Chapter 3: Destruction of Forces

"I can see that the professor isn't all that smarter than the doctor," Shadow said. "Another self-destruct switch."

"Just like last time," Sonic added. He gestured elaborately to the group. "Shall we?"

Silver and Zenith nodded. The four hedgehogs jumped onto the switch. The switch slid down. Seconds later, the section of the ship that they were in detonated, sending the group hurtiling through the air.

"He underestimated us," Shadow bragged. "Thinking that would do the job."

"Destroying his ship just to destroy us?" Silver asked no one in particular. "He must really hate us."

"Never really thought it would self-destruct," Sonic commented.

"Beta has money to burn," Zenith said.

The four landed on separate rails. Curving upwards, Shadow commented, "This weather speaks of negative happenings."

Silver looked confused. "What?"

"Bad omen," Zenith explained. "Which don't exist."

"You're thinking to much, Shadow," Sonic teased. "As usual."

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Professor Beta flew across the bridge, hitting the opposite wall with a thud as Mephiles the Dark threw him. Beta stood painfully upwards. Immediately, Mephiles rushed over to him and grabbed him by his right wrist.

"If you value the life of you and your girlfriend," Mephiles threatened with disgust on the word "girlfriend". "You will hand over the Chaos Emeralds."

Beta reached over and pressed a button on his control panel, never taking his eyes off of Mephiles. A hatch opened next to Beta, hosting a brilliantly cut red emerald. Beta removed the emerald and handed it to Mephiles. He tossed Beta aside and jumped rose to the air to caught the emerald. His eyes shined with delight. "Once I have the other six, not only will I be able to fuse with Iblis, but I'll be able to increase our power-". Mephiles took another look at the emerald. His delight turned to rage. "Wait! This emerald's fa-". His rant ceased abruptly as he fell to floor.

Professor Beta Dhartma tossed his weapon aside and walked casually over to the fallen semi-god. He bent down on one knee. "Now, Mephilestopheles the Dark," Beta addressed him using his full name. "Are you ready to serve?"

Mephiles lifted his head. "Always, sire."

"Good, good," Beta said. "Return to your patrol."

Mephiles bowed and exited the bridge. Beta rubbed his wrist. "Darn god messed up my watch," he said snidely. "Probably gave me an infection." An alarm sounded. Beta rushed to his computer and grinned. "So, the 'saviors' made it, did they?" He removed a microphone from the panel. "Team Kira, report to the battle field. The saviors have arrived."

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Amy undid Rouge's helmet. Rouge fell out of her chair. Amy caught her before she hit the ground. "Uhh...," the bat thief groaned. "Where are we?"

Iota spoke up. "On a ship crafted by Professor Beta Dhartma."

"Who?" Blaze asked.

"Professor Beta Hycinth Dhartma, the fifteen year old supergenius. He has one hundred more IQ points than your Dr. Robotnik."

Rouge rose to her feet. "Anyway, we have to find a way out of here."

"None of you are going anywhere."

All of the sapients' heads turned in the direction of the voice. Only a door was seen. Amy looked upwards. "Look! On the frame!"

Cyeta Zhartma dropped from the ceiling. "And just where do you think you're going?" She asked rhetorically looking at Iota.

"I'll handle Cyeta," Iota whispered to the group. "You find an escape route. We'll meet up later."

The anthropomorphs headed for the door. Cyeta cared only about Iota. "So its just you and me."

Iota nodded.

Cyeta grabbed a sword from a nearby wall. "I've been waiting for nothing else for long time!"

Iota smirked. "You need a hobby." Her hands glowed with energy.

Cyeta charged at Iota. Iota released a blast of energy. Then...