Chapter 16
The following day after lunch, TK goes to see how Saya and her parents are doing after the previous scuffle with Elias. She walks up to the infirmary seeing Sophia still in front of the door. "You're going to burn yourself out if you keep this up." She said as Sophia lifts her head. TK could see the dark circles under her eyes.
"I refuse to take any chances." Sophia said stretching her arms, she was starting to feel sore from standing for so long, but she wasn't going to tell anyone that.
"Have her parents left yet?" TK asked as she shakes her head. She enters the room to hear them mid conversation with Saya.
"I really should stay here." Saya said as she notices TK walk over towards them, "Hey bud! What do you think my parents should do?" Her parents asked her if Saya wanted to come home, but she knew that wouldn't be possible. She also didn't want her parents to uproot their lives.
"Well, it's not like you can quit your jobs and hide in a bunker until this is all resolved. We don't even know how long fighting Eggman is going to take…" TK said,
"But they can't just keep putting you all in danger." Mr. Hedge said,
"They aren't putting us in danger, we chose this. Besides we're the only ones that can stop him." Saya said,
"You're looking better but try to take it easy." Dr. Q said to Kolt, finishing her checkup.
"Will do Doc, thanks," Kolt gets up and stands next to TK listening to the conversation,
"Why? Because you have these abilities?" Mrs. Hedge said, "I'm sure the military has weapons stronger than you all."
"Really? Kolt is stronger than a tank, TK is a genius, Caroline has super hearing, Brandy can control fire and Sophia is the Ultimate Lifeform. Plus, I'm the fastest thing alive so tell me exactly what this military weapon is I'd love to see it." Saya said sarcastically, Kolt was taken off guard for a moment hearing Saya use his actual name. He wanted to ask her about it but now didn't seem like the right time given the tension building in the room.
"You don't need to talk back to your mother." Mr. Hedge said,
"I'm sorry but you're both not seeing the big picture here. I was tortured, broken, experimented on, almost robotisized and made into a human puppet." She felt as if she was reliving everything that had happened, flashes taking over her thoughts. "I won't let that happen to anyone else…" They could all see her start to shake uncontrollably. Her breathing quickened to the point of almost hyperventilating, the memories of what happened taking over. Dr. Q rushes over recognizing what was happening and pushes everyone away.
"Everyone give her some room. Saya, I need you to think of something else." Dr. Q said as Saya grasps at her chest. It felt so tight like something heavy was squeezing her.
"Why… can't I… Breathe?" She gasps for breath, looking panicked.
"You're having a panic attack; we need to ground your thoughts… Think of something that relaxes you." Dr. Q placed her hands on Saya's shoulders to try and help the shaking.
"Like… what?" Saya asked,
"Running!" TK said as Dr. Q looks at her with a smile and nods.
"Alright, envision yourself running." Saya closed her eyes and tried to focus. "Fell your feet making contact with the earth. You're slowly gaining momentum. Feel the wind against your face as you run wherever you want unhindered." She said as Saya's breathing slowly calmed down,
"How?" Mr. Hedge asked looking shocked at how quickly she was able to help her,
"I'm not your ordinary Doctor." She said,
"Thanks Doc." Saya said with a weak smile still catching her breath, the tightness in her chest subsiding.
"It's why I'm here, now I'm going to ask all of you to leave for the day." Dr. Q said, "Saya needs rest and causing a panic attack is doing the opposite."
"We'll come by another day and check up on you." Mrs. Hedge said, she kisses her daughters forehead before Saya lays back down her entire body began to feel sore.
"Please let Elias' men protect you," Saya said,
"We will for now." Mr. Hedge said as they leave the infirmary.
"We'll escort you." TK said walking with Kolt as Saya's parents follow.
"We shouldn't have pushed so much…" Mrs. Hedge said,
"What did she mean by robotisized?" Mr. Hedge asked them. Kolt and TK glance at one another partially not wanting to scare them.
"Eggman has a machine that can turn living organisms into robots." TK said,
"And that almost happened?" Mrs. Hedge said sounding horrified,
"We should have never allowed you girls to come here." Mr. Hedge said sounding regretful for giving Saya permission to be here under the false pretense of being protected,
"If I may sir," Kolt said, "You're blaming the wrong people. This is Eggman's fault and no one else's. He would have come after Saya even if we weren't here. He came to my school before I even knew I was Knuckles."
"Besides, Saya would have continued fighting regardless if she was here or not." TK added, as they walk into the computer room. Elias turns towards them after hearing them enter.
"Come to punch me again Mr. Hedge?" Elias asked,
"Not today, but we would like to leave." He responded trying not to sound angry,
"Very well, my men will escort you home and while you are there, we will have four men posted at your house, two assigned to each of you and they will protect you while you are at work or running errands so you don't have to worry." Elias said,
"Won't that bring more attention to ourselves?" Mrs. Hedge asked,
"You're already famous with Saya's miracle recovery so it'll be easy to play it off as security to keep the paparazzi away." Sally said as some solders escort Saya's parent's home.
"TK, you look troubled," Elias noticed her worried look,
"It's Saya… She just had a panic attack…"
"Saya's been through a lot, a panic attack should be the least of our worries. But Dr. Q will take good care of her." Elias reassures her and she nods before leaving the computer room,
That night Saya wakes up disoriented and confused, she couldn't remember where she was. She climbs out of the bet feeling panicked not seeing any windows to tell her where she was and walks towards the door. She opens the door to see Sophia standing there leaning against the wall. "Sophia?" Saya said feeling relaxed seeing a familiar face as she remembers that she's back at Freedom HQ. Sophia wakes up from dozing off hearing her voice.
"Saya? What are you doing out of bed?" She turns towards her with a yawn.
"I could ask you the same thing, it's the middle of the night." Saya said,
"I… You first." Sophia said noticing she was deflecting.
"I was hungry?" She shrugs as Sophia looks at her with disbelief, "Actually… I could really use some fresh air," She looked away avoiding eye contact knowing she wouldn't like that response, Sophia lets out a sigh.
"C'mon, we can go to the roof." Sophia said, "You okay to walk?" She stands straight and waits for her response looking her over intently,
"Oh yeah, I feel perfectly fine." Saya smiles closing the Infirmary door. Sophia turns and begins to walk down the hallway as Saya followed after her. "So, you going to answer my question?"
"Nope," She said as Saya pouts, they get to the ladder and Sophia waits for Saya to climb up first. She didn't really believe that Saya was fine, they both climb up and get outside. Saya takes a deep breath as she sees the stars immediately feeling relaxed.
"This is way better than staying in a windowless room." She said sitting at the edge with her legs dangling over the side. "Going to be honest I was starting to feel trapped." Sophia sits next to her still watching Saya closely,
"That's understandable," Sophia said, "Just remember that you're not trapped here."
"I know, just under guard," Saya looked at her with a teasing grin, Sophia looks away from her feeling rather called out by that comment. "Worried I'll turn into Dark Sonic?"
"No…" She turns back, "That you'll disappear." Saya looks shocked at how open she was being with her.
"I'm so sorry that happened." Saya remembers Sophia's tear-filled smile just before Eggman snatched her away again. "But I promise I'm not going anywhere," She smirks remembering all the times Sophia had yelled at her for being reckless. "And you can finally lecture me about being right. I should have been more careful."
"I don't need to say anything, I think you've learned your lesson." Sophia smirked back, Saya leans over to her and nudges Sophia with her elbow.
"Definitely!" She chuckles,
"We should go back, if anyone notices you're not in bed the whole base will panic." Sophia said pulling Saya to her feet.
"How much longer do you think Doc will keep me on bed rest?" Saya moaned as they climbed down the ladder."
"Forever if we're caught." Sophia teased,
"Race ya back?" She smiles,
"You shouldn't be running yet." She said as Saya walks backwards in front of her,
"Oh c'mon, don't tell me you're afraid to lose." Saya egged her on,
"Once you're cleared by the Doc, we can race all you want." Sophia sighs,
"Fine!" She rolls her eyes as they get back to the infirmary, "You going to come in or just stand at the door?" Saya opens the door waiting for Sophia to walk in with her. She hesitates for a moment then enters the infirmary with her.
That morning Kolt goes to check on Saya, he never got to ask her how she knew his name yesterday because he wanted to let her rest. He enters the infirmary to see Saya asleep in her bed and Sophia was asleep in the chair next to her. He sees Dr. Q wave to him and presses her finger against her lips as they both quietly walk outside not to wake them, "Man, TK wasn't kidding when she said Sophia won't let Saya out of her sight." Kolt said quietly,
"I tried to get her to go to bed last night but she wouldn't budge. At least I know she got some sleep, and that Saya stayed put." Dr. Q said with a sigh. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, I just wanted to come see how Saya was doing." He said,
"I think we better let them sleep a little longer. Maybe one of you can convince Sophia to leave Saya's side for a bit and eat some food after she wakes up." She said going back into the Infirmary. Kolt lets out a sigh followed by a nod and heads to the kitchen where the others were setting up for breakfast.
"Good morning Kolt," Caroline said with a smile, he could tell they all had a pep in their step.
"Morning,"
"Have you seen Sophia?" TK asked,
"She's in the infirmary with Saya, guess she decided to watch over her all night." Kolt said sitting down,
"All night?" Caroline asked surprised giving Brandy a look,
"I knew she was worried about Saya, but to think she'd be this frightened to let her out of her sight…" Brandy said,
"We weren't there when they raced, she looked really shaken up when we caught up to her." TK said,
"Should we be worried?" Kolt asked,
"Only if someone tries to hurt Saya," Brandy jokes as they start to eat,
"Should we bring Sophia some food?" Caroline asked,
"No, Dr. Q wants her to step away from Saya for a bit, I'll see if I can convince her to come eat if I keep an eye on Saya for her." Kolt said,
"That's a good idea," TK said,
Kolt finishes his food and heads back to the infirmary. He opens the door to see Sophia awake watching over Saya. He waves her over as she stands up and walks over to him.
"What?" Sophia asked quietly trying not to wake up Saya,
"There's food in the kitchen, I can keep an eye on Saya while you grab something to eat." Kolt said,
"I'll pass," She turns to go sit back down but he stops her.
"Hey, I don't think you've eaten since we got back. Let us help keep her safe." Kolt said as Sophia notices Dr. Q give her a look. She lets out a sigh.
"Fine, I'll be right back." Sophia said leaving, Dr. Q silently words to Kolt a thank you as he sits next to Saya.
Sophia walks into the kitchen with a quiet huff, Caroline notices her right away and smiles as she hands her a plate of food.
"Morning!" She said,
"Morning," Sophia responds, Caroline could see the dark circles underneath Sophia's eyes,
"I'll make some coffee." Caroline said walking over to the coffee pot.
"Thanks," She said sitting down and starting to eat, "Where are the others?"
"TK went to tune up the Tornado and Brandy went to go talk to Tikal." She said,
"Sounds good," Sophia said continuing to eat.
"You should try to get some more rest, I think Kolt can keep an eye on Saya." Caroline said. Sophia was quickly piecing together that they all were wanting her to ease back.
"Seems everyone thinks that…" Sophia said with a sigh, "Fine but only for a few hours." Sophia understood that she probably seemed overbearing but out of anything she just wanted to keep Saya safe.
"That's all I ask."
A bit of time passes and Saya stirs awake, she turns towards where she remembered Sophia was sitting to see Kolt instead, "You're not the broody hedgehog that was sitting there before." She said waking up with a stretch and a yawn,
"Did I disappoint you?" He joked,
"No, was just expecting her to never move." She sits up, "Oh, I guess we finally get to introduce ourselves. I'm Saya," She smiles
"I'm Kolt… But you already knew that didn't you?" He asked feeling a little awkward bringing it up,
"Yeah… Egghead kinda let it slip." Saya said looking away. "Can I ask how you know each other?"
"I don't know Eggman, I knew his reincarnation, Professor Ivo. He was my science teacher in college." He explained,
"Dude, that's rough…" She said,
"Yeah, it was a shock when I first transformed." He said as she turns towards him waiting expectantly for him to tell her the story, "You really want to know?"
"Hey, I'm on permanent bed rest until told otherwise." Saya said giving Dr. Q a look.
"If you stay in bed and I don't see any changes, you'll be allowed to go later today." Dr. Q said, coming over to draw another sample of blood. She notices the Saya tries to stop herself from flinching away from the needle. She takes the sample quickly and walks away.
"See? Now you have to keep me company, so this day goes by faster," Saya said with a smile as he lets out a sigh and begins telling her the story.
They all keep to themselves for the majority of the day, Kolt stayed with Saya telling her how his start here took some taking used to and how they were able to complete the Master Emerald. After Lunch, Dr. Q comes back after testing a sample of Saya's blood to let her know the results. "It looks like all of your bloodwork has come back normal," She said, "You're free to go, but you're only allowed to train. You can't go on missions for a bit." Saya jumps out of the bed the second she said she was free to go."
"No missions, got it." She said,
"And I want you to go talk to Tikal, she wants to check on you." She said,
"Can do doc, anything else?" Saya was literally hopping in place wanting to move around.
"Daily checkups."
"Daily checkups?" She slumps her shoulders then rolls her eyes, "Fine!" She walks towards the door.
"Mind if I tag along?" Kolt asked,
"Not at all!" She said with a smile as they walk towards the Alter room, "Think we should tell the others I'm out of the infirmary?"
"We can tell them after you see Tikal. I don't think this will take too long." Kolt said opening the door as they enter the room.
"Hey Tikal!" Saya called out as they walk up to the Master Emerald,
"Sonic!" She calls out as she appears and hugs her taking Saya by surprise being able to feel her,
"Whoa! I didn't know spirits could give hugs." Saya joked, But she also knew there was no real warmth coming off of Tikal. Just the presence of Chaos energy.
"It's because the Master Emerald is whole again." Kolt said,
"I'm so glad you're back." Tikal said,
"You and me both. So what's up?" Saya asked,
"I wanted to make sure you were okay." She smiles,
"That's it?" Saya looked confused but also a little skeptical,
"No, I want to make sure you're free from the Dark Chaos. To give you some peace of mind." She said,
"How did you?" She pauses, "Right, you see us by our souls. Well? How do I look?" She does a little turn showing her signature grin that makes Tikal giggle.
"At least I know your sense of taking things seriously hasn't changed." Kolt teased shaking his head. After what he saw happen to her yesterday he was worried she wasn't the bright light he first met in Eggman's underwater base that had captivated him.
"What's the fun in being serious? I leave that to Sophia." She smirked as Tikal looks Saya up and down,
"I do not see any Dark Chaos energy within you, but I want to try one thing. Would you mind transforming?" Tikal said as Saya stops spinning,
"Transform?" Her face goes white as the fears of turning into Dark Sonic start flooding her thoughts.
"Hey, if you're not ready to transform you don't have to." Kolt said noticing her discomfort fearing that she might have another panic attack. She snaps out of it and shakes her hand.
"No." She clenched her fist fighting the fear she started to feel bottling up inside her, "I can't let this stop me. The longer I wait the more difficult it will be. But we should grab the others…"
"I'll message them to meet us here." Kolt said taking out his phone, Saya lets out a sigh as the door bursts open taking them all by surprise. Sophia was at the door with a concerned and angry look.
"Well, don't have to message one of them…" Saya chuckles as Sophia storms up to her,
"You didn't tell anyone you left the infirmary." She glared,
"Dr. Q gave me the green light and we were going to go find you after, Tikal wanted to talk to me." Saya said slightly hiding behind Kolt as Sophia lets out a sigh,
"Others are on their way." Kolt said,
"Why?" Sophia asked,
"Tikal wants to make sure the Dark Chaos is completely out of me… but to do that I need to transform, and I don't want to take any chances… just in case." Saya said as the others walk into the room.
"Saya!" TK calls out as she runs up and hugs her,
"Hey guys!" She smiles,
"It's good to see you walking around," Brandy said,
"You all knew Doc couldn't keep me in the infirmary for long." She laughs,
"Saya are you sure you're ready for this?" Sophia asked, pulling her back to their conversation. Sophia wanted Saya to have her confidence in transforming returned… But she was also worried Saya might turn back into Dark Sonic.
"Nope! But I can't let fear hold me down. I have to keep moving forward." Saya said,
"We've got your back, no matter what happens." Kolt said as Saya nods to him. TK lets go of Saya as she takes a long deep breath.
"The seven servers are the seven Chaos, Chaos is power, power enriched by the heart, the heart is the controller, the controller serves to unify the Chaos. Chaos Control." She said, she's engulfed in a warm blue light as she transforms into Sonic. They all look closely at her eyes as she opens them to show their Emerald green color.
"How do you feel?" Caroline asked,
"I feel great!" Sonic smiles looking relieved that nothing bad happened, Tikal flies around her looking at her closely, "Well Tikal? Don't keep us waiting."
"I don't see any Dark Chaos." Tikal said with a smile,
"Sweet!" Sonic jumps for joy, "Hey Red, wanna see who's the strongest?" She grins looking at Kolt. Tt took him a moment to remember that was one of the many nicknames Sonic gave him.
"Ha! You're on Blue!" He said transforming,
"Meet you in the training room," She said as she's gone in a blink.
"Hey! I can't run that fast!" Knuckles said running after her, the others are about to follow when Tikal stops them.
"What's wrong?" Brandy asked,
"The Dark Chaos is gone, but her soul…it's almost like it has an echo… as if something was behind her." Tikal explained but looked puzzled herself.
"What does that mean?" TK asked,
"Will it hurt her?" Sophia asked,
"I do not believe so, but I fear informing her about it will give the echo a life of its own." Tikal said,
"Another secret? This is what got us into this mess." Brandy said,
"I know… but if that echo becomes more present, it might destroy her from the inside. I need time to see into her further. But the echo only appeared after she transformed." Tikal said disappearing,
"What do we do Sophia?" Caroline said,
"First, I tell Elias and Dr. Q. Then we act like nothing's wrong, as long as Saya doesn't know about the echo she'll be fine." Sophia said leaving the alter room and reading to go see Elias.
Sophia found Elias in the Computer room talking to Dr. Q as they watched the security camera on the training room where they could see Sonic and Knuckles sparing. "They're being a little rough don't you think?" Elias asked sounding concerned watching Knuckles throw Sonic across the room.
"Saya needs to feel comfortable as Sonic again, to think she was able to transform so quickly without incident is a good sign," Dr. Q said, they see Sonic on the screen get back up to her feet with a cocky smile on her face as she spin dashes Knuckles into the ground.
"Good, you're both here." Sophia said,
"Everything alright Sophia?" Elias said,
"We need to talk about Saya." Sophia said explaining to them what Tikal just told her,
"We'll do what Tikal said for now," Dr. Q said, "But if it is only around when she's Sonic it'll be harder to keep an eye on."
"For now she's not allowed to go on missions." Elias said,
"Wait what?" Sophia said sounding surprised, "Are you sure that's wise?"
"Seeing Eggman or fighting in a real battle this quickly might do more harm than good, I would like for her to at least sit out the next mission." Dr. Q said, "I had already informed her she's not allowed to go on missions, and she seemed fine with it."
"I don't think that will last for very long." Sophia said, "She already feels trapped," She also didn't like the thought of leaving Saya here without her.
"When did she tell you that?" Elias asked,
"Last night, I caught her trying to leave the infirmary."
"Why that little!" Dr. Q looks angry, then takes a breath. "We can't blame her for that, she's been through a lot."
"For now we keep with the plan, if Saya starts getting stir crazy we'll figure out how to make that go away. Let's just focus on keeping her safe." Elias said as they all look up at the monitor watching Sonic and Knuckles spar with smiles on their faces.
A week and a half goes by and Saya has been recovering quickly. There hasn't been any sign of Eggman giving them some time to relax. Brandy walked by the track to see Saya running with Kolt who was struggling to keep up with her. "Morning Brandy! Care to join us on a little jog?" Saya asked walking over to her,
"She says little jog… but that's the tenth time she's done this track…" Kolt said catching his breath. "Man I'm outta shape…"
"Oh, ten isn't that many." Saya said rolling her eyes,
"How many laps have you done?" Brandy asked Kolt,
"Three…" He said as both Saya and Brandy hold in their urge to laugh,
"Good thing we weren't racing for real. I would have beat you two hours ago." She teased,
"Shouldn't you be taking it easy?" Brandy asked,
"What? I haven't even broken a sweat, how is this not taking it easy?" Saya argued as Brandy looks her over, she wasn't even breathing heavily after running ten laps.
"At least let me rest… I don't have your stamina…" Kolt said sitting down with a heavy sigh,
"Aw, c'mon Kolt you gotta keep going!" Saya tried to cheer him on,
"My thing is strength not speed, I just need to work my arms," Kolt said,
"But if the only thing you work on is your arms, your legs won't match the rest of your body." She argued,
"Then you'd be Muscles the Echidna." Brandy joked as Saya started laughing uncontrollably.
"Muscles, oh man! Good one Brandy." She continued to laugh almost in tears from how hard she was laughing.
"Then what about you? Same thing still applies," He countered,
"But I work on my arms…" She said holding up her slender arms trying to make it look like there is muscle there, "Sadly, no matter how much I attempt to lift my arms won't get any stronger."
"What are you all up to?" Sophia asked walking up to them.
"Making fun of Kolt." Saya said with a smile,
"Oh, is that all?" She said with a light chuckle,
"Hey!" Kolt glared, "Why do you all have to gang up on me?"
"Making up for lost time." Saya grins, Kolt turns his head away with a huff.
"Looks like you're all having fun in here." Caroline said walking up seeing them all grouped together talking,
"Don't tell me you're also going to pick on me," Kolt lowers his head,
"I wasn't planning on it." Caroline said looking at all of them confused,
"Relax, the teasing will end eventually." Sophia said as Saya shakes her head behind Kolt silently mouthing, no it doesn't. He quickly turns around sensing her up to something as she stops and smiles at him.
"I'll believe it when I see it." He said crossing his arms,
"What's everyone grouped around for?" TK said entering the room.
"Just giving Kolt a hard time." Saya looks at all of her friends around her feeling relieved to see all of them together. "It's so weird having all six of us together." Saya said with a smile,
"Better get used to it cuz you're not getting rid of us that easy." Sophia joked,
"I'd never get rid of you." She smiles as they all smile back. The alarms go off taking them off guard.
"Looks like the world needs saving." TK said, Saya looks away feeling a little left out not being able to join them all. Sophia puts her hand on Saya's shoulder.
"Elias wants you to stay in the Alter room while we're on a mission. Stay there till we come get you." She said as Saya nods,
"You all better come back in one piece!" Saya said running off.
"I hate leaving her here alone…" Caroline said, they all could feel how sad she felt walking away from them.
"She's not cleared for combat. We'll just have to take on Eggman until Dr. Q gives her the okay." Sophia said as they head to the computer room.
"What's going on Sally?" TK asked,
"Eggman's been spotted in Station Square. He's causing a huge scene with a massive robot." Sally said,
"What's he up to now?" Kolt asked,
"Doesn't matter, we take him down regardless." Sophia said,
"Is Saya in the Alter room?" Elias asked as they all nod. "Good, you're free to go." They all transform and head to the Tornado flying towards Station Square.
Saya walks up and sits at the top of the Alter next to the Master Emerald watching the door as she lets out a heavy sigh. Tikal appears next to her and sits down, "Everything alright Sonic?"
"Yeah, I know they all want to keep me safe… but it's starting to feel suffocating." She said wrapping her arms around her legs and resting her head on her knees curled into a ball. All she wanted to do more than anything was run unhindered.
"Give them time, they just got you back." Tikal said,
"I know, but I want to help kick Eggheads butt too…" She pouts,
"They'll be plenty of time for that," She chuckles,
At station Square the Freedom Fighters land the Tornado and see Eggman flying next to a large robot. "Ah! So nice of you to show up Freedom Fighters." Eggman said looking around, "And no Sonic?"
"She doesn't need to be here to take you down." Tails said sounding confident, They had lasted over a month without Saya. She knew they could continue doing that for a few more missions.
"Still afraid I'll take her from you, eh? Keeping her locked away in your secret base must be torturing her." He taunted as both Knuckles and Shadow clench their fists. "Then I'll save my surprise for later. Have fun with my new robot." He laughs as he flies away,
"Tch, coward." Shadow said, looking insulted that Robotnik ran off before the fight had even begun.
"So he did just make a scene to lure out Sonic…" Cream said,
"let's finish this thing quickly," Blaze said as they charge the bot. It swings its hammer arm down as Tails grabs Knuckles' hand and flies him up to the head. Cream and Blaze keep it distracted while Shadow teleports to the head standing next to Tails.
"You got this?" She asked as Tails nods,
"Knuckles, I need you to make a hole right here." She pointed as Shadow teleports back down to help Cream and Blaze. Knuckles punches a hole and removes his hand, "I'm going to need a minute to shut this thing down." Tails grabs the wires and begins tweaking with them. The other robot hand reaches for Tails and Knuckles punches it away.
"I got your back," He gives her a thumbs up,
"Thanks!" Tails said continuing to work. The fight was going smoothly, too smoothly for Blazes liking. Something that Eggman said was troubling her as she stops. A chill runs down her spine as she remembers something… Something they all should have realized sooner.
"Tails! Hurry up!" Blaze called out looking panicked, dodging another swing from the robot.
"I'm going as fast as I can." Tail said sounding frustrated for being rushed as Knuckles knocks the hand away again,
"You don't understand! We have to get back! Now!" Blaze said,
"Why?" Cream asked,
"Eggman knows where our base is!" She said as they all stop for a moment,
"No…" Shadow said as their faces go white for a moment,
Back at Freedom HQ, Saya was circling the Master Emerald as Tikal sat on top of the Emerald and watched her. "I can't take this! How did Knuckles spend years on Angel Island just sitting here?" She said flailing her arms with a huff,
"It was his job as guardian." Tikal said,
"But it's so boring!" Saya said. All of a sudden, there's a loud noise causing the building to shake for a moment as dust falls from the ceiling as if something hit it from the outside. "Uh… What was that?"
"I do not know." Tikal said moving off of the Master Emerald and standing closer to Saya. They look around at the ceiling trying to figure out what the noise is. The door bursts open as Sally and Elias run inside carrying weapons taking them both off guard.
"Good you're safe." Elias said,
"Yeah, I'm kinda stuck in here?" Saya said. An explosion goes off above them as a hole is made to the outside, "What the heck?"
"Oh, ho, ho! Just where I thought it was!" Eggman said flying into the room as two Swatbots jump in.
"Eggman…" Tikal said shocked,
"Stay back Tikal," Saya said, taking a defensive position in front of her.
"Good, I was hoping it wouldn't take long to find you my dear." He said with a grin,
"What are you doing here?" She asked, If Eggman was here where are the others?
"Did you already forget Saya? You told me everything." He laughs as she had completely forgotten that Dark Sonic gave him all the information he needed. "Now, surrender and hand over the Master Emerald."
"Not going to happen Egghead." Saya glared,
"I thought you'd say that, so I brought you a little surprise." He snaps his fingers as a robot appears next to him it looked almost humanoid but had elongated clawed arms and large eyes. She recognized the form of this robot immediately.
"No…" Saya's face turns white with shock but then it turns to anger, "You monster!" She yelled as he laughed,
"Do you like Spira's upgrade?" He asked gesturing to her,
"Spira?" Elias said, "The leader of the Zarkon?" Eggman turns looking towards Elias and Sally wondering who was interrupting them.
"Oh! You must be the Cornella's. The guardians of the Master Emerald after your parents'… accident." He smiles,
"How does he know about that?" Sally asked Elias trying not to look shocked,
"Not the time. We need to get Saya out of here." Elias said,
"I'd love to hear more about it, but I came here for a reason. Now Metal Spira, bring me Saya. I'll grab the Master Emerald." Eggman said as a large claw drops from the bottom of his flying craft.
"Chaos Control!" Tikal said as time stops all around except for her and Saya. Saya looks around shocked seeing everything around her unmoving. "Hurry and transform, I can't hold this for long."
"Right!" Saya said snapping out of it then transforming into Sonic. Time starts again as Metal Spira crashes into her throwing them both away from the Master Emerald. "Elias, Sally! Keep Eggman away from the Emerald! I'll keep Spira busy." Sonic said kicking Spira away from her then spin dashing her in the chest,
"On it!" Elias started shooting at Eggman,
"Bringing a gun to a robot fight? Not your best idea." He said. He presses a button as the two Swatbots walk towards them.
"Sally to the Freedom Fighters, We're under attack! Get back here as soon as you can." Sally said over her headset as she fires at the robots.
"We're on our way now, hold on!" Tails said over the headset.
"The others are on their way back." Sally said out loud so Sonic could hear it.
"Good… Cuz I'm going to need a hand here…" She said as her and Metal Spira were in a stale mate. Metal Spira lets go and grabs Sonic by the wrists then throws her across the room.
"Damnit! We're such idiots!" Shadow said as they are flying to freedom HQ, "How did we forget that Dark Sonic literally told us Eggman was watching our base?"
"It's why Eggman didn't attack right away. He was giving us a false sense of security thinking Saya was finally safe. But we can beat ourselves up later. What's the plan?" Tails asked looking at Shadow seeing she looked panicked and angry trying to get her to focus,
"Eggman's gotta be after the Master Emerald." Knuckles said,
"I hope Saya's okay…" Cream said.
"She can handle herself until we get there." Blaze said,
"Our priority is Saya and the Master Emerald. Knuckles, you secure the Master Emerald while the rest of us support Saya and the others. Tails, get the Tornado back to the hangar bay after we're all engaged in battle and meet up with us." Shadow said as they all nod.
Sonic runs back to Metal Spira and pins her against the wall, "I know you're in there Spira. You gotta fight back!" Sonic pleaded giving a sorrowful look but there was no response.
"You and I both know she can't hear you," Eggman laughed as he hovers over the Master Emerald.
"No!" Sonic yells getting distracted as Metal Spira breaks out of her grip and kicks Sonic away. The giant claw lowers and opens to grab the Master Emerald. Elias runs up the Alter and shoots at the claw trying to break it.
"You nuisance!" Eggman said swinging the claw. He tries to get out of the way but there wasn't enough room as the claw strikes through one of the Alter pillars hitting Elias and throwing him off of the Alter.
"Elias!" Sally called out as she dodges the attacks from the two robots. The claw grabs the Master Emerald and lifts it off the Alter.
"Stop playing and restrain her Metal Spira!" Eggman said, "The Freedom Fighters will be back any moment,"
"I'm not letting you take the Master Emerald!" Sonic said running up the Alter and jumping towards the Emerald. If she could just touch it, she knew she could teleport it away from Eggman. But just before her fingers make purchase with the Master Emerald, Metal Spira flies up and grabs her.
"Oh, ho, ho!" Eggman laughs, "Jumping in the air was a mistake Sonic." Sonic struggles to get free of Metal Spira's long metallic claws what gripped her waist tightly. She stops noticing something behind Eggman and grins. "What's that look for? I've won." He looks at her confused and frustrated, hating that cocky grin.
"Because the calvaries here." She said as he turns around to see the Twin Tornado heading towards them.
"Crap." He said,
"Eggman! Put down the Master Emerald!" Knuckles raged,
"You guys have great timing!" Sonic said sounding relieved to see them,
"A…All of you stop! I already have Sonic as my hostage!" Eggman tried to get them to stop,
"Chaos Control!" Shadow warped next to Sonic and strikes Metal Spira's arms knocking Sonic free.
"Aw yeah! Let's give him the fast ball special!" Sonic said as Shadow grabs her hand and spins throwing Sonic at the top of the claw, she spin dashes through it freeing the Master Emerald. Knuckles flies off the Tornado while Cream flies Blaze down so they can help Elias and Sally. Knuckles catches the Master Emerald as it begins to fall and flies it down to a corner of the room.
"Tikal are you okay?" He asked looking over the Master Emerald,
"I'm alright." Tikal said appearing.
"Good," Knuckles lets out a sigh of relief.
"Looks like you lose Egghead!" Sonic said. She lands on the ground as Metal Spira appears in front of her getting ready to strike.
"I haven't lost yet Hedgehog!" Eggman said as Shadow warps next to Sonic pushing her back,
"I'll destroy your robot before you can even try!" Shadow yelled. Her entire body began to radiate red energy as she was about to unleash a Chaos Blast.
"Shadow no!" realizing what she was charging up, Sonic dashed in front of Shadow guarding Metal Spira from the attack she was about to let off.
"What are you doing? Move!" Shadow yelled still charging up Chaos energy,
"I won't let you destroy Spira!" Sonic yelled back taking her off guard as the glow around Shadow fades,
"What?" She said looking confused looking back and forth between Sonic and Metal Spira,
"Now that she says that… I see the resemblance." Blaze said as her and Cream finish off the Swatbots, Tails flies into the room to join the fighting.
"Sonic behind you!" Tails called out as Sonic turns around in time to see Metal Spira reaching for her, she jumps back next to Shadow.
"She's been robotisized…" Sonic said, "We can't destroy her." Shadow looks conflicted after all that Spira and the Zarkon did to them why was Sonic so adamant to protect her? Metal Spira swings at them again and they both jump back.
"Then how do you intend to fight?" Shadow asked sounding annoyed,
"She's after me, I'll keep her distracted while you get Eggman." Sonic said,
"If she hurts you, I will destroy her." Shadow said,
"She'll have to catch me first." Sonic gave her a thumbs up as she looks at Tails, "You got my back bud?"
"I've got you Sonic!" Tails said as Sonic winks then starts to run, Metal Spira flies after her as Shadow runs towards Eggman and Tails follows after Spira.
"Now, Now Shadow, you're going to miss all the fun if you come after me." He presses a button as three more Swatbots appear. "Besides, who will protect your friends?" Sally was helping Elias get to his feet, Blaze and Cream were guarding them and Knuckles was guarding the Master Emerald.
"You're not laying a hand on my Emerald!" Knuckles said running up to one of the bots. The door to the Alter room swings open as Dr. Q walks into the chaos wondering what all the noise was about.
"What in the world?" She looked around shocked,
"Helen, get out of here!" Elias yelled as she sees him injured and runs over to him, trying not to get hit by one of the Swatbots.
"Not without you," She said taking him from Sally and pulling his arm over her shoulder helping him to the door.
"It looks like more of your friends have joined the fight, Maybe I should add some friends too." Two more robots show up. "What will it be Shadow? Me? Or your friends?" He grins as she stops knowing she can't fight him while she worried about her friends. She quickly turns back to help them. Eggman turns towards Metal Spira as she chases Sonic around the room while Tails tries to keep up.
"Damnit, you shouldn't be here…" Elias said as Dr. Q continues trying to get them away from the fight.
"Neither should you." She argued as Sally shot at the robots heading towards them.
"Sally look out!" Cream called out as Shadow strikes the robot charging at them down,
"You three get out of here! We can't fight and help Sonic if you're all in danger." Shadow said as they nod, Shadow, Cream and Blaze cover them as they escape.
"Metal Spira, Change targets!" Eggman said, he knew chasing after Sonic wouldn't get very far with her speed so trying to distract her and take her off guard would be his next tactic. Metal Spira stops and turns around charging towards Tails,
"Hey!" Sonic suddenly stops and runs towards Metal Spira realizing who her new target was, "Tails look out!" Tails dodges out of the way as Metal Spira makes a grab for her. But then Spira strikes her in the back making her crash into the ground.
"Now Metal Spira!" Eggman said as Metal Spira dives at Tails,
"No!" Sonic cries out terrified that Tails was going to get hurt as she burst speeds faster than she's ever managed to in the past and spin dashes at Metal Spira taking off her arm. She jumps in front of Tails and guards her, her green eyes seemed to glow with rage as her spines puff out defensively.
"You didn't have to damage her!" Eggman said as Metal Spira stops, sparks coming out of her shoulder where her arm used to be, "It looks like I'll have to repair her, you got off easy today Sonic!" Eggman said as he disappears along with all the robots including Metal Spira, the metallic arm remaining on the ground in front of her. The glow from Sonic's eyes dims and her spines relax as she turns to Tails,
"You okay?" Sonic asked helping her to her feet, looking her over worried.
"Yeah, I'll be okay. Thanks for the save." Tails said with a cough, Metal Spira's hits we nothing to laugh at.
"I always got your back." She said putting her hand on Tails' shoulder, she could tell Sonic's hand was shaking,
"Sonic?" She looks at her worried as Sonic lifts her hand from Tails' shoulder seeing her hand tremble.
"I'm okay… Just angry." Sonic said grabbing her hand trying to get it to stop shaking. She wouldn't say it out loud, but she was terrified.
"Everyone alright?" Knuckles called out,
"We're okay." Cream said as She helps Blaze back to her feet.
"Let's get to the infirmary and meet up with the others." Shadow said as Cream and Blaze head down the hallway with Knuckles behind them carrying the Master Emerald. Tails grabs the robotic arm to look at later.
Shadow waits for Tails and Sonic to get to the door. She grabs Sonic by her collar and pulls her close looking enraged, "What the hell was that? That was reckless!"
"You were charging a Chaos Blast; I wasn't going to let you destroy her!" Sonic argued,
"And your instinct was to jump in front of it? What if I had already released the blast? You could have gotten hurt!" She continued to yell not understanding why she would do something so stupid for an enemy no less.
"So what? I can heal! If you destroy Spira it's game over for her!" Sonic yelled back looking infuriated grabbing Shadow by her collar.
"I don't give a damn about her! Eggman almost took you again!" Shadow said, her anger and fear taking over as they both start clenching their fists ready to start fighting each other.
"Both of you stop it!" Tails yelled forcing her arms between them and pushing them apart. "We need to go make sure Elias is okay." They glare at one another for a moment before both looking away.
"Fine, C'mon Tails." Sonic said walking down the hallway. Shadow steps next to the wall and punches it trying to release all of her rage leaving a hole in the wall then follows after them.
They all get to the infirmary as Dr. Q is wrapping up Elias' arm, Knuckles was in the corner checking over the Master Emerald.
"Are you alright Sonic?" Cream asked as she runs up and hugs her,
"I'm fine, you all made it just before things started to get a little dicey." She joked, "How you feeling Elias?"
"I'll be fine…" he said as he winces in pain,
"After you heal from a broken arm and a concussion." Dr. Q said with a huff, "Is anyone else hurt?"
"Just a little bruised but nothing serious." Tails said as Shadow walks into the room. Sonic and Shadow give each other a glare then look away from one another as Sonic walks over to the Master Emerald.
"You okay Knux?" Sonic asked as they all transform back,
"Yeah, just angry." Kolt said, "I should have been here, the Master Emerald wouldn't have been in danger…"
"This is my fault… When I was…" She pauses for a moment then takes a deep breath, "When I was Dark Sonic, I told Eggman everything. I had completely forgotten…" She turns away from them avoiding their gaze.
"You have nothing to blame yourself for Saya." Sally said,
"We were planning to move Freedom HQ anyway; this just moves the time frame up." Elias said,
"When were you going to tell the rest of us this plan?" Sophia said,
"After it was finalized." Elias said, "We need to start preparations." He said starting to stand up,
"Absolutely not! Sally can work on that, you need rest." Dr. Q said moving him back onto the bed,
"You all should go pack your belongings, we'll be moving out as soon as possible." Sally said,
"I'm not letting the Master Emerald out of my sight," Kolt said crossing his arms.
"Saya will guard the Emerald while you grab your stuff Kolt," Elias said, "Besides, I need to have a word with her. Alone."
"Fine, but I'll be right back." He said in a huff as they all leave.
"What did you want to talk about?" Saya asked walking over to him,
"Are you okay?" He asked, as she looked shocked at his question half not knowing how to answer. "That was a really close call."
"I…" She looks away hiding the tears that were trying to well up in her eyes, "I'd be lying if I said I was fine… but at the same time, if I wasn't benched, I wouldn't have been here to hold back Eggman from getting the Master Emerald."
"I'm glad you were here." Elias said putting his hand on her shoulder. "Sally and I would have been in a lot of trouble without you." She turns back and smiles at him. "We can talk about Spira when we get to the new base," He lays down,
"Yes sir…" She said looking back at the Master Emerald. She didn't know how to tell Elias that she was terrified during that fight. Seeing Spira robotisized brought back all the terrible things Eggman did to her and it was starting to make her angry. How can she fight at full strength if there's a chance she could hurt Spira again? She was starting to second guess herself and didn't know who to talk to.