Chapter 34
The group is teleported to the Molten Mines and they instantly feel the intense heat coming off the rivers of lava. "You visit here from time to time?" Amy said already hating the situation they're in,
"Yes, I have never been bothered by the heat." Percival said,
"Which way?" Shadow asked as Percival nods and points to the direction and begins leading them.
"There is a Mine shaft not too far from here. We can use the cart rails to get down there at a faster pace. It should give us a straight shot to the grail before Morrigan can get there." Percival said as they all quickly follow after her.
"So Merlina's just going to teleport away with the Grail once we get there?" Knuckles asked,
"Yeah, then I beat the magic out of Lancelot and get him on our side." Shadow said,
"What if they get there first?" Amy asked,
"Then I use Chaos Control and grab the Grail." Shadow said,
"You would grab the grail before saving the King?" Caliburn said,
"If Morrigan gets his hands on the Grail he'll teleport away again before we can save her." Shadow said,
"Sir Shadow is right, even if the King is in danger, she would want us to secure the Grail before helping her." Gawain said,
"That's Sonic in a nutshell." Knuckles said, "Always worries about others before herself."
"However I don't know how long I'll be able to stop time here with Chaos Control." Shadow said,
"Not to bring everyone down further, but what if they already have the grail and are gone?" Amy asked running in the back breathing heavily,
"We would know." Percival said,
"How?" Blaze asked,
"I am bonded to the Grail, I would know if the King had entered the protective barrier surrounding it, and if Morrigan touched it the skies would have turned black." She explained,
"Man this guy is extra!" Alan said pausing for a second to catch his breath, "You all go ahead… I'll catch up…"
"No you don't." Knuckles said running back and throwing him over his shoulder, "Don't have time." He starts running catching up with the others.
"Well this is embarrassing!" Amy said,
"Payback for you telling Sonic." Knuckles joked,
"That's fair," Amy said with a shrug as they get to the entrance of the mine shaft and jump onto the tracks rains grinding down further into the mines.
Elsewhere within the mines Morrigan and Lancelot continued forward starting to feel turned around in this labyrinth of mines. Sonic had fallen unconscious shortly after they had entered from heat exhaustion, "Blasted it all!" Morrigan complained, "She needs to wake up, we're so close."
"You pushed her too far." Lancelot said sounding angry,
"We do not have time for this." He waves his hand over the roses around her wrists and a few petals fall off. "There, that should give her enough strength to keep going." He said. Sonic starts to stir as she feels less heavy and slowly opens her eyes, "There we go," The vines move away from her face, she takes the chance to take a few deep breaths,
"What's it take for a Hedgehog to get a little sleep around here?" Sonic said as she starts to feel more full of energy.
"Do you feel well enough to stand?" Lancelot asked, looking down at her worried.
"Yeah, I'd rather walk anyway. Don't like being carried against my will." Sonic said starting to struggle out of his arms as he puts her down, "Where the heck are we?" She looked around trying to act like she didn't know where they were. "Did you get us lost?" She joked with as Morrigan glares at her.
"Which way?" He asked as tapping his staff against the ground causing her eyes to turn purple, she staggers giving into the spell.
"The… left tunnel…" Sonic said shaking her head fighting the spell, "Man I don't like how that feels…"
"How much further?" He said angrily,
"After we turn… make a … right… the grove is there." She said as the purple fades, "S…Stop doing that!"
"Once I have the grail you won't need to worry about fighting my magic. I will wipe your memories of your world and you will forever remain here as King, with me controlling you from the shadows as it should be." He said,
"Wait… What?" Sonic's ears tilt looking confused, "You don't want to be King?"
"I don't need to have the title of King to get what I want. It's much more fun controlling puppets." He smiles sending a chill down Sonic's spines. She takes a moment before she glares at him.
"Listen here you piece of…!" The vines silence her once more as she attempts to yell at him.
"I'll be sure to make you more quiet as well, my King." He grins as she lets out a muffled growl. He turns around and walks down the left tunnel. Lancelot grabs her by the forearm as she attempts to pull back digging her heels trying to slow him down, but it does her no good as he continues forward dragging her. "Don't dawdle Lancelot, soon everything will be as it should be."
"As it should be." He said as Sonic shakes her head trying to get his attention as he follows after Morrigan.
"At last!" Morrigan turns to the right as he sees the grove a beautiful scape with a natural made bridge covered in a luscious green grass over a deep crystal blue pond. The grail floating in the center of the bridge. His smile quickly changes as he realizes that Shadow and the others were already standing between him and his prize. "No!" He said as Lancelot turns the corner with Sonic as she sees her friends and looks relieved as she makes eye contact with Shadow. "How did you beat us here?"
"You forget Morrigan, I was the one who put the Grail here. Of course I would know a faster route of getting to it." Percival said as she stands next to the barrier surrounding the grail.
"If you grab the Grail, I cannot promise the King will come out of this unharmed." Morrigan said pointing his staff at Sonic, she shakes her head desperately in a plea to warn her friends that they can't give him the grail.
"Fine, we'll do this your way." Shadow said as she holds Caliburn and points him at Lancelot, "Sir Lancelot of the Knights of the round table. I Shadow, Knight of Chaos, challenge you to a duel! The winner takes the Grail." Sonic looks at her surprised,
"You dare wield the Kings sword?" Lancelot said glaring at her, his grip on Sonic's arm tightens.
"I gave her permission." Caliburn said as Lancelot's expression changes to surprise.
"Do you accept my challenge?" Shadow said as Lancelot glances at Morrigan. Morrigan nods to him as Lancelot moves Sonic next to him and he grabs her arm.
"I accept." He said drawing out his sword getting ready to fight. The room is silent for a moment, everyone watches expectantly as Lancelot makes the first swing. Shadow blocks and counters, "It seems you have improved, but it still won't be enough, this time you will die."
"Careful Shadow, Lancelot is good at spotting weaknesses in defenses, no matter what, do not take your eyes off of your opponent." Caliburn said,
"Got it." Shadow said as she makes an attack as Lancelot parries.
"So you wish to prove you have honor?" Lancelot said striking down as she block holding him back, "Do you truly believe you are worthy to serve the King?"
"I don't care about my honor, but I will prove that your honor has been twisted." Shadow said pushing him back.
"My honor is not twisted! All that I have done is for her!" Lancelot raged as his sword begins to glow,
"Careful! He's about to use his sacred swords special ability. If you channel your energy into me we can block it." Caliburn said as Shadow nods as Chaos energy begins to swirl around him.
"Arondight!" Lancelot yells as a blade of force energy blasts at Shadow,
"Chaos Punishment!" Shadow yells as she strikes through the energy blast and warps in front of Lancelot taking him off guard for a moment as she strikes again and he barely blocks it, taking an injury to the shoulder.
Sonic tries to move forward fearing they will kill one another as Morrigan pulls her back. "Now, now, my King, you cannot interrupt their duel." He said pointing the skull at her threateningly to get her to stop moving.
"Don't forget you still have us to deal with!" Knuckles said smashing his fists together, "I have a fist with your name on it."
"You would distract from their duel?" Morrigan said, as Gawain stops Knuckles, shaking his head,
"He's right, Sir Shadow might lose her focus if she sees the King in danger." Gawain said as Knuckles looks frustrated,
"Fine! But the moment I can, I'm knocking him down." Knuckles said as Gawain nods feeling the same. Lancelot starts to get the upper hand on Shadow as they both jump back,
"Any last words, Sir Shadow?" Lancelot asked charging his blade for another attack.
"I have a question," She pauses to catch her breath, "Are you sure your King is safe?" Shadow asked as Lancelot stops charging his attack.
"What are you talking about?" Lancelot takes a strike at her and she blocks.
"Think about it! Has Morrigan truly kept her safe? You restrained her with thorns, forced information out of her and dragged her here in a weakened state." Shadow said as she sees the purple clouding his eyes start to waver, "Can you honestly tell me that she didn't ask you for help? Not even once?" She asked as Lancelot starts to remember them in the throne room when she asked for help and when they got to the Molten Mines, Sonic's calls for help echoing in his head. He shakes away the fog for a moment as he turns to look at Sonic, She looks at him with concern hoping what Shadow said was getting through to him.
"Now Shadow! While he's distracted!" Caliburn said,
"Chaos Punishment!" Shadow called out as the attack strikes Lancelot in the chest as he falls to his knees. Sonic starts to fight Morrigan's grip and tries to call out for them to stop.
"I'm impressed…" Lancelot said breathing heavily. "You have bested me, now finish the final blow…" Lancelot said lowering his head accepting his fate. Sonic continues trying to cry out as Morrigan began struggling to keep a hold of her.
"Stop Squirming!" He demanded as he lets go of her arm for a moment then grabs her by the waist. She wasn't paying attention to him, she continued trying to get their attention to get them to stop as she watched Shadow stepped forward in front of Lancelot.
"Shadow…" Amy was about to protest as Blaze places her hand in front of him and shakes her head. Shadow raises up Caliburn and strikes down as tears well up in Sonic's eyes. This couldn't be happening, there was no way this was what she was seeing. But what she couldn't see is that Shadow struck the thorn bands around his wrists as the rest of the purple leaves his eyes, he wavers for a moment as clarity starts to come back to his mind.
"W…What? What have I?" Lancelot grabs his head. Sonic realizes what Shadow did as she lets out a whimpered sigh of relief.
"Damn…" Morrigan said as Shadow holds her hand out to Lancelot, he takes it and she helps him back to his feet.
"Seeing a little more clearly?" She asked,
"I apologize Sir Shadow for my previous actions." Lancelot said as he turns, "Morrigan!" Lancelot yelled in anger, "How dare you twist my mind!" Brandishing his weapon at him.
"You were such a good puppet too." Morrigan said letting out a sigh as Lancelot looks at him enraged.
"You've lost Morrigan, Let Sonic go, and we might spare you." Shadow said pointing Caliburn at him standing next to Lancelot.
"I will not be beat that easily, Sir Shadow." He said tapping his staff on the ground as the blue roses on Sonic's wrists begin to glow and her eyes glow purple. Morrigan's body begins to glow the same color blue and in a blur he moves with Sonic to the other side of the bridge parallel to Percival.
"What?" Percival said as they all turn confused how he moved over there,
"That looked like Sonic's speed!" Knuckles said. Morrigan lets go of Sonic's waist and grabs her by the forearm, her eyes flicker back to green as she staggers disoriented.
"As long as I have her, her powers are mine to use." Morrigan said as Sonic shakes her head, she looks around confused, how were they in a different location? "Now Sir Percival," He lets go of his staff and it floats next to him then holds out his hand towards her as he moves his arm pushing Sonic closer to the edge near the pond bellow. "I know your King cannot swim," He grins as Sonic looks down at the water below her trying not to look panicked. "Give me the Grail and she lives." Sonic shakes her head. "Or I could just leave with her now and trap her somewhere you will never find her." His staff begins to glow,
"Wait!" Percival said as he stops. She looks at the Grail. Sonic frantically shaking her head trying to get her to stop.
"Percival you mustn't!" Merlina said,
"I cannot let her be in harm's way further…" Percival said sounding defeated as she reaches out her hand to dispel the barrier.
"Percival you can't! We can't let him win!" Blaze yelled; Percival touches the barrier as it starts to fade away.
"At last!" Morrigan said. A whip of vines grabs the grail as he pulls it towards him. Sonic knew what she had to do… but she wasn't going to like it. Just as he grasps the Grail in his hand she bends her knees and kicks Morrigan's back causing him to let go of her as she loses her balance and falls into the water.
"Sonic!" Knuckles yelled,
"Chaos Control!" Shadow stops time and runs at Morrigan but time starts before she can grab the Grail. Morrigan grabs his staff and waves his hand as the surface of the water starts to turn into Ice,
"If you stop me, the water will be her grave." Morrigan said as Shadow panics and dives into the water after Sonic,
"Shadow!" Blaze yells, Morrigan teleports away as the top of the pond becomes solid ice.
"Out of the way I'll break it." Knuckles runs over and punches the ice and it barely cracks, "No!"
"Move!" Lancelot said as he raises his weapon charging an attack, "Arondight!" He strikes down as the ice shatters. Shadow breaks the surface of the water holding Sonic. Knuckles, Amy, and Blaze rush into the water and help her out. Shadow carries Sonic's unmoving form.
"Is she alright?" Merlina asked. Shadow grabs Caliburn and cuts the bonds around her wrists as the rest of the vines disappear in a purple smoke,
"Sonic?" Shadow called out as she started to check if she was breathing. Sonic jolts as she coughs up water.
"I hate water…" She continues to cough as they all let out a sigh of relief.
"Fool! You could have drowned!" Caliburn said as she chuckles,
"Why did you do that?" Gawain asked, "You know you can't swim."
"I wasn't going to let Morrigan have his way." She continued coughing as Shadow checks her over, her clothes were tattered, and she was covered in cuts and bruises.
"What do you mean?" Amy asked,
"Morrigan planned to make the King his puppet. He was going to wipe her memory and permanently make her King of Camelot." Lancelot said,
"I'll kill him!" Shadow said angrily. Sonic places her hand on Shadows cheek as her touch instantly calms her.
"Can I at least take a breather first?" Sonic jokes as Shadow pulls her in and kisses her. Sonic holds her tightly; she was glad to be back in her arms.
"Why do you always have to scare me like that?" Shadow said as she kisses her again before she has a chance to answer.
"Sorry…" Sonic said catching her breath as Shadow presses her forehead against hers.
"What do we do now? Morrigan got away with the Grail." Blaze said, as Shadow helps Sonic up to her feet.
"Where are Tails and Cream?" Sonic asked,
"They're with Nimue," Knuckles said,
"Okay, we regroup and figure out a plan." Sonic said. She makes eye contact with Lancelot as he quickly kneels lowering his head.
"There are no words to say how terribly sorry I am for what I have done. I accept any punishment you give to me your Majesty." Lancelot said as Sonic walks over to him. Everyone stays silent waiting to hear what she has to say.
"Sir Lancelot, Knight of the Round Table." Sonic said in an authoritative tone that takes her friends by surprise for a moment, "You aligned yourself with an evil sorcerer that endangered your King and the entire realm. As your punishment I order you…" She pauses as she crosses her arms and lets out an exasperated sigh, "To stop being so dramatic!" She shakes her head as Lancelot looks up at her confused,
"But Your Highness!" He protested as she holds up her hand telling him to stop,
"C'mon Lance! You know I hate when you're like this!" Sonic said as she holds her hand out to him. "You were under his spell. I can't blame you for that." She helps him back up to his feet as Knuckles steps up and punches him, "Knuckles!"
"What? Tails asked me to punch him for her." Knuckles shrugged,
"It is alright my King; I deserve far worse." Lancelot said,
"We should go, there's no telling what Morrigan will do now that he has the Grail." Merlina said,
"I'm sorry my King…" Percival said, "I have failed you…"
"We'll get it back, right Caliburn?" She smiles as he comes over next to her,
"That is right, but I still think you should have dealt out a far larger punishment to Sir Lancelot." Caliburn said,
"Telling me how to do my job now?" Sonic said,
"Fool! Do not forget it was I who choose you!" Caliburn said,
"That a threat you oversized letter opener?" She crosses her arms as they both laugh; Shadow stands next to her. "So, It's Sir Shadow now?" She gave a teasing grin,
"You start calling me that I get to call you my King," Shadow gives her a look as Sonic's face goes red.
"Ha, ha, a… and on that note, let's go!" Sonic said as they gather around Merlina and teleport back to Nimue's grotto. Tails and Cream lift their heads as they see them all appear. They quickly rush over to them.
"Sonic!" Tails yelled and she tackles her to the ground as Cream goes over and hugs Blaze.
"Take it easy there bud I'm still sore." Sonic chuckles,
"I'm so glad you're okay!" Tails said as they both get up,
"Yep! But sadly we're not done yet." Sonic said as they all notice the sky had become ominously dark. "Unfortunately, Morrigan took the grail."
"What do we do?" Cream asked, as Sonic looks at Lancelot, Gawain, and Percival.
"We'll need Excalibur." Sonic said with a smile,
"But my King, you may not have the strength to wield it right now." Gawain said openly,
"Sure I'm a little tired, but we're kinda on the clock here." Sonic said, gesturing to her wrist like tapping a watch.
"Absolutely not, if you're weakened what's saying Morrigan doesn't try to take over your mind?" Shadow said,
"I can't just sit here and rest, there are people in trouble." Sonic said,
"Shadow's right, we need more of a plan than you wielding Excalibur." Knuckles said, as Sonic starts tapping her foot,
"We have to do something! I have a responsibility to…" Sonic protested. Merlina waves her hand as a shimmer appears in front of Sonic's face "To… my…" She staggers before falling into Shadows arms unconscious.
"Merlina!" Percival protested,
"She needs to rest, and you and I know that sometimes this is the only way she will get it." Merlina said as Shadow picks her up and lays her on one of the beds.
"Can you teach me that trick?" Amy asked,
"Amy!" Cream said,
"What? Having a way to knock Sonic out might be helpful in the future." Amy said as they all glare at him, "Or not…"
"For now we try to make a plan while she rests." Shadow said as they all gather around and begin brainstorming their next plan of attack.
Everyone begins to devise a plan to how they are going to stop Morrigan. Sonic starts to wake up as she sits up confused, She quickly walks over to the others in a huff. "Merlina! I asked you to stop doing that!" Sonic said,
"Fool! You were in no condition to fight!" Caliburn said,
"Yeah… but still!" She lets out a defeated sigh, "How long have I been out?" Sonic asked, the sky was still dark,
"About four hours." Amy said as Sonic pouts, "You look a lot better now."
"That's not the point!" Sonic said as she notices that Lancelot, Gawain, and Percival were not here. "Wait a minute, where are the others?"
"They went to help people evacuate out of Camelot." Shadow said, They should be back soon,"
"Okay, so what's the plan? Since you all don't need me." Sonic said crossing her arms,
"Now you're just being spiteful," Shadow said walking up to her,
"I'm made of spite." Sonic chuckles as Shadow pinches her ear causing her to flinch,
"No you're made of sass, there's a difference." Shadow said with a tug,
"Ow! Okay, okay! Let go." Sonic whimpers, Shadow chuckles as she pets her head,
"Stop trying to do too much on your own and let us help you." Shadow said as Sonic lowers her ears and nods,
"Alright… What do you guys have so far?" She asked, grabbing her shoulder pauldron, and struggling to put it on. Shadow starts to help her.
"I used my scrying pool to see that Morrigan is within the Throne room. He is using the Grail to alter Camelot." Merlina said,
"We'll use the way we got into Camelot last time to get inside the castle. Once we're all inside Merlina, Amy, Cream and Tails will be setting up a barrier around the castle so that Morrigan's powers cannot continue to spread." Blaze explained,
"Similar to last time," Sonic said giving a thumbs up. Shadow secures the last buckle on Sonic's pauldron,
"This is where it'll be different, you'll have the others with you to help you get to the throne room." Merlina said,
"Once we get there, Lancelot, Gawain and Percival will help you summon Excalibur while Blaze, Shadow and I keep Morrigan busy." Knuckle said,
"Then you use the power of Excalibur to cut the magic ties Morrigan is using to syphon from the Grail and land the finishing blow." Shadow said,
"All of it sounds great! Except I won't land the final blow, that's not my style." Sonic said,
"Not a problem, Lancelot or I have a score to settle anyway." Shadow said,
"Shadow, I won't let you bloody your hands." She argues,
"A bit late for that." Shadow said,
"What are you talking about?" Sonic looked confused as the others all look away,
"I finished off Black Doom before we blew up the ship." Shadow said as Sonic looks at her shocked,
"Wha…"
"We were losing, but I was able to go super, I wasn't going to risk him coming after us as we escaped." Shadow said as Sonic takes her hand,
"O… Okay, I get that… Man eating aliens and all that. But Morrigan isn't an evil alien, you can't just kill him." Sonic said but Shadow's expression doesn't change,
"He tried to kill you! On top of that he plans to turn you into an empty puppet. This isn't like Merlina being swallowed by sorrow and needing her eyes opened, this man is evil. What makes you think that letting him live won't stop this from happening again." Shadow said,
"That's not a good enough reason for you to become an executioner!" Sonic yelled as she grabs Shadow by the forearms, "Please Shadow I don't want your first instinct to be to kill someone." She tries to fight back the frustrated tears welling up, "Please…" Shadow lets out a sigh as she pulls her into a hug,
"Alright," Shadow said sounding defeated, "But if it comes down to the wire and it's you or him, you know who I'll choose." Shadow said lifting her chin as she kisses her forehead, "But I can't say the same for your Knights, they all are pretty angry. Especially Lancelot."
"I'll talk to them." Sonic said,
"What foolishness is this? Sir Shadow, you would make your King cry?" Caliburn said. Both of them look embarrassed as the others all stop themselves from laughing.
"C…Caliburn? Please don't say it like that…" Sonic said,
"Both of you must have a clear head! This will not be an easy task and I fear more troubles will arise once we get within the Castle." He said,
"Sorry, we'll try to keep cool." Shadow said,
"Hey! I'm always cool." Sonic grins,
"Looks like the others are back." Tails said as Percival, Gawain and Lancelot enter the grotto. They see Sonic and walk over to her.
"It is good to see you awake your Majesty." Gawain said,
"How are the people?" Sonic asked,
"Concerned and scared, but we have evacuated most of Camelot." Percival said,
"We need to stop Morrigan soon, I fear Nimue's barrier will not last much longer." Lancelot said,
"Well, we have a pretty good plan, let's save Camelot!" Sonic said confidently as they all get ready and walk over to the edge of the lake.
"First, eat this." Shadow hands one of the berries that give the ability to breathe underwater. Sonic pops it in her mouth and makes a sour look,
"Gross! So, how do we get into Camelot from here?" Sonic said,
"We have to swim." Knuckles said as Sonic stares at him for a moment processing what he just said,
"On second thought… You guys totally don't need me…" Sonic starts stepping away from the water as Shadow grabs her by the back of the collar.
"Did you forget we need Excalibur?" Shadow said,
"I have my powers back I'll just run and meet you all there…" She said trying to pull away,
"Nope." Shadow grabs her by the waist pulling her into the water,
"But I can't swim!" Sonic said,
"The berry you just ate gives you the ability to breathe underwater and I'm here to help you." Shadow said. "It's good to know you won't question eating something I give you." She teases,
"I hate water!"
"Deal with it, Let's go." Shadow said to the others as they were watching her struggle getting Sonic into the water.
"Some things never change." Tails said shaking her head, as they all dive underwater.
After a bit of a struggle with all of their clothes and armor, they make their way up the well just outside of the Camelot castle. They all wait a moment as they catch their breath. "That… was the actual worst!" Sonic said lying on the grass catching her breath, "Gimmie man eating Aliens any day…"
"Whoever thought robes was a smart thing for casters to wear must not realize how freaking heavy it is…" Amy said,
"Or dresses…" Cream said, ad Blaze helps her up to her feet.
"Let me help," Merlina said as she casts a spell as all of their clothes become dry.
"That's convenient," Knuckles said,
"Yay no more water!" Sonic springs up happily,
"Everyone knows what to do?" Shadow asked as Merlina, Amy, Tails, and Cream pull out a large crystal from their pockets.
"Wait for the barrier to go up before you all head inside." Merlina said as the rest of them nod.
"Ready Caliburn?" Sonic asked,
"Of course! Remember, do not let your guard down. Morrigan is powerful and with the grail he is more so." Caliburn said,
"I have the Seven Servers and the Knights of the round table on my side. Morrigan doesn't stand a chance!" Sonic said with a confident chuckle as she gives them all a thumbs up.
"Let's get moving." Amy said to Tails and Cream and they nod,
"Please be careful." Blaze said,
"You too." Cream said back with a smile.
"Let us get onto the castle grounds and wait for the signal." Gawain said as they split and the rest of them head into the castle garden. The entire garden is blanketed in black thorns and purple roses giving off a dark energy.
"The grounds have been changed so much…" Percival said as they cautiously move forward.
"Everyone be careful, there's no telling what kinds of traps Morrigan has set up." Lancelot said,
"Safe bet to not touch the thorns." Sonic said glancing at them every now and again. They continue towards the outer wall and see it is also covered in vines.
"Now what?" Knuckles said,
"Cut through the vines, piece of cake." Sonic said,
"There's a chance Morrigan will sense us if you damage them." Lancelot said stopping her.
"Then how do we get in?" Shadow asked,
"That window. Percival said,
"Wont climbing the thorns be dangerous?" Blaze said,
"Knux, give me a boost! I'll see if there's something inside we can use to help us climb up." Sonic said, as they all see the barrier go up around the castle. "That's the signal!"
"I have a better idea." Shadow said as she grabs Knuckles and Sonic's Shoulders and warps them onto the window.
"That works too." Knuckles said as she disappears and warps up Percival and Blaze,
"Shadow you're going to use up too much energy." Sonic said as Shadow warps away again and returns with Lancelot and Gawain,
"I'm fine," She said catching her breath,
"You're out of breath," Blaze pointed out,
"I wasn't going to risk us touching the thorns," Shadow said, "Just give me a minute."
"The coast looks clear," Gawain said peeking into the hallway.
"It seems too quiet." Percival said,
"I agree, not to mention this place reeks of the underworld." Lancelot said, "I also feel… off."
"Like a chill down the back of your spines?" Sonic said shivering for a moment, "I feel that too."
"Could be because you both have been influenced by Morrigan's magic." Knuckles said,
"You both need to stay cautious; we can't afford for either of you to lose your free will." Blaze said,
"He tried it on me once before and it didn't work," Sonic said confidently,
"That was before he weakened you and then slowly influenced your mind." Lancelot said,
"Fair point… so I won't touch anything." Sonic said, "You feeling better Shads?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Shadow said walking up next to her and taking her hand, "Don't go far from me."
"I won't" Sonic said with a smile, "Alright, let's go." Gawain quietly opens the door and they all start sneaking through the halls. They continue down the halls but don't meet any resistance other than certain hallways had been blocked off by walls of thorns.
"Why am I getting the feeling we're being corralled?" Blaze said,
"I have that same feeling." Knuckles said, "This all might be a trap…"
"It's always a trap…" Sonic said letting out a sigh with a roll of her eyes. They all pull out their weapons keeping up their guard as they continue forward.
Outside Tails was heading around the barrier trying to find her friends when she runs into Amy as he strikes away a Dark Hollow. "You okay?" Amy asked as Tails gets next to him.
"Yeah, I was able to outrun some of them, but I'm worried about Cream." She said catching her breath. "I don't like being helpless like this."
"I'm just starting to get the hang of this magic… But I definitely want to get home sooner rather than later. I miss just hitting things with my hammer." Amy said, "Let's go find Cream and Merlina." They continue forward looking for their friends,
Inside the others get closer to the throne room as Percival stops for a moment clenching her chest. "Percival?" Sonic placed her hand on Percival's shoulder.
"I can feel the Grail, it's become so tainted." Percival said with a shiver,
"You going to be okay?" Sonic asked looking worried,
"Yes my King, it just took me off guard for a moment." Percival reassured her,
"Don't overdo it alright?" Sonic said as Percival nods. The thorns lining the walls begin to stir as they all stop moving.
"Welcome home, my King." They all hear Morrigan voice come from the vines,
"This guy is starting to creep me out more than Abyss." Sonic said as some of the thorns strike at them. Sonic's about to get ready to attack when the rest of them surround her in a guarded position and cut away the thorns,
"Stay behind us your majesty!" Gawain said,
"Fool! We have the ability to defend ourselves." Caliburn said sounding insulted,
"We're not risking it; we need you to save your strength for Excalibur." Knuckles said as Sonic lets out a sigh.
"You could at least let me help." Sonic said tapping her foot,
"Let us do our duty your highness." Lancelot said,
"Alright, but it's hard to move forward with you all surrounding me." She said, as the vines stop attacking. "Guess that was just the welcoming committee?"
"He's toying with us." Shadow said,
"Okay, on a scale of Eggman to Black Doom how do our odds look?" Sonic asked,
"Black Doom." Knuckles said, "He'd wielding an infinite power source."
"But we have Excalibur this time," Blaze said,
"That makes me feel a little better." Sonic said smiling at Caliburn and he smiles back as they continue forward.
Outside Amy and Tails find Cream and Merlina running from some the Dark Hallow as Amy blasts them back, "There are too many of them we need to keep moving!" Merlina said as she grabs Amy's hand and they all keep running.
"What do we do? we can't keep running!" Cream said,
"Gather round I know a place we can hide!" Merlina said as they get close and she teleports them to the outer gardens near a gazebo. "Amy help me place a barrier." She said as Amy nods and they create a protective barrier around the Gazebo.
"Cream, you're hurt!" Tails said seeing the claw marks on her arm.
"It's not too bad." Cream said,
"Let me have a look." Amy said as he starts healing it,
"Do you think the others made it in okay?" Cream asked,
"Definitely!" Tails said,
"They should be getting to the Throne room soon." Merlina said as she waves her hand as a small reflecting pool appears in front of them as they can see the others get to the door of the Throne room,
"Alright, Everyone ready?" Blaze asked as they all nod, Sonic jumps up and spins with Caliburn in hand as she carves through the thorns blocking the door. Lancelot and Gawain burst the door open and they all rush inside. The walls were blanketed in thorns as they see the throne empty, Morrigan was nowhere to be seen.
"Wait, I thought Merlina said that Morrigan was in the throne room." Knuckles said sounding confused as the doors behind them slam shut. They all jump not expecting the loud noise as the thorns quickly overgrow around the door,
"It was a trap!" Gawain said,
"Not surprised at all…" Shadow said,
"Alright Morrigan! Show yourself!" Sonic said as all they hear is his laughter,
"There's the Grail!" Percival points out to a spot above the Throne at an orb of thorns giving off a purple aura.
"Well guys it's final boss fight time, you all ready?" Sonic asked looking at the Knights as they nod and stand in a triangle formation around her holding out their weapons and kneel. A golden magic circle glows beneath each of them at lines appear and connect the three circles. Sonic looks at Shadow, Blaze and Knuckles and gives them a thumbs up. "I'm counting on you guys!"
"We got you!" Knuckles said giving her a thumbs up back. Sonic Kneels with Caliburn as a golden magic circle appears underneath her as the others take a defensive position. Some of the Thorns on the walls begin to lash out as they attempt to break the spell circle. They all keep the thorns at bay as they hear Morrigan laugh again.
"Do you really think you can win?" He said as the thorns continue to lash out. But they are able to easily keep them far away from Sonic and the Knights.
"This guy's annoying…" Blaze said cutting down another vine,
"I think he likes the sound of his own voice." Knuckles said punching another vine away.
"Keep focused, just a little longer." Shadow said,
"Easier said than done!" Knuckles said. He strikes one, but it bends and tries to wrap around his arm as Blaze cuts it off of him, "Thanks," Blaze nods, Sonic opens her eyes as they begin to glow the same gold as the magic circle and Caliburn starts glowing as well.
"You had already lost the moment you walked into the castle." They heard Morrigan say as thorns burst through the ground taking them all by surprise and quickly pin Sonic and the knights in place breaking the spell.
"Sonic!" Shadow yelled as Thorns burst underneath them before they could react as the vines restrain them and force them into a kneeling position.
"I can't break free!" Knuckles said,
"Sonic, are you alright?" Caliburn asked,
"Can't move…" Sonic said struggling as Morrigan appears in a black cloud of smoke in front of her, his eyes completely solid purple.
"I'm happy you all came together to witness this momentous event." He said as they all struggle but none of them can break free of the vines, as roses start to bloom on the vines around them.
"Shadow… use Chaos Control!" Blaze said, but their powers were being drained by the roses.
"I'm trying!" She said as Morrigan steps closer to Sonic,
"Stay away from her!" Lancelot yelled, as the vines around her force her to stand.
"Are you ready to become immortal my King?" Morrigan said as he bows,
"Why are you doing this?" Sonic said, she tries to break free as he grabs her chin,
"I've waited a long time for this. To prove my Grandmother wrong. That you don't need to be crowned King to control Camelot." He said as the vines disconnect from the ground and he starts moving her towards the throne.
"There has to be a way to break free!" Gawain said. Morrigan turns Sonic around and forces her to sit with her still holding Caliburn in front of her is a regal position.
"Perfect, now, let's get rid of those pesky memories." Morrigan said waving his hand as Sonic's eyes begin to glow purple.
"No!" Shadow yelled, her body glows red. She starts fighting through the vines as more sprout out of the ground stopping her.
"You're not getting rid of me that easily!" Sonic said resisting the fog that was trying to wash over her mind.
"Let your mind clear of all thoughts." Morrigan said in a calm tone as she starts to feel numb,
"Sonic! Fight it!" Knuckles yelled as she starts to shake off the spell,
"Silence!" Morrigan yells as the vines cease their outbursts, "Do not distract me." Sonic's eyes revert back to their natural emerald color,
"C…Caliburn… Plan… B…" Sonic started to say as Morrigan turns back to her.
"Not just yet. You are King Arthur, ruler of Camelot." He said, her eyes glow purple as her mind starts to fade, like before her body yearned to obey, her muscles relax and her ears lower. "There we go, let your memories wash away. You are the immortal King."
"I… am… no…" Sonic closes her eyes trying to resist, "S… Stop…"
"You are King Arthur," He repeats "Your past is gone, all that matters is Camelot." Her eyes open still glowing. The others continue desperately trying to struggle to get free but all they can do is watch as Sonic continues to resist to stay in control.
"All that matters… is…" She didn't know how much longer she could fight the compulsion.
"You are King Arthur, wielder of the sacred sword Excalibur. There is no use in fighting, you have already lost." He places his hand on her cheek, her body jolts to his touch as the purple glow in her eyes deepens in color, "You are Arthur, Immortal King of Camelot."
"I am… Arthur… Immortal King of Camelot."
Authors note:
Thank you so much for continuing to read this story, I have decided to consolidate the previously posted chapters in an attempt to have them match the remaining chapters for this story since they are intended to be longer.
*Don't forget to review so I know what you think of the story