Chapter Eighteen: Night Time Distrust
DISCLAIMER: The various characters of the video games and cartoons DO NOT belong to me! They belong to their respective creators/owners.
Sonic looked at his body. Nothing but this black suit covered him. He growled heavily. "Excellent! The spell worked!" Thule said, walking forward.
"What in the world did you do to him?" shouted Katara.
"The Spell of Hellbound. Once you've been cursed with it, you slowly turn into a demon.'' Thule answered, patting Sonic's back.
"No friends.'' Sonic mumbled.
"That's right. They aren't your friends! Destroy them!'' Thule commanded, pointing at the gang.
"You…not friend…either.'' Sonic said, turning to Thule and firing a red beam into Thule's heart. Thule shot back, miles down the street. Sonic turned back around, only to be punched by Mecha. Sonic regained control, sending his fist, covered with flames, across Mecha's skull. Mecha flung back to the ground. Sonic spotted the gang. "This really doesn't look good.'' said Sokka. Sonic pressed his transformation device, turning into his Werehog form. The fire crown on his head blazed even more as he roared, revealing his gleaming fangs. "I second that.'' Zuko muttered. Sonic then leaped forward at the benders with only the thought on his mind of unleashing his inner fury.
Robot Boy hovered off the holding point at the base of the Sears Tower. A flying egg titan charged at him. He flew around and rammed it face first into the building, breaking through it. Robot Boy flew back out, heading for where the other heroes were fighting at. May's Blaziken was leaping through crowds of metal clones, swinging his blazing fists to clear a path.
"Don't you think we need to make the path clear enough for when the others arrive!?" shouted Ash.
"Well Blaziken is doing it!'' May called back.
"Everyone! Focus on clearing the path for the others!" shouted Nigel.
Only two miles away, Knuckles, Tails, Brandy, Whiskers, Lilo and Stitch kept on going. "I'm…seriously…tired…of this!'' panted Brandy.
"We're getting closer! Just keep on moving!'' replied Tails. The sight of Robot Boy gave them hope. "Down here!'' said Lilo, waving her arms. Robot Boy hovered down in front of them. "You think you can join us? We need the extra strength.'' Brandy asked. The automaton gave her a nod 'yes', and lead the way for them.
Sokka rolled out of the way from Sonic's stretched arm from crushing him. Sonic retracted his arm back, growling. "This is going to get us nowhere! How in the world are we suppose to return him back to normal?!'' Sokka exclaimed.
"We can't just keep fighting him!'' Toph added, moving away from a sudden fireball.
Sonic marched forward, being grabbed by something from behind. He looked behind him and saw; Chaos. The liquid warrior grabbed him by his shoulders and flung him back, right through a building wall. Chaos waved at the others. "Well, that was lucky.'' noted Zuko.
Thule lie in pain, a severe wound in his gut. Azula came to his side. "I guess your plan failed.'' she said "No matter. We'll be leaving anyway.'' Thule answered, getting to his feet slowly. He formed the black emerald in his hand, teleporting himself and Azula.
Sonic marched to the hole of the building, glaring down at the group of heroes. Mecha teleported behind him, his arms crossed.
"You seem downcast. Is my testing of you really getting on your nerves?" he asked. The fire crown blazed, Sonic slowly turning his head to see his foe.
"Ever since day one, what have I done?" Mecha asked indignantly.
Sonic fired a beam of red energy from both his eyes. Mecha ducked down, firing his gatling gun. The bullets pounded against Sonic's gut. Sonic groaned with aching pain. Mecha changed the gun back into his arm.
"You yet to have felt my true power. Every waking day you live, you only suffer in your own reckoning. Everyone around tests you, and every time…YOU FAIL!!'' Mecha yelled.
"That doesn't matter to me, not anymore.'' Sonic replied, firing streams of fire at Mecha. Mecha armed his shields to block the fire. His shields turned hot orange. The blast of pyro stopped. Mecha removed the shields out of his face, only to see Sonic pounce at him.
The crumbled through the floor, bashing each other with their fists. Sonic let out a heat blast, scorching Mecha's armor. Mecha let go and hovered in mid air, leaving Sonic to continue plummeting through floor after floor. Sonic landed on the bottom floor with a boom. He quickly got back to his feet. Sonic skidded forward. Mecha smashed feet first into the ground where Sonic was once standing. Sonic turned around to face Mecha.
"I have to admit, you're reflexes get better every day.'' Mecha commented.
"Don't try and assume that your better.'' Sonic informed.
"The problem with that is…I AM!!!'' Mecha lashed out.
Sonic grabbed him by his snout and tossed him through the entrance, shattering the glass of the doors. Sonic grabbed one of the broken doors and tossed it like a Frisbee. It merely broke against Mecha's body. Sonic fired his beams of energy out of his eyes. Mecha fired his Chaos Cannon. The energies collided with brute force. Sonic widened his eyes farther open, letting the beams draw closer to Mecha. Mecha amped the chaos energy from his cannon. At the breaking point, the lasers suddenly exploded in a critical mass, wiping out the bottom half of the building behind Sonic, leaving a sphere hole in the building.
Shadow finally awoken. He sat up, seeing Jenny and Omega flying down to him. "Are you alright there?" asked Jenny, dropping in front of him.
"Yeah, yeah, perfect.'' he replied stubbornly, as he got back up.
"We just got done defending the ammo storage base, I'm guessing you could use some help?" Jenny asked. Shadow put up a Chaos energy ball behind him. Two fireballs hit it. He put the shield down, seeing Aang and Zuko standing in front of the gang.
"What are you guys doing?!" exclaimed Jenny.
"Shadow's the problem here! Not us!'' Aang pointed out.
"Allies gone rogue, must assess situation.'' Omega said, arming his gatling guns and firing.
Toph put up a stone wall in front of Aang and Zuko. Toph jabbed her arm out. The stone wall shot out at the three. Jenny fired her laser limbs to destroy it.
"You've betrayed Shadow? Why?!'' Jenny angrily yelled.
"Shadow's trying to kill Sonic!'' shouted Katara.
"Why would he do that? You guys are lying!'' Jenny yelled, firing her laser limbs. Aang fired a chunk of earth at them.
Shadow unsheathed his Chaos Sword, cutting the rock in half with a swipe of energy released from the blade. "I'm on your side, and you just refuse to listen to better reason. I guess we have to teach you that.'' Shadow said, holding his sword up in front of his face. Chaos and the gang readied themselves. Suspicion has lead to betrayal! Are our heroes truly going to go rogue against each other at this time? Of all places! Who knows how far this will spread amongst the other heroes. Will sides be formed? Who will stand for what's right and what's wrong? The battle gets tense and ambitious from now on!
Sonic threw his arms up, blowing all the debris that covered him, off his body. He stood up, rubbing his shoulder and twisting it. Mecha came into the clearing, spotting Sonic. "Why do you become these things?" Mecha began. Sonic, not wishing to hear him talk, dashed at him. Mecha ducked from a punch Sonic sent. While in this moment, Mecha thrusted his fist to Sonic's gut, throwing him to the ground. "Do you even come to think of the risks? What may happen when you lose control of your will?" Mecha continued. Sonic fired a stream of fire at Mecha which blasted Mecha across to the other side of the street.
Mecha sat up on his elbows. Sonic's shoulders moving up and down. He's been through enough fighting already, but now only anger and power is keeping him standing. "You thrive on the negativities of this world now. Where does it get you?" Mecha asked again, launching a volley of rockets at Sonic. The demon Werehog leaped into the air, raising his fists back. A red aura formed around both of his fists. Mecha armed his shields and raised them up. Sonic came right down at Mecha, slamming both fists on his shield. The force exploded, throwing Sonic to the ground and creating a small crater, which Mecha stood in. Laying on his chest in front of Mecha, Sonic stared up at him.
"You strive to make the best of things but only end up with failure.'' Mecha told him, transforming his shields back into his arms.
"Why do you…always give me these…talks?" Sonic questioned.
"Because I'm giving you a chance. A chance…to surrender. Why continue to fight in a war when every damn minute you grow closer to negativity? Don't try and lie, hero. You know and I know you've become different ever since your carefree days.'' Mecha explained thoroughly.
"Wouldn't you like to give this suffering up? End this cursed life of yours now?" Mecha questioned him further, walking over to him.
"Spare yourself…the running.'' Mecha said, bending over to meet his face. Sonic dropped his face to the ground.
Mecha stood straight again. He transformed his left arm into his spike weapon. "Any last words, Sonic the Hedgehog?" Mecha said, attempting to hide the glory in his gut. Sonic remained silent, bitter, cold, and tired.
"Very great job my loyal servant!'' congratulated a familiar voice. Mecha turned around, looking up. Eggman himself came flying in his little hover ship.
"How long has it been Sonic? Three years? You still can't match up to me and my indestructible forces!'' Eggman taunted and laughed.
"Mecha, you have served me well. Now, kill this insolent hedgehog…FOR GOOD!!'' Eggman ordered.
Mecha turned back to Sonic, raising his spike. "I'll ask again…any last words?" Mecha said. All of a sudden, Eggman's hover ship was knocked in the side, forcing Eggman to crash down by Mecha's side. "I'll vouge.'' said a female voice. Mecha turned around, Eggman looked over his shoulder. Sonic lifted his head up to see; Amy Rose.
Behind her were the Pokemon trainers and Sector V. Amy was wearing a pink tank top with a red heart in the middle of it, along with a knee high pink dress that swayed, and of course, pink boots like her red ones, with a white stripe down the middle of it. "We got new orders.'' said Ash, holding up a Pokeball.
Amy held her hand out to the side, letting another Piko Piko hammer appear in her grasp. Sonic was astounded. She was still okay. He thought she was dead, and now those thoughts that eated away at his mind, were finally put to rest.
"Let us not waste the energy Doctor.'' said Mecha.
"Agreed, rally all our forces back to beach. We continue the attack tomorrow.'' Eggman replied, flying his hovership into the air, followed by Mecha. Amy dropped her hammer and ran over by Sonic's side. Sonic stood on his feet, Amy holding his arm. The others remained where they were. Amy looked up at him with a smile, tears already forming. She wrapped her arms around his large waist, crying into his chest. "I was…so worried.'' she sobbed.
"You had me in the same way Ames.'' Sonic replied. Amy looked up at him.
"Just…d-don't leave me again, don't.'' she stuttered the words, embracing her love again. The others watched with smiles on their faces, seeing the couple to be reunited.
The fighting between Shadow, Jenny, Omega against Chaos and the gang continued. Jenny pushed Zuko to the ground, sending a sword down at him. He rolled out of the way, spinning on the ground, letting loose a wave of fire, which knocked her to the ground. Chaos grabbed her with a stretched arm. Jenny was suddenly shocked, as well as Chaos.
"Too bad Chaos doesn't know about science, eh?" Sokka joked, shrugging his arms. Shadow landed in front of him, holding his chaos sword. Katara froze Shadow's legs, making him growl at her. Aang stood in front of Shadow, firing a strong gust of wind at him, blowing Shadow out of the ice that held him still and into a car, benting it inward.
Sonic, Amy, the trainers, and Sector V arrived on the scene, in horror. "GUYS!'' shouted Amy. They all stopped suddenly, looking at Amy.
"Why are you fighting each other?" exclaimed Dawn.
"Because Shadow was trying to kill Sonic!'' Katara exclaimed back.
Kuki's eyes immediately widened at this news. "Jenny and Omega, you sided with him?" asked Amy.
"We didn't know he was trying to kill Sonic, but we all saw how Sonic lost control of himself! Look at him now!'' Jenny barked, pointing at him.
"How dare you threaten him!'' Amy snapped, marching forward. Commotion and their loud voices shot at one another, Sonic gazed at them all in shock.
"STOP!!!!'' yelled a voice from above. A blue light shot down between the two sides. The light vanished, revealing Ultimus. "Ultimus!'' Sonic exclaimed, running over to him.
Ultimus turned to him, smiling under his beard. "Sonic! Well-wait, what has happened to you my boy?" he said, pointing his staff all along Sonic's body.
"I truly have no idea.'' Sonic said tiredly. Ultimus scanned Sonic's appearance. He thought to himself.
"Oh dear.'' he said.
"It's bad, I take it.'' Sonic guessed.
"Only when you don't know how to remedy it. But first, I have business to take care of.'' Ultimus said, turning around and walking over to Shadow.
Ultimus approached Shadow, stopping in front of him. "What are you looking at you waste of fur?" Shadow hissed.
"Foolish boy!'' Ultimus exclaimed, bonking Shadow on the head with his staff. Shadow rubbed it achingly.
"You are terribly misinformed." Ultimus told him, turning his back around and walking back to Sonic. Shadow growled, not willing to take this humiliation. He fired a Chaos Spear beam at Ultimus. The elder turned around, sticking his hand out. The chaos beam sucked into his palm. Everyone looked in awe. "I've studied the ways of Chaos Emeralds and their unique powers before old Gerald Robotnik even imagined you! Shadow the Hedgehog!'' Ultimus said, pointing his staff at him. Ultimus continued walking to Sonic.
"Sonic, you've won this day, but it is not over, I'm afraid. Eggman postponed his attack until tomorrow. He plans to attack with all his might, be ready.'' Ultimus told him.
"That goes for all of you! Wash away your feelings that Sonic is a villain, it is nothing but lies! In legend, Sonic is destined to save this world, and yours as well." Ultimus explained to the heroes.
"You run the risk of losing something that's more important than victory; Friendship. Without this, you will not be victorious. Only your bond with each other keeps you together! Keep calm minds, be decisive, and never surrender to darkness, even when you think all hope is faded.'' Ultimus finished.
Ultimus walked into the center, ready to leave again. "Wait! How do I fix this!?" Sonic asked. "The cure is here Sonic. You just need to open your heart.'' Ultimus replied, as his body vanished into a beam of light that shot up into the clouds. Sonic shrugged, "That was helpful.'' he said, turning back into his hedgehog form.
The black suit remained on him though. "Things like this never make sense. That's why we're heroes!'' Sokka commented with a goofy grin to which Toph punched him in the arm.
"Let's just meet back with Richards.'' Sonic said in a monotone, as he walked away.
Out in front of the Sears Tower, was a much larger base camp. Inside, Richards and the heroes were in a huge office room which everything was moved aside. Computers and equipment were put inside. The heroes were standing or sitting down in some of the chairs. Talking went among them, but it was carefully picked subjects due to today's mishaps with each other. Richards finally walked in. The general stood behind a podium. "Welcome back heroes. To begin, you all did a great job out there. Eggman has pulled back his forces to the beach, which he now controls." he began.
"Then why don't we go get him now?" asked Knuckles carelessly.
Richards grabbed the podium tightly, "All his forces are centered there. If you want to make an attempt, there's the door.'' Richards said, letting his hands loosen up. Knuckles huffed, looking away.
"Reports have been sent in that more Goliaths will be sent into the city tomorrow. A sheer increase in his robots, and expect much more metal clones. Casualty report.'' he said, dropping his tone at the end.
"Eggman lost about 20,000 of his robots. We lost 800 soldiers.'' Richards said, lowering his head, taking in a deep breath. The heroes felt solemn, but not as much as the general did.
"I don't have to remind you…how important this is. You all know your roles, you fight as one. We also may have mixed feelings about Sonic.'' Richards said, taking a glance at Sonic who was leaning against a support pillar.
"But he's not our enemy here, Eggman is. We center on him and his forces, that's it!" Richards said, slamming a fist on the podium. "Wake up early. Eggman's counterattack begins at 10:30 am; Dismissed.'' Richards finished, walking out of the room.
Amy lowered her head. Everyone began sharing comments already. She looked over where Sonic was, but he was gone. Her eyes twitched, so she set off to find him. Amy exited the room via the flight of stairs that went higher up the building. "Gosh Sonic, where are you?" she said to herself, as she continued to run up the abundant number of stairs.
On the top of the Sears Tower stood Sonic. It was about 8:30, the moon was full tonight. Sonic's arms were crossed. The fire in the middle of his six quill tips still blazed. "How am I ever going to solve this?" he said, looking at his skeletal hands. The door up to the roof creaked. Sonic quickly made the suit cover both his hands with the black material, folding his arms again. Amy opened the door, standing there for a moment. She walked outside, closing the door behind her. She slowly and silently walked up to Sonic. "I'm not a stranger to you." he said. Amy stopped in her tracks. Amy then walked further, until she stood by Sonic.
"You shouldn't be worried you know. You have us with you.'' Amy spoke.
"I wish it was that easy to understand. Not for me Amy, not for me.'' he replied, turning his head away.
"You're not letting yourself feel anything but hatred, and all you do is blame yourself!'' she retorted, facing him.
Sonic turned his head to look into her eyes. They stared at each other for a moment. Amy raised a hand, putting it on his cheek.
"Why are you wearing that?" she asked with a smile.
"I'd rather not tell you.'' Sonic noted.
She looked at his eyes. There was nothing but glowing red, his eyeballs couldn't even be seen. Amy gazed at him.
"Take it off.'' she whispered. Sonic's glowing eyes tightened. The black material, from the back of his head, began to vanish. When she saw his bare bone face, she stepped away in horror.
Sonic turned to her, taking a step forward and stretching out his arm. She couldn't believe it. Sonic lowered his arm and stood straight, turning to face the city. Amy had no words for it. She loved him so much, but how would she be able to deal with this? Amy pushed aside these negative questions, and walked back over to him. Amy grabbed his hand. Sonic's eyes twitched. He looked at her, and she looked at him. Amy's emerald eyes glimmered in the moonlight. Sonic turned to face her. Amy tightly hugged the hedgehog. Sonic wrapped his arms around her waist, nesting his head on hers. "I don't care what happens to you, or what you turn into. No matter what…you're still Sonic.'' she said, sobbing.
"And you're still the one I love.'' Sonic whispered, caressing the back of her head. The moon shined on both of them, as the loving couple shared their devotion to each other.
In another large room, had sleeping bags on the floor. The heroes all found their spots, or staying up to talk a bit more. It was still so awkward for them. Rumors of who's betraying who spread amongst them like wildfire, and just like fire, it can't be controlled. Shadow was at a window, resting his arm on the small ledge that held the window. So many things came to mind, but he had no idea what one to listen to. Shadow knew that his actions today were wrong, but strangely he didn't care of whoever doesn't agree with his choices. Therefore, putting Kuki on the list who disagrees with him. Shadow's fist clenched tightly. In an ironic way, he now knew how Sonic feels when he makes a mistake that upsets someone close to him.
Kuki looked over at him. Feeling betrayed when Shadow wouldn't take her words into consideration was one thing, but committing them is different. Kuki couldn't hold the thoughts in her head anymore, so she walked over to him.
"Hey.'' she greeted dryly.
"Hey.'' he replied with a stubborn tone.
"I know you're just trying to protect me, but you won't solve anything this way.'' she began.
"What other way is there? The so-called other ways you speak so highly about are just ways that are meaningless and getting us nowhere!'' Shadow snapped.
"Killing this world's last chance for hope won't solve the problems that occur in the future! He's a hero!'' Kuki yelled, forming tears. "
I've spent too long not making my OWN choices Kuki! I'm sick of it! This world, I'm protecting it!'' Shadow ranted, turning to face her. Kuki just stared at him with a blank face.
Shadow walked past her. The eyes of all the heroes were on him. "Who among you…think that Sonic should be the sole responsibility of ending this war?" Shadow asked. Silence followed after that.
"I thought so. Can we even begin to trust him, when he left our side for three years?! He turned his back on the world for that long, and now he comes crawling back…to us!'' Shadow continued.
Sonic and Amy walked in, with confused looks. They all looked at Sonic.
"He's the one for all our trouble! We can end our sorrows and bring your fears to an end! If we just…kill…him.'' Shadow said with gritted teeth, pointing at Sonic.
Jenny and Omega nodded to agree. Even the rest of Sector V agreed. "Why won't you just let it go!?" Amy shouted at the top of her lungs.
"We can finally have our minds set to rest, not worrying-''
"WORRYING? Are you scared Shadow? Scared of Mecha WereSonic of kicking your-'' she cut him off, but Sonic too, stopped her.
"I'm not sure. Seeing Sonic as how he acted caused us some trouble.'' said Ash.
"He first left us, lost control of himself multiple times, I don't we can trust him anymore.'' Nigel added. More people began agreeing, replying with "yes" and "yeah". Sonic didn't want to say anything, he couldn't, and just plain shouldn't.
Far away in the city, Thule and Azula stood atop a building. Thule held the Emerald of Demons in his palm. Reflected in it, was the commotion going on between the heroes.
"Just perfect!'' Thule said with a triumphant tone.
"But Sonic was suppose to work for us when the spell was cast on him.'' Azula stated.
"On the contrary. With Sonic on their side, and the heroes bickering senselessly, one bad move by Sonic will end in their utter…breakup.'' Thule said with an evil grin.
"What do you plan on doing then?" she asked. "This emerald put the spell on him. So all it needs is a little…push.'' Thule said, tightening the grip on the emerald, causing black lightning to spark around it.
Back inside, yelling and verbal threats were spat at one another. Sonic's eyes suddenly twitched. He grabbed his stomach. The button on his transformation device glowed red still. His hand suddenly rose up by itself. Thule's voice then said in Sonic's head; "Unleash your power.'' Sonic pressed the button, turning into the Werehog form. Everyone looked at him in fear. Sonic's bonefied face roared at them. His face was then covered by the black suit material. Sonic began marching forward. "Sonic! Stop!'' said Katara, standing in his way. Sonic swung his claws, leaving a long cut across her arms, which she fell to the ground. Sokka was enraged. He drove his sword into Sonic's gut. Sonic stopped and growled at him with envy. Sonic grabbed the sword and pulled it out. Sonic then kicked Sokka in the gut, knocking him to the ground.
Sonic fired red beams out of his eyes. Shadow put up a Chaos energy field, blocking it. Shadow dropped the shield and fired five Chaos Spears. Sonic ducked under them, running on all fours to Shadow. Sonic was stopped when he was shot in the back by Omega's gatling gun. He and Jenny flew at him. Sonic grabbed the two by their faces and smashed them into the ground. Sonic turned around to face Shadow. Aang dropped by Katara's side. She was losing blood from the long slit in her arm. She cried heavily. "How could you hurt her!?" the angry Avatar yelled.
Sonic turned around. "She cares about you just as much as you care about her! Shadow, you were right! HE CAN'T BE TRUSTED!'' Aang yelled furiously.
Amy stood, frozen like a statue, whispering to herself "No." Sonic turned back around.
He charged forward. Shadow charged as well. Instead, Sonic moved to the left, past Shadow. Shadow skidded to a halt, turning around in the process. Sonic broke through the window, heading down into the city core. Shadow stopped at the hole Sonic crashed through, grunting. He turned around to the others.
"I guess no further explaining is needed?" Shadow said, raising his arms out then dropping them again.
"No remorse.'' said Aang.
"No more chances.'' Sokka added.
"He's…our enemy.'' Jenny finished.
Amy couldn't believe what she was hearing. They were all for Shadow's idea…they want to kill…Sonic.
An hour later, Amy was found on top of the Sears Tower. Her arms cradled around her legs as she looked down at the city. The door opened from behind, Katara came out.
"Umm, Amy?" she began.
Amy looked over her shoulder and smiled.
Katara closed the door and walked over to her. Katara sat down, letting her legs hang off the edge.
"Your arm okay?" asked Amy.
Katara showed her the cut was bandaged. Amy smiled, then looked back to the city. "Please tell me you're not going to follow Shadow?" Amy spoke up.
"No way. Sonic is still kind at heart, he's just been through…much.'' Katara replied nervously.
"I can tell why he likes you so much.'' Katara stated with a smile.
"And what's that?" Amy asked, not making an expression.
"No matter what he goes through, he does it to see your face.'' Katara replied.
Amy blushed as pink as her fur.
"I've met Sonic a long time ago. After that moment he saved me from Metal Sonic…I-I just fell for him.'' Amy explained.
"Every moment after that, I chased after him, in hope that he would listen to me.'' Amy continued, giggling as she reminisced the old days.
"And now, we're both in love with each other. It's just the fact that this conflict is restraining us from living our lives as a couple.'' Amy finished, using a solemn tone.
"Sonic's a great person. The trouble he goes through to make sure the people that care about him are safe, makes him the person he is today.'' Katara added. Amy looked at the Waterbender to finish her sentence.
"A hero.'' Katara ended. Amy gave her a gracious smile.
"Thank you Katara.'' Amy said, giving her a friendly hug. "That's what friends are for.'' Katara said, returning the hug.
Jenny sat alone on the ledge of a window that was shattered. Her legs up to her chest, hugging them with her arms. She gazed out at the city. Not many of the buildings had the once bright lights that shined from the windows. She gave out a tiring sigh. "Jenny?" said a voice.
She looked to the source. There stood Brad. "Brad!'' she cheered, jumping off the ledge and hugging him.
"Air, Jenny!'' Brad said jokingly. Jenny let go, giving off a warm smile. "I'm so glad you're okay! Was it difficult?" she began.
"Nah, nothing I can't handle!'' he said, standing bravely.
Jenny giggled at this. She leaned against the window ledge. Brad stood by her side, looking out at the city.
"I would've said what a nice sight, but I guess not.'' Jenny spoke up.
"Yeah, Eggman doesn't give up, I'll give him that.'' Brad replied.
After a brief silence, Brad spoke up again. "I heard about what happened.''
"What?" Jenny asked curiously.
"How you plan to follow Shadow…to kill Sonic.'' Brad added, crossing his arms and looking disappointed.
Jenny wore a saddened face.
"You've seen what he did in the past, you've seen what he did today!" Jenny argued.
"It doesn't prove enough evidence just because he does one wrong thing-'' "He did more than that!'' Jenny interrupted.
"Not all heroes live their lives perfectly. Sometimes…we can't fight the demons inside us.'' Brad replied calmly.
Jenny turned to face the window, resting her hands on the ledge, looking frustrated.
"All I'm saying is…going along with this isn't right. You can't blame him just because of his false actions.'' Jenny huffed, turning her head away, not listening to a word he said.
"I'm doing this to protect you.'' she mumbled. Brad raised an eyebrow. Jenny looked at him, tears waving down her cheeks.
"I can't afford to lose you.'' she said with a straight face.
"You're not going to lose me. I'll always be with you.'' he said, giving off a warm smile.
Jenny's lip quivered. She jumped into his arms, crying into his shoulder. Brad rubbed the back of her head, taking a gaze to look at the city.
"It makes me a little bit curious why Eggman retreated today.'' Sokka implied. The gang were sitting around a fire they made.
"The way I see it,'' Toph began, sitting up. They all looked at her.
"Eggman knows when we took enough damage, physically and emotionally.'' Toph added.
"She's right there, but I can't help to ask myself, who's to blame?" Aang said.
"Good point snoozles. That's what keeping us at our weakest point.'' said the blind Earthbender.
Lilo, Stitch, and Brandy walked in. "Hey guys.'' greeted Brandy, sitting down in a spot. They all sat around the fire. "Are you guys with Shadow?' asked Zuko.
"No way!'' Brandy exclaimed.
"Same here!'' answered Lilo.
"Ih!'' Stitch chanted.
"Good. I don't understand what logic Shadow sees in his plan.'' said Sokka.
"Sonic's been our friend for a long time! Now just because of what happens to him in the future, Shadow's become obsessed with stopping it.'' Aang explained.
"I see it as one of Shadow's weaknesses.'' Brandy interjected.
"What's that?" asked Lilo.
"His arrogance.'' The gang nodded, agreeing with her.
If they continued these conversations they'd just be forcing themselves into a situations where one small choice, will definitely ruin their friendship, and the way they see each other as allies. Strangely, should they care? If Shadow is truly prone to his cause, will the heroes defending Sonic have no care in fighting Shadow? More and more of these suggestions came into each of their heads. Some of them they pondered about, some they just pushed aside.
Silver was heading towards the Sears Tower, flying. "I have to get some answers.'' he said in his thoughts, boosting forward. He saw the shattered window. He flew right in, and dropped to the floor. The heroes looked at him shockingly.
"I know what you're thinking, but I just-''
"SNEAK ATTACK!'' shouted Sokka, throwing his boomerang at him. Silver merely grabbed it with his psychokinesis.
"Seriously Sokka, what's with you?" asked Toph. Silver tossed the boomerang back to Sokka, who caught it.
"I've come to get some answers. The truth about Sonic's future.'' Silver informed in a slight demanding tone, crossing his arms.
"To be honest, we're not the masters of past and future.'' Toph implied, wiggling her fingers in the air.
"All I need to know is the truth. Is Sonic really choosing to become this Mecha WereSonic?" Silver asked.
"No! Of course not! It's just…he doesn't see it coming.'' Katara replied, lowering her voice at the end.
Silver sat down, his hands cupped to his muzzle. "Tell me.'' he muttered.
Kuki sat aside from the rest of Sector V, wishing to be alone. They looked at her. The girl's head was down, a blanket put over her back. In her hands, cradled a cup of hot cocoa.
"Man, she is down right sad.'' said Abigail.
"You think one of us should go talk to her?" asked Hoagie.
"No Number 2. She needs her time and space, she's just been betrayed by one of her best friends. Give her some time.'' replied Nigel.
The saddened operative tried to think, she tried to reflect, but it was too hard for her. After all the things she and Shadow have been through, he's going against her. Of all things for the shadowy character, the hedgehog has started to try against Kuki's warnings. Shadow listened to Kuki in the past, now, it doesn't even phase him anymore. Now his inflicting words are feeding the minds of the others, changing their minds that Sonic's now a threat, all was going downhill. Their strength, their bond, their friendship would soon be washed away. In utter disregard, Shadow has now regained the characteristics he formed in his past. Anger, hollow, hate, and to be lone. Kuki sat there thinking of these things, not showing a hint of emotion. She couldn't decide what to do, what to say, or what to even try. She now knew what ever she tries to say to Shadow, it will not persuade him. Not now, not ever. Kuki got up and walked out of the room. Walking down a hall with paneled windows to the right, Kuki looked at her reflection as she walked. Who in their right mind would try and confront Shadow now? The obsessive state he's in would only create more trouble than there already is. Kuki knew of this, so she pushed it aside, out of her life.
Shadow sat in a room with Jenny, Omega, Tommy, Lola, Gus, and Robot boy. "You all know why you're here,'' Shadow began, standing up.
"You've all agreed to the task of eliminating Sonic the Hedgehog. We're the true heroes here. We can stop this war now! The others are just being foolish. Trusting the one person who'll end up killing them!'' Shadow exclaimed, pacing around them.
"What do you suggest we do? Richards won't let us do this.'' said Robot Boy.
"Tomorrow, Eggman resumes his attack. Richards will of course give us our orders. We'll meet up afterwards, and hunt Sonic down.'' Shadow continued, clenching his raised fist.
"If we can get away with it. The others can't find out about this.'' noted Jenny.
"Don't worry. Richards trusts me with the hardest of tasks, he won't find out.'' Shadow added.
"We sure are taking a big risk here, I hope you know.'' said Omega.
"Once Richards give us the orders, we'll meet each other under the subway tracks, then from there, we go after Sonic.'' Shadow explained.
"At least this'll stop Mecha from becoming real.'' said Jenny.
"Not only that,'' said a voice. The group looked over at the doorway. There stood Aang. "We'll end his reign of uncontrollable evil.'' the Avatar finished.
Mecha WereSonic dropped a large metal crate on the sand. "I hope whatever you're planning will end this little defense they're putting up.'' Mecha said, wiping his hands.
"Oh, no need to doubt. It will do much more.'' said Eggman, looking at the city. Spreading across the beach was nothing but his robots. They were walking around, setting up small outposts, preparing weapons and vehicles. "Sure is convenient to have a base set so close to our target and do nothing.'' Mecha said sarcastically. "Temper down. Our time will come.'' Eggman said, simmering down his servant.
Mecha opened the large metal crate. He hovered up, looking inside it. There were several parts that form the part of a particle laser. "What do we have these for? Dare I ask?" said Mecha, hovering back to the ground. "One small gift we'll be using to barrage the city with.'' Eggman answered.
"Seems all to easy. Using weapons to weaken them! Why can't I go in there now and kill that damn hedgehog?!?" Mecha cursed violently.
"You sure are strong willed, I confess," the doctor began, turning around. Eggman walked up to Mecha.
"That is why a built you.'' Eggman added, pointing his finger at him.
Mecha swiped his hand out of his face. "Guess you're becoming more stronger, mentally.'' said Eggman.
"Finally noticed, huh?" he gloated.
"Your methods of turning Sonic against himself causes temperature to rise within the heroes' ranks, changing their minds of trusting Sonic or not.'' Eggman explained.
"Which reminds me, he always tries to change the subject, denying what I say isn't true.''
"But what you say is true, my friend.'' Eggman said.
"Exactly. That's why it's always fun to put the blame on Sonic, thus making the stupid hedgehog only beat himself up. Leaving me not needing to lay a finger on him!'' Mecha said, chuckling.
Eggman laughed as well. "So will this contraption of yours be ready for tomorrow?" asked the cyber villain.
"Oh it will be. I expect it to be finished by 11:00 tonight.'' Eggman informed.
Mecha huffed, "Doesn't matter. The battle for this city is still going on.'' Mecha said, walking over to stand by Mecha's side.
"How is that?" Eggman asked curiously. Mecha's shoulders twitched as he snickered, "I can still smell the fires burning."
Katara wandered one of the halls. She took in a breath of air, nothing too ordinary on her mind. She was suddenly confronted by Aang who just opened a door, closing it behind him. "Oh, sorry Katara!'' Aang apologized with a smile.
"It's okay, I kind of get use to it.'' she replied, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"So, what are you up to?" she asked.
"Nothing much, not yet at least.'' he replied.
"I understand that. Eggman won't attack again until tomorrow. But what's on your mind though?" she asked another intuitive question.
Aang felt the need to start worrying hectically. He began to sweat, very nervously. "Are you alright?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm fine, I'm fine! It's you who I'm worrying about.'' Aang defended.
"No need to, I'm much better now.'' she replied sweetly, walking down the hall, with Aang by her side.
"Sonic caught you off guard.'' Aang changed the subject.
"I know, Aang. But I can't hate him for it. He's been through the most out of all of us.'' said the Waterbender. "We all know that. I'm just worried.'' Aang said, looking away.
"Please don't tell me you're joining Shadow's side?" she said in an extremely worried tone, stopping in her tracks.
Aang kept walking, but he too stopped. Katara's eyes shimmered in the light. Aang looked over his shoulder with a determined look. Katara tilted her head forward an inch. Aang turned around to her. "I'm going to do…what's right.'' he stammered.
Katara took his words into thought, knowing he would still stay on her side and defend Sonic. She walked up to him and kissed him by surprise. Aang returned the kiss lovingly. Katara backed against a door, deepening the kiss. Katara's hand scrambled for the door handle. She finally found it, and opened it. Katara broke away from the kiss, grabbing Aang and pulling him through the doorway, which the Avatar quickly closed.
An hour later, Shadow walked out of the room last, the others already have left. He closed it shut, turning to walk down the right hall. He took a gaze at the city. Some fires still burned, lighting up the night. The clouds of gray and black smoke mixed into the night time sky, making it impervious to even see the smoke. If any of the heroes saw the fires, they wouldn't be surprised. The clouds of smoke that clustered the city, however, would give them second thoughts. It would easily show them how much the cost of war is. Shadow had no remorse for today's events, not the slightest hint of regret was in his eyes. His once good natured self is gone, and his once stubborn natured self has returned yet again. All he had on his mind was the mere thought of choking the life out of Sonic until his pulse went flat line. Nothing would prepare Shadow for this moment. The glory, he could see ahead of him…but is it true?
Kuki came down the same hall, the same one as Shadow. She had similar thoughts as Shadow, but all were pointed to a positive significance, and a happy ending, two things Shadow had no care for at this point. Stubborn as he was, Shadow kept it limited, not wanting to brood up more attention than he already has. Kuki had the same instincts. She only wanted to brood up the attention of the ones who joined Shadow's cause. Making an attempt, hopefully to persuade them to think otherwise. In the heat of it all, the two finally saw each other. Shadow looked at her with a glare, Kuki did the same, except there was disappointment and sadness in her gaze.
"I began to think…we were opposites when we first met. We were as one in the past. Sharing the same ideals and thoughts, fighting the good fight. As of now Kuki, those days are over.'' he said in a sinister, but fury filled tone.
Kuki sniffled, tightening the grip on the blanket that was around her. "What have I become you ask? I've become the signal for hope, the reason this world won't see suffering in it's future. What do you have against that?!" he began in a tamed voice, but raised it higher.
"I only w-wish to see you safe… and on the right path, that's why.'' she replied in a hushed voice. "Safe…huh. IT DOESN'T MATTER ANYMORE! We're at WAR!'' he yelled at her.
"Your attitude won't win you this argument, neither will your wrong choices.'' Kuki informed wisely. Shadow gritted his teeth, clenching his fists that hung down by his side.
"You doubt my abilities?" Shadow presumed.
"No…I doubt you.'' she replied. The two looked at each other. Could a real fight actually be fed by their sudden distrust for each other?
"When we first met, I saw hidden in you, a real friend. Someone I could trust, someone to believe in! Now…I see it as only lies. You were such a great person, now look at you.'' Kuki said, her lip quivering in-between the words she said.
"You can try and…pledge your soul to the things good and right, but sometimes…you need to take risks.'' he said with his teeth gritted.
"Then tell me this,'' she said, walking up to him. The girl stopped in front of him, face to face they were.
"Are the risks you take…really worth it in the end?" she said. Kuki then walked around him, not another word extracted from her lips. Shadow stood there, not an inch moving. He wanted to ask himself; Was she right? Could his actions and choices really be this compressing on their friendship? Nonetheless, Shadow ignored these sudden thoughts and walked forward, not looking back, not having a second thought.
How one night can develop in the most ironic of ways. The heroes question each other, themselves, and their enemies. Was it to be true though? Are the heroes destined to grow apart, forgetting of the bond each and every one of them shared together? Shadow would most likely guess; No. If they are to end this war peacefully, they must succumb to the idea that the war between them must end now. This 2nd Dimensional War is the focus of it all, and it easily began to taint their well being, not only of themselves, but each other as well. How one night can last so long. The setting is just like the feelings the heroes have right now; Cold, dark, and relentless.
It was finally morning. The time is 7:25 am. The sky that was blue and clear has become gray and savage. The area around the Sears Tower was silent. The roaring engines of a UH-53 Pave Low changed that. It circled around the massive structure. Attached to a line, was a large box of ammunition. The large chopper hovered down, gently dropping the ammunition crate, soldiers soon swarmed to it to retrieve more ammo. Laying down in a bed was Aang. His eyes began to stir, they opened up. He quickly sat up. Aang was nude. The sheets covering his bottom half. Aang looked to his right, seeing Katara, the same way he was in, except with the sheets up to her neck. His eyes widened abruptly. The Avatar quickly got dressed and walked up to the window. He grabbed the curtains, opening them up. A Comanche flew by, shocking Aang. The loud whirling noise woke Katara. She sat up, her eyes blinking softly. She spotted him, in his outfit he wore for the Day of Black Sun invasion. She sat up, holding the sheets to cover her upper body. Aang turned around quickly, blushing heavily.
"Aang…did we.." she stammered off.
He scratched the back of his head nervously. Katara looked away, smiling and blushing pink. "Come on, the rest are expecting us.'' the Avatar said, wishing to change the subject.
Toph, Sokka, and Zuko were in front of the Sears Tower, sitting down on chairs. Once Katara was ready, she and Aang were seen coming out the front of the building doors, followed by Jenny, Robot Boy, Tommy, Lola, Gus, Lilo, Stitch came first. The chairs were put in rows of five.
"Finally you guys decided to wake up.'' said Toph, noticing their footsteps.
"Didn't mean to worry you, we just had to get ready.'' noted the monk, sitting down with his friends, Katara sitting in the chair next to him.
"Richards hasn't arrived yet?" Katara brought up.
"Nope. Haven't even seen him.'' answered her brother.
"The rest are sure to be coming soon." said Sokka, looking over his shoulder at the front doors, then turning his head back forward.
"It always starts like this, I've noticed.'' said Toph.
"What?" asked a curious Sokka.
"Nothing too important, but how come when there's something important about to happen, we always found ourselves waiting, while out there, who knows what is going on.'' Toph explained.
"I don't get it.'' Sokka replied dully.
"She means Eggman's probably already prepared for whatever we send at him while we wait and don't have a direct plan of strategy.'' said Omega from behind, getting in their conversation.
"Gee, thanks for complementing our methods.'' said Sokka, resting his chin on his fists.
A few minutes later, Ash, Dawn, May, Misty, Brock, Max, Shadow, Kuki, Sector V, Brandy and Mr. Whiskers joined, sitting down in the chairs available.
"You alright Number 3?" asked Abigail.
"Yeah, just fine Abby.'' she replied, laying back in the chair.
"Man, where's Shadow? I'll teach him a lesson he'll never forget!'' said Abby, punching her fist into her open palm.
"No, please don't. Now's not the time for violence, save it for Eggman.'' Kuki said, patting Abby on the shoulder.
Brandy put her elbows on the edge of the back of the chairs Kuki and Abigail were sitting. "You hanging on Kuki?" asked the female dog.
"Man, I sure am Ms. Popular this morning aren't I?" Kuki joked, putting on a smile. Brandy and Abby laughed.
"Don't worry, just…hope.'' said Brandy, sitting back in her chair. Kuki thought to herself. "Yeah…hope. If there's enough to go around that is.'' Jenny sat next to Omega. Down the row was the rest of Shadow's followers. Shadow sat in front of Jenny.
"Are you ready?" she asked.
"Are you?" Shadow replied. Jenny sent a slightly shocked expression, narrowing her eyes as she sat back in her chair.
"Are you sure we're doing the right thing Tommy?" Lola asked.
"Of course Lola. I'm not one to keep speaking about it, but Sonic sadly needs to be stopped.'' he answered.
"At least I won't have to do anything risky.'' said Gus, his arms rested behind his head.
Lola punched him in the gut, making him gag and cough.
"How come I always find myself in this position when I say things like that?" Gus said, sounding like he was running out of breath. Another beginning for what would soon become a crazed showdown between heroes and villains, and eventually the heroes against each other.
The heroes had some spare subjects to converse with each other about, but not enough for them all to talk about with each other. Some stayed silent, most kept talking, but to what extent were they talking about? Curious as it was, their conversations were kept on the down low. The ones who started these little meetings not wanted others to here, probably because it was personal business. Some of them didn't want a certain hero to hear this or that, thus causing an early uproar, and finally a brawl, especially when these super heroes should be saving their energy for today's final battle for the windy city.