Sonic the Hedgehog: Wrath of the Banished

by Skootmeister

Sonic and his friends have experience with aliens. From the Black Arms to the Whisps. But the thing about aliens is that they imply a bigger galaxy out there, and a battle against Eggman has attracted that galaxy’s attention. It’s about to come knocking whether they like it or not. And the consequences will be felt.

Kept ya waiting, huh?

I can already hear the questions. I'm not exactly good with this kind of stuff so I wanna keep the answers simple. Well let me address the most important one. "Where have you been?"

I've been depressed, that's what. Why? Just turn on the TV. Whether it's who we have in power, what people are preaching for, or what some moron did on someday some place somewhere because he didn't feel respected or felt a certain day was hateful. I think you get the point. You take a break from it all, go back, and it's same shit, different day. Combine all this with the fact I lost two grandparents a year apart from one another and one of my pups in the background of all this, and I think it's clear why I haven't really been writing.

It's not all bad though, I graduated university and got a job working security. Simple stuff but the hours are good and the pay is nice, and it's close to home so driving isn't a hassle.

"Are you still going to write your Ghost Recon fic?" Yes. Yes I am. And in the time between the last update and now, I've looked at it every now and then and figured, "I can do better than this." So you can expect some changes and refinement to it.

As for this fic I'm making now… guess you can blame the release of Sonic Frontiers for eventually sparking a resurgence of that little blue bastard into my mind. That and the Sonic Movie 2, that shit was fire.

Now that that's out of the way, shall we get on with it? And it should go without saying, but lots of this is major headcanon.

2560

8 years have passed since the fall of the Covenant and the end of the Human-Covenant War. For 27 years, from 2525 to 2552, Humanity was forced to fight in a genocidal war on their very existence against a fanatical fundamentalist alien empire decreeing them affronts to their gods, the Forerunners. To say Humanity suffered would be an understatement. Trillions of lives and countless worlds fell in the alien juggernaut's wake. It would not be until the shattering of the 4th Halo Ring, a ringworld and weapon held in the highest echelons of Covenant texts, that the slow unravelling of the empire would come to fruition. In time, a schism headed by the Sangheili, the warriors and military leaders of the Covenant, would break out. A response to the Prophet of Truth's replacing of them with the Jiralhanae, a far more savage people. It was a moment that would save Humanity from the onslaught and the oncoming return of the Flood, a ravenous, ever-hungry parasitic lifeform that once threatened to consume the galaxy and caused the firing of the Halos in the first place.

The Covenant has fallen, the Flood is virtually extinct, Humanity has been saved. It should've planted the seeds of a new golden age.

Instead, the new powers squabble amongst themselves.

The peace formed between the Sangheili and Human races as a whole did not last. Suspicious of the Arbiter and current Kaidon of 'Vadam, Thel 'Vadam, the Forerunner-worshipping Servants of the Abiding Truth took up arms and prepared for a war with the more secular Swords of Sangheilios. The Humans and their Office of Naval Intelligence would capitalize on this, supplying the Swords with whatever material was needed should it be necessary.

They were right to take such preemptive action, for on the other side, the Servants would find many former Covenant factions willing to back their claims, wary of any Human retaliation after the fact of the war's end. Soon the Blooding Years would begin, breaking the Sangheili into distinct groups. In the face of this hegemony, many fell to the vices of the Humans or one another. Tem'Bhetek, of the Prophet's race, the San'Shyuum, and his faction met their end at the hands of the great Sangheili fleetmaster Rtas 'Vadum. Merg Vol, a Sangheili warlord who was killed by the one known as Sarah Palmer, and whose underling Parg Vol met his end on the Shield World Requiem. Vata 'Gajat, traitor to Jul 'Mdama attacked a peace summit between Jiralhanae, Sangheili and Humans at Ealen IV. Which only bought time. Time which was squandered.

In the background, other factions such as Luro 'Taralumee's have continued reverence of the Covenant's Great Journey and opted to support the likes of the Servants. Others such as Oro 'Bak of the Guards of the Great Arm of Tears chose neutrality, and were more interested in watching their own regions of space and building commerce and travel bonds with others. All engaging with others in diplomacy and war.

Perhaps most dangerous of all are the Banished, a Jiralhanae-centric force of mercenary raiders led by Warmaster Atriox that rebelled against the Covenant and eventually filled part of the void left in its downfall. Their alliances simple formalities and their goals the attaining of power and treasures. Or the likes of Jul 'Mdama, a Sangheili warlord with a vendetta against Humanity.

In the midst of this post-war world, Humans slowly but surely rebuild themselves. In 8 years they have demonstrated their resilience and stubbornness by rebuilding a sizeable military and reclaiming many worlds lost to the glassing by the Covenant. The return of their hero, Spartan 117 would only galvanize their efforts to stand taller, finding unity in these days after the war. The UNSC Infinity, a mighty ship and the only one of her kind, would endeavor to find the other Halos, while the rest of the fleet grew back to its former splendor. They are not restored, but they are once more a force.

But even in these days, the vices of Humanity eat at their hearts. Many worlds once united by the war now see the resurgence of Insurrectionist ideals. Such sentiments are fanned by the likes of the Venezian "republic" and the Gao Republic behind the scenes. Both worlds that declared independence and hold less than amiable relations with Mother Earth, fearing potential annexation from a resurgent UNSC.

It is these threats and more that the brave soldiers of the UNSC stand against. From the humble army infantrymen to the greatest of Spartan IVs and whatever IIs remain, they fight to ensure what is left does not slip away from the grasp of the UEG.

It is these forces and more that have not only beaten the many threats that continue to endanger Human interests, but also bloodied the Banished at the Ark, birthplace of the Halo Rings. Eventually pushing them off into the blackness of space from whence they came. The main effort being the lost ship Spirit of Fire declared MIA since 2535. A point of shame on Atriox's part, and one that has ostensibly fueled a newfound hate for the Humans.

But true to his word and the will of his army, his Banished continue scouring the galaxy and its secrets.

…

A modified DAV-class Light Corvette prowled through the inky black of space.

Better known to its builders as the Makar-pattern light corvette, it was the ship of choice for Covenant patrol and stealth. Few things are as valuable as unseen eyes that can transmit data from one place to another without garnering attention. Something used to great effect by both sides of the Human-Covenant War. It, among many things was instrumental in hunting for Human worlds, though not because it was entirely desired. The "Cole Protocol" as it was called forced Humans to sacrifice themselves in the event of an attack. All navigation data to be purged, the ship AI's to be deleted and ships to escape away from other Human worlds. This forced the Covenant to deploy the Makar-Pattern en masse, and adding precious years to Humanity's survival.

These days, the ships are utilized by the myriad of factions that now inhabit the once great empire's territory. Factions who openly engage each other, those who keep to themselves, and those who engage in trade. This particular ship, far and out in space, belonged to neither such group. It's structure was entirely separate from the baseline ship. The once smooth hull and curved features that once gave it a cetacean aspect were all but gone. Replaced by bulky armored plating, spiked endings and sharp angles. Purples, blues and pinks gave way to reds, black and grays. The ship now having a more aggressive, primal feeling to it. This ship, recognized by its new name Ravenous Hunter was under complete control of the Banished. Once a rebellious force of Jiralhanae taking advantage of the Covenant's desire to wipe out Humanity, now one of several factions reaping the power vacuum.

"Get away from the comms!" The deep annoyed growl of a Jiralhanae pilot reverberated across the bridge, causing the Unggoy touching the red interface to back away in fright. "If these grunts weren't so useless."

"Bahahahah. You chide them too much." The higher pitched pilot's companion minding the scanners chimed in. "They're great entertainment when bored. It's almost pointless to punt them into the void for their annoyances. Remember when they tried making a stack of themselves to avoid taking the stairs?"

"We ate well that day." A chuckling response. "Their toppling was great amusement. But they're more trouble than they're worth with how they like touching everything."

"Better than those Jackals. Last time I dealt with some I had to rip their arms off for taking my meat."

A shake of the head with an amused growl. "Let me guess. They just 'happened' upon it."

"That's their usual excuse." Chuckles came after, followed by the other members on the bridge. "At least they can hit their targets."

Following that came the heavy steps of another Jiralhanae, older than those present, entering the room. "Captain!" Came a response, repeated by the rest as they brought fists to their chests.

"Be at ease. I am merely checking on the progress we are making." The older Jiralhanae announced.

"There is little to make note of." The comms officer answered. "Unless you count the Unggoy constantly trying to mess with the comms."

"Scans are negligible." The scanner attendant chimed. "Same as the past few days. If anything is out here, we will be hard-pressed to find it." The captain gave a hearty laugh.

"That is the way of the hunt, young pup. The patient Hunter is rewarded with the greatest prize!"

"That is true, still, I would like more than the silence of space filtering into the scanners. It drives one crazy if exposed for too long."

The pilot chortled at this. "You're already crazy. You take the scanner duty while the rest of us engage with weapons or flying this thing."

"Bah, for the better. You could not find a thorn beast if it came up to you and poked you with its thorns without me." The rest of the crew gave growls indicating offense, but ones with an abundance of playful teasing.

"Bahhhh is seems Corvisum is challenging you to yet another hunt, Gareth! Shall you accept this challenge?" The captain questioned with a big grin on his muzzle.

"Haaaaaaaaaah, I won't lose this time!" The acceptance was met with howls and uproarious laughter from the rest of the crew. "Now we just need to find our quarry! But first, I better send out the periodic report."

The sound of that statement sent the sounds or pitter-pattering feet of grunts fleeing down the halls. As of that moment it was every Unggoy for himself, lest they get roped up as the quarry. Whatever other species that happened to be aboard the ship, be they the few Sangheili that were along as planet side scouting or the fewer hunters to serve as heavy support were free from this "danger." Then again, you can only pick on the Unggoy for so long before you run out, and they're the ones who handle the tasks no one else wanted to do.

"I don't wanna I don't wanna!"

"Shut up or they hear!"

"Eh. Just means less competition for snacks."

"GAH! RUDE!"

"I'll take it over the Ark. I still have nightmares."

"Bah." The Sangheili looking over the diminutive aliens let out a small grunt. "As ridiculous as ever." His disdain for the antics of the Unggoy and their less than notable intelligence. Not to mention their sickening love of Human popular media such as sitcoms and soap operas as they are called. A whole black market trade existed when the Covenant stood. Now it's far more accepted, though the Banished can get moody with such items, especially certain chieftains.

That was none of Dtan 'Modulee's concern though, he was just here on this ship until relocated elsewhere or his contract expired. He among many others others of his kind were among those of Let 'Volir's crew to be inducted into the Banished. What little were left, that is. The assault carrier, Enduring Conviction, saw its final days on the Ark, destroyed by one of the Human Spartans. Better known as Demons to the Covenant, and for good reason. It was one that destroyed the first Halo ever found, delivered a bomb meant for a orbital station back to its sender, and many other unimaginable feats throughout the war. The one thing 'Volir sought to preserve by joining the Banished, tarnishing his name to his people, now gone. A cruel irony.

It was only through perseverance and luck that they managed to escape the Ark in the first place, under 'Volir's command that is, for Atriox had fled before the downfall. When Human reinforcements finally arrived, they came with a vengeance. Their cursed Infinity delivering salvo upon salvo on whatever few Banished were left, and ground forces mopping up any stragglers. The greatest of the Demons himself, the one known as 117 among them.

To add insult to injury, before all this they were held back and defeated by Humans from the Spirit of Fire. A decades old ship with half a crew that was in no real position to win. Yet they did, their only failure being the Banished remnants escaping. 'Modulee being among them.

Not to mention the rebellion led by Yapyap. Or as he preferred, Yapyap the DESTROYER. That meddlesome little Unggoy was still out there somewhere.

It was a massive blow. All that power the Ark possessed, never mind being the birthplace of the Halos. The resources that could be extracted from the virtually self-sufficient construct were limitless, enough to entice many to join the Banished. Now it's all gone. None were more outraged than Atriox as 'Modulee learned. But true to the nature of the organization, he carried on.

And now here 'Modulee was, stuck on a ship with plenty of aliens he hated. The barbaric and uncultured Jiralhanae, the slow and dimwitted Unggoy, and the treacherous and greedy Kig-Yar. Only the few of his kind and the pair of M'galekgolo bond brothers offered solace for him.

"I've scrubbed my entire quarters clean five times." The disgruntled voice of his comrade, another scout named Wot 'Usumee, came. "And I still smell the stench of the Unggoy who broke in." A welcome distraction from the rest of the ship. 'Usumee was a fellow warrior, more so than the others to 'Modulee. Since the Ark until now the two have served together, it was a blessing they were never separated up to this day.

"You sure it's that and not the lingering Jiralhanae musk?" A short laugh was shared between the two.

"If only. The Unggoy have a distinct scent as I've learned... they're awfully fond of scratching their rumps, and there's the distinct scent of methane in the air. I keep telling them not to come in. Perhaps I should threaten to give them to the Jiralhanae." 'Usumee suggested.

"Bah, that will not work. The Jiralhanae will take them of their own free will regardless whether or not we do anything. Perhaps threatening them with the Demon would help." 'Modulee jokingly answered.

"HAH! That would just scare them senseless." 'Usumee's mandibles had formed the Sangheili equivalent of a grin before he turned to walk elsewhere, beckoning 'Modulee to follow. "Come. It is time for our sparring, it will get my mind off this unfortunate event. Besides, as I recall we had that deal that it would decide which of us would be on the next scouting mission."

"Ahhh but you forget our last session. I defeated you soundly.

'Usumee laughed. "You only won because that Unggoy came in fleeing from a Jiralhanae. That did not count, a most dishonorable victory." The joking tone following.

"Ahhh isn't that like a sore loser." The two poked fun at one another until they reached their desired location, a moderately sized room with plenty of space in the middle for activities. "No distractions or interventions this time." 'Modulee said picking up his training staff.

"Indeed." 'Usumee answered. "Now then, let us finally settle this dispute once and for all. Warrior to warrior."

"'Usumee, if I didn't know any better I'd swear you're out for blood." 'Modulee noted with slight smugness

"We've put this off for far too long, my friend. Any longer and we'll likely be relocated elsewhere, and not together I might add. Then we'll never have this matter decided."

'Modulee couldn't argue with that logic. It was luck that saw himself and 'Usumee relocated every other moment together. It was a miracle it was for so long after the Ark. That having been said, the two removed their harnesses, leaving them in their bodysuits. Standing opposite from one another they took their stances and stared each other down.

"First to be disarmed and brought down?" 'Modulee asked

"Of course." Was the reply.

They stood that way for several more moments.

Then 'Usumee exploded with activity, leaping towards 'Modulee and swiping his staff. The sound of their weapons colliding filled the room followed by their minor grunts of effort. This was followed by 'Modulee giving a swift kick then a wide swing with his own staff. The kick hit its mark, the swing however did not. 'Usumee backed up before going on the attack again, delivering a flurry of swipes, all of which were blocked before 'Modulee picked a moment and pushed back, giving 'Usumee a quick jab in the lower side of his gut. Not to be outdone, 'Usumee gave a quick strike to 'Modulee's shoulder. Both warriors were left backing away before renewing their assault.

"Haha! You have kept your edge, friend!" 'Usumee chortled.

"When you're involved, I need to be ready for anything!" Was 'Modulee's reply.

The two then collided again. Maintaining a test of strength to push the other back. It was very much one immovable object versus another. The two maintaining eye contact. Both then leapt away, then collided again.

"Who do you believe will win?"

"'Usumee."

"You always pick 'Usumee."

"Because he never lets up."

The sparring had soon garnered an audience. The rest of 'Modulee's kin on board the ship along with a number of Unggoy had gathered to see the two go at it. Clearly they had done this many times before, and it was always a spectacle.

"I bet my next nipple the angry one wins!"

"I bet mine the other one does!"

"Yeah, yeah!" Came an enthused cheer. "Make bets and call out now!" The Unggoy had collected themselves and settled into groups on who would win, putting their rations, gekz, and whatever shiny things they had in the center.

"Wait wait wait... which one is which?"

The one Unggoy was ignored as the fight continued. The two began quickly circling one another, 'Usumee using his staff more akin to a sword compared to 'Modulee's more traditional handling. It was familiar, but unpredictable given 'Usumee's methods. Example being 'Usumee suddenly coming forth, seemingly to take a swing, only to spin the other way with a kick. Blocked by his opponent, 'Usumee then swung with the staff, again blocked. But now 'Modulee was in a vice. He had precious moments to move when he inevitably let one go. So he chose a third option. He pulled the staff hand of 'Usumee towards him, the attacking Sangheili now dragged to the ground and open. But those split seconds of doing so were wasted by 'Usumee's own moves, recovering and sweeping the legs, which in turn were countered by 'Modulee's own recovery.

"Come on, 'Modulee. Get one over on him!"

"'Usumee, where's those tricks you were so adamant on showing?"

"Who's who!?" The Unggoy out of the loop cried out again.

The two repeated all previous processes of engagement, the fatigue slowly making itself known given their skill and abilities being virtually identical to each other. Swing, block, jab, block, punches, dodge, kicks, block, tripped, recover. Again and again and again they went at it.

The fight had to end.

Both warriors took their stance, then charge. Leveled staffs aimed towards each other as they inevitably collided. Except they didn't. The last few moments, 'Usumee slid, knocking over the still charging 'Modulee, and grabbing the other's staff as it fell. 'Modulee turned the moment he hit the ground, ready to get up. But he never got the chance. The two staffs were now pointed directly at him with 'Usumee standing over him. Rather smugly one might add.

"The dispute is settled." He declared. "You're on next planet patrol duty."

"Bahhh." Was 'Modulee's reply. The other warriors gave cheers while the Unggoy were divided into cheers and jeers of the betting spoils. "Question is will I be called to perform such duties in this patrol? We've been sailing the stars for days with no success."

"Bahhhhh surely so. If I've learned anything throughout all of this, it's nothing is impossible!"

Unbeknownst to them, the bridge crew had a view of the endeavor as well, if the security monitors were any indicator of that. A snicker escaped the captain's mouth. "If we're lucky we may end up losing one or two of them on that run."

"Perhaps. But we have to find something first... and according to the screen, there's still absolutely-" Corvisum's sentence stopped instantly. This quickly gained the attention of the captain.

"What is it?"

"The scanners. They're picking something up." Immediately the captain stomped over and looked. True to Corvisum's word, the screens showed short bursts of activity broadcasting from somewhere deep in space. The frequency was sporadic and without any pattern, but it was there. Something major, and not too far away, was being picked up on long range scanners. It was then followed by a large spike that lasted 10 seconds. There was DEFINITELY something out there.

"Gareth!" The captain barked. "Send a message back to the fleet immediately. We have found something of note and are about to investigate!" Gareth turned to work, and found the same Unggoy from before messing with the comm. A growl from him caused the offender to back away quickly.

"If you touch the comm one more time, I'll-"

"Ahh, AHHHH!" The Unggoy once again scurried away before the threat could be carried out.

...

An explosion ripped through the cold of space.

Its source having been a rather brightly colored and cartoonish-looking turret... a collection of turrets actually, upon an imposing yet just as brightly colored and cartoonish ship. Surrounded by a fleet of similar, smaller ones. From the explosion came a small figure wearing naught but gloves and red shoes. Blue colored quills and a rather confident smirk upon his muzzle.

"GAHHHHHH NOT THAT IRRITATING LITTLE HEDGEHOG AGAIN!!!!" Dr Eggman shouted in frustration. It was an inevitability, but that didn't mean he was willing to accept it anytime soon. Once again, Dr Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik was making a move to secure sovereignty over Mobius. Once again his schemes were going to plan. Once again his annoying pest of a nemesis, Sonic the Hedgehog was out to out a stop to it.

"Rrrrrgh! Okay then, come and get me, Sonic!" A few pushes of the button later, and out came the next line of defense for the doctor. Panels across the ship's hull opened up, and from the holes came dozens upon dozens, and soon reaching into the hundreds, of Egg Pawns and the heavier Egg Fighters. A formidable assortment of foes.

Unless you're Sonic.

The blue hero ran forth, then reached quick speeds before jumping, spin-dashing forward and colliding with a group of the robots sending bits and pieces everywhere. He repeated this process into another group. Then another and continued through the horde. The expendable nature of these machines came into play when the remaining cannons on board the ship took aim and fired, hoping to catch the Blue Blur in the midst of the chaos.

The move seemingly worked... until it clearly didn't. Sonic had escaped the carnage and continued running forward, making way to the ship's bridge, where the doctor himself resigned. "Ahhh so that's how we're playing this, eh?" The doctor muttered to himself. A few more buttons and more robots were sent into the fray. Aero-Chasers, Flappers and Buzz Bombers flew forth to harass Sonic, even forcing him to change direction altogether. However, it wouldn't take long before Sonic would get proper bearings and go forth to the bridge again, the robots proving more of a hazard to each other as they tried to stop him. Aero-Chasers flew backwards to fire beams, hitting some robots but not paying attention where they were, hitting any obstacles in the way. Buzz Bombers being the slowest of the bunch were left in the dust, and those that could keep up proved incapable of hitting the Blue Blur. The Flappers meeting similar successes.

But that was all the time he needed. Eggman departed from the bridge, coming forth to face Sonic in his personal mech. "Hey there Egg-head! Haven't I seen this song and dance before?"

Sonic's snarky remark was met with, "Hah! Not this time. I added a few improvements!" A wave of missiles came forth, followed by a torrent of machine gun fire. Sonic managed to avoid the onslaught, continuing to the mech, leaping and bouncing off, making Eggman stumble back for another shot. "Oh not this time!" Before Sonic could land a hit again, he was blocked, then a wave of electricity came forth and blew him back. "You won't be able to touch me that way!"

"Heh. Not a bad move. But now the game's changed!" Sonic ran forth again, dodging a swipe and running up a wall, jumping off and coming straight for the doctor. Missiles that fired and zeroed in on him missed, then turned to follow. The doctor activated the defense system again, electricity surging across his mech. But Sonic didn't hit him, in fact he didn't aim for him. He landed beside and ran under as the missiles make impact.

"Oooooohohohohohoho! Clever move, Sonic! Very clever! But I saw it coming! You won't be able to improvise that well!" The doctor had indeed predicted the move, a retractable shield from his left arm having opened and blocked the torrent from above.

"In that case, let's play tag!"

"Oh no you don't!!!"

The doctor went after his nemesis near-instantly, going after the Blue Blur with impunity as he let loose machine gun fire and missiles. All failed to meet their mark however and Sonic continued his inexorable run forward. So Eggman resorted to one of his more subtle tricks. One of the hands of his mechs shot out and came after Sonic. The moment it came in reach the metallic fingers clamped down, grabbing the hedgehog and dragging him back into his clutches.

"Heeheeheeeeee. This is looking very familiar, isn't it, Sonic?" The doctor chortled seeing Sonic struggle. "Only this time, you have no Chaos Emeralds to break free with!"

After more struggling, Sonic opened his eyes a crack to look at the doctor, and a grin came into place. "Heh, yeah. But I don't need any Chaos Emeralds. Because I have something better!"

"Oh? And what's that?"

"Backup!" Sonics attention was now directed behind the doctor. Said man took notice and looked back. Only too late did he realize something headed for him. A blur of red and black with trails of yellow energy slamming into his mech.

"GAAAAAAH!!!!" The impact caused the mech to release its hold on Sonic, letting him fall feet first. He took a moment to look at his savior who was now slowing down and backing away from the mech. A hedgehog like him, with quills arranged in a different more upwards edged quill style compared to Sonic's. Though from the look on his face, he didn't seem pleased, in fact, he looked rather unamused.

"Just in time, Shadow!"

"Don't give me that, you nearly met your end there." Came the black hedgehog's displeased response. "You should've carried on without me!"

"And let you miss out on giving the good doctor a good smash? Heck no!!"

"No no NONONONONONO! Not now! I just built this thing!" Said doctor was freaking out as his machine began malfunctioning slightly. "Rrrrrrgh, why you- never mind! I'll deal with you later!" The mech then began floating before taking off back to the top of the bridge, leaving the two hedgehogs to chase after him.

"So, how was the traffic getting here?" Sonic asked

"Eggman's certainly invested much into boosting his numbers and readiness." Replied Shadow

"Bet he didn't count on both of us showing up."

"That is besides the point. Every scheme, the doctor becomes more daring, proficient and resourceful. One day your luck is going to run out, Sonic!" Shadow reprimanded.

"Not when I got the likes of you and the rest of my friends!"

Their banter was momentarily interrupted by the arrival of more robots and fire from cannons, but the two maneuvered, busted, and dodged without a break in their conversation.

"You can't rely on friends all the time, especially when you split off and go on your own like that!" Shadow spat.

Sonic only gave a short laugh. "Where's the fun in not doing it? Figured I'd give you space from my 'inferior presence' and give you some satisfaction in bailing me out!"

"Not when it jeopardizes the task at hand!"

"Bahhhhh you worry too much. Hey... wanna race to see who gets to the doc first?"

"This isn't a competition!"

"It always is when we're involved!" The blue hedgehog then zoomed ahead of Shadow, leaving him in the dust.

"Sonic!!!" Shadow shouted to no avail, leaving him grumbling furiously. Only for a short moment later to bear a smile on his face. "I hate it when he's right." Shadow skated faster, quickly gaining on Sonic and plowing through more robots in their way. Many of the airborne machines fell victim to Shadow's Chaos Spear, leaving Sonic to deal with the ground ones in their way. The ships cannons had ceased fire, lest they cause too much damage to the ship.

"Come on come on! The one time I need a replacement- AH! This will work!"

The floor of the bridge opened up to reveal a large mech similar to his current one. But bigger, bulkier, and bearing a hole for his Egg-Mobile in the center. The differences didn't end there. It bore a more sleek, more militaristic look, white paint with black sections like the knees, elbows and waist.

"Mmmmm maybe I should choose something else. This is still in the experimental stage." The sound of the window to the ship's bridge cracking convinced the doctor to choose otherwise. Sure enough, after securing his Egg-Mobile in the socket, the window broke open, causing whatever robots they weren't secured, or secure enough, to go flying out into space. When the chaos subsided, the two hedgehogs came into the bridge, ready to rumble. "Well, I was hoping to put this through more tests before using it proper. But it seems circumstances have dictated otherwise. It seems the schedule of my Egg-Cyclops is being accelerated. How fitting given your nature, eh Sonic? Oh you too, Shadow." The doctor declared, adding the last bit with more subdued recognition.

"A new toy to play with, huh? Sign me up for the tryouts then!" Sonic declared slamming a fist into his palm.

"Don't be so eager. This robot is different from the Doctor's other creations, and not just in appearance." Shadow pointed out.

"Hehehehehe! Perceptive of you, Shadow. But I believe actions speak louder than words!" The mech's arms came forth and deployed a cannon on each forearm. Immediately after, blasts of bright blue blobs shot forth and impacted where the hedgehogs once stood, the two having already moved to evade. "You would not BELIEVE how irksome it was getting these plasma cannons to work! Making things smaller in scale is not as easy as one would think!"

"Sheesh Eggman, you wanted to cook something, you could asked us to go to a barbecue!" Came Sonic's snarky reply.

"Ohhhh when I'm done there won't be enough of you for a hot dog bun! BAHAHAHAHHAAH!" The cannons went active once again, one after the other giving the impression of rapid fire coming after Sonic. "Oh don't worry, Shadow! I got something to keep you occupied!" Pods emerged from the shoulders of the mech, containing missiles that immediately homed in on the black hedgehog. "Though Sonic does have a point... haha! Come, follow me if you dare! We go into the belly of the beast!"

"If he were any cheesier he'd be half a full breakfast." Sonic joked. "Aw, now I'm hungry."

"You just ate a whole plate of chili dogs before we got here! How can you possibly be hungry?" Shadow asked with notable irritation.

"What, you think I'm not affected by all this running? Works up an appetite." Sonic took off after Eggman, with Shadow following close behind.

"Rrrgh, now I'M hungry."

Eggman had already made significant progress heading down into the large cavernous tunnels of his ship. Further and further down, past other robots guarding the area, rather ineffectively, the hedgehogs inevitably reached the doctor still zooming ahead.

"So. Unless we see any other spots, I'd assume the spot where Eggman himself is would be the robot's weak spot. Sound about right?" Sonic asked.

"A fair assumption. But we shouldn't be surprised if we're wrong." Shadow answered.

"Well, only one way to find out right now.

"Indeed. I go high, you'll go low!"

"Sounds good!" The impromptu plan in place, the two raced ahead even faster, closing the distance between them and the doctor right as he exited the tunnel and into the main center of his ship's body. A flurry of activity with dozens of robotic trains shuttling supplies on dozens more tracks across the length of the ship. Already making way for what was demes the rear of the ship, the two chose separate rail lines and zoomed after him.

"Haha! Impressive, is it not? It's so sad how logistics are ignored in every subject, be it economics, construction, even world domination! My robots however know just what to do-"

"Less talking, more scrapping, Eggface!" Sonic shouted interrupting Eggman's gloating

"Rgh, your manners are as bad as ever! Go! Fire all weapons!" Missiles complemented brilliant blue blobs of plasma as they impacted rail line steel to hit the Blue Blur, the Ultimate Lifeform meanwhile got closer and closer to striking at his target.

"Ohho! I didn't forget you, Shadow! Here's some for you!" Halving the firepower coming at Sonic alleviated the pressure, letting him come closer. The chance was taken, Sonic spindashing ahead and impacting the doctor's area of the robot. "GAH! No! Stop that!"

"Guess your hunch was right! Now it's my turn!" Shadow made his own attack, it too struck true.

"GAH! No stop! This machine is still in the experimental stage!" Eggman's pleas fell on mostly deaf ears as his robot began slightly speaking around his Egg-Mobile. "Rrrr no matter. I just have to keep going. Let's give this a try!" He turned his cannons further ahead, blasting sections of various tracks into pieces, rendering them unusable for the hedgehogs to pursue and forcing them to choose other routes.

"So much for 'logistics.'" Shadow mused seeing how this would impact the Doctor's "superior" plans in the long run. Assuming the ship still functioned after the fact that is.

"For a smart guy, he isn't quite sharp, is he?" Sonic mused back.

"I heard that!"

As one could predict. After a series of jumping, shifting and avoiding pitfalls and trains, the two eventually caught up to the doctor once again. This time he was waiting within a large hangar. A large hangar filled to the brim with robots.

"It pays to have reinforcements as you so eloquently demonstrated, Sonic. And more where that came from in my case!"

"All the robots in the world won't help you, Doctor." Shadow answered.

"On contraire, Shadow. I may not be able to defeat you directly. But with enough robots, well even the likes of you will feel the stress and fatigue catch up with you! Now, ATTACK!" The order sent out. The robots came at the hedgehogs. Some were a hodgepodge of various models. But those were the first waves, which would be followed by more organized, specialized cadres of robots.

The flow was immense, keeping the two distracted. The doctor himself keeping close to the action, intervening at his leisure then leaving before he could be focused. "Are you getting tired yet, boys? Perhaps a chili dog break is in order? Bahahahhahah!"

"Laugh while you can, Eggman! I've been in tougher scrapes!" Sonic snapped back

"Mmmm good point! Deploy the big guns!" On cue, more robots of the Pawn and Fighter came forth amidst the already oncoming horde. Bigger ones. "You know what they say, bigger is better!"

"You had to open your big mouth, Sonic!" Shadow yelled.

"Oh come on!" Sonic replied glumly.

Said robots made good progress upon the hedgehogs, two were right on top of them before a swath of smaller robots suddenly froze stiff. An aura of cyan enveloping them. Said robots then violently flew straight up into the air before coming back down with just as much force onto some of the larger robots, the rest impacting the crowd.

Another chunk of robots also froze with the same aura, this time being swept aside into the rest of their robotic comrades and causing another pileup. Into the clearing came another fighter. Another hedgehog to be precise. Quills white as snow with gold eyes and an aura of cyan slowly dissipating. Two quick streaks extending from the back of the head, with five in a rather bold pattern at the front top of his head. "Looks like I made it." He remarked.

"Silver, you're late." Shadow said with annoyance.

"Sorry... there were loads of robots in the way." Came the white hedgehog's polite reply

"That is no excuse as we also faced 'loads of robots.'"

"Aw lighten up, Shads. You didn't exactly show up on time either." Sonic said in defense of Silver.

"Stay out of this, Sonic."

"Hey come on, I'm here aren't I? And I saved you some trouble!" Silver retorted

Eggman looked down at the now bickering trio with amusement and irritation. "Ugh, and I thought my robots got into arguments." Images of his four robots, Bocoe, Decoe, Orbot and Cubot coming to mind. The horde of robots stopped momentarily and looked back and forth from the trio to the doctor awaiting instructions. A few moments of this and Eggman snapped.

"SILENCE! ALL OF YOU! ATTAAAAAACK!" Eggman's order was met by the sound of hundreds of robotic feet storming at the hedgehogs... which then erupted into a blast sending many of them away.

"You complain about me being late and have the nerve to use Chaos Blast now of all times." Silver deadpanned.

"Shut up, Silver!" Shadow snapped.

"Guys, less yappin' more scrappin'!" Sonic's demand being more forceful than usual, sending the trio to go forth. With the three combined the force Eggman had truly was outmatched now. Especially when Silver threw robots towards the doctor.

"No! Stop that! This machine is more fragile than I-" in the midst of his retaliation and dodging, another robot collided with his Egg-Cyclops, causing yet more systems to malfunction. "NOOOO!"

"Playtime's over, Eggbrain! Let's go!" The three hedgehogs now had their opportunity. Silver went first, two psychokinetic handfuls of robots were thrown at Eggman again. Both dodged, all according to Silver's wishes as he would then spin dash right into Eggman.

"No no! Stop! The controls aren't responding now!" The Egg-Cyclops began misfiring everywhere, missiles and plasma blasts going everywhere. Conveniently, or unfortunately, missing the hedgehogs, Shadow being the next to spin dash the good doctor. "GAH! Condition critical! GAH the reactor is more unstable than I thought! NOOOOO!"

Sonic was the last one to go, and his own attack homes in and struck true. The Egg-Cyclops be an sputtering with bits and pieces blowing off at random. "NAAAAH EJECT EJECT! IT'S GONNA BLOW!" After a moment of desperation, Eggman finally got loose and sped off in his slightly damaged Egg-Mobile. The empty robot began glowing from the inside as a shade similar to that of the plasma grew brighter and brighter.

"Uh oh... better leave before we find out how bad this is!" Sonics words went without saying as he and his comrades made a 180 and sped away from the section of the ship they occupied. The Egg-Cyclops finally reached its breaking point and detonated, a blast of plasma energy rupturing the suit and engulfing a sizeable area around it. The ship shuddered from the detonation, damage clearly taking hold.

"WARNING. WARNING. Hull breach detected in cargo hold. Countermeasures failing."

The ship's computer was right on the money as a major hole was left in the ship. Anything not secured being sucked into space. The hedgehogs themselves reaching a door before it closed just in time.

"Well.. that... that was a thing." Silver said awkwardly.

"Shadow did say that Eggman grew more bold with each creation and scheme. Guess this is hard proof."

"YOU MEDDLESOME HEDGEHOGS!" The doctor's enraged voice came onto the loudspeaker. "That prototype was crucial to my future plans, and now it's gone in a plasma explosion! And I really liked it too! Plasma, it's been forever since I've seen the likes of it! And not only that, you've destroyed a sizeable section of my favorite ship! So I've decided that you have one minute and twenty five seconds to get off the ship before I blow it up like you blew up my prototype! Mobius is going to have a second star for approximately 10 seconds and you get to be center stage!"

"Well ain't that like a sore loser?" Sonic voiced to no one in particular.

"SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE INITIATED. T-minute 1 minute and 25 seconds."

"Okay, if we're done making jokes and fighting Eggman I suggest we RUN!" Silver took off, followed by Shadow and Sonic.

"Race you guys to the outside of the hull!"

"NO!"

"YES!"

Came Shadow and Silver's respective responses simultaneously. "Two beats one, let's go!"

"Sonic, I swear to Chaos!!!" Needless to say Shadow went unheeded as the three made haste with all the speed they could muster, the ship starting to blow apart as the self-destruct sequence unraveled.

"Self-destruct sequence in T-minus 1 minute. Reactor critical. Meltdown unavoidable."

The computer's announcement was met with a violent shudder of the ship, making Shadow and Sonic loss their balance. Silver being mindful used his powers to get them back on track with a simple reorientation of his comrades before they took off again. The three finally made it back out onto the deck of the ship. A much more chaotic scene than the one they left it as.

"Where's Tails!? He's supposed to be here!" Shadow demanded

"Shadow. Think you can chaos control us out of here?!" Sonic asked

"In case you forgot, this emerald is a fake! It's impossible to use chaos control with a fake!"

"Sure you can. I did, remember?"

"Before you guys argue we at least give it a go?!" Silver shouted. Grumbling to himself. Shadow decided circumstances dictated otherwise. He concentrated, then used his signature power. The emerald glowed brightly, only to then shatter in his hands.

"... oh."

"What did I tell you, Sonic!?"

"Look. Maybe I can get us to another ship in time to escape the blast-" Silver sentence was cut off by the computer again.

"T-minus 30 seconds until self-destruct."

"That's not enough time!" Shadow shouted.

"Maybe not for us." Sonic said pointing off. "Looks like my little buddy made it just in time!" Sure enough, in came a right red craft bearing four wings in an x shape being piloted by a small yellow fox, coming right in onto the deck before slowing down and hovering in place, thrusters angled downwards.

"Sorry I'm late! Eggman's robots out here kept me plenty busy!" None other than Tails and his trusty Tornado.

"I'll say." Sonic remarked seeing the rest of Eggman's fleet wasn't exactly free of scratches. The trio embarked onto the craft, time demanding a quick getaway.

"GO GO GO!"

"T-minus ten."

"Hold on tight!" As the countdown reached the final stretch, Tails pivoted the craft around and hit full throttle, sending the Tornado off faster than expected, causing the hedgehogs to grip for their lives. "We're going all the way. I'm not risking my new S-Tornado with that explosion!"

After a few tense moments, the detonation occurred. The hull vessel that stood as Eggman's flagship detonated in countless areas before violently exploding in a great fireball. Debris showing nearby vessels, causing some to be put out of order. The rest slinking back to whatever respite the doctor had for them. One thing's for sure. He was not jesting when he said there was a second sun for a moment. The hedgehogs shielded their eyes lest they risk any blinding effects. The shockwave of the explosion catching up to the craft in time, making the engines overheat. The good news was they escaped the worst of it, so Tails shut them off. After 10 seconds, the light faded. Looking back, the heroes saw the sorry remains of the ship that threatened obliteration to whoever its target was. Other ships following suit as they lost power and became floating husks.

"You did it! You did it! I keep telling you, you guys work great together!" Tails cheerily declared.

"Heh. We sure do, don't we Shadow?" The Blue Blur's question was met with a slight grunt from the mentioned Hedgehog.

"I'd be lying if I said we did not perform well." He then admitted

"There we go!" Sonic said proudly, arm around Shadow and giving him a quick nuggie.

"But we need to do better!" Shadow said brushing it off.

"Shadow has a point. But we do work well together... we should do this more often!" Silver exclaimed.

"How bout we talk it over some chili dogs?" Sonic asked

"Ughhhh how did I know you would say that?"

"That's Sonic for you, Shadow." Tails responded with a grin. The issues he lobbied still fresh in his mind. The self-proclaimed loner could not keep the hint of a small smile forming as Sonic and Silver began their banter back home.

...

"Here's to us. Team SSS!"

Sonic's declaration was toasted with a chili dog from him and Silver, and a halfhearted toast from Shadow.

"Hey, what about me?" Tails cried out

"Eh. You just flew the Tornado and kept the Air Force off us. You don't count." Sonic teased.

"Heyyyyy!" Tails anger was clearly fake as was Sonic's indifference, but it didn't stop the two from having a moment of mock animosity. A moment that was followed by laughter.

Silver himself looked on the scene with mild confusion. "I'll never understand sarcasm." He mused to himself as he ate his own chili dog.

"It's something you get used to hanging around Sonic and his friends." Shadow replied.

"But you don't go along with it." Silver noted.

"That's because I'm not like them."

"Yet you hang out with them."

"I don't 'hang out.' Our interests simply match at times." Shadow defended

"Yeah but," Sonic began, "you're hanging out with us right now, AFTER we best ol' Eggbutt." The remark was met with silence, allowing Shadow to let it sink in.

"He makes a good point." Tails added

"... I was hungry too. It was convenient." Came. Shadow's weak defense.

"Mmhmm, keep telling yourself that." Tails said with a cheeky grin. "Anyways Sonic. After we're done here I was gonna go to Angel Island to deliver Knuckles some of those cookies Amy made. And that grape ice cream he likes. You wanna come with?"

"She made more?" Sonic asked incredulously. "Where does she find the time and material?"

"Doesn't she buy it and spend her time carefully making them? She doesn't chase you around as much as she used to." Silver noted, missing the joke yet again.

"Ehhhhhhh, well I'd like to Tails but after we get done here I'm gonna take another run around the world. Maybe two." Sonic's answer came.

"Why am I not surprised?" Shadow mumbled under his breath.

"I can go with you. Just not for long... I promised Blaze I'd help her out with something. She wasn't specific so I don't want to put it off in case it's important." Silver's answer elicited cheeky smiles from Sonic and Tails. "What?"

"Oh nothing. Just thinking whatever it is she wants, it's gonna be good. It's surely a secret!" Silver's face lit up hearing Tail's answer.

"Mmmm if it is a secret then it's definitely important. I'm not missing this!" Came Silver's reply. Shadow himself found slight amusement in his behavior.

'He really is naive.' Shadow himself didn't know the details. But he knew enough to know Silver would most likely enjoy whatever the princess cat was planning.

"How about you, Shadow?"

Shadow shook his head to Tails' question. "I need to report back to G.U.N. about Eggman's fleet. They'll have more assignments for me afterwards."

"Man, those folks run you ragged I bet." Sonic mused.

"They've treated me well, thank you very much. Besides, someone needs to be on call while you're off running around the world with no way to be contacted." A smug grin forming on Shadow's face ending that sentence.

"Hey hey hey, now that's a challenge right there." Sonic's responded putting down his chili dog. "We can race right here, right now if you wanna settle the score."

Shadow didn't even acknowledge the declaration, keeping that smirk up. "Time's up. I'm on my way back to G.U.N. Try not to cause anymore incidents, okay Sonic?" Sonic just tossed his arm in casual dismissal, causing Shadow's smile to widen slightly before he took off, the last thing being heard from him being. "Later, Faker."

"Uhhh... remind me, you two are cool with each other, right?" Silver asked.

Tails spoke up. "Silver, that's their way of saying, 'Take care pal. I'll catch ya later.' You've heard the stories already but trust me, their relationship was much more hostile in the past. I suppose you could compare it to how you and Sonic first met."

"Oh... right... that..."

"Yeah. Bygones are bygones. The world keeps spinning, the sun still shines and the stars are still bright. Life goes on." Sonic added with his usual laidback attitude.

"And this is where Shadow would say something like, 'you can't just forgive and forget with everyone.'" Tails added imitating Shadow's voice.

Silver laughed at the imitation, though he started thinking on that. "I mean... he wouldn't be wrong." Tails and Sonic perked up at this. "I mean, Eggman is an example. But more than that, you've dealt with who knows how many threats over your life and not all of them ended that way if I understand it correctly. Like the Black Arms for example." Silver got that distant look in his eyes. "But what happens when you meet that one foe you just can't... I mean Shadow isn't the most forgiving of types but looking at it a certain way..."

The white hedgehog trailed off, in thought as he looked off to the horizon. Rather picturesque with the white sand, blue ocean and azure sky with how morbid his thought process was.

"Hey uh, Silver. You haven't forgotten that meteor shower we're gonna try to catch later tonight, right?" Tails chimed breaking the silence. No way he was gonna let foul thoughts come into this little celebration.

"Huh? Oh... OH RIGHT right right right. I almost forgot. Yeah I'll be there!" Came the reply.

"And so will a certain lavender someone." Sonic said quietly, snickering at the end. Tails hid his own snickers as he waved Sonic off. "Well. I think that's enough for me." The Blue Blur finished perhaps his 50th chili dog or so for the day and got up. "Gonna hit the trail and go for my jog now. Hey tell the others I'll see em when I see em, will ya?" He took off before anyone could give him an answer, the characteristic blue shockwave of his departure vanishing as quickly as it formed.

"I hate it when he does that." Silver muttered.

"You're not the only one." Tails agreed. "So. You said you could come with me to Angel Island, right?"

"Yep, why not? Be nice to fly without doing any of the work. And it's been a while since I've been there. A little visit wouldn't hurt." Finishing their share of the chili dogs, Tails and Silver made to embark on the Tornado and head off to their destination. "Hey, remind me. I recall one of Sonic's adventures starting with a giant fleet belonging to Eggman. Is it true that the planet broke apart during that?"

"Oh yeah! He got a Werehog form and fought the very embodiment of darkness itself!"

...

Angel Island.

Something out of a fantasy book. A massive island floating in the sky filled with wonder and mystery. Home to lush jungles, expansive plains, mountain peaks and plateaus. The island has been this way for many many years. It floats thanks to the power of a great gem known as the Master Emerald. Not much is known of the gem, save it is a source of limitless energy that can fulfill anyone's desire, some say it even bears sentience. To go with this great prize are the seven smaller Chaos Emeralds. Being smaller and less powerful than the Master Emerald, they are by no means less valuable. Such items are sought after for both their power and their beauty.

But where there are such prizes. There are usually those who guard them. In this case, only a singular protector exists. But this one protector, despite his faults and failures has proved more than worthy of bearing the title.

Resting against a ruined pillar covered in vines, a red figure slept. Quills arranged in a dreadlock-like fashion with a white crescent on their torso. The only other thing of note being their hands, bearing spikes upon their knuckles. In fact, that happened to be his name. Knuckles the Echidna. For as long as he could remember he'd been alone, only the protection of the Master Emerald being his sole purpose. Surely the sentience of the gem was true for how else could he have the instincts to survive when he was but a young echidna?

Save for the animals and whatever Chao happened to come by, Knuckles liked it that way. Time however has a way of changing things, and that comes in the form of certain events. His isolation ended with Eggman coming to him one day, offering a convincing lie of Sonic coming to take the power of the Master Emerald for himself. Having no prior knowledge of either party before, Knuckles believed him, and it led to him nearly losing the Emerald in the process. Thankfully, with Sonic's unwavering dedication to fighting the doctor, the Emerald was saved and restored to its proper place.

Of course that was just the start of Knuckles's involvement with the blue hedgehog's adventures. Perhaps the most significant even would be the return of Chaos. A being that can only really be described as mutated and even godlike sealed in the emerald thousands of years ago after an event that wiped out the Knuckles Clan, the ancestors of the echidna guardian. It would be the work of Eggman and his flawed belief he could use the being's power to rule the world. Of course, he was unaware of the fact that Chaos could NOT be controlled and nearly ended everything because of it. But like clockwork, Sonic was there to put a stop to it.

This and many more adventures would weigh heavily on Knuckles's mind, often making him question exactly how good of a guardian he was. The Master Emerald was taken, and broken TWICE, once at his hands by accident. Had it not been for the reinforcing of his new friends, there's no telling what he may have considered.

"Hey. Knuckles!"

Speaking of, a familiar voice reached his ears. He opened his sharp eyes to see Tails approaching with a certain white hedgehog.

"Tails, Silver, hello. I take it dealing with that ol' Eggface went well?" He asked getting up.

"What? You didn't see the explosion?"

"Tails, everyone this side of Mobius saw it. If it wasn't for the fact Eggman constantly spewed his intentions of using his fleet, they'd assume the end of the world was coming... again." Knuckles added the last part knowing technically such events happened before. Almost like clockwork.

"Yeah. We asked Sonic and Shadow if they wanted to come deliver this stuff with us." Silver said bringing the cookies and ice cream with his psychokinesis. "You can guess what they answered."

"Lemme guess: Sonic's off running a marathon and Shadow's back at G.U.N. for more work." Knuckles replied.

"Pretty much. Since I'm here I can take a look at the turrets and house I put up for you too." Tails added.

Knuckles rolled his eyes. "Tails, they're fine. They've been fine since you put them up."

"Preventative maintenance, my knuckle-brained friend." Tails retorted.

"Oh that's it. Come here!" Knuckles grabbed the fox and gave him nuggies, much to Tails amusement and annoyance.

"Awww not the nuggies!" Tails laughed. "Ow too rough!"

"Sorry." Knuckles said, though he didn't stop altogether. Silver of course was left out, much to his relief. After a short moment Knuckles let Tails go to do his business, leaving the two. "We do that often. Nothing to worry about."

Silver was unaffected by this answer and backed away. "Don't come near me."

"Relaaaaaax. I won't subject you to that torture. At least not when you're still holding my stuff there." Knuckles remark caused Silver to slightly cringe and scurry off to the house Tails mentioned. It wasn't there originally, Knuckles being more than happy with staying out in the elements to watch over the Emeralds, but Tails was stubborn, wanting shelter for his friend. Knuckles gave in eventually. All the better too, for soon he'd have company to stay with him on the island.

Silver was about to open the door when it opened itself, slamming into him and knocking him down comically. And causing the stuff he was carrying to come crashing down.

"Knuckie. Do we have company?" Another echidna came out of the house, orange and female with pure cerulean eyes. She wore a tribal skirt bearing beige, green and red triangular patterns with a white strap of fabric around her upper body. A jeweled headpiece and necklace, and wrapped sandals.

"GAH! The ice cream!!!" Knuckles cried

"The cookies!" Tailed yelped.

"My heaaaaad..." Silver moaned. The female echidna slowly looked down to see Silver on his back, his eyes crossed and face in a daze with a bruise to match. The ice cream having landed relatively unharmed while the cookies were somewhat worse off.

"OH MY GOODNESS! Oh no oh no I'm so sorry I didn't mean to!" She began vehemently apologizing as she moved to help Silver up.

"I'm fine... I'm fine." Silver said slurring his words as he was helped up and into the house. Knuckles concerning himself with the dropped food while Tails went back to his tasks.

"Sheesh, Tikal. Ahhhhhhh. Who knew a pacifist princess could hit so hard?" Silver joked as he recovered upon reaching the couch. Tikal for her part was full-on apologetic still, already going to get ice for Silver. "Should get a sign for that door. 'Warning. Door may open on its own!'"

Knuckles on his part however was more worried about the ice cream. "Oh thank Chaos. Been forever since I had any of this stuff." He sighed in relief.

"You ate the rest of it last week." Tikal said matter of factly peeking back in.

"A week's a long time to go without this stuff!" Knuckles whined.

"For you." Came Tikal's reply.

"Ohhhhhh come oooooooon."

A groan came from Silver. "Hey uhhhhhh can I get my ice before you two start your quarrel? I can't stay long and I'd rather get going without a major headache."

"We do not fight!" Tikal cried out.

"It's a joke, Tikal. Bless her heart but she has yet to pick up on jokes." Knuckles snickered.

"Mmmmm? Oh yes, my dear. Is that why I'm the one who saw through Sonic's little prank while you were left wet in a hole?"

"Tikaaaaaal, we don't talk about thaaaaat." Knuckles' muttered under his breath. It was met with a subdued giggle from her as she returned with the ice pack.

"Again I'm so so sorry."

"It's fine. I've dealt with worse. What about the cookies? They okay?"

"Ohhhh yeah." Knuckles held up the box with them. "Some... didn't make it."

"Ahhhhhhhh Amy's going to be upset." Solder muttered

"She won't know. It'll be our secret." Tikal assured.

"Well that's Tails's skin saved." Came Silver's reply with a smirk. Tikal only had a humph in response.

"That girl. I swear as sweet as she can be she has serious temper problems. With a stubborn streak to match." She shook her head at the end of her sentence, that vibrant smile returning. "In better news, I see Eggman is down for the count?"

"Yep. I'm not going to lie when I say that was the most fun I've had in a while. It was priceless seeing him vent about his plans being ruined again. That fleet of his is taken care of. And we don't have any crazy adventure to boot. This means our stargazing event should go without a hitch."

"Oh right, that."

"Let me guess." Came the voice of Tails who came inside, and then started snickering. "Knuckles said 'No, I have a duty to stay here. You can go if you want.'" Tails's impression of Knuckles caught the red echidna's annoyance. "Then she gave you those big beautiful eyes with the puppy dog face, saying 'pleeaaaase Knuckiiiie,' and you caved in immediately."

The truth in that statement was confirmed with Tikal giggling at the young fox's imitation.

"Don't you have turrets to be looking at?" Came Knuckles's question, mild irritation well on display.

"Yep. They're running great. Now I'll check the house out and that's all on my to-do list. Also, hey Tikal." The young fox said waving at her. "Can't wait to show you the telescope I'm bringing tonight, you'll love it for sure!"

"Oh yes! Being able to see into the sky as though you were up close? I simply must try it!" Having found a new subject interesting her, Tikal followed Tails as he went to check on the house's functions, leaving Knuckles and Silver in the living room.

"To think she was in the Master Emerald with Chaos all that time. Now here she is with a new chance at life after sacrificing herself all those centuries ago." Knuckles mused watching her go, remembering how after the events with Chaos, Tikal came back to Angel Island with him to embrace her second chance. She was truly a duck out of water with all the new things this time had, an issue slowly remedied with repeated trips to the rest of the world courtesy of Amy, Cream and others.

"I think that's what, poetic justice?" Silver asked.

Knuckles tilted his head in thought. "Yeah... yeah it is. You would not BELIEVE how often I got teased by the others about it."

"I can probably guess, myself being among them. Hey, feeing better already." Silver remarked about his bruise. "So, you're coming too, right?"

Knuckles gave a low mutter with a reluctant smile. "Yep... there's just no saying no to her. She's as stubborn and headstrong as I am, but she has those sad face eyes as Tails mentioned, and I just can't say no to them."

"Well with the doctor dealt with, you won't have to worry about him going after the Master Emerald for a while, thank Chaos." Silver mentioned. "It would do you some good to get out more often, even for just a bit." Silver's innocent remark gave Knuckles some comfort. Though not much.

"Well I'm not worried about a certain jewel thief coming around anymore. She slowly stopped coming around after Tikal moved in. But there's a trend that goes on. It seems as though every time we do something, a trip, a party or any kind of get together, the universe spins some great cosmic wheel deciding what great catastrophe will plague us this time. It's one of the reasons I've always been so hesitant to leave this place even with Tails's turrets keeping guard." The echidna shifted in his seat looking out the window to the altar where the giant gem sat. Silver saw Knuckles's logic and understood where he came from. "I mean sure, we've done well for ourselves regarding keeping it safe and defeating threats that come about. But if all this has taught me anything it's that sooner or later our luck is gonna run out, and when it does we better be ready for a major fight. One we may not win unless we take very drastic measures."

Silver's demeanor shifted slightly hearing those words. Reminding him of what he touched upon back down at the food place. "Huh. Yeah... that's a good point. Shadow brought it up while we were eating chili dogs and I couldn't help but think about it. Sonic's dealt with who knows how many threats over his life and not all of them ended that way if I understand it correctly. Like the Black Arms for example."

"Yeah. They were some nasty customers, so you can see why I'm so hesitant."

"Well..." Silver began, "if that's the case, why not put your foot down? Why not make your point clear and stick to it?" Knuckles looked him in the eye before answering.

"Well, we DID talk about it, as we should have. But it's not just that. The fact is, Tikal..." he took a breath, "it may have already been made clear, but she matters more to me than the Master Emerald does. Can't bear the thought of disappointing or making her upset in any way."

"That still makes you a good guardian as far as I'm concerned. Hey, tell you what. Anything happens while you're gone, come get me and I'll help you out. That's what friends are for right? But I'm willing to wager nothing is going to happen. You're just being paranoid. Rightfully so, but paranoid nonetheless." And with that Silver's optimism came out, already infecting Knuckles's line of thought.

Knuckles gave Silver a look, processing what was said to him. Then a smile filled his muzzle. "You always got something positive to say, huh? Well at least it ain't coming from Sonic. I hate it when he's right." Silver let out a laugh at this.

"Now there's something you and I can agree on without compromise. He can be pretty cheesy, probably from the cheese on those chili dogs of his." That elicited a good laugh from Knuckles that Silver joined in on. The laughter reaching the ears of Tails.

"Well I think I'm correct in assuming we have nothing to worry about with leaving Silver back there." A tone of light sarcasm in his voice. "You being around has had an effect on Knuckles behavior for the better."

Tikal's smile grew hearing that. "He's had an effect on me as well." She began looking back in his direction towards the living room. "We've both been alone for much of our lives. He has been alone on this island while I was practically an outsider to my people 3000 years ago. Chaos and the Chao being my only real friends.

"Ahhhhhh a love story in the making. Star crossed lovers separated by time, united through tragedy, and enduring through their new lives together hand in hand." Tails spoke with dramatic flair, waving a screwdriver around like a wand, causing Tikal to let out stifled laughs. "Oh how generous fate can be when it's head turns favorably." His sappy speech devolved into snickers. "Now that's what Amy would probably say if she were here. She's a sucker for this kind of stuff."

"Yes indeed, likely a consequence of her constant chasing of Sonic. I wish her luck, but she still has so much to learn." Tikal put a hand upon her cheek and tilted her head as though in thought. "Anyway, you were going to tell me about these 'solar panels?'"

The smile on Tails's face grew extra wide. "Well since you asked so nicely. You've seen those squares on the panels, right?" Tikal nodded. "Those are the solar cells that capture the sunlight. They're collected into a group called a photovoltaic system. You see the sun gives off energy, radiant energy to be specific. It's turned into electricity in the form of a direct current. Arrays of a photovoltaic system can be used to generate solar electricity that supplies electrical equipment directly, or feeds power back into an alternate current grid via an inverter system. Normally solar panels, especially of that size, aren't exactly beasts of power generators, that's why I have both a storage unit I cooked up as well as refined the original system with my own special improvements. This allows your home to run without more efficient and reliable but not as eco friendly systems."

Tikal's smile never left her face, but Tails could immediately tell his explanation went over her head. He could practically see the smoke coming from her ears. She was just too nice to say she didn't understand. "Oh no." He began sheepishly. "I used too many terms you weren't familiar with. Sorry."

"No... uh no no you're okay." She said, clearly still sorting it all out.

"Uhhhh topic change! Since we plan on seeing the meteor shower, you said the echidna tribes back then studied the stars, right?" The princess's face changed, lighting up with excitement.

"Oh yes yes! I was never that familiar with it, but I knew we were very adept at reading the stars! We had buildings made for that very reason The windows were made precisely so one could see the rising and setting of the sun and moon at specific points, it gave us a great understanding of the cycle and allowed us to keep track of time!"

The young fox's own face lit up. "Hey that's the conclusion a lot of researchers and archaeologists came up with! Ancient observatories. Oh hold on." His excitement temporarily halted by checking the panel he was working on, making sure the bars and meters were at proper levels. "Okay. But yeah lots of people came to similar ideas that that's how your people looked at the stars. It really helps with the reality that while your people were less advanced they were no less intelligent than our own in present time!"

"That is gratifying to hear that there is such interest in my people. My grandmother always told me the past is never truly over, and we all feel it's effects in one way or another. Ignoring it risks repeating it."

"Yeah, something you'd think the brrrrrilliant Eggman would've known." Tails replied rolling his r's. "But no need to worry about that now! We have people like Sonic to make sure things stay in shape. And speaking of." Tails closed the panel after a few button pushes. "The house gets a clean bill of health from Inspector Tails!"

The two made way back to the living room, Tails going on about the sun. "Bringing it up. How's this for a shocker? The sun is technically a star."

"Hm?"

"Yeah. Every star you see in the night sky is a sun countless light years away burning in space. Our own sun is a star too."

"Really? You mean... wait." Tails could see the gears in Tikal's head turning. "Does that mean there really are other planets like ours out there? With life on them?"

"Well sure! We've met plenty of aliens in our adventures. The Whisps being a prime example!" Tails answer left Tikal awestruck. She knew of the many adventures that Sonic and his friends had been in but never put too much thought into the details.

"In that case I have all the more reason to use your telescope while stargazing! I might see a planet!" Her enthusiasm shooting up.

"You just might! Got a few we can focus on." Tails replied, giving her more hope. When they returned to the living room, they found Knuckles and Silver laughing their rear ends off. Of course they heard it before they saw it.

"OH CHAOS, no more no more!" Knuckles wheezed.

"Wait wait I'm not done! When Rogue and Shadow woke up, they STILL had no idea who really handcuffed them together until the last minute, and when they did, Sonic ended up disappearing for a whole week to avoid their wrath!" Silver was evidently telling Knuckles a tale of how the bat and hedgehog got roped into some elaborate prank by none other than Sonic. The ending resulted in more uncontrolled laughter that in time died down. "Anyway... that's how that little scheme went down."

"Ohhhh that one." Tails said getting their attention. "I still can't believe he went along with it. Guess that's Sonic for ya." A stifled laugh was let out at the end. "Anyway, the place is good, we can get out of here. Looks like I can fly you back after all Silver, didn't take as long as I thought!"

Silver wasn't going to argue with that. "Sounds good, let's go!"

"Oh you needn't leave so soon. We don't mind if you stay awhile." Tikal offered.

"Thanks, Tikal. But Tails has projects to work on and I have a thing going on too. We'll see you while stargazing anyway! Next time we'll stick around for sure." Silver assured.

"Besides, I'm sure you two can't WAIT to be left alone." Tails teased walking out the door. "See ya tonight." Tails and Silver made way for the Tornado waving goodbye, Silver still holding onto that ice pack.

Knuckles made way to the altar, his guests on their way out. Tikal joined him for her routine prayer. Before she began, she looked to Knuckles and said, "Tonight is several hours from now, yes?"

"Yep. Why?" Knuckles was answered with half-lidded blue eyes and a smile. The unspoken intent fully understood by him, he got settled in and waited for her to finish praying. Looks like Tails wasn't entirely wrong.

"The servers are the seven Chaos. Chaos is power, power is enriched by the heart. The controller is the one that unifies the Chaos."

...

The portal to the Void opened, the Ravenous Hunter departing from its otherworldly journey across the stars through the rift.

"Report!" The captain bellowed.

"The readings are correct, captain." Corvisum answered. "This is where the signals came from. And by the look of things we just missed what happened."

"No matter. Get a bearing of where we are in the star charts and ready a message back to the fleet." The monitors on the bridge showed a planet on screen. One that appeared to be habitable. But looks can be deceiving, such as one planet the Covenant found that at first glance appeared capable of sustaining life. It was covered by a verdant carpet of mosses, algae, and lichen, and possesses a thick oxygenated atmosphere, but the animal kingdom wad a web of microscopic symbiotic creatures. These are impossible to filter from the air and necessary for the native life to thrive. Unfortunately, they also cause anaphylactic shock when inhaled by non-native life. That being the case, the planet found little use from the Covenant beyond mining.

"Engines stable, active camouflage functioning. We can loiter as long as we need to, captain."

"Good."

"Captain, I have something. There's wreckage in orbit of the planet." Corvisum declared.

"Show me."

The monitors changed to show a massive collection of debris. Hulks of what appeared to be ships and parts floating in space, including a truly gargantuan one. Not as big as the Assault Carriers of the Covenant, but still quite a massive ship. Whatever happened here was no small matter. These wrecks also had some strange architecture to them... the captain couldn't help but ponder. Inadequate? No that wasn't the word. Gimmicky. Yes that was more fitting. Some of the more intact parts of the ship displayed oversized bulbous sections, like they were toys in space. And a symbol of sorts. A black sphere with bulges and spikes on the top and sides respectively with white coloration forming 'eyes' and a 'mouth.' It looked uncannily like the face of a human.

"Sensors also detect lingering emissions, this was indeed very recent. Matches with the time we got the signals from before. It looks like we were picking up a fight, or a disaster." Corvisum summed up

"We'll look through the scraps later. Scan the planet, I want to know what we can look forward to."

Corvisum began the process while Gareth spoke up. "The fleet has sent a message."

"Report."

"Investigate source of disturbance, report back soon." Gareth answered.

"Report our findings as soon as Corvisum finishes his analysis. I shall get our scouts ready." The captains sentence was met with growls from the crew. Not at their orders, but the implications of the scouts.

The Banished did not care who joined them so long as they proved loyal, skilled, or valuable. Or any combination of these traits, but that did not mean there was no friction between groups. And while the captain was a longtime Banished warrior and his crew were a mix of that with those who joined after its fall, the Sangheili were mostly Covenant veterans, and from Let 'Volir's lot. And the scars of the Schism ran deep for the Sangheili people. The animosity was felt by all Jiralhanae, who had their own misgivings with the warrior-race with their limiting of power in all aspects of the Covenant. It was a testament to Atriox's will these two groups would fight together despite all this. He himself remarking both peoples should rejoice in the end. 'The puppet chieftain Tartarus and the liar hierarchs being dead freed all our peoples.' He was right, but that alone does not stop the hate.

The captain's summons for the Sangheili Rangers were quickly met. Even if they resented him, they still did their duty. "I shall be brief," He began, "an hour ago, we picked up disturbances on our scanners. As our task is to investigate any leads, we made way through the Void and came out near a planet. We are still getting our bearings but we can safely assume we are in uncharted space. It will fall to a team of you to make landfall and investigate should it be deemed necessary,"

"Whatever has happened here it was recent. There are wrecks in orbit over the planet. We can assume we are not alone and must keep our presence hidden." The captain paused for a moment.

A single ranger stepped forth. "Should it be decided a scouting run is needed, I shall be first to go."

"Ahhh, 'Modulee. I see your spar with 'Usumee has not soured your spirits." The captain could fee the animosity all Sangheili felt towards his race, but it was tampered by an awareness of station and a sense of duty. Not only that, 'Modulee was a rising warrior thanks to his record. Yes. He would do. "Very well! Your request is to be honored. Any who do not share this will answer to me. Ensure your subordinates are ready. We are still collecting information and then must wait for an answer from the fleet. The rest of you will be on standby should anything go wrong."

The declaration was met with acceptance, and the captain dismissed the rangers. That was the easy part. Now the hard bit: Ensuring the rest do their duty and not interfere. It would not be favorable for him, or any one that shared his responsibilities, to appear incapable of controlling his men, even in an environment like that of the Banished.

Returning to the bridge, the captain found an Unggoy had been thrown at the wall while he was gone. Sickly glowing blue blood splattered all over. Nothing to worry about, though the mess would need tending too. He found Gareth muttering to himself. The cause of the unfortunate Unggoy plain as day.

"Captain," Corvisum began, "we are not in any known sector of space. We're still in known space, but we are on the very edges of the map. Everything here is undiscovered. In addition the planet is indeed capable of sustaining life. We are also receiving an ocean of signals emanating from the world and found satellites in orbit. There is sentient life on that planet, no doubt."

More important news indeed. Not only an uncharted planet on the fringes of known space, but one with life. The possibilities this opened for the Banished were many. Though first, knowledge must be gained.

"Gareth."

"Already being sent, captain. The fleet shall be informed shortly. Shall I inform the crew to be ready for a deployment?"

"No. We will limit ourselves to ranger teams. Everyone else may wait until further notice. After time has passed though it may do us good to send other teams down there to... sample the local fauna." Sinister laughs and enthusiastic grunts filled the bridge after that statement. The crew deserved to be rewarded for the work they've done so far, and new meat to try was the best way for that. Plus it would keep grunts save from the bored and irritable Jiralhanae here, or at least delay anything that distance prevented from occurring.

An hour passed after this, the only notable things to happen including the grunt corpse being carried off by kin who would certainly scrape whatever armor and belongings it had and another grunt fleeing a pair of Kig-Yar, most certainly having stolen something.

A message soon came.

Investigate the planet and its inhabitants. Gather any and all information possible. Update as required.

The captain now had to decide where and when to deploy. Corvisum was getting further scans to figure out centers of population and more remote areas. A balance needed to be found for this. Too close risked detection, too far risked time wasted. One thing for sure, the team would drop at night. With 'Modulee having volunteered for the duty and the rest of his kin ready to go, it was a matter of simply playing the waiting game.

And it was a game the Banished were excellent at playing.

"Quite convenient, is it not?" Meanwhile, 'Modulee was ensuring his equipment was prepared for deployment.

"Indeed, my friend." 'Usumee answered, "Our sparring match is settled and not too long after we find a new location to scout. Here's hoping it brings a change of scenery. One can only go to the same environment so many times before it grows dull."

'Modulee hummed in agreement. "Forerunner architecture is beautiful. But it pays for different scenery. I'll tell you all about it once I come back aboard. Assuming it isn't a long planned scouting mission, that is."

"Heeheeeeeeeh. Most likely will, the Jiralhanae will do anything to keep us off their ship." 'Usumee gathered himself after the joke and continued with, "Of course, be careful. There's never any telling what can happen on new worlds. They have a poor habit of surprising us."

"Fear not, brother. I may have lost the match but I am not so outmatched as you'd fear. You just ensure the captain's crew remembers we're down there." A shared chuckle later, and 'Modulee got to work. An Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle and an Elutuzem-pattern long shooter. The former a tried and true weapon as older than even the Covenant itself, with few alterations given over the millennia, a handheld plasma weapon capable of automatic fire and a sign of command for Sangheili and Jiralhanae. The brutish aliens preferring the red Kewu R'shi'k variant. The latter weapon, the long shooter, sometimes called the 'stalker rifle' was a sniper's weapon rarely seen outside the circles of those closest to Atriox and his underlings. In this case the beam rifle or focus rifle were often utilized. The weapon was made to be more pleasing for the likes of Jiralhanae, ironic givin most of their ilk prefer up close and personal.

And shoot circumstances prove necessary he possessed a Pelosus-pattern fireblade, a sword of superheated, shaped plasma. And the most common pattern of the weapon. It was perhaps the one thing he had left of his old life after losing everything in the aftermath of the Human-Covenant War. And he would ensure he never lost it

Putting aside such sour thoughts, 'Modulee knew his comrades were equally as ready. It would pay to go the extra mile in inspecting their equipment, but with the current plan they could afford to take their time.

Besides, one hardly passes up entertainment such as the Unggoy fleeing Kig-Yar that just broke into the room.

Elsewhere, hours later.

"Aaaaaaaaand DONE! Now we wait."

Tails's update was met with approval by Silver. He liked being early for these little get togethers. In this case he was truly the early bird, Silver having arrived just moments later. "Now we wait for the others. Good thing I brought some mints." The young fox's love for the candies went without saying. It was as great as Sonic's love for chili dogs. Tails was self-aware enough to know this, and wagered he'd probably eat his entire stash of them he brought before the others showed up.

"You eat too many of those things." Silver commented

"I don't see you stopping Sonic eating chili dogs." Tails retorted playfully.

"You really want me to try and get Sonic to listen?" Silver deadpanned.

"Mmmmm... good point. Speaking of, we can forget about Sonic showing up, he's surely running somewhere... someplace. Bet he stopped at that ice cream stand in Apotos... huh, I wonder how Dr Pickles is doing." His trio down memory lane was short-lived as he got back to his mental list of friends coming. "Blaze not far behind. Heheh... wonder what she had in store for you that was so important." Tails grinned mischievously at the white hedgehog who just stared back.

"It was... nothing. Just nothing." He said sounding not entirely confident in his answer with a blush coming to his face.

"Uh huhhhhhh, and Cream and Cheese are coming, hopefully they brought stuff, don't think I got enough sweets for us all." He mused seeing the basket he brought. "Amy should be next... pleeeaaase don't let her go on about Sonic not being here." He groaned at the thought of it. Her love of the Blue Blur was cute at first, and even though she's matured somewhat, old habits died hard. It was enough to drive Tails and his friends crazy.

"Don't remind me." Silver rubbed his forehead just thinking about it.

"Ah and of course our reluctant guardian arriving at the request of his darling princess." Both started snickering given they visited the two not too long ago. "'Ohhhhh pleeeaaase, Knuckie pleeeeaaaase?'" Tails said in his best Tikal imitation with his fingers interlocked, causing Silver to bust a gut laughing. Tails himself was losing it on the inside but wanted to keep composure just a little longer.

"'Ahhh fiiiine.'" He continued changing to a Knuckles voice. "'Anything for my princess.'" Tails then shifted back to Tikal's voice. "'OHHH KNUCKIE!!!'" Then made mock kissing noises with the interlocked fingers gesture, causing Silver to fall off the log he was sitting on from laughing.

"What's going on here?"

The sudden voice caused the two to stop cold and slowly look towards the source. Standing before them was a lavender colored cat with a white muzzle and a purple tailcoat. Four plumes of hair with violet tips tied up in a high ponytail and an oval gem on her forehead. With her was a younger rabbit with cream fur and white muzzle with a simple sleeveless vermilion dress with a white collar and a light blue cravat, along with matching slip on shoes. Following her was a blue Chao with a red bow tie.

"AH AH AH AH NOTHING NOTHING! I was just performing for Silver, uhhh a silly play I bought of in my spare time!" Tails said with a nervous laugh and matching smile, sweat pouring from his forehead. Silver for his part continued laughing, now at Tails's behavior.

"Oh yes. Worthy of an opera BAHAHAHAHAAHAH!" He said slamming his fist on the grass.

"Mmmmmmm you are certain you wish to laugh at Tails for performing while you had a difficult time with our activity?" The cat purred with a smirk, Silver's laugh stopped cold and he looked to her mid laugh.

"Blaze... not cool." He moped

"Ohhhh do tell, what WAS this activity. He couldn't tell while he was with us because he didn't know." Tails said with a smug grin.

"I practiced dancing with him. Bless his heart but he isn't very good at it." The female cat responded, leading to the protests of a hurt Silver.

"Aw Blaaaaaaze!" He whined.

"Mr Silver wasn't that bad. He did his best." The little rabbit countered, defending Silver.

"Chao Chao!" The Chao agreed.

"Mmmm that is right, Cream. But he does need to learn to improve if he has any hope of becoming a real man."

"Blaaaaaaaaze!" More protests.

"Relax Silver." Blaze chuckled. "I'm only teasing you. It's only fair you get some with how much you two are teasing Knuckles for his relationship. Speaking of, Tails... that's a lot of sweets there, you wouldn't happen to have brought those for-"

"Nope nope! Lalalala I can't hear you, the telescope is making noise! I need to fix it!" The yellow fox protested sticking fingers in his ears and going to the mentioned contraption, seeing where this whole conversation was going. The two girls giggled at his behavior.

"Okay," Blaze said, "no more teasing. Right now we should be settling down and enjoying ourselves. Now we just wait until-"

"HEYAAAAAAAA!" The sound of a happy upbeat girl coming towards them hit their ears.

"Right on cue." Blaze said. Coming their way was a pink hedgehog with a red dress and matching boots and hairband. Amy Rose had finally joined them.

"Hello hello! Good to see everyone again! No need to fear, for I have brought food for this little outing!" The declaration was met with some praise, as one thing Amy was universally recognized for was cooking. Of course this was due to her trying to make the 'perfect' chili dog for Sonic. But that's a tidbit in the grand scheme of things.

"Now all we have left are Knuckles and Tikal, who should be arriving any moment now." The moment he said that, a flash of light appeared out of nowhere. This, of course startled everyone present who shielded themselves from the light. Once it abated, the forms of two echidnas, one with a Chaos Emerald stood in its place. "Speak and they will come."

"Hello, everyone! So good to see you again!" Came Tikal's greeting, followed by an affirming nod and wave from Knuckles. "Is that the telescope?" Tikal's attention turning to the contraption immediately.

"Yep. It's all set up. Just need to get it on something real quick and I'll let you use it." Tails assured. Tikal however seemed more focused on the telescope itself, a quizzical face on a tilted head examining it.

"It's... smaller than I anticipated." She stated.

"Oh yeah, it's my own though, so it's pretty powerful. But you should see the ones in modern observatories. Big as houses!"

"Actually..." Amy began, "why bring a telescope for shooting stars? Don't they move too fast for that?"

"Yeah. I just brought it so we had something to do before and after. That way we can spend more time out." The young fox answered.

"Ahhhhh now he mentions it. C'mon Tails, you know we can't be here for too long." Knuckles whined.

"But Knuckiiiiiiiie it does us good to spend time with friends more often!" Tikal protested giving him those sad eyes. They worked instantly.

"Ohhhhh I knowwwww, old habits die hard, my princess. You know that." A large hand placed on top of her head began rubbing playfully. "Sort of like how you need to get one last little prayer in before we go off somewhere. Off or on the island."

Tikal made a pouting face. "Awww you know a prayer doesn't take that long, and I finish in a reasonable time."

"Yeah but... it takes you forever sometimes... often enough to just stay at the altar." Knuckles light teasing caused her to 'pummel' his chest in 'frustration.' He stood there with mock contempt checking his hands before grabbing and lifting her up, causing her to squeal and laugh.

Tails found amusement with the joke he now brought up. "Heh. All they need are a couple of shirts now. What would work? 'I'm with him/her?' Or 'if lost return to Knuckles, I'm Knuckles?'"

"Another time, Tails. Another time." Blaze suggested. "Looks like we're all here. Now we wait for the stars to come down."

"Best part of coming out here in the 'middle of nowhere?'" Tails added with sarcasm quotes. "No light pollution. You can see more of what the night space truly holds without a telescope."

...

The time had come.

'Modulee stood at the hanger where a single phantom of the many there was up and running, ready to deploy.

Word had come back from the fleet. The Ravenous Hunter was to deploy a single team of rangers to start out with to find suitable places for outposts, even bases, on this world. So far one area was chosen for scouting. More would be deployed as necessary. There was only so much that scanners could do in regards to gathering information. Often times the eat way to get said information was to get up and go find out oneself.

His three team members stood beside him. Olo 'Perta, Fal 'Zaduk and Phel 'Harum, ready for the inevitable deployment. All being addressed by their direct superior, a scarred Sangheili veteran by the name of Sen 'Zvedaee. "Remember," the old warrior began, "this is not a death or glory mission, we are here for information and knowledge. Let whatever reinforcements arrive from the fleet be the ones to do the heavy lifting. It is imperative that you remain concealed at all times. Do not risk being discovered by the natives." A Sangheili grin formed. "But of course, you already knew that."

Much of what was being said was formalities for these warriors. Of course one must not skimp on the most basic of instructions lest mistakes be made.

"Supplies will be delivered as needed via the phantoms, so it is vital you understand the most basic of needs will be provided for you. Beyond that you shall be on your own in unfamiliar territory. These parameters are henceforth set in stone until reinforcements arrive. Is that understood?"

"YES SIR!" Was the response from the four.

"Then make ready to depart, and may fortune smile on you." As the officer departed, the four made way to board the phantom. There was not much small talk on the way inside. The rangers were currently focusing on their plans after making planetfall. First they'd work off what the scans gave them and investigate in-person. A brief joke was shared that 'Usumee may end up having to patrol after all, making the entire sparring match pointless.

"Remember." The pilot began, "there is an incoming meteor shower. We will be trailing it as it passes by the planet, so expect sudden maneuvers." Anyone else would be spoiling themselves like grunts fresh from the teet. These four however only held mild discomfort as anyone would. Meteors going who knows how fast and using them as cover to ensure no one saw you coming down were not the best option for one's health. "Beginning launch, it's time for adventure, brothers!" The phantom shot forth from the hangar, making way directly for the meteor shower.

"By the moons, there's got to be hundreds of them. This may get a bit uncomfortable." Understatement of the day, thought the rangers. "It seems the Huragok are enjoying themselves out there."

The ship had moved closer to the debris field they found earlier, surely to use a hull as cover from the meteors. But more likely to see what salvageable goods could be scrapped up. Curious creatures that the Huragok were, both in behavior AND their appearances. Bladder filled bodies that contained gases allowing them to float with tentacles capable of separating to manipulate with any machinery they came across. At a downright instant level in fact. These creatures were a key race in the Covenant, capable of repairing nearly anything and used to tinker with Forerunner technology. Behind that they were patient and rarely spoke. To the point they only really cared about completing their tasks. Among them were Jiralhanae in space harnesses, likely to herd them along should the time to cease work come. They didn't worry about the meteors as the hulks of these ships were so large and layered.

"Any bets on what we shall find on this planet?" 'Perta asked. "I believe we could find rather odd things considering those destroyed ships."

"Like something Humans would show their children. BAH!" 'Zaduk spat, earning 'Harum's amused laugh.

"I shall make no predictions. I like to be surprised." 'Modulee responded, gaining similar answers from the other two much to 'Perta's bemusement.

"Not one of you? I suppose that makes me the outsider." The joke was followed by silence as the rangers got back to focusing on the task at hand. Night had fallen on the planet at this time, which would help in staying concealed. All they had to do was get down there.

...

"-are actually rocks floating in space. When they come close to Mobius they enter the atmosphere, which is a layer of gases around our planet is held in place by gravity. This causes a drag which heats them significantly and causes the streaks of light you see. Don't confuse this with comets however, comets are-"

Tails had two spectators listening to him right now. Cream and Tikal. Cream for her part was contently listening to everything the young fox boy said, and it just led to more wonder on her part. Tikal on the other hand...

"He's throwing more words she doesn't yet comprehend." Knuckles muttered.

"That's Tails for ya." Amy giggled. "I'll calm him down, don't worry. Heya Tails? Tails?!"

"Ahhh this is what, the 12th time he's done that?" Knuckles again muttered.

"Tikal's been around for a while, I figured she'd pick up on this by now." Silver assumed.

"Yeahhh, but don't forget whether her time in the Master Emerald was actually 3000 years or a few minutes compared to us, she's been isolated either way with no possibility of learning. She's a genuine fish out of water. She's gotten better, but that's in the more mundane every day things. Heck, I myself don't know most of the terms Tails is saying." Knuckles elaborated seeing Amy getting Tails to slow down, much to the fox's embarrassment realizing he did it again. Knuckles had an amused smirk soon after. "Should've seen the time she tried using a microwave on her own. Tried cooking something for 30 seconds, left it in there for 30 minutes."

"Oh... ohhhhhh."

"Yeahhhh, but she's learning fast. All this high science stuff must be messing with her mind though, long time ago my people were the more superstitious type. Funny how that works considering there are mystical things out there."

"Considering the Emeralds, a being of pure darkness, and whatnot. Hey... wait... didn't Amy do things with tarot cards or something?" Silver questioned, recalling Amy sharing that about herself once.

"Oh yeah. That was a thing. I think she does that on her off days?"

Over at the telescope, Cream had occupied herself looking through the lens after Amy cautioned Tails to go easier on the science lingo for their friend from the past. "Oh Tails," Amy sighed, "what are we gonna do with you?"

Tails only fidgeted and bashfully rubbed the back of his head in response. "It's ehhh... heheh... habit."

"Don't be too hard on Tails, Amy. You still have your love of Sonic pop up when he comes by." Cream astutely, yet innocently pointed out. Causing the pink hedgehog to blush.

"I... yeah that's fair."

"Well, I'm calm now. I'm good. Hey Cream, lemme see that for a moment. I'll show you one of the planets in our solar system that should be visible now, we got time before the meteors hit!" Tails's excitement turned relatively towards a new topic, the group huddled into relative silence, leaving Amy in her own world for a moment.

Cream was an innocent girl, so Amy couldn't blame her for bringing up those past memories. How long has it been? A decade? Maybe 15 years or so she's been after Sonic? In that time Amy had gone from a damsel in distress during the Little Planet incident to a fierce and headstrong woman. Yet here she is still after him. Nothing really changed through all those years. Not for her anyway. Well... not in the way she wanted at least.

She figured by now she'd grow closer to her hero after so many years of joining his adventures and all the stunts she pulled. In hindsight, she realized how clingy and obsessive she came off as, and how much her anger could drive others away. In those years. Perhaps this came from her becoming more brave? Or maybe it was a byproduct of the adventures they've had. Or maybe... no, jealousy no no. Sonic was in a relationship before but that was cut off, peacefully to boot. Then why is it every time she looks at someone like Tikal, she gets so... frustrated?

"-how our imagination works, don't you think, Amy?"

"I'm sorry, what?" Amy's thoughts were interrupted by the echidna princess, Tails's baffling exposition having worn off, she was looking at Amy expectantly. "I'm sorry, say that again?"

"Oh, I was talking about how our imaginations can lead to all sorts of things. After you got Tails to calm down, I was thinking about how my people looked at celestial bodies and interpreted them."

An intrigued look appeared on Amy's face. "Oh... oh really? Yeah that's something shared by many other ancient cultures. Kind of a universal thing."

"My people believed that comets and meteors were heralds of times to come. Comets being bad omens while meteors were tears of the god's joy for something good in the world. The sun was the ruler of all, the moon his bride while the stars were their people." Amy's interest grew as she sat to listen. "When the sun was in the sky he was watching over us. Seeing the moon out was special as both were taking an interest in our daily lives. Therefore every day was something to cherish. Night was when he took his leave and left us with his bride and their people. It was a time of calm. It wouldn't be until my grandmother taught me about the Emerald Altar that I would have something else to look to. Listening to Tails has indeed confounded me, but I now realize the modern explanations aren't nearly as... 'magical' as our own interpretations."

Amy was somewhat saddened hearing this, what Tikal was saying was basically the equivalent of 'everything I know a lie.' But not the malicious kind, the kind made from a desire to have meaning where none could be found. "Did your people have any ideas about live beyond the world?"

Tikal thought for a moment. "They did believe that there was... for example a belief that great and powerful people visited our world once upon a time, and stayed here before leaving for reasons unknown. They say their remains can be found somewhere eon the planet. I wonder if my father believed that to some degree in his conquests. Hearing your stories of the Whisps and other beings you've come across, it is certainly true that life is out there. And it made me ponder those stories."

"Hey!" Tails piped up. "The meteors are coming down! Time to make wishes everyone!" The announcement was met by enthused chatter.

"Wishes?" Tikal questioned.

"It's an old fairy tale. If you make a wish upon a shooting star three times it will come true." Amy's explanation gained a smile from the echidna.

"It seems your people have their own 'beliefs' as well. Perhaps the 'magic' of things isn't as gone as one would think." The two shared a laugh as they got settled in more, the only thing breaking the moment was Silver's short whine of Blaze having eaten a sweet he had.

...

The phantom entered the atmosphere with the meteors.

It was time to make planetfall.

"Remember. Once we hit the ground. We go straight for a concealed and secluded area! Then we plot out our next move for surveillance. It will be a long walk before we reach the nearest settlement." 'Modulee explained in the relative calm inside the craft.

"We have entered the atmosphere, try to keep cool back there." Came the jest of the pilot. "Once we reach the mesosphere we shall engage active camouflage and drop you at the designated area. We must not tarry!"

The warriors made last-minute checks immediately. Their equipment was in order, weapons ready should they be needed, and their own active camouflage functioning. This was good, as they needed to be completely invisible to any prying eyes on this planet.

The subtle shifts of the craft maneuvering could be felt, growing ever greater as the atmosphere made its presence known to the craft. The emptiness of space being filled in by the air surrounding the world. The inky blackness broken by stars of space seen on the Phantom's monitors being slowly replaced by purples and blues of a night sky filled with stars. The moment of departure drawing closer.

...

The meteor shower had started in earnest, and it was a grand show.

It seemed the whole sky was filled with them. "Okay..." Tails began, "I didn't think this many would appear!"

"That's a good thing! It's a surprise!" Cream chimed in.

"Chao chao!" Cheese added.

The spectacle had its intended effect of causing everyone present to stop what they were doing and pay attention to the falling stars. Indeed a great whole of the sky was filled with the wondrous objects in different hues and sizes.

Inadvertently though, Amy found herself pondering the uncomfortable subject yet again. Once more spurred by others around her. Cream was pointing at this or that star while getting Tails to see said stars as fast as she could. The two had gotten really close in recent years. Not quite the status of a couple, but they were getting there, hanging out with one another more often. Cream while not quite on Tails's level in intellect proved she was smarter than one would assume. She listened to Tails when he explained something even though she would need time to fully understand it. She offered him something to do besides helping Sonic and tinkering in his workshop. Heck, at times she would try and help him in said workshop, she would sometimes get clumsy and make a mistake, but Tails could never find the heart to really criticize or demand she leave for it. And it helped he got along well with Cream's mother, Vanilla.

Silver meanwhile, was still sore over Blaze eating his pastry, but he was evidently over it as the two were silently watching the meteors fall, Blaze having grasped his hand in the moments after the shower started as they sat on the log. One a princess cat with flame powers displaying a more noble behavior whose only real flaw is she can be distant from others. The other a hedgehog with psychokinetic powers that behaves somewhat immaturely and naively, but does what he feels is right and truly has good intentions, being an optimist at heart. Perhaps these traits along with them being relative outsiders in terms of where they came from led to them having such good chemistry.

And finally the echidnas. Knuckles seemed disinterested, though likely because he's had the chance to see plenty of meteor showers his whole life on Angel Island, while Tikal was clearly into the experience going on about how she's never seen this many before at once. There was practically no space between the two, the smaller female having scooted and pressed herself against her larger male companion. Their case was textbook "opposites attract." Knuckles was always ready for a fight, never hesitating to use force and stubborn to a fault. Fear seemed like an alien concept to him as he took to any task that their adventures put him to with no second thought. Tikal was pure, pacifist and wanted everyone to get along. Ironically something demonstrating she too was stubborn. Their personalities seemed to compliment and even influence each other. Even when at his angriest Knuckles always calmed down at the behest of her pleas, while she never backed down knowing he was with her.

Perhaps the biggest factor was how lonely they were, yet another opposite. Knuckles grew up practically his whole life alone guarding the Emeralds and preparing for any foe to come across. A life of seclusion, but also peaceful and free of issues assuming a certain doctor doesn't show up. Tikal grew up thousands of years ago among her people, her whole life up to then learning how to coexist and love, but at a time when her warring father expanding their clan's territory and everyone went along with it. It led to Chaos going on a rampage and sacrificing herself to seal it in the Master Emerald, only for the cycle to repeat in modern times, and grant her a second chance for her deeds.

And what did Amy have? Well she had Sonic admit some mutual feelings and her own admitting her past behavior was unbefitting, but she still had nothing like that. Almost as if the universe gave everyone but her someone to-

'No, no, STOP IT!!!' She reprimanded herself in her head while shaking her head. 'Time for fun. Dwell later.'

"Chao?"

Cheese had come over to her, seemingly sending her discontent. "Heya, Cheese." She gave the small creature a pat, receiving a cute smile and a heart to form from his emotion ball. "I'm just thinking about some stuff right now... nothing to worry about. I'm fine. I can always think about it later."

Cheese responded by hugging Amy's hand, then pointing to the stars.

"Yeah." She replied. "More important things to do right now."

"Chao Chao!" The group proceeded like this for the rest of the event.

"Blaze?" The mentioned girl turned to Silver, her attention having been directed elsewhere. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Just thought I saw something... it was nothing."

...

The Phantom decloaked for the briefest of moments, the rangers dismounting from the troop bay.

"Ravenous Hunter, this is 'Modulee. We have made planetfall."

"Understood, ranger. Now get yourself to a secluded location and begin your mission in earnest. Deliver regular updates, will contact you when other teams are being deployed."

The captain's order was heeded by the Sangheili, who directed his team to follow. They engaged camouflage as the Phantom reset and ascended back into space, themselves running for the nearby forest with all haste.

Their mission has begun.