"You… You're Shu Shirakawa!" Eita said, slightly surprised.
"How did he come here?" Ibis asked.
"By piloting the Granzon," Shu walked towards everyone. "When I asked the Hagane's staff about Tetsuya's whereabouts, I was told to come here," As Shu stopped in front of everyone, his eyes moved towards the Mobians.
"Oh?" Shu became intrigued by the Mobians' appearance. "You have quite some interesting guests here,"
"Who is this person?" Tails whispered to his teammates.
"That's Shu Shirakawa," said Nicole. "According to the Hagane's database, he is a scientist who pilots the Granzon which he single-handedly designed,"
"That's right!" said Chika. "And he may not look like it but, my master's a kind person so you better treat him with respect!" The Mobians were surprised upon hearing Chika.
"A talking bird?!" Bunnie exclaimed.
"I'm no ordinary bird! I'm the great Chika, familiar of the almighty Shu Shirakawa!"
"Chika, you're being rude," Shu said sternly.
"What brings you here, Shu?" Tetsuya asked.
"That's what I came to explain," Shu replied. "But, first, perhaps you would like to explain about our guests here?"
"Yes, of course," Shu and the Mobians were introduced to each other. Shu was even given an explanation about the Sol Emeralds, the Einsts' return and Beowulf's plan to attack Riksent.
"Interesting," Shu remarked. "I did not expect to come across such a development,"
"Development?" asked Raidese. Shu then explained that recently, he had created a prototype machine which enabled him to detect dimensional disturbances in planet Earth. While testing it, he identified a few disturbances with the last one being at Riksent.
"At first, I thought nothing of the disturbances," Shu said. "However, I then decided to confirm their existence by investigating them myself. I embarked for Riksent with the Granzon and upon arriving here, the first place I headed to was the hangar,"
"It was then that I saw the Hagane and Hiryu Kai along with this ship here. I theorized that all of you are here. My presence here is proof that I was right,"
"But, to think that I would meet a group of beings that are not human…" Shu smiled. "Perhaps, this is not a coincidence. The dimensional disturbances must have been caused by the Mobians' arrival on Earth as well as the Einsts' arrival at Riksent,"
"What are you getting at?" asked Tetsuya.
"I'm about to come into that," replied Shu. ""Initially, I had come to research the disturbances detected by my machine. But, since I have arrived I might be able to do something better,"
"Something better?" said Russel.
"Precisely," Shu stated. "I might have a way to prevent Riksent from being harmed by the Einsts,"
"You seriously do?" Katina asked as everyone became slightly surprised.
"How exactly would you achieve that?" Sally asked.
"By using the Granzon," Shu answered. "For those among you who do not know, the Granzon possesses an antimatter annihilation engine which grants it gravity and time-space manipulation. With this, the Granzon is capable of creating wormholes,"
"I had deduced that by exerting the engine to it's maximum capabilities, the Granzon will be able to create a wormhole which would be as large as this kingdom itself. We can use the said wormhole to redirect any Einsts that may approach Riksent to a different place-Preferably, a place where the fighting is away from the kingdom,"
"What kind of Personal Trooper is capable of such a feat?" asked Rotor, a slight hint of wonder in his voice.
"One that is designed by my own hands naturally," Shu smiled.
"But, what guarantee is there that this will work?" Tsugumi spoke to Shu. "In fact, have you even tried doing that before?"
"I have not tested that method before," replied Shu. "However, given how things stand, what I am proposing now is perhaps our best solution to the current situation,"
"Master Shu's right you know," stated Chika. "Unless you all want your kingdom to be destroyed,"
""How can you say that so casually?!" Knuckles exclaimed. "Lives are at stake here!"
"Well, aren't you being hot-headed," Shu commented. "Your response reminds me of someone who I was once at odds with,"
"But, that aside, as direct as Chika's words may be, they are true. So, what will it be? Do you all agree with my proposal? Or perhaps all of you have a better idea to deal with the Einsts?" Everyone became quiet and thought about Shu's words. Sally began to step forward.
"Let us follow Shu's idea,"
"Yer sho bout this Sal?" asked Bunnie. Sally closed her eyes.
"Once, my kingdom was overtaken and ruled by a tyrant. We, the Freedom Fighters, were able to retake the kingdom and restore order to it. It is because of this experience that we know what it's like for a kingdom to be in danger," Sally opened her eyes. "And Riksent is currently being endangered by evil just like how my kingdom once had been. Therefore, I am willing to accept Shu's proposal,"
"But, what if Shu's method does not work?" asked a concerned Ryusei.
"Regardless of whether it works or not, it does not change one thing," A look of determination appeared on Sally's face. "I will fight together with my friends to protect this kingdom. And I'm doing this not just because I share the same status as Princess Shine. But, it is also because I cherish Riksent just as how I cherish my own kingdom!"
"I agree with Sally," Blaze nodded. "As guardian of the Sol Emeralds and a princess myself, I will not allow Beowulf to misuse their powers any further. Hence, I too shall protect Riksent even if it means expending all of my powers in doing so!"
"If Sally and Blaze are saying that, I'm in too!" Sonic stated.
"As shall we," Lightning spoke seriously. "We cannot allow the likes of Beowulf to continue his rampage. He must be stopped," Storm nodded at her husband's words. Given the current situation, everyone was clearly in agreement with Sally and Blaze's words.
"Then, it is decided," Shine spoke with determination. Turning to Shu, she added, "Shu Shirakawa, we will accept your assistance in protecting Riksent tomorrow," Shine turned to Ridal and said, "Ridal, I apologize for having to trouble you but, would you please ask our kingdom's military to send a message to Riksent's citizens?"
"What is it, princess?" asked Ridal.
"The military is to tell all of the citizens to gather at the royal palace tomorrow morning at 9 am. If the citizens ask why, it is because I must address an important matter to them,"
"I shall do that immediately," Ridal immediately left the war room.
"Well, with that settled," Sonic yawned. "I guess we all should go get some shut-eye. I'm kinda beat right now,"
"Me too," Tails said. "Today was quite an eventful day,"
"Well, if you all would like how about staying at the royal palace?" Shine said to everyone. "We have rooms for everyone,"
"Really?" Honey's eyes gleamed with excitement. "We can stay there?!"
"You don't mind if we do?" asked Tails.
"I don't mind at all," Shine smiled. "Besides, the Mobians have helped to fight the Einsts earlier. So, this is my way of thanking all of you,"
"Hey, that's pretty swell, guys!" Sonic said to his friends.
"If that is the case, we accept your offer with gratitude," Sally said to Shine with a smile.
"Well, then," Geoffrey said. "I suppose I'll find a room in the palace just for the two of us," Placing one arm around Honey's waist, he looked at her lovingly and said, "And maybe we can have a nice quiet night together. What do you say, luv?"
"Sounds great," Honey replied with a romantic smile. Seeing Geoffrey and Honey, Elias cleared his throat.
"If you want to act all romantic, I suggest you save that until after our battle," Elias spoke to the couple.
"Aw, come on, Elias. Don't be so serious. Let them have their fun!" Excellen said sassily.
"Those two Mobians are making me a little queasy," Chika commented about Geoffrey and Honey with disgust.
"But, their behavior is quite intriguing, isn't it?" Shu stated. "To think that Mobians are capable of interspecies coupling…" Giving a soft chuckle, Shu added, "…I would like to see the result of such an act,"
"Well, aren't you being curious, Shu," Nicole looked at the scientist curiously.
"I am a researcher," replied Shu. "And it's a researcher's nature to be curious about things, no?"
"I don't mean to be direct but, we all should get some rest now unless we're going to spend the whole night being 'curious' like Shu here," Sonic stated.
"Before that, I would like to ask," Nicole turned to Shu. "Is the Granzon really a powerful machine? You spoke as if it was,"
Letting out another soft chuckle, Shu replied, "You shall see tomorrow. For now, I think we should rest for the night just like what the blue hedgehog said,"
"With that, I shall take my leave first," Shu turned around and headed to the war room's door. Everyone looked at him as he exited the room.
"He's got quite a way with words doesn't he?" asked Rotor.
"That is how he carries himself out most of the time," Elzam said.
"By the way, how did you all know Shu?" Sonic asked the humans.
"It is a long story," said Tetsuya. "For now, we should rest for the night,"
"Agreed!" Honey spoke cheerfully. "I can't wait to see what the palace's rooms are like! Just thinking of staying in them makes me feel like a princess!" Honey began to look dreamy.
"And I will be your prince who shall sleep by your side," Geoffrey hugged Honey's waist.
"Oh, you're so gentlemanly, Geoffrey!" giggled Honey.
Shine chuckled at Geoffrey and Honey's behavior. "Well, then, allow me to lead everyone to your rooms,"
"Very well, princess," At Tetsuya's words, everyone moved out of the war room to rest for the night.
(scene change)
In the rift, Beowulf was using the Sol Emerald's powers to summon something. Emerging in front of him was a gigantic Einst which had reptilian-like traits and eight heads. Once, the summoning was complete the Einst let out a soft growl.
"It is complete," Beowulf said. "With this Einst Hydraloid which I have formed with my new powers, I shall bring Riksent to ruin,"
"And now my greatest creation!" Beowulf spoke to the Hydraloid. "Together we shall show all who oppose us the might of the Einst!" In response to Beowulf, the Hydraloid roared loudly.
(scene change)
A new morning had arrived at Riksent. The kingdom's citizens were gathered in front of the royal palace. Princess Shine was standing on the palace's balcony facing the crowd. With her are the Mobians, Sanger and Elzam.
"Citizens of Riksent," Shine spoke, her voice emanating across the crowd. "I thank you for gathering here this morning. I understand that everyone is concerned about the recent attacks on our kingdom by the monsters. However, please remain calm as I am about to inform all of you about a serious matter,"
"The leader of the monsters, who calls himself Beowulf, had declared that he will come to this kingdom once more today. He is planning to wipe out this kingdom with his forces," Hearing this, the citizens became uneasy. Some of them began talking amongst themselves.
"I know that all of you are afraid," Shine hushed the citizens. "And I am certain that all of you are questioning why the Einsts are attacking our kingdom. For that, I shall have two people enlighten all of you on this matter,"
"Citizens of Riksent, I present to you Princess Sally and Princess Blaze," Sanger helped Sally and Blaze up onto the wall of the balcony. As the two Mobians stood facing the citizens, the latter looked at the duo with wonder.
"People of Riksent," Blaze spoke. "I am sure that all of you want to know what is going on. And I am certain that most of you are wondering who I and my friends actually are. To answer your concerns, I must first show all of you one thing," Blaze then took out the Sol Emeralds and showed them to the citizens.
"My friends and I are beings called Mobians, hailing from the world of Mobius. In our world, there exists objects with mystical powers called the Sol Emeralds which are in my hands now," Blaze kept the emeralds. "I am the keeper of the Sol Emeralds who guards them from evil. One day, Beowulf stole these emeralds from me. I and my friends were brought into this world in order to find the emeralds. However, though we had retrieved them, Beowulf had robbed the emeralds off their powers and made them his own. It is with those powers that he will destroy this kingdom,"
"The main point is that all this have occurred because I was careless in guarding the emeralds. And because of that all of you have become involved in our fight against the monsters," Blaze closed her eyes and bowed her head down slightly. "For that, I must apologize," Sally gave Blaze a concerned look.
"Perhaps most of you are angry and afraid upon hearing my words," Lifting her head back up, she added with determination, "If that is the case, I will make it up to all of you. Together with my friends, I will fight with Princess Shine to protect this kingdom. And I will do this, even if it means exhausting myself until I collapse!"
"And that concludes what I have to say," Blaze paused for a moment. "If my words are not enough to calm any feelings of anger or fear you may have, I understand," she added. Silence filled the air. The citizens had serious looks on their faces. Soon, a woman who stood in front of the citizens stepped forward.
"I believe in you," she then said to Blaze. "Your kind has been friendly towards us. In fact, yesterday, my child and his friends got along with two of your friends," Storm and Lightning's eyebrows were raised upon hearing the woman's words.
"Storm, could it be?" Lightning asked.
"Yes," replied Storm. "It has to be those children whom we met at the beach yesterday,"
"It doesn't matter why those monsters are attacking our home!" exclaimed a man from the crowd. "We believe in Princess Shine as well as her friends regardless of where they're from and how they look! Therefore, we're not angry nor are we afraid!"
"That's right!" said another man. "Besides, if it weren't for those Mobians, our kingdom would have been destroyed!" The citizens were reacting positively to Blaze's words. Shine, Sanger, Elzam and the Mobians were pleased at their responses. Deep in their hearts, Blaze and Sally were slightly touched.
"People," Sally said as the citizens quieted down. "I understand that this kingdom has shelters for all of you to seek refuge in. However, in the event that the monsters attack this kingdom, you are not required to head there. Instead, you are to stay in your respective homes and remain there until the situation is solved,"
"The reason for this is that we have devised a way to prevent this kingdom from being involved in the ensuing attack. However, there is no telling whether it will work or not as it is something which has not been tested yet,"
"Despite this, do not fear about what will happen next. Instead, you are to remember one thing-Today is not the day where you are to cower in fear of our enemies. Today is not the day where you are to fight them either. Today is the day where you are to cherish the time you spend with your loved ones no matter what happens,"
"And to ensure that," Sally spoke with determination. "I and my friends will protect this kingdom with our lives! This is because just as how Princess Shine cherishes this kingdom, I too cherish it as well! People of Riksent, let us join hands in protecting this kingdom for a better tomorrow!"
Hearing Sally's words, a man standing in front of the citizens stepped forward. Turning to face the rest of the citizens, he shouted, "Everyone! Let us cheer for Princess Shine and her friends! Let us also remember the faces of the people who saved our kingdom, the Mobians!" The citizens began cheering loudly and praised Princess Shine and the Mobians. Once the cheering subsided, Shine concluded the gathering with a word of thanks and the citizens went back to their everyday routines.
"Your speeches were wonderful, both of you," Elzam said to Blaze and Sally as the duo came down from the balcony's wall.
"Thank you, Elzam," Sally said as everyone gathered around her and Blaze.
"Now that we have the citizens informed of the situation, we have one more thing to accomplish," said Sanger.
"That is correct," Lightning said. "The safety of Riksent is in our hands now,"
"Everyone," Sally spoke. "Let us do our best for a brand new tomorrow!" Most of the Mobians cheered loudly after Sally spoke. Storm and Lightning nodded in approval. With that, the group, filled with determination, left to prepare themselves for the upcoming battle.