SONIC HEROES: THE SERIES
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Sonic characters, just the OC's
Chapter Eighteen: Arabian Wedding Nights
It was night time at the base of the Sonic Heroes. Everyone was in bed, dreaming their usual dreams. Amy dreamed of marrying Sonic. Sonic dreamed of running away from Amy. Knuckles and Rouge were thinking of the Master Emerald in different ways. And Storm was dreaming about...nothing. But one member of the team did not sleep peacefully this night. In Jet and Storm's room, Jet was tossing and turning in his bed as an annoying, yet familiar voice was pestering him in his sleep.
"Jet...Jet..." the voice started softly before shouting. "Wake up, bird brain!"
That last shout startled the emerald bird and jumped him out of his bed.
"Ooh, my beak." Jet groaned. Jet pulled himself up and glared at Storm. "Storm, was that you?" the only reply he received was Storm loud snoring. "Guess that answers my question. Well, if it wasn't Storm, who was it?"
"That would be me."
"I know that voice." Jet said and he looked at the golden ring on his bedside table. "Shahra?"
"It's about time you woke up. I've been trying to reach you all night." Shahra said.
"Couldn't it wait in the morning?" Jet complained tiredly.
"No time! King Shahryar needs to see you right away!" Shahra exclaimed.
"Why? What's the problem?" Jet questioned.
"You'll see once you get there. Now hurry!" Shahra screeched.
"All right already." Jet groaned as he made his way out of the room. "I miss the good ol days when I was considered a bad guy."
Jet made his way to the workshop where Tails, Wave, and Omega were usually tinkering. Jet walked past the Tornado III and stopped in front of the entrance of the storage room. Jet removed his glove and placed it on the scanner to access the storage room where they keep all their valuable items. Including the three chaos emeralds. Jet walked over to the podium that held his own book and opened it to the chapter of Sand Oasis, where the king resides. Jet would willing go, but there was a problem.
"How am I supposed to get in?" Jet asked. Just then, a human hand reached out of the book and grabbed Jet by the beak. "Give me a break."
The hand forcefully pulled Jet into the pages and disappeared as the book closed all on its own.
The scene takes place in the tall white place that lay in the vast desert of Sand Oasis. Jet fell from the ceiling of the palace and landed on the cold stone floor on his beak.
"Why does this stuff only happen to me?" Jet whined.
"It's called karma and I think it suits you." Jet looked over his shoulder to see King Shahryar at his throne with Shahra, Ali Baba, and Sinbad at his side. "Welcome back, Wind Hawk.
"Back at ya." Jet said nasally while fixing his beak. "What do you want this time?"
King Shahryar's expression seemed stern and serious. Not the kind you would usually see on Sonic's face. King Shahryar stepped up from his throne and walked down the long hall with the others by his side. Upon passing Jet, King Shahryar said.
"Follow me." Jet willingly followed as they made their way to the palace doors. "Do you remember when you first defeated Erazor Djinn and restored the Arabian Nights?"
"Remember? How could I forget?" Jet asked as his mind wandered back to that day.
---Flashback---
The Babylon Guardian then appeared through the floor in front of Jet.
"So, we meet again, Jet the Hawk." The Babylon Guardian said.
"Hey, looks like I'm running a bit low, here. Think you could top me off." Jet said as he pointed to the flame on his chest.
"I will. but first..." The Babylon Guardian trailed off as he held his hand towards Jet.
All of a sudden, the crystal box flew from Jet's feathers and into the Babylon Guardian's hand. The crystal box then began to glow in the Babylon Guardians hand and soon the Babylon Guardians body began to crack before exploding.
"No longer am I the Babylon Guardian. I am, once more...Erazor Djinn!"
---
"But the life of the collector of the rings shall be offered up in sacrifice as the key for that control." I offer up YOUR life, Jet the Hawk." Erazor Djinn proclaims.
Erazor Djinn pulls out his razor and lunges at Jet. Just as he was about to strike Jet, Shahra jumps in front of Jet and takes the hit.
"Jet... I'm... sorry. I knew... all along... I knew what would happen, and I still got you involved." Shahra apologized
"Shahra! Grant me a wish! I wish for you to not die and to go back to the way you were!" Jet wished desperately.
"I'm so sorry, Master. I... cannot grant..." Shahra couldn't finish as her life was taken and the ring on Jet's finger shattered.
"Hmph. In the end, such is the weak power of a Genie of the Ring." Erazor Djinn said. The seven world rings enter Erazor Djinn's body and forces him to transform into a misshapen monster. "I am Alf Layla Wa-Layla. I AM the Arabian Nights. I will be its new creator! I will remake this world and this reality in my own image!"
Suddenly, Jet's crystal box floats above his head and envelopes him in a flash of light. With the power of the crystal box, Jet had become Shining Jet.
"I am going to put an end to you!" Shining Jet proclaims.
---
Erazor Djinn was lying on the floor, defeated, and Jet was sitting on the throne in front of him. Jet took notice that the flame on his chest had disappeared.
Erazor Djinn was lying on the floor, defeated, and Jet was sitting on the throne in front of him. Jet took notice that the flame on his chest had disappeared." Erazor proclaims.
Jet then pulls out the red and gold lamp Shahra gave him and shows it to Erazor Djinn.
"That can't be!? That's...the" Erazor Djinn said in shock.
"The genie of the lamp is supposed to grant three wishes, am I right?" Jet asked. "Hmm! My first wish. Bring Shahra back to life!" A red beam of light leaves the lamp and shoots Erazor Djinn directly in the chest and forces him to grant Jet's wish. Shahra's ring reappears on Jet's finger and Shahra rematerialized next to Jet. "My second wish. Return the Arabian Nights to the way they were, so that the world can have its stories again!" Erazor Djinn was shot again and the books words left his body to return to their original place.
---End Flasback---
"That's one thing that is impossible to forget."
"When you returned the Arabian Nights to its original state the book was incomplete." Sinbad said as the group walked outside.
"Say what?!" Jet exclaimed.
"The original state of the Arabian Nights was incomplete because more stories were being made." Shahryar explained. "But just yesterday, the last page was filled. And that's where the trouble begins."
"What do you mean?" Jet asked.
"When the book was incomplete, King Shahryar could easily keep stability amongst the Arabian Nights." Shahra explained. "But now that the book is full, it has become too much for the king to handle."
"What am I supposed to do?"
"In order for King Shahryar to maintain stability, he must have a..." Shahra trailed off.
"A what?" Jet asked, but no one answered. "Come on. Tell me."
"A queen." Shahryar said. "To maintain stability, I must acquire a queen."
"Whoa, that's a big step, fella." Jet joked. "So, you drag me here all the way just to get you hitched. Come on, you're the king. I'm sure you could have any woman you want."
"It's true, but I desire a queen who is kind and pure of heart." Shahryar said. "Jet, my friend, it is up to you to find someone who is fit to stay by my side."
"You can count on me." Jet said as he turned to Shahra. "Shahra, I wish we were at the most populated page in the book."
"Your wish is my command, o master." Shahra said.
And with a flick of her wrist, Jet, Sinbad, and Ali Baba were transported to another location. The group soon found themselves in a large desert city similar to that of Sand Oasis, only drier.
"Where are we?" Jet asked.
"If I remember correctly, this is the former sight of Erazor Djinn's castle." Shahra said. "It was reconstructed when Erazor was defeated."
"Funny. When I imagined coming back here, I thought it would be a lot creepier." Jet said.
"We must find a queen for the King and soon." Ali Baba stated. "Or else the book will start to unravel."
The four traversed through the street market I hopes of finding someone fit enough to be Shahryar's queen. Jet had suggested many women, but nearly all of the only wanted to steal his money. And others he picked would only agree if it meant ruling the Arabian Nights. Ali Baba kept a sharp look out for anyone who might be fit for Shahryar and spotted someone down the street. The woman looked like Kumori, but wore baggy white pants and a simple white top. The woman was known as a thief, but only did it for those in need. Ali Baba and the others approached her just as she was stealing a diamond necklace.
"A bit much, don't you think?" Ali Baba said, startling the thief.
"Whoa, you startled me for a moment." The thief said. "Well, I wasn't really going to steal it. I was...uh."
The thief was trying to come up with an excuse, but couldn't think of one. Strangely enough, Sinbad somehow seemed to recognize her.
"Marina?" Sinbad asked.
"Sinbad?" Marina replied.
"You know her?" Jet asked.
"Of course. He and I were partners sailing the high seas until the Rukh came and took him." Marina explained.
"So, is she suited for the king?" Shahra asked.
"Yes, she is." Sinbad said. The group cheered until. "Except for one thing." Sinbad held his and her hand out to reveal two golden rings on each of them.
"You've got to be kidding" Jet complained.
"We were married when we returned to Basra." Marina explained. "Which reminds me, we never finished our honeymoon."
"You guys go on ahead. I have some unfinished business to take care of." Sinbad said.
Sinbad grabbed Marina by her arm and dragged her off down the street, leaving the others in their dust.
"He's not coming back, is he?" Shahra asked.
"I wouldn't." Jet said, earning him a slap.
The group, now down to three, once again set out to find a suitable queen. While, Ali Baba and Shahra wanted to venture on, Jet noticed another girl near the market's fountain. The girl looked like Blaze, only she wore red Arabian clothing. Jet tugged at Ali Baba's cloak and asked.
"Who is that?"
"That's Badroulbadour (That is a real charecter), the princess from the story, Aladdin and the Magic Lamp." Ali Baba answered.
"Is she a good person?"
She is one of the purest in the whole book." Ali Baba informed.
"Perfect." Jet said as he raced towards the princess.
"Wait!" Ali Baba called out. "You should know that..."
But Jet wasn't listening. All he could think about was finding a queen and getting back home to sleep. As the princess relaxed near the cool, gental waters, Jet skidded out of nowhere and stopped in front of her.
"Can I help you?" The princess asked.
"Yeah. I supposed to be looking for someone to become the kings queen." Jet explained shortly.
"I would be happy to help." The princess said.
"Great! We get you back to the palace, get you married, and I can go to sleep. Problem solved." Jet said.
"But there is a problem." Jet looked at her with a confused look. "It's my husband, Aladdin."
"Who is this, Aladdin?" Jet questioned. "I would like to tell him a thing or two." A moment later, someone tapped on Jet's shoulder. Jet looked over to see Silver, only wearing a crimson vest and black sash. Jet could only guess that this was Aladdin. "Why didn't I see that coming?" Aladdin reeled back his fist and knocked Jet's lights out. A few minutes later, Ali Baba and Shahra dragged Jet to a merchant resterant with an ice pack for his eye. "I must be cursed or something."
"No, you just don't know how think straight." Shahra commented, receiving a glare from Jet.
"Is there anyone in this book that isn't married or have a boyfriend that could kill me?" Jet asked.
"Well...there is one person." Ali Baba said.
"Who?!" Shahra and Jet exclaimed, startling Ali Baba.
"Her name is Scheherazadea (This is the actual name), a famous story teller." Ali Baba stated.
"I remember her." Shahra said. "She and the king were supposed to be married since the creation of the Arabian Nights. But When Erazor attacked, she was lost forever."
"She was not lost. She was merely hiding." Ali Baba stated.
"Do you know where she is?"
"She is..." Ali Baba was interrupted when a violent storm erupted from out of nowhere. The storm created a funnel that crashed down to the ground. The funnel disappeared and revealed none other than Erazor Djinn. "Erazor!"
"Aah, it is so good to be home." Erazor said calmly.
"What are you doing her?" Shahra questioned.
"I could sense that the king's power was growing weaker." Erazor stated. "I thought that with this opportunity, I could reclaim what was rightfully mine. And when I do take over the Arabian Nights, I'll even let you be my queen, Shahra."
"Never!" Shahra spat.
"Very well. Have it your way." Erazor said as he whipped out his razor blade.
"You'll have to get past me first." Jet said as he whipped out his fans.
"With pleasure."
Erazor and Jet charged towards eachother and dived at one another. In a strange turn of events, Erazor returned his blade and fell slightly backwards. When Jet was in range, Erazor swung his leg upward to kick Jet into the air. Erazor followed and whipped his razor blade to take numorous swipes at the birds body. Erazor purposely missed all of Jet's vital spots in order to prolong his suffering. After having his little fun, Erazor held out his hand and conjured a ball of fire. Erazor threw the ball, along with Jet, into one of the merchant store and burned it down.
"Jet!" Shahra cried.
"I would not worry about him." Erazor smirked. "In a matter of moments, he will be dead." Erazor disappeared and then reappeared in front of Ali Baba. Erazor grabbed Ali Baba by the neck and forced his mask off. Once the mask was gone, Ali Baba turned out to be Amy, only her hair was messier and more wild. "You really thought you could hide from me, Scheherazadea."
"Scheherazadea?" Shahra repeated. "So the true queen has been in front of us the entire time?"
"You won't win, Erzaor." Scheherazadea stated. "I no longer fear you. Once Shahryar and I are reunited, you will beg for mercy."
"That is where you are wrong." Erazor smirked. "Now that the king is weak, I will have no trouble extracting the locations of the seven world rings from him." Erazor whipped out his razor and held it to Scheherazadea's neck. "Now to end this."
Erazor held back his blade and swung it across the hedgehog girls neck. But just a split second before the blade hit, time suddenly stopped and Scheherazadea had disappeared. Erazor could only guess it was the work of Jet's time break technique. Erazor turned completely around to find Jet standing protectivly in front of Scheherazadea.
"So you're the queen?" Jet asked. Scheherazadea nodded. "And you couldn't have told me that sooner? You could have saved me a black eye."
"You just don't know when to die." Erazor said.
"Well, I couldn't just keel over with showing off my new attack." Jet smirked.
Jet croutched down with his arms crossed and his fans held behind his back. At that moment, Jet's ring began to glow. Instead of time stopping as Erazor excepted, nothing happened at all. Just then, Jet harply turned his head up and bolted past Erazor with speed that even Sonic could respect. There was a moment of uneasy silance. Just then, Erazor doubled over in pain and started coughing up blood.
"What...did you...do?" Erazor gasped.
"Instead of stopping time, I made time move slower around me." Jet smirked. " I call it my Time Shooter."
"This...isn't...over." Erazor said.
Erazor, knowing he was defeated, evaporated into a puff of black smoke. Shahra and Scheherazadea gathered around Jet as they watched Erazor disappear from the book. Just then, Sinbad came back.
"Hey, what'd I miss?" Sinbad asked.
The three glared at Sinbad before punching him in the face. Later, Jet, Sinbad, and Shahra returned to Sharyar's palace. Jet and the others kneeled before the king, bearing news of their adventure.
"So Erazor Djinn returned?" Shahryar asked. They nodded. "And you defeated him?" they nodded again. "And after all this, you still fail to find me a queen."
"Now, I wouldn't say that." Jet smiled.
Jet and the others turned to one of the palace columns and watched as Scheherazadea made her presence know. Jet smirked at shahryar's shocked expression. Shahryar slowly descended from his throne before running to embrace his queen.
"Scheherazadea, I can't believe it's you." Shahryar said with joy.
"I was afraid of Erazor's power, so I hid." Scheherazadea explained as she broke the embrace. "But now I no longer have a reason to fear. Now that I know that heroes like Jet will always be there to save us."
"So, does that mean that you will become my queen once again." Shahryar asked hopefully.
"I promise nothing will separate us again." Scheherazadea said.
The two embraced once more, this time with nothing to stop them. The trio watched proudly at their work. Even Sinbad seemed to shed a few tears at the sight.
"So, that's it?" Jet asked.
"Yes. Now that the King and queen are together, the Arabian Nights is safe." Shahra said. "Now, I believe it is time for you to return home. Thank you for saving us...again, Jet."
"Anytime." Jet shrugged.
And with a wave of Shahra's hands, Jet evaporated and disappeared from the confines of the book pages.
Back at the heroes base, Jet's book slowly rumbled before ejecting Jet from within it.
"You would think they would put an air bag there." Jet said as he walked out of the storage room. "(Yawns) Ugh, I can't wait to hit the sack again."
Jet was headed for bed when the sun slowly rose from the horizon. Jet stood, mouth in gape, as he realized it took the entire night away. Just then, Jet's masculine roommate entered the hallway.
"Hey, boss." Storm said. Jet collapsed to the floor. "Was it something I said?"
At the Dark Rulers castle, Erazor crashed landed in the center of the castle. What he didn't realize was that he landed in front of Nazo, who was staring blankly from his throne.
"Ah! Master!" Erazor screech as he bowed for mercy. "Master, please forgive me. I have failed you, but I can make up for it." When Erazor was punished, he noticed that Nazo was not paying any attention to his pleas. "Uh...Master?"
"Huh?" Nazo said as he broke from his trance. "Oh, it's you Erazor."
"Master, you seemed troubled." Erazor said. "What's wrong?"
"It's Mephiles." Nazo stated. "Something is bothering him."
"Yeah, so?" Erazor asked.
"Nothing bothers him." Nazo claims. "Unless it's something important."
At the top of the castle roof, Mephiles gazed at the eteranl moon that forever loomed over the castle skies.
"I don't understand it." Mephiles said. "But this presence I'm feeling, it's so...familiar." Mephiles continually gazed at the moon. And for a split second, he thought he saw a flicker of flames pass by it. "I know this presence, but I just don't remember where." Mephiles gripped his claws. "There is only one place to find out."
"Soleanna."
Lovers reunited again by an unlikely hero. What is this presence that Mephiles feels? And what connections does it have to Soleanna? Find out on the next Sonic Heroes.
Please, read and review.