Chapter 31
She looks around panicked not knowing how she got to the cave as she quickly realizes that she's transformed into Sonic. "Okay… don't panic…" She backs away from the Dark Chaos emerald and reached for her phone to find her pocket empty. "Of course I don't have my phone…" She lets out a sigh. She looks at the Dark Chaos Shard annoyed thinking to herself how she's supposed to not think about Dark Chaos when it's floating right in front of her. "Since I'm here…" She reaches her hand out as the Dark Chaos Shard floats to her hand hovering above it.
"Saya…" She hears the deep voice she heard on the Dark Arms ship as she feels a chill down her spines as the whispers start scratching at the back of her head.
"Nope!" She runs right back to HQ and jumps into the cliff side hangar bay. She looks around to see no one as she walks up to TK's workshop and opens the door. On the work bench sat the almost completed Dark Chaos Emerald floating in the containment field. As she moved closer she felt pulled towards it and the shard floating above her hand gets pulled into the field, the whispers stop. "There." She lets out a sigh as she notices that the Dark Chaos Emerald still isn't whole. But then why did Fleetway tell her that, that was the last piece? She'd figure it out later, she needed to get back to the cabin before her parents noticed. She runs back and uses Chaos Control to warp back into her room and heads back to bed.
That morning The group sits and eats breakfast in silence as they all try to figure out what to do next. "Everyone to the computer room, now!" Elias said over the intercom,
"That's Elias', something happened that shouldn't have tone…" TK said as they all stand up and head to the computer room,
"Everything alright?" Sophia asked as Elias turns to them,
"I don't know how to process this…" Elias said. Sally plays a video of the hangar bay as they see Sonic jump in and go into TK's workshop.
"What in Chaos is she doing?" Kolt said,
"There's something in her hand…" Brandy said,
"I'm going to go check something." TK said running to the workshop,
"Why would she sneak into TK's workshop?" Alan asked,
"Can you zoom in on her eyes?" Sophia asked as Sally nods starting to render the image.
"Should probably keep that door closed from now on." Caroline said,
"It's supposed to be." Elias glared at one of the other men working the computers. "I would also like to know how she got past the twenty-four-hour surveillance we have around the cabin." He said as they all start quickly typing as TK runs back into the room,
"There's more of the Dark Chaos Emerald inside the field," TK said catching her breath,
"Do you think it's the piece that was inside her?" Alan asked,
"I don't think so, the new piece is a lot smaller than I remember the piece in her chest being." TK said,
"So she found another piece and instead of telling us, she sneaks in?" Kolt said looking confused,
"This doesn't make sense." Brandy said,
"Her eyes aren't red, so it wasn't Fleetway." Sophia said as she looks at the rendering Sally made.
"You should message her and make sure she's alright." Elias said as Sophia nods and pulls out her phone,
Around the same time Saya was just waking up as she slowly walks down the stairs greatly needing a cup of coffee after last night's events. "Morning!" Her dad said with a smile as she yawns and stretches,
"Morning… need coffee…" She said walking over to the coffee pot.
"Did you not sleep well?" Her mom asked walking up to her,
"Something like that…" She chuckles as her mom holds out a mug to her. Saya goes out to grab the mug but her mom drops it. "Whoa!" Saya quickly catches it before it hits the ground, "Careful there." Her mom quickly grabs her face.
"Jules…" She said looking over at him as he quickly rushes over,
"It there something on my face?" Saya asked,
"How is that possible?" He said looking confused,
"Okay you two are really starting to freak me out…" She said prying her face away from her mom's hands and walks towards the restroom, "What is it? A giant zit or something?" She said looking in the mirror to see her eyes that are usually a brown were now green, "Oh for the love of Chaos…" Her phone rings as she sees Sophia on the caller ID. "Hang on I'm going to take this really quick…" Saya runs outside as she answers the phone, "I'm mondo glad you called."
"Is everything alright?" Sophia asked,
"Oh everything's great…" She said sarcastically as she shuts the door behind her, "Besides waking up to my eyes being green…"
"What?"
"Yeah, I'm not transformed or anything!" she said looking at her reflection in the window as she looks at her eyes. The green eyes stood out against her dark brown hair and light complexion.
"Would it have anything to do with your evening walk?" Sophia said as Saya paused,
"H…How did you?" Saya said sounding startled,
"You do realize there's cameras in the hangar bay, right? Care to explain?" Sophia said and Saya could tell by Sophia's tone that she wasn't happy,
"I was going to talk to you all about it when I got back…" Saya looks inside to see her parents talking to one another, "Yesterday we went to this cave that has been known to have glowing rocks and when we got down there I discovered there was a Dark Chaos Shard."
"Why didn't you tell us?" She asked,
"I was going to this morning! I thought that since I couldn't feel it while we were at the cabin it could wait a day… but I guess that was the wrong idea." Saya said,
"So you decided to go after it on your own?" Sophia asked,
"No! I didn't want to go anywhere near it! I… I somehow slept walked there…" Saya said still sounding confused, was that why Fleetway took control? To guide her to the shard? But why?
"You sleepwalk now?" Sophia said letting out a sigh,
"Yeah… I guess…" She said with an uncomfortable chuckle, "I decided since I was already there I should take it with me… but when it got close to me I could hear that voice again… I panicked and ran all the way back to HQ to put it in the container." She explained,
"Was it Fleetway?" Sophia asked,
"No, it was way deeper and gave me chills." She said as she shivers just remembering it. She notices her parents moving around as her mother goes to the door and looks at her,
"I think we're going to cut our trip short so Dr. Quake can have a look at you." She said,
"You sure? I feel fine." Saya said looking sad, she didn't want to have to cut their trip short because of her.
"Sweetheart, your eyes changed colors." Her mom said,
"Hey Soph, we can talk about this more later… looks like we're heading back." Saya said,
"Alright, let me know when you're all on your way." She said,
"Will do, bye!" She said hanging up.
"I already told the guards, and they are packing up. They said they will be ready to move in an hour." He said,
"Okay, I'll go pack." Saya said running upstairs,
"Jules… her eyes, they're the same color as Sonics…" She said looking at him concerned, "Is she turning into Sonic?"
"I don't know…" He said as they walk back inside,
"Saya said they're coming back." Sophia told them putting her phone away.
"I was going to suggest that but I'm glad her parents agree." Elias said,
"She also said she woke up and her eyes are green." Sophia said as they all look at her confused,
"What?" Kolt said,
"That's what I said, apparently they aren't going back to brown." Sophia said,
"You said something about her sleepwalking." Sally said,
"She said that's how she found the Shard. She woke up and she was in a cave." Sophia explained, "And she heard a voice."
"The same one she said she heard on the Dark Arms ship?" Alan asked as Sophia nods,
"It spooked her and that's why she snuck in and put the shard into the container." She said,
"So… she still doesn't know the shard's inside her…" TK said as they all stay quiet for a moment.
"We still have to tell her…" Sophia said,
"Are you sure? Maybe not telling her would be better." Brandy said,
"There's a list of examples proving that it isn't." Sophia said crossing her arms,
"But you heard Fleetway, if she finds out more it could be dangerous." Cream said,
"Speaking of dangerous." Kolt said turning towards Elias, "We need to talk about those scrolls."
"Who told you there was more than one?" Elias asked,
"The walls of the ruins." Kolt said, "They warned that if the true guardian reads the scrolls a catastrophe will occur."
"We want to know how you already know about the scrolls." Alan said as Elias lets out a sigh,
"We were going to have to tell them at some point." Sally said,
"I know." He said, "Conference room." He starts walking over to one of the rooms and opens the door holding it open for them as they all walk in. He waits for them all to sit down as they wait for him to say something, "Our parents were the guardians of the Master Emerald before Sally and I took over."
"I remember you telling us they were the ones that uncovered the Master Emerald." Brandy said,
"They did and kept it safe for the rest of their lives." Sally said,
"I don't like how you said that…" TK said,
"A few days before our parents died, our father told us about the Seven Servers and how they will bring balance. But he also told us about three scrolls and that the true guardian of the Master Emerald must never find them." He explained,
"What happened to your parents?" Caroline asked,
"There was a terrible accident… an explosion occurred near the alter room where my parents were. They didn't make it." Sally said, "The cause of the explosion is still unknown…"
"I'm sorry," Alan said,
"It was a long time ago but thank you." She smiles,
"I went down a spiral of research after that trying to discover more information about the scrolls. Sally and I found one in Africa in similar ruins to those on Angel Island."
"Wait there are more Echidna ruins?" Kolt said,
"Yes, we're not sure how many there are but we have kept their existence a secret. We quickly locked the scroll away in a location only Sally and I know about." Elias explained, "We've done the same with the Scroll that Team Dark brought back not that long ago."
"We had no idea that the True Guardian would be one of the Servers of Chaos." Sally said,
"So you've been trying to keep it all hidden." Sophia said,
"Yes, so we shouldn't delve on it further." Elias said, "What other information did you find?"
"We didn't find anything specific about Sonic's death. But we did find out that the Dark Chaos Emerald is a key." Kolt said,
"A key to what?" Sally asked,
"That was carved out of the wall rather deliberately." Alan said,
"It also calls Sonic the Legendary Hedgehog and that they are the only one that can stop the catastrophe." Brandy said,
"That's not the first time Sonic's been referred to as the Legendary Hedgehog either… I just need to remember…" TK started thinking,
"We decided to stop looking for more info for fearing any of the info we find might trigger whatever Fleetway was so concerned about." Kolt said,
"Probably a good idea… but what will we tell Saya?" Sally asked,
"I'll talk to her about it… maybe I can convince her to not look into it further." Sophia said,
"I have an idea! We could ask her to try to remember who called her the Legendary Hedgehog." Caroline said, "It'll give her something to distract her."
"That could work…" Brandy pondered,
"It's worth a shot… but we still have to tell her about the Dark Chaos Emerald especially since now she's seen it in Tails' workshop." Sophia said,
"We'll leave that to you Sophia." Elias said as she nods. Her phone buzzes as she checks it.
"They are on their way back." Sophia said,
"Good, I'll let Helen know they'll be heading her way." Elias said heading towards the door. "The information of the scrolls doesn't leave this room. Specifically that Sally and I are the only ones that know their location."
"Of course." Kolt said, as Elias leaves,
"Talking about our parents usually puts Elias in a bad mood so I would steer clear of him for a little bit." Sally said,
"We can do that." Caroline said,
"So the other issue now is Eggman…" Alan said, "As long as he has that scroll…"
"There's a chance I could see it." Kolt said,
"So we find a way to get it back." Sophia said,
"We'd have to be able to find Eggman and he hasn't come out of hiding since we foiled his first plan to trick Kolt." TK said,
"Don't even think about being bait." Brandy said crossing her arms looking at Kolt,
"I've had way too many close calls lately; you don't have to worry about me doing something like that." Kolt said,
"Saya's not allowed to do it either." Sophia said, "I'm going to go wait for her." She said starting to leave.
"Miss her that much?" Alan teased,
"Yes." She said walking out,
"Wow that was honest." Brandy said looking surprised,
"I'm going to go walk outside for a bit, see if I can remember where I heard her say Legendary Hedgehog," TK said leaving as they all leave the conference room.
Saya and her parents get to Freedom HQ as Sophia was waiting outside for them. They climb out of the car as Saya runs up to Sophia, "Hey!" She waved with a bright smile,
"All I get is a hey?" Sophia teased,
"I… I didn't know if you were mad at me…" She said looking timid,
"Not mad just worried," She said leaning close to Saya's face and looking at her now emerald green eyes, "That will take some getting used to,"
"You're telling me," She chuckles as Sophia pulls her into a kiss,
"Did you have fun?" Sophia asked as Saya looks surprised being taken off guard,
"Besides last night, yeah." She said as Sophia lets her go.
"Alright you two, you can do that later, let's go see Dr. Quake." Her dad teased as both of their faces go red,
"Dad!" Saya rolls her eyes as they all head to the infirmary.
"Hello everyone," Dr. Q said as Saya walks over and sits on a bed, "Wow, I didn't even have to say anything." She chuckles,
"I know the drill." Saya said with a loud sigh,
"Let me see." She said taking a light and shining it in Saya's eyes, "It's not like before, there's no glow to them. If I hadn't seen you before today I would say you were born with green eyes."
"We need to know… is she going to keep changing?" Her mother asked sounding concerned as Sophia looks down remembering that she has Dark Arms blood running through her veins.
"Unfortunately, I don't know the extent of changes. Besides Saya's hair turning blue we haven't seen any physical changes in the others." She said looking at Sophia, "Except…"
"Except?" Saya looks confused,
"Right… you weren't around when I told the others…" Sophia said looking uncomfortable, "I had Doc test my DNA to confirm my fears."
"Fears?" Saya looks at her worried,
"That I'm part Dark Arms…" She said looking away as Saya quickly rushes over next to her.
"Wait are you saying you're part alien?" Her dad asked looking shocked as Sophia nods,
"Soph why didn't you tell me?" Saya asked,
"Because I was afraid to… especially after…" She said avoiding eye contact as Saya takes her hands,
"You being part alien doesn't change how I feel silly." She said as Sophia squeezes her hand,
"Does this mean all of them are going to change?" Her mother asked,
"They might but Chaos is a very unstable thing to be able to confirm." Dr. Q said. "On a god note, Saya is perfectly fine other than her eyes being a different color."
"That's at least good to hear," Her father lets out a sigh.
"We should probably get going." Her mom said,
"Sorry again that our trip got cut short." Saya said looking sad,
"It's alright, we can try another time with everyone." Her dad said walking up and patting her on the head, "You'll keep her safe?" He asked looking at Sophia,
"With my life." She said as he nods and pats her on the head,
"Hey! I'll protect you too!" Saya said to Sophia pouting.
"I know you will." She smiles as they escort Saya's parents out of HQ and wave goodbye.
"There's more you need to know… but I didn't want my parents around…" Saya said,
"Let's go get the others." She said walking inside,
TK was walking outside trying to think where she heard Sonic say they were called the Legendary Hedgehog as she begins to remember the Arabian Nights and King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. She quickly rushes back inside to tell the others who were all relaxing in the lounge. "Guys! I figured it out! Sonic was called the Legendary Hedgehog whenever she was summoned into storybooks!" TK said,
"You solved that too fast TK, now we won't have anything for Saya to investigate." Alan said,
"Oh crap I forgot!" She said as Sophia and Saya walk into the lounge.
"Forgot about what?" Saya asked,
"I… I was going to ask where you were called the Legendary Hedgehog and I remembered it was when you were summoned to the story books." TK said,
"Oh yeah, they did call me that huh." She said beginning to ponder, "But why is that important?"
"We went back to the ruins on Angel Island and that kept coming up." Kolt said,
"Weird… I don't remember much at what happened besides discovering I was King Arthur… I'm trying to remember." She ponders,
"Maybe a refresher will jog your memory?" Caroline said,
"I have a copy of King Arthur in my room." Sophia said,
"Really?" Saya asked,
"It's one of my favorite books." She said with a smile,
"Cool if you don't mind me barrowing it I can definitely try to remember." She said as Sophia nods,
"Now you were going to tell us something?" Sophia said,
"Yeah, so before I discovered I slept walked to the cave I was in a dream… but now thinking back I don't think it was a dream."
"What happened?" Brandy asked,
"I was in Dark Chaos… and Fleetway was there." They all tense up hearing her say that,
"Did she say anything to you?" Kolt asked looking concerned,
"Yeah, she said the Chaos Shard in the cave that I found was the last piece and that she'd promise not to take over if I stopped looking into Dark Chaos." She said,
"What?" Alan said,
"It's not like I trust her but I'm also kinda stuck with her so I thought maybe I should drop the issue unless absolutely necessary. But when I put the Chaos shard in the protective field it wasn't whole, so a piece is still missing." She said as they all look away not making contact with her. "I definitely don't like those looks…"
"Sit down," Sophia said as she leads Saya to a chair as she sits down looking at Sophia waiting for a response. "Fleetway took control to take the Shard back." She said,
"Take the shard back?" Saya looked confused as she tilts her head.
"She put the shard back inside your body." Sophia said, Saya stares at Sophia for a moment as she processes the information that the Dark Chaos Shard is back inside her body, "Saya?" Sophia tries to snap her out of it,
"G…" Saya grabs her chest, "Get it out!" She yells in a panic,
"Saya try not to panic." Kolt said,
"She tells me to not think about Dark Chaos when there's a piece inside of me?" Saya said starting to hyperventilate as she claws at her chest and Sophia grabs her by the wrists before she hurts herself.
"Look at me!" She said as Saya tries to calm her breathing, "Remember that you had it within you before the Dark Arms took you. It did nothing to you until it was out of your body." Saya looks surprised,
"That's what she meant… When she said… She wouldn't have… Outside distractions…" She said between breaths,
"Don't talk, just focus on me." Sophia said pulling her in closer, Saya starts to calm down. "There," She lets go of her wrists,
"Oh Saya…" Caroline said looking concerned,
"Why in Chaos is this happening?" Saya asked trying not to cry,
"We don't know… but maybe for now we focus on other things." Brandy said,
"Like what?" Saya asked,
"Any info about the Legendary Hedgehog for starters." TK suggested,
"I can go grab the book." Sophia said standing up as Saya quickly grabs her hand,
"D…don't leave…" She said as Sophia could feel her hand shaking, She immediately sits back down and hugs her tightly.
"I promise we'll get through this." Sophia said as the rest of them nod,
"Not going to lie… your eyes being green is throwing me off." Alan chuckles trying to break the tension,
"Is it that bad?" Saya asked,
"It'll take some getting used to." TK said,
"Does this mean all of our eyes are going to change?" Brandy asked,
"That won't bother me too much." Caroline said,
"Easy for you to say, your other self's eyes aren't red…" Sophia said,
"Or gold…" Brandy said,
"Kolt having purple eyes all the time would be pretty though." TK teased,
"W… what?" Kolt said looking flustered,
"You are way too easy to tease." Alan joked,
"Not fair guys!" Kolt said looking away and pouting as they all laugh.
"We'll go get lunch ready." Caroline said as her and Brandy leave the lounge.
"Feeling any better?" TK asked Saya,
"Not really but I guess I'll just have to figure out how to deal…" She said letting out a sigh. "Did you guys find anything else out in the ruins?"
"Yeah, apparently if Kolt reads the scroll Eggman has, something bad will happen." Alan said,
"Then we should really make sure Eggman doesn't capture you again." She chuckles,
"You're one to talk." Kolt said, "How many times have you been captured?"
"Fair point," She shrugs, "Knowing my luck it'll probably happen again,"
"I won't let it." Sophia said tightening her hold on Saya's waist,
"Soph if you hold me any tighter you'll break me in half." She jokes,
"You can't break that easily." She said,
"Yeesh! Didn't realize you two would be like this." Alan said as Sophia glares,
"Got a problem?" Sophia said,
"No, no!" Alan said waving his hands feeling the malice coming off of her. "Just that you guys are a lot more… open about your relationship than I thought you'd be."
"How did you think they'd act?" TK asked,
"I thought Sophia would be more quiet about it and Saya to be super open, so I expected her to embarrass Sophia more." Alan said,
"That reminds me…" Sophia said turning to Saya, "We should probably keep this a secret while we're out on missions."
"That's a good point, shouldn't let our enemies know." Saya said as Kolt leaves. "Something I said?" She asked looking confused,
"I think Kolt's still adjusting to your relationship…" TK said,
"He had a crush on you too." Alan said as Saya's face goes red,
"W… What?" She said looking shocked,
"Man you're dense…" Alan said shaking his head, "We should probably go grab food before Caroline hunts us down." He said walking out, as TK leaves right behind him.
"K… Kolt had a crush on me?"
"That makes sense, he was quick to defend you whenever anything happened," Sophia said,
"Maybe we should tone it down…" Saya said starting to feel guilty wondering if their relationship was making them all uncomfortable.
"Fine…" Sophia said with a scowl as she lets go of Saya, "I'll go grab the book." She quickly walked away.
"Oh no she's mad…" Saya said stumbling to getting up and running after her, "Sophia wait!"
Caroline and Brandy finished making sandwiches as the others start trickling in, Caroline notices that Kolt was being quiet. "Everything alright Kolt?" Caroline asked,
"Just fine…" He said with a sigh as he begins to eat. They all give each other a look.
"Is it really bothering you that much?" Alan asked,
"I don't want to talk about it." Kolt said,
"Okay…" TK said feeling uncomfortable as Sophia quickly storms into the kitchen slamming the book of King Arthur onto the table as Saya rushes in after her,
"At least…" Saya reached out as Sophia grabs a sandwich and warps away, "Talk…"
"What did you do?" Brandy said,
"I… just mentioned…" She side glances at Kolt feeling embarrassed then she looks down avoiding eye contact, "That maybe we should tone it down…"
"Saya," Caroline lets out a sigh,
"I'm going to go eat outside!" Saya said quickly grabbing the book and her sandwich and running out before any of them could stop her.
"This is your fault Alan." TK said as Brandy and Caroline glare at him,
"What does she mean by that?" Caroline asked not trying to sound angry,
"I told her how Kolt felt." Alan said as Kolt jumps up to his feet and grabs Alan by the collar of his shirt.
"You had no right!" Kolt said getting ready to punch him,
"Kolt!" TK yelled,
"Sorry man but we were all starting to see it bother you." Alan said, "If you don't deal with it now it's going to cause a problem later." Kolt punches him as he takes the hit without retaliating.
"Screw you!" Kolt yelled,
"Kolt I know you're mad but that's enough." Brandy said as Kolt lets go of Alan and walks out.
"I'm going to go find Saya." TK said realizing that Saya is probably going down a mental spiral,
"I'll go with you," Caroline said as she looks at Brandy,
"I'll go find Sophia." She said as they all leave.
TK and Caroline get outside and spot Saya sitting against the wall eating her sandwich looking terribly upset. "Saya…" TK said as they both walk up and sit next to her,
"I messed up…" Saya said letting out a sigh, "I didn't mean it like… I was just…"
"We know. Finding out Kolt has feelings for you probably threw you off guard," Caroline said placing her hand on Saya's shoulder.
"I felt bad… that maybe we were making you all uncomfortable… I've never been in love before and I've already made her mad at me." She said rubbing away tears feeling frustrated and confused,
"Relationships aren't perfect, you're bound to have arguments." Caroline said,
"I don't know what to do…" Saya said,
"Just let them cool off since their both hot heads." TK said, "But you definitely need to talk to Kolt too… Alan just told him that he told you is feelings and that Knuckle head punched him in the face."
"I don't even know how to look at Kolt right now" She said hiding her face in her hands,
"I know it's hard but if you want to keep the relationship you have with him you're going to have to." Caroline said as she moves her hands looking down as she sees the book.
"Guess I can read a few pages while I let them cool off." Saya grabbed the book as it starts glowing, "Uh… that's not normal…" She said dropping the book as it opens flipping through pages. She quickly stands up and grabs Caroline and TK pulling them away from the book, "That's what happened last time!"
"Last time? As in when you were pulled into the book last time?" TK asked,
"Yep!" Saya said, A blue magic circle appears next to the book as a black whirlwind comes out of the circle. Since she was wise about how the circle worked and moved away from it fast enough she didn't get instantly sucked in like last time. "Get ready for anything!" She transforms as TK and Caroline do the same, The wind subsides as they see two figures, a woman wearing dark purple robes and long braided dark pink hair holding an ornate staff. Behind her was a man wearing black and red armor wielding an intricately crafted sword and black thorns were wrapped around his wrists. The woman looks around then makes eye contact with Sonic and smiles,
"Your Majesty is that you?" She said running over to her, Sonic starts to recognize her as she starts to have flashes of memories remembering her time in Camelot.
"Merlina?" Sonic said looking confused as she hugs her,
"It is so good to see you." She said letting go "You look so different."
"Yeah… I kinda got reincarnated since you last saw me," Sonic chuckles as she looks at the Knight who kneels after she makes eye contact with him, "Lancelot?" She asked as he bows his head saying nothing, "Same old Lance…" Sonic shakes her head, "How many times have I told you not to bow, it's weird."
"I am so glad we found you." Merlina said changing the subject,
"Sonic… who is this?" Tails asked,
"Oh, sorry! Guys this is Merlina, she's Merlin's granddaughter. Merlina, these are my friends Tails and Cream." She introduced,
"It is nice to meet you." Merlina said with a bow,
"Hello." Cream said,
"What are you guys doing here? Is the King Arthur copy back?" Sonic asked as Merlina shakes her head.
"Far worse! Percival has taken the holy grail and fled." Merlina said,
"What? Why?" Sonic asked,
"I am not sure… but we are in dire need of your help, the people of Camelot need the grail; it protects the kingdom from Morrigan's Hallow Knights." She said,
"Who's Morrigan?" Tails asked,
"An evil sorcerer using the power of the dark hollow." Merlina said, "Please, we don't have much time Camelot needs you." She holds her hand out to Sonic,
A few minutes before, Kolt goes into the Alter room and sits next to the Emerald as Tikal materializes next to him and sits down, "Is everything alright Knuckles?" She asked,
"Not really… Alan told Saya something he shouldn't have and now I need to figure out how to talk to her…" He holds his head in his hands letting out a heavy sigh,
"What did Amy tell her? And why would that change how you speak to Sonic?" she asked,
"You saying it with their old names is definitely throwing me off… He told her that I have feelings for her."
"I see, so what is the issue?" Tikal asked,
"It wasn't something Alan should have told her… And now Saya's probably freaking out and doesn't know what to do… If I try to talk to her she might not listen." Kolt said,
"So you're giving her time?" She asked,
"Something like that… and to cool off myself." He said.
"Take all the time you need." Tikal said with a smile as Kolt smiles back,
"Thanks,"
Brandy finally finds Sophia in the lounge reading a book. She could feel the anger coming off of her as she approached, "Wanna talk about it?" Brandy asked,
"Nope."
"You mad at Saya or at Kolt?" She said as Sophia slams her book shut,
"Why should I have to tone down my feelings because of someone else?" She said putting the book down looking expectantly at Brandy for an answer.
"You know that's not what she meant." Brandy crossed her arms, "Saya doesn't want her relationship with Kolt to change and she's probably worried this new info is going to change their friendship so she said something she didn't realize would hurt your feelings."
"So I'm overreacting?"
"A little bit, yeah." She said as Alan walks in, "This is all new to Saya too."
"Sophia I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you two to fight about this… I was worried that it would cause Kolt to lash out later and I jumped the gun." He said rubbing his cheek.
"Shit, she's probably freaking out." Sophia said standing up,
"Caroline and TK went to check on her outside." Brandy said as they all head towards the outdoor track,
Sonic reaches out from reflex, her inner need to always help people. But just before she grabs Merlina's hand she stops and pulls away. "I'd love to help Merlina, but I don't think I can this time. I have a team here to work with and we're kinda in the middle of something. I can't just jump into another world's problems like I used to." Sonic said as Merlina's expression changes,
"That's a first." Tails said,
"Hey!" Sonic turned back towards Tails looking insulted, they all hear Merlina let out a sigh.
"I was hoping that you'd be foolish enough to play along until we got to Camelot." She said with a disappointed tone as her form changes to a man with black hair and robes. The top of the staff changed to a skull and his eyes glowed a dark purple before turning into a sickly green.
"Wait a minute! Who are you? Where's Merlina?" Sonic said,
"I am Morrigan, Merlina is locked away in the dungeon now that Camelot is under my rule, King Arthur." He said with a deep bow.
"What?" Cream said looking shocked as Sonic stands in front of Cream and Tails in a defensive position.
"If you already have the kingdom why ask me to come back?" Sonic said,
"To lure out Percival. She won't return unless her king is in danger." He smiles,
"You're after the Grail…" Sonic said,
"Precisely," Morrigan said, "What better way to lure her out than with live bait." He said coldly making Saya's quills puff up uncomfortably.
"Okay, remember all those times I volunteered as bait? I take them back, I don't want to be bait anymore…" Sonic said looking at Tails and Cream, Lancelot stands back up and looks towards them, "Hey pal! What'd you do to Lancelot?"
"It was rather easy to persuade him to my side." Morrigan said, the eyes of his staff glow as he said that. Sonic knew Morrigan must have done something to influence Lancelot's mind, but she had to warn the others that they had intruders. "And soon I shall do the same to you." Lancelot takes out his sword,
"Sonic, we don't have a way to fight against a sword…" Tails said as she quickly starts looking around,
"Wish I had Caliburn right now." Sonic said as Lancelot starts walking towards them, "Cream, do you think you can make a run for the door while Tails and I keep him busy?"
"Yes!" Cream said with a nod,
"Ready Tails?"
"Ready!" She said as they charge at Lancelot as Cream made a run for the door. Sonic spin dashes Lancelot in the shoulder but is knocked down by the hilt of his sword as Tails kicks him in the face knocking off his face guard. "Sonic! He kinda looks like… Sophia?" She looks confused as she flies out of the way just as he swings his blade at her.
"Lancelot looked like Shadow last time so that doesn't surprise me." She said. Cream makes it to the door but is knocked back as a wall of black thorns blocks the door.
"Sonic! The doors blocked," Cream said as Morrigan appears next to her and grabs her by the wrist, "Help!"
"Cream!" Sonic yells as she runs towards Cream and Morrigan, "Let her go!" But right as she gets to them they are surrounded by a whirlwind what blocks her as he teleports over to the magic circle with Cream still struggling in his grip.
"Sonic!" Tails cried out as Lancelot has her trapped in a headlock.
"Crap!" Sonic said starting to run back towards Lancelot as he points his sword at Tails. Sonic stops worried he'd hurt her. "I'm the one you want, let them go!"
"Then step into the circle." Morrigan said as Lancelot moves over next to him as Tails struggled to get free.
Kolt continued to sit in the Alter room talking with Tikal as she grabs his arm suddenly taking him by surprise, "Everything alright?"
"There's a strange presence in the back of the compound… and Sonic, Tails and Cream have transformed, and I sense unease amongst them." She said as Kolt quickly stands up.
"Chaos! She's not even back a day and everything goes screwy!" He said transforming and running out of the room.
At the same time Brandy, Sophia and Alan get to the door to outside and see a wall of black thorns blocking their path. "What the hell?" Sophia said,
"I know I've been going overboard with the flowers out back… but I don't remember planting a rosebush…" Alan said confused,
"Wait… I hear them on the other side…" Brandy said, "Chaos Control!" She transformed and starts to burn through the thorns. "They're in trouble!"
Sonic starts to walk towards them trying to think of a plan, she could put up a Chaos Shield around Cream, but Tails was too close to Lancelot for her do that. On top of that she couldn't hurt him knowing he was under Morrigan's control. "No Sonic! Run away!" Cream said trying to get out of Morrigan's grip. Sonic stops just outside of the magic circle.
"Let them go and I'll step into the circle." Sonic said crossing her arms,
"I had heard tale of your speed but now that I have seen it in person it is rather impressive. Do you really think I'd fall for that after seeing how fast you can move?" Morrigan said twisting Cream's arm causing her to wince in pain,
"Okay! Okay! Can't blame a Hedgehog for trying…" She said as the wall of thorns bursts into flames and a hammer breaks through.
"Sonic!" Shadow yelled as they see the situation,
"Cream!" Blaze yells seeing her as Morrigan turns towards her confused,
"How did you get to this world Percival?" He asked as Blaze looks confused,
"She's not Percival, Morrigan, Her name's Blaze." Sonic said,
"I see… that's why that one looks similar to Lancelot." He said looking at Shadow,
"You're outnumbered, let them go!" Sonic said as he smiles,
"Come and get them." He said as the runes glow and the four of them disappear.
"No!" Sonic reaches out but Shadow stops her from stepping on the circle.
"Sonic what's going on?" Shadow said as Amy notices Blaze looking panicked, he goes over and places his hand on her shoulder trying to help her calm down. "Who was that? Why did they take them?"
"He said his name's Morrigan and the big, armored guy is Lancelot." Sonic started to explain,
"Wait, Lancelot as in the knights of the round table?" Amy asked as Sonic nods,
"Looks like this guy's looking for Blazes double, Sir Percival, she's the guardian of the Holy grail." Sonic continues,
"Why come to you?" Shadow asked,
"He believes Percival will come out of hiding if I'm in danger. Since I'm King Arthur and all…" Sonic said crossing her arms, she notices Blaze's expression as her ears lower feeling guilty that they were taken because of her. "Blaze I'm sorry,"
"It's not your fault… we were the ones who asked you to look into the Legendary Hedgehog stuff. None of us could have known this would happen," She said taking a deep breath trying to stay calm.
"Sonic!" Knuckles yells as he makes it outside and sees them all standing around, "You're not even back a day and stuff happens," He fumes noticing the burnt Rosebushes as he walks up to them. "Wait, Tikal said Tails and Cream were with you…" Sonic looks at the magic circle glowing on the ground, "What the heck is that?"
"Long story short some dude from Camelot just popped out of the story book and kidnapped them and now we need to go after them." Sonic said turning around towards the circle as Shadow stops her.
"We can't just jump in blind! We have to at least let Elias and Sally know." Shadow said,
"Hey Tikal?" Sonic said as Tikal appears next to her. "Would you mind telling them Tails and Cream were just nabbed and we're going into the storybook to save them?"
"I can do that," Tikal said disappearing,
"There, can we go? Time moves differently there so we're pressed for time here." Sonic said pulling out of Shadow's grip,
"I'm still really confused…" Knuckles said,
"I can explain after we get there." Sonic said walking into the magic circle and they all rush in after her as they are surrounded but a bright light as they can start to see again they all quickly notice that they were in the sky descending into the unknown world below.