Chapter Thirteen: The Decisive and the Indecisive
DISCLAIMER: I claim NO OWNERSHIP to ANYTHING in this story! The characters solely belong to their respectful owners/creators.
Nearing the Western Air Temple, 7:30 am
The restless group of heroes were flying through clouds. "I think we lost them.'' said Katara,
"Katara, we lost them right when we flew out of the Earth Kingdom, they're long gone.'' Sokka stated,
"Just be glad, we're almost there.'' said Rouge, looking up from her GPS. The giant long cliff came into view. "There it is!'' shouted Aang.
The upside down temple lie the same when they first arrived. Suddenly, a fire nation zeppelin flew in front of them. "What is this!?'' said Zuko. Fireballs fired from it. Aang pulled the reins up. Appa ascended higher until they were out of range. "What in the world is going on here?!" exclaimed the fire lord. Suddenly, Mephiles flew right past them. "Oh no! We can't let him get that emerald!'' yelled Rouge. Appa flew down towards the temple.
Mephiles landed in front of the large fountain. Suddenly, Azula landed behind him. "You, how long has it been?'' asked Mephiles,
"Too long you freak!'' she yelled, firing a bolt of lightning.
Mephiles spun his hands in front of his face to form a barrier. The lightning bounced off the barrier and nearly hit Appa. The flying bison landed behind the giant fountain. "I'll head off to find the emerald!'' Rouge said, flying off into the temple. Mephiles watched her fly in. He followed after her. But Aang jumped up in his way to swing a blast of air, throwing him back down to the ground. "Avatar! We meet again.'' Azula said with a grin.
"Seriously, how does she keep escaping?'' asked Sokka curiously.
Azula spun forward in a ball, letting loose a blue flame wheel. Aang crouched, swinging his staff to fire a gust of air to make it vanish. "What do you think of our chances?'' asked Toph.
"Let's just hope Thule doesn't' get here in time.'' Katara added. Landing behind Azula was the indeed the big black demon himself. Azula turned around and attempted an attack, but Thule merely kicked her over the heads of the gang. "Now you know how I feel!'' Sokka yelled to his sister. "Drop the dramatic irony argument and let's focus!'' Aang insured.
Mephiles came down at Toph. Katara got behind her and wrapped a water tentacle around him. She swung Mephiles into a rock pillar, taking a chunk out of it. Thule fired a huge black energy ball at Mephiles. The ball impacted and exploded. The pillar snapped and fell down at Katara. Aang quickly picked her up and jumped out of the way. The pillar hit the ground with a loud thud. "Thanks Aang.'' Katara said, holding her arms around his neck and giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Thule grabbed Azula. "You're the crazed fire princess aren't you?" he asked.
"What does it matter to you?!'' she exclaimed angrily.
"Would you like to get back at your brother?'' he asked, holding his black Chaos Emerald in front of her face. She grinned automatically.
"I take that as a yes.'' Thule said. He pointed the emerald at her chest. A surge of energy bellowed into her. She screamed loudly. All the others looked over at her. Thule snickered under his breath. Her eyes widened largely. A black dome formed out of her, then disappeared after a short time. The gang gasped to see Azula wearing all black armor and her eyes glowing red. Her nails were a few inches longer, like that of a witch. "A good servant to later destroy this world, don't you think?'' Thule looked over at the gang.
"You're a monster!'' yelled Zuko, charging at him.
"Flattering.'' Thule mumbled. Azula stepped forward and fired a red flame with black inside it.
The blast knocked Zuko many feet back, landing in the fountain. Mephiles landed behind Thule and fired a purple and grey beam into his back, which blew Thule right into Azula and sending both forward into the fountain's rim. Zuko stood up from the water, looking angry. "That wasn't good enough.'' he said, forming a fire whip in each hand. He stretched them both forward, knocking the two, not only out of his face, but off the temple and into the depths below. "Zuko, do you know what you just did?'' said a shocked Katara, "She's not my sister, you saw what Thule did. She's not my sister, she never was.'' he said.
"As much as I hate to watch the scarred prince enjoy his soliloquy, I have an emerald to catch!'' Mephiles said over to them all, flying into the temple.
"Follow him!'' shouted Aang, forming his glider and flying into the temple after him. "Let's hope Rouge has already got the emerald by this time!'' Katara added. "Don't say that or else it'll turn against you!'' yelled Sokka, grabbing Toph's hand and following after his sister "More running, less talking you two!'' Toph shouted.
Rouge came up a large room. In it was the sculpture of a woman air bender. She saw at the crown of its head was the silver Chaos Emerald. "Found it.'' she said flying up to it. She grabbed the emerald and smiled. "Now all I gotta' do is get out of here and make sure that freaky copy of Shadow doesn't get it.'' she said to herself.
Mephiles blasted through the wall at the other end and flew straight at Rouge. Rouge turned around and gasped. She quickly flew down and out the hole Mephiles came in. Rouge came flying through a hallway with Mephiles hot on her heels. Rouge came to a quick stop. It was an intersection of halls. Mephiles could be heard flying towards her. Rouge took the right hall, seeing the gang far at the other end. "We got to be getting close!'' said Sokka.
"Wait, what's that at the end of the hall?'' said Aang, squinting his eyes. Rouge was flying towards them the fastest she could go.
"Mephiles must be chasing her! Zuko, stop! I got a plan!'' Aang yelled in front.
Aang and Zuko both ran side by side. Rouge had a confused look on her face. "ROUGE DUCK!!'' yelled Aang. Aang and Zuko jumped straight forward, firing fire out of both their fists. The fire culminated in one large fire ball. "Lift it up!'' said Aang.
The fireball filled up the entire hall. The two benders pointed their arms up. The base of the fire rose for enough room for Rouge to fly under. Rouge seeped an inch above the ground. The fire passed right over her. "Lower it!'' yelled Zuko. The two pushed the fire back down. Mephiles widened his eyes. He couldn't stop for he was going too fast. The intense ball of heat collided with him, creating a large explosion and another wall of fire that came directly at the gang. Aang and Toph stepped forward and raised a rock wall from the ground to the ceiling. Not an ember of fire made it through. The turned orange hot for a moment. The gang looked relieved. "Come on, I'm thinking we need some fresh air.'' Aang announced.
Outside, the group of heroes gathered at the fountain. "Okay, we got rid of those two, we have the emerald now what?" asked Zuko.
"We should stay here for the night, you know to get some rest for tomorrow.'' Katara suggested.
"I already agree, as long as I get some sleep!'' said Sokka, falling onto his back. "Alright, we'll rest up and decide what we do next morning.'' Aang added.
At the bottom of the pit, Thule and Azula lie flat. Thule raised his head, searching around. "Damn those kids.'' he said. Thule rose to his feet, as well did Azula. "Now what do we do, the avatar and his band of petulant heroes probably have the emerald by now!'' exclaimed the angry Azula.
"It does not matter, let them be.'' Thule said, walking over to something that gave him a grin.
"Why do you say that? The emeralds will give us a better advantage!'' she said again.
"The emeralds aren't my true concern, it's fighting Sonic and Mecha when the day comes.'' Thule said, stopping in front of the item he spotted. "Armageddon?'' she guessed.
"Correct my loyal princess.'' he said, picking up the item, then making his emerald appear in his hand.
"What are you holding?'' she asked with a hint of curiosity.
"This, the Emerald of Demons can create anything that was once dead and I can create anything I want out of it.'' he said, turning around to reveal him holding a metal arm.
"What is that?'' she asked.
"He was once a man who could, let's just say, make anything combust.'' he said, laughing evilly.
Bottom of the North Atlantic, 5:30 pm
Eggman was standing in a small room, watching a construction project of his 'ultimate weapon.' Mecha WereSonic was standing by his side. "Amazing isn't it?'' Eggman noted. "Indeed, sir.'' Mecha replied. The double doors behind the two shifted open. Metal Sonic walked in, holding the Blade of Destruction still covered by the blue velvet cloth lined with gold.
"Ahhh, the blade. Great work Metal.'' Eggman said, as Metal handed it to him.
"Thank you my master.'' he said, bowing to him, then walking back out of the room.
Eggman unwrapped the blade. Mecha looked at with the most astonishment. The blade was 41 1/8 inches long. It was composed of a smooth red amber anodized finish. The guard was a kind of skull faced, but it resembled the skull of some sort of demon.
"Such a sword, can cause so much death. I love it!'' Eggman chanted, holding it up in the air.
"You truly haven't told me all about the blade Doctor, what does it do?'' asked the curious Mecha copy.
"This blade was forged by the father of Thule, who was once the ruler of Hell for almost all of its existence. He forged the blade in hopes to once go to the surface. But when he did, he could not live. He was banished by his old and dying grandfather to die. Years later, his son followed in his footsteps, and from there, you know the rest.'' Eggman told.
"I see, then why go to the trouble of building this weapon? Why not end Sonic and all the heroes now?'' questioned Mecha.
"The Blade does not have the power to destroy a whole planet, nor a dimension!'' snapped the doctor. Mecha merely huffed.
"This will help bring them further down, make them weak enough so they cannot strike back.'' Eggman preached.
"Too sentimental if you ask me.'' said Mecha.
The doors opened again. Scourge walked in with a smirk. "This day gets better and better! Take this Mecha.'' Eggman said, handing the blade to him.
Scourge held out the Chaos Emerald. "Where's my part of the bargain?'' he asked. Eggman took out the vial from his shirt. Scourge smirked. Scourge quickly grabbed the vial. Mecha pounced at him, Scourge spin dashed right into his nose. "See ya, losers!'' he taunted and caused Chaos Control.
Eggman gritted his teeth. "Curse him! I knew I shouldn't have trusted that damn fake!'' Eggman cursed.
"We shouldn't worry doctor, Scourge is a fool and that serum will only make him more of one.'' Mecha assured.
"You're right, why worry? Our final battle is looming in the distance Mecha,'' Eggman began walking up to the window, grinning. "After that day, I WILL RULE THE WORLD AND EVERY OTHER THAT STANDS AGAINST ME!!!'' he chanted and laughed continuously.
In the middle of the room was a large rectangular black bomb. The large Eggman symbol was forged right in front of it. The whole symbol though was glowing with red. Doom is coming to us all. Must every world have its end? All the worlds will if our heroes don't muster up the strength to combat Eggman and end his Empire for good, and all time.
Colorado, USP Florence ADMAX, 11:00 am
General Richards walked the new hall. Fluorescent lights hanging from the ceiling. Empty cells on both sides. This was the most worst prison where people from the outside world, who caused so much fear, must be kept. Richards stopped in front of a large vault door. The door itself was 5.5 feet thick. Two guards wearing silver plated armor on their shoulders and knee pads holding M-29 SAWS stood on both sides. "Evening General.'' the one on the left said "Is he contained?" asked the General "Yes, but he's already killed the men who tried to lock him up.'' said the other.
"How many?'' asked Richards "About twenty-five.'' replied the soldier.
Richards raised his eyebrows and shook his head. "Let me in.'' he said simply. The two soldiers took out a key each. On both sides, they put the each key into the keyhole at the same time. The door's handle spun by itself then stopped. The two stood on one side and pulled the same handle to open the door. Inside, there was a gate door. It's bars were made out of titanium. One of the guards walked in and unlocked it for the General. The whole room was lighted. With chains crossing across his chests, chains coming out of the ground and wrapped around his ankles, as well as his wrists, was Sonic himself. His face was staring straight at the ground. Actually, on his face was a gray mask. There was a hole for his snout to fit through. There were two circular holes for his eyes to see through, but Sonic wouldn't even move, not even an inch. Richards walked in without fear. "Curious isn't it? The once famed blue hedgehog, saved the planet from Space Colony ARK, stopped Perfect Chaos from destroying the world, stopped the rebirth of Solaris, and even rebuilt the world itself…now look at you. All those heroic things you once did before don't account for nothing today Sonic, you're a killer.'' Richards said.
Sonic didn't say a word. "I can have you executed right now if I wanted to, but that would be unjust. You're friends are blinded by the mere thoughts that you could've been brought to another dimension to be held captive.'' Richards continued.
Sonic remained the way he was.
"Why don't you answer!" Richards raised his voice. "Sir, it's been weeks and he's remained that way, not saying anything.'' one of the guards said.
"STOW IT SOLDIER!'' Richards shouted, causing both guards to flinch, and stand back outside. Richards glared back at Sonic.
"Listen to me, no one is coming to find you, no one is going to save you. You…are… mine now. Your life has been nothing but an endless marathon of screw-ups and bad decisions that altered the fates of this world and all the innocent people you encountered. Get use to this cell Sonic, because you're not going to see hope, not even a ray of it!'' Richards yelled right in front of his head.
Richards stormed out of the room. "Shut the damn door!'' he ordered.
The two guards exchanged looks. "I dare you to touch him.'' one said "That's nothing!'' the other responded. An angry growling came from Sonic. They both quivered in fear. One ran in, shut the gate door and ran back out for the other to lock the vault door hastily.
Shambles. That's all there was for him. Aren't there always some type of occurrence when an individual encounters a thing or thought that makes them utterly confused? Sonic felt emotionless, like an empty shell that a hermit crab once used, hollowness. A hero deprived of hope, care, thoughtfulness, and above all: goodness.
Central City, 6:30 pm
Brandy was sitting with in Amy's room, having a conversation with her. "You loved him since day one?'' asked Brandy in a simple tone.
"Sure have. When Metal Sonic chased me, he was there to rescue me. After that, it was all history.'' replied Amy.
"Now, you know he's back and he's out there, what are you going to do?" she asked "I don't know, I was never the hero type. In this time of war, however, I'm probably going to have to.'' replied the pink hedgehog.
"I can only pray that Sonic will overcome this.'' Amy added, getting teary eyed.
"Amy! We got visitors!'' exclaimed Cream, opening the door.
Downstairs was Robotboy, Tommy, Lola, and Gus. "Hey, you guys!'' greeted Amy.
"How's it going. We kind of came here with the help of Richards when we completed his mission for him.'' Tommy said.
"You need some help?'' asked Cream.
"Actually, Robotboy here found an energy signal in Hawaii, might be a Chaos Emerald.'' Lola said.
"That's where Lilo and Stitch are!'' Amy said excitedly.
"So we can get some help from them too!'' said Robotboy.
"Alright then guys, pack up and let's get that Chaos Emerald!'' said a motivated Amy. A energy signal in Hawaii has been contacted. Will the heroes get lucky and find the emerald? Or could something be throwing them into a trap?
Avatar Dimension, Western Air Temple, 8:30 pm
The night blanketed across the sky. The stars shining and twinkling. All seemed peaceful. This is what it might've probably been like it when the Air Nomads still existed. People sometimes take the things that can be so keenly seen and accepted into their eyes. Walking onto a balcony was Katara. She was wearing a silk light blue nightgown with no sleeves. Her hair was down. She looked up at the stars, sparkling in her pupils. Aang walked up to her, wearing only his pants. "Katara?'' he said, rubbing an eye. She gasped and turned around, holding onto the railing. Aang noticed her curves and her beautiful legs. He quickly lost the thoughts and walked over to her. "Anything you want to talk about.'' he asked.
"Is it right?'' she said "Is what right?'' Aang asked with confusion "That we're just waiting here, and probably Sonic's out there suffering.'' she replied.
Aang looked down below them. "He's the most self determined person I've seen. Sonic's capable of so much but-''
"Sometimes those capabilities aren't always used for good.'' Katara finished his sentence. Aang nodded to her.
"We'll make it through this Katara, no matter what.'' he said, grabbing her shoulders and looking directly into her eyes.
Katara looked off to the side for a moment. Aang removed his hands. He reached into his pocket and got out something. "Give me your hand.'' he said. Katara looked back at him. She held her hand out. Aang clasped hers with his, putting something in her hand. When he removed his hand, there was a betrothal necklace. She gasped, putting a hand to her mouth. In it was the Air and Water symbol, perfectly carved. "Aang…I-I-'' she stuttered, but Aang kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him tenderly.
A sudden take in of breath reached Aang's ears. Aang picked his love up and jumped off the balcony before it was blasted into bits. Aang slowly ascended down to the ground. Once landed, Aang put the water bender on her feet. She looked back up at the spot where the balcony once was. "Man, what in the world did that?!'' she said.
Katara looked back at Aang, who was staring forward with his mouth opened wide. Katara looked in the same spot, her mouth did the same. "Aang, I think we're going to need some backup.'' she said. Standing a few feet away from them was Thule and Azula, but what standing in front of the two was more shocking. Combustion Man stood straight. One half of his body was the same, the other half was fully covered with black metal, down the middle of his body. The robotic side of his face had a piercing red eye. The symbol in his forehead that fires out his shots was also illuminated with red. "Kids, I would like to introduce you to; The Cyborg Combustion Man!'' Thule said, laughing afterwards.
"Now remember, play fair.'' Thule said, teleporting himself and Azula with his black emerald. Combustion Man glared at the two heroes. His symbol glowed brighter, he took a breath in. Aang quickly picked Katara up. He fired a red beam encircled with light red rings. Aang was already high up in the air by this time. He landed on another section of the temple. Combustion man's feet, both made out of black metal, fired up with flames. He soared up into the air. "Now he can fly!?'' screamed Katara.
"Then let's shoot him down!'' said Aang, launching fireballs at him. The ringing of the fire whisked past the villain as he drew closer and closer, dodging whatever projectile came his way. He fired another red beam. But suddenly, it was shot off course when a blue laser hit him in the back. Combustion man swirled down to the ground.
Sokka, Toph, and Zuko came into the kitchen. "What's all that noise?'' said a groggy Toph, already dressed "No idea.'' replied Sokka, with his hair draped down. Suddenly, Combustion Man blasted through the wall and slid to the feet's' of the three. "What just crashed in here? I feel metal.'' Toph said.
Combustion Man's red eye came back on and looked at Sokka. Outside, Aang and Katara ran over to the entrance into the temple. "RUN!!!'' shouted the frightened Sokka, running towards them with Zuko and Toph following.
The Combustion man stood in the entrance and charged at them. Suddenly, a figure came down and tackled him to the ground. Surrounded by a cloud of dust, the gang tried to look into the cloud to see what just attacked. It was Omega! Omega picked Combustion Man up and tossed him towards a stone pillar, snapping it. "Good timing, huh guys?'' said Jenny, hovering down towards them. "Just in time, thanks for the help you two!'' said Sokka. "Don't be so grumpy, it took a while to find you.'' Jenny snapped.
A red beam fired and hit Omega square in the chest, throwing him into the stone wall. Jenny quickly armed her mighty mallets. "Those are ridiculously big Jenny.'' Sokka noted.
"Attack!'' shouted Aang. Combustion Man fired a beam at the ground then ran it across the ground towards the gang. Jenny swooped up into the air then dove down at the villain. Combustion Man grabbed one of the mallets with ease. He then continued to smash him her into the ground. Zuko spun around, firing streaks of fire from one leg, then the other. Combustion Man took both hits, his body scorching from the severe burns. Aang raised a pillar of Earth out of the ground and shot it right at him. Combustion Man easily fired his red beam, blowing through it and heading straight at Aang. Omega quickly stood in front of him.
Omega fired his twin laser blasts that overwhelmed the evil doer's red beam and hit him, throwing Combustion Man back off the temple. The group hurried over to the edge and saw nothing. Zuko was first to look. "Now that was too easy.'' he said, turning around to the gang. Suddenly, Combustion Man reached up and grabbed Zuko, pulling him down with him. "NOO!'' shouted the gang.
The gang watched in horror as their friend fell into the abyss of darkness. Katara's eyes flooded with tears and she cried into Aang's shoulder. Toph's mouth hung a bit open, and then she began to cry. Jenny put a hand on Aang's shoulder. "I'm sorry Aang.'' she said to him, then walking over by Omega's side.
Fate can be cruel. Is he truly dead? Moving on is the only thing our heroes have, forward is the only direction. As our heroes return to get some goodnight's sleep and be ready for the plan tomorrow, what new forces will they encounter? When will Katara go on her solo mission to save Sonic? Questions are the only things being brought up, but the answers remain within the future.
New York City Sewer System, 11:45 am
Lying still on the side of the flowing sewage was Kuki. Her shirt was wet and torn at the edges. Her eyes fluttered open. She gritted her teeth, feeling her head. "Oh man, what? Where am I?'' she asked herself, looking around.
"Yeah, I'm definitely still in New York.'' she said, smelling the rank and seeing rats scurry on the other side. She took out her walkie talkie but it was busted. "Darn!'' she yelled, throwing the phone in the water. Suddenly, blue lights were formed at the end of the tunnel all the way to the right. Her mouth formed in the shape of a small o. She got up and squinted her eyes to try and see what was coming towards her. When they came into light, they were four egg gunners. She gasped and started to run the opposite way. One egg gunner sped up and stopped in her path. The four surrounded her. The menacing drone raised its gun at her. Suddenly, a katana drove right through its chest. The robot dropped into the water. The other three fired their machine guns into the darkness. Kuki kept her head down. The three robots halted. It was dead silence. A pair of white eyes opened above the three robots. A black silhouette dropped on top of one, then two more figures dropped on the other two. The robots were beaten and destroyed. Kuki looked back in front of her and saw a tall figure standing in front of her. She then fell unconscious.
One said, "Dude, how come that happens every time?''
"Shut up Mikey.'' said another, slapping him in the back of the head.
"Come on guys, she needs help.'' said one with a brief tone of great leadership. Kuki sure wasn't sent far. But who are her mysterious saviors? Will she find a way to get back to Shadow or civilization? Stranded underground in a sewer, the KND operative finds herself in a struggle to get back into the action.
Dimension cannot be specified, 1:00 pm
The sun was shining over a large dome like building. A blue portal opened on it, Shadow and the girls came out. "Whoa! Where are we?'' asked Bubbles.
"Don't know, that damn portal must've hit a rift and threw us off course and instead sent us here.'' Shadow answered, looking around as well.
The giant dome was orange and three skinny obelisks pointing out in front of it. At the tips of each was blue, yellow, and red. "Should we go inside?'' asked Blossom.
"I have a better idea. You three scout around, but don't let anyone see you, okay?'' he told them.
"Got it!'' the three said a the same time, blasting across the sky, then down into the forest. He shook his head and hoped that they wouldn't get caught. He jumped onto the tip of the middle obelisk. A flash of blue light opened up in the middle of the ocean that the island sat on. Suddenly, an Egg Carrier came out of it. "Damn.'' cursed the hedgehog. The large thick metal doors under the massive ship began to open horizontally. Flying out of it were dozens of blue dragons. Shadow twitched his hand. His sword appeared in his grasp.
Inside, two kids wearing red coats were walking towards the entrance. "I'm glad we get a break for today.'' noted the boy named Syrus "I'm as much as excited as you are Syrus.'' replied the one named Jaden.
"Hey Jaden!'' shouted a familiar voice. Jaden's shoulders twitched, he had a pretty good guess of who it was. "Please don't tell me that's who I think it is?'' he said.
Syrus turned around to see Blair Flannigan running towards him. "Sorry Jaden, it is.'' Syrus confessed.
Jaden turned around to face her. They met eye to eye. She was the same height as he was. "Where you going? Just because we've been given a break doesn't mean we can't have a duel!'' she said.
"Uhh, sorry Blair, I just want to have some fun outside.'' said Jaden, rubbing the back of his head.
He got what he wished for when the blue dragon crashed through the ceiling and roared at them. "That's a Blue Eyes!'' exclaimed Syrus.
"Duel monsters? Real?'' said Blair.
"What's that?'' said Jaden, pointing up to the open hole. Shadow was standing on the rim, his eyes formed into an angry look. The blue eyes fired its blue beam. Shadow teleported, while the shot merely flew up into the air. Shadow reappeared on the dragon's skull. He drove his sword deep into its cranium. He twisted the sword with all his strength, also twisting the dragon's head! The dragon fell on its back. Shadow landed in front of the three. "Could any of you kids tell me what in the world these things are?'' shadow asked demandingly.
"They're Blue Eyes White Dragons. But how they became real is something I can't answer.'' Syrus explained.
"That doesn't help.'' he mumbled. A blue eyes swooped in and picked him up then flew back outside.
The dead dragon in front of them began to turn into blue sparkles. It then let loose a blue wave of energy. It hit the three kids, causing their decks to glow a shade of light blue. The light vanished. The three looked to see nothing bad had happened. "Jaden? Look at your deck!'' said Blair.
Jaden grabbed his deck which just stopped glowing. He drew a card. It was his Elemental Hero Sparkman. A yellow beam shot up from it. A yellow portal swarmed in the air. Sparkman slowly hovered down from inside it. The duel monster landed beside Jaden. "Wow.'' they all said.
Shadow was hovering through the air, battling the dragons. A dragon fired its blue beam of lightning energy at him. Shadow stuck his sword up in front of his eyes. A curved barrier lighted up in front of him. The blast hit extremely hard, pushing Shadow slowly through the wind, but he pushed the energy back, dispersing it into nothing but air. A sudden yellow streak of lightning struck the dragon's wing, sending it flying back down to the ground. Shadow looked to see Jaden on the back of his Sparkman. "You look like you could use some help!'' he called over to him, Shadow nodded yes.
"Do you have any reason why these monsters are actually real?'' Jaden asked, flying by a blue eyes who nearly rammed him "I was thrown off course by a portal, so it sent me here instead!'' shadow called over, cutting his sword through the underbelly of a dragon, making it roar in pain as it fell down towards the forest. "What's with the big ship looming over the sea?!'' asked the duelist, having his Sparkman sent a fist covered by lightning into the mouth of a dragon then it exploded into light.
"You've never heard of Dr. Eggman!?'' Shadow responded.
"Yes actually. Mad scientist who wants to destroy the world?'' he yelled. Back.
"You get an A+ for that kid, I would've said the same thing!'' yelled back the ultimate life form, firing a volley of Chaos Spears at two dragons.
The chaos spears ripped through their wings and the two dragons fell towards the dome. "Oh no! My friends are down there!'' screamed Jaden.
Shadow with his excellent vision, spotted Blair and Syrus coming outside. Shadow's shoes flared up and he shot down towards to save them. The two stopped outside, observing the large battle in the sky. "Syrus? Look!!'' Blair pointed and screamed.
The roar of the dragons was intense. However, the valiant Shadow came in and stopped in front of them. Blair watched him for a second, blushing slightly. Shadow stuck his sword into the ground beside him. His arms swelled with gold chaos energy. His eyes opened up. The dragons were only inches away from them. Shadow fired the two beams which combined into one bigger beam. The beam blasted through the two dragons and back up into the air. Jaden saw the incoming beam. The last dragons were swarming behind him. Jaden quickly had his Sparkman flew straight back down. The huge beam hit all the dragons and the beam kept going until it hit the ship which it blasted through the nose and up into it's bridge.
The massive flying fortress sparked with fires on all sides. The nose of the ship snapped off, revealing blue sparks and burning fires from within it. The rest of the ship nose dived straight into the water creating a mile high splash. Shadow grabbed the handle of his sword and pulled it out of the ground, making it disappear. Jaden came down and landed in front of the group. Jaden jumped off the monster's back. The duel monster lighted with yellow and turned into a stream of yellow light. The stream went back into Jaden's deck. "Now that's something new.'' he commented. "Jaden! You're okay!" screamed a joyful Blair, running to hug him.
"I'm sooo glad you made it!" she said, kissing him on the cheek. "And you! You saved us!'' said Blair, kneeling down in front of Shadow. She grabbed both sides of his face, but he put his hand in front of her. "You're welcome.'' he said plainly, walking out of her grip and past them.
The Powerpuff Girls arrived. "Shadow! We were on the other side of the building when he heard that big explosion of the ship!'' said Blossom.
"It's alright, the threat's dealt with.'' he said, walking under them, because they were hovering.
The group remained silent for a moment. "Is he always like that?'' asked Blair.
"We don't know him that much, but if we had to guess, then yeah he is.'' Buttercup responded.
A half hour later, Shadow was found at a cliff, overlooking the sea. "I hate it so much when this happens. Damn portals throwing me off course and creating even more distractions so I can't rescue Kuki.'' Shadow reminisced in his head. Jaden and Blair walked out of the forest and spotted him.
"Should we talk to him?" asked Blair.
"I don't know Blair, he seems pretty upset, but for what?" Jaden said "Isn't that a good enough reason to go and talk to him?" Blair said, sounding annoyed.
"I guess so, that is you can.'' Jaden said, smiling goofily. Blair stormed out of the bushes, but started to walk slower as she approached Shadow. Jaden sighed, following in after her. "Umm, hello there. I didn't quite catch your name.'' she said nervously.
"Shadow, Shadow the Hedgehog.'' he introduced himself without turning around.
"I'm Jaden.'' he said, stopping next to Blair.
"I'm Blair, nice to meet you Shadow.'' she said with a warm smile.
"Could you explain to us what all this is about?" asked Jaden.
"I wouldn't have enough time to tell you, it's a long story.'' Shadow said, turning to face them finally. The two looked disappointed. "I'll still tell you the short version though.'' he added. The two looked up and smiled gratefully.
"A few weeks ago, a mad scientist by the name Dr. Eggman returned from his absence. He plans to destroy Earth, my world, the worlds of all my allies, and probably yours.'' Shadow began. The two looked worried.
"The biggest weapon he has is actually a person; Mecha WereSonic. Are you two familiar with the name Sonic the Hedgehog?'' Shadow asked.
"Yeah! We heard on the news when he returned a month ago!'' said a happy Blair.
"That's truly not the case. He's not the normal heroic hedgehog he once was. He's begun to change and developed more…evil in his mind.'' Shadow said.
"What do you mean? Has he joined Eggman?'' asked Jaden.
"Ironically, that's what I was about to say about Mecha. Mecha WereSonic was created in 2013. Sonic attacked Eggman's most powerful base, Eggmanland single handedly. Sonic destroyed so much robots and metal clones. Eggman created a teleportal device, so he transported himself to that time zone. He watched as Sonic's onslaught of his robotic minions was inevitable to stop. That's when Eggman's three most powerful creations; Metal Sonic, Metal Shadow, and Metal Knuckles ganged up on him.'' Shadow continued.
"After that, Sonic was thrown to the dirt. He was in his Werehog form-''
"Werehog?'' said a confused Blair.
Shadow sighed, he put a hand to his chest. A white light surrounded him, he transformed into his Werehog form. The two were leaning back with widened eyes. Shadow did the same thing to revert back to his normal form. "As I was saying, with Sonic down and out, Eggman launched a horde of missiles to kill the legendary blue blur, for all time.'' Shadow finished.
"How are you planning to stop it?'' asked Blair.
"I've actually tried to kill Sonic, so in the future Mecha won't exist, but it back fired and my friend didn't allow for me to do it.'' Shadow quickly responded.
"But since Eggman is the one responsible for building Mecha, the only choice we have is to kill Eggman, but if he escapes, he'll wait until 2013 so when Sonic comes to Eggmanland, he'll be killed and become Mecha WereSonic.'' Shadow added.
"Sounds like a pretty tough decision.'' Jaden stated.
"Yes, it is. If you two wish to help me in this war, I'll gladly accept the help.'' Shadow said "I'm not sure, Blair what do you think?'' said Jaden, turning to her. She was looking Shadow in the eyes, seeing the deep and dire honesty and determination in him. It was usually so difficult to see this in Shadow because there was never a moment in his time when a war was going on for anyone to even notice. "We should help. Come on Jaden, if our world's in danger, we need to help!'' Blair persuaded the brown haired duelist. Jaden smiled and nodded in agreement. "Pack your stuff, we're leaving in a half hour.'' Shadow added, turning around to the ocean again.
Avatar Dimension, Western Air Temple, 12:00 pm
Katara felt a sensation swell up inside her. It was the right time. She quickly got dressed in her regular outfit, carrying a burlap sack with some food in it. She walked into Aang's room. She kissed him on the tip of his arrow. "I love you Aang.'' she whispered, then walked out of the room, silently closing the door.
She came outside. The cool wind breeze blowing across her face. She took out the emerald Kuki gave her. She held it dearly, closing her eyes. "Please Chaos Emerald, take me to my friend who is in need of help. Sonic is his name. A hero with which this world and all the others wouldn't have hope for without his courage. Please Chaos Emerald, take me to him!'' she said to the heavens.
The emerald resonated, letting out streams of energy that wrapped around Katara's arms. The emerald blinked. In a second the young water bender was gone with a flash. A determined water bender seeks to free her friend, will she succeed? The state of Sonic is very oblique and dangerous. Will he remember her on sight? Or will he unleash his new found rage on the world and its denizens? That question will be answered soon enough.
Nearing Kauai, Hawaii, 9:30 am
Riding on a yacht were the group of heroes in search for the energy signal detected on the island. "Amy! We're almost here!'' shouted Cream from above deck. Amy came from the inside the boat and to the front. They saw the island coming closer. "I don't think Eggman has detected the emerald yet.'' said Brandy.
"Let's hope so.'' replied the pink hedgehog. Once ashore, waiting for them were Lilo and Stitch.
"How'd you guys know we were coming?'' asked a surprised Amy, coming off the boat "Jumba found a chaos emerald! It's at our house!'' she said "Sweet! Let's go!'' replied Amy.
The whole group gathered inside the living room. Jumba came in holding the red Chaos Emerald. "Awesome.'' said Number 4.
"I found dis' up in the mountains. Lucky for me, it's energy waves didn't cause the volcano it was by to erupt!'' he said, laughing afterwards, and handing the emerald to Amy.
"Thanks Jumba.'' she said with a smile.
"What should we do now Amy?'' asked Number 1.
"I don't know. Eggman could come here or maybe not.'' she wondered.
"Let's stay, I could use a break!'' Hoagie said, stretching his arms.
"Okay, I guess it wouldn't hurt.'' Amy agreed.
Hopefully their beach time won't blow up in their face! With another emerald found by our heroes? Could Eggman send forces to forcibly retrieve it? Soaking up the sun isn't going to help them when bullets are being shot them! Let us hope our heroes have a quick and easy relaxation or a brawl will stir up between Eggman's forces and our heroes!
Colorado, Florence USP ADMAX, 9:45 pm
Leaky pipes dripped form above. Dripping onto the wet floor. Sonic, still in chains, sat mute. His head lay low. The chains were forcing him to keep standing. To make it even more painful, the chains on his wrists and ankles had small spikes that were being jolted into Sonic's body to keep him still, for if he moves, the more pain he receives. The life of a hero. If he could only assume that his former past heroics could come into fruition now so he could escape this grim place. Sonic is never that lucky, even if he can outrun anything, but his problems are not part of that list. They always seem to catch up with him and trip him.
The blood that dripped from his wrists mixed with the water so he was standing in a pool of his own blood. The metal mask over his face made him look like a freak of nature. People would come up to see him and only laugh and gasp. He was such a force to be reckoned with. But the brave hedgehog always did what he did best, never stop running. What was he to think about? Think about his idiocy of his wrong choices and actions? In a jail cell, one always reflects what they have done, but will they take up their mantle to fix it? Sonic's state proves nothing can be handled on his care, not anymore. Reminisce is the only fundamental thing he could, if you could count it that way.
Sweaty and dripping blood, the lone hero felt like Shadow, except a thousands times farther down the rabbit hole. Sinking deeper and deeper into madness and anger, his dark form began to consume him, told him evil things he must do, he should do. What Richards told the quiet Sonic was true, he has become a monster. Sonic began to wonder and venture into the thoughts if it's actually possible of him becoming Mecha. What fate is worse than not only betraying all your friends, but bringing forth Armageddon? It's not every day you're responsible for over a million deaths because of a chance of fate. Hope was all he needed. But, would Sonic be willing to accept it? Thinking of it now, hope isn't and probably wouldn't be the first thing Sonic needed. Sonic shook his arms, the spikes went in deeper, but he didn't twitch because he didn't care of what injury he takes or sustains.
No matter what amount of blood he loses, his mind and soul remain in tatters. Having actually killed innocent people in a state he had no control of still wandered across his conscience. Is there any remorse for the weary? In this case, most definitely not. These past few days Sonic had has changed him into something else. Broken him apart from his heroic and legendary acts of courage and heroism.
A glimmer of hope just came to him. A blue portal suddenly appeared in front of him. Katara fell out on the floor. Sonic slightly raised his head. The portal grew out then sucked itself back in to disappear. Katara was suddenly surrounded by two red circles of light. Those circles of light were actually Sonic's eyes. She silently gasped, putting her hands to her mouth in shock. The grim looking hero looked down at her. Locked up in chains, Sonic was even more menacing, including his size. She rose to her feet, his shining red eyes followed her. She saw nothing but red glowing energy covering his whole eye. She walked up to him, he began to growl and started moving, putting more pain on him. She looked at his blood covered fur. She put her hand over his heart. Sonic's restless shoulders stopped moving. He tilted his head, looking down at her. "I'm here to get you out of here.'' she said tenderly.
Sonic looked from one set of chains to the other. She put on a smile. "Don't worry, you're coming with me.'' she added.
She covered the chain on his left wrist in water, but Sonic suddenly growled when he saw something behind Katara. His red eyes shined to point out; Zuko.
Katara turned around to him. Zuko smiled, "Need help?'' he asked.
Sonic silently growled at him. Zuko walked up to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. He snuck it around to the back of her head. He then suddenly pulled her into a luscious kiss. Her eyes were widened. Sonic tried to roar, but the mask prevented him from doing it.
Katara pushed him away. Zuko looked utterly confused. "What are you thinking?!" she exclaimed.
Zuko smiled again and shook his head. He took something out from his pocket in his clothing. It was the Emerald of Demons. "You're coming with me Katara.'' he said, with a glowing red eye. "No…he got you too!?'' she screamed helplessly. Sonic struggled back and forth with the chains.
Coming down the hall was General Richards. He stood in front of the door, waiting for the soldiers to open it. Once it did, Richards saw Zuko and Katara teleport, leaving the angry Sonic to groan and roar with fierce anger. Richards walked in, he opened the second gate himself with a key. Sonic huffed and breathed heavily, but then he calmed himself, going back to the state he was once in. "What did you see?'' he asked. Sonic, like before, remained mute. "Damn you Sonic! ANSWER ME!!'' he yelled in his face.
Sonic only went back to his previous thoughts, and now the one he just experienced first hand. Richards shook his head in disgust. Looking at him, all the blood on the floor, and Sonic's stubbornness gave the General more reason to leave, and so he did.
Sonic had once again found himself in his previous position, thinking about his stupid decisions and misguided actions. With his glimmer of hope kidnapped, does this hero ever have a chance to get back in the war and save humanity? How will the gang react when they find out Katara has been kidnapped? Did Zuko truly get controlled by Thule? These are just some of the things racing through Sonic's mind, but there a whole abundant amount of thoughts racing him. The trouble is, they're winning.
New York City Sewer System, 1:00 pm
She swears she could hear something. Four voices yelling and complaining back and forth at each other. She smelt somewhat fresh air, but it was better than sitting right by the flowing row of sewage. Her eyes popped open. Suddenly, a turtle with an orange bandanna around his face came face to face with the young girl. "Morning sleepy head!'' he said with a smile.
Kuki shook her head and took a closer look. "Knock it off Mikey, you're probably gonna' give her nightmare!'' said the one with a red bandanna.
"I wouldn't be surprised if she sees you in there.'' said the one named Michelangelo, laughing hysterically.
"Both of you calm down! Geez.'' said the one named Donatello. "Hello there, are you alright?'' said the one named Leonardo.
"Of course she's alright Leo! We kicked those machine's butts!'' said the one named Raphael.
"What? Where?'' she mumbled .
"Don't forget why, how, who, and-'' said Mikey, but he was once again smacked in the back of the head by Raphael. She sat up, putting a hand to her head.
"Excuse me miss, are you alright?'' said an elderly voice. Leo moved out of the way to reveal a large rat known as Splinter.
"Okay, how hard did I hit my head?'' she said, swinging her legs over the edge of the couch and stretching.
"My sons found you lying unconscious when these strange machines ambushed you.'' he replied.
"Robots Master Splinter!'' Mikey said.
"It really doesn't matter Mikey.'' said Leo.
"He's always like that, don't mind him.'' Raph whispered to Kuki, pointing at Michelangelo.
"Rest easy miss, you'll need the rest. My sons, I wish for you to watch over her.'' he said.
"Yes sensei.'' they all replied as their master walked back to his room.
"I guess we hadn't have the chance of introducing ourselves; I'm Leonardo, this is Donatello,'' he said, pointing at him.
"Nice to meet you.'' he said with a kind smile.
"Raphael.''
"How you doing?'' he greeted.
"And Michelangelo.'' Leo finished.
"How's it going?'' he said.
"So how'd you get that big?'' she asked "We were flushed down a toilet, but so did this green ooze which mutated us and caused us to grow bigger, same thing with our Master.'' Leo informed.
"Well, things like this don't surprise me.'' she replied with a smile.
"By the way my name's Kuki.'' she also added.
"Nice to meet you Kuki, but can I ask you one other question?" asked the blue bandanna wearing turtle.
"Yeah, what's that?'' she replied.
"We've heard a lot of banging and rumbles from atop in the city, can you tell us what it was?" he asked. Kuki wore a worried face, but she nodded. It would a long tale to tell, but if she has to shorten it down to the root elements and happening's of the war that has already happened and the one going on now, then she must, for their sake.
Avatar Dimension, Western Air Temple, 8:25 am
The group of heroes came to the largest platform. At the end of it was Appa, waiting for them to head off. "Have you guys seen Aang anywhere?'' asked Jenny, stopping in front of Appa to ask them. A sudden blast of wind swept past them, and there stood Aang. He was panting heavily, looking off in about every direction. "There you are, where've you been?" asked Sokka.
"Katara's missing! I've found her room empty when I woke up!!'' he exclaimed. The group exchanged worried faces.
"Then we need to find her.'' Jenny said keenly. Suddenly, a few feet behind Aang, Zuko and Katara appeared. Zuko was holding his arm around her neck forcibly.
"Zuko? What're you doing?!'' exclaimed Aang.
"If you ever want to see this girl alive again, you will come to village of the fortuneteller. Come to the top of the volcano, and Aang…don't keep me waiting.'' he spoke evilly, teleporting again.
"What happened? Someone tell me what just happened!'' Toph shouted, throwing her arms in the air "He said to go to the fortuneteller's village. Wait, not that one with that crazy Aunt Wu?'' Sokka whined immediately.
"I don't care what you complain about Sokka, we're going after her, no matter what!'' Aang said demandingly.
Aang boosted off the ground and landed on Appa's head, holding the reins and looking at the rest of his companions. "You guys coming or not?'' he asked.
Sokka hesitated for a brief moment, but he nodded and helped Toph on Appa. "We'll follow by your side.'' said Jenny to Aang.
Aang nodded and whipped the reins. Appa lifted off the temple platform and out of the gorge, followed by the two automatons. Aang had never been so quick working until today. The others couldn't notice this right at the moment, but they had a feeling that his thick headedness could spell more doom for the group.
Kauai, Hawaii, 10:00 am
Sitting on the beach was Amy. The hot weather made the girl hedgehog wear a beach blanket that drenched down her legs. The wind blew her long quills softly. Brandy sat down next to her wearing her pink bikini wear. "I would expect you to be the happiest out of us all, but I can tell that Sonic is on your mind, isn't he?" said Brandy.
Amy looked up into the blue clear sky. Brandy looked down at the ground. Both have sharing so many moments with the hedgehog has had taken a large toll on them. It affected Amy more. She's known him for such a long time. Ever since that one rescue from Metal Sonic, she's always been hot on his heels no matter how fast he ran or how far he would go. "I've always thought, no matter what Sonic came up against, I already knew he'd fix it and not give up.'' Amy said.
"And now you feel he doesn't have a chance?" Brandy said.
"Yeah.'' replied Amy sadly.
Colorado, Florence, USP ADMAX, 9:30 am
It was morning again, and it was dull and sad like many times before. Sonic stood captive in his chains. The changed hero didn't move, he didn't want to respond to anything, for it was not right for him to say anything out of his opinion. He felt that whatever he said had no point of being mentioned or even put into consideration. Anything that came from his mouth didn't matter anymore. All he had to do was to question, question his mistakes. He doesn't even know where to begin. Sitting in this desolate room, however, sure did give him enough time to think about it. Sonic took in a breath of air, lifting his heavy shoulders. The small holes indented in his mask had sweat drip from them. The constant drops of blood still rained. Sonic would not mind if he passed out right now, it would save him the constant things that floated across his mind, that continued to make him blame himself for his unquestionable actions.
All that would suddenly change into something that would show the unsung hero, of what it takes to be one. A blue portal suddenly opened in the room. Sonic looked up immediately. Stepping through it was a figure wearing a brown cloak. He stepped out, holding a staff with at the top was a blue crystal ball. He stood a little bit below Sonic's height when he's in his normal form. Another person came out of the portal. It was a female blue hedgehog. Her cloak had its sleeves cut off, a cape went down her back, and the part covering her legs stopped at her knees. She had short purple and black hair that covered the right side of her face and the rest of it draped down her shoulders. She had the same eye color as Amy. "This is him.'' said the other, removing his hood. He was also a blue hedgehog, but his fur was fading. He had a white beard that stopped at his mid stomach. "Really? Sonic!'' screamed the blue female hedgehog, running up to Sonic and hugging him.
Sonic's head shook, utterly confused. "Do not worry valiant hero, she means you no harm.'' said the elderly hedgehog, walking forward.
"My name is Ultimus. I am the guardian of the Temple of Fates.'' he said. "My name's Alicia! Your daughter!'' she said, looking up at him.
Sonic couldn't tell if he was more confused or surprise. "Daddy?'' she said, looking up at him. She looked at his red eyes and gasped. Alicia backed up from the monstrous sized Werehog.
"What's wrong with him, guardian?'' Alicia asked the old hedgehog.
Ultimus stepped forward and rested the tip of his staff over Sonic's heart. His eyes shut as he ventured into Sonic's conscious, thoughts, and even emotions. His eyes sprang back open quickly. He backed away with a shock, sonic continued to glare at him. "What is it?" asked Alicia.
"He has…been through so much. Been hurt, his mind and heart…rest in shambles.'' said the wise hedgehog.
"What else?'' she asked. "He has knowledge of his future, but is unwilling to believe it. Sonic has been heavily injured, became evil in his heart.'' Ultimus continued.
Alicia looked at Sonic worriedly. "He has been shunned, attacked, and above all, betrayed.'' Ultimus said, lowering his head.
"Guardian, I know we came here to help my dad, not make him feel worse!'' Alicia protested.
Sonic began to growl angrily, feeling distraught about what they're both saying. "Calm down you! We have come from the distant future to show you of your future. You must understand what you will see won't be very pleasant, will you listen?'' he said, pointing his staff at him. Sonic looked from Alicia to Ultimus.
Sonic hadn't felt the slightest of positive emotion ever since his episode in Seattle. He wanted nothing to do with the war, he had no care for it. Sonic felt this way because all the time in hiding he had has filled his mind with the mere thought that being involved in any conflict is just risking his own tail. He was becoming selfish and absent minded ever since he was locked in these chains. The amount of blood he loss didn't make him feel as much cold as he already was in his lonely cell.
Sonic finally gave the two a nod yes. Alicia clasped her hands in joy, Ultimus smiled briefly and nodded back. "Do not think I can set you free from these chains. I will take your spirit with us to a journey starting from the past, to your future. Understand carefully Sonic, that without this guidance, without this advice, you will suffer the same fate you already know about. History can be rewritten, it only takes one person to make the right choice to make the outcome become positive.'' Ultimus made his speech.
Sonic completely understood everything. This could give him an edge on to solving this conflict and if he has a chance, ending this tragic war before the world truly comes to an end. The only part he hated? Not being set free. With a flicker of his staff, a blue bolt struck Sonic in his chest, bringing a translucent form of himself in his normal form. His body fell loose as his spirit drifted forwards to the other two.
"Let us journey to the past; In New York city, where your troubles first began.'' Ultimus said, stomping his staff on the ground, teleporting the three out of the room, and into the past.
A/N: HEY THERE!!! When first working on this story, it was a bit challenging to arrange the character of Thule, along with the characters of Ultimus and Alicia that I created. Very long chapter, huh? The story's going to get REAL good from now on! Trust me!