Chapter 30
A few days later after Saya had fully recovered it was time for her to leave for her vacation. She was in her room packing some clothes for her trip and kept mostly quiet while she was recovering. TK walks into her room see how she was doing, "All packed?" TK asked,
"Almost…" Saya said TK could tell by her tone that something was bothering her,
"You okay? TK asked,
"Forced holidays aren't really my idea of a good time." She said letting out a sigh,
"I know, but it'll be a good thing. I don't think you even realize how much you went through." TK said, Saya had been abducted, injured, the Dark Chaos Shard ripped out of her and one of her worse nightmares of turning into Dark Sonic came true.
"What else is new." Saya shrugs as she finishes packing. "But you're all still not telling me what happened with Fleetway." She didn't like the fact that Fleetway appeared and that for some odd reason she gave her back control.
"We all thought it would be best to talk about it after you got to relax." TK said, They didn't want to tell Saya about the Shard being back inside her chest, at least not yet.
"Oh yeah, I can totally relax while this unknown is looming over me." She rolls her eyes grabbing her bag and starts walking out towards the entrance.
"At least try to pretend you want to spend time with your parents." TK said following after her.
"Of course I want to spend time with them but it's hard to relax when a part of me is worried she might show up again." She said.
"She's not going to show up." TK said,
"How do you know that? Did she tell you?" Saya asked stopping and turning around to look at her.
"No… but there's no reason why she'd come back." TK said.
"Still don't get why she let me have control again…" Saya said trying to think, she still didn't remember anything that happened. It was entirely different to when she took over the first time.
"I promise, we'll talk about it when you get back." She said putting her hand on Saya's shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll try to relax." Saya said as Sophia walks up.
"You ready to go?" Sophia asked,
"Yep! Did you come to give me a kiss goodbye?" Saya gives a grin, she had quickly discovered that Sophia was easy to tease when it came to showing affection,
"Not if you're going to tease me." She crosses her arms as Saya pouts,
"That's not fair…" She said as Sophia lets out a loud sigh,
"C'mon, your parents are waiting." Sophia said walking past her, grabbing her hand and pulling her forward taking her by surprise for a moment and then she smiles.
"Okay," Saya slightly hops forward to catch up with Sophia and walks next to her. They get to the entrance where Elias and Saya's parents were waiting in front of an armored car and four guards. "Is that really necessary?" She asked walking to the back of the car and throwing her bag in.
"They are there to keep an eye out. We all know you're more than capable of handling yourself." Elias said,
"You good to go?" Saya's mom asked as she nods,
"Ready!" She said giving a thumbs up and walking up to Sophia. "Don't have too much fun while I'm gone." She said as Sophia leans in and kisses her.
"Be safe and have fun." Sophia said as Saya nods with a smile,
"Later TK." Saya waves to her as she climbs into the car and they drive off.
"I already told Kolt we'll have the Island prepped in the morning and you all can head over there to do research after that." Elias said to Sophia and TK,
"You want us all there?" Sophia asked,
"Yes, not just to make sure Kolt stays safe but you also mentioned in your report that you and Saya ran into a rather complicated trap, so I don't want to risk anything."
"Sounds good. I'll make sure we're all prepped in the morning," Sophia said,
"I'll go make sure I have everything I need in my pack along with some extra flashlights." TK said heading back inside,
"I still don't feel right not telling Saya completely about Fleetway." Sophia said,
"I want to have more information about those ruins first before she panics after realizing there's a Dark Chaos shard still inside her body." Elias said, "I hate not having all the info and this Fleetway knows something that could potentially hurt Saya. Something that made you go super just so that secret wouldn't be revealed."
"She was definitely different. When she worked with Eggman she was determined to kill us, enjoyed it even... But not once did she attempt to attack us on the ship… What changed?" She asked trying to think,
"That's what you're going to go find out. Be ready in the morning." Elias said as they both head back inside.
A few hours pass as Saya and her parents get to a secluded cabin in the woods. The guards search the premises and then the outdoors. "I know we've been doing this for a few months now, but I still haven't gotten used to it." Her mom said as they start putting their stuff inside.
"Yeah, I don't think that feeling ever goes away. I still feel that way when the team gets all overprotective." Saya chuckles,
"It's because they care about you." He mom said,
"I know that, but I worry that they keep things from me just to try to keep me safe. I don't like secrets… never liked lying to you guys about who we are." She said putting groceries away into the fridge.
"Yeah, the way TK told us everything was definitely a shock to our systems." Her dad said as the guards walk inside,
"The surrounding area is secure. We will be stationed at four points to keep an eye, if you ever need help or see something that concerns you there's a communicator in every room." He said,
"Thanks." Saya said as he nods and leaves.
"There was a campfire in the back, want to cook out?" Her dad said as Saya nods,
"Yeah! Then we can have smores."
Back at freedom HQ everyone was prepping to go back to Angel Island, Sophia goes to the Master Emerald to find Kolt and sees him there talking to Tikal. "Oh, hey Sophia," Kolt said as she walked up to them,
"Hey, what are you two talking about?" She asked,
"We're discussing Dark Chaos." Tikal said,
"What about it?" She asked,
"Specifically why Black Doom was able to use something similar to Dark Chaos and also take it from Saya." Kolt said,
"Easy, he was evil." Sophia said,
"I do not believe it is that simple Shadow, And now that this other Sonic calls themselves Fleetway has me wondering." Tikal started to say, "Chaos Energy was never meant to have a light or dark. It is named Chaos for being that energy in between."
"We think there's a chance that Dark Chaos isn't real, that it's just been altered or that it's something else entirely." Kolt said,
"You were the one that called it Dark Chaos in the first place." Sophia said crossing her arms,
"I know, but that's also because we didn't know what it was or how it tainted the Master Emerald to trigger the Genesis wave," Kolt said,
"Most people presume that things that are not of their usual nature are a bad thing. At the time it was seen to us as an attack." Tikal said,
"So you're telling me that, this unknown Chaos Emerald that causes Sonic to turn into Fleetway isn't Dark Chaos Energy but something else entirely?" Sophia asked trying to piece it all together,
"It's just a theory… we could be completely wrong, but I guess we'll find out tomorrow." Kolt said,
"I did have another question Tikal since we're on the subject of Fleetway. You told us after we saved Saya from Robotnik that you saw an Echo behind Saya like there were two of her. Do you believe that's Fleetway?" Sophia asked,
"That's actually a good question…" Kolt said thinking.
"It would explain why she was more focused on the Chaos Shard and not on killing us like she was when she was under Eggman's control." Sophia said,
"Perhaps the Dark Chaos Emerald is Fleetway's. Similar to how you all have your own Chaos Emerald." Tikal said,
"She was rather adamant on getting it back…" Sophia said thinking back, "But how can she have two Chaos Emeralds? This is technically still Saya."
"Not exactly, they did start as one being, but they split and Fleetway became their own person. I met him while he was living a normal life. He was remarkably similar to Sonic but different enough to tell the difference, that and he was gold and has red spiraling eyes." Kolt explained.
"So then next question, how do we get her out of Saya?" Sophia said,
"I'm not sure we can." Kolt said,
"I don't believe that. If they became separate people before what's stopping it now?" She asked,
"They did become separate but in the end they became one again and then one day Fleetway just disappeared. None of us knew why." Kolt said,
"We're still missing something…" Sophia said, "Theorizing will only get us so far. Let's just be ready tomorrow for anything." Kolt nods and they head down for dinner.
"There you two are, we were waiting for you." Alan said, finishing up setting the table.
"Sorry, we got to talking." Sophia said as they sit down and start eating.
"It's barely been a day and it's way too quiet…" Brandy said as Hope flies up and lands on her head,
"Chao…" Hope said with a sigh,
"I know, but she'll be back in a few days." Caroline said to Hope, "They've really grown attached to Saya."
"Yeah, it being so quiet makes me think something is wrong." TK said,
"Like when you have a puppy, if there's silence it's usually a bad thing." Brandy said as they all laugh.
"Is everyone ready for tomorrow? Just because it's been quiet doesn't mean that this'll be easy." Sophia said,
"Yeah, I made sure to pack extra supplies." TK said,
"Chao!"
"No Hope, it's too dangerous for you to come with. There are scary traps." Caroline said as Hope looks sad,
"Sorry Hope this isn't a fun trip, we got a lot to do." Kolt said as Hope pouts,
"Hope even pouts like Saya." Alan chuckles,
"If I can remember the path to the room that Saya and I got trapped in there was another room with a lot of pictures on it. There was one that had the seven Chaos Emeralds. It's a good bet that we'll find the information we're looking for down there." Sophia said,
"The fact that it was guarded with a trap that made you fight your worst fear definitely means it's important." Alan said,
"The trap room itself might also have a significance than just keeping people out." TK said,
"They might not be traps, but Trials." Brandy said,
"You think it was testing us?" Sophia said,
"Maybe." TK said, "I think it's going to take more than a day for us to find the answers we need."
"Good thing Saya's on vacation." Kolt said,
Saya and her parents finished eating and were sitting around the campfire getting ready to make smores. "I forget how much food you eat now… we'll definitely have to go to the store soon." Her mom said as Saya chuckles,
"Sorry, I burn a lot of calories even when I'm not running." She said,
"So how fast can you go?" Her dad asked,
"I'm called the fastest thing alive for a reason." She smiles confidently as she moves her marshmallow away from the fire. "I can even dodge bullets."
"Please don't…" Her mom said looking scared,
"Relax mom, Eggman doesn't shoot normal bullets at me anyway." She said,
"You make it sound so normal." Her dad said with a sigh,
"For me it is. I've already done this for one lifetime and now I'm doing it again," Saya eats her Smore. "Though there are definitely some major changes with this rewrite."
"You still haven't really told us about your past life other that your rivalry with Eggman." Her dad said,
"I mean a lot happened, What do you want to know?"
"Were you really a blue Hedgehog?" He asked,
"Uh yeah, that's why I'm called Sonic the Hedgehog." She said sarcastically.
"Don't be smart about it young lady, you have to consider those who don't have a window into their past lives. It's hard for us to believe that you used to be a Blue Hedgehog." Her mom said,
"Sorry…" She said making herself another smore and eating it,
"We just want to understand better." Her dad said,
"Then I guess I should start from the beginning." Says said as she began telling her story as Sonic the Hedgehog, hero of Mobius.
That next morning TK waited in the hangar bay excitedly for the others to arrive. Sophia walks in first followed by Kolt, Caroline and Sophia and lastly came Alan dragging his feet. "I am not a morning person," Alan said yawning loudly.
"We know," Sophia said,
"I wanted to wait till Saya got back but since we're going to need it…" TK said revealing a large blue plane that could fit four people comfortably. "It's the Tornado 2.0! I couldn't risk making it any larger without losing it's speed."
"This is awesome TK!" Kolt said,
"Very nice job." Sophia said,
"Thanks, now let's go find some answers!" TK said as they all transform and head to Angel Island. They arrive to see the Island surrounded by military ships,
"Wow, Elias wasn't kidding when he said they secured the island…" Knuckles said,
"He doesn't want a repeat incident like last time." Blaze said,
"We should still be cautious." Shadow said as they land, "It might take us longer to get through, but we stay together."
"I agree," Tails said handing out flashlights as they head inside the ruins.
Their first day exploring was uneventful as they attempted to retrace their steps trying to find the previous room Shadow and Sonic found but had no luck finding it. And ended their day empty handed. "I knew this wasn't going to be easy… but still." Alan said letting out a sigh as they get back to HQ.
"At least we were able to map out a bit of the place." TK said showing the 3D rendered map on her tablet.
"It'll come in handy when we go back in there tomorrow." Sophia said, "Everyone get some rest we go again first thing in the morning.
"Do we really have to wake up that early?" Alan asked,
"We only have a few days before Saya gets back and we need to make this research count." She said crossing her arms. "We need answers."
"I agree with Sophia, if we can solve this mystery and help Saya then we need to do it sooner rather than later." Kolt said,
"For now let's have dinner ready." Caroline said as they all agree,
The next day Saya and her parents wake up early to go on a hike. They pack up supplies and head out on a nearby trail. "I love the mountains, it's so peaceful." Saya said leading the path as she had to remind herself to slow her pace so her parents could keep up. "How are you two doing?"
"Jealous of your amount of energy mostly." Her dad said catching his breath.
"You want to take a breather?" She asked walking back down to them,
"How far are we from the top?" Her mom asked,
"I don't think too far." She said,
"Then let's get up there and then we can rest," She said as Saya holds out her hand to her dad,
"I can carry your pack," She said with a smile,
"I got it." He said looking determined, walking past her,
"Alright then, meet you up there." Saya said running ahead as they both let out a sigh,
"She has more energy than she did as a child…" He said,
"But at least she's happy." She said to him with a smile. They reach the top where Saya was waiting for them,
"Oh good, I thought I was going to have to come back down for you two." Saya said,
"It was literally two minutes…" Her dad said,
"That's a long time!" She said taking off her pack, "Can I?" She asked expectantly as they both let out a sigh,
"Yes, we'll get everything ready for lunch." Her mom said as Saya transforms and runs down the other side of the mountain and they watch a blue blur disappear into the distance. "What are we going to do?" She asked him,
"Is there anything we can do? She's superhuman and almost an adult." He said, "We just need to be there for her."
"What if she gets hurt again?"
"She probably will, but we have to stay hopeful that her friends can keep her safe. They risked their lives going to space just to get her back." He said holding onto her.
"You're right…"
"Right about what?" Sonic appeared next to them in a flash,
"That you're a handful." Her dad said as she transforms back,
"Wasn't I always?" She said shrugging,
"Now you're three times a handful." He joked,
"Only three?" She chuckles as they sit down to eat,
"How are you feeling being away from HQ?" Her mom asked,
"Honestly? A little vulnerable. If something were to happen It would only be me being able to protect you guys. Though I'm pretty sure I could get you both back to the cabin without an issue." Saya said,
"I don't think you need to make an escape plan for a hike. Something doesn't always have to happen." Her dad said,
"I don't think you were listening to my past clearly. Something always happens. I couldn't even confess to Sophia without getting kidnapped by man eating Aliens."
"Man eating?" Her mom asked,
"Ops, did they not tell you that part?" She chuckles as her parents don't look amused,
"You blew them up right?" Her dad asked,
"That's what I'm told, I was unconscious when we left the ship." She said starting to think back, it troubled her that she didn't remember what happened when Fleetway was in control. When she had control the first time She was forced to watch unable to do anything until she slowly learned how to fight back. No matter how hard she tried to remember nothing came to her. Just a feeling of drifting further and further…
"Saya?" Her mom called out as she snapped out of it.
"Huh? Oh, must have dozed off," she chuckles. "Should we continue our hike?"
"How do we tire you out?" Her dad said with a sigh,
"You don't," she laughs as they pack up their stuff and start making their way back town to the cabin.
"What's the plan for tomorrow?" Saya asked,
"There's a cave nearby known to have bioluminescent stones down the road," Her dad said, "Rumor has it that they only started to glow recently."
"How recently?" Saya thought back to the glowing rocks on Angel Island and worried they may be connected,
"I think it's been a tourist attraction for a few years now?" Her mom said, Hearing that relieved her knowing they have been around longer than the Dark Chaos Emerald shattering.
"Sure it should be fun." Saya said,
The next day the others continue exploring the ruins on Angel Island and follow the path they went down before, "I'm really beginning to hate this place." Amy said with a loud sigh,
"Wait," Shadow stopped them, "This area looks familiar to me," She said walking down to the left,
"Are you sure?" Tails asked following after her, they get to a dead end,
"Positive, this was the door that sealed us in the trapped room." She said, "Meaning the room with the information we're looking for is behind it."
"We can't just break it though; we have no idea how much damage Eggman caused. Any wrong strikes could bring the whole place down on top of us." Knuckles said,
"What made the door close in the first place?" Cream asked,
"Sonic stepped on a pressure plate…" Shadow said as they all let out a sigh,
"Course she did." Blaze said shaking her head,
"There should be a counterweight on this side to reset the pressure plate." Tails said looking around, they all look at the floor and walls.
"Up there," Blaze pointed at an old rope,
"I got it!" Cream said flying up and lightly pulling the rope and the door opens,
"Good job Cream," Amy said,
"I'll mark the pressure plate, so we don't accidently step on it." Shadow said placing a colored stone on top of the plate and they all go around it. But they soon realize there was no other exit. "You have got to be kidding…"
"Looks like we have to go through the trap to get to the other room." Knuckles said,
"Are you all prepared to fight yourselves?" Shadow said,
"Not really…" Tails said looking concerned,
"Do we have a choice?" Amy asked,
"Not if we want to find the answers we're looking for before Saya gets back." Blaze said,
"I'm a little scared," Cream said,
"Don't be, We all have each other's back. Besides Sonic solved the puzzle, we need to fight each other's mirrors instead of ourselves."
"That makes sense." TK said,
"Ready?" Knuckles said as Amy summons his hammer and they all nod. Knuckles steps on the pressure plate as the door they came in from slams closed.
Saya and her parents drive up to the caves where there were a few tourists already parked and waiting to start one of the tours of the cave. "Maybe this wasn't a good idea, what if someone recognizes us?" Saya said quietly,
"We're far out of Station Square and our guards are here. Try to relax a little." Her mom said patting her head,
"Every time I relax something bad happens…" Saya said. She wished that Sophia or the others were here with her, not having them around for so long made her feel vulnerable.
"Then try to cautiously have fun?" Her dad shrugged as she lets out a sigh,
"Alright, but if something happens I'm getting us out of there and back to the cabin, post haste." She said.
"How would you carry both of us?" Her dad asked,
"You forget how fast I am." She said, as they chuckle and group up with more tourists to wait their turn to head into the cave.
They get down below with a group of five other people as the tour guide explains how the cave was creates. "Pst!" Another girl around Saya's age tried to get her attention. Saya turns to look at her, she had long platinum blonde hair and copper eyes, "Did your parents dragged you here too?" She whispered,
"Ha, ha, yeah… they wanted to do something else than hiking," Saya said quietly,
"My names Sasha," She introduced herself,
"I'm Saya," She said instantly regretting the decision as she notices Sasha's shocked expression,
"Wait… were you that girl that went into the Court house?" She asked with sparkles in her eyes full of excitement.
"Yeah… Trying to keep a low profile." She said with an uncomfortable chuckle,
"Oh, I'm sorry," Sasha said quietly,
"It's cool, just keep that part quiet." Saya said putting her finger over her lips as Sasha smiles and gives her a thumbs up.
"Getting out of town for some quiet?" She asked,
"And some… forced relaxation." Saya said,
"Same," Sasha rolls her eyes, "My parents want me to be off the internet. Took my phone and everything." She lets out a sigh.
"Like being online more?" She asked,
"Yeah, I'm usually not that interested in talking to people, but I think being stuck just talking to my parents for the last two days has me going crazy." Sasha said,
"So I was your last resort?" Saya teased,
"I didn't mean it like that…" She looked concerned and flustered,
"Na! I'm just joking with you." She smiles, "Honestly this is nice."
"If you don't mind me asking… you got to meet the Freedom Fighters right? What are they like?"
"Uhhhh." Saya didn't know how to answer, "Really cool…"
"They are way past cool!" She smiles, "I'm a really big fan of them, especially Sonic."
"A fan of Sonic huh?" She said smiling not knowing how to feel in this situation as she glances at her parents who are smiling and chuckling at one another enjoying Saya's strange situation. "What do you think about the others?" She asked as they continued down into the cave.
"I like all of them but Sonic and Blaze are my favorite. Having super speed and fire powers is awesome." She said with a bright smile on her face, Saya could tell she didn't get to talk to a lot of people about her interests in person. "What about you? Who's your favorite?"
"Well… I'd probably say Tails and Shadow." She said with a smile,
"Really? I can understand Shadow, she's super powerful. But why Tails?" Sasha looked surprised at that answer,
"Uh, She's a super genius! She built the blue plane they fly on and everything." Saya said,
"She did? That's super cool!" Sasha said, "Did she tell you that when they saved you?"
"Y… Yeah, she showed me some of her tools that she made to help me calm down. It was a pretty scary situation." Saya tried to make up a story before she accidently gave away any more information.
"You must have been screaming when Shadow carried you outside like that." Sasha said as Saya began to blush, "That must have been crazy."
"That entire situation was crazy; I was so flustered I couldn't even ask for an autograph…" Saya said letting out a fake sigh.
"What did that crazy guy want with you anyway? A lot of the people I talk to online were trying to theorize about it. He's not part of the Zarkon. And no one has seen crystal powers like that before."
"Not really sure." She shrugs, "The Freedom Fighters stopped him before he said anything."
"And this is where you will see the bioluminescent rocks glow. Everyone please do not move around too much We'll be turning the lights off." The tour guide said as Saya's dad tugs onto her sleeve.
"Let's see if it's what they say," Saya said to Sasha as they both stand next to their parents as the lights are turned off and the stones around a small pool of water begin to glow. Right as the rocks begin to glow Saya starts to feel it, the presence of a Dark Chaos Shard right in the pool in front of her. But why didn't she sense it until now? She began to think about what she should do. She couldn't go grab it with all these people here. Should she tell her parents? Her head was spinning as the lights flash back on.
"And that concludes the tour, please check out our giftshop on your way out." The tour guide said. They start heading out towards the entrance,
"Saya wait," Sasha called out as Saya turns around and waits for her to catch up, "Can I give you my number, I… I'd like to talk to you more." She asks looking embarrassed as Saya smiles and hands her, her phone to put in her information,
"I'd like that," Saya said as Sasha's face lights up and she takes Saya's phone and puts in her number and hands her phone.
"I'll talk to you later," Sasha waved as she runs back over to her parents and Saya and her parents head back towards the cabin.
They all stared at their reflections showing withing the water wall. It had been a few minutes, but nothing had happened yet. "What's supposed to happen?" Blaze asked,
"Our reflections start moving on their own and the eyes changed." Shadow said moving closer to the wall.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea Shadow…" Knuckles said,
"I refuse to wait for this stupid trap to do its thing," Shadow said as her reflection starts changing, "Show me how I fear myself." Her reflection turns into Sonic. "What?"
"Why is Sonic in the mirror?" Amy asked, they all looked at one another confused.
"Maybe it remembers her from last time?" Tails asked as the mirror of Sonic walks out.
"You no longer fear yourself." The Sonic mirror said standing in front of Shadow, "You fear her more."
"I don't fear Sonic." Shadow said crossing her arms as the Mirror Sonic shakes it's head,
"You do not fear her, you fear losing her." Shadow slightly flinches when the Mirror says that almost sensing it as a threat. Was Something going to happen to her?
"Yeah? I don't think that merits you looking like her then." Shadow said sounding annoyed as the Sonic Mirror turns back towards the water wall and walks towards it.
"You have already passed the test. You may proceed, Servers of Chaos." It said disappearing into the wall and the secret path is revealed.
"That wasn't so bad." Cream said,
"What did it mean you already passed? Did it mean from last time?" Tails asked,
"I'm not sure, maybe." Shadow said, "C'mon. what we're looking for it right down this hall." She said walking down into the room full of pictures and glyphs.
"This is incredible!" Knuckles said as he goes to the wall.
"Let's set up some more lights so it's easier to see." Tails said,
"There are some unlit torches," Blaze said lighting them,
"That'll help, Thanks," Knuckles said as he starts looking over the walls. "This might take me some time… I'm going to try and get through as much as I can but if I find anything I think is important I'll let you know." He said walking over to the far-left wall and looking at it closely.
"Let us know if you need anything," Shadow said taking a look around herself,
"It looks like this information is similar to the first room. Explaining the genesis wave." He said as he continues reading, "This looks interesting, there's something here about the Legendary Hedgehog."
"Do you think it's talking about Sonic?" Cream asked,
"I remember Sonic telling me that someone called him that before… but I can't remember when." Tails said trying to think back.
"It talks about his death and how it unleashed Dark Chaos." He continued,
"Definitely about Sonic." Blaze said,
"Wait… it's talking about scrolls." He said, Shadow's ear twitches hearing that.
"Does it mention three scrolls?" Shadow asked,
"How did you know?" Knuckles asked turning towards her,
"The mission I was on with Team Dark before Abyss attacked the base was to get one of the scrolls back." She explained,
"Wait, Elias already knew there were three scrolls?" Amy asked,
"What about the third scroll?" Tails asked,
"He said that was already secure." Sophia said,
"We should talk to Elias about those scrolls. There's something else he's not telling us." Cream said,
"What makes you say that?" Blaze asked,
"I overheard him and Sally talking about how they couldn't figure out how Eggman discovered the scrolls existence and seemed really concerned." She said,
"He probably has a good reason for not telling us." Tails said,
"Whatever the reason those scrolls are not a good thing." Knuckles said continuing to read the walls, "It says they bring a terrible calamity if read by the true guardian."
"True guardian?" Amy asked looking confused,
"I think they mean Knuckles; he is the last Guardian of the Master Emerald." Tails said,
"All if this is making me think we should stop digging for information…" Blaze said,
"So if I read those scrolls something bad will happen… that's ominous." Knuckles said,
"Anything else about Dark Chaos?" Shadow asked,
"It only mentions the dark energy that tainted the Master emerald before the Genesis wave, but I haven't seen it brought up since." Knuckles said,
"Anything about another Chaos Emerald?" Amy asked,
"Actually yeah, it says here the Emerald it's a key of some sort, but the explanation was carved out." Knuckles said pointing out a part of the wall that has two deep claw marks in it.
"What do you think made those?" Tails asked,
"Not sure, but It's definitely big." Alan said,
"So if we connect the info we have so far… The Dark Chaos Emerald is a Key to something and that it has something to do with Sonic." Shadow attempted to theorize.
"There's more… according to this, the Legendary Hedgehog is the only one that can stop it." Knuckles said,
"Stop what?" Cream asked,
"I assume the terrible calamity." He said, as he moves in front of the picture of the seven servers, "This talks about us and how we help the Legendary Hedgehog bring balance to Chaos and reverse the calamity."
"The controller servers to unify the Chaos!" Tails said,
"It annoys me how vague it all is." Blaze said,
"Maybe we should stop here…" Knuckles said, "I think delving into this more might put Sonic in more danger…"
"But what does this have to do with Sonic's death?" Cream asked, "Why doesn't Fleetway want her to know? She already knows that her death created Dark Chaos." She said,
"Whatever the reason… we should stop researching…" Knuckles said,
"Elias isn't going to like that." Shadow said,
"He's keeping stuff too, maybe if we talk about the scrolls he'll be spooked enough to let it go." Blaze said,
"But what about Fleetway? Not only is she still inside Saya but so is a shard of the Dark Chaos Emerald." Tails said, "If we can't at least explain that to Saya, she's going to start looking on her own and that could put her into danger again,"
"Not to mention she might just panic if she learns it's back inside of her…" Shadow said looking concerned.
Saya and her parents get back to the cabin. She felt conflicted at telling them about the Dark Chaos Shard and was questioning if she should tell the others about it. She knows she should but at the same time she knew that would cut her time with her parents short and she didn't want to do that to them. She didn't feel the Dark Chaos shards presence at the cabin, so she decided not to tell the others until the end of her trip. It could wait two days.
"Everything alright Saya? You've been awfully quiet since we left the caves." Her mother asked placing a plate of hotdogs in front of her.
"Sorry, guess I'm a little tired." Saya said as she stretches,
"It must have been interesting to talk to one of your fans." Her dad teased,
"It was definitely strange that's for sure," She chuckled,
"But she seemed nice." Her mom said,
"She was, it's weird, I haven't talked to anyone except for you guys and those on base for months. I think I've gotten used to all of this." She said taking a bite out of her hotdog,
"We wanted to ask you… since you're almost eighteen. What do you plan to do after you graduate?" Her father asked as she paused for a moment. She hadn't given it much thought since she has been going with the wind for so long that future plans never crossed her mind.
"I… don't know. Maybe I'll do what Sophia does and be a secret agent." She said,
"Sophia's a secret agent?" Her mother asked as they both look at her surprised,
"Yeah, her past life, Shadow was a secret agent and I guess Elias wanted to use those skills, so she also does missions with another team." She explained,
"Does her other team have special powers?" Her father asked,
"No, they're just really good at their job." She said,
"So Sophia sounds like she's already set up for the future." Her mother said,
"I guess…" Saya chuckles,
"But how can you be a secret agent? You have never been able to be sneaky." Her dad teased,
"Hey! I can totally be sneaky! I just choose not to." She said crossing her arms with a huff.
"Sure, sure," He said patting her head,
"You could go to the Olympics." Her mom said,
"I kinda have an unfair advantage, being the fastest thing alive and all." She chuckles as she finishes up her food. "I'll just play it by ear, I don't think my fight with Eggman's going to end any time soon, so I think I have time."
"How long do you think it'll be?" Her mom asked as Saya looks down breaking eye contact.
"Honestly… I don't know if it will ever end." Saya couldn't help but remember her final altercation with Eggman in her past life. Would that always be their fate? To destroy one another?
"You'll find a way to beat him. It's not fair that you and your friends were pulled into this as kids," Her dad said,
"You literally just brought up the fact that I'm almost an adult, how'd we backtrack?" She said
"Because you'll always be my little speedster." He said pulling her into a hug. They finish their evening and head to bed after watching the stars where Saya showed them how Spira taught her to chart stars.
Later that evening as everyone within the cabin was fast asleep, Saya drifted into a dream. It was pitch black and felt similar to the Dark Chaos. "Not this again…" Saya said looking around, She's had dreams like this before. However, she didn't feel the pressure she did last time when it felt like she was constantly drowning. "Must be because of what happened…" she said to herself.
"What in Chaos are you doing here?" Saya hears her own voice yell, she's grabbed by the arm and pulled back seeing Fleetway next to her. "You shouldn't be here."
"Uh, it's not like I chose to dream this." Saya said pulling out of her grip,
"Dream?" Fleetway said looking confused, but then her face twists to shock and then to concern, "Give me control,"
"What? Absolutely not!" Saya said as Fleetway grabs her by the forearms,
"Do it! Or I'll make you!" Fleetway said as her eyes begin to spiral.
"You'll have to try harder than that!" She struggles to pull her arms free as Fleetway pulls her closer.
"Damn you for being so stubborn!" Fleetway said as her eyes flash and Saya's eye flask back red,
"W…what?" Saya felt as if her entire body had locked up, "What are you…"
"Shut up! I'm concentrating." Fleetway said closing her eyes, Saya tried to move but her body wasn't listening. She watches as Fleetway's body begins to glow the same aura as Dark Chaos. "There… should be good." She lets go of Saya's arms and opens her eyes as she's able to move her body,
"What did you do?" Saya said jumping back,
"Not important, but there's something you need to know." Fleetway said walking up to her, trying to close the gap between them.
"The hell it's not important!" She said running up and swinging at her. Fleetway blocks her attack,
"Chaos you're annoying! Fine, maybe you'll listen to this. I have a proposition." She said,
"I'm not interested in anything you have to say." Saya said as Fleetway rolls her eyes,
"I'll stop taking over."
"What?" She stops and looks at her confused, "You honestly think I'll buy that?" She said crossing her arms,
"Listen here you little!" She takes a breath trying to calm down, "If you stop looking into Dark Chaos I'll stop."
"That's a little hard to do." She said pointing at the Dark Chaos around them,
"This will stop happening once you get that last shard piece locked up." She said,
"Last piece? The one in the cave?"
"Exactly, I'll be able to focus with no more outside distractions." Fleetway said,
"I don't understand." Saya was confused, why would she be doing all of this?
"That's the point, you can't ever understand. You have to let anything involving Dark Chaos just be a memory. Don't even think about it." Fleetway said,
"That's a lot to ask of me." Saya said,
"I know this is difficult, but I need you to trust me. What happened with Eggman was rough, but you have to understand that I was under the hypnotism too." Fleetway said as Saya looked at her surprised,
"Yeah, don't know if I can say I could trust you… But it doesn't look like I have much of a choice since we're stuck with each other…"
"If you do this you don't even have to consider me a problem, but that also means you can't know what happened with Black Doom." Fleetway said,
"You're pushing your luck, swirly eyes." Saya glared,
"Saya, for the sake of you and your friends, let. It. Go!" Fleetway as Saya jolts awake and realizes she was somewhere else.
"What the heck?" She said as she quickly realizes that she's inside the bioluminescent cave and the Dark Chaos shard was floating in front of here.