Violet Dreams
Chapter 20: The Fire Dawn
"The salvation of the world is in man's suffering."
"I'm sorry."
Eggman stood still, completely awestruck from Sonic's choice of words. Had he just apologized to him? Now, of all times, he was apologizing? The Doctor scowled dangerously, and without so much as a moment to allow the words to sink in, he grappled the golden warrior's throat between his mechanized hand. Using the new found power of his robotic body, Eggman heaved the limp hero up, his mechanically simulated mouth twisting into a devilish sneer. Sonic choked against the force of the hand around his neck, cuffing the Doctor's cold exterior with his own hand, attempting to free himself.
"What did you just say?"
Forcing air past his half closed airway, Sonic groaned. "I said I was sorry," he croaked, finally tearing Eggman's hand away from his throat. "Can you not hear now, Eggman?"
"After all this time, you apologize now?" he roared, as pillars of black energy erupted from the head of Polaris, flaring up with the Doctor's anger. "You've waited until now for an apology for your actions? Well it's too late, hedgehog! You've pushed me to the edge time and time again! Leading me to the brink and tipping me off into my own madness over and over! I've had enough!"
Using the strength gifted to him by his new body, Eggman smashed his fist against Sonic's chest, launching the golden warrior across the make-shift battleground. Sonic yelped, and as he slid off the edge he noticed Eggman descend upon him. A twisting flare of light swirled around Sonic, warping him from danger via Chaos Control, causing the Doctor to smash his mechanical fist into the ground – or rather Polaris' head.
A mighty roar filled their hearing, while Eggman simply ignored it, Sonic clutched his head in pain from the sheer force of the sound. Eggman cackled and appeared before the oblivious warrior, thrusting his mechanical fist up into Sonic's abdomen. Choking up a mouthful of blood from the impact, his entire body weight shifted, and launched through space from the hit.
Fighting a big, clunky robot made maneuvering and attacks simple for Sonic, but when his greatest rival was as equally agile and possible as powerful as himself, things were much more complicated. Spinning around in the anti-gravity battlefield, the golden warrior prepared a shining orb of energy within his palm, anticipating his attacker. Sure enough, the pursuit came.
"Not feeling so tough now, are we hedgehog?" the Doctor roared, a beam of energy streaking past.
With wide eyes Sonic quickly generated another golden barrier around his body, deflecting the beam of energy from Polaris just in time. However as the light cleared, and his barrier faded, Eggman caught Sonic up in a paralyzing wave of black electricity. Groaning in pain, the golden hero planted both his palms against Eggman's metallic exterior, as a fizzling, dancing mass of Chaos Energy burst into existence. Arcing flares of golden light slashed and cut at the Doctor, as a great, golden sphere began to form around Sonic's opponent. Fiery energy slashed and attacked the Doctor from all sides, then as the raging sphere of golden wind began to disperse, a golden beam of light shot straight through the Doctor, like a sword of energy.
Sonic spun around on the other side of his rival, finding that he had not only inflicted next to no damage on the mechanical Doctor, but lost track of where he went after his attack. Yelping from a pain almost alien to him, Sonic hunched over attempting to catch his breath, allowing Eggman the chance to grapple his throat once more, and deliver a bone shattering punch to his face. The golden hero rocketed downwards from the blow, noticing a flash of light where Eggman once was, and then a devastating blow smashed against his spine.
However, unwilling to give up, the golden warrior warped away from his attacker, and reappeared behind Eggman. Rings of golden light spread away from Sonic as he smashed into the Doctor's back with the use of his spin dash. A cocoon of golden energy hugged Sonic's spherical form as he launched through the dark of space like a shooting star, pushing Eggman with him.
Suddenly dust and smoke puffed outwards from the Death Egg, as Sonic spun in place against Eggman's back, grinding apart his main thruster and armour. The golden hero growled and quickly pounced back, conjuring up a swirling, twisting sphere of powerful golden energy in his hand. Another flash of light wrapped around Sonic, warping him right in front of Eggman a split second before he thrust his attack hand forwards. A tornado of golden light spun out of control away from the point of impact, creating a gigantic crater in the side of the Death Egg.
The golden hero quickly warped backwards, gaining distance from an already recovering Eggman. Using his forearms as a shield, Sonic grunted with each brutal electrified punch that the Doctor threw. He could feel the power tingle his bones, and smolder his skin. With an unquenchable thirst for Sonic's death, Eggman howled with a fit of rage, and heaved his fist backwards as it began to shine like an electrified rock. Then, like a flash of light, it found itself planted against Sonic's left shoulder.
A barrier of electricity wrapped around the two very briefly, before Sonic shot away from it, and through the gravity-less air. However, the Doctor wasn't done, not with this sort of power.
Warping just as easily as Sonic could, Eggman reformed behind his weakened rival, delivering a crushing punch into Sonic's upper back.
Blood floated through space, away from the hedgehog's mouth. Doctor Eggman cackled victoriously, and with a vice like grip, snatched his prey from in front of him, holding the hedgehog by a single hand.
A powerful torrent of dancing, black electricity sparked to life along Eggman's claw. "So is this the extent of your super powers, hedgehog?" he quipped. "I expected you to at least put up a fight, seeing as it's our last battle! One of us dies here, Sonic, and by the looks of it, you fit the bill!"
The smell of burning flesh and blood filled Sonic's nostrils. His stomach flipped and churned from both the horrible scent and the incredible pain shooting through his nervous system. He could feel the mechanical claws moving inside his gut, nipping at the tender flesh beyond his skin. Then, as quickly as the blow had come, he felt the hand pull out of his body, allowing blood to float freely amongst the two.
"When it comes to fun and games," Eggman snarled, a wave of electricity vaporizing the blood on his titanium claws. "You're an expert. But when it comes down to actually ending something – killing, for that matter – you're as naïve as a little child."
Throwing the limp hedgehog like a sack of rocks, Doctor Eggman turned his attention back to the now retreating Polaris. A wicked scowl formed across his mechanical muzzle, and he shot off like a rocket towards his pet.
Location: Aboard the Typhoon
"Knuckles!" Tails shouted, tears gathering in his eyes. "There has to be something we can do!"
Watching solemnly, and with a pang of guilt, the guardian clenched his eyes shut. He too was close to crying. It wasn't like him to get this emotional and worked up, but seeing one of your closest friends – no matter the rivalry – get battered into the ground, and thrown away like garbage stirred something up inside of him. His violet eyes wavered, darting across the battlefield and towards Polaris, who had let out another trembling roar.
"What is there to do, Tails?" he finally snapped back. "If Sonic can barely hold his own against that thing, then how are we supposed to do anything?"
With a painful glare of realization, Tails slumped back down on his chair. Finally, the sobbing began and the tears had started dripping to the floor. Watching quietly, Mighty stood up from his seat and walked over to the young fox, setting a hand on the boys shoulder for comfort.
"You didn't have to snap, dude," Mighty sighed. "The sooner we figure something out, the sooner we can help Sonic."
Knuckles grit his teeth and slammed his fist against the console angrily. "I've been thinking of ways to help Sonic out ever since they started fighting, Mighty!" He grunted, and turned his watery eyes back to Polaris with a look that one got with a brilliant plan. "Wait a minute! Tails, did you fit the Typhoon with any sort of weapons? You know, like guns or somethin'?"
With a short sniffle, and a wipe of his eyes, Tails nodded. "Of course, all my models of the Tornado come standard with a weapons system," he noted. "Why?"
"Doctor Eggman hit that portal thing with a powerful blast of energy to awaken it," Knuckles explained, excitement lining his voice.
"So if we hit it again, it might disappear?" Mighty concluded.
Location: Outside the Death Egg
Meanwhile, Sonic slammed against a chunk of the Death Egg. His head jerked backwards, knocking his skull against the rock behind him. He stared hopelessly upwards, contemplating the turn of events, and his next move. He set a trembling hand over the impalement in his abdomen, blood seeping through the creases in his fingers and staining his gloves crimson. Slowly the fiery aura around his body began to retreat, leaving only the faint golden color along his quills, which began to lose its shine.
"This can't end here," Sonic murmured to himself. "I can't let Eggman win, not now."
Amidst coughing and spilling blood, the super powered hedgehog forced himself to his feet. With shaky knees, and blurred vision, Sonic stood almost to full height, noticing a sphere of unfathomable sizes envelope both Eggman and Polaris.
What had the Doctor become?
Sonic stumbled forwards, attempting to regain his power and blast off towards Eggman once again, but tripped and fell to his knees. His coughing continued while more blood poured to the ground beneath his wound. Saliva gathered at the edge of his lips, and blood stained his body. With a heavy groan, he closed his eyes, trying to regain focus and dismiss the pain from his wound, but found it nearly impossible.
Use me.
His eyes shot open, revealing a terrified crimson gaze. What was that voice?
You pathetic little hedgehog, you have all the power in the world at your disposal!
A sharp pain darted past his temples, and down his neck. Above all the other agony he was feeling, he could add a migraine to the list.
Open your heart to what's locked within, you foolish hedgehog!
With a mighty scream, Sonic felt like his insides were being ripped apart. A bloody glove grasped at his chest, leaving a red streak down his golden fur. His heart slammed against his ribcage in uneven, rapid beats. Screaming now, Sonic slumped over, being forced to slam his eyes shut due to the unbearable pressure building behind them. He coughed and choked, as blood dripped past his teeth, splattering against the cement he sat upon.
More screams left his mouth, as he squeezed his fists tighter, red liquid beginning to drip from the pressure he was exerting. This pain was unreal. He couldn't even begin to describe it. Sonic clamped his teeth against his bottom lip, drawing more of the thick red liquid, as the ripping pain inside his body grew and grew, until finally he couldn't bear it any longer. With a sudden gasp, his sight switched to black and he fell over. Blood gathered around his motionless body, as his breathing slowed to a steady heave.
Location: Unknown
Green orbs of vision shot to life, darting side to side in panic. He had been here before, right before they had landed on the Death Egg. A chill ran down his spine, remembering the creature he had been confronted with in his last visit. Sonic turned around in a full circle, trying to decipher where he was exactly. Again, blackened skies twisted and convulsed against the golden horizon. It was like two divine entities fighting for supremacy over the sky. His eyes trailed along the horizon to flaming ball of purple light. He assumed that was the sun for now.
Then he felt his feet touch against something solid. Looking down he noticed a long, marble run way had formed in front of him, leading through death defying drops, turns and corners. He saw it as a race track. He focused his eyes as far ahead on the path as he possibly could, attempting to scout out the ending, but to no such luck.
With a brief sigh, Sonic leaned backwards briefly, and then eased forwards as his feet propelled him across the first straight away. The gold, purple and black sky swirled together at the speed he was moving, forcing him to keep his eyes ahead of him. Sonic decreased his speed only momentarily, as he swung around a tight corner, and then launched straight upwards along a cliff side. The pathway curved along the edge of the cliff, leading towards a downwards helix, which then led into a steep drop. Sonic leaned forwards and accelerated, winding through the spiraling descent in nothing more than a flash of light. Using his left leg to bounce back into a straight line, the blue shell around him shifted only for a second before returning to its streamline fashion.
Noticing a couple sharp swerves, Sonic bounded left and right as he saw fit, evading the sudden drop-offs that threatened his trek. His feet became a blur as he accelerated further, winding through the gigantic loop, and down into the darkness below.
The pathway disappeared, and allowed Sonic to free fall towards a single patch of grass. The blue hero landed softly against the soft vegetation, and looked around as he stood back up. He whistled quietly at the sight ahead of him.
A crumbling shrine straight ahead of him seemed to be lit by an unknown source of light. And as he looked further within its darkened entry way, he could feel that same voice clawing at his mind.
"Free me!"
Sonic trembled slightly. Partially out of fear, and partially from the sudden brutality of the voice. It was no longer just in his head, but it boomed and echoed throughout wherever it was he stood. The blue hero gulped fretfully and proceeded to walk forwards, feeling obligated to do so. His jade eyes kept a solid gaze on the dark entrance – it looked like it was moving; shifting in the light. He heard a scream. A demonic scream of a tortured soul.
Another chill ran down his spine as he grew closer and closer to the entry way. The light had begun to dim the further he strayed from his safe patch of grass. He saw a pair of violet eyes loom in the darkness now, and heard the heavy breathing of whatever belonged to the set of eyes. Sonic walked past the two pillars that marked the entrance of the shrine, and wandered inside, just as all the light available faded.
"What..are you?" he whispered in fear.
"You," it replied in a heavily distorted voice.
He could feel the warm breath of the beast land against his chest. Judging by where his eyes were, Sonic guessed that whatever this thing was, it was about his height, but probably slouching. Hollow, purple eyes stared into his green ones. He noticed there were no pupils, or irises for that matter; just round masses of violet.
Sonic stepped back quickly, as he heard the beasts feet scuffle. Feeling something sharp press against two sides of his chest, Sonic grasped whatever it was touching him, attempting to hold back the force coming towards him.
Were these horns?
Then, all in one swift motion he was knocked onto his back, the violet orbs above him now. The warm breath landed against his face, as cold ooze-like liquid dripped onto his fur. He heard the swift cutting of dirt beside him, guessing that the horns had dug into the ground now. Sonic shot his attention back upwards, finding a white, gaping hole lined with blackened, sharp teeth.
"You think you can win?" it questioned devilishly, with a snicker. "You're nothing without that cliché super form of yours!"
"Wh-what are you talking about?" Sonic shouted, gaining a sudden spark of confidence.
However, with a sudden snap from the beasts jaws, and a deadly snarl, his confidence disappeared as quick as it had come.
"You are weak," it laughed. "How do you expect to defeat someone intent on killing you, when you don't know how to kill yourself?"
The voice echoed through the entire shrine. It shook the realm Sonic resided in, shaking his very bones. Then, as before, he was sucked backwards with such force he could feel his skin being pulled back. The demonic gaze of the laughing beast followed him, as its jaws enveloped his field of vision.
Darkness washed across the golden horizon, as lightning flashed and thunder roared across the landscape.
"In our day and age, we look up to what we call a "hero" for our safety. But what defines a hero? Their stone-cold will to oppose something no one else will? Or their fearless exterior? Maybe even the way they can sacrifice their own safety, for the betterment of others?" ~ General Cervantes Monarcha, Coruscus Leader, 2008
To Be Continued
Authors Note~ Well, we're closer to the end of this epic battle! Expect to see a full chapter of craziness next time! Who can guess what's going to happen next? Cookie if you guess right! I found the last scene significantly enjoyable to write. It's always fun striking fear into Sonic! Leave your comments, theories and tips in a review!
PS: some major influencing songs for this chapter are, "The Fire Dawn" by Oh Sleeper, "the Finisher" by Oh Sleeper, "Crowns of Creation" by DevilDriver (significantly the first scene), "Blur" by Devildriver, "World without a Sun" by Oh Sleeper, and "Pangea (Performed by the Bells)" by August burns Red