Violet Dreams
Part II
Chapter 34: Crusades, Part 1
"To understand is to transform what is."
Location: GUN Central HQ, United Federations
Morning had finally come, but the sun hadn't arrived with the new day. Rain poured across the landscape, washing away all the blood that had been shed on the ground outside. The fires that burnt throughout the night were finally extinguished, allowing for the dark, thick smoke to plume up into the cloudy sky. Thunder cracked in the sky, echoing throughout the valley while lightning flashed across the clouds. Amidst the rubble of the previous central command tower, Shadow groaned and weakly moved his arm to wipe the mixed water and blood from his face. Squinting his eyes, Shadow moved his hand to block out the rain falling over him, allowing his eyesight to adjust. In the distance, he could hear voices. A few were familiar to him, but at this point he couldn't even make sense of where he was. Recounting everything over in his mind, the pain in his body finally set back in. However, paying no mind to it, the dark hedgehog pushed himself up, sitting with his head buried in his hands.
Soon the pain faded to the back of his mind, as he focused his attention on the destruction around him. Weak, crimson eyes scanned the base, taking count of all the dead bodies poking out through the rubble of the gigantic tower that had fallen. His stomach churned, forcing him to vomit to his left. The dark hero groaned from the pain rushing throughout his body. However, despite the reluctance from his injured body, Shadow staggered to his feet, which in turn caught the attention of the group of GUN agents in the distance. Despite his foggy mind, he was able to pick out a few faces in the group making their way towards him, in turn preparing himself.
"Shadow," a welcome voice called out within the cluster of people. "Shadow! Are you alright?"
He noticed Rouge's worried expression, and nodded gently. "However, I can't say the same for the rest of the base."
Noticing Shrike, the dark hedgehog quickly regained his posture in order to look presentable. However, the Commander waved his hand and shook his head. "At ease, Agent," he ensured. "We've taken a heavy hit to our military stability last night, as you may know. After the intruder left here, we received word from the Northern Outpost that they had been attacked at the same time, as well as the Southern HQ."
Forcing himself to stay awake despite the urging need to pass out, Shadow processed the information. With a stern, and frightened look, Shrike turned his attention to the sheer destruction of the headquarters, his mouth twitching in disgust.
"Shadow, what happened here?" Rouge asked quietly, supporting the dark hedgehog. Around them, medically trained GUN agents swarmed around, trying to pick out any survivors.
"Galaxy took the Chaos Emeralds we had stored here," Shadow replied, and moved his hand to hold his dislocated shoulder. "However, causalities only reach ten percent, excluding our weaponry and armoured vehicles. If we are to have any chance at stopping this man, we can't take any more chances, Commander."
Listening intently to what his soldier had to say, Shrike nodded briefly. "I've already sent out word to the remaining outposts and bases to deploy soldiers to the Empire City HQ. From there we need to debrief any information, so we can educate our troops. It's sad to see Galaxy go down this path; I'm sure his family is disappointed."
"I don't think they know he's still alive," Shadow explained, following Rouge and Shrike to the medical tents that had been set up. "During the last attack from Doctor Eggman five years ago, he abducted several very important people in the political world; Galaxy being one of them. I've been doing my research, and quite frankly Commander, whatever group Galaxy is leading, are composed of combat heavyweights."
The nurse frantically sat Shadow down, as she begun going through procedure to ensure his well being. Throwing an annoyed glance at the GUN nurse, Shadow hesitantly complied to her instructions whilst trying to retain his conversation with Shrike.
"I'm sure you remember Gantz Valentine?" asked Shadow, wincing from the pressure being applied to his dislocated shoulder.
"He was apart of the Apotos Spec Ops, wasn't he?" Rouge asked, earning a nod from Shadow. "But wasn't he working under GUN?"
"For a short time, but he declined a continuous contract with us," Shrike filled in. "Shadow, I want you to meet with Voxili's government, and inform them of Galaxy. We need to pull together as many allied troops as possible in order to secure our nation."
"He's working with Galaxy, along with the girl GUN had taken into holding," Shadow revealed. "I didn't pay much attention to it at first, but after seeing them all together, it only made sense. Eggman had them all aboard the Death Egg when I was up there, and he was doing something with them, too."
"Then we should focus on them and exterminate them!" The Commander shouted, slamming a fist against the supply table.
"We aren't their primary target, Commander," Shadow stated. "They're not after control, I can tell you that much. If they were, they would have killed both you and the President on New Years when this all started. They want something else, and the longer we're oblivious to what they're after, the further we'll get from victory."
"What do you suggest we do, Agent?" retorted Shrike with a scowl, earning a weary look from Rouge. "We're at our wits end! Our soldiers are up to their ears with cleaning up the dead, and the helping with clean up across the west coast, we can't attack them!"
"We need to take a hostage," Shadow replied as the nurse finished wrapping the bandages across his arm and chest. "We can get information from one of them if we can lure them in. Galaxy is after power, but he also doesn't get his hands dirty unless it's something personal. Right now he's in control of all seven Chaos Emeralds, as well as the Master Emerald. But if we can pull them in with something else that could be strategically beneficial to him, we could gain the upper hand."
"So what's the plan, Hun?" Rouge asked inquisitively.
"Offer me in exchange for time to recover," he explained, earning bewildered expressions from everyone around him. By this point, agents and nurses had stopped to listen to the conversation in order to gain insight on what was going on. "He's bound to send one of his lackeys to ensure safe transport."
"You can't offer yourself up, Shadow!" Rouge shouted out. "If you're actually taken, it could threaten the safety of our entire nation. They know how useful you are to us as a military, and what if they have some means to control you?"
The dark hedgehog stood up, his eyes focused ahead in thought. "It's only a trap. We'll deploy the Spec Ops force to ensure my safety. If they try anything that could compromise our mission, you lead them in, Rouge."
Remaining silent, the Commander signalled for the lingering agents and nurses to leave them be. Shrike took a seat on the cot Shadow previously occupied and clasped his hands in an arc over his face, staring ahead in contemplation.
"And what if you do get taken? Shrike asked. "We can't allow your failure to ruin our chances of survival. And the way I see it, this has become an all out war. Their actions have become inexcusable, and if by any chance you become a danger to my nations safety, I will not issue a rescue mission to get you back."
Showing he understood the consequences of any possible failure, Shadow nodded. With a frantic look at her ally, Rouge could only support him at this point, despite every cell in her being wanting to figure out another plan. Without so much as another word, Shadow departed from the tent and called over a pilot lounging around to his side. After a few brief nods, the pilot disappeared once again. However minutes later, the roar of a helicopter overcame the gentle noise of the falling rain.
"I want you to keep a close eye on him, Rouge." Shrike instructed grimly. "He's up to something, I know I can trust you to shut things down if need be."
However, could she really bring herself to betray Shadow?
Rouge nodded hesitantly, hoping her doubts weren't showing through to her Commander. After saluting to her leader, Rouge ran off to the helicopter which had landed, and took a seat beside her ally and friend. Glancing at the crimson washed hedgehog briefly, she could only wonder what he was actually planning.
The minutes that had passed to ensure proper take off precautions felt like seconds to Rouge, and before long, they were soaring over the mountain tops and towards Empire City to form the team needed for Shadow's plan.
Location: Unknown
Pounding and throbbing, Sonic's head felt like it was about to erupt. He could hardly see straight, and yet, the task at hand demanded him to walk into whatever unknown before him. Knuckles trudged on behind him tiredly, each of their previous wounds slowing them down heavily. Letting out a long, exhausted sigh, Sonic leaned against the wet, limestone wall to his left. Blood seeped out of the wounds marking up his torso, staining his white glove that rested on them. Though dark, Knuckles noticed his comrades condition, and stopped beside Sonic with his arms folded. Noticing the heavy breathing of the crimson echidna, Sonic sighed once more, shutting his eyes and leaning his head back against the cold surface.
"How long have we been walking, Knux?"
"About an hour now," replied the tired echidna, resting his wide hand on the wall to lean on.
With a heavy sigh from each hero, they continued onwards. "Hopefully we find a way out of here soon," Sonic groaned. "I'm hungry!"
Groaning at the sound of the heavy rumble from the blue blur's stomach, Knuckles continued on past Sonic. Adjusting his eyes to the ever growing darkness, Knuckles could tell they were starting to go upwards. Though, he found it strange it was getting darker, rather than brighter. The echidna grumbled to himself, and moved faster, hearing the sounds of water. The duo rushed down the winding path as fast as their wounds would allow them. Soon, a glowing entry way popped into view, and it was only a matter of time before they were back above ground.
A smirk found its way on their faces as they burst into the light.
The sound of rushing water roared, and then their smiles disappeared instantly.
"Another cave?" Sonic shouted, his voice bouncing off the walls, creating an echo.
"Seems that way..." Knuckles groaned, watching the water plummet from the cliff into the small body of water in front of them.
They each sighed, and walked closer to the pond, noticing the gigantic oak tree growing from beneath the depths of the water. Strange as it may be, Sonic noticed how the tree flourished as though it were growing outside. It's thick, full foliage dripped moisture, and the wind created from the crashing water behind it rustled the branches slightly. Knuckles stood at the edge of the spring, gazing at the tree thoughtfully.
"Maybe the water is coming from the outside," Knuckles reasoned. "If we could just make it up there, we could maybe swim -"
"No way!" Sonic shrieked in horror. "This guy doesn't swim, and you should know that better than anyone!"
Agitated, Knuckles spun around in retaliation. "Well do you wanna get out of here or not?"
"I'll find my own way out," Sonic retorted. "Then we can just meet at the top!"
"Who knows where all these paths lead!" the echidna barked, and stomped towards Sonic. "If we don't get out of here soon, there's no telling how long it'll be before we find food!"
"Figures you'd be thinking about food..." Sonic mocked under his breath.
"What'd you say?" Knuckles howled, raising a fist in anger.
Hearing an amused chuckle come from behind them, the quarrelling duo shot their attention to the person in the cavern with them. His cloak was identical to the others they had been meeting, however this one had no sleeves, and also lacked a hood. The man, who Sonic identified to be a jackal, appeared to be slightly taller than them. His fur was a mixture of white, black and blue, Sonic noticed, as well as his piercing yellow eyes. The fur atop the jackal's head had been spiked up lazily, as some chunks of it drooped down in the front.
"You two are supposed to be on the same team?" he mused, and walked towards them. "Sure don't look like it..."
"Who are you?" Sonic demanded.
"My name isn't important right now," he replied, with a smile. "We'll meet again another time. I was only here surveying how you work as a team, because you'll sure as hell need the skill. Might I suggest a tip?"
"Are you one of them?" Knuckles barked, his temper rising.
With a quirked brow, the jackal stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Them?" He repeated dumbly. "Oh! You mean Dusk?"
"Dusk?"
Pointing his finger upwards in revelation, the jackal laughed warmly. "Sorry, I don't think Galaxy has revealed our name to you yet!" He chuckled, and threw his arms up to stretch. "But, yeah, I am apart of them, or otherwise, Dusk."
"Just what are you all after? I suppose you're gonna talk about some king now, too?" Sonic snorted, glaring at the newcomer.
Laughing in reply, the bubbly jackal shook his head, wiping the underside of his eye with his finger. "Heavens no," he responded with a joyful sigh. "Our leader isn't some God to be worshipped; although he is a good leader! As for what we're after, well, that depends."
"On what?" Knuckles retorted quickly.
"Someone's grumpy," the jackal remarked, blinking in shock. "Anyway, it depends on which part of us you mean? We're all essentially after different things to ensure our goal comes through. Unfortunately, I'm not at liberty to unveil our plans to you guys..forgive me?" He concluded with an unsure frown.
"Though, I should warn you," he continued with a more serious tone. It seemed very unfitting for his personality to Sonic. "Try and work on your team work, yeah? Be grateful for your companions! Anyway, I gotta get going. Things to do, prophecies to fulfil. You know, the boring stuff!"
With a powerful leap, the jackal soared through the air over the heroes, and into the tunnel that which the water came from. Sonic and Knuckles turned to each other with a bewildered expression, each of them unable to make out exactly what he was talking about.
"He sure seemed different than the others," Sonic pondered. "Maybe these guys are just the nutcases?"
"That must mean there's more of them, then," Knuckles grumbled. "That's just our luck!"
Then the room rumbled, causing rocks to fall from the ceiling and to the ground in a vicious horde of debris. Both Sonic and Knuckles darted their attention to the tree that had started swaying much more violently, finding a bright light shining from within it's trunk. Watching closely as the light grew, Sonic noticed a small orb floating from within the mighty oak, causing the entire tree to start dying at a rapid pace. It's leaves wilted, and fell to the ground in brown heaps. The bark of the tree seemed to age, becoming a deathly grey. Slowly the small orb hovered over the spring, the water receding into the ground, as the mighty water fall ceased.
Silence overcame the cavern, leaving only the gentle hum of the floating orb.
They took two steps backwards as the orb began hovering of the rock floor, kicking up dust.
Each of them became deeply entranced with the beauty of the orb. Digital looking lime green lines darted around the small area of the sphere, while it shifted from a dazzling gold to a haunting black colour. Green and gold sparkles fluttered into the air from its exterior, giving it a dazzling appearance.
"Should we go grab it?" Knuckles mumbled in awe.
Sonic, however, simply shrugged. But their answer was made for them, as suddenly the rock beneath the sphere broke apart violently. Slabs of rock jutted upwards from the sudden release of power. The pulses of light became much more rapid, and then vines launched from the ground. They seemed to wrap around an invisible figure. First, they encased two mighty legs, covering up the golden armour as it became visible. Slithering up the muscular body of the beast, golden armour became encased in thick vegetation, wrapping around a huge horse-like body.
Then, the remaining pieces of armour flashed to life, making the rest of the beast visible. It appeared to be a centaur, however it's "human" half was composed of black and gold plate armour, and it's head seemed to be that of an eagle mixed with a lion, also wrapped in gold armour. Two, piercing green eyes flashed to existence behind the armour plated skull of the beast, as it screeched. Two pairs of vine covered arms popped out of the side of its "human" half with a sickening squish sound. Its hands were tipped with black claws, and then it's tail appeared. It shone with a lime green glow, and then multiplied into six others, each tipped with a set of black dagger-sharp spines on either side.
Unleashing another beastly roar, the monster smashed down it's vine covered "horse" legs, breaking apart the earth as its tails lashed about.
"You just had to jinx our luck, eh Knucklehead?"
Location: Capital City
Walking solemnly through the wreckage, the Chaotix were horrified at the sheer destruction of the city. To them, it felt surreal. Gaping wide eyed at the broken down buildings, overturned vehicles and the occasional dead body, Charmy remained unusually quiet. After the three had opted to stay behind after dropping Knuckles off, they had been searching the city for any clues to whatever it was that was motivating the criminals they had met.
"I wonder what happened here," Espio wondered out loud. "Do you think they killed everyone?"
Gulping at the very thought, Vector looked around. "It sure seems like it. Maybe GUN evacuated everyone?"
"It's scary..." Charmy whimpered, cowering behind Vector as they walked through the heavy rain.
However in the distance, the vague outline of someone walking slowly crept through the storm. At the first sight of the white cloak they've all grown to despise, the Chaotix halted abruptly and prepared for a fight. Whoever this was, they knew they were bringing trouble. Watching patiently as the figure inched closer, Espio noticed the differences in this cloak, as it had no sleeves or hood. The tension throughout the team seemed to die down, and the closer the man got, the more curious the group became.
"Yo," he called out amidst the roaring wind and thunder. "Some weather, huh?"
With a puzzled expression, Charmy hovered in between his team mates to get a good look at the man in front of them. His wet, bluish black hair seemed like the dark night sky with the specs of white acting like the stars. Calm, yet striking, yellow eyes stared at them warmly, but Espio couldn't help but feel something more behind them. Holding up his arms in a feeble attempt to guard himself from the rain, the jackal grinned sheepishly.
"Guess an umbrella woulda been useful, eh?" He laughed, scanning over the trio. "What brings you three to Capital? Didn't you hear about the recent attack?"
After glancing at one another, Vector finally spoke up, stumbling over his words in the process. "Y- yeah," he stammered. "We're the Chaotix! I'm sure you've heard of us? World class investigators?"
"Heh, world class..." Espio mumbled to the side.
Vector glared at Espio harshly, earning an indifferent shrug from his companion. Noticing the strange behaviour between the two, the jackal chuckled to himself, amused by their banter.
"We're investigating the attack, seeing if that group of criminals left behind any clues," Vector added confidently as he pushed out his chest.
"Yeah! Clues! We're like CSI!" Charmy chirped happily.
"Interesting," the mystery man responded with an attentive gaze. "I did find a strange crater down the street. Perhaps you'd wanna check it out?"
Beckoning with his thumb back down the way he had come, the jackal flashed a smile. "Cheers."
Once adjusting the large collar around his neck to guard him from the cold, the man continued walking. A upbeat whistle hovering through the pounding rain trailed after the man, becoming more faint the further he became. The Chaotix exchanged glances of uncertainty towards another, but then turned their attention back towards the spot their assumed comrade pointed them to. However, in the distance, a dimly glowing light seemed to hover in the air amidst the rain. Faint pulses of gold and blue light dancing in the air around a solid mass of blue, gold and white.
They stared in reverence at the orb, unaware of the intensifying rain. Finally, the orb wavered in the air, and a blast of water like blue and gold sparkles erupted from the sphere. The wave of sparkles shifted and spun around like a floating mass of water, slowly molding into the faint outline of a creature. At first, it remained small, but the trio quickly realized that was only a part of whatever was being created, as the wave of energy shot upwards nearly ten feet. The rain seemed to crash around them, flooding the street in the process. Each of the Chaotix grunted distraughtly at the power of the wind howling against them. However, as a crack of thunder shook the buildings, a vile, booming screeching roar overtook the many other sounds present.
Shivers shot down their spines, as the ground shook from this creatures very step. Vector gulped, staring at the malicious, glowing gold eyes fixated on him.
"We've seen genocide. Created atomic weapons capable of vaporizing whole cities. We've killed, fought, and beaten. But, I ask you this, when is the time of love?" ~ Evelyn Vilesot, Project Shadow Test Subject 005, 1931
To be Continued
Authors Note ~ Below, I hope you enjoy a preview from the joint series my partner and I are working on! I give you; ASCENSION. Enjoy!
"Wars are fought by young, and won by men"
May 19th, 2008
In today's news, War Criminal and Mastermind Doctor Robotnik, referred by many as Doctor Eggman has been captured. Occuring in Station Square where he was found beside a destroyed biomechanical suit shouting obscenities to a Hedgehog humanoid referred to as "Sonic the Hedgehog." Sonic the Hedgehog is a vigilante, still on the run. While some call for his capture, a general sentiment clamours for his freedom.
December 20th 2008
In other news, Doctor Robotnik, largely referred to as, Doctor Eggman, has disappeared. He was last seen several months ago being captured by GUN. GUN General, Abraham Towers, has said that while his best team is searching the globe for Doctor Robotnik, there is significant intel that confirms his death.
April 4th 2009
Amidst the economic collapse of United Federations, countries of the world have agreed to a worldwide forum meeting next year in Capital City to discuss issues such as a growing sentiment against athromorph humnoids, or as the public deemed them "Talkin' creatures".
April 19th 2010
Breaking news today, a riot has erupted at the first ever worldwide forum where the ten nations convened to discuss current events. Riots include civil distrust of anthromorph humanoid representatives, economic disparity and a call for mass emigration of "Talkin' creatures".
May 7th 2010
Video footage has been shown all over the world of the a public assassination of the head of the Royal Family, Mak-tul of Shamar. Shamar has seen civil unrest for the past year clamouring for Mak-Tul to step down from his royal position. This escalated into a civil war between the government and a splinter group of an international terrorist group called "Human Superiority Movement".
May 7th 2010 12:00 AM
A white glow blinded his eyes, just beginning to get used to the burning streetlights. He was barely conscious and breathing heavily; he seemed to be in shock. Mak-Tul looked around and noticed soldiers everywhere in sand colored camouflage holding rifles. One of them had stepped on his prized garden. A pang of sadness flowed through him, seeing his pet peacocks lying dead. A car was waiting for him, and he had no idea where he was going to be taken. He looked down at his six thousand dollar shirt splattered with blood, wondering if they could be cleaned after his inevitable execution.
Sowly understanding where he stood, the shock was wearing off and he remembered soldiers coming in and killing his guards, some of whom, even turning against him. They had raped and killed his family before everything went dark. The soldiers dragged him toward his own limo, now driven by one of the soldiers and beside him was the son of the Human Superiority Movement leader. A voice on the radio rang out—he recognized the voice, it was the soon to be leader- Harun-Al Rafia
We trusted this leader to bring us into a new age of prosperity. Instead, he colludes with the vile western powers and their disgusting creatures! It is time for us to rise up. It is time for the chosen people of this species to rise up and destroy this threat before it consumes us!"
The door opened and he was shoved into the backseat, being taken to the middle of the royal city. As they drove he witnessed mass executions of feral beasts he wanted to protect. His mind was elsewhere, while his heart was stuck at the loss of life. Anxiety and acceptance had overcome him, each fighting for control.
It was then they had reached the point of his execution. He was dragged out of his car, at gunpoint and tied to a post in front of Harun. His mind was going through everything from birth to death. The fate of the world was no longer a burden as his mind was almost free of every responsibility it had ever took on. Harun walked over to a smiling king and pointed a modified Desert Eagle and pressed it against his forehead. The mind raced quickly as anxiety took over. A shot was heard for a second.
Then, silence.
1 YEAR LATER
Artilly and weapons of war filled a black and white field, as it finally came into view. The small hum of rocket fuel and an occasional beep were all the sounds that filled an otherwise silent missile. Though it was controlled wirelessly, by a human, it was nonetheless creepily quiet. It was as though it knew that, in a few seconds, its life's purpose was going to be fulfilled. It changed its trajectory as the nose pointed downwards and descended on what seemed to be a satellite dish.
A red marker outlined the disk, he anti-artillery guns quickly responding, bullets showering the missile. Though, not all of them hit it, eventually some did. Yet to the human behind it, and perhaps the missile itself; the bullets mattered little. The weapon had made contact with the satellite dish and a giant explosion that was almost symbolic of the missile's achievement levelled everything in the area. Eventually, men of war had scattered the destroyed field of broken AA guns and ran towards the enemy; some of them had failed as bullets riddled their bodies, others were lucky enough to do their part in the war.
A helicopter descended onto the ground—crushing the charred skeleton on which the vehicle landed. Out came a squadron of soldiers donning a white and blue jumpsuit except one. A black and crimson furred hedgehog that held an assault rifle several times bigger than his squad mates. While they were covered head to toe, the hedgehog was not, simple donning a red and blue jumpsuit with no body armor or a helmet.
"Shadow, we need you to go down to the control room, find as much intel as you can! Then disable the remaining AA's and jam the radio signal so that the eye in the sky can spot it, confirm?"
Shadow was quiet for a moment. He looked around the field, which moments ago was silent and had now become a battlefield littered with bodies. His entire life was spent on fields similar to this, but he felt that the time was over. Especially with the mysterious disappearance of Dr. Robotnik several years ago.
The world was at war, and he felt largely responsible for it. It was only two years ago that his former ally had a gruesome battle with Robotnik, and he felt it was an end of a war between the two as Robotnik had broken down in front of the Azure hedgehog screaming obscenities at him and was eventually taken away. Though his counterpart and the world in general celebrated Robotnik's capture, months later he disappeared.
That's where things started to go backwards.
"SHADOW!" the captain of the squadron bellowed out, which got Shadow's attention. There was a pause until Shadow finally remembered his duty. Nostalgia would have to wait. Shadow nodded and in a blink of an eye, disappeared.
ASCENCION – LEGACY
SONIC: EVOLUTION
2012-2013