Chapter 20
That evening TK met up with Sophia and Spira in the computer room to discuss the plan. She felt a little uncomfortable doing a secret mission. But at the same time she was excited. "Are you ready to go TK?" Sophia asked,
"I think so." She said as Sophia transforms, "Where is Eggman's base at?"
"It's up the coastline near Diamond City." Shadow said,
"And you're feeling alright?" She asked Spira as she transforms into Tails,
"Yes, I would like to rescue my comrades as soon as possible. Though, I do not understand why Sonic is not joining. Her skills would be most helpful."
"We're trying to do this quietly, she's anything but quiet." Shadow said,
"That is a fair point," Spira said,
"C'mon, let's go meet up with Omega in the Hangar bay and get ready to leave. We'll be going halfway by helicopter then by boat." She explained as they followed her. They get there to see Omega waiting by the helicopter.
"Hey," He said,
"Hey, this is Tails." Shadow introduced as he holds his hand out and Tails takes it,
"Nice to meet you," She said as he nods.
"Let's get going." He said climbing into the helicopter,
"He's always like that, don't take it personally." Shadow said as the rest of them climb into the helicopter and it heads out towards Diamond City. They land and quietly get to the beach where a boat was waiting for them. Tails was starting to feel a little uncomfortable with how quiet it was. She was so used to Sonic's witty banter and lightheartedness that this tension felt suffocating.
"We're almost there, I'll go on ahead and find ourselves a way in." Shadow said warping off the boat.
"Let's go," Omega and Spira jumped out of the boat and Tails flew out. They dragged the boat and hid it on shore. A few minutes pass and Shadow appears next to them,
"Found one, it doesn't seem guarded. When we get inside, keep an eye out for a computer. We need to get the security system offline as soon as possible along with locating the Zarkon." She said as they all nod and follow her to the side of the base where there was a side door. Tails goes over to the panel and removes it with her tools and jump starts the door causing it to open. They all quickly get inside and hide trying to stay near the walls to be hidden, there were Swatbots patrolling the halls.
"Over there," Omega whispered pointing at a small computer console across the room,
"You two stay here," Shadow said as she holds out her hand to Tails, "I'll get you over there." She takes her hand and warps them next to the computer.
"This may take me a minuet." Tails said starting to go through the coding trying to find the deactivation of the alarms.
"I'll keep an eye out, just focus on the security systems," Shadow said,
"I think I'm close… But this is weird. I remember Eggman putting more effort into his security." She said as Shadow grabs her by the collar and pulls her to the ground hiding them from a Swatbot that got close.
"Do you think it's a trap?" Shadow asked still looking around cautiously,
"It could be, or he didn't care enough to really guard the Zarkon." Tails said as they both stand up, and she gets back to the computer. "Okay, I'm in. Now to just find the… there! Alarms are off. But I'm not able to turn off the Swatbots."
"We'll take what we can get." Shadow waved Omega and Spira over, "Can you find the Zarkon?"
"Give me a second… found them." She said, "They're down the hall. We'll find a doorway that leads further underground."
"Good job, Omega. Be ready in case we get spotted by the Swatbots."
"If I could stay here and look deeper into Eggman's system I might be able to find what he's planning. I kept seeing things titled project Dark." Tails said,
"If this were any other mission, I'd say go for it. But we're here to save the Zarkon. And there's no way I'm leaving you on your own." Shadow said,
"Alright, let's go." She said with a sigh as they head down the hallway, they make their way around a few Swatbots guarding the door. They enter and head down the stairs.
"Be ready for anything," Shadow said as Omega takes out a weapon. They get to the bottom and it's pitch black. The lights burst on quickly as a large robot drops from the ceiling.
"Looks like we were right about the trap." Tails said as the robot swings down at all of them and they move out of the way.
"We need to finish it off quickly if we don't want to alert the other bots." Shadow said as Omega open fires.
"I might be able to disable it," Tails said,
"We'll cover you." Shadow said as Tails starts flying towards the head as Shadow and Spira blocked any attack that came towards her. She lands on the head and pulls out a screwdriver and starts taking off one of the panels. She starts grabbing wires and pulls them out, but nothing happens.
"They must be dummy wires…"
"How's it going Tails?" Shadow asked,
"Eggman made the wires a fake, shoot it's eye with a Chaos Spear. That'll stop it." Tails said flying off the bot.
"Chaos Spear!" A spear of green Chaos energy appears in her hand as she throws it at the eye hitting it's mark. The bot stops moving as smoke comes out of the head. "Should have just done that at the beginning." She said with a huff. "Let's keep moving." She said as they continue further making it to some cells walled off by a strange force field. When they get close, they can see the Zarkon inside.
"Commander?" One of them says seeing Spira, "We thought you were dead."
"Close to it. I am glad to see you all safe." She said,
"That man is insane… forced half of us to be…" He looks down at his left that was now metal.
"He forced them into cybernetics…" Tails said,
"Half of us can barely walk…" He said,
"That's going to make this difficult…" Shadow said. "First, Tails can you get rid of the field?"
"Give me a minuet." She goes over the door panel and starts working on it.
"What do we do? We can't carry them all out." Omega said,
"Those who can walk, would you be able to assist those who can't?" Shadow asked, "We're getting out of here, but we have to do so quickly." They all nod to her as she said going to her headset. "Elias, we found the Zarkon and are going to be making our exit soon. Be ready for immediate evac." She said.
"Understood, what's the signal?" Elias asked,
"A huge explosion." She said as Omega's eyes sparkle. "You're making us a door out of here." She looks at him.
"On it." He said running back up to the first floor.
"How's it going Tails?"
"I almost have it. I haven't seen a field like this before. It's like he was able to replicate Sonic's Force field." She said as the wall flickers and dissipates.
"Great job." Shadow said as the Zarkon cheer. "Now everyone stay close, we're going to get to the stairs and when you hear the explosion run straight. Spira, Tails, we'll be keeping guard while they escape."
"Understood." Spira said, as the Zarkon help one another get to the stairs where they all wait.
"On my mark Omega… Three, two, one, now." She said as an explosion goes off and they burst through the door. The wall opposite of them had a huge hole leading outside as Shadow and omega stand to one side at the same time Tails and Spira stand on the other while the Zarkon struggled towards the exit.
"Incoming!" Omega said as two Swatbots run up on their side and the same of Tails and Spira's side.
"Hold them off until the Helicopter gets here." Shadow said as she charged towards one of the bots as Omega fires at the other one.
"On it!" Tails said flying towards the bots with Spira behind her. She flies around avoiding attacks as Spira comes up and claws one in the back causing it to short circuit. "Thanks," She kicks the other Swatbot,
"Helicopter's here." Omega said,
"That's our que," Shadow said as Tails and Spira stop and head towards the outside, "C'mon Omega," Shadow grabs him by the collar and starts dragging him out.
"Just a little parting gift." He smiles as he throws an explosive at the bots as they run outside, and the robots behind them explode.
"Let's go!" Tails said as they all climb into one of the helicopters and they fly off.
They get back to base where half of the hangar bay was turned into an infirmary for the Zarkon as Dr. Q had to check them all. It was still late, but Tails was too wired to go to sleep, so she went back to her workshop and continued working on the container for the Dark Chaos Emerald shard. Shadow goes to discuss with Elias how everything went down while Spira helped Dr. Q check on her people.
A few hours later the rest of the group wakes up to the bunker in high gear. "What in Chaos is going on?" Saya asked looking confused as she looks at Brandy and Caroline,
"I'm not sure, maybe we should ask Elias?" Caroline asked as they both nod in agreement and head to the computer room.
"Good morning ladies," He said finishing up some paperwork,
"Morning, care to elaborate what's going on?" Brandy said,
"We rescued the Zarkon last night." He said,
"What?" Saya said surprised,
"Spira says all of her people are accounted for. though they are all a little banged up. Dr. Q is checking up on them while they are repairing their ship." He explained,
"Who rescued them?" Caroline asked,
"Team Dark with Spira and TK's help," Elias said,
"Well at least they're safe." Saya said,
"Yes, and hopefully they can leave Earth soon." Elias said,
"I'll go see if they need any help," Saya said leaving,
"She's upset," Brandy said looking at Caroline who nods in agreement,
"What?" Elias looked confused, "She looked fine to me."
"We just know her," Caroline said,
In the hangar bay Sophia was helping Spira inside their ship with anything she can. She noticed that Spira kept glancing at her. "There something on my face?" Sophia asked,
"What? No… apologies." She said,
"What's on your mind?"
"Please don't think bad of me for asking this but after seeing you fight up close you reminded me of something." Spira said, "Your abilities remind me a lot of the Dark Arms…" Hearing Spira say that sent a chill down Sophia's spine.
"What did you say?" Sophia looked at her shocked,
"So you have heard of them… Are you?"
"Dark Arms? No, Shadow was created using the DNA from the Dark Arms…" She said, "But I'm not Dark Arms myself." She said,
"I see, I've only encountered them once. They are a gruesome race. I hope this world never has to encounter them." She said getting back to work.
"Me too…" Sophia said as Saya bursts into the room,
"Hey Spira, congrats on the mission." She said as she sees Sophia and quickly looks away.
"Yes, thanks to Shadow and Tails." Spira said with a smile.
"How much are you going to need to repair?" She asked walking over to Spira and looking at what she was working on. Sophia goes back to moving things.
"The ship is not too damaged, once my men are strong enough, we will be setting out." Spira explained,
"Where will you go?"
"Back to our home colony and see where we can go next." She said pointing to a location on a star map.
"I have no idea how to read that." Saya chuckles,
"I can teach you." She said as she starts teaching Saya how to read the stars. Sophia leaves the room and goes to check on TK who fell asleep in her workshop.
"You should go get some rest." Sophia said as TK lifts her head and rubs her eyes,
"What time is it?"
"Just a little bit after ten," she said,
"I'm so close… If I can replicate that field that Eggman made and use the Dark Chaos Emerald shard as its own energy source, we won't have to worry about it ever running out of power." She said as she notices Sophia's face. "What's wrong?"
"Spira just told me something I'm having trouble processing…" Sophia said,
"Do you want to talk about it?" TK asked,
"No, I want you to go get some rest. I'll figure it out." She said about to leave,
"You're allowed to confide in people." TK said as Sophia lets out a sigh,
"I know." She leaves. Saya jumps out of the ship and walks over to Dr. Q and talks to her for a bit then starts to leave. Sophia walks up to Dr. Q to see what they were talking about.
"What was that all about?" She asked,
"Oh, Spira told her they would be able to leave around tomorrow morning. Saya was letting me know that she was going to go tell Elias." She said, "That girl never stops moving," She lets out a sigh,
"Not sure if she's just trying to keep herself busy or if she's trying to avoid me…" Sophia said,
"Did you two fight again?"
"Not that I'm aware of." Sophia said,
"Best go try to talk to her, or it'll only get worse." She said as Sophia nods and leaves the hangar bay to look for Saya.
Kolt enters the kitchen to see Caroline and Brandy cooking as Alan is helping. They were making a large batch of waffles. "Having a party?" Kolt asked,
"We have a few extra mouths to feed with all the Zarkon." Caroline said with a smile,
"Yeah I heard Sophia and TK rescued them last night. Would have been nice to know." He said crossing his arms,
"It's called a covert mission for a reason," Alan said,
"No reason for it to be covert from us." He argues,
"Both of you stop." Brandy said,
"I'm going to go see how Saya's doing with all of this." Kolt said leaving,
"I wanna go see Saya…" Alan pouts,
"You're not going to help us?" Caroline looked at Alan with a sad look,
"Can't say no to that face. I'll go find Saya later." He said with a sigh, Kolt goes to the outdoor track to see if he can find Saya but doesn't see her at first. Out of the corner of his eye he sees her climbing to the top of the cement wall blocking the side of the mountain pass. He walks over and crosses his arms,
"What are you doing?" He asked as she stops,
"Busted…" She said, sitting on the top of the wall looking down at him,
"I get that you're feeling trapped, but that's no excuse to run off on your own." He said,
"I wasn't going to be gone long enough for anyone to notice…" She said looking away,
"Uh huh…" He said, "You should probably get down before someone sees you."
"But the view's so nice up here," She grins,
"Don't even think about it." He knew that look, she was going to bolt whether he could stop her or not.
"Not like you can keep up." She said standing up, the bunker door opens as Sophia walks out and turns to see them. Her faces darkens as she makes eye contact with Saya.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" She asked walking towards them, Saya pauses trying to think of what she should do.
"Running." Saya jumps over the other side of the wall out of line of sight.
"Saya wait!" Kolt said as Sophia had already jumped to the top of the wall faster than he could blink.
"Get back here!" She said jumping down after her. Kolt stood there for a second not sure how to react.
"Guess I'll go let the others know…" He said walking away,
Saya had a head start on Sophia and though she was still able to keep her in her sights she was not gaining speed. Saya started to notice that she wasn't catching up and grinned but was trying not to egg on Sophia more. But she still saw Saya grin and to Sophia that looked like a taunt. "The seven servers are the seven Chaos, Chaos is power, power enriched by the heart." Sophia started to say,
"H…Hey, that's a bit much!" Saya said,
"The heart is the controller, the controller serves to unify the Chaos, Chaos Control!" She transforms into Shadow and starts to bridge the gap between them quickly.
"Two can play that game! Chaos Control!" Saya yelled transforming into Sonic taking Shadow by surprise for a moment as she did not use the entire incantation to transform. "Try to catch me now," She continues to run.
"Damnit Sonic!" She said running after her. "Stop running from me!"
"In your dreams!" She said starting to gain speed,
"I've had enough of this," She said, "Chaos Control!" She warps in front of Sonic and attempts to trip her, but she jumps over her.
"You'll have to try harder than that faker!" Sonic sticks her tongue out at her and continues running. Shadow runs after her as rage began to blind her, she holds out a Chaos Spear. "Wow I definitely made you angry." She chuckles as Shadow throws the Chaos Spear at her and she barely dodges. "Dr. Q's not going to like it if we get injured."
"Then stop running!" She said,
"Not gonna happen!" She said as she notices that there was a drop off coming up, she grabs a tree and drifts to continue running. Shadow follows her movements as they run next to the cliffs edge. Shadow began to notice the ground beneath them was not very stable.
"Sonic, the ground isn't safe here." She said,
"You're just trying to distract me." Sonic said as the earth under Shadow foot collapses and she slips beginning to fall. "Shadow!" Sonic stops and runs back, "Chaos Shield!" A field circles around Shadow as she's suspended midair.
"Chaos Control," Shadow attempts to teleport out of the Chaos Shield. "Sonic, drop the shield I can't teleport out." She said as Sonic is concentrating on moving the shield back in front of her.
"No need… I got it." Sonic said as she disperses the Chaos Sphere and Shadow lands right in front of her as they both catch their breath. Sonic turns to run away as Shadow grabs her by the collar.
"Did you really think I'd let you run off again?" Shadow said angerly,
"I was hoping you'd still be catching your breath." Sonic chuckles,
"Why are you running from me? Don't think I haven't noticed." She said as Sonic trips her causing Shadow to let go of her collar,
"Because I'm angry!" Sonic yelled as she turns, Shadow jumps and tackles her to the ground before she had a chance to run.
"That's not good enough!" Shadow said,
"Get off!" Sonic elbows her in the side and flips her around pinning down Shadow, "How would you feel if everyone around you treated you like you were a weakling that needs protecting?"
"Because you do need protecting!" Shadow kicks her off and jumps up pinning Sonic against a tree. "No one is saying you're weak Sonic,"
"Says the Ultimate Lifeform." She said struggling to push her off,
"You want me to open up? Fine! I'm scared of losing you again!" Shadow yelled as Sonic stops struggling. Shadow lets go of her and steps back looking away as her ears lower. "Not being able to save you from the Zarkon really messed with me. But after we raced out Dark Sonic and you were back only for you to be stolen again was too much."
"Shadow I…"
"I won't let what happened to you happen again. I'll kill Eggman myself before that happens." They both stand there in silence for a moment. Sonic puts her hand on Shadows shoulder.
"Thank you for being honest. I'm sorry I ran off… After hearing you all rescued the Zarkon it made me feel… useless." Sonic said as her ears lower,
"Just don't try a stunt like that again, or I will send you to the infirmary." Shadow glared,
"O… Okay," Sonic knew Shadow wasn't kidding as they both stay quiet for a moment while the tension settles. "We should get back before Elias has an ulcer." She chuckles.
"Try to keep up," Shadow smirks as she runs ahead,
"That's cheating!" Sonic yelled running after her and they quickly head back to Freedom HQ.
Sonic and Shadow jump over the wall and walk back into Freedom HQ as the sun sets. They transform back and start heading to the computer room. "How long have you been able to transform without having to use the entire chant?" Sophia asked,
"Honestly? That was the first time. I could just feel like it was going to work." Saya said shrugging,
"That'll be helpful in emergency situations." She said,
"Yeah, would have been super helpful when Eggman attacked Spira's ship." She chuckles as they enter the Computer room.
"How was your run ladies?" Elias asked, They could feel the rage coming from him,
"It was good… Was able to let out some stream." Saya said as he turns to lecture them and notices they're both bruised. He lets out a sigh,
"You're lucky Sophia was with you. We would have gone into full lockdown and that would have put us back in helping the Zarkon." He said,
"S…sorry…" She said,
"Just ask next time… I told you before, you're not a prisoner here. Not that we could lock you up." He joked.
"Fair," She shrugs, "I'll let you know next time, promise." She smiles as she stops and turns around,
"Saya? What's wrong?" Sophia asked,
"I can't feel the Dark Chaos Emerald…" She said running towards the hangar bay.
"Hey, wait!" Sophia said chasing after her, they get to TK's workshop and Saya opens the door. TK was at the far side workbench where a sphere-shaped floating field held the Dark Chaos Emerald in Suspended animation.
"Saya? Everything alright?" TK asked,
"You did it… I can't feel it at all." Saya said as TK's eyes light up,
"Really?" She asked as Saya nods, "I used an echo wave force field from the frequency of the Dark Chaos to neutralize it." She started explaining as both Sophia and Saya look at one another confused,
"Can we get that translated in English?" Saya asked as TK lets out a sigh,
"I used the Dark Chaos' own energy to cancel itself out." She said,
"Oh! That makes more sense. But this is way past cool TK! Now we have a way to handle any other shards we find." Saya said giving her a hug,
"Thanks, I'm just happy I could help." She said as Caroline walks in,
"Here you all are, you're just in time, let's go."
"Go where?" Sophia asked,
"We're having a farewell party for the Zarkon, we're all stargazing and there's snacks." She smiles.
"A party huh, don't have to tell me twice." Saya said, "C'mon you two, lets' party!" They all head out back where people were talking to the Zarkon and vice versa. Kolt walks up to them as they walk outside,
"Glad you two decided to make it." Kolt said, "Did you have a good run?"
"Saya?" TK turned and glared at her, "You told me you weren't going to do that."
"ah, ha… Oh look! Spira's waving me over." Saya runs away as all three of them let out a sigh,
"Seriously though, it she okay?" Kolt asked looking at Sophia,
"Yeah, now that TK finished the container for the Dark Chaos Emerald shard. Saya confirmed that she can't feel it anymore" Sophia said,
"Way to go dude!" Kolt gives her a high five.
"We're still going to wait to let her back in the field. Just in case." She said,
"Whatever helps you sleep at night." Kolt said,
"I don't sleep," She said going over to Caroline and Brandy,
"She was joking right?" Kolt asked TK but she just shrugs.
"It's funny, a few months ago we were enemies." Saya said to Spira walking up with a smile,
"Who new one blue Hedgehog could change so much." She said,
"Me," She joked. "Thanks again, for putting your trust in me back then."
"Me and my people are indebted to you Sonic, if you ever need aid." She hands a small device to her. "We will answer the call."
"Good to know we have aliens on our side." She chuckles, "So can you point out to me how to find where you're headed?" She asked as Spira points up and starts explaining how to chart the stars using her fingers. Alan walks up and joins them while the others continued to talk.
"Did you and Saya make up?" Caroline said,
"I think so? She's so hard to read." Sophia said with a sigh,
"Seeing the bruises, looks like you did." Brandy said,
"It's funny, Saya or Sonic. She's always been one to deal with her emotions through violence." Caroline said, "Or just running away."
"I won't let her run away anymore." Sophia said as both Brandy and Caroline give her a look. "What's that look for?"
"Nothing, you'll figure it out eventually." Caroline said walking away with Brandy to go talk with more of the Zarkon. The rest of the evening was lighthearted and happy. It was a night they all truly felt relaxed and hopeful about the future. This time they won against Eggman and hopefully they will beat him once and for all
The next morning they waved off the Zarkon as they flew off back into space. "Well, a job well done. Let's go eat breakfast!" Saya said rushing off,
"Yeah!" Alan cheered as he runs with her to the kitchen.
"He's trying way too hard…" Kolt said,
"And you're not?" Brandy smirked at him as his face starts to turn red,
"Saya was right, you are easy to tease." TK chuckled,
"Ha, ha, I get it. It's gang up on Kolt day. Well jokes on you I'm going to the Alter room." He said walking away,
"Maybe we're teasing him a little too much." Caroline said,
"Serves him right for asking around if we're dating instead of just asking." Brandy said,
"But we are dating," Caroline said as Sophia looks surprised,
"You two are dating?" She asked,
"Yeah, have been for a while." Brandy said,
"We just don't like making a big deal about it." Caroline said, "Sorry we didn't tell you."
"No it was kind of obvious… I'm just oblivious about it, I guess." She looks away looking uncomfortable, "I've got to get some paperwork done. I'll be in the computer room." She leaves.
"I think she was embarrassed," TK joked,
"Now I feel bad." Caroline said,
"Don't be, it's not anyone's business." Brandy said, "Let's go make breakfast." They all walk to the kitchen where Alan was trying to help Saya cook.
"Let me show you,"
"I know how to flip an omelet Alan, cut it out." Saya said pushing him away.
"Got too impatient waiting for us?" Caroling said,
"Sorry, I was really hungry," She said flipping the omelet, "See? Didn't need any help."
"But it would have been so romantic cooking together." He pouts as they all look at him awkwardly.
"Can I have an omelet?" TK asked as Saya smiles,
"No problem little dude!" She gives her a thumbs up and starts cooking more.
"I haven't seen you cook in a long time." Brandy said,
"Just haven't felt like cooking. Besides your cooking is way better." She smiles as she flips the omelet onto a plate. And handing it to TK, "Anyone else?" Alans eyes sparkle as she lets out a sigh and starts cooking another one.
"This is really nice," Caroline said with a smile,
"I agree," Brandy said as they all enjoy eating together.
Alan was being more clingy to Saya than usual to where it got to the point that she was getting tired of it and decides to hide ad get come peace and quiet. She opens the door to the Alter room and quietly closes it. She turns around to see Kolt sitting on top of the Master Emerald looking at her confused.
"Uh, what are you doing?" He asked,
"Shh…" She puts her finger in front of her lips, "I'm hiding from Alan… dude won't give me a break." She said.
"You're welcome to chill out in here while you hide," Kolt said,
"Thanks, what are you doing exactly?" She asks as she started walking up to the alter,
"Meditating mostly, I'm trying to understand Dark Chaos energy better. I don't like that you're the only one that can sense it." He said,
"Any luck?"
"Not really, Chaos energy is already a difficult thing to master. Trying to understand Dark Chaos which is even more unstable is proving to be a challenge." He said,
"Try not to push yourself too much." She said leaning against one of the pillars,
"That's why I'm only meditating, it doesn't take as much energy to do so."
"Oh everything happened so fast yesterday I forgot to mention. I was able to transform into Sonic with only saying Chaos Control. I didn't have to say the entire chant or incantation or whatever it's called." Saya said,
"Tikal did say our powers are getting stronger. Maybe just inducing Chaos Control is enough to make us transform now." He theorized.
"That's what Sophia thought too. I just like that it's way faster to say and harder to interrupt. Egghead was way too good at stopping me from transforming." She said,
"Guess that's better than all of our eyes glowing and being put in the infirmary." He joked,
"Wasn't that your fault?" She joked back as they both laugh,
"You wanna try meditating with me?" He asked,
"Sure, maybe it'll help me be more patient." She shrugs,
"You and patient don't go in the same sentence." He teased,
"I'm trying!" She pouts as he holds out his hand to help her on top of the Master Emerald. She places her hand onto the Master Emerald, and it shocks her, "Ow!" She pulls back,
"You okay?" He asked looking concerned,
"Yeah, must have built up too much static from running the halls earlier." Saya said as she takes his hand and climbs up. They both sit cross legged facing each other.
"Now, try to concentrate on the energy coming from the Master Emerald." He said closing his eyes as Saya does the same. "Feel how Chaos energy has a flow like a river."
"Don't like the water analogy…" She said,
"Focus…" He said as she shrugs, her eyes still closed. "Can you feel how Chaos energy moves?"
"I think so…" She said, "It feels kinda weird." She shivers at the sensation.
"Yeah, I had trouble getting used to that feeling too." He said, "Now try to relax and let the flow of Chaos energize you." They stayed silent in meditation.
Sophia finished up her paperwork and headed to the kitchen to get herself a cup of coffee. She sees Alan walking around. "Hey Sophia, have you seen Saya?"
"No, I've been working. Did you check the track?"
"Yeah I checked both, she's not there." Alan said with a sigh,
"Maybe she's avoiding you." Sophia said,
"No way! I just have to find her. Maybe she's hanging out with TK." He runs off, she gets to the kitchen and pours herself some coffee.
"Feeling tired?" Brandy asked as her and Caroline walk in.
"I always feel tired after paperwork." She said with a sigh as she starts drinking it.
"I don't envy you." Caroline said,
"It's what I get for joining Team Dark." She lets out a sigh, "Anyone know where Saya is? Alan was looking for her." She asked,
"She's probably hiding somewhere." Brandy said, "She'll pop out at some point for food."
At the same time back in the alter room Kolt opens his eyes to see Saya fell asleep. He rolls his eyes and shakes her awake, "Saya," He calls out,
"Wha, huh?" She looks around still half asleep,
"You fell asleep." He said as she chuckles,
"Sorry, guess meditating was a little too relaxing." Saya chuckles, "Man I'm hungry. We should go grab some food," She jumped off the Master Emerald. Kolt lets out a sigh and follows her.
"Thanks for indulging me," He said with a smile as they walk to the bottom of the alter.
"I actually enjoyed it. I may have fallen asleep, but it really helped me feel relaxed." She said as she stops, she could hear something behind her that made her head tilt, "Uh, Kolt… did you leave the water running?"
"There's no water in here…" He said as he could now hear it too, the sound of water trickling down onto the floor. They both turn around to see water dripping from beneath the Master Emerald and pouring down the stairs.
"I don't remember the Alter having a water feature…" Saya said backing up.
"That's because it doesn't…" Kolt responded as the water began to move unnaturally and takes on a rough humanoid like form. "It can't be."
"Isn't that Chaos?" Saya said, "Yo bud, what are you doing here?" Saya asked but Chaos says nothing. "Right, forgot you're not the talkative type. Hey Tikal?" They wait a moment, but she doesn't appear.
"Something's not right," Kolt said,
"Let's juice and go tell the…" Saya points her thumb at the door as Chaos' arm quickly outstretches and grabs her by the neck then pulls her towards him. "Hey!"
"Saya!" Kolt runs towards them as Chaos' other arm smacks him away and he goes flying hitting the wall.
"I Didn't know spirits were ones to hold grudges. I thought we were cool after our last tussle." She said grabbing at the water wrapped around her neck and kicking her feet trying to reach the ground. Chaos pulls her close to his face as she looks into his yellow eyes and for a second they flash red. She looks shocked as she turns her sight towards Kolt who was starting to get back to his feet. "Kolt! Chaos is…!" The water around her neck covers her mouth preventing her from talking.
"Let her go! Chaos Control!" Kolt said as he transforms into Knuckles surprised that it worked for a moment. He runs towards Chaos and takes a swing, but it goes right through him. Chaos starts walking towards the door. "No you don't!" He charges again but Chaos smacks him away. Saya continued to struggle but she couldn't rip off liquid as the water wraps around her wrists preventing her from pulling them away. Chaos rips off the door and continues walking out into the hallway. He continues walking down the corridor as Alan turns the corner. He look confused at first but then he recognizes Chaos and sees Saya struggling to get free.
"Hey!" He yelled, "Let her go!" He screamed as Chaos grabs him by the waist and throws him down another hallway. "You're not taking her on my watch! 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." He transforms and hits one of the emergency alarms that are all over the walls of the bunker.
The others hear the alarms go off as they quickly jump up and look around, "Chaos Control!" Sophia said transforming into Shadow, "Hurry up and transform, something's happening." She said running down towards the computer room as Brandy and Caroline transform and follow after her.
"Shadow, we have a situation." Elias said,
"What is it?" Shadow asked,
"Some strange creature is inside the base and it has Saya." Sally said showing them all the screen as Tails runs into the room.
"That's Chaos! What's he doing here?" Tails said looking shocked.
"You can fill us in on the way, has anyone seen Kolt or Alan?" Shadow asked as she sees Knuckles and Amy on the screen fighting against Chaos, "Never mind, let's move." She said as they run to help them out.
"Knuckles where did Chaos come from?" Amy asked swinging his hammer, but the water just moves out of the way.
"He came out of the Master Emerald. On top of that I can't reach Tikal…" He said trying to take a swing as Chaos moves Saya in his way causing him to stop as he grabs Knuckles and throws him onto Amy. "And we can't do much while he has Saya like that." The water restraining Saya began to rise higher as she could no longer breathe desperately trying to hold her breath. Knuckles and Amy help each other up as the others run down the hall.
"The calvaries here guys!" Tails said,
"Great, please tell me you have a plan we're running out of time." Knuckles asked Shadow.
"I need to get close enough to grab Saya, think you all can cover me?" She said as Blaze lights her hands.
"We got you, Cream, Tails, block it's exits." Blaze said,
"Got it." Cream said as they get into position.
"Let's go." Shadow said charging forward with Knuckles and Amy next to her while Blaze threw bolts of fire when Chaos tried to strike at them. Chaos reeled back after getting hit with Blazes fire as Shadow grabs Saya's waist, "Chaos Control!" She said as she teleports her and Saya behind Blaze.
"I hate water…" Saya said coughing water,
"You okay?" Shadow asked,
"Not really," She coughs again, "But that's beside the point, Chaos is infected with a shard of the Dark Chaos Emerald."
"Blaze, it doesn't seem to like your flames," Tails said. Chaos looks around and makes eye contact with Saya,
"And he definitely has an issue with me…" Saya said as she transforms, "I won't be caught off guard again."
"Let me take care of this." Blaze said walking forward, she blasts Chaos twice and he backs up. His form changes back into a pool of water and starts escaping.
"He's getting away!" Amy said as Blaze tries to throw another flame at it, but it moves quickly and disappears into the floor.
"Shit…" Shadow said,
"It's gone… I don't sense it." Sonic said coughing again.
"What did you do now?" Tails said turning towards Sonic,
"Nothing!" Sonic said,
"We were just leaving the Alter room when he just appeared." Knuckles said,
"Tikal!" Sonic said running towards the Alter room.
"Damnit Sonic, don't run off on your own when a freakin water monster just attacked you!" Shadow yelled running after her as the rest chase after.
"He's not a water monster… more like a water spirit. Tikal? Tikal!" Sonic calls out in the Alter room, "Knuckles why isn't she answering?" She looked at him concerned as he walks up to the Master Emerald.
"I call upon the powers of Chaos…" He said as his eyes glow the same green as the Master Emerald then Tikal appears.
"Thank you Knuckles," She said,
"What happened?" Sonic asked,
"Chaos was blocking her from leaving the Master Emerald." Knuckles explained,
"I tried calling out but you all couldn't hear me… And Chaos, he's never acted like this." She said,
"I can definitely recount another time he was like this but this time it's because he's infected with Dark Chaos." Sonic said,
"How? Are you sure?" Tikal asked,
"Yeah, when he made eye contact with me his eyes flashed red and I could see it inside him. Like a window was open for a second." She explained,
"But why attack you?" Amy asked,
"Cuz I could see it?" She shrugs,
"We have to help Chaos…" Tikal said,
"How? The only one who could actually hurt Chaos was Blaze." Tails said,
"Of course, your flames are made from Chaos energy. We may be able to use it to contain Chaos long enough for Sonic to remove the Dark Chaos Emerald shard." Tikal said,
"Whoa wait, what? Remove it? How do you expect me to do that?" Sonic looked surprised,
"You are the only one who can sense the Dark Chaos." Tikal said,
"We'll find another way; I don't feel comfortable with Sonic being that close to one of the Dark Chaos Shards." Shadow said,
"I'm with Shadow with this one." Knuckles said,
"I may be able to do it if Sonic directs me." Blaze said,
"Sonic could use her force field to grab the shard without touching it!" Tails said,
"That could work," Cream said,
"For now we all just need to be on our toes, Chaos has the element of surprise since he can sneak in at any time without any of us knowing." Shadow said,
"Well who wants to guard the accident-prone hedgehog first?" Saya said jokingly as Amy raises his hand. "Okay but you're not going anywhere near my room," Sonic crosses her arms, they head to the infirmary so Dr. Q can check Saya's neck and then she wasn't allowed to go anywhere on her own. It felt suffocating but she would rather do that then almost drown on land again. The next few days were quiet and there was no sign from Chaos.