SONIC HEROES: THE SERIES
Part 1 of 5 of the Zeenint Saga
Chapter Ninety-Five: Master of the Emeralds, Part 1
The world was dark and empty, not a single form of life to be seen. But if one were to look deeper, they would see the true horrors that lie within the shining surface of the Master Emerald. An unknown shape was curled within the endless depths of the powerful gem, remaining motionless for several centuries. Hundreds of holographic screens drifted around the creature's body in the shape of a sphere, each presenting a different image.
Sonic held out his right hand, summoning a mass amount of blue Chaos Energy. He compressed the powerful current into a spherical form.
Metal gripped his right wrist with his left, collecting his power into his hand. A few sparks began to crackle from the metal until electricity completely coated his claw.
Silver's body gained a momentary glow and swung his arm, releasing the energy into a corkscrew.
Shadow's fur began to rise as his body was suddenly overcome by a fiendish red glow. The hedgehog cackled in a way similar to Black Doom and released his pent up energy into a glowing dome.
Nazo's naturally silver body transformed into deep-blood-red with his eyes changing to a menacing yellow. He gained two more quills with his spines forming the shape of an 'X' and his shoes became black/gold boots.
Mega Sonic compressed a sphere of blue energy into his palm, flying through the sky like a shooting star. Before releasing the energy, the winds transformed to a golden color with a white swirl in the center.
"Yes..." The creature hissed menacingly. "Fight...kill...destroy. As I watch you battle till your heart's content, you remain completely unaware of my ever-growing power." His eyes wandered over to the vision of Mega Sonic. "You were especially helpful, Sonic the Hedgehog. Now I can complete what I started millenniums ago."
The scene alternates to the Master Emerald shrine on Angel Island, which was once again acting as the center of a special event. With only four days left until the wedding, Knuckles had asked for the assistance of Tikal and Blue to help finish the arrangements. The echidna knew this was going to turn out to be a good day since the real Chaos had actually pulled himself from the Master Emerald to help with the occasion. Speaking of the powerful gem, the Master Emerald was placed upon its old resting point under Chaos' suggestion. Unfortunately, everyone was too busy to notice a small crack forming from the surface.
"Why exactly are you in charge again?" Blue asked the echidna while carrying two stacks of tables.
"Because I have to make sure everything is perfect." Knuckles said gruffly, ripping weeds away from the shrine. "If everything isn't perfect, Rouge won't be happy. And if Rouge isn't happy, we all pay."
"Ugh....I see you point." Blue shivered.
"I think it's romantic." Tikal smiled happily. Chaos was helping her being fitted for her ceremonial garb, which she would wear as priestess for the wedding. "I think it's sweet that someone would go so far for the one they love."
"I think it's romantic, too." Blue said hopefully, unknowing dropping the tables. "Aw, man!"
Tikal laughed amusingly as the knuckleheaded echidna screamed himself hoarse at the klutzy clone. But the original Chaos was suddenly distracted. He could feel a powerful energy radiating from.....the Master Emerald?
"This power..." Chaos thought. "I've only felt this kind of evil once before. Back when..." His emerald-green were wide in terror. "No! He can't be back!"
"Chaos, what's wrong?" Tikal asked once noticing her disturbed friend.
But her question was instantly answered when the crack of the Master Emerald expanded over the surface with a loud crunch. All the gathered heroes shot their attention to the ultimate gem as its powerful glimmer became dull and grey. Then it happened. The Master Emerald exploded with a powerful gust of air, sending the shards flying across the field. Blue and Chaos used their shape shifting powers together to form a wall between the shards and their friends. Tikal stood behind Knuckles fearfully as the warrior echidna ignited his fists in the signature Living Flames. As the dust began to settle, a shadowed figure slowly made his way down the steps. He stopped halfway before he noticed the other occupants.
"Well, this is certainly an unexpected reunion." The shadow chuckled darkly.
"What are you talking about?" Knuckles growled. "Who the hell are you?"
"Hmph! How insulting." The shadow said snidely, looking to Chaos. "I am especially surprised that you haven't told them about me, Stream?"
"Stream?" Tikal thought, gazing at her friend. "Sonic's little brother?"
"I had hoped I would never see you again..." Chaos said in his own language. "Zeenint."
A sharp breeze flowed by, throwing away the remaining dust cloud. The shadow was revealed to be an emerald-green hedgehog with five pointed quills and a blue opal in his forehead, wearing white gloves with black/white shoes. The most noticeable feature of this new character was the black scar that ran diagonally across his chest.
"You know him, Chaos?" Tikal asked meekly.
"I knew him before I had met you." Chaos replied, bring up his claws. "And now, I'm going to make sure this is the last time we meet."
"Oh, don't worry." Zeenint smirked. "I hold no pleasure in seeing your disfigured face any longer."
The aquatic guardian narrowed his eyes and charged ahead to the stairway of the emerald shrine. Chaos transformed his arms into thin blades of water, almost five feet from his target. But unfortunately, with a snap of the hedgehog's fingers, the battle was short-lived.
Three short days passed and the whole world was suddenly out of order. Sonic the Hedgehog and Rouge the Bat were traveling through the forest towards the Mystic Ruins on course for Angel Island. The speedy hedgehog was carrying a handheld receiver in his hands and held it out for both of them to listen. Apparently, they had tuned in one a news report that only confirmed their fears.
"As of yesterday, Christmas Island was complete destroyed." The reporter announced. "Eye witness accounts say a flash of green light appeared before the island were split into small fragments. This could very well be related to the destruction of Emerald Town, Windy Valley, Red Canyon, Pumpkin Hill, Cryptic Castle, and Twinkle Park.
"Amy isn't going to like that." Sonic joked.
"Shush!" Rouge commanded sternly.
"On a lighter note..." The report continued. "Like all the previous mention places, there were no casualties. Many people have claimed to see a hedgehog attacking the island moments before its destruction. Witnesses have confirmed that it is no the leader of the Dark Rulers, Nazo, as many would believe."
"That definitely doesn't sound like Nazo." Sonic commented as he dived through the trees. "If he was going to destroy something, he would be sure to know that no one was left."
"It's definitely strange." Rouge nodded. "All those places were destroyed, but no one died. But at least we were able to make a connection between them: all of those places were holding one of the Chaos Emeralds."
"So whoever this guy is, he's looking to do some serious damage." Sonic said seriously; Rouge nodded. "If that's the case, only two questions come to mind. Why are we the only ones working on this and why are we headed for Angel Island?"
"You heard Shadow." Rouge sighed. "With all the trouble going on, we had to split up the teams into separate divisions to make up for the loss of national security. We even had to call in the extra members to help out."
You mean the Tournament Champions, Bat Trio, and Kadaj." Sonic whistled impressively. "Wow, we must be in deep trouble."
"And if you think about it, Angel Island is the next stop on this guy's list." Rogue continued. "If he's collecting the Chaos Emeralds, you know he's going to want the Master Emerald, too."
"That's what I thought at first as well."
Sonic and Rouge finally breached the forest and landed in the center of the ancient Mystic Ruins. Crumbled, moss covered structures surrounded them with the jungle slowly eating away at the once-great civilization. There were several statues and murals that depicted the echidna's legacy – some of which was recovered in earlier years. And standing at the roof of the largest temple was none other than Metal Sonic, the cobalt hedgehog's greatest rival. The two Heroes moved into position for battle until the metallic clones jumped and landed securely before them.
"Metal?!" Sonic exclaimed. "What are you doing here?!"
"Relax." Metal said coolly. "I have not come here to fight. In fact, I believe we are all in the same boat."
"What are you talking about?" Rouge questioned.
"You think it's possible to keep a situation like this silent?" Metal stated. "Just like you, I suspected that someone may have been attempting to steal the Master Emerald along with its lesser counterparts. But when I got there...I found something I did not predict."
"What?" Rouge asked worried.
"The Master Emerald was completely destroyed." Metal proclaimed swiftly.
"WHAT?!" The heroes screamed shockingly.
"I was just as surprised as you are." Metal said calmly.
"How could that have happened?" Rouge asked. "Where's Knuckles and Blue?"
"When I first arrived there, there were signs of a fight." Metal explained. "But neither the echidna nor the clone were anywhere to be seen. And on top of that, my sensors picked up a faint trail of leaking Chaos Energy. I followed that trail for the past three days through the destruction and ended up back here."
"But why were you...?" Sonic began.
"Wait a minute." Rouge interrupted. "You said you followed the trail and ended up here. Then does that mean...?"
"Surprise!!"
A thin beam of green light struck the ground between the group and formed into a powerful explosion that pushed everyone back. While Sonic and Metal landed safely on their feet, Rouge dropped unceremoniously into a pile of bushes. The dust cloud parted to reveal Zeenint standing in the center of a small crater with the seven Chaos Emeralds floating over his head.
"Sorry, did I come at a bad time." Zeenint chuckled menacingly.
"So you're the guys whose been running around causing trouble." Sonic glared pointedly. "Who are you?"
"I don't think there is any point talking to the dead." Zeenint said mockingly; a throbbing vein appeared on Sonic's forehead. "But I might inquire as to your purpose for trespassing on my land."
"You're land!" Rouge scowled. "This is Knuckles' homeland! You're the one trespassing!"
"Knuckles..." Zeenint said, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Knuckles....oh, you mean that hot-blooded echidna. I think my possession of his home is the least of his worries at the moment."
"What how you done with him?" Rouge growled.
The former master of Parasiden merely grinned vindictively as he reached under his glove and pulled out four small fragments. Though they were dull and grey, the gathered audience instantly recognized them as shards of the Master Emerald. Metal's earlier statement had been confirmed. And within the depths of the emerald shards, the Heroes were shocked to discover not only Knuckles, but Tikal, Blue, Chaos were trapped inside each fragment. They appeared to pounding against the surface, trying their hardest to break loose.
"So this is him..." Metal thought. "The true power behind the Master Emerald, as told in Nazo's memories. I never once thought I would one day actually meet Zeenint."
"Who the hell do you think you are?!" Rouge screamed furiously.
"Or else what?" Zeenint challenged.
Without warning, the feminine thief skipped off the ground and dived for the emerald hedgehog. Using the combination of strength and speed she inherited from Alucard, Rouge swung her leg around and slammed against Zeenint's neck. Against a normal person, such a crushing blow would have resulted in instant death. But Zeenint didn't even flinch and pocketed the emerald shards in his glove. Surprised that her attack had failed, the winged warrior hovered off the ground and repeatedly thrashed her feet against the hedgehog's body. But once again, the effort proved to be in vein as the former master remained in place, watching her amusingly. But eventually, he grew bored and slapped away her next attack, throwing the bat off balance. With his opponent caught off guard, Zeenint took the opportunity to drive his fist into her gut. Blood gushed from Rouge's mouth and she was shot backwards towards one of the echidna statues. Fortunately for her, Sonic appeared just in time and caught her before she could make contact.
"Is she ok?" Sonic asked as Metal landed besides him.
"My scanners show that she has been severally injured." Metal proclaimed. "Her skin has been badly bruised, three of her bones have been fractured, and I believe one of his internal organs have ruptured." Sonic winced as the robotic clone continued. "But I see no signs of her dying anytime soon. She'll be fine for the moment."
"Man, this guy was able to do all that with one punch." Sonic hissed, glancing at the hedgehog. "Who is he?"
"If we don't take him out soon, you won't live long enough to know." Metal stated.
"You have a plan?" Sonic asked.
"I hate to say this, but we need to work together." Metal said grudgedly.
"Aw, you do care about us." Sonic said jokingly.
"Don't make me regret it." Metal growled.
Once making Rouge was safely away from the battle, Metal and Sonic stood across from Zeenint. The emerald hedgehog watched the blue twins with his brow raised, wondering what plan they had up their sleeve. Without warning, Sonic and Metal ran in opposite direction, forming a circle around the former master. Zeenint smiled impressively, his eyes moving back and forth as to locate them.
"Just as I suspected." Zeenint thought. "My eyes can't keep up with them. The only way for sure that I would be able to counterattack them is if they provide an opening. Let's see how this goes."
Without Zeenint's eyes able to follow them, the two warriors secretly began charging up for their next attack. Sonic held out his right hand as he called a large amount of blue Chaos Energy. Once gathering the necessary power, he compacted the energy into a small sphere. Equally, Metal grabbed his right wrist with his left claw, steadying it as he drew power from the atmosphere. In less than a few seconds, the metallic doppelganger's entire claw was coated in a field of lightning. With both attacked ready, the blue duo suddenly stopped in their tracks and jumped towards the center with their hand held forward. Zeenint, who was familiar with these tactics, merely smirked.
"Sonic Wind!!" Sonic called.
"Metal Surge!!" Metal roared.
"Pathetic." Zeenint thought.
Time seemed to have slowed to a halt. As Sonic and Metal attacked from either side, the emerald master kicked off the ground and flipped backwards into the air. The cobalt duo watched shockingly as their attacks slowly passed under their target. But the problems were only just beginning. With still hovering in mid-flip, Zeenint reached down and grabbed each of their wrists, forcing them to continue forward. Under his command, the Sonic Wind struck Metal in his chest while the Metal Surge pierced through Sonic's shoulder. Both warriors hissed in pain, causing Zeenint's grin to spread.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Zeenint said mockingly as he landed. "If I were a considerate guy, I would let you guys off the hook." He laughed wickedly. "It's a good thing I'm not considerate."
The formed master of Parasiden continued to press the attack into the two warriors, who were scream bloody murder. They had tried to several minutes to dispel their attacks, but they weren't acting upon their wishes. It was then that Metal theorized that Zeenint was supplying the energy, making them more powerful than ever. Sonic could slowly feel his body going numb and guessed that he would be dead in less than a minute. Then the pain stopped. Like the Cobalt twins, Zeenint was surprised to see that both attacks had abruptly ended at the appearance of someone he despised greatly. Nazo had appeared in front of his former master – both his hands cutting off the flow of power between the two warriors.
"Well, isn't this a surprise." Zeenint commented lightly. "The old order is coming back."
"Master Zeenint..." Nazo said slowly. "How did you escape?"
"Well, that is a long tale." Zeenint said smoothly. The former master released Sonic and Metal, throwing them in opposite directions. "I guess when it comes down to it; I owe it all to you and your brother."
"My brother?" Nazo repeated, glancing hesitantly to Sonic. "What does he have to do with anything?"
"Everything, actually." Zeenint shrugged. "Oh, the cruel irony. The one who imprisoned me within that tomb was the one who helped me escape."
"Then I will be the one to put you back." Nazo glared, clasping his hands together.
"Do you think you possess the kind of power to defeat me?" Zeenint questioned.
"Why don't you have a look for yourself?" Nazo sneered.
The atmospheric temperature dropped suddenly, sending chills even down Metal's steel spine. Zeenint quickly jumped backwards as the cold air began to freeze over the area surrounding the Dark Rulers. Nazo's hands were reshaped into crystal claws, his feet became sharp and pointed, and his eyes transformed into wide green orbs. The God of Darkness transmutated his body from living flesh to chilling ice. Nazo had once again released his Guardian persona.
"It's nice to see a familiar face." Zeenint said confidently. "But you should recall that it was you who once served me, Eise. Despite your betrayal, I might be willing to give you another chance."
"You no longer hold power over me, Zeenint." Nazo said coldly. "I have become must stronger than last time we battle."
"Why don't you come over here and prove it." Zeenint said.
The Dark Ruler was only too glad to be given the chance. In an unexpected burst of speed, Nazo zipped across the field and drilled his frozen fist in Zeenint's cheek. The emerald master was caught completely by surprise and was flung through that and air through the wall of a crumbling building. The weakened structure collapsed over the former master as Nazo stood ready for anything. Metal, who was clutching the hole in his chest, weakly moved closer to Sonic, who was holding his bleeding shoulder.
"What just happened?" Metal question spitefully.
"Nazo's Guardian Form is as powerful as his Hell Form." Sonic answered swiftly, never taking his eyes from the battle. "In other words, this freak show is facing off against a Super Form. He's screwed."
"But if Nazo's memories prove true..." Metal thought. "Then this is only just the beginning."
Back to the battle, Nazo claws were extended in preparation for his former master. The debris of the fallen home shifted slightly before Zeenint emerged from the pile, throwing the wall of his head. Despite taking a critical blow, Zeenint presented no mark on his face from when the attack struck. The former master scowled at the Ice Guardian as he stood several feet away from his former servant.
"That was very impressive." Zeenint nodded. "There has only two occasions in my lifetime when someone had actually struck me that hard." He ran his fingers across his scar. "The first time was when I received this from that water swordsman."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Nazo stated.
"Oh, that's right." Nazo shook. "He erased himself from existence in order to revive Chaos. Only those who are truly powerful to defy the laws of nature are able to remember. That only proves how inferior you have become."
"Silence!" Nazo snapped hatefully, clasping his claws together. "You know nothing of my power! Let me show you what happens when you mess with the God of Darkness!" The Ice Guardian slammed his claws to the ground, forcing them below the dirt. "Ice Chaos: Frozen Tundra!!"
Without warning, the surrounding environment transformed into a frozen wasteland. The tree wilted in a second, the ground and structures were covered in sleet, and all nearby water sources were completely frozen over. Zeenint, who had remember Nazo's previous experience as a guardian, had never seen him transform the environment so dramatically. Sonic could see his own breathe and the unconscious Rouge gave an involuntary shiver.
"Even though I am truly impressed, it's not much." Zeenint shrugged. "So do you plan to freeze me to death?"
"I prefer the direct approach." Nazo said sinisterly, pressing his claw to the frozen dirt. "Ice Chaos: Frozen Spear Pillars!!"
The Earth gave a sudden shudder, forcing the emerald master to remain on guard. The without warning, thousands of crystal ice spikes ripped through the planet crust within a five mile radius of Zeenint's position. While the emerald hedgehog vanished from sight, Metal and Sonic jumped away as quick as possible to avoid being skewered. The cobalt hedgehog had to take a slight detour to rescue Rouge from the same situation. After a few short moments, the attack finally ended. Metal was spotted atop one of the ice pillars While Sonic remained the closest to Nazo – he set Rouge safely aside. The cobalt hedgehog watched his frozen comrade between the frozen spikes and noticed the former Guardian breathing heavily.
"That attack must have taken a real toll on him." Sonic thought. "Then again, I can see why. Let's just hope he nailed his target."
"I...can't...believe it." Nazo panted tiredly. "I...actually...got him."
"Got who?"
The Ice Guardian stiffened fearfully. Zeenint appeared behind his former subordinate, presenting only a scratch on his cheek after surviving the attack. Touching the blood mark, the emerald hedgehog learned that the right side of his face had gone momentarily numb.
"So that was your plan." Zeenint said impressively. "If your attack had somehow missed, you would be sure to at least make sure that they wouldn't be able to move. That way, you would move in for the final strike." He placed his hand on the Guardian's shoulder, feeling him flinch at his touch. "If you had this kind of power when you were in my service, you would have done better than Aero."
"Don't mention my brother's name." Nazo growled.
The emerald hedgehog merely shrugged. Before the former Guardian could react, Zeenint swiped his hand across Nazo's torso, separating him into two parts. Sonic knew that Nazo was still alive, but the fact that he was defeated so easily disturbed him.
"This is bad." Sonic thought hesitantly. "Nazo's Guardian Form is just as strong as any Super Form. If this guy could take him out in less than a minute, we've got nothing left....well, almost nothing..."
---Flashback---
The Sonic Heroes were on their way back hope after the incident with Naga and the Armageddon. Though he had a week to rest, Sonic still felt sore from the battle. It must have come from using the Mega Form so suddenly. The cobalt hedgehog was sleeping on the deck of the cruise ship, repeating the flow of the battle in his mind. Never before had Sonic felt immortal – he was truly invincible. But unfortunately, his dreams were punctured by a familiar voice.
"Sonic..."
"Wha...?" Sonic slurred sleepily.
"Open your eyes, child."
The cobalt hedgehog slowly crept his eyes open for a moment until the snapped to full attention. The blue sky and salty sea had vanished and were replaced with an endless depth of darkness. But what really attracted the hedgehog's attention was the second creature occupying the space. Tails and Aura's father, Master Nyrox, sat pleasantly on an unseen floor while drink what Sonic recognized as green tea.
"Blegh!" Nyrox moaned disappointedly. "Still not as good as King's."
"Nyrox..." Sonic said frightfully. "What are you doing here? Aren't you..."
"Dead?" Nyrox finished. "Yes, I am. But before I pass on completely, I need to talk to you about the Mega Form."
"Aw, it was great!" Sonic cheered. "Did you see me take down that Armageddon?! I was totally unstoppable! I can't wait to see the look on Nazo's face when I use it on him!"
"That's what I came to warn you about." Nyrox sighed. "Sonic...you are forbidden to use the Mega Form again."
"Say what?!" Sonic exclaimed. "What for?!"
"The Mega Form provides you with the strength of a god, that is true." Nyrox stated wisely. "But there is one major flaw in the form. Because of its unstable energy, it draws power from the user's life force, slowly drain their lifespan." He watched the hedgehog's expression, which had turned to fear. "Just with that one battle alone, you lost six years of your life."
"So...what?" Sonic asked. "I can't use it again?"
"I can teach you how to summon the Mega Form upon command." Nyrox answered. "But before that, you must understand one thing. You must not use the Mega Form unless two conditions are met."
"Two conditions?" Sonic repeated.
"The first condition – use it only when there is no other option." Nyrox said, holding up his fingers as he counted down. "And the second condition is the most important. Only use this form to..."
"Only used the form to..." Sonic nodded slowly.
---End Flashback---
Back on the battlefield, Nazo was trying his hardest to pull himself back together. But every time the Ice Guardian tried to rebuild his missing legs, Zeenint would always shatter them for mere amusement. Eventually, Nazo became too tired to move even his own claws – his earlier attacks had fully drained him. Sensing his weakness, Zeenint pressed his foot against the former Guardian's head.
"How sad to see the mighty fall." Zeenint chuckled. He held out his hand, summoning a sphere of green energy. "But I will offer you a second chance. Serve me and I promise you won't die."
"Burn in hell." Nazo spat.
"Oh, wrong answer." Zeenint smirked.
The emerald master released his contained power and jumped backwards as the explosion expanded for several yards. At the beginning, Zeenint figured that he had won. But that was before he detected an unknown power slowly raising within the calamity. The green light was suddenly pushed aside and replaced by a golden glow that Zeenint was all too familiar with. Super Sonic was crouched in front of Nazo, who had suddenly regained his energy from the hedgehog's presence. To add further interest, the seven Chaos Emeralds had left Zeenint's side and surrounded the golden hero with a brilliant glow.
"The Super Form?" Zeenint glared. "No, this is more powerful than the Super Form."
"Yo, Naz, you ok?" Sonic smirked back to his comrade. "Man, you look pathetic."
"Sonic...how...?" Nazo stammered.
"Just leave it to me." Sonic grunted. "The second condition has been met."
"The second condition?" Nazo repeated.
"The second condition..." Sonic growled gruffly. "To protect those in need!"
Super Sonic exploded in a ray of golden light, blinding both Nazo and Zeenint – Metal watched nearby with peaked interest. The emerald hedgehog hissed menacingly as the light slowly faded, allowing him to see once more. The golden hedgehog had changed dramatically. Sonic quills reached down to his back and were caught in a tangled mess with his eyes sharp with a serious expression. But what drew Zeenint's attention more was the current level of power – he was stronger than even five Super Forms put together. The golden warrior raised his hand, pointing his finger to his enemy.
"Watch out, Zeenint!" Mega Sonic declared. "Because I'm coming for you!"
"So he says." Zeenint grinned. "Things are finally starting to get interesting."
The flow of battle spikes to the next level. Will Sonic Mega Form prove strongest enough to defeat Zeenint? Will Sonic survive his own power? Or will Zeenint regain his command? Find out on the next Sonic Heroes!
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