A/N: Hello everybody, and welcome to part 2 of the big anniversary celebration. Yesterday we saw what Blaze and Sonic have been up to, so now let's check in on Tails, Knuckles and Tikal :)

Chapter 9

Marching Towards Destruction

Bullets flew through the air at breakneck speeds, ricocheting off rocks, splintering fragments cracking to the ground as they collided with solid surfaces. Ash and smoke filled the air as the Avian troops continued to retreat. Their blood curdling screams filled the heavy, turbid air as they were continuously gunned down one by one.

Wave watched in horror as almost all her fighters fell beside her until only a few stragglers, herself and her right-hand woman, Fiona, still stood.

"Wave, I think this is it," Fiona turned to the swallow as the two quickly ducked behind a rock. "Shadow's relentless attack has proven too much. He's almost at the capital, this is our last line of defense. What do we do?" Wave turned from her to the barren plains where more of her feathered brethren were being slaughtered.

"There is only one thing we can do," Wave took a deep breath of the dusty air and swallowed her fear down. Fiona gave her a quizzical glance, looking for guidance that Wave could no longer give. "Fiona, you have served me well all these years."

"What are you saying? This is starting to sound like a goodbye," Fiona said, noticing the inklings of small tear droplets in the corners of Wave's eyes.

"I'm going to surrender myself. They will take the capital, but it will spare our people," Wave spoke in a stern, emotionless tone.

"No, you can't do that! Shadow will kill you the first chance he gets," Fiona warned, the rust-furred vixen filled with determination.

"That may be, but if it saves our people, and if it saves you, then it will be worth it," Wave smiled. "What I need you to do is run. When I get them to cease fire you need to flee, run as far away from here as possible."

"Wave…"

"This is not up for discussion!" Wave took charge. "Now go," the swallow quickly grabbed Fiona, bringing her into a brisk, tight embrace before breaking apart. "Don't let them see you." With that, Wave stepped out from her hiding spot behind the rock with her hands in the air.

"Wait! Stop your fire!" Bullets continued to wiz past her, barely scratching her bruised and battered figure.

"Hold!" a dark, domineering voice raised up over the incessant sound of gunfire as the Mobian frontline immediately held their fire. Shadow stepped forward, grinning maliciously as he beckoned Wave over towards him. The swallow held her head down, her eyes glassing over the rubble and submerged bullet casings covered in dust as her feet slowly took her towards the imposing hedgehog.

"Well, well, well," Shadow scoffed as he circled around the defenseless swallow. He traced the scar on his cheek with his finger, the singed skin still stinging to the touch. "I've been waiting to finally get you like this."

"Just do your worst," Wave sighed as she clenched her eyes and gave herself to the mercy of Shadow, who licked his lips in anticipation. Shadow grinned, filled with the vengeance that had taken control of him since the swallow had almost killed him not days prior. However, before he could act on these feelings, a figure dived out from behind a nearby rock and wrapped its arm around Shadow's neck.

"Everybody stand back. One wrong move and a bullet goes through his brain," Fiona warned, her stance steadfast as she had one arm around Shadow and the other pushing the barrel of a gun into his temple. Her finger twitched, hovering just next to the trigger, ready to pull it at a moment's notice.

"Fiona? I thought I told you to escape," Wave said, shocked at seeing the fox back to her aid again.

"I couldn't let him just kill you like that."

"Sure you could," Shadow smirked but a quick kick to the back of the knee shut him up as he grunted, faltering forward.

"Wave, get out of here. Retreat and rally the forces," Fiona urged, her eyes darting from side to side, noticing the white knuckles of Mighty who trained his gun straight at Fiona's head, ready for the signal from the ebony hedgehog.

"But what about you?"

"I'll be fine, trust me. Now go."

"But-"

"Now," Fiona yelled. Wave's eyes grew, her pools searching Fiona's for any source of a plan but all she could see was acceptance. Wave knew Fiona didn't have a plan. She knew Fiona had no intention of making it out of this alive but she did see a hint of hope, deep in her eyes. Wave nodded.

"Goodbye," she whispered before turning heel and sprinting off through the ravine and disappearing from view. The sight of the bird once again getting away from him consumed Shadow, fueling his already raging flame. His mind flashed back to the same image of Sonic, the night in the boat when, just like currently, he stood unable to do anything as the object of his hatred diminished off into the distance.

Unable to control himself any longer, Shadow quickly kicked back, the heel of his boot digging into Fiona's shin. She howled out in pain, wincing as she dropped the gun from her hand. In one fell swoop, Shadow bent over and scooped it up, training it right at Fiona's forehead.

"You made a big mistake," he hissed, his bloodshot eyes daring Fiona to make a move. He watched her as he slowly began to pull the trigger, relishing in the moment when suddenly a voice cut through the silence.

"Shadow, don't!"

"Amy? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be back at the castle," Shadow groaned, turning his attention away from Fiona for a second. He made sure Mighty still had a weapon aimed at her so that she would be gunned down if she tried to escape.

"Vector sent me. Shadow, he want's Wave alive," she relayed the crocodile's message.

"Well Wave got away, so he can't have that. Doesn't mean Fiona needs to be alive."

"No, we need her. She's second in command of the Avian army and that means she has the information we desire for a quick takeover. Vector will want to question her," Amy urged. Shadow paused, his face turning between Amy and Fiona as he raised the weapon back up to Fiona, his hand shaking.

"Shadow, don't do it," Amy warned. Fiona held her breath, counting the seconds as she believed each one would be her last until finally, Shadow let out a deep sigh.

"Fine. Tie her up, and hold the lines Mighty, I'll take her back to Vector," he reluctantly agreed. As Fiona was being readied for transport, Shadow walked up until his face was right in front of Amy's, his nostrils flaring. "This is the last time you tell me what to do. Ever," he warned before grabbing Fiona and beginning the trek back with Amy in tow.

"Yeah, whatever," she muttered under her breath.

…

"It's just beautiful, isn't it?" Tikal remarked as she gazed upon the marvelous mangrove that surrounded them on all sides. The lush, dense trees the encircled the alcove danced in the breeze, swaying in motion together like dancers in a musical whistling with the wind. Thin rays of sunlight broke through the small gaps in the foliage, drowning the wooden shelter in warming hues of orange and amber. The murky water lapped against the two echidna's shins as they let their legs dip into the cooling water. They both sat back, propped up by their hands and forearms as they just took in the scenery.

"Yeah, it really is…" Knuckles marveled as he let the beauty overtake him. Ever since Blaze and Sonic had separated from them, his mind had been plagued with fear and doubt but for the first time since, he finally felt a slight hint of peace.

"So… how are you feeling?" Tikal asked tentatively, turning her head to look at him.

"I don't know… I just… I hope they are okay," Knuckles responded after a moment of silence, misty eyed as he continued to stare ahead with little inflection in his voice.

"Hey, c'mon now," Tikal began, placing her hand on his arm. "I know they are both going to be just fine." Startled from the sudden contact, Knuckles turned to look at Tikal. "Oh… I'm sorry," she quickly retreated her hand back.

"No, no it's okay… I just…" he paused, contemplating his words. "Thanks." That was all he said before he placed his hand onto the back of hers. Shocked, she looked back up at him only to see his smile beaming back at her.

"Everything will turn out alright. We just need to figure out a way to change Earthia's mind and get to Mobius. I'm certain we will see both Sonic… and Blaze there and you guys can reunite." Tikal turned her hand over and entwined her fingers within Knuckles'.

"You know Tikal, something is different about you," Knuckles began.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, don't get me wrong, back in Mobius I did love you. I wouldn't have stayed with you for so long if I didn't but something seemed… wrong," Knuckles admitted.

"What do you mean?" Tikal asked again.

"Near the end of it, before all this shit went down, I started to feel more and more distant from you. Like something between us wasn't quite right and no matter what I did to rekindle that first spark, nothing would work. I just decided that it's probably because I'm not even eighteen yet and as I was changing, so were my feelings…" he trailed off, not knowing where to go or how to finish what he was saying.

"You were going to break up with me?" Tikal asked, trying to hold back the sadness that was threatening her.

"I… I don't know," Knuckles admitted. "Maybe?"

"What did I do wrong?"

"It wasn't you, it was me. I know that's cliché but it was. I just wasn't seeing you the way I used to. Then when you washed up on that island… something was different about you," Knuckles spoke softly. He raised his unoccupied hand and brushed Tikal's cheek, stroking a stand of stray hair and combing it back behind her ear like is usually sat.

"Di-different how?" Tikal swallowed, memorized by Knuckles as her heart began to race.

"I can't place my finger on it," he continued. "It's like, when I look at you, something inside of me has changed. Like that old, long since extinguished spark has returned."

"Well you've changed heaps too. Since when did you have such a way with words? What happened to my big dummy?" Tikal laughed.

"He grew up. He was forced to because of what you did," Knuckles suddenly hissed, shadows covering his eyes. "I-I'm sorry… I didn't mean-"

"No," Tikal interjected. "You're right. I caused this whole mess. I just wish that if I could go back and change one thing, it would be that night when I found the diary. I wish I didn't cause this war, and I wish I didn't lose you."

"But you found me again," Knuckles smiled.

"I always will," Tikal replied as the two slowly leant in closer. Tikal's eyes moved around in their sockets, searching Knuckles' as the two leaned closer together, slowly shutting their eyelids.

"I get it. You're sad but that doesn't give you the right to be alone with my sister. Now stop moping and trying to get Cosmo to pity you so you can take advantage of her or else I swear I'll intervene," the annoyed, arrogant voice broke through the serene air surrounding the area. Knuckles turned his head away briskly to see what the commotion was about, causing Tikal to falter forward slightly as she was expecting something to push her back. She opened her eyes to see the depressed looking fox slip out of the shelter and take a seat away from the two on the other side of the rooted platform.

"Go on," Tikal sighed.

"But what about you?"

"I'll find a way to entertain myself. He needs some cheering up. Go on," Tikal smiled.

"See, you have changed," Knuckles grinned as he gave her a quick hug before standing up and walking over to Tails. Knuckles plonked himself down next to Tails and let his foot fall back in the water, causing small ripples in the still water.

"Hey buddy, how you holding up?" He asked with concern.

"I'd be a lot better if I wasn't always on Galaxia's bad side," Tails admitted.

"That's to say she even has a good side," Knuckles chuckled. Tails let a small smirk cross his face before instantly wiping it away. Knuckles jumped at the opportunity. "Ha, don't think I didn't see that. Come on, you're allowed to laugh. I'm pretty funny," he puffed out his chest.

"Just as arrogant as always," Tails shook his head, letting the smile form on his lips again.

"Well you know what they say about somebody with a big head," he knocked his noggin with his knuckles.

"A big brain?" Tails enquired.

"A big ego," Knuckles laughed. Tails let a small giggle escape his mouth too. "There the Tails I always knew was there.

"Thanks Knuckles, I really needed this," Tails said as he swirled his foot around in the water, letting the calming liquid soothe his soul and body. "You're always there for me when I need you." Knuckles flinched, a pang of guilt striking his heart.

"A-actually Tails… I think there is something I should probably confess," Knuckles sighed.

"What is it? You know you can tell me anything, right? Especially after all we've been through together."

"Yeah, I know, but there was a time when I didn't think that was the case."

"Look, I know we weren't really friends back in Mobius and I know you only really hung out with me because you and Sonic were good friends and I always stuck around with him but-"

"No, not back then," Knuckles interrupted. "I mean recently. Back on the island… after the storm specifically," Knuckles admitted. Tails turned his head, furrowing his brows in curiosity as his glance pushed for Knuckles to continue. "You see… Blaze and I couldn't help feeling the way we did. We didn't want to, but there was a part of us that couldn't deny that what has happened to us, to our now deceased families… was all you and Sonic's fault…"

"What do you mean?"

"If it wasn't for you, we would still be happy in Mobius. We would still be with our families and they would be alive. We came with you because you were our friends and we wanted to help but there is a part of me that resents you for all the wrong you inadvertently caused. After the storm, when the last of our hope was dashed, we planned to leave both of you and go off just the two of us. That is… until we found Tikal," Knuckles finally admitted the truth.

"You were going to leave us, after everything?" Tails asked, unable to believe what Knuckles was saying. The red echidna simply nodded, saying nothing more. "I…I…I…" Tails was at a loss for words, struggling to respond.

"I get it if you hate me," Knuckles bowed his head.

"I… understand."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I get it. We might not have asked you to help us, but you did because we were your friends and that's just what friends do. They help each other out. And we weren't exactly super thankful after it all and didn't stop to think about all that you sacrificed."

"Tails I-" Knuckles began, but was interrupted by a familiar pink fairy rush through the small opening in the grove screaming for Earthia. In no time at all, Earthia, accompanied by her two daughters Cosmo and Galaxia, came bursting out of the main doors of the large, wooden shelter.

"What is wrong Lumina?" She asked, keeping her calm, composed nature that she was known for.

"I just got word from one of the roaming patrols. They spotted Razor's army and he's heading this way! He'll be here on the hour," Lumina wailed, panic taking ahold of her.

"I knew he would try something like this. He's just using this Mobian war as an excuse to finish what he started," Earthia snarled, surprising even her own daughters by the malice that stuck to each world like the dripping toxins of a venomous spider.

"Mother?" Cosmo asked tentatively.

"Are you okay?" Galaxia chimed in.

"Excuse me Earthia, but why would the Vaposians be attacking here? I don't quite understand?" Tails enquired as Tikal stood up and joined the hexagon of individuals.

"Galaxia, go and ready the troops. I will be with you momentarily," Earthia instructed, waiting until Galaxia ran off to prepare before she turned to answer the curious fox's question.

"Well, in a quick summation, it all started back in the great war," Earthia began, making haste with her explanation. "As Large ravaged the land, Aves and Macton forged a powerful alliance and asked the help of us and the Vaposians to finally defeat Large. I was but a small child at the time, no more than ten years of age when my mother went off by boat, as it was quicker travel, to go to a meeting with the Macton's up north. However, her vessel never returned. A few days later we received word that her ship was attacked by a beast; the Leviathan. My mother was devoured and it sent my father, Dark Oak, into the realm of insanity. He was changed from that day on, and it scared me. I'll never forget the look of sheer hatred that was evident on his face when one of his spies discovered that the Leviathan was sent by Coral, leader of Vapos at the time, to kill my mother so she couldn't meet with the Vaposians current ally, Macton. He arranged a meeting with Coral and her son, Striker, and in a fit of rage he slaughtered Coral. Striker sliced him down after that and I lost both my parents that day. Ever since then, I have held great disdain towards the Vaposians, but was raised better than to act barbaric and attack."

"But if you and the Vaposians hated each other, then how did the four nations all come together to push back Large? That's what we learnt in school," Knuckles piped up.

"Also, are you really one hundred and ten years old?" Tikal asked, earning a few disapproving glances from Tails and Cosmo.

"Yes, I might not look it but I have lived for a long time. And that's due to our strong alliance with Aves. Vapos and Macton worked together and we did so thanks to Aves and Macton, we were able to coordinate without ever needing to speak with the Vaposians. After the terrible tragedy, all we learnt from it is never to trust a Vaposian. Ever."

"I'm sorry to hear," Tails empathized with the old queen.

"Queen Earthia, there is more," Lumina suddenly added, unable to hold her tongue any longer. "We need to be wary because our patrol told us that they are getting help from the Mobian army too!"

"Chaos, can it be true? If Razor is receiving help from Vector, then we have already lost."

"Can't we ask for Aves' assistance?" Knuckles enquired.

"Unfortunately no, as I just received word that Wave and Fiona fell in battle."

"No… Wave…" Tails sighed, thinking back to the swallow that helped him out when nobody else did.

"How can you be sure Mobius is helping?" Tikal asked.

"They said they saw two Mobians marching at the front lines next to Razor. A sapphire hedgehog and violet feline," Lumina reported. Knuckles gasped, his mouth falling agape as Tails eyes bulged and grew big with realization and hope. Tikal just stared forward into nothingness, her face expressionless.

"No, Earthia, that is not Mobius helping them. That's Blaze and Sonic, our friends. That means they are alive, and if we can just talk to them then we can stop a fight between you and Vapos," Knuckles urged, a sense of purpose filling him.

"If this is true, then there is still hope. Cosmo, let's go meet up with Galaxia and get ready for battle. You three come with me and try to bargain, but be prepared for war nonetheless," Earthia commanded in a didactic tone. The three nodded as they all scurried off, following Cosmo and Earthia.

"Sonic…" Tails thought. "He's alive. Let's go save our friends," Tails said, determination dripping off his words as the flame in his eyes alighted with hope. "Time to go to battle."

A/N: Well there you have it. Tikal and Knuckles are growing closer (Despite the many PM's and reviews I have gotten saying how you all hate Tikal. I know she is hated, but that might change. Just keep reading, but thanks for the feedback. If you hate her, then I guess I'm doing my job haha) and Earthia getting ready to battle Razor, next chapter is ready for a full on battle! So with Tails learning the truth of Knuckles and Blaze's plan, his reaction was a complete reversal from Sonic's. Which reaction did you like more? Could that lead to further disputes further down the road? And with Tails learning the truth about Sonic and Blaze, it seems we are ready for a possibly happy reunion next chapter! Or maybe not... How do you feel about Tikal and Knuckles, do you agree with Tails or Sonic in athe reaction, and what will happen when both forces finally come face to face. And yes, Wave escaped and Fiona is captured. What could come of this?

Also, there are only three chapters remaining before the big musical special! As a final surprise for this anniversary special, I've decided to give a list of the people who get their own songs. Next chapter I'll reveal which songs will get parodied and possibly some more updates in the future, but for now, this is all you get :P In no particular order, Vector and Amy, Sonic X2, Tails X2, Sonic and Tails, Shadow, Shadow and Amy and Mighty and the Mobian army, Tikal, Blaze, Knuckles and for the last song, Wave. Yep, Wave gets a song! Hooray? That's twelve different songs. Which are you most excited for? The Sonic and Tails duet which was the fan favourite last story, or perhaps another. Let me know in a review :)

Finally, we hear both sides to the story. Much like life, each story has two sides because of differing perspectives and of course they are both very different. The hundred year time gap only adds to the level of uncertainty surrounding the veracity of both Razor's and Earthia's accounts of the thing. Which was it, Coral releasing the Leviathan and Dark Oak getting revenge, or Dark Oak slaughtering Coral and Striker getting revenge by sending out the Leviathan? That's for you to decide for now, and me to maybe reveal. But, like most battles and recounts of events, it's sometimes impossible to really know the truth as both parties really think that's what happens. Much like in real war, after a while sometimes both sides forget exactly why they were fighting and are only at war because of the hatred that had manifested for the other people due to the war. Either way, let me know in a review which side you are on. Vapos or Zuncon, Razor or Earthia, Land or Sea? And, as always, have a nice day and thanks for reading.

Next time on Sontails: War of Faith - Chapter 10: Land Vs. Sea