Chapter 32
They all plummet towards the ground below as Shadow grabs Sonic and uses her hover shoes to slow their fall, Knuckles grabs Amy's hand and glides him down while Blaze uses fire to slow herself down. "I might have forgotten that I fell into this world last time…" Sonic chuckles,
"Idiot." Shadow said in a huff as they all land on the ground,
"So this is Camelot?" Amy said looking around, a lush field with a forest in front of them and peeking out on top of a hill behind the forest was a large castle surrounded by a small town.
"Yep!" Sonic said as Shadow lets go of her.
"So why did this guy kidnap Cream and Tails?" Knuckles said,
"They were trying to get to me…" Sonic said as her ears lowered,
"Because you're King Arthur right?" He said as Sonic looks at him surprised,
"You remembered?"
"Of course I did, you told us how that was part of the reason you teased Shadow by calling him Lancelot." He said as Shadow crosses his arms,
"Wait that's the reason?" Shadow said as Sonic smiles at her,
"Hang on… our clothes changed…" Blaze said as she notices all of their clothes were a more renaissance style. Her tailcoat stayed similar, but the collar was ruffled, her boots were higher and armored along with there being a rapier attached to her belt.
"Why am I in a dress?" Amy said looking at his outfit, He was wearing red robes decorated with gems and strange potion bottles,
"Those are robes." Knuckles said crossing his arms, his outfit didn't change too much other than the materials of his clothes were more weathered, and his hands were heavily wrapped in gauze tape instead of his boxing gloves. Shadow wore dark clothes and half plate armor in similar design to Lancelot but no dark helmet and a sword on her hip.
"I'm definitely going to stand out…" Sonic said as she looks at the golden gauntlet and matching pauldron with a half red cape hanging off of her shoulder. Her shirt was a dark blue and pants were a dark brown with tall boots and a sword hanging off her belt, "It's not Caliburn but it'll do." She takes the sword out and swinging it trying to get used to its weight.
"It's like we're in a videogame!" Alan said excitedly,
"This isn't for fun we need to find Cream and Tails quickly." Blaze said angrily, as Amy's ears lower.
"Where would this Morrigan take them?" Shadow asked turning to Sonic,
"He said he has control of Camelot, so probably the castle." She said pointing at the castle,
"It won't be easy for us to get in there…" Knuckles said, "And he's probably setting up a trap."
"That's why I think we should go talk to Nimue; she might be able to help us find a way in." Sonic said
"Who's that?" Blaze asked,
"She's the lady of the lake," Both her and Shadow say, they look at one another then look away. Sonic was afraid that Shadow was still mad at her and Shadow hasn't had a chance to apologize. Both of them knew now was not the time to be talking about their disagreement.
"Wait! Didn't you say I was the Lady of the lake?" Alan said,
"Yeah last time I was here." Sonic said, "Wonder what you look like as a girl," She teased,
"This is so weird…" Knuckles said shaking his head,
"What about Percival? Should we try to look for her too?" Shadow asked,
"Maybe Nimue knows where she is, c'mon I think I remember the way." Sonic said as she takes the lead walking towards the forest,
"Don't go too far off ahead!" Shadow said rushing up next to her,
"Wait if Sonic's King Arthur… does that mean we have to call you King?" Amy asked,
"Please don't… I didn't like it last time I was here either. And people kneeling is really weird!" She said shrugging.
A black tear opens in the sky in front of them as strange black and purple creatures start crawling out and blocking their path. "Looks like this Morrigan is not going to make this easy," Knuckles said getting ready as the others draw their weapons. Amy summons his hammer but instead of his hammer appearing a staff appears,
"Uh… Guys…" He said looking confused,
"What in Chaos?" Sonic said looking surprised as one of the creatures lunges at her and she strikes it with her sword, and it disappears. "Ha! Still got it!" She takes down another one,
"What am I supposed to do with this?" Amy said,
"Cast magic?" Blaze suggested as she attempt's to stab one of the creatures, but it moves out of the way. "This is a lot harder than it looks…"
"I don't know how to cast magic." Amy said as one of the creatures jumps at him and Knuckles punches it out of the air, making it crash into a tree and disappears, "Thanks Knuckles…" He lets out a sigh,
"Sonic, what are these things?" Shadow said striking one down,
"They are creatures of the Dark Hollow. Guess you could call them our worlds equivalent to Dark Chaos." She said blocking the attack of another one. "Amy try making a ball of fire."
"I'll try…" He said holding out his hand, but nothing happens, "Looks like fire's Blaze's thing!" He said as Knuckles knocks another one away from him.
"This is going to get old really fast." Knuckles said glaring at him,
"I'm trying!" Amy said getting frustrated,
"Wait! You said it yourself this it like we're in a video game what if you're the healer!" Sonic said striking another one down,
"Okay but I should still have attack spells right?" Amy said,
"Um… probably?" She said shrugging as Shadow finishes the last one off.
"We need to keep moving, which way?" Shadow said as Sonic points forward,
"This way! If we get to Nimue's clearing we should be safe." She said as they all rush ahead,
Inside the castle Tails and Cream wake up locked inside a dungeon. "Ow my head…" Tails said as she sees Cream wearing a very elegant gown. "Cream? What are you wearing?" She said helping her to her feet,
"I… I don't know." She said looking at her clothes as she looks at Tails' clothes, "Yours too!"
"What?" She looks at her clothes and sees she's wearing similar clothes to a blacksmith. "Why am I dressed like a Blacksmith?"
"Where are we?" Cream asked looking around,
"I don't know…" Tails said as Morrigan walks up into view,
"Ah, good you both are awake." He said as Tails takes a defensive stance in front of Cream,
"Where are we?" Tails asked,
"In Camelot's dungeon, The King had reinforcements faster than I anticipated, So you will be the bait to lure her here." He said,
"But I thought you were after Percival." Cream said,
"Oh I am, but why settle with just the holy grail when I can also have the wielder of Excalibur." He said with a grin,
"Sonic will stop you!" Tails said, glaring at him,
"She can try, but soon Camelot will be fully under my control and I will be immortal." He said turning around to the other cell across from them as they recognize the woman imprisoned inside was the one that Morrigan was impersonating. "Merlina, tell me where they are going."
"I will not endanger my King." She glared at him,
"You'll risk your Kings friends?" He said pointing his staff at Tails and Cream as the eyes on the skull begin to glow. They both feel a fog wash over their thoughts for a moment, their eyes starting to flicker the same purple color.
"Wait!" Merlina pleaded, he stops whatever he was doing as both Tails and Cream shake their heads looking dazed. "Sonic would know it would be unwise to come to the Castle and will go seek out the Lady of the Lake for guidance…"
"That doesn't help me! Her grove is guarded with her strange Fey magic that prevents me or my Hollow knights from entering!" He said angerly as he looks over at Lancelot who was just standing there behind him. Morrigan ponders for a moment then smiles. "I might not be able to get in. But you can."
Sonic and the others walk through the forest in silence as Amy lets out a loud sigh, "How much longer?" Amy said sounding tired,
"I think we're close? But then again we're going off memories from another life." Sonic said with a chuckle, she noticed the longer they have been here the more her previous memories flooded her mind as a mist begins to appear around them.
"I don't like this…" Knuckles said,
"Everyone stay close." Shadow said, Sonic's ears perk up remembering something similar happening last time when traveling with Caliburn.
"No this is good, this means we're close to Nimue's grotto, it's protected with magic." Sonic said continuing to walk forward as they all see her disappear,
"Sonic!" They all yell running after her as they pass the barrier, and the mist disappears showing a beautiful field of flowers next to a lakeside where there is a stone gazebo further into the lake.
"What?" Sonic looked back at them confused,
"What in the?" Alan said looking back the way they came seeing a wall of mist that abruptly stops,
"This is incredible!" Blaze said looking around,
"C'mon, I'll introduce you." Sonic said walking forward towards the gazebo as they follow after her across a wooden path. They approach and see two people sitting at the stone table, "Guess we're not the only ones here." She walks up and recognizes them, "Gawain? Percival? Is that you?"
"Your majesty!" They both quickly stand and kneel, they both looked identical to Knuckles and Blaze but wore knightly full plate armor,
"Hey! I told you to cut that out!" Sonic waved her hands as they both lift their heads and see their doubles. They both draw their blades and pull Sonic behind them out of instinct to protect their King.
"Who are you imposter!" Gawain said pointing his sword at Knuckles,
"I could say the same thing," He said crossing his arms looking annoyed,
"Chill everyone!" Sonic said putting her hands-on Gawain's and Percival's shoulders, "These are my friends from my world."
"But why do they look like us?" Percival asked glancing at Blaze,
"Beats me?" Sonic shrugged, "Let me introduce you, This is Knuckles, and Blaze. The guy in the robes is Amy and that's Shadow." She said,
"You have a striking resemblance to Lancelot." Gawain said glaring at Shadow,
"Yeah similar to how my friends look like you." Shadow said walking closer and grabbing Sonic's wrist pulling her closer to her.
"It is good to see you, your majesty." Mist appears as a woman who looks similar to Amy appeared wearing an elegant blue dress,
"Hey Nimue, It's good to see you too." Sonic said with a smile,
"I wish this was a more pleasant visit, But I know why you are here." She said as she looks at the others, "Welcome friends from another world."
"You know who we are?" Amy asked as she smiles at him,
"I do, as I also know you are struggling to understand your abilities in our world." She said, "Magic is different here than it is in your world.
"That obvious huh?" Amy chuckled, still feeling thrown off at seeing the woman standing in front of them with similar features to his own.
"Can you tell us more about Morrigan?" Sonic asked,
"You ran into Morrigan?" Gawain said,
"Yeah, that guy and whatever happened to Lancelot took our friends. He said he's after the Grail." Sonic said looking at Percival.
"He went after you to lure me out. I am so sorry my King." Percival said looking guilty,
"Please stop calling me that…" Sonic lets out a sigh, "Can you tell us who he is?"
"He's the grandson of Morgana." Nimue said, "An evil sorceress who has always had her sights to rule Camelot."
"And now he's after the grail to gain immortality since we destroyed the scabbard." Gawain said,
"Is the Grail safe?" Shadow asked,
"Yes, I have kept it hidden in a place only the King and I know about." Percival said,
"Huh? What place is that?" Sonic asked looking confused,
"I should have known you'd forget," Percival said pinching the bridge of her nose letting out a sigh as Sonic chuckles,
"Hey, I got two lives worth of memories up in here you should be glad I remember anything." Sonic chuckles. "So Morrigan is a sorcerer that wants to take the Holy Grail…" Sonic starts to think, "Wait!" she looks around, "Where's Caliburn?"
"We were unable to retrieve him when we had to flee the castle." Gawain said as Sonic looks sad,
"Dangit!" Sonic said with a sigh,
"Nimue, we need to find a way into the castle and save our friends." Knuckles said,
"There is a path, however it would be unwise for you to pursue them right now." She said,
"What?" Blaze said looking angry,
"Some of you are not well knowledged in the abilities you now possess." She said calmly, "It would be best to learn how to use these skills first before you go after your friends."
"You going to give us more tests to prove we're true knights?" Sonic asked jokingly,
"In a manner of speaking yes. Forgive me your majesty but your new form might need to be retrained as well, especially since you do not have Caliburn with you." Nimue said,
"She has a point… especially with Amy unable to use his abilities." Shadow said, "I also don't entirely know what I'm doing."
"But what about Cream and Tails! We can't just leave them." Blaze said,
"We're not leaving them Blaze, Morrigan wouldn't dare hurt them if they meant he could get the grail." Knuckles said,
"He's right, He'll use them as bait to lure us out, so he needs them alive." Gawain said,
"This isn't like the Dark Arms; we need to be smart about this." Shadow said,
"You can say that because she's not the one in danger." Blaze glared,
"That's not true and you know it. Your letting your emotions blind you. Amy can't fight right now and honestly most of us can't, If we go now we'll lose." Shadow said,
"Let's all try to calm down…" Sonic said trying to diffuse the tension between them, "If you want to be angry at anyone it's me." Blaze lets out a sigh,
"There you go blaming yourself again." Blaze said,
"I mean it is kinda her fault…" Amy said as Shadow glares at him,
"We told her to read the book." Knuckles argued as he looks at Sonic as they both look away from one another.
"I… I'm going to go train over here…" Sonic said walking away,
"I'm just going to go practice." Knuckles said walking the opposite direction.
"Amy, let me help you learn how to use your magic." Nimue said guiding him to the gazebo,
"That would be great, thanks." He said following her.
"I can help you learn to fight if you want." Percival said to Blaze,
"Alright…" Blaze said sounding defeated as they walk away leaving Gawain alone with Shadow,
"Would you like assistance as well?" he asked,
"I'll go practice with Sonic." She said walking away,
"Well that was rude." Gawain said in a huff.
Shadow walks up to Saya who was swinging at dummies that Nimue created to help them all practice. "Hey…" Shadow said a Sonic keeps swinging, "Can we talk?" She stops and turns towards her.
"Yeah." Sonic said sheathing her sword,
"I'm sorry about how I acted earlier… I know you didn't mean it like that." She said taking Sonic's hand,
"I'm sorry too… I just thought that maybe we were being a bit overwhelming for them since Caroline and Brandy are so subtle about it…" She said as her face started to turn red.
"I'm going to admit… I was feeling a little jealous." Shadow said,
"Of Knuckles?" Sonic asked looking confused, "Did you think I'd leave you just like that?"
"A little bit, you two have always had a chemistry. You both clicked to being friends almost instantly." Shadow said as her ears lowered feeling embarrassed at telling Saya her fear,
"That's because we're good friends, just like me and TK. You're not jealous of her are you?" Sonic joked,
"No…" She pouts with a huff as Sonic pats her on the head. Shadow wraps her arms around Sonic's waist and pulls her close, "But I won't apologize for being who I am with you." She kisses her. "And you should have figured by now that I'm extremely possessive."
"Oh I definitely knew that" Sonic chuckles as she holds Shadow back, "As nice as this is, we should train."
"I'll train… you need to talk to Knuckles. I don't want this ruining your friendship." She said letting her go.
"You're not going to run over and punch him are you?" Sonic said crossing her arms.
"No…" She said taking out her sword, "Go before I change my mind," She gives her a smirk before going back to training.
Sonic takes a deep breath and walks over to Knuckles who was striking a punching bag. "H… hey Knux… can we talk?" She asked as he stops catching his breath.
"Yeah." He said as they walk near the lake and sit on some rocks, Sonic glances at the water uncomfortably a few times, "I'm pretty sure it's not going to jump up and grab you."
"I've been attacked by Chaos, so I don't believe that for a second." She said as they both chuckle but then become quiet.
"Amy said he told you…" Knuckles said looking uncomfortable.
"Y…yeah. And Tails and Cream told me you socked him for it." She said trying to joke,
"He had no right to tell you… I didn't want you to know cuz I was worried something like this would happen." He said letting out a sigh,
"I just feel bad that you had these feelings and I never noticed," She said,
"Hey, I never realized you and Sophia were in love with each other until she flat out told us." Knuckles said, "So I guess we're even. But I don't want you to act differently around me okay? This isn't about you two, I need to sort through these feelings myself."
"So I can still call you Knuckle head?" She teased,
"No,"
"Oven mitts?"
"Don't push your luck Blue!" He glared as they both begin to laugh.
They get back to training for the rest of the day until nightfall where cots appear for all of them. "So I'm assuming that Morrigan and his dark creepy things can't get past the barrier." Sonic said,
"Correct, that is why Percival and Gawain have been here in hiding while we devised a plan." Nimue explained, "As long as he doesn't find the grail, we're safe."
"Guys look!" Amy points his hand towards a dummy as a beam of light shoots out and strike it, "Magic!" He cheered,
"At least I won't have to protect you anymore." Knuckles joked,
"Oh you'll still have to protect him. He's a ranged fighter. He's useless if enemies get close." Brandy said,
"Hey!" Alan argued as they all chuckled,
"You could just hit people with your staff if the get too close." Saya chuckles as she notices Shadow does not get ready for bed, "You're not going to sleep yet?" Sonic asked.
"I'm going to keep watch for a bit. Nimue says we're protected but I'm not taking my chances." She said,
"You can't stay up all night…" Sonic said looking concerned,
"I'll take a watch once she gets tired." Gawain said,
"Thanks Gawain." She said with a smile than yawning, "I'm beat!" She said attempting to take her armor off. "Stupid armor…"
"Let me help you." Percival said sitting next to her and unbuckling the straps,
"Thanks, I have no idea what I'm doing." She chuckles,
"Have you all noticed we can't transform back?" Knuckles said,
"Yeah…" Shadow said,
"Maybe it's because we're here?" Amy said taking off the large robe.
"That's the only thing I can think of." Knuckles said,
"Weird…" Sonic said as Percival helps her remove the pauldron. "That's much better, I'd hate to be in full armor, that stuffs heavy." She said moving her shoulder and letting out a sigh, "All that weight slows me down." as Percival places her hand on Sonic's cheek,
"Your appearance is so different than before." She said as Sonic begins to turn red.
"Y… yeah, reincarnation d… does that to a person." Sonic said starting to move Percival's hand from her cheek,
"Does my touch offend you now?" Percival asked looking confused as Sonic starts to feel malice coming from Shadow,
"I'm kinda with someone now…" She said as Percival moves her hand,
"I apologize my King." She said standing up and gets ready for bed,
"You and Percival huh?" Amy asked as Sonic jumps,
"It was literally a lifetime ago!" She said covering her face,
"Perhaps the reason we can't transform back is because we're disconnected from Chaos." Shadow said changing the subject trying not to be angry, "I can't induce Chaos Control."
"Let me try." Sonic holds her hand out and attempts to create a Chaos Shield around a dummy, but nothing happens. "Oh Chaos that's not good…"
"I can no longer create flames…" Blaze said,
"Wait so we need to rely on Amy for magic?" Knuckles said at they all turn to look at him,
"Cool no pressure… And your expressions definitely fill me with confidence thanks…" Amy said,
"You got this Ames!" Sonic said giving him a thumbs up.
"You should all rest. I must make sure the barrier is holding strong." Nimue said as she disappears into mist and they all begin to rest for the evening.
Tails and Cream searched around the cell for anything that could help them escape but quickly discover it was quite bare. "If only I had my stuff…" Tails said reaching through the bars and pulling at the lock, "We need to find a way out of here."
"You are friends of Sonic correct?" Merlina asked,
"Yeah," Cream said, "I'm Cream, and this is Tails,"
"My name is Merlina, I'm sorry you were pulled into this situation. The wards I put up against Morrigan weakened and he slipped through before I could secure them. Now Sonic and Camelot are in danger…" She said lowering her head,
"We'll figure a way out and help Sonic! She always manages to save the day even if she's the one in trouble." Tails said, "And we gotta find a way to warn her."
"Those locks are enchanted…" Merlina said as Tails lets go of the lock with a defeated sigh,
"Crap!" Tails yells frustrated,
"Would there be anyone in the Castle who could help us?" Cream asked,
"Caliburn… but Morrigan locked up the sacred sword as well…" She said,
"Isn't that the Sword Sonic mentioned." Cream asked Tails as she nods,
"Yeah! I believe Caliburn was the sword in the stone." Tails explained,
"Caliburn has the ability to dispel magic." Merlina said,
"Then we need to add that Sword to things we need when we get out of here." Tails said,
"How do we get out? The door's magically locked." Cream said,
"I'll think of something…" She said as she starts to pull a nail out of the wooden bench
In the middle of the night, Gawain was on watch keeping an eye on everyone while they slept. Sonic jolts awake after a dream where it felt like she was falling. "Hate those kinds of dreams…" She mumbles to herself sitting up letting out a deep sigh,
"Everything alright my King?" Gawain asked as she turns to him,
"Just one of those dreams where it feels like you're falling and it shocks you awake," She said climbing out of bed and sitting next to him, "I haven't had a chance to talk to you, how has it been since I left?"
"You did a wonderful job making sure the kingdom would continue to run in your absence. We've had a few issues, but nothing the three us couldn't handle." He explained,
"What happened to Lancelot? Why's he gone extreme edge lord with an extra side of edge?" Sonic asked,
"Morrigan slipped in and did something to him. He's completely under his control. He used Lancelot to weaken the seals Merlina maintained to keep Camelot protected from the Dark Hollow. They invaded the castle… Percival and I only escaped because Merlina teleported us out." He slams his hand on the ground. "A knight should never flee…"
"You're just as dramatic as ever." Sonic chuckles, "What matters is that you helped get Percival to safety. If Morrigan got his hands on her and discovered the location of the Grail it definitely would have been game over." She placed her hand on his shoulder.
"I know you are right… I just feel so helpless." Gawain said,
"Hey, don't worry! The calvaries here now, we'll save Camelot for sure!" Sonic smiles and gives him a thumbs up.
"I am glad you are back." He said back with a smile, "I wish I knew how to help Lancelot… We used to argue a lot, but I still consider him my friend."
"I think whatever's controlling him has something to do with those thorns around his wrists. I saw Morrigan cast a spell with thorns that looked similar." Sonic said,
"Perhaps if we can get them off he might snap out of it!" He said sounding hopeful as Sonic smiles happy she could help him find some hope considering their situation. She fells a chill run down her spines as if they were being watched as she starts to look around. "My King?"
"We're being watched." Sonic said standing up, "Wake the others." She grabs her sword as she sees a figure appear walking through the barrier. Gawain walks over and starts shaking everyone awake.
"What's going on?" Alan asked still half asleep,
"We have company. All of you get ready, I'll stall for a moment." Sonic said putting on her gauntlet and walking a bit away from the group blocking the intruders path. "Sorry Pal, No visitors between the hours of it's way too early for this and you're not welcome here, please come back later." She said as she starts to recognize his armor through the mist. "Lancelot?"
"How'd he get past the barrier?" Knuckles said,
"Same way he did in Camelot, he's not Dark Hollow so the barrier doesn't perceive him as a threat." Percival said, as Lancelot turns his attention towards her and draws his sword. He lunges forward and Sonic blocks him as their swords clash, instantly feeling the strength behind the attack. Her muscle memory of how to fight flashed through her head of their last dual,
"Get Percival out of here, he's going after her!" Sonic yelled as they all grab their stuff and get ready to fight.
"I'm not leaving without you!" Percival yelled,
"I never said you were. Remember I'm super-fast, I can catch up." She said pushing Lancelot's sword away, "But there needs to be a decent gap between you two. Now that's an order!" Gawain pulls Percival back further away,
"We must do at she orders for the good of the realm, he must not get his hands on you." Gawain said as Sonic points her sword at Lancelot in a challenging manner,
"I won't let you have the grail Lance. You'll have to get past me first." Sonic said knowing she was initiating a dual,
"It is good to see that you can still wield a blade my King… and your appearance has changed." He tilts his head; Sonic was surprised that he was talking to her like he used to. "I don't remember you being so small." Lancelot said in a teasing tone,
"And I don't remember you being so tall. I'm surprised you can talk. I thought Morrigan turned you into a mindless puppet." Sonic teased back,
"Morrigan opened my mind to your foolish vision of believing this world will prosper without you." He said,
"Hey! Gawain literally just told me everything was going fine, so how much of what you're saying are your words and how much of them are Morrigan's?" Sonic said as he strikes at her and she blocks.
"I'll show you how much of my words are mine my King." He said leaning close to her as she was struggling against his strength. Nimue was right, her skills were definitely rusty, and Sonic didn't know how long she could keep up an altercation with him.
"Sonic!" Shadow jumps next to her swinging at Lancelot, taking them both by surprise.
"You dare interfere in a knightly duel?" Lancelot said pointing his blade at Shadow as she stands in front of Sonic defensively. She was not going to just stand there while Sonic struggles to defend against his attacks, she the way he looked at Sonic bothered her.
"I'm not a knight," She said getting ready to fight, "I don't play by your rules," Lancelot's face twists in anger,
"Very well, I will erase your stain from the Kings presence." He said lunging at Shadow as she blocks but like Sonic did, she feels his incredible strength and is pushed back. Shadow may be the Ultimate Lifeform but here in Camelot she could not tap into her connection to Chaos.
"Shadow wait I should…" Sonic said quickly noticing that she was struggling,
"Stay back, keep an eye out in case any others show up." She said as Sonic takes a step back, but she doesn't leave. Sonic knew that Lancelot had the advantage when it came to skill in dueling and didn't want to risk Shadow getting hurt. Shadow pushes Lancelot back and takes a strike at him as he deflects the attack. Sonic stared at the thorn bands around his wrists, she could tell there was something off about them and they gave off the same kind of energy as the staff Morrigan carries, those had to be the source of what's causing Lancelot to act like this.
"We can't just stand here." Knuckles said as Percival grabs his arm,
"If you interfere you will insult Lancelot's honor further and he may be beyond saving if he's blinded by rage," Percival said,
"She's right," Gawain said, "The King may be the only one who can snap him out of it, but I fear Shadow may have made her job more difficult."
"Blaze what should we do?" Amy said,
"It doesn't look like anyone came with Lancelot; I think Morrigan was counting on him being able to overpower us." Blaze said,
"Well then he made a mistake." Knuckles said crossing his arms,
"Don't underestimate him," Gawain said, "He could still beat her."
"And Shadow can't tap into her control over Chaos…" Blaze said,
"Crap… I totally forgot…" Knuckles said starting to look worried, they all watch as Shadow and Lancelot continue their fight. Sonic resisted every urge to intervene knowing how prideful both of them are as she tightens her grip on her sword. She could tell that Shadow was starting to get tired.
"Had enough Naive? You can throw your sword down and surrender your life now." He said taunting Shadow as she started to get angry. She strikes at him as he parries knocking her sword out of her hands and strikes her cutting her face near her left eye as she stumbles to the ground.
"Shadow look out!" Amy yells as Lancelot raises his sword to strike her down as Sonic jumps in the way blocking the attack with her blade. Lancelot looks at her shocked,
"You'd protect this honor less woman?" He said pushing down on her further as she struggles to keep his blade away, her arms shaking under the weight of the blade.
"With my life! Besides, you know me. I gotta do what I gotta do." She said looking determined. His eyes lighten remembering those words as Sonic glances at the thorns around one of his wrists. If she could just grab it, it might break the spell. But if she loosens her grip… Lancelot's blade will dig into her shoulder.
"Sonic…" Shadow said getting back as she holds her head trying to stop the bleeding. Sonic turns towards her worried about Shadow as Lancelot's eyes darken when she looks away from him.
"Don't worry Shadow, I got this." Sonic said as the band of thorns around Lancelot's wrist shoot out like a whip as they quickly wrap around Sonic's sword and her wrists.
"Never take your eyes off your opponent." Lancelot said pulling her closer as the thorns continue to crawl up her arms,
"I might have spoken too soon…" Sonic said struggling to let go of her sword, but the vines had her hands tightly wrapped around the grip. "A little help guys?"
"Let her go!" Shadow yelled, the others run to help her as Shadow picks up her sword and attempts to strike, but Lancelot moved his sword away from Sonic's and blocks the attack, the thorns wrapped around her and her sword still holding Sonic tightly.
"Hang on Sonic!" Knuckles said,
"I can't really let go." Sonic said as the thorns climb up to her shoulders, "What in Chaos are these made of?" She winces in pain as the thorns cut into her arms.
"Amy shoot him!" Blaze yelled,
"I can't, not without hitting Sonic or Shadow!" Amy said staying slightly back getting ready for an opening, Lancelot watches Shadow as she struggles against his counter.
"She saved your life so in exchange I take hers." He said as the thorns wrap around Sonic's throat causing her to uncontrollably yelp as they tightened,
"Wait!" Shadow jumps back worried as the others stop.
"Don't hurt her!" Knuckles yelled as Percival and Gawain were fighting the urge to rush in with them.
"Can't breathe… Lance… stop…" Sonic said still trying to struggle as the thorns continued to wrap around her body.
"Lancelot stop! I'll go with you just let the King go!" Percival said as Gawain holds her back,
"Percival… No!" Sonic could barely say feeling the thorns around her tighten more as blood drips down her neck,
"I can't do that; He wants the wielder of Excalibur under his control." Lancelot said grabbing the sword hilt and lifting Sonic off the ground,
"You can't have her if she's dead!" Blaze yelled trying to reason with him before Sonic runs out of air completely,
"You have a point," He said as the vines around her throat loosen as she lets out a gasp just as her vision was starting to tunnel.
"Ow…" Sonic coughed as she continues to struggle, "Really wish I could use Chaos Control right about now…"
"We won't allow you leave here with her Lancelot! We have you outnumbered," Gawain said moving in front of Percival pulling out his weapons,
"Really? You'll risk our Kings safety just to stop me?" He grins, as both Gawain and Percival pause looking concerned.
"My safety is already risked! These thorns hurt!" Sonic said as the vines restrain her legs and start crawling up her face.
"Stop it!" Shadow yelled as the vines stop moving, She was shaking with frustration hating that she could do nothing to stop him.
"If you wish for the King to remain breathing you will let me leave." He said turning his blade towards Sonic,
"C'mon Lance! Can't we talk about this?" Sonic said still trying to struggle. Lancelot starts backing up from them.
"I'll kill you!" Shadow yelled as Lancelot chuckles, as he keeps backing away. If any of them attempted to move the thorns around Sonic tighten as she would wince in pain forcing them to stop.
"Gawain! No matter what, keep Percival away from Camelot! Morrigan can't get the…" Sonic's voice fades away as they both disappear into the mist. Shadow drops to her knees and slams her fist into the ground as Amy rushes up to her.
"Damnit!" Shadow yelled,
"Let me see the cut." Amy said looking at the wound, he places his hand near her face as his hand starts to glow green, "I can't heal it completely, but I can at least stop the bleeding."
"Amy that's incredible." Knuckles said,
"Lot of good I was… I have this healing and I can shoot a light beam…" He lets out a sigh,
"Sonic was the only person I know who ever bested Lancelot in combat…" Gawain said to Shadow, "I'm impressed you lasted as long as you did."
"But I lost her… again…" Shadow said,
"We'll get her back Shadow, Tails and Cream are there too, so they'll be able to work together." Knuckles said trying to cheer her up.
"We need you to be strong right now Shadow." Blaze said as Shadow lets out a sigh.
"We still need Nimue to tell us how to get into the castle," Shadow said looking around realizing she hadn't shown this entire time, "Where is she?"
"I am here Shadow, I apologize… Morrigan's magic is poison to me…" she said appearing next to Shadow looking in pain, "I'm not sure how he was able to get through the barrier bleeding out that much dark magic…"
"You should sit down…" Blaze said as she holds out her hand,
"Unfortunately, time is no longer on our side now that they have the King…" She said looking at Percival. She looks at Nimue confused as her eyes widen at the realization.
"I told the King that she is the only other person who knows where the Grail is…" Percival said,
"Now we're in trouble…" Amy said slumping his shoulders.
In a black whirlwind, Lancelot appears in the throne room of Camelot's castle still holding onto Sonic as she continued to struggle. "Kay there Lance you got me; can you get the sharp pointy things off?" She said as he lowers her, so her feet are back on the ground. "That's at least a start…" She lets out a sigh as the thorns begin to loosen letting her go, "Ow…" She winced; her entire body covered in cuts.
"Welcome home your majesty." Morrigan entered the throne room with a bow.
"Alright pal. Where are my friends?" Sonic said crossing her arms then wincing in pain,
"They are imprisoned in the dungeon; Unharmed I assure you." Morrigan said walking up to her,
"Yeah cuz I can take your word for it." She rolls her eyes, "Is Merlina there too?"
"Yes," Morrigan said,
"I wanna see them." She said,
"Rather presumptuous for a captive." He said sounding surprised at her boldness,
"Buddy, I've literally been broken and bloodied, mind controlled, kidnapped by man eating aliens and there's a shard of Chaos imbedded inside my body. So either show me my friends or reveal your evil plan cuz one way or another my friends will stop you or I will." Sonic said getting ready to charge at him, as he looks stunned for a second. Morrigan takes a moment to compose himself giving Lancelot a look as he grabs her by the arms, "Let go of me Lance!"
"I can see why you are worthy of wielding the legendary sword." He said stepping closer and grabbing her by the face, "You will become a thrall for the Dark Hallow."
"Not going to happen!" Sonic glared, "And what's with you people touching my face?" She pulls out of his hand then kicks him in the stomach almost causing him to fall over. Lancelot pulls her a step back preventing her from kicking him again.
"You brat! Who said you had a choice?" He said putting the staff in front of her face as the eyes glow purple, she blinks staring at the staff then back at Morrigan, but nothing happens.
"You were saying?" She grinned realizing it didn't work as he looks at her confused, "Looks like I'm immune to your mind control. What's plan B?" He gives Lancelot another look as he forces Sonic's arms in front of her. "Cut it out Lance!" She fought against his grip, but he was abnormally strong, definitely stronger than she remembered.
"I may not be able to control you, but I can still use you to lure Percival out of hiding." Morrigan said removing the gold gauntlet from her right hand.
"Jokes on you, she won't come." Sonic said continuing to struggle, "Gawain will make sure she stays away."
"Do you truly believe your faithful knights will stay away knowing their King is in harm's way?" He said as he taps his staff on the ground and a band of black thorns wraps around both of her wrists. She winces in pain feeling the thorns dig into her skin.
"What is that supposed to do? Your first party trick didn't work. What makes you think what you did to Lance will work on me?" She said.
"I may not be able to control you, but I can control your power." Morrigan said. The thorns continue to tighten causing her to flinch as a flower bud start to grow on both wrists. "The thorns I gave Lancelot give him power while these will take yours away." The buds bloom into dark blue roses as Sonic starts to feel drained.
"You may take away my speed, but I don't need it to beat you" Sonic said but it wasn't just her speed, she felt she had no strength left to the point where her legs started to buckle. "Whoa… I feel funny…"
"Take her to her room, our King needs rest." He said as Lancelot starts dragging her towards the door.
"Lancelot please, I know this isn't you!" She tried to plead with him. He says nothing as they leave the throne room and up a set of stone stairs, "At least tell me why. Why would you betray your friends? Why would you betray Camelot?" He stops at a door and opens it before pulling her inside.
"Because you died." Lancelot said turning her around to look at him,
"Wait… how do you know that?" Sonic looks at him confused and surprised,
"Morrigan told me everything, how you sacrificed yourself to save your friends, how it destroyed your world and rewrote the universe itself." He explained, She was stunned for a moment. How would Morrigan have that information?
"So you joined him because I died? That still doesn't make any sense." Sonic yelled still trying to get out of his grip, but now that she was weakened her struggles were nothing to him.
"I won't lose you again!" Lancelot yelled back as he lets go of her arms and wraps one arm around her waist and pulls her close then pulls her in by the back of the neck and forces their lips together. She tries to push him off but with her strength diminished she had no way to fight him. He lets go of the kiss, her face turned red with embarrassment and anger as she smacks him.
"Consent it a thing you jerk!" Sonic said shakily struggling to get out of his arms, "Get your hands off me!" She screamed as he releases her stunned at her reaction, she quickly backs away from him. Her ears lower angrily as her quills puff out trying not to look terrified feeling vulnerable not having her powers or a weapon to defend herself.
"Please get some rest your highness. I will come check on you in the morning." He said leaving the room as she hears a loud locking noise. She rushes to the door and presses her ear against it as she hears Lancelot let out a disappointed sigh and walks away from the room. She paused for a few minutes trying to get her composure back, she had never felt so defenseless. Now she just needed to figure out a strategy to get free and find her friends.