Chapter 22

Castle Throne Room

As Shard watched Amy and Vector gradually load the cylinders into the hundreds of unmanned drones with some of their men, he struggled to pull the biggest canister on a trolley. With sweat pouring down his face he managed to pull the three-meter-tall circular canister underneath the main spherical heart of his ship. Shard boarded his ship and sat down at his command chair. He input a series of numbers and codes into one of the many screens dotting the main panels. Slowly the steel shell of the sphere opened up and a mechanical crane descended until its gaping jaws clamped around the top of the huge container.

With a turning of gears the crane hauled the canister into the ship as the shell closed off around it. Shard smiled as he readied a quick command to start the drop mechanism when his holographic device began to beep. He pressed a button and a fading, crackling blue image of Zespio appeared in front of him on the bridge.

"Zespio, is everybody safe?" Shard asked.

"Yes sir, I've sent out the wide alert and all of our people are retreating into the bunkers. There's enough food and water to last three days," Zespio responded.

"Three days should be enough time. The effects of the big bomb should only last around twenty-four hours. I'll stay in the ship and come back when the atmosphere is clear."

"Understood. Have you handled Vector yet?"

"He's still useful. I'll wait until he's gotten everything ready before I deal with him."

"Alright. Sealing off the bunker now. All communications will be dead so we'll wait for your signal. Over and out," Zespio saluted before the crackling image dissipated, leaving Shard smirking as he watched from the bridge of his ship as Amy and Vector continued to load the gas.

…

The circular hall was cold as a silent wind whipped through the center. On one side next to Vector's throne, Sonic, Tails, Blaze, Knuckles and Razor stood completely unarmed. On the other, blocking the only exit to the room, stood five guards with guns aimed at the ready. Tikal crouched with her head hung low beside Shadow, who loomed high over everybody grinning from ear to ear. His eyes were alight with fire and vengeance licked his skin. He was reveling in the moment.

"Tikal… how could you do this," Knuckles clenched his fist, his arms trembling as he held an arm out protectively to shield Blaze from the vehement stares of the five guards behind Shadow. Shadow, however, had his glower stuck to Sonic's unflinching face.

"I… I'm sorry," Tikal whispered jadedly.

"Don't give them any satisfaction," Shadow snapped. "If Knuckles was idiotic enough to fall for your façade then that's his problem, not yours. Don't feel bad, you did your job admirably, but now you're finally back and you can stop pretending," Shadow smiled as he placed a thumb under her chin and lifted her resigned cobalt eyes to meet his. He pressed his lips against her and slipped his snake-like tongue into her mouth, exploring the forgotten space.

"I've forgotten how good you taste," Shadow licked his lips. Tikal remained silent but didn't protest.

"You are dating that monster?" Blaze gasped horrified. "And to think, after all this time you finally got me to trust you."

"I did love him, yes. But Blaze, I-"

"But nothing," Shadow growled as he slapped Tikal into stunned silence. Her eyes flew open with fear as she clung to her stinging cheek. He had never hit her before like that. He was always so gentle. She tried to remember back to the times when he was so sweet.

You're the only thing that keeps me sane in this upside-down world. Amy means nothing, I love you.

His words used to be so heartfelt and filled with love. Tikal had thought he grew to need her. She thought he loved her. Was that just an act too? She was so confused and unsure, but bit her tongue and tried to shrink further into her own skin.

"I'm sorry I ever doubted you," Knuckles turned to Blaze. "I should have believed you, but I was just so confused after she had come back into our lives. I thought I was happy and had moved on but just seeing her sent this flurry of emotions back into me."

"It's okay," Blaze soothed as she slipped her hand into his. "She fooled all of us, not just you. I forgive you."

"It's cute you thought she could ever love you," Shadow chortled loudly. But enough about her, this is about you, and me," Shadow turned to peer deep into Sonic's eyes.

"Exactly," Sonic countered, ignoring the pain in his gut from his stitched, bandaged wound. "So let them go and we can finish this mano a mano."

"Why would I let these Iblis worshipers go. I'll let them watch you die and then I'll send them straight to hell where they belong," Shadow hissed.

"Once this is all over, you'll be the only one going to hell," Sonic barked.

"You know, I've waited a long, long time for this moment," Shadow began as he paced back and forth, safe in the knowledge that none of them could do anything to harm him. "My whole life I've lived in your shadow. Ironic, isn't it."

"Shadow, I-"

"Shut it!" Shadow bellowed. "Don't interrupt me when I'm talking. For once this is my time. I'm in the spotlight, not you. I've always been second. Every race, second place. Everybody loved you more. You were faster, you were funnier, you were more popular, you had the better looks… Why couldn't it be me? And then, after you had it all, you went and decided to fall in love with… him! With a guy! You had everything I ever wanted and it wasn't even good enough for you!"

"Shadow, I didn't fall for Tails to spite you," Sonic protested.

"It wasn't enough, was it? You just had to ruin it. Then you embarrassed me in front of everybody, broke my leg and still you got the happy ending. You'll never know real pain, real torment. Not like me. Twelve long, grueling years I spent being outshined by you, but no longer! I'm gonna rule this entire continent with Vector and you're gonna end up in the ground!"

"You're mad."

"Maybe, but at least I'm the one holding all the cards," Shadow grinned maliciously as he ordered one of his guards to hand him his pistol. However, as the guard stepped out of line and handed Shadow the pistol, an earsplitting crack echoed around the room and the guard fell to the ground, blood seeping from a bullet hole in his head.

"What the-" Shadow was cut off when another shot rang out and downed another guard. "Rouge," Shadow narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of the black and white bat as she rushed out of her cover around the corner and aimed the gun at another guard. Just as she pulled the trigger and downed a third guard Shadow fired back with two quick shots in succession. The first collided with the old stone harmlessly while the other hit her in the forearm. Rouge howled in pain as her own weapon was dropped to the floor. Shadow's eyes glinted as he shot her again but Rouge rolled out of the way and hid behind the large doors.

"After her," Shadow roared with fury as the two remaining guards turned to deal with Rouge while she was injured.

"Now," Razor shouted, nodding at Knuckles as the two shot off and barreled into the two guard's whose backs were turned. They toppled onto them as the four men collided on the floor in a tangle of limbs.

"Blaze, here," Knuckles shouted as he took a blade one of the guards had sheathed as a back-up and threw it towards Blaze.

"That could have cut me!" Blaze cried out as she jumped away from the blade. The metal clanged against the stone ground as sparks flew.

"Sorry but take it!" Knuckles cried as he wrestled the guard to the ground, pinching his shoulder as the guard desperately tried to reach the pistols which lay haphazardly a few meters away. Blaze shook her head. She scooped up the knife and brandished it, her eyes hooked on Tikal.

Meanwhile, Rouge rushed out of cover and tried to grab her weapon again but Shadow was quicker. He was upon her within seconds and knocked her to the ground. Sharp pain flew up her arm as her injured wrist smashed against the ground. Shadow kicked her gun away. She wailed louder when Shadow stomped his food down on her wrist and ground her skin against the stone.

"Sh-Shadow, please, stop," Rouge winced.

"You're a traitor," Shadow hissed. "You betrayed Vector and you betrayed Chaos."

"No, you're wrong," Rouge choked out through pained sobs. "I thought that too, but my eyes have been opened. I didn't betray anybody. Big and Vector betrayed Chaos. They killed and murdered. That's not Chaos' way. You can kill me, but my soul will soar to paradise while yours will burn in hell."

"That's a small price to pay," Shadow ground his teeth as he pulled the trigger and shot Rouge right between the eyes. She died instantly.

"Monster!" Sonic growled as he ran into Shadow, knocking them both to the floor. Shadow's gun flew from his hand and scattered across the ground. Tails acted quickly as he rushed to Sonic's aid.

"Sonic I-"

"Tails, no," Sonic shouted, interrupting Tails. "I've got Shadow. You need to finish the plan. Get to the mother ship and stop the drones before it's too late. We'll catch up when we can."

"But Sonic," Tails hesitated.

"Now," Sonic yelled. Tails took one last look at Sonic as he struggled to subdue Shadow while they rolled around on the floor before he tore his eyes away and ran to the open door. He bent down and retrieved Rouge's dropped weapon before he sprinted out of eyesight and off into the distance.

"Never," Shadow grunted as he delivered a devastating punch right into Sonic's gut. His knuckled hit hard right where Sonic's stitched would was and Sonic rolled over in pain, heaving as a bit of bile climbed up his throat. Shade pounced on his gun and squeezed the trigger, sending the last few bullets at Tails' back as the fox ran. None of them hit their mark. Shadow cursed, hurling the empty gun at Sonic as he jumped to his feet and gave chase.

"I'll kill Tails first, then I'll get you," Shadow warned as he hastened from the throne room. Sonic shook off the pain and struggled to his feet. He couldn't let Shadow catch Tails. There was no way Tails could overpower him alone.

"Come on, Sonic, let's get that murderer," Razor called with enthusiastic vigor and determination as he rose from the pile of bodies. While Shadow and Sonic tussled, Razor and Knuckles had quickly dispatched of the final few guards. Razor and Knuckles shared a nod before Razor took off with Sonic to give chase to Tails and Shadow while Knuckles turned his attention back on Blaze and Tikal.

"Blaze, no!" Knuckles screamed.

…

Mighty led his army valiantly as they marched west from Aves' capitol, following the rarely traversed ground. Canyons and valleys eventually turned into winding rivers and large lakes and dams before Mighty as his army had arrived at the outer boarder of Vapos' coastal capital.

"There they are!" Abyss called as a bunch of amphibian troops jumped from their cover and opened fire on the unaware Mobian force.

"Take cover!" Mighty called as he noticed the ambush in time. He dove behind a nearby tree as he watched dozens of the front-line troops fall to the ground. "Curses, they planned this. They knew we were coming." Mighty pulled out a device and called Vector up.

"What's the news? Have you conquered Vapos yet?" Vector barked from the other end of the line.

"They were ready for us, sir. We're completely out numbered and out manned. We might have to retreat and regroup," Mighty responded.

"That's fine, it matters little," Vector said. "Just start to retreat. We've readied the drones to dispense the serum. It will be less than an hour before we drown Vapos. Run as far away from the capital as you can before we act. We're hitting Vapos, Aves and Zuncon so find refuge in the forest away from the capitol's and hide out there for-" Vector's voice was cut off with a grunt.

"Vector?" Mighty screamed back. "Vector, Vector?" The line was dead. "Fall back!" Mighty shouted over the gunfire. "Run to the forest. Get as far away from the coast as you can. Plans have changed. Find cover!"

…

She scooped up the knife and brandished it, her eyes hooked on Tikal. Blaze felt the pent-up rage build inside her as she let out a guttural grown and rushed to Tikal. Images of Tikal sneakily trying to steal Knuckles from her flashed through her mind.

'It was all a lie. It was a trick to break us apart,' Blaze thought. 'She only did that so that we'd be weaker and easier to kill.' Hatred burned brighter as she ran closer and pounced, the sheen of the blade sparkling in the light. Tikal did little to fight back as she fell to the ground. Her arms were sprawled out, her soft underbelly open as Blaze pinned her down with her powerful thighs and slashed the air above Tikal like a mad man.

The blade sat precariously against Tikal's skin as Blaze pushed it against her neck, soft enough to not draw blood but enough to enforce Blaze's warning. The harsh metal should have been cold against her neck but Tikal felt numb. She couldn't feel anything except the loathing. She didn't believe in her cause anymore. After being around them for so long, Tikal's eyes had been opened. Seeing the destruction Vector, Shard and Shadow had left, how could they be right? Sally was blinded by false visions. She knew Chaos wouldn't want this. Chaos wouldn't want death.

Tikal's throat and heart were held in Blaze's silver grasp and she could do nothing but stare lifelessly into her betrayed eyes as she held the knife with terrifying coldness. There was no trace of the peaceful, loving vibrancy her topaz eyes used to hold. Now there was nothing but fearful hatred.

Tikal trembled as she closed her eyes and tipped her chin into the sharpened edge and tempted Blaze to end her anguish. A tiny stream of blood trickled from the feeble cut. Blaze's Knuckles turned white but she didn't remove the blade. She didn't flinch, but stared more menacingly at Tikal with a cruel smile that stretched across her alien features. This wasn't Blaze. She had been transformed by betrayal, sadness, anger and hopelessness. She had become the monster she had always feared and nothing could snap her out of her daze.

Tikal's frozen heart lurched at her merciless gaze as her breath failed her. Blaze's steadfast grip on the deceased guard's polished blade shifted and more crimson blow dripped from the raw wound she'd inflicted.

"Blaze, no!" Knuckles screamed. His voice shot through the darkness clouding her mind like lightning, stunning her back to her senses. Blaze gasped as colour returned to her eyes and her head shot up to see him stumbling over to stop her.

"I… I didn't mean…" Blaze babbled.

"Blaze, let go of the knife," Knuckles said slowly. Blaze did as she was told, unable to believe she was about to strike Tikal down in cold blood. "I'm sorry, Tikal."

"No… I'm sorry. For everything," Tikal whispered as she let out her last breath. With a free hand she gripped Blaze's wrist and pulled her hand closer. Before Blaze could resist, Tikal had guided her hand swishing sideways and the shard edge of the blade sliced across the bare skin of Tikal's neck.

"Tikal, no," Knuckles gasped as blood spurted out like a dam's wall had burst.

"It's… okay," Tikal choked on her own blood. "I've accepted… my fate." Blaze and Knuckles descended into silence as Tikal died painfully in front of them. Blaze couldn't take it any longer and flung and around Knuckles, sobbing into his shoulder.

"I know she was bad… but I didn't mean… I didn't want her to…" Blaze sniffed.

"I know… Despite everything, she didn't deserve to die," Knuckles sighed.

"I don't know what came over me," Blaze wailed. "I almost killed her."

"Almost," Knuckles repeated. "But you didn't. She killed herself, not you," Knuckles soothed as he rubbed the palm of his hand around her back.

"It's horrible, all the death that's happened."

"She's in paradise now," Knuckles concluded, dragging his two fingers over her eyes to let her rest in peace before pushing off the ground. He held out his hand and helped heave Blaze to her feet. "C'mon, this isn't over yet. We need to go help Sonic and Tails."

Blaze nodded and took one last look at Tikal's dead body before she rushed out of the throne room and down to where Shard's mother ship was docked. That would be the place where this madness would all end once and for all.

A/N: I know this is a shorter chapter than normal but from here on they won't be as long as usual because not a lot is left to happen. There's only 2 more chapters next and most of it will take place in Shard's mother ship. We've finally started our big climax, and two main characters are dead. Rouge and Tikal. There's still a bunch left, including Sonic, Tails, Blaze, Knuckles, Shadow, Amy, Cream, Shard, Razor and Vector but I'll tell you something, they won't all still be alive by the end of chapter 24.

Tikal, in the end, couldn't take the guilt, especially after she saw the demon Sally had became and decided that she couldn't live with herself any longer. Rouge came back to help our heroes out of a bind but in the end she couldn't escape with her life. Now Tails has run off to try to stop Shard, but it won't be easy, especially since Shadow is right on his tail.

I hope you've been enjoying this and please let me know how you think this will all end. Two more chapters, one climax spanning 48 chapters worth of work. I promise I'll try to get it written but it probably won't be until the start of March. Either way, have a great day and see you next chapter :)

Next time on Sontails: War of Faith - Chapter 23: The Flood