Maria Reincarnated Saga Episode 6: Back Home to Desperate Times
On Angel Island in the secret altar of the Master Emerald Shrine, Dr. Finitevus is up to something. He has his hands in the air as some strange Dark Chaos Energy flows through it.
He shouts, "The Servants are the Seven Chaos…."
But is interrupted when Scourge zips into the altar and calls out, "Yo, Finitevus! We might have a problem."
Finitevus stops the rite and turns his head a little to see the source of his interruption.
"Explain," Finitevus says.
"Your pet Head-in-a-bubble… Dimitri… just made a run for it. (Figuratively speaking.) I think he's going to blab your plans to Knuckles," Scourge says.
With a smirk on his face, "Finitevus says, "Excellent. I was hoping he would take the initiative and flee from us. I assure you, everything is going according to plan."
"Oh yeah? All right, then. You're the Spooky-Creepy Mastermind," Scourge says.
He then leaves the area without a care. Once Scourge is gone, Finitevus then places his hand on the Master Emerald and sends the same Dark Chaos Energy into it and shows an evil grin on his face.
He then says, "Go to them, Dimitri. Tell them everything, if you so desire. You cannot stop the Return of Enerjak."
A few days have gone by, Shadow and Eve have been helping Maria have better control of her powers. Surprisingly, Maria is able to learn how to control her new powers more easily… once she is able to get the hang of it. One afternoon at a desert field far from the United Federation, Sonic, Shadow, and Eve were with Maria to help her practice with her speed.
Eve turns to Maria, "So how are you doing with your running?"
"It's actually kind of fun. I've never run this fast in all of my life," Maria says.
Shadow shows a small smirk, "Back then, you barely were able to run on the ARK."
"You can say that again," Sonic says.
"I have to agree. It feels great to be running around like this and feel the cool wind in my uh, quills and face," Maria says.
She then panics, "Whoa! Maybe this is a little too fast! I don't know how you all are able to do it!"
"It's all about practicing, Maria, and you are able to run a lot better than last time," Sonic says.
"I guess so, but I'm not sure if I can get used to going this fast. At least, not right away," Maria says.
"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it," Eve happily says.
"So what are we going to do after this?" Maria asks.
"Well, we need to head back to New Mobotropolis. We don't want to leave Sally and the others for too long," Sonic says.
"I agree. We need to get back to the city and see if there's any trouble while we're gone," Eve says.
Maria turns to Shadow, "Are you sure, you can't come with us?"
"I want to, so that I can keep an eye on you, but I'm also needed at G.U.N," Shadow says.
"Understand. I was hoping I can spend some more time with you," Maria says.
"You will. I'll try to make some time to work so that the others and I can visit you," Shadow says.
"I would like that," Maria says.
Then she asks, "So Shadow, how do you um, feel about Rouge?"
"Rouge?" Shadow replies.
He thinks for a second and says, "Well, we are comrades and part of the same team. We get along okay, and well, I guess we're kind of like friends… why?"
"Well, you both do seem a bit close. I always thought she was your girlfriend," Maria says.
Suddenly Shadow skids to a stop and his cheeks begin to blush a little.
"What?!" Shadow exclaims in shock.
Sonic, Eve, and Maria stop to see Shadow has stopped and is shocked and his cheeks are red.
"You okay Shadow, you don't look so hot?" Eve asks.
Shadow shakes his head to get his focus and his cheeks are no longer red.
He takes a deep breath and calmly says, "No Maria. Rogue may be my comrade, teammate, and I guess she is a friend, but she's not my girlfriend."
"Sorry Shadow, I was just asking," Maria says.
"It's okay. I was caught a bit off guard," Shadow says.
Sonic smirks, "Judging by the redness on your cheek, I think you do like Rouge."
"What?!" Shadow asks, shocked.
"Come on Shadow, I can tell that you really like Rouge," Sonic says.
Shadow turns his head away, "Don't be ridiculous. Rouge is not…"
He fake coughs, "She's a comrade."
"Sure she is," Eve says, giggling.
Maria giggles too.
"Let's get back to G.U.N HQ and meet the others," Shadow says.
Then speeds back G.U.N HQ. Sonic, Eve, and Maria giggle with smiles on their faces. With that, the group speeds back to G.U.N HQ to meet with the others and get ready to head back to the city.
Sometime later at G.U.N HQ, Sonic, Eve, and the others are ready to head back to the city and back to their home.
Maria hugs Shadow with a smile, "I'll miss you Shadow. I'm so glad I'm able to see you again."
"Me too, Maria. I hope you'll be alright back in the city," Shadow says.
"I'm sure we'll be fine. And we'll let you know if Egg brains decide to give us more trouble," Eve says.
Knuckles calls out, "Come on guys, we gotta get going. We've been gone longer than we're supposed to."
"Okay," Eve says, rolling her eyes.
Eve and Shadow help Maria into the plane and have her strapped into the seat. Jazz then next on Maria's lap with a smile. Maria then smiles at jazz with glee. With the group waving goodbye to Shadow and the rest of Team Dark, Tails flies the X Tornado back to New Mobotropolis. Maria looks out the window and waves goodbye to Shadow and the rest of Team Dark. On the ground, Shadow also waves goodbye to Eve and Maria.
Rouge asks, "You're going to miss her, aren't you?"
"Maybe a little, but I plan to visit her and Eve when I have the time," Shadow says.
"True, but you also deserve to spend time with her. I remember you telling me that she's a sister to you," Rouge says.
"I suppose, but with Eve and her friends, she'll be safe in New Mobotropolis. The same goes for my family," Shadow says.
"If you say so," Rouge says.
Shadow thinks, "Don't worry Maria, and Eve. I promise to visit you as soon as I can."
After a long trip, the X Tornado arrives over the forest where New Mobotropolis is. Sonic and the others look down to see the city.
Amy sighs, "It will be good to be back home again."
"Yes. I'm sure mother has been worried about us, right Cheese," Cream says.
"Chao Chao," Cheese replies.
Eve sighs, "I'm glad to get back home after the crazy fiasco we've gone through. I could use a rest."
"I could go for a little relaxation. How about we head to Uncle Chuck's Diner when we land," Sonic says.
"I'm up for that," Eve says.
"Me too. I'm getting a little hungry," Maria says.
"Don't worry, we'll grab a bite to eat when we get back," Eve says.
"Yeah. There's a dozen chili dogs with my name on it," Sonic says.
"Oh brother," Knuckles says, rolling his eyes.
"Alright guys, hang on. We're about to land at the airfield," Tails says.
"You got it, buddy," Sonic says.
Tails then turns the wheel on the X Tornado and the plane begins to lower as it lands on the runway of the airfield. Sometime later, the group stops at Uncle Chuck's Diner to grab some lunch. As usual, Sonic is eating a dozen chili dogs like he says he would.
"It's great to have you all back. We were wondering how your trip has gone," Sally says.
"Other than the fact that Eggman and Snively gave us problems, everything else went well," Sonic says.
"Shadow was very happy to see Maria again, even Commander Tower. I'm glad Maria is able to spend some time with them," Eve says.
"Me too. Shadow has taught me how to control my powers. Sonic and Eve helped as well," Maria says.
"We're glad to hear it sugarcube," Bunnie says.
Mighty then asks, "So Maria, I heard that you were able to fight Eggman's robots. Did you really destroy his robots?"
"Yes. I did," Maria says, blushing a little.
"Weren't you scared?" Charmy asks.
"I must admit, I was scared, but I was even more scared when my friends almost got hurt. I felt that I had to defend them," Maria says.
"I have to say what you did is brave," Sonia says.
"Yeah. You rock," Manic says.
Maria blushes more, "Thank you. I still need some time to work on my powers and my speed."
"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. It doesn't stop your two speeding friends from giving up," Knuckles says.
"He's right about that," Julie-Su says.
Maria giggles.
Maria then turns to Eve, "Um Eve, do you think I can uh… listen to you and the others play. I want to see your band play."
Eve smiles, "Of course."
Then turns to Sonic, Manic, and Sonia, "How about you?"
"I would like to," Sonia says.
"Yeah. Let's rock the house," Manic says.
"If they're in, then so am I," Sonic says.
A little time later, Sonic, Sonia, and Manic have their instruments set up and are ready to play. Eve is holding her microphone and is ready to sing. Everyone else watches as the Sonic Underground are ready to play.
Manic taps on his drum sticks, "A one, a two… a one, two, three, four…"
Soon, Sonic, Sonia, and Manic begin to play their instruments.
Eve Hedgehog:
Glaciers of ideas, importing
To my friends then exporting
To the next, keeping it open, we want no closing
Even without doubts, our thoughts can be dope and
This mind trade no one can stop
An act of thinking is terrible to stop
We just wanna change up, not drop
And my crew can rock it like up-rock
Life is tedious if it ain't flowing
Copy and paste? Constant defaulting?
Put my courage to it, begin showing off
That's the way we wanna live
Keep going, yeah
What was so much of transparency
Turned into bright expectation
My instinct tells me to keep going together
(going together)
It's breathtaking moments in life, addicted to it
Minds craving more and more
I'm believing you and I can do anything, we can change the world
The sky's the limit, we can spread wings
To roadless travel, together we go
Love to think with this missing link
Scribbling thoughts, almost kissing ink
Wanna break bad jink in one blink
Success comes from excess of stinks
It ain't easy when you work alone
But I got my crew (uh-huh) to get it on
So we keep, keep on and on and on
Living so wild like American born
I wanna climb to the peak, bring everybody with me
Everybody with me, come on, get down
Everybody with me, come on, get down
Sonic strums his guitar to the music.
Eve Hedgehog:
We can really get it done if you get down
What was so much of blurry vision
Turned into bright clear prospection
My instinct tells me to keep going forever
(going forever)
Everlasting moments of life, have a feeling
Minds craving more and more
Truly thinking you and I can do anything, we can change the world
Hey, sky's the limit, we can spread wings
To roads less traveled together we go
Anytime you need a hand, I will be there
I know that you'll be there for me because
It's breathtaking moments in life, addicted to it
Minds craving more and more
I'm believing you and I can do anything, we can change the world
Hey, sky's the limit, we can spread wings
To roads less traveled together we go
After hearing the song, everyone in the diner claps and cheers with excitement. Maria is especially happy to hear Eve play.
Sometime later outside of Uncle Chuck's diner, Knuckles is about to head back to Angel Island. However, Julie-Su objects to the idea.
"...or take just two of us. It isn't safe to go back to Angel Island alone," Julie-Su says, worried.
"I know that. That's part of the reason I'm going solo," Knuckles says.
Julie-Su growls in frustration, "Vector! You talk some sense into him!"
"I gotta admit she's got a point. That, and you made no sense just now," Vector says.
Knuckles says, "Look, I've stayed here this long because they needed me the extra help. Now that things are settling now, and Nicole's security system is alright, everyone is safe. I can afford some damage control back home," Knuckles says.
"It's our home, too, Knuckles. I'm begging you. And I don't beg! You'll need help!" Julie-Su says, worried.
"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Eve asks.
"I'm positive," Knuckles says.
"And how do you expect to get back to Angel Island. We only have a few Warp Rings left," Sonic says.
Knuckles then presents a green gem with a yellow star on it, "The Guiding Star Gem. It should be able to channel the Chaos Force and get me there."
"Why not take the White Chaos Emerald we recovered?" Sonic asks.
"You're kidding. If Knuckles take that thing to the island, it could be stolen by one of the three warring factions," Eve sternly says.
"Good point," Sonic says.
"I'll have dad there to back me up. I haven't got a word from him and that has me concerned, And I can only do that alone," Sonic says.
Julie-Su then hugs Knuckles, and Knuckles ruffles Julie-Su's hair.
"Once I make it to Angel Island…" Knuckles says.
"If you do," Julie-Su replies.
"Once I'm there, I'll contact you. If things get out of control, I'll call you in. Okay?" Knuckles says.
"No. But okay," Knuckles says.
Knuckles then uses the gem to create a portal. He waves goodbye to Julie-Su and his friends and goes through the portal.
Vector places his hand on Julie-Su's shoulder, "Don't worry, Su. Our boy can take care of himself."
"He better," Julie-Su says, worried and grits her teeth.
A little time later, Sonic, Eve, Sally, Tails, and Maria are with Julie-Su who is sitting next to the Power Ring Pool.
"Are you going to be okay, Julie-Su?" Eve asks.
"Not really. I still wish I could have gone with him," Julie-Su says.
"I know how you feel. I don't feel that Knuckles should be going back to the island alone. Not without any back up. With the Dark Legion on the island and the Dingo Regime, it could be dangerous," Eve says.
"Don't worry, Knuckles is a big boy. He can look after himself," Sonic says.
"I'm worried about Knuckles going back to the island alone as well, but it's not really my place to stop him. Plus, he knows that he also has his own duties as Guardian of Angel Island and he protects the Master Emerald," Sally says.
Julie-Su sighs, "I know. I just don't think it's right to allow him to go back alone with all the danger going on."
"I'm sure Knuckles will let us know if anything goes wrong. He's only been gone for an hour or so," Eve says.
"Yeah. What's the worse he can get himself into," Sonic says.
Suddenly, a robotic voice asks, "Where can I find, Knuckles?!"
The group turns their head and are left with the shock of their lives.
Sonic screams, "Heeeeyie! What is that?!"
What they see is a robotic echidna head that is flowing in the air.
"I do apologize for the fright, I'm afraid that I have taken on a different appearance since I've last seen you," The robotic echidna head says.
Eve becomes stunned and says, "Di-Dimitri? Is that you?"
"Yes, child. I know that it has been a while since our last encounter," Dimitri says.
Eve walks to Dimitri, "Maybe so, but… what happened? Lien-Da said you died, and you're just a head now?"
"And why do you need to know where Knuckles is. He left for Angel Island not long ago," Sonic says.
"I'll explain you all soon enough, but you must direct me to my grand-nephew, Knuckles. Enerjak has returned," Dimitri says.
The Freedom Fighters become stunned to hear Enerjak's name and the fact that he's going to return. This means big trouble for this team… big chaotic trouble.
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