Chapter 9 - Secrets exposed

Getting into the cell was quite easy, but once he was inside, Sonic realized how hard it would be to escape when the wall was down. It was because of this Sonic decided to keep quiet and not mention anything, especially when he saw how many injuries Shadow had gained whilst trying to escape.

The group had found a large deep cave to rest in for the night. It was dry and airy, so no-one could really complain. It was getting dark and it had also began to lightly rain outside. Everyone was tired, wet and just wanted to get some rest. Aeronniell set Tails down against the wall and pulled the blankets up to his chin. Sonic sat beside Tails, with a look of worry and fear etched upon his face.

Knuckles had helped Shadow sit down at the mouth of the cave, as he had asked. Shadow watched in fascination as Aeronniell's hands glowed blue and healed Tails's wound with a gentle touch. But Shadow was quite surprised when she walked over and crouched beside him.

"Let me see your wrists," Aeronniell asked gently. Shadow did as he was asked.
"How did you get burns like this?" she asked holding his wrists and inspecting his burns.
"The shackles," Shadow muttered bluntly. "Whenever I got mad or wanted to escape they would heat up,". Aeronniell nodded and healed his wrists. "Thanks," Shadow added quietly. Aeronniell smiled and left Shadow and Tails to rest.

Knuckles began to cook a small meal for everyone. Tails was still asleep and Shadow kept nodding off, but was fighting his weariness. Aeronniell was sat outside lightly brushing Thunder, whilst Sonic had sat down and was quietly telling Knuckles what he had seen earlier. "I'm telling you Knuckles, the necklaces match. I've got a feeling Aeronniell might be hiding something," Sonic whispered.

"You're being paranoid," Knuckles grumbled. "All Aeronniell has done is help us, if it wasn't for her Tails and Shadow would still be stuck in that cell. Be grateful already," he continued angrily.
Sonic was about to argue but Aeronniell came in. "Foods done," Knuckles said.
"Great, I was getting hungry," Aeronniell smiled. Sonic managed to wake Tails up and everyone began to eat.
"So ..Tails, why did Karn actually take you in the first place," Knuckles asked. Tails explained everything that had happened at the workshop.

"An immortal army.. Is that even possible?" Sonic exclaimed when Tails finished his story.
"It is possible, but boy is it hard to do. You need some serious brains and power just to make one person immortal, but a whole army is just something else," Aeronniell said.

"Wait.. Stephenson had a big white gem. It wasn't a Chaos Emerald but it was similar.. It seemed more powerful, a lot more powerful," Tails exclaimed.
"So do you think this white gem would power the machine?" Shadow asked.

"Yes, it does," a very familiar voice exclaimed from outside the cave. Shadow was standing in less than a second, a ball of Chaos Energy was wrapped around his clenched fist. Everyone except Tails also stood up.

"Karn, will you ever take the hint? Leave, you're not welcome here," Aeronniell snapped.
"Well that's some way to treat your little brother, isn't it?" Karn smirked.
"What?!" everyone exclaimed at the same time.

Aeronniell suddenly ran outside and began to fight Karn "You're no brother of mine!" she screamed. Aeronniell swung a punch at Karn but he managed to dodge it. Karn spotted that her guard was down as she tried to punch him again, so he sent a strong kick straight into her gut. Aeronniell was winded and Karn took the opportunity to hit her again, and again .. And again.

Knuckles began to run forwards to help but Aeronniell made a wall of water to stop him getting out and helping her. "This is between us," she groaned.

"No, Aeronniell let me through!" Knuckles demanded punching the wall. Karn let Aeronniell get on her hands and knees as she tried to stand up but as soon as she began to get up, Karn put both hands together and whacked Aeronniell on the back, leaving Aeronniell lying face down on the sand.

"Aeronniell, Get up!" Knuckles encouraged. Aeronniell seemed to hear and began to get back up. Karn was ready to hit her again but Aeronniell was faster. She drew her knife and swung it at Karn's legs. Karn leapt back in alarm and drew his own sword. Aeronniell stood for a moment and drew her other knife. She held them so the blade was pointing behind her.

After catching her breath, Aeronniell dived forwards and swung her own two daggers wildly. Karn kept calm and continued to dodge and deflect Aeronniell's attacks. Aeronniell was filled with rage, she had never been so angry in her entire life, and as a result Aeronniell wasn't thinking straight. Every time Karn had the chance he would stab her in the arms, legs and, if he had the chance, her stomach with his sword. Aeronniell suddenly collapsed onto her knees panting heavily.

Knuckles suddenly broke through the wall of water and ran towards Aeronniell. Karn aimed his sword and prepared to strike but Knuckles charged forwards and punched Karn as hard as he could. Karn was sent hurtling back into the forest and disappeared from sight.

"Aeronniell come on, get up," Knuckles whispered as he helped her sit up. Aeronniell was exhausted and bleeding terribly from the large cuts and slashes all over her body, but she suddenly pushed Knuckles out of the way and limped towards Thunder.

"Aero, where are you going!" Sonic called. "You need help,"

"I can't stay here. I lied to you, I.. I betrayed the only friends I've had in a long time. I'm sorry but I have to go," Aeronniell wept, as she mounted Thunder and set off before anyone could stop her...