Chapter 42
The group continues moving forward when they all feel something like an explosion went off as they stop for a moment, "What the heck was that?" Tails said,
"That felt like…" Knuckles started to say as he looks at Shadow,
"Like a Chaos Blast." Shadow said, "Let's keep moving," She rushes forward as they get to an open room. They see two Boos start laying Sonic on the alter in the center on the room.
"Hey you stupid ghosts! Get away from her!" Amy yelled as they start to giggle as more of the boos begin to appear trying to block their path.
"How many of these guys are there?" Sally said,
"I'll clear a path, Shadow." Blaze said blasting the boos out of the way as Shadow quickly rushes up to the alter. Just standing next to her she could feel the remnants of Chaos energy radiating off of her. She reaches for Sonic and gets shocked before she could even touch her as the surges of electrical energy spark around her and the alter.
"What was that?" Cream asked,
"She's charged with immense amounts of Chaos energy, but why?" Knuckles said punching one of the Boos away,
"Do you think that energy we felt was from Sonic?" Blaze asked,
"Tails, did you bring the Rings?" Shadow asked,
"No, I forgot them…" Tails said kicking one away,
"Sally, I need permission to take off my limit rings." Shadow said as Sally looks at her confused,
"Why?" She asked,
"I can't grab Sonic with the amount of energy she's giving off, I can put my rings on her to cancel out the charge she's giving off so we can get her out of here." Shadow said,
"What will that do to you?" Blaze asked,
"I'll be fine as long as I don't fight using Chaos energy." She said,
"Alright, do it, we need to get out of here before whatever they want to happen, happens." Sally said as Shadow nods as she starts to take off the rings when Sonic's body begins to glow blue.
"The light!" One of the Boos said cheerfully,
"Not gonna happen," Shadow takes off one of her rings and tries to push through the energy around Sonic to get the ring around her wrist as a Crystallized hand pops out of Sonic's shadow grabbing Shadow's wrist. "What the hell?"
"Awakened!" One of the boos cheered,
"Shit." Shadow said trying to pull her hand free as the room starts to fill with maniacal laughter.
"Oh, what beautiful irony." A deep voice said. A second hand appears on the other side of Sonic as it wraps around her waist and the electrical charge around her is instantly nullified. A crystal-like creature appears from underneath her holding her up, "Hello again Shadow." It's appearance was reminiscent to Shadow in their past lives but taller.
"Who the hell are you?" Shadow said as he laughs. She tried to break out of his grasp, but it felt like her Chaos energy was being drained out of her where he touched.
"I forgot that other timeline was erased. For you this is the first time we've met. Though all of your appearances are rather different." He laughed,
"Knuckles, did you notice?" Amy said quietly,
"Yeah, he's made of the same material that Dr. Kintobor used to hold the courthouse hostage when he was possessed by the shard." Knuckles said, "He's made from Dark Chaos crystals,"
"What do you mean that timeline was erased?" Shadow said still trying to pull out of his grip as the crystals start to climb up her arm. Sonic starts to move as she elbows this creature in the face and her eyes glow red,
"Ah, so you've revealed yourself creature of Chaos." He said as she glares at him,
"Guys, what do we do?" Tails asked,
"Continue to keep the Boos off of us." Blaze said blasting one of them away,
"Mephiles…" Fleetway said, "Get your hands off of her."
"Mephiles?" Shadow starts to get confused as she sees flashes of memories she doesn't recognize. "W… What?" She grabs her head.
"This is why I didn't want her down here." Fleetway said punching Mephiles in the face again, "I said let her go!" She kicks the arm holding Shadow's wrist as the crystals crack and she's able to pull her arm free.
"Is he the one they wanted to awaken?" Cream said,
"But who is he?" Sally said. Shadow jumps back away as she puts her inhibitor ring back on.
"You always spoil of my fun." Mephiles said standing up on the pedestal still holding onto Fleetway by the waist,
"I won't let you have your way." Fleetway said trying to break free of his grapple, but he had a better hold on her than he did on Shadow's wrist.
"You and I know you're only avoiding the inevitable. Just let her remember and all shall be as it should." Mephiles said as Fleetway flinches for a moment worried he was going to say something while the others run up to Shadow.
"Blaze! Trap us in a ring of fire!" Fleetway said as they all look confused,
"What?" She said,
"Do it or you'll lose Sonic!" She yelled as Blaze quickly surrounds the pedestal in fire.
"Clever girl," Mephiles said as his form begins to melt and Fleetway slams into the pedestal. "But now that I'm free that trick won't work a second time." He completely melts into a black puddle as it disappears in front of her.
"He's gone." Fleetway said with a sigh as Blaze gets rid of the flames, "Damnit, I should have just stayed in control until you got her out of here… better yet I should have just left." She jumps down off the pedestal.
"But… we're on an island…" Amy said as Fleetway pauses,
"Never mind!" Fleetway said sounding annoyed,
"Is she hurt?" Knuckles asked,
"She's fine," She said crossing her arms, "Although she got too emotional and literally blew up. Now, where's the exit?" She asked as they all look at her uncomfortably, "Relax! I'm not going to kill you, if I did I wouldn't be standing here talking." She rolls her eyes as she walks towards the door.
"It's just a little weird… you still being here." Cream said,
"Not risking you breaking anymore of the seal… Mephiles getting out is definitely going to be a huge problem…" She said as they all follow after her,
"It broke?" Tails asked,
"The pedestal, It was connected to the seal, specifically his." She explained, "Might as well tell you sine it already broke."
"There's more than one seal?" Amy asked,
"Pretty sure I mentioned the scrolls. You think we'd be dumb enough to just put one seal?"
"We?" Blaze said,
"Shit said too much. Just ignore that I can't tell you that part, like, I literally can't." Fleetway said,
"Can you tell us who Mephiles is?" Tails asked,
"Honestly? No. I don't actually know a lot about him. Just that he goes by Mephiles the Dark." She shrugs. "Shadow definitely knows more about him."
"You do?" Cream asked,
"I think I'm remembering something…" Shadow said holding her head,
"You're remembering a timeline that was rewritten, give it a bit for your memories to restore itself." Fleetway said,
"You being so forthcoming, and calm is starting to freak me out." Knuckles said,
"Get used to it cuz Sonic's not coming back until we're out of here." She said as Shadow glares, "Glare all you want Stripes, but it's safer for her this way." Shadow turns away with a huff.
"Why did he melt though?" Sally asked,
"Light against dark, he's still weak from just getting free. It was a bit of a gamble but if he had any more time he'd try to drag me away. And that's game over." Fleetway explained,
"Cuz then he'd force her to remember?" Knuckles said,
"Ding, ding! Ten points to Knuckles." She joked as they get back up to the surface.
"Where did the Boos go?" Amy asked,
"They ran after Mephiles did." Shadow said,
"I'm going to get an ETA on when the Helicopter will be here. Keep an eye on her." Sally said looking at Fleetway as they head back to base camp,
"You all need to understand, now that Mephiles is out he'll stop at nothing to break the seal. Once Shadow has all of her memories back, hopefully the information she has will help." Fleetway said,
"Hopefully, this headache goes away." Shadow said,
"I have some pain killers in my bag." Knuckles said going over to his bag,
"Elias said the Helicopter is a few minutes out." Sally said as Knuckles gives the pain killers to Shadow, "Let's get everything packed up." They all begin breaking down camp.
"There's another thing." Fleetway said as they all turn to her, "Saya will also get her memories back from this other timeline. If you can, try to keep her from focusing on them."
"I don't think this is how Elias wanted this trip to go…" Tails said,
"It's what you all get for bringing her here." Fleetway said, "And she's going to be pissed I took over again, but it was either that or let the crystal monster take her." She shakes her head, "You know, after what happened with Robotnik I kinda forgot why I was here. And then I remembered that I'm here because this idiot jumps headfirst into things she shouldn't."
"This is a lot to take in…" Amy said,
"It's still hard to believe you're not evil." Blaze said,
"Evil no, chaotic yes." Fleetway smiles as they hear the Helicopter approaching. "Oh good! Our rides here!"
"Fleetway, are there any other things we need to know to keep Saya away from." Shadow asked as she pauses and thinks,
"The Dark Chaos Emerald, well the main piece. I need this one." She points at her chest. "No matter what, do not let her know where it is. Actually, none of you should know where it is just in case Mephiles comes after any of you for that information. And he needs to stay far away from the scrolls." She points at Knuckles.
"Got that Sally?" Tails asked as Sally nods,
"I'll be sure to let Elias know." Sally said as they start getting everything into the Helicopter. They all climb in as Fleetway grabs Shadows arm before she climbs onto the Helicopter.
"I won't be able to help if Mephiles comes after her again… If I take control again I'll disappear, and then the seal will be vulnerable." She said as Shadow nods. They both get onto the Helicopter and it flies back to HQ as Fleetway falls asleep. They all transform back giving each other looks while Sophia checks Saya over,
"Things just keep getting worse…" Kolt said,
"Just have to think like Sonic, We keep moving forward and not let this hold us down." Alan said letting out a sigh,
"We do what Fleetway says and we'll keep her safe." Caroline said,
"Do you remember who Mephiles is yet?" TK asked,
"Not entirely, give me a bit more time." She said as they nod,
"Guys?" Saya calls out holding her head, They all turn to her as she looks around, "I think I blew up…" They all resist the urge to chuckle, "Also how are we on the Helicopter?"
"Is that the last thing you remember?" TK asked,
"Yeah, then I think I passed out. Good to know those ghosts didn't sacrifice me." She chuckles,
"You need to know…" Sophia sat next to her and held her hand,
"Fleetway took over…"
"How did you?"
"I feel different when I wake up after she takes control. Like a part of me that was missing came back." She said, "Do I want to know what happened?"
"You were attacked by a crystal monster named Mephiles the Dark." Kolt said,
"The dude who killed me?" Saya asked as they all look at her confused,
"What?" Sophia asked,
"Yeah, he looked like a crystal version of Shadow, from that alternate timeline." Saya said sounding confused,
"You remember?" Caroline asked,
"I think so? It's a little fuzzy." She said scratching her head,
"Try not to think about it too much," Alan said,
"So he attacked me and Fleetway punched him?" Saya asked,
"How do you know Fleetway punched him?" Brandy asked as they all look surprised,
"My hand hurts like I punched a wall." She said as they all let out an exasperated sigh, "Let me guess he's bad news for me too."
"Yep!" TK said,
"So how long am I getting benched this time?" Saya called out to Sally as she calmly turns and smiles at her,
"We haven't determined a time frame yet." She turns back around,
"I don't like how she smiled when she said that…" Saya said,
"Stop being such a troublemaker then." Kolt said,
"Trouble is my middle name." She joked but Sophia could feel her hand shaking.
"Thought your middle name was Sass." TK laughed.
They all tried to keep a lighthearted attitude for the remainder of their trip back to HQ until eventually Saya fell back asleep.
"I'll take her back to the room," Sophia said unbuckling her from the Helicopter and picking her up,
"I'm going to talk to Elias about how we want to proceed, for now I think we should keep Saya on surveillance in case Mephiles tries to make a move." Sally said,
"He won't make the move himself; he'll manipulate others to do it for him." Sophia said,
"You remember now?" Kolt asked as she nods,
"He was half of the Flame of Soleanna. The previous King attempted to do experiments on it and caused it to split. Mephiles attempted to convince me to join his side multiple times. Even showing how eventually humanity would turn on me." She said,
"Wait what?" Caroline said,
"Because of a calamity, the world began to fear my power and locked me up permanently for it." She explained,
"That's awful…" Kolt said opening the door to their room for Sophia as she goes to her bed and lays Saya down.
"A curse for being the Ultimate Life form, on top of being immortal…" She said with a sigh sitting on the bed next to Saya.
"You say attempted, meaning he failed correct?" Blaze asked,
"Yeah, I made my choice a long time ago to protect those I care about. Even if the world turns against me." She said,
"Your convictions are pretty admirable." Amy said,
"Thanks, You all can go on ahead, I'm going to keep an eye on her for a bit." Sophia said as they all nod,
"Oh! that sample should be done in my lab, I should go check on it." TK said running out of the room,
"We should have Dr. Starline check on your foot." Brandy said to Caroline,
"It doesn't hurt as bad anymore, but we can get it checked if you're worried," Caroline said as they leave,
"I need to let my parents know I'm back," Kolt said with a sigh,
"They still giving you a hard time?" Sophia asked as he nods,
"I'll go with you, Rosie's probably missing me." Alan said as they leave, Sophia leys out a long sigh.
"They've all left, you can stop pretending to be asleep now." Sophia said as Saya twitches,
"Busted," She chuckles as she sits up, "Just didn't want all the awkward looks to continue."
"Don't dwell on this too much, Fleetway told me herself she won't be taking over again, she physically can't without disappearing. Though I don't really understand what that means." Sophia said,
"I know what it means, When Fleetway and I became one again, after time she just disappeared becoming a part of me. I assume every time she takes over, a part of her returns to me." She explained,
"Do you think that's why she needs the shard?" She asked as Saya nods,
"What do we do about Mephiles?"
"There was a way to contain him before, I'll see if TK can help me make it." Sophia said ruffling through Saya's hair, "Until we have a sure way to stop him you need to be on your guard even on base."
"I know, I'll only relax when you're around." Saya smiles as Sophia gets flustered,
"Chaos sometimes you're just too cute." She said kissing her neck as Saya giggles,
"Stop that, it tickles!" She laughs,
"Oh? you're ticklish?" Sophia grins as Saya starts scooting away from her,
"No…" She said as Sophia quickly grabs her pulling her back closer,
"You're not getting away that easily."
TK rushes to the workshop to check her computer. She sees the computer was still on and she starts looking at the analysis. The door of her workshop opens as Elias enters. "Ah, I was hoping to find you here." He said walking up to her, "Is it finished?"
"It is! I was just looking at it." She said as he looks over her shoulder and reads the computer screen,
"It's similar to a simple sedative but it looks like it influences the body at a faster rate," Elias said,
"But what is this part? The computer couldn't figure what this part of the formula is." TK asked pointing at the computer.
"Wait… I've seen readings like this… It's Black Arms DNA." Elias said,
"Are you sure?"
"I recognize it from the reports Dr. Starline gives me weekly about his progress on creating a healing cure using Sophia's blood." Elias said, "But why would it be in the syringe?"
"Did Abyss ever resurface while we were gone?" TK asked,
"Not that we're aware of, but we've have an active watch out for him ever since Sophia told us she couldn't confirm his death." Elias said,
"Whoever took Dr. Q might also have Abyss..." TK theorized,
"So we're looking for someone with a scientific background. Good work TK, I'll have someone start compiling a list of potential suspects that have the capabilities to create something like this." Elias said patting her shoulder,
"The computer did all of the work," She chuckles,
"But you created the program, don't belittle your accomplishments." He said with a smile,
"Did you decide how long you're going to bench Saya?" TK asked,
"Just two weeks, though what happened in Soleanna isn't the only reason why we're keeping her here for a bit, but we'll go over that in tomorrow's briefing." Elias said,
"Is everything okay?" She asked,
"Not really, but what else is new." He jokes,
"I do not envy your job." TK chuckles,
"Sometimes I miss being an active agent. There was definitely less paperwork." He lets out a sigh, "There was one other thing I wanted you to do for me."
"How can I help?"
"Can you make an encrypted key? But leave it up to me to create the passcode?" He asked,
"This for the Shard?" TK asked,
"The less you know the better." He said as she nods,
"I'll get everything set up and when I need you to put in the code I'll let you know." She said as he nods,
"Thank you, I want to do everything I can in my power to keep Saya safe." Elias said,
"We all do, and another threat has been added to the mix."
"Sally told me his name is Mephiles the Dark correct? Anything else you know about him?"
"Sophia will be your best bet for answers, apparently she knew him." She said as she began to work on the key.
"I'll ask her for information then, Thanks again TK for your help. I'll let you get back to work." He said as he leaves the workshop letting her focus on her work.
The following day, everyone meets in the conference room for the briefing to go over the previous mission and any other updates, "Sally already briefed me as to what happened on the mission. But fist I want to give you all these." Elias said as he hands them all watches, "These are your new communicators, that way we won't need to search for you all on base anymore in case of emergencies. On top of that they have a built-in locator in case of unseen situations," He said giving a teasing look to Saya,
"Yeah, yeah I literally have a target on my back, I get it." Saya said,
"The communicators work on a closed network so they cannot be hacked and can be tracked by satellite, meaning we'll be able to find you wherever you are." Sally said,
"About your last mission, now that this Mephiles the Dark is a threat we're going to need to be extra cautious. Sophia could you tell us a little bit about his abilities?" Elias asked,
"The crystalized form we all saw is his true form, but it can change. He can take on a darker looking form of someone using their shadow along with changing into a black mist which helps him easily escape if he's cornered." She began to explain,
"That's going to make it difficult to stop him…" Blaze said,
"That's not all, he gains strength from absorbing other shadows along with creating monsters he can control." Sophia said,
"Wait, he can create and control dark shadow creatures? That's sounds a lot like what Morrigan did…" Kolt said,
"Morrigan's abilities are similar to Mephiles now that you mention it. However he also has the power to control time."
"Like Chaos Control?" TK asked,
"Yes, but he doesn't need a Chaos Emerald to do it."
"That's not good…" Caroline said,
"You said Mephiles likes to manipulate people to doing the work for him?" Alan said,
"Correct, Mephiles enjoys playing with people and making them suffer. He'll go for your weaknesses or insecurities and attempt to use them against you." She explained. "There are a few positives. The first is that the other half of Solaris is gone since the royal bloodline is gone. And with TK's help I should be able to create a way to seal him."
"That's good at least." Saya said,
"But if he absorbs enough shadows it won't be strong enough to hold him unless we weaken him." Sophia said remembering how she attempted to seal him away in the alternate timeline and it failed.
"With light." Brandy said,
"Exactly, but like he said, that trick won't take him off guard a second time. I know my Chaos blast weakens him as well and if we can figure out what Saya did that might give us an advantage." Sophia said,
"What I did? What did I do?" Saya asked confused,
"You said you exploded right? We could feel the shockwave and it felt like a Chaos blast." Kolt explained,
"Maybe I can ask Tikal. Perhaps our powers are expanding again." Saya said,
"It wouldn't surprise me. I've felt my strength growing to the point where I'm having trouble not accidently breaking things again." Kolt said with an annoyed huff,
"So in the meantime, Sophia and TK will work on a way to contain Mephiles. There is one other thing we need to discuss." Elias said turning on the monitor showing wanted posters of Sonic and Knuckles.
"You have got to be kidding me…" Brandy said,
"Okay, that's not fair, I think everyone should have a wanted poster." Saya said crossing her arms,
"But he's actively after you two." Sally said,
"We've already heard a lot of radio chatter about bounty hunters looking for you both which is why you'll both be benched for two weeks to let this excitement settle." Elias said,
"Two weeks?" Saya said sounding surprised,
"I wanted to make if four however Sally made a point if they know you're sitting around you'll be an easier target." Elias said as Saya let's out a sigh,
"Fine! As long as I'm still allowed on the surface." Saya said,
"As long as you're supervised by at least two people." Elias said at they all look at Elias confused,
"Why two?" Kolt asked,
"Because of the second concern I was going to bring up. TK analyzed that the syringe was a fast-acting tranquilizer but specifically a part of the formula has me worried." Elias said,
"What was it?" Caroline asked,
"There was Dark Arms DNA inside the tranquilizer." Elias said as Sophia jumps out of her seat.
"How is that possible? I wasn't here and Dr. Starline informed me that the Dark Arms DNA within my blood disintegrates after time." Sophia said,
"We believe someone with a scientific chemistry background might have gotten their hands-on Abyss." TK said,
"You did say you were worried he made it off the ship alive." Alan said,
"If Abyss is still around he may come after you for revenge," Elias said, "And he knows your weakness." He glances over at Saya.
"Great…" Saya said with a sigh,
"I'm sorry Saya…" Sophia said as Saya takes her hand,
"We'll get through this." She smiles, "So I'm not allowed to be alone… Better than being abducted by aliens again." She jokes,
"Am I under the same restrictions?" Kolt asked,
"Not as strict by you cannot join on missions for the next two weeks," Elias said as he nods,
"Looks like you and I are getting some quality time." Saya looks at Kolt,
"Which is your way of saying, you want to spar." Kolt chuckle as she just smiles and he rolls his eyes,
"What about the Dark Chaos Shard?" Brandy asked,
"It's being moved to an undisclosed location and will have only one key that will also remain hidden."
"Good, none of us should have that information just in case." Caroline said,
"Anything else?" Sophia asked,
"The rest of you have a mission today. You're going to the Crimson Tower just outside of Central City. It's one of the control towers that Robotnik uses to control his robots." Sally explained,
"Pft! The Crimson Tower, Egghead trying to be edgy?" Saya chuckles.
"Taking that tower down will disable all of the robots in Central city and we can recover more ground against Eggman," Elias said,
"Shouldn't that important of a mission wait till Saya and Kolt can join us?" Alan asked,
"Unfortunately, This can't wait. Eggman is launching a new type of drone to subdue people. They are small and fast. Not Sonic fast mind you, however they are much faster than any of the resistance fighters. If those drones become operational we'll lose what foothold we already have on the city." Sally explained,
"You sure you don't want to lift their restriction. This seems really important." TK said,
"Part of me wants to TK, however anytime I'm confident things will work out. Something happens to prove me wrong. And with the amount of Robotnik sympathizers within Central City, that would be far too dangerous." Elias said,
"You guys are more than capable enough to handle this without us." Saya said confidently,
"Thanks Saya." Caroline said with a smile,
"You all have an hour before its time to depart," Elias said as they nod and start leaving the room.
"Saya, if I may have a moment." Elias said as she stays behind to talk to him.
"What's up Elias?" She asked as he gestures for her to sit next to him,
"I need to be honest with you, I'm concerned about the amount of dangers stacked against you." He said as she sits down,
"Ha! I've been through worse, trust me." Saya said nonchalant,
"Sonic has been through worse, not you." He said,
"Same soul different body." She said crossing her arms,
"Saya you are incredibly strong, especially for all you've been through. But you also have a limit to how much you can take." He said as she looks away, "Sally told me you became emotional and her words were that you literally exploded because of it."
"I was a little angry about being targeted again and backed into a corner… And the voice came back…" Saya said,
"What voice?" Elias asked,
"The voice I heard on the Dark Arms ship and in the crystal cave… I panicked, and I didn't even know that would happen…" She said,
"And that's because you've been holding it in. You're very much like I was at your age, reckless and confident but could shrug off the worst and keep moving. However, at some point you have to let all that you're holding back to keep face out or it will come back at you. Though I didn't literally blow up when it happened to me." He chuckles,
"What happened to you?"
"I snapped, I became angry at everyone and everything. It almost caused me to loose everyone I care about." He explained,
"How did you come back from that anger?" Saya asked,
"Helen… she never stopped pushing me to let her in until I finally did." He said with a smile,
"You miss her a lot huh?" Saya asked,
"I do, but that's not the point. Like I had Helen, you have Sophia. Don't be afraid to talk to her about your frustrations or fears. That's what a partner is for." Elias said,
"Thanks Elias," Saya said with a smile,
"One last thing before you go," He points to her communicator at a hidden button near where the band attaches, "Your communicator has a distress beacon, if you ever fear you're in danger." He said,
"Press the button and stall till the cavalry arrives." She jokes as he scruffs her hair,
"Now go on, I have a bit more paperwork to finish up." He said as she stands up and starts to leave. She stops at the door and turns back towards him.
"We'll find her." She said as he smiles,
"I know you will." He said and she leaves the room seeing Kolt and Sophia waiting for her,
"Guarding starts now huh?" Saya said jokingly,
"While I'm around you're not leaving my sight," Sophia teased back,
"You wanted to talk to Tikal right. I was planning on checking on the Master Emerald anyway, so it just seemed smarter to go together." He said as she nods,
"Yeah, Let's go make sure there's not a chance I can explode again," She chuckles as they start heading towards the Alter room,
"What did Elias want to talk about?" Sophia asked, looking a little worried.
"He wanted me to know that if I need to I should vent my feelings to you." Saya said,
"And he's right. You don't need to keep it bottled up." She said taking her hand,
"I know, I didn't realize I was keeping it all in so much. Guess a part of me is getting used to all of this… except feeling trapped underground sometimes." Saya said,
"We'll make sure to get you outside as much as we can." Sophia said,
"Thanks, I really appreciate it." She smiles,
"My parents are going to be super happy that I'm benched for two weeks," Kolt said with a sigh, "It's been so long that I forgot how protective they are… its suffocating."
"Give them time Kolt, my mom had the opportunity to process all of this, your parents are still in shock to all that's happened." Sophia said,
"You also got shot the same day they were rescued so I don't think that helped." Saya said,
"True…" He agreed,
"How's that healing by the way?" Sophia asked,
"Think I'm almost fully healed. It's good to know that it takes longer for that kind of wound to heal. Though the torn muscles from holding onto a helicopter didn't help."
"Yeah that will usually take a little longer to heal." Saya chuckles as they get to the Alter room,
"Chao!" Hope flies up and nuzzles Saya's face,
"Hello to you too Hope." She chuckles as Hope flies over to Kolt and does the same,
"I'm sorry, we'll come visit more." He said to Hope as Tikal appears,
"Is everything alright?" She asked, looking at Saya with a worried expression,
"Technically yes." Saya shrugged,
"You ask as if something should be wrong," Sophia said,
"Well, Sonic your soul, it's rather unbalanced…" Tikal said,
"I don't like the sound of that…" Saya said,
"Like what happened to me and Kolt?" Sophia asked as Tikal nods,
"When were your souls unaligned?" Saya asked,
"When you were Dark Sonic, and I was attempting to figure out if there might be more Dark Chaos Emeralds." Kolt said, Saya looks away at the mention of Dark Sonic. That was something she'd rather forget.
"But I interrupted his incantation to help Caroline and Brandy shocking our souls out of place." Sophia said,
"That's crazy, how did you fix it?" Saya turns to Tikal,
"Here," Tikal holds out her hand and she takes it. She leads Saya over to the Master Emerald, "I want you to sit on the Master Emerald,"
"Okay?" Saya said as Tikal lets go of her hand and climbs on top of the Master Emerald, "What now?"
"Just relax, similar to when you have meditated with Knuckles," Tikal said to her with a smile as Saya looks at Sophia and Kolt with a shrug. She crosses her legs and shuts her eyes.
"I'm not promising I won't fall asleep." She joked, Sophia and Kolt shake their heads as they all stay silent.
A few minutes pass, Kolt starts to notice blue sparks of energy coming off of Saya, it moves towards the Master Emerald as if it was absorbing it. "The seven servers are the seven Chaos, Chaos is power, power enriched by the heart, the hear is the controller, the controller serves to unify the Chaos," Tikal began to chant, Saya's body began to glow with a blue aura as the electrical sparks become more intense,
"Tikal, What's going on?" Sophia asked starting to get worried,
"I'm using the Master Emeralds power to nullify her Chaos Emerald." She explained,
"Why?" Kolt asked,
"Her Chaos Emerald is attempting to adjust her souls unalignment and it's causing the charge up of energy, similar to a Chaos Blast. I need to make sure her Chaos Emerald doesn't do this again while I attempt to rebalance her soul." She explained,
"So what happened isn't something that should have happened?" Sophia said as Tikal shakes her head,
"I had not realized her soul had become so unaligned," She said as they see Saya's Chaos Emerald stop glowing completely. "Sonic, this may feel a bit uncomfortable but please bear with it." Tikal said. She begins chanting again as Saya starts to feel a strange pressure slowly intensify. She winces in pain as it starts to feel like she's being crushed by an unknown weight.
"You never said this would be painful…" Saya said as Sophia steps forward but Kolt stops her,
"If you interfere, your soul may become unaligned like last time." Kolt said as she nods,
"I am almost done Sonic." Tikal said, Saya continues to fight through the pain as she feels a pop like something went back into place. Tikal stops chanting as Saya shakes her head dizzily,
"Whoa… I feel funny." Saya said starting to move off of the Master Emerald as Sophia goes up and helps her,
"You should start feeling better soon; however it may take some time for your Chaos Emerald to recharge." Tikal said,
"Good thing I'm not going anywhere any time soon. Thanks for the help Tikal." She chuckles,
"We should have Dr. Starline take a look at you." Sophia said,
"Na! I feel fine, besides you gotta go get ready for your mission." Saya said, "Kolt and I will chill with Tikal and Hope for a bit so my Chaos Emerald recharges faster."
"Being around the Master Emerald will help you heal." Tikal said,
"See? No need to worry." She gives Sophia a thumbs up. Sophia didn't want to say it and make her feel uncomfortable, but she knew that Saya's aversion to Starline was the real reason she didn't want to go to the infirmary.
"Alright then, I'll go meet up with the others. Please take it easy." Sophia said kissing her forehead and leaving the alter room,
"You sure you don't want to go see Dr. Starline just in case?" Kolt asked,
"No thanks, I'd much rather be here." She said walking over and laying in the grass, "This is way more relaxing than an infirmary."
"Saya, it's not about relaxing. Your soul was unaligned." Kolt said,
"Yeah and Tikal fixed it, pretty sure Starline can't do that. By the way, now that it's fixed does that mean I won't explode anymore?" Saya asked looking over at Tikal,
"Better yet, what caused her soul to be like that?" Kolt asked,
"I am not sure; it could be due to stress. A lot has happened to you lately. And yes Sonic you should not, explode again." Tikal said,
"That's nothing new. But I definitely feel better." Saya said, "More relaxed," She stretches and places her hands behind her head.
"I wish I felt more relaxed… Having to sit on the sidelines again really bites." Kolt said sitting down next to her.
"Two weeks will fly by before we know it! Besides, if something happens and they need our help Elias, and the others can't really stop us from going to help them." Saya said with a grin,
"You're sounding more like Sonic," He chuckles shaking his head,
"Probably because of the soul thing." She slightly shrugs. "I'm done letting all these bad things weight me down."
"I'm glad to hear it but you still gotta keep your eye out for dangers." Kolt said,
"I will," She lets out a sigh,
Sophia meets with the others in the hangar bay letting out a heavy sigh as she climbs into the helicopter. "Everything alright Sophia?" Caroline asked looking concerned,
"Just worried about Saya as always," She lets out a huff, "The reason for the burst of Chaos energy from her was due to her soul being unaligned,"
"Unaligned?" Alan looked confused,
"Yeah, it happened to me and Kolt once because I interrupted a ritual he was performing. We started acting more like our old selves. Even to the point where Kolt called me Shadow." She explained,
"I remember that, you two were really mad at one another for no reason." Brandy said as the helicopter takes off,
"But Tikal explained that Saya's soul was horribly unaligned, however I haven't noticed any personality differences." Sophia said,
"You think that now she'll start acting more like Sonic again?" Alan asked,
"This would be a terrible time for that… Her being stuck here for two weeks will drive her mad…" Sophia said,
"We'll keep an eye on her." Caroline said placing her hand on Sophia's shoulder and smiling,
"We should always keep an eye on her," Brandy said as they all chuckle agreeing with her,
"Thanks, now let's get this tower destroyed," Sophia said,
"We'll be moving as a group and setting the charges around the base of the tower along with charges inside around the support pillars." TK explained to them as they all transform. She shows them schematics of the tower,
"We'll need to hurry before they can deploy their new drones. We don't know what they are capable of." Shadow said,
"I assume we'll be guarding as Tails preps the bombs?" Amy asked,
"Exactly. There are eight charges total if there are any we really need to go off it's the four support beams within the tower. However, that's where we'll meet the most resistance from Eggman's goons." Tails said as the Helicopter lands just outside Central City,
"You heard her, Freedom Fighters, move out!"