spells. You most likely already know all of them by now. "

" So this is your true reason for coming, I should have known " Mr Snively grumbled. " Fine, it is yours. But only if you can finish them off. "

Mr Cirus rose from his chair, giving a courteous bow. " As you said, I have the advantage. "

With that, he teleported from the room leaving Mr Snively alone to watch the show's next act. As Sally and the rest entered the third room they found to their surprise that there was nobody to greet them.

" Ah thought there supposed to be someone here? " Bunnie asked.

Lupe looked around. A hush had fallen over them as they waited for the next enemy to make his grand entrance. Suddenly, a hole opened up in the middle of the floor. Mr Cirus rose up from below, riding atop a gigantic machine. It was a round metal sphere. It had arms made up of smaller spheres that seemed to hover in place along with it. Its hands were like two great wrecking balls built for smashing.

" Hello, and thank you for waiting. Congratulations on getting this far, I must commend you all on a job well done. As you can see, I brought a little something extra with me for you kiddies to play with!" Mr Cirus said, grinning like a loon.

It attacked, smashing the ground where they stood. Sally and the others scrambled to get away from this large machine, but the room like all the others was completely empty. It latched onto each corner of the floor itself in the room and then began to spin the entire room around. The floor itself had been modified to be able to be spun by this large machine. They had nothing to grab onto and were whipped through the air and slammed about. It slowed down, and then reversed direction moving the room around. A g force built up slamming them against the walls.

" Hahahahaha! Whats the matter? Don't you appreciate my Spinderella? " he sneered.

Bunnie tried leaping out at the machine, but it was able to defend itself. Part of the arm popped out and knocked her back. She tried hacking away at it with her sword but the metal was extremely durable. Not even her blade could cut it abruptly stopped, letting the momentum fling everyone about like ragdolls. Mr Cirus laughed.

" Hahahahahaha! Not having fun? "

" You...bastard " said Sally slowly getting to her feet, clutching her spinning head.

" I welcome you to the third level. My name is Mr Cirus. Now, any volunteers on who will be Spinderella's first victim tonight? "

Lupe stepped up with her hammer at her side.

" Face me, demon. Leave the others out of this. "

Mr Cirus sneered. " And why should I? "

" Because even if you walk away from this I'll make sure you can never urinate properly ever again " she said growling, flashing her fangs. He was taken back a bit by this comment.

" I don't like rude women " he said, his smile turning into a scowl. " Since your so eager to die first I'll humor you, but only just this once. "

Lupe suddenly took off like a rocket, moving faster than anyone had ever seen her run. She was running almost as fast as Sonic. She leapt up behind him while he was momentarily distracted to deliver a crushing blow to his head.

" Nice try! " he said. Lupe was then knocked back by a barrier around him. " If you want me you have to first beat my Spinderella. "

Lupe surveyed the machine, looking for any sign for a weakness in it. She silently chanted a spell in her mind, the markings on her body started to light up. Her eyes went white and pure. She slowly raised her hand up towards the large machine.

" Teviansolose. "

With that one word a dark cloud apeared almost out of nowhere and began to swirl about. Mr Cirus began to get abit worried.

" What is this? Some kind of magic? "

She outstretched her hand and thunder boomed and crackled from within it. Lighting began crackling, striking the machine. Spinderella began to twirl around faster and faster, blowing away the cloud. The front opened up and sent a blast of energy at her. She bounced it away by swinging her hammer at it. The blast ricocheted off the machine, leaving a dent in the hull.

" Gonna take alot more than parlor magic tricks to bring this girl down. I built her myself. "

She then noticed at the top it had a wind up key sitting ontop Mr Cirus was gaurding. That has to be its weak point. But she already tried getting close to him and was bounced away. She had to distract him somehow. She raced underneath the machine, staying out of Cirus' field of vision. It swung around twirling trying to shake her off. Then it dived down trying to smash her. She crawled up along the side, outmanuevering its movements. The machine was going crazy trying to hit her. She threw up a smoke bomb she had managed to make on the way over and tossed it up at Mr Cirus. Then she grabbed a small piece of broken rubble and whispered a chant into it and flung it at the wall which exploded.

" Aha! There you are!"

But then to his surprise after the smoke cleared she was gone. Suddenly she came behind him delivering a kick knocking him off his machine and then yanked out the key. As soon as she did that the entire thing just fell apart. He seemed abit miffed.

" Very sneaky " he complimented.

" Why would you put something like that on a machine you built. Are you stupid?" she asked, tossing the giant key at him.

Cirus frowned. " You don't make something to be unstoppable without having an off switch. "

" Your toy is gone. If you leave now I will not have to hurt you. "

" And why would I do that? You think I need to dirty my hands with you? "

He pulled his coat open and out leaped his demon pet. It shot out, wrapping around Lupes waist. It snarled and hissed. Lupe put up her hammer to keep it from tearing her face off but it began to tighten around her body.

" Unh! "

She could feel suction cups on it pulling and tearing at her skin. The worm-like snake beast had the face of a devil and a gargoyle. She pulled out one of her hairs which transformed into a long needle and jammed into one of its eyes. It howled in pain and its grip loosened and she broke free of it. She brought her hammer down on its head, smashing its brains on the cold floor. Mr Cirus lit a cigarette and puffed on it and tossed it aside.

" Now, you have killed my favourite pet and toy. "

" I'll do the same to you! "

" Try it. "

Then from out of his sleeves unslid two swords which he grasped tightly. These swords widened at the tip with long bladed teeth on the sides. Although the others couldn't see it, with her special eyes she could see the demonic aura of a black dragon twisting around the swords causing it to shudder with power.

" I see you like dragons. "

" I love all things that are powerful. Prove yourself to me and just maybe I'll love you too. "

Lupe started off by instead of a straight frontal attack she pulled out some special sands from her pouch and threw it along the ground in front of her and struck the ground with her hammer.

" Elders grasp! "

The ground began to suddenly go soft and then moved like water throwing Mr Cirus off balance. Then a fist came out of the ground and wrapped tightly around him, hardening into a diamond prison. Then she formed her hand into a fist and the diamond hand exploded. Though, not to her surprise he was completely unharmed.

" That was a nice magic trick. My turn. "

He swung his swords, with a slicing wind hitting Lupe. She felt her arms and body cut by tiny little slices all over. She growled, circling around him. She skidded to the side barely missing the swing of his blades but she couldn't slow down. Mr Cirus was enjoying making her run, laughing maniacally to himself. Everytime she tried to get close to him he'd swing thos swords and send a cutting blast towards her. She zig zagged back and forth, getting close enough to throw her hammer at him. He wasn't expecting this, getting struck hard in the stomach. He was stunned for a moment, with Lupe leaping into the air to bring the hammer down on him. He zoomed back and her strike broke the floor sending a blast shooting across the room. The power knocked him off his feet, shocked and excited at her power. He got back up, laughing happily.

" Yes, yes! That's the kind of fire I love. "

"You are skilled I give you that."

She moved like a lightning bolt zooming across the room. Mr Cirus matched her speed and only a blur of their bodies could be seen jumping and reappearing all across the room with the sounds of swords clanging against metal, the walls and floors shaking and cracking. For once Mr Cirus was actually having fun and so was Lupe to an extent. They were both polished warriors deep down inside. Once in a while during the frenzy of hammer strikes and sword swings either of them would score a direct physical attack. Lupe came down with her hammer striking the ground sending a shockwave breaking down two pillars which Mr Cirus narrowly avoided. Although they were both equal strength Mr Cirus' stamina was indeed much higher. If she let the fight drag on she would begin to slow down.

" Those swords are his source of power. I have to destroy those somehow but how? "

She waited for him to charge out towards her. He leaped up into the air and came down for a clean slice but she put up both hands and caught the blades. He looked at her stunned and shocked.

" Wh-what...? "

Blood trickled out from her tightened grip on the blades. He tried as hard as he could to wrench them free but they were locked in a cold hard iron grip. He grinned.

" Well, if thats how you wanna play... "

His shadow expanded and five shadow clones of himself emerged and gathered around her. He may have been a warrior, but he was using all angles here to fight. She could feel their cold hands feeling her up, sliding between her thighs and cupping a breast. They felt very real for shadows.

" Let go and I will pull them back, or stay there and let yourself get ravaged. Choice is yours. "

She shut her eyes tightly blocking out the devils dancing about her and their wrong touches. She felt her rage begin to build from the depths of her being. She gripped harder.

" Heheh...you are quite interesting. Maybe I'll just cut off your arms and legs and fuck you till you die, hahahaha! "

That was the last straw. Lupes rage broke free like an ancient beast being released from a long unwanted slumber. She screamed as loud as she could and the air around her turned white hot .Electricity began to crackle from her eyes. The shadows immediately dissolved away. She busted his swords in half like twigs, and jammed them into his shoulders. He screamed in agony and shock, retreating. Now feeling afraid, Mr Cirus picked up a large chunk of the wreckage of Spinderella. She smacked the wreckage aside, still coming fast and furious. She was out for his blood, snarling and gnashing at the air. He made some more shadow puppets to protect him himself. Her sharp claws cut through them like a hot knife through butter. He had enraged her. A terrible mistake.

Backed against the wall, he launched himself at her with the two clashing. Both caught eachother in mid punch, each not backing down. She lifted her legs and dug her claws into his stomach and pushed him off. He gave a loud curse, and back handed Lupe hard across the jaw. She responded in kind with a slash across the side of his face. He raised his fists up like two terrible hammers to bring down on her. She caught his fists, pushing against him.

Veins bulged from Mr Cirus's face, now starting to overpower Lupe and drive her back. She beared down, her feet digging into the floor. He opened up his mouth and sprayed out a ball of fire. She released her grip and retreated back. Great wings unfolded from his back, and he took to the air. Now with the aerial range he started throwin fireballs down below. He was angry, which meant he was reckless. His aim was sloppy, but the flames started to group together in some spots. He raised his hand up and formed a black fireball. When it hit the surface below, the entire floor turned into a great black shadow. Lupe could feel the floor itself tug and start to pull her under like quicksand. It was going to swallow her whole.

Sally and the others were also trapped in this, struggling fruitlessly against it. The flames that were burning had already been swallowed up by the blackness. Mr Cirus discarded his coat and was now armed with two machine guns mounted around his arms. He balled his fists together as they came to life raining down bullets. Lupe felt the bullets enter along her arms and side of her chest. They hurt, but her adreneline and rage kept pushing her forward.

" Why dont you just die!? "

After unloading everything he had at her she was still coming. Using his last resort he took out a bladed disc covered in poison. He whipped it at her but Lupe could not evade it now. She only had this once chance to end it. She grit down and let the disc slam into her chest. Mr Cirus was now stunned beyond belief by her will. She brought her hammer up and then in one strike a great blast went off filling the entire room in a blast of light. His body was completely obliterated, with no trace of him left. Lupe collapsed to the ground with her life fluids draining from her chest. She grabbed the blade and wrenched it out. Sally and the others ran over to her.

" It's..done. Go on and leave me " she said coughing up blood. " I'm...done. "

" No Lupe! You cant die on us now! " said Sally holding her hand. She looked at Sally in a daze.

" Why...do you care...so much for someone you barely know? My debt to you is payed. "

" Because, we're friends and friends care for eachother. "

Antoine limped his way over and took her pouch.

" If I have to be knowing anything I know how to treat and fix wounds that are fatal. It's why I am to be alive today " he said digging through his supply pouch. He took out some needles and carefully placed them along her body.

" Zee acupuncture needles that are inside of you are going to put you into a near death like trance. Your body will shut down and go cold but your heart will still beat. You will recover, but I need to stop the poison from entering your heart and you going into shock. "

" But...the poision...my body will be too weak to reject it... "

" Then I'll have to suck it out " he said with iron willed determination.

He examined the gash wound where she was hit. Right in the center of her chest. The bullets in her body were also trouble, but those could be dealt with after.

" It is is deep zee wound but eet did not puncture zee lungs or aorta, but I must act quick monami! "

He pressed his lips down and sucked out the poison and spat it out immediately. He did this consistantly sucking and spitting out the black stuff till all he began to spit was blood. He pulled out some of her medicines and sprinkled some herbs on the wound. With the grace of a surgeon, he used his one good hand to stitch up the opening. One could tell he had done this many times before on himself. Sally was very surprised on how well he was able to work with one able arm and not ask for any assistance. He finished wrapping a bandage around her chest to stop the blood.

" She will be out for at least an hour or two " he said. " Zee bullets did not go deep so I shall be able to remove those as well. I do not expect she will be in any fighting condition for some time. "

" That's fine. She's done all she could " said Sally.

They looked straight ahead and saw a door that was camaflouged into the wall open showing a pitch blackness from within. The final floor was open to them. Now, the time had come to face Mr Snively, once again.

Snively sighed. Things had gone about as bad as he expected. Robotnik would blame him for this if things werent taken care of now. But he knew the power he had inside of him would not be enough. All of his partners were much stronger than him and each had fell. The time had come to use the relic.

Snively had kept a shrine of magical relics he had collected over the years connected to the sorcerer, Naugus. Among his prized collection was a staff of power with a large black chaos emerald. He had always been wary of it, knowing full well the power it contained could easily destroy him. However, he thought. Perhaps it can do other things besides destroy. Maybe it bring...her back.

A distant memory of a lifetime ago flashed in his eyes as he gazed into the black rock. Anticpation, fear, and pride took him as he wrenched the emerald free of the staff and held it aloft in his hand. He then shoved the chaos emerald deep within his chest letting out a primal roar, feeling the dark magical energies envolop him. He felt a surge of dark power burn through every portion of his being, collapsing to the floor. ' I must control it ' he thought, gritting his teeth. ' She and the others must die now or all my work, everything I been working towards will be lost!'

The storm of energy swirled around him and began to draw itself more and more inside of him, feeling the rush of power begin to settle. He let out a laugh. They would now regret the day they crossed him.