PoC: … Full house.

Metal: … Grr… Two-pair.

Silver … Straight-flush! Eat it punks!

Metal: *Throws down cards* You! You cheating albino! I ought to-

PoC: Ease up Met, he won fair and square. Now Silver, you said you had something in mind?

Silver: Yup! Alright gear-hog, put it on!

Metal: But I! Arrrgh…do I have to?

Silver: You bet your arse.

Metal: *Sighs* *Slips on rain-coat* Ugh… Evaporation, condensation, precipitaaaaation on the ground. Pen owns the story, but not the glory, for the characters all around. But in this story, dwells an OC, newly aaaadded to the list. Whom Pen created, then abated, and her name is Amethyst.

Silver: *Applauds* Bravo! Stupendous! Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious job Metal!

Metal: Analysis complete. How the hell am I atoning for my education with fragile beauty merely by singing that wretched song?

PoC: Wow I really…don't have anything to say, to either of you. Except, where did the 'rain' part of the disclaimer come from?

-l-

Scars of Evil

-l-

The day was still overcast no matter how many weather reports to the contrary. Though omen-like it was suitable for most outdoor activities…such as running away from home and whatnot. Typical maybe for a teenager, but it was unordinary to see a girl no older than ten sprinting with all her might across the dewy plains. Amy counted herself lucky to be surrounded by such looping hills and dipping valleys, as they kept both friend and foe alike from pursuing her. This thinking was not entirely beneficial in that it reminded her of how upset her parents would be. She had left in such haste that she'd nearly forgotten to write a short, but non-specific, explanation for her sudden leave.

"I really hope they don't search for me. Not with all these crazy people around." She centered her worry more around her parents than herself, likely due to surety of her own safety. Amy had learned long ago to never doubt herself, least of all in desperate situations. Inadvertently, her mind was turned to the one who'd long ago offered her this good piece of wisdom: Sonic, her hero.

"I wonder where he is, and what he's doing right now?" she wondered as she dodged a rather disgusting mud pit. It hadn't been long since she'd last seen him, yet somehow it felt like ages. In her best guess, Amy figured it was because of all the false rumors she'd heard about his apparent 'death', as if Sonic could ever die! True, he may not have the popularity his older brother enjoys, but that didn't make him any less of a hero in the young pink hedgehog's eyes.

One thing was amiss though, about the last time they met. While Amy confessed she'd been almost too elated to notice, the girl had seen some, frankly, massive changes in this Sonic. Maybe others didn't see it as well, but she did. It was like his youth, his energy, had somehow dissipated or perhaps even vanished altogether, as if he had aged or matured. Admittedly, he didn't appear to be any older, but as class had taught her, it took much longer for mobians to show signs of aging unlike humans. Looking back on it now, Amy did recall him being a little shorter and plumper around the belly, a trait she found to be rather cute. The Sonic she had met recently was taller and more…fit, if that was the word. Assuming the above details could've been her imagination, Amy was certain his unforgettably bright green eyes had never been so glum and dull before.

"It's like he was desperate to find…someone or something." She mused to busy her mind. Honestly, being on the road for so long must've been causing her brain to run amok. How or why should she second-guess her idol now? After all, isn't the fact that he is alive the important part? She felt bad for thinking such thoughts about him. It was as if something in the air was causing her to be puzzled this way.

Amy was now beginning to wear down from all that running. No training with anyone could've prepared her for that Olympic feat. She made a mental note to take part in her school's next racing tournament. At the time and rate she'd traveled, she would be sure to win the gold. At a minimum, her expert sprint had at least found her a place to rest far away from any prying eyes.

"Okay… From here it's only about a ten minute walk to the lake. Four if I jog it." She calculated whilst leaning against a fairly comfortable chunk of bark seated on a bed of spongy, but not too damp, grass. Her escape had taken longer than she'd estimated, leaving her approximately five minutes late, even if she ran. Even so, Amy knew better than to fry her lungs on another muscle-burning dash, lest she collapse with no nearby aid.

"I hope she'll wait for me…" the pink girl said as she picked and fiddled with blade of flexible green "No, I know she will. I'm pretty sure I can trust-OH MY GOD! WHO'S TOUCHING ME?" Amy whirled around swiftly, perking her ears up in a 'fighting' stance "Okay you pervert! I know you're out there!" despite her tough talk, the girl hedgehog felt her palms quiver from the surprise contact. The perpetrator had only touched her shoulder, but that was one digit too much for a kid in Amy's position "HEY! I said come out! What, are you afraid of a 'helpless' little girl?"

"I'm sorry!" the reply came back sharply, if not a bit forced, as though the speaker was in just as much shock as their 'victim'. But the tone aside, Amy had learned a whole lot more when the voice spoke again "I-I saw you sitting there and so I um… I j-just wanted to… I really didn't mean to scare you!"

Amy immediately dropped her defensive guard, still shaking in surprise but also from the sudden relaxation of her nerves. Searching the for her 'stalker' revealed a girl in the faint blue, almost white, dress with stunning blond hair. The hedgehog girl was so happy she gave the recognizable figure a hug, forgetting momentarily how little time they'd known each other. The blond-haired human shared the sentiment, likely due to her mutually felt relief.

"Oh my gosh Maria I am SO sorry!" Amy repented, now feeling supremely foolish for her unruly outburst moments ago. Much to her fortune, Maria had forgiveness and happiness written all over her gentle face. The pink-quilled girl was very jealous of how benign and caring Maria looked, even when someone scared the crap out of her not seconds prior. It must be crime to be that pure.

"It's totally fine Amy. Really, I should've said something before I snuck up like that." Oh no she didn't, thought Amy. Little miss perfect did NOT just blame herself for HER freak out. How again was this woman related to Dr. Butterball, in any way shape or form (mostly shape as Robotnik didn't seem to be a horrible man)?

Hoping to evade anymore self-deprecating remarks out of Maria, Amy waved that last part off and changed the subject "Never mind, you said you wanted to see me right? So, what's up?"

The young Robotnik woman's features fell drastically at this question. When hedge-girl attempted to give an expression of concern, Maria simply turned away in hesitation. Whatever it was, Amy was now convinced it wasn't the sort of thing that could be talked about over the phone.

Devising a better approach, Amy shrugged and suggested "Um… Why don't we go somewhere else? I don't think anyone's out here, but, you know, if it makes you feel better about telling me…" The blond girl nodded softly, showing a glint of thankfulness at Amy's understanding.

The two girls then agreed to back-track a pace and a half over to what seemed like an empty clearing. Amy peered left and right confusedly, until Maria revealed a small remote with all sorts of peculiar buttons. Failing to see her input some combination, Amy let out an understandable yelp when a large crab-shaped mech dropped in front of her with a crash. Showing her natural distrust of machinery, the young hedgehog, at Maria's beckoning, approached the robot with great personal resistance. Though taken off guard, Amy was gradually rather touched by how the mech gently bumped and nuzzled her hand, like a dog waiting to be petted. This, and more coaxing from her new friend, convinced Amy to at last mount the scary crab-bot. Maria then shortly followed suit, and took control of the Watcher's guidance systems.

"So Maria, where are we going?" Amy asked in innocent wonder, mostly trying to make conversation.

The human girl put on a bold and determined face this time, distinctly different from her former happy and sad expressions "Someplace where no one can hear us. I'm very worried about Sonic and the others…"

That was a bit random, but if those words didn't carry some heavy meaning, most likely bad, then Amy wasn't pink and rambunctious. Something terrible had happened, or perhaps would happen soon.

L

*Aboard the agency, near the divided path*

L

The ride was more hectic now than ever. Sonic knew he had Vector's skill or lack thereof to blame, but he also had him to thank too. Without their help and accident, it might've been extremely cumbersome to acquire the last 'local' emerald. He did his best imagine all the possible perils they had avoided with Vector and his crew's 'help'.

Pretty soon, the hero chuckled and gave up, having realized how complicated their 'support' made rather simple matters. He wasn't shooting for ungratefulness, as he had his fox brother to carry that role. Tails must've muttered every grumbling comment in the dictionary in the span of a measly ten minutes. However, Sonic noted how embarrassed the vulpine still was, and figured he'd better cut both his bud and 'Tactichaos' a break. Everyone was just trying to help out, even if in their own destructive ways.

"Yo Vec!" the hero called out to the deck and banged on the wall for added attention "How long 'til our big stop?" though the choice hadn't been set in stone quite yet, the azul hedgehog was aware of how crucial their next junction was.

"Not far now bluesy! Just keep your quills on a while longer and I'll-" his words were severed as a loud smash followed by a good amount of cursing interrupted his train of thought.

"Idiot! Some of us would like to get there in one piece, if it's not too much trouble!" a second voice growled, presumably Espio's.

"Eyes on the prize! Like a bag of pizza pies!" a third person chimed in, undoubtedly a certain bee named Charmy.

Sonic stifled another laugh and sighed. Those three were just so epically mismatched.

Back on more serious matters, the blur took time to ponder their next, maybe last, move. When their path did split, one path would lead to the Derelict Ruins whilst the other would head straight for the coast. According to Vector, the agency made a 'perfect' hovercraft/boat and would be more than capable of crossing over to Robotnik's base. Tails and oddly Espio both disputed this claim and had even devised a separate plan just in case the crumbling agency decided to go belly-up. This contingency act added small comfort as both had been recommended to be on the 'rescue' team, much to each other's disgust. Sonic was aware that only their best three fighters could go up against Maasawd, a feat which even Vector wanted no part of. The team plan was not without some deadly factors, even for the 'emerald' team. If Maasawd sniffs out their plan he could very easily warp aboard the ship and start wreaking havoc. It was risky, but in reality it was the best chance they had.

"Sonic?" a low but sober voice addressed him. The sapphire speedster looked up to see Espio standing before him. The sneaky lizard still wore his cool-headed aura as he said "We've arrived, so I suggest you get fox-breath up and running before I do." Sonic gestured in understanding, but was halted when the chameleon went on "I'm still not sure about you but…" he took in a gulp of air, almost as though he would regret his next words "I recommend you keep yourself out of harm's way. Miles is quite attached to you, and I'm sure you've noticed this."

Sonic didn't turn to meet his gaze. He knew things were coming along well with this Tails, but surely he understands the danger the hero poses to this world. Tails was always practical and sensible about everything. Even according to Espio's implications, there was no way he'd try something stupid just to keep Sonic alive…would he?

Almost as if he had read the hedgehog's mind, Espio spoke again "He hasn't had his spark lately, his usual confidence. My rival is going through some manner of depression, except when he's around you or that girl of his." Here the proud ex-ninja pointed the blue mobian, yet aware that his gesture would go unseen "He holds you in high regard, maybe too high. To be blunt; should we encounter the worst, I don't want Miles taking any unnecessary risks to save your spiny hide."

Blunt was the word. Of course Sonic didn't like how true the stealth-master's words rang. That still didn't change that Espio had shed an interesting tidbit of light on his own enigmatic self. Seeing how little time they had, Sonic pressed in his opinion out into the open "Heh, you're worried about him, huh?"

Most would say this is logical deduction. If not though, Espio did nothing to reduce Sonic's suspicions when he replied "My life would grow dull if that fox-fool gets himself killed. Besides, I don't think that much of you anyway."

"Wow…" Sonic mouthed. That was closer to a confession than the hero had been expecting. The fact that he threw in the whole bashing against Sonic had his words just screaming 'cover up'. No need to press the point further. The blur was openly satisfied knowing that more than one person had Tails' back. He didn't need/want any protecting for himself, so Espio's warning was more or less flawless.

"I'll assemble Vector and Charmy outside. Don't be late." The assassin stated and ascended to the bridge. Sonic took this as his cue to get his side of the crew with the program as well.

L

*With Maasawd*

L

He was gone, and none too soon. What had been promised was now sure to be broken, especially now since Sonic had not yet vanished. The purpose behind all of this was causing his head to ache, more than it had in weeks. What those 'treatments' of chaos energy had been doing he didn't know, nor did he care, so long as that shade stuck to the plan, all was well enough.

"Ha!" a feral shout echoed around the halls, thoroughly rubbing the figure the wrong way. Hadn't that insufferable echidna known to at least knock, or present himself with some tact? Perhaps now wasn't the time to ask for two miracles in one day.

The blazing red echidna shifted his venom-purple irises all over the place, searching no doubt for the darkened one, despite it being a clearly a wasted effort. In some crevasse buried deep in his infernal armor, Maasawd found the spectacle to be mildly amusing. The fool must not have realized how silly his enlarged eyes and open-mouthed silence was.

His shielded stance ended with a frustrated grunt and the words "So, I'm not in on the whole 'chili-dog' am I? Wanna start by telling me who that was?" the echidna would've just earned a sure-fire backhand, had Maasawd not detected a hint of fear on his tongue.

With a clink and shuffle, Maasawd gave his honest answer "You're better off not getting involved with the likes of him. Trust me." And walked away, leaving the echidna irregularly speechless.

Once he had hastily gotten as far from that buffoon as he could, Maasawd felt the weight of some nameless burden bear crushingly down on his shoulders. It was as if his mind was being split in two halves and then diced up again. The pain was soon so great that the mighty warrior fell on his knees, clawing at his own face. It was like this after every visit from the shade. His life itself would feel as though it was being drained out from his veins, only to then be filled with the essence of pure power. However, each time had left him emptier and with fewer things he could recollect. It was as though the shade was not restoring his thoughts, but rather sucking them dry, despite his claims to the contrary.

In these final stricken minutes, Maasawd began to feel his last ounce of strength depart, making his need for the power replacement more ravenous. But in this state of dreaded agony, the garbed figure could swear he heard a soothing noise brush by his ears. It grew stronger until he could discern it to be not a simple noise, but a voice instead.

"You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you?"

-l-

End of Chapter Twenty-seven

-l-

Expect updates this late from now on. It's all I can manage without stopping the fic again (and I REALLY don't want to do that twice). Maria and Amy are now back in the plot, more deeply this time. Tails and Amethyst may not have made an appearance yet, but I have no regrets on that one. Enjoy some of the more diverse perspectives. Oh yeah, Rouge is next to have more involvement (besides just failed escape attempts DX). Oh and while I'm at it, I do NOT own the quote at the chapter's end. It was taking rather blatantly from the LOZ Majora's Mask (sue me now or later).

DanceDream: Charmy is pretty nutty for sure! Well he HAD something, or rather someone, to fear, I just dismissed him before you could find out who XD! Though I'm glad you liked that scene, I've never rushed anything more in my whole life. Seriously, that wasteland area was literally done on a whim. Thank God Espio was only exaggerating…right? Wait a minute why am I asking you? I'm the author! Shouldn't I know? 0_o XD Silver is cool when he lightens up (no telekinetic-pun intended)! Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally now? Let me know when your grand crusade has met it's journey's end (Um… In other words: Let me know when you've got something XD)! I personally dislike history, depending on which one of course.

Ghostkid33: Just when things get really 'heated' here I go and kill it with this boring chap! DX Ah well, I need more time for the rest of the cast to catch up with our heroes. XDDD Espio is such a punk, but hey he has something of a heart, as you can see in the chapter above! Mental note: More action needed next week!

Serenity: Read and enjoy whenever time enables. This is just for fun after all (no obligation about it :) ).

Infamousplot: Whenever you can get around to it, read and enjoy!

Kindra Mckleen: There's a small bit in this chap that almost describes him to be Classic Sonic-ish, but he's different from the little guy I assure you (although Classic is just a younger Sonic). It is indeed, but I have no answers as of yet (typical despicable me XD). Vector? Have a license? Those two words don't even belong in the same sentence XD! Yes he is, which is a good and a bad thing. As boyfriend and girlfriend it's not all that uncommon, but I assure you it wasn't anything THAT dirty.

knight of the windZ10Z: WHAAAAT? Shadow a ghost? No way! XD Nah, but should be able to guess soon enough, if not already. You know how it is: I love that brotherly pair! Those two kick all asses, pardon my French. The climax need even more build up as you can see. After I already doused with thick flames I just have to add a little more DX! I need to get that action rolling by next chap for sure!

Sierra Zanimalini14: Humor is the snow on the mountains of drama! No story is quite complete without some. As fast as he is, you'd think he'd get the point faster XD.

Super Shadix 520: Whenever you have time, I await your review!

Sparkling-nexis137: XD As stated already: NO NASTY UNTIL EXPICITLY IMPLIED! Actually, even eluding to that was kind of awkward to write (I don't go for that "yiff" stuff :\). Even so, Tails rather set his own trap with that one! Charmy is awesome on so many levels, too bad we didn't see much of him here. Next chap for sure (at least one that has more Tails and Amethyst…not like THAT obviously DX)!

prowerboy: Tails and his brother (blood related or not) are the best team and friends…period. "Unbreakable Bond" describes them perfectly.

Dark Tailz Fox: Yes I didn't include Espio and Tails clashes like I said I would. This story is a bit of a handful right now, so I hope you'll wait for the next chapter? I understand if you don't want to review 'til then.

draco'sfairmaiden: Nice to have a new name to add! I hope this chapter will suffice with your personal standards, which I promise to adapt to as much as possible.

Yeesh! I'm getting more and more carried away with these comments! But I wouldn't do it if I didn't like it! XD

Until next time!