Chapter 34: A Battle at Vroengard
Shadow growled, advancing toward Eragon and the four dragons. An evil smirk was on his face and he looked at them.
I had a feeling you'd be here looking for the Chaos Emerald, Shadow said. My master Galbatorix is on his way right now; we will kill all of you and take the emeralds with us. It's fortunate you have all of them with you.
"You've been waiting for us to show up here!" Eragon yelled. "How the hell did you find out we would be coming?"
The evil dragon growled. I sensed that the emerald was here and knew you would be showing up as well. It was only a matter of time.
If you want the Chaos Emerald, then come and get it! Sonic told him. We defeated you once and we can do it again!
That's where you're wrong, Sonic. This time, I won't be alone.
What do you mean?
Shadow looked to the sky and grinned. You'll find out soon enough. He's almost here.
As soon as he said that, a great burst of wind rose up. The thudding of loud wings could be heard and a shape appeared in the sky. A massive black dragon was descending and landed next to Shadow. He was even taller than Sonic and had massive, hard scales protecting him. The spikes on his back were as thick as tree trunks and the muscles on his body were massive. He also had golden eyes and his pupils were slits. As the dragon took a step forward, the entire ground shook tremendously.
Galbatorix was sitting upon the dragon and grinned evilly. "It's time to end this, Sonic! You've never faced a dragon like Shruikan before. Give me those emeralds now."
Sonic growled and fired a blast of flame at Shruikan but it was no use; the dragon was unharmed. Sonic's eyes widened and he roared angrily. Galbatorix chuckled and commanded Shruikan and Shadow to attack.
The two evil dragons took a step towards the four dragons and blew fire at them. Sonic evaded the attack and flew towards the Shruikan, claws outstretched. Shruikan roared in anger as Sonic scratched him, sending blood flying from the wounds. The dragon flew in the air, circled around Sonic and opened his jaws, sending out a jet of fire that scorched Sonic. The dragon roared in pain and anger, as the fire burned him.
Tails and Knuckles were also fighting Shadow, blowing fire at him. Shadow growled and sent out Chaos Spears towards them. The two dragons evaded them and flew towards Shadow, blowing fire at the evil dragon. He screeched in pain as Tails and Knuckles gripped his neck in their jaws and bit into Shadow's neck. The evil dragon tried to let go and flew towards the ground, trying to shake them off. Knuckles and Tails let go and blew fire at Shadow again, engulfing him in flame. Shadow roared in pain and fell to the ground, smoke billowing from his body. He tried to get up but was too weak and glared at the two dragons angrily. The evil dragon was about to get up and fight them again when he heard Galbatorix's voice.
"Shadow, stop! Let Shruikan fight them; you've done enough for now," the king said.
The black dragon growled by obeyed. He sat on his haunches at watched the battle between Shruikan and Sonic.
Meanwhile, Shruikan was still fighting Sonic. The evil dragon spread his wings and flew higher in the air. Sonic flew after the dragon, battling in the air. He scratched Shruikan and dove, growling loudly. Sonic took a deep breath, sending fire toward the evil dragon, who dodged it. Suddenly Shruikan flapped his wings and circled above Sonic. He dove at the dragon, hitting Sonic with such force, sending him plummeting to the ground.
Tails and Knuckles growled and flew towards Sonic to help him. They flew toward Shruikan, breathing fire at him. The evil dragon dodged the fire and retaliated with one of his own. A stream of fire flew toward the dragons, engulfing them in flame. They screeched in pain but recovered from the blow. They flapped their wings and flew at Shruikan, surrounding him. Claws slashed across the evil dragon's face as the other ones attacked. Shruikan roared in pain and flew upward then roared loudly and dove at the dragons. Shruikan took a deep breath and let out a stream of fire that surrounded Tails and Knuckles. Then he slammed into Knuckles' side, burying his fangs into the red dragon's scaly hide. Knuckles roared in pain and tried to throw Shruikan off but couldn't. Shruikan then closed his jaws around Knuckles' neck and released as blood from the dragon flowed out of the broken neck. Knuckles fell out of the sky, landing hard on the ground.
KNUCKLES! Tails roared. He flew towards the fallen dragon and snarled, looking up at Shruikan. The evil dragon landed on the ground and snarled.
Galbatorix laughed. "It looks like your friend will not make it! Now, if you please...give me those damn Chaos Emeralds!"
Suddenly, Galbatorix sent out a bolt of magic that paralyzed Eragon and the four dragons instantly. He walked up to Eragon and snatched the knapsack from him, taking the seven Chaos Emeralds out. The evil king grinned, feeling the power in them. He looked at the four dragons and held up an emerald.
"I assume you will try and stop me, but it is already too late! Nevertheless, I will be expecting you. CHAOS CONTROL!"
With those words, he vanished in a flash of light. Once they were gone, everyone ran up to Knuckles, extremely worried about him. The red dragon coughed, spitting something from his mouth, and looked up at Sonic. A smile came to his face and his breathing grew slower until it finally stopped altogether.
Knuckles was dead.