Episode 20: A Shimmering Sun is Burned Out

Somewhere in the forest, Sun is able to survive the fall from the waterfall. She holds onto a log that is floating down the river. The log continues to float on the river until it reaches the shore close by. Sun slowly regains her strength and uses it to crawl off the log and on to the dirt ground. Sun takes deep breaths and is struggling to keep herself together. Suddenly, someone walks up to her. Sun looks up to see that her vision is blurry.

However, she asks, "Please… sir… I… I… I need some…"

However, Sun collapsed on the ground and passed out. The mysterious being looks down at Sun to see her unconscious. The being seems to be wearing a dark brown cloak and seems to have orange fur with a white muzzle. It also has a fox tail. Seeing the girl is hurt, the being picks her up and takes her so she can be healed

Sun mumbles, "So-Sonic."

The being shows a calm smile on his face and continues to walk to his home.

Meanwhile, Sonic and Shadow continue to run in the direction Sun has been thrown off to. Sonic and Shadow stand in the forest and look around.

Sonic calls out, "Sun! Sun, where are you?!"

"I don't think she's here. We should keep looking," Shadow says.

Sonic clutches his fist and angrily says, "That Glittering Sparkle… Mag Melia… or whatever she calls herself! Either way, she's taking this way too far!"

"I don't think she's doing this out of jealousy anymore. What's more, I don't think she's in control of her actions as well," Shadow says.

"I know. Sun's right that Dark Chaos Emerald is causing her to turn into some evil dictator. I remember having to fight those who are either being controlled or corrupted, but this is too much," Sonic says.

"Yes. And now Mag Melia has corrupted Rouge and captured everyone. We need to find Sun. She might be the only one who can stop her," Shadow says.

Shadow then speeds off to continue searching.

Sonic looks up in concern, "I think Sun has gone through too much to deal with this."

Sonic then speeds off to go find Sun and catch up with Shadow. Which is not a problem for him.

Meanwhile, trapped in a jail cells, The Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix are each trapped inside. Knuckles try to pull and punch the bars, but they're unbreakable. Sally holds Cream and Cheese are frightened. Bunnie does the same for Saffron and Charmy. Mighty also try to break down the bars along with Vector. Sadly, none of the cells are breaking.

Silver sighs, "Guys, I don't think this is working. You've been at this for an hour. It's not going to break or open."

Knuckles grumbles and glares at Silver, "I don't see you coming up with anything."

"Guys, now isn't the time to start fighting. We need to find a way to escape from this cell and find Sun," Sally says.

Mighty continues to punch the wall and begins to get tired. He takes deep breaths and sits on the ground.

Ray sits next to Mighty and asks, "A-are y-you o-okay?"

"I'm fine. I'm just tired. Mag Melia must have made sure we can't use our ability or strength to break out," Mighty says.

"Not even my weapons are working," Espio says.

Vector places his hand on his head, "Well, we can't just stand here. Mag Melia is going to cause a big mess if we don't do something."

"What can we do? None of our attacks are working on the walls or the bars. Not even my hammer is working… watch," Amy says.

She then brings out her hammer and rapidly slams her hammer on the walls and the bars of her cell. After a few times, she places her hammer on the ground and heavily breathing in exhaustion.

"You okay Amy?" Tails asks.

"Just tired," Amy answers.

Blaze says, "I'm really worried about Sun. Mag Melia really hurt Sun badly. I don't think she is willing to listen to Sun or any of us at this point."

"You're not planning to finish her off are you?" Amy asks, concern.

Silver sighs, "We might not have a choice. If she keeps this up, our world will be destroyed just like my time period. I know that she is really a young teenage girl, but… what choice do we have?"

"I don't think destroying her is the answer. Unless you forgot about how many times your missions involve destroying someone," Amy sternly says.

Silver sighs, "I remember. And I'm glad I never had to destroy anyone in the end. I'm worried about what to do now."

"Well… one thing I do know. As Glittering Sparkle and Mag Melia, she has caused a lot of trouble even before this Dark Chaos Emerald. In both Canterlot City and on Mobius. Crimes have been committed and justice must be served. I'm afraid that after the outcome, Glittering Sparkle must be punished," Espio says.

"But will any of us be willing to tell Sun or Glittering Sparkle that?" Sally asks.

Espio sighs, "... No."

Sally sighs, "We can only hope that Shadow and Sonic can find Sun and help her fight Mag Melia."

"I hope Sun is okay. She's the only one who can save us all," Silver says in concern.

In the forest, Sonic and Shadow continue to search around the forest and soon find the river.

Sonic says, "I hope Sun hasn't fallen into the river."

"Don't be so sure," Shadow says.

Sonic turns to Shadow to see that he is close to where the river is and where a large log is at. Sonic runs over to see the sign of something dragging on the dirt. Shadow then picks up to see a piece of orange cloth.

Confused, Sonic asks, "So what am I looking at?"

"It's a piece of orange cloth. I assume it's from Sun's outfit," Shadow says.

"I guess," Sonic mutters.

Suddenly, something shines in his eyes. She looks down to see something familiar.

"Look," Sonic says.

He picks the object up to show Shadow the shimmering sun necklace.

"It's Sun's necklace. She was here alright," Sonic says.

"However, someone else got to her first," Shadow says.

"How do you know that?" Sonic asks.

Shadow sternly says, "Look at the footprints on the ground. Someone else was here. Whoever it is must have taken Sun before we can find her."

"But who could have taken her?" Sonic asks.

"Hmm, that's kind of hard. There aren't that many buildings or areas close by," Sonic says.

Shadow asks, "Do you know which is the closest building around this area?"

"Well… the only place I can think of is Merlin's home," Sonic says.

"Merlin? Who is Merlin?" Shadow asks.

"He's Tails' uncle. He's a very nice guy and a wizard too. If he found Sun, I'm sure he is taking good care of her," Sonic says.

"Maybe so. However, that doesn't change the fact that Sun would have been hurt, or any of her previous injuries could have gotten worse," Shadow says.

"You're right. Either way, I know the way to his home from here. Not many know about this place, but I know how to get there from here," Sonic says.

"Alright. We need to find Sun as soon as we can. I only hope she's okay," Shadow says.

Sonic says, "You're really worried about her, huh. I'm sure we'll find her."

"I am," Shadow admits.

"She really reminds you of Maria, doesn't she?" Sonic asks.

Shadow turns away from Sonic, "We're wasting time. Let's go."

Sonic says nothing in reply. He then speeds off to show Shadow the way to Merlin's home and hopefully Sun is there.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eggman arrives at Angel Island on an airship with Orbot and Cubot.

Eggman grins and says, "I was right. Knuckles and his Chaotix are not on the island, so the Master Emerald is for the taking."

"I agree. But won't Knuckles pound us again when he finds out," Cubot says.

"He won't notice. That by the time that Echidna comes back, I'll use the Master Emerald's power to power up my new machine," Eggman says.

Orbot says in concern, "Um Doctor. Aren't you worried that Mag will find out about your Egg Grapes and your latest machine?"

"Relax Orbot, that girl is somewhere doing who knows what," Eggman says.

Dr. Eggman controls the ship to where the altar of the Master Emerald is. Dr. Eggmsn then presses the button on the control pad and a claw comes out from under the ship. The claw lowers itself down until it grabs the Master Emerald, and it lifts the Master Emerald in the air to the ship.

"Ah ha! We got the Master Emerald! Let's get back before Knuckles and his friends come back," Eggman says.

The Master Emerald is soon pulled into the ship and the hatch closes. With that, the ship begins to fly off back to his lair to carry out the rest of his plan. Orbot grows worried about it and thinks Mag Melia might find out and has something else planned for the Emeralds.

Laying down on a soft mattress on the ground, Sun is covered by a long red blanket. The red Chaos Emerald along with her geode and bracelet are on a small table close by with her jacket folded next to it. Sun groans as her eyes begin to open half way. She turns her head to see that she isn't in the river or on the ground.

Sun mumbles, "Wh-where…"

Sun slowly tries to sit up, but her back hurts really bad that she isn't able to stand. She has no choice, but to lay down on the bed. Just then, the door open to reveal a Mobian fox of an adult age. He has the same fur color as tails, even the muzzle is white. He has gray eyebrows and a beard, and wears a brown hooded robe.

The fox walks over and says, "I see you are finally awaken child."

"Who… where?" Sun softly asks.

The fox places his hand on her forehead, "Do not worry. You're safe now. My name is Merlin Prower. Welcome to my home."

"P-Prower…? Are… are you related to Miles Prower?" Sun asks.

"Yes? Do you know my nephew?" Merlin asks, confused.

"Y-yes," Sun says.

Soon, she ends up falling asleep.

Merlin then tucks her in more and says, "Poor child, she must have gone through a great ordeal to be in this condition. I have to wonder how she knows my nephew."

Merlin then leaves the room and closes the door to let Sun rest. He then walks towards the window and sees the forest.

"I've been working about it since she muttered Sonic's name. Could she have met Sonic and Tails? Also, could she have met the Freedom Fighters in New Mobotropolis. I'll have to wait until she awakens and regains her strength," Merlin thinks.

Merlin then walks over to a small pot with a book right next to it. Merlin then begins to place a few herbs and liquids in it and begins to stir them.

In the forest, Sonic and Shadow continue to speed through the forest to find the one where Merlin lives. Shadow is very determined to find Sun no matter what it takes. Sonic is worried about Sun too, but Shadow is very serious about finding Sun and fears the worst could have happened to her.

Shadow turns to Sonic, "How long will it take until we reach Merlin's home?"

"We're almost there. You need to relax. If Merlin found Sun, I'm sure he is taking care of her. I'm worried about Sun's condition after the beating Mag Melia gave to her," Sonic says.

"That worries me," Shadow says.

Sonic and Shadow continue to speed through the forest to find Sun and hope to be sure she's fine.

In the room, Sun is still sleeping in the room. Soon, she's able to wake up again. Her eyes halfway open and she turns her head to see she is still in the strange room.

Sun looks around and asks, "S-Sonic… Sh-Shadow… S-Sally…"

Sun feels the pain on her body, and feels like she's on the verge of losing consciousness again. The door opens and the Merlin walks into the room with a small bowl in one hand and holds a glass of water on the other.

Sun turns to him and softly says, "Hello."

"Hello. I'm glad to see that you're awake again," Merlin says.

He walks over to Sun and places the cup on the small table close by.

He then presents the bowl to Sun, "This medicine will help heal you and regain your strength."

Merlin then places the bowl to Sun. Sun slowly opens her mouth and allows herself to drink the liquid. After drinking the medicine, Merlin takes the bowl away and Sun feels the bad taste of the medicine in her mouth. Merlin the helps Sun drink the glass of water. After drinking some of the water, Merlin places both the bowl and the glass on the table.

"I know the taste may not be pleasant, but it also has good healing abilities," Merlin says.

Sun softly says, "Thank you."

"What is your name?" Merlin asks.

"Sun. My name is Sun," Sun softly answers.

"It's nice to meet you Sun. Tell me, how do you know my nephew and his friend, Sonic?" Merlin asks.

"It… it's a long story…" Sun answers.

Outside in the forest, Sonic and Shadow are still running through the forest. Soon enough, they stop close to a wooden house that has the chimney letting out a little smoke.

"This is the place," Sonic says.

"Then let's get this over with," Shadow says, walking to the door.

Sonic mutters in frustration, "Even with Sun around, that guy acts so edgy and is still arrogant."

Sonic and Shadow walk to the door. Sonic soon knocks at the door to see if Merlin is home. Inside the room, Merlin and Sun hear the door knocking.

Merlin says, "I'll be right back. You get some rest."

"Okay," Sun says.

Merlin then leaves the room and walks towards the door. He opens the door to see Sonic and Shadow at the door.

"Ah hello Sonic, how may I help you? And who is your friend?" Merlin replies with a welcoming smile.

Shadow grumbles, "We're not friends."

"Relax Shadow. No need to get your quills in a not," Sonic whispers.

Then turns to Merlin, "Hey Merlin, it's great to see you again. Listen, you wouldn't have to find a friend of mine. She has red and yellow hair like fire, and an amber colored face. Her name is Sun, and we want to know if you've seen her."

"Yes. I came across your friend. The poor girl was washed up the river. Sadly, she's hurt badly, but not enough for any broken bones. She's resting in one of the rooms," Merlin says.

"That's great. We were worried about her. Is she going to be okay?" Sonic replies.

"She just needs a few days rest and she'll be back to perfect health. However, I like to ask you both what is happening. She told quite an interesting story," Merlin says.

Sonic rolls his eyes, "You don't know the half of it."

Shadow asks, "Mind if we come in and see Sun?"

"Impatient much?" Sonic mutters.

Meanwhile, Mag Melia watches her special pool to see the invasion she is doing. She has the Dark Chaos Creatures sent to Station Square, The United Federation, The Wolf Nation, and Mercia. She watches as many of G.U.N soldiers and Mobian are doing their best to fight against the creatures.

"Hmm, I never thought there would be other Freedom Fighters and resistance. No matter, I capture them all and make them all my slaves," Mag Melia says.

She then presents the six of the Chaos Emeralds and Sun's medallion.

"I may have six of the Chaos emeralds, but as long as I have her little friends, Sun will most likely come to their rescue," Mag Melia says, evilly.

She then looks at her mirror pool as it changes to show Dr. Eggman having the Master Emerald and having his robots put in his Egg Grape.

Mag Melia cackles, "That fool Dr. Eggman thinks I have no clue does he. However, he ends up bringing the Master Emerald to where I want it. It's about time to put my full plan into motion. Oh, he is sure to be in for a little surprise…"

Then Mag Melia begins to maniacally laugh.

Sometime later, Shadow sits next to Sun while she's sleeping in bed. Sonic explains to Merlin to confirm Sun's story.

"I see. So you, Tails, and your friends were trapped in the Chaos Emeralds. Dr. Eggman has created this Dark Chaos Emerald and now this Girl, Glittering Sparkle has been using it and is becoming corrupted by its power," Merlin responds.

"Yeah. And she's getting worse," Sonic says.

"I have sensed corrupted Chaos Energy around lately, but I never expected it's from a Chaos Emerald Dr. Eggman created and a girl has taken possession of it," Merlin says.

"We need to find a way to stop her before things get out of hand. What's worse, she captured all of our friends. We need to rescue them and help Sun get better," Sonic says.

"I see. However, Sun needs some time to heal and will need to remain here for a day or so. You may stay with your friend if you wish," Merlin says.

"Thank you Merlin," Sonic says.

In the room, Shadow continues to stay with Sun for the whole conversation. He places his hand on Sun's forehead and softly rubs it. Shadow then shows a sad look on his face to see Sun has suffered a lot since she arrived in this world. And yet, Sun is still able to be strong. He has to wonder, how could she be able to hold up her spirit. Sun then slowly opens her eyes and turns her head to see Shadow.

Sun softly smiles, "Shadow… is that you?"

"Yes Sun. Are you okay?" Shadow asks, feeling relieved.

"A little sore on my body, but Merlin has been taking good care of me. Of course, I've spent a bit of time sleeping," Sun says.

"You just worry about getting some rest. I think Mag Melia has put you through enough trouble right now," Shadow says.

Sun softly asks, "But… what about… the others?"

"I'm afraid they have been captured," Shadow says, regretfully.

Sun begins to slowly get up, "They… they need help… I… I gotta save them."

Sun feels her body sore and it's causing her a bit of pain. Shadow then has Sun lay back down on the bed.

"You should lay down. You're still weakened from that battle," Shadow says.

"Okay," Sun softly answers.

"Hey Sun," Sonic says.

Shadow turns around to see Sonic walking into the room.

Sun shows a small smile, "Hi Sonic."

"Hey. You feeling okay?" Sonic asks.

"My body feels sore, but…" Sun says.

"But what?" Sonic asks.

"We need to help the others. Shadow told me that they got caught, and we… we need to help them," Sun says, worried.

"Sun. I know that you want to help save the others, but you can't fight under the condition you're in," Sonic says.

"As much as I hate to admit, but Faker is right. You need your rest. It might give us some time on how we can rescue the others and free Rouge from Mag Melia's control," Shadow says.

Sun sadly sighs, "Okay."

Sun soon falls asleep and her eyes close shut.

"Sun is still very tired," Sonic says.

"I know that. Just let her have some space," Shadow says.

Merlin walks in and says, "Do not worry, Sun will heal in due time. She just needs some rest and will need healing for a few days."

Shadow simply nods his head and places his hand on Sun's head and rubs his hand through Sun's hair.

Sonic thinks, "We need to find a way to rescue Sally and the others and free Rouge from Mag Melia's control. However…"

Sonic turns to Sun and thinks, "Sun needs time to be healed. She's been through so much since she got to this world. I just hope nothing else bad happens."

Unknown to Sonic, things are about to get worse.

In Dr. Eggman's base, the mad doctor is walking down the halls with Orbot and Cubot.

"So boss, what are we going to do now?" Cubot asks.

"We still need to get the Chaos Emeralds from Sun, and that girl is not going to give up so easily," Eggman says.

"So where's Maggie? I haven't seen her in a while now," Cubot asks.

"Personally, I think it's a good thing she's not here," Orbot says.

"You're still worrying about her. I told you, there's nothing for you to worry about. I got everything planned out," Eggmsan says.

Orbot says in concern, "Please sir, I'm getting a really bad feeling about Mag Melia. She's been behaving rather aggressively and the power of the Dark Chaos Emerald is giving her more power. I… I fear that her real intentions might be more severe then we can imagine."

"I do admit, that girl has been rather odd. She's been leaving a lot without saying a word, she's been practicing her powers on her own, and she keeps to herself. But come on, what's the worst that can happen," Eggman asks.

Cubto turns around and feels worried.

Cubot then taps Eggman's shoulder and asks, "Uh… boss?"

"What?" Eggman asks, turning around.

He and Orbot turn around to Cubot direction and become shocked to see Mag Melia right behind them.

"Where did you come from?!" Eggman says, surprised and to be honest, frightened.

"Around. But enough about that. I believe you have the Master Emerald," Mag Melia says.

"How… how do you know?" Cubot asks.

"You think I haven't been aware of what Dr. Eggman has plans for me. To use his Egg Grapes to power up his weapons. The Powers of the Dark Chaos Emerald allow me to do more than you can ever imagine. I must thank you for bringing the Master Emerald here, saves me the trouble," Mag Melia says.

She presents her hand out and summons a dark energy, "Now… your use is just about up."

The Dark Chaos Energy grab a hold of Egman and Cubot. Orbot manages to slip through and hide behind the hall. With a snap of her fingers, Eggman and Cubot fall into unconsciousness and she sent them to a locked room that is used as a well.

"Your Eggman Empire will become my empire. And soon, there will be no one to stop me," Mag Melia says, and maniacally laughs.

Orbot watches everything and is in shock, but knows that he needs to do something.

Orbot worriedly says, "I must find Sun and Sonic quickly."

Orbot quickly hurries down the hall and is able to escape through a window close by. Orbot then leaves the lair and begins his travel to search for Sun and Sonic. He hopes that he'll be able to reach them in time.