Past Of Shadow by Zhao Yun 320
Cmon feel the noise, boys rock ….hahaha jk ladies and gents. Its ur old favorite Zhao Yun, back at it again, this time returning with chap 8 of my story Past of Shadow. Now I know u may hate me saying it, but parts of the fight scenes will be based on Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun from the battle of Chang Ban….ahhh Chang Ban. Whoops srry bout that folks ne way ON WARD TO THE STORY!
Again I don't own Sonic and his friends, Sega does. I own Raul the Puma, my girlfriend owns Rosemary the Ocelot, Francis, my friend, owns well…Franklin the Kitsune and Max owns Maximus.
Enjoy and review. I beg of ya to review.
'Thoughts'
Storyline
Flash back
"Talking"
Chap: 8 The Crimson Flames of War
Aquatic Ruins
It was a smell of burning wood and leaves that woke the young spearman and his friend, and it was the scream of two people who were trying to put out the deadly inferno that ravaged the once beautiful submerged settlement. As Raul and Franklin got a look around their surrounding, they saw an army of Mobians either putting out the fires or fighting the horde of Black Arm Elites that had started the fires.
Not waiting a moment, Puma pull his dragon spear and ran out to strike the group heading to attack a family while Fox decided to help in the fire relief. As the army of Aquatic Ruins massed to attack, some were already fighting off the horde that attacked. However they were fighting a loosing battle as Aliens decided to use firearms and rocket launchers against swords, spears, and bows.
"AAAaaahhhh HELP ME PLEASE!" was the scream of a mother of two young skunks who were crying for either their mother who was about to be raped or the death of their father. Either was the motivation for Raul to rush the alien and mutilate the savage pervert. As he did so, he felt some of the steam from his anger leave him replaced by sadness and guilt.
'Blood…blood has been spilt to innocent kids…..they watched their father die by the hands of these bastards…and they saw more spilt, in front of their eyes…they were innocents…innocents who saw a sight no one should see…' thought the spear master as he helped the woman back to her feet and back to her apparel.
"Are you ok?" he asked. To him, he knew that it was a useless question to a woman who escaped being sexually assaulted by an inch.
Shaking her head yes and grabbing her oldest child by his hand while holding the toddler in her arms, she showed that she was scared stiff and sad. Knowing more will try to repeat the actions their brethren had just shown, Puma ordered her to head to the evacuation boats that were being overseen by Wally and Bunnie, the two who were stationed with him along with Fox. The two complied with great haste and ran to said place.
While his friend and commander was busy rescuing the townsfolk and killing the Aliens, Fox had helped his fellow countrymen by either slaying like Raul or extinguishing the fires that were still ravaging the Ruins. As he finished blowing the fire out with a strong gust of controlled wind, he turned and saw at least 6 mutants heading to him armed with blades of sharp magenta, with the intent of spilling more blood.
"You monsters…I'll banish you back to the abyss that you spawned from…" as Fox said this, he grabbed his ninjato, Fujin-Ryu , a gift and sign of his loyalty to the Oboro clan and his friends, and readied it to attack.
As the aliens attack, he flipped back and struck their wrists fast as lighting. Too stunned by the ninja's action and skill, the Black arm assassins could only stand still as the kitsune attack and landed blow after blow on their bodies, yet as they were slashed their bodies were struck and moved only once as if they were petrified.
"…die…." said Frank as he spun his sword and sheathed it, the click of his sword was sounded as the weapon was being put away, has if it triggered the action, and it was the last sound as the bodies of the aliens either bleed to death or separated from their owner from the razor edge of the sword.
After a hour of fending off the horde of Black Arms, the village was spared, at the costs of a forth of its inhabitants and a fifth of the defenders of both the Kingdom and of the town. As the remains were shown, Puma saw that Aquatic Ruins was safe for the moment. It was the only good news that he had so far. But the bad news came in the form of a messenger .
"Lieutenant! SIR!" screamed the messenger who had the look of both fear and anxiety. He was bleeding, a wound shown on his back and was spurting a flow that showed that death was close for him.
"Yes…what is it?"
"…her highness…princess…calls for aid…Knothole…is under attack…we're sustaining minor causalities… and in close of being overrun…we need aid…at once…" rasped the messenger before he felt to death's claim and laid there on the grass, still as if he was asleep.
"…we'll be there…and your death…will not go to vain…I swear it…"swore the Puma as he closed the eyes of the dead messenger and stood up.
"Grey Fox…you, Wally and Bunnie are to take the townspeople to Sakura Hill, its last bastion for the FF. Take the men and what can be salvage…they are our future now. We cannot ask then to be put to harms way." Said Raul as he looked back at his friend.
"and what of you?" asked Frank as he gripped his friend's arm, fearing that his thought will be accurate.
"I gotta go help Knothole…and my friends." said Raul as he whistled and a white palomino horse came to him and stood there. Hosting him self over the horse and grabbing his spear, Puma nudged the horse over to Knothole Village and rode off.
Knothole Village
Two arrows hit the next alien in the chest as it fell to its wounds and died. As it did, Rose brought her bow to attack another group when a glow of blue energy lifted them up and crushed them into their bodies, sealing their fates. She turned to see Silver using both a spare sword and his powerful psychic abilities to fend them off.
"You ok?" he asked, showing a concerned look, oblivious to the one behind him as the monster raised his sword and was ready to strike if it hadn't being for a shot that killed him. Looking back, he saw a half Mechanical Echidna with a large rifle that was smoking.
"Mind holding back the romance till we get out of this!"
Julie-Su screamed as she turned her attention to another group that was fighting both Shadow and Antoine, who were helping a few survivors out of a burning building. Shadow, now gun less and welding two swords with his insignia on them was attacking them with both a fury and a sense of justice while Antoine fought his heart out with a traditional halberd fit for officers while protecting a family.
On the other side of the burning village was none other than Sonic, Amy, Tails, Fiona Fox, Knuckles and Sally, all fighting their hearts out to protect the rest of the towns people. As they fought all they could think is on how they were going to retreat from their home that they fought for, how will they save the people. All their hopes were on that the messenger made it to Puma and Fox.
"Your highness! We must flee now! We can't keep them back, and the townsfolk are in jeopardy if they stay here!" Roared Max as he swung his pike at three more aliens that came wielding guns and knocked them back. As he did, he saw that Ash Mongoose was fighting his way back with the last of the townsfolk.
"This is the last of them…Mina is getting the rest and is on her way, we secured an escape route to Sakura Hill, but we gotta cross the Bridge to get there." said Ash who had shown signs of battle and was now lacking his sunglasses.
"Ring Bridge? That's the perfect place to hold them…..we need to get the villagers out first then we cross" said Sally as she sheathed her weapon.
"Me and Shadow can help them cross, but we need a rear guard" said Sonic as he looked at both Ash and Sally.
"Let me handle it Sonic…" said Knuckles but he was cut off by Max.
"Sorry Knuckles but that's my job. Ya needed with those two across…" said Max as he placed his weapon on his back.
"WHAT! I could match you any damn day!" Shouted Knuckles but he was knocked on the head by Amy.
"Knuckles, not now please! We need you up there as well." said Sonic as he placed his swords away and looked at the red echidna.
"….fine. The rear's yours then Max. don't let ANY one cross." Said Knuckles as he, Shadow and Sonic went to guide the others out.
"Milady!" shouted Rose as she ran over to the group with Blaze, Silver and Julie-Su in tow.
"Yes, Rose?"
"….Aquatic Ruins…it has been taken. The people are safe but…..we lost the village." Cried Rose as she started to tear up.
"Easy Rose….Ya know how Raul and Frankie are….they're probably on the way by now." said Max.
"…we'll mourn for them later…right now we must get to the docks and escape. We need the boats to get out now." Said Shadow as he grabbed his blades and led the other people across the bridge along with his friends.
The trek to the bridge was tedious and slow but most of the towns folk made it across. However death was coming for them, has a massive army of Black Arm soldiers came close and we armed with the intent of killing the people of Knothole. Through the trek, some of the townsfolk were scared and nervous. As the army of aliens came close, the people were now heading across when they've seen the monsters and the chaos resumed.
As they saw the army, Sally and the others herded the people across, and in the rear, only Max stood with just him and the bridge. The enemy was confused at the sight of the colossal bear and smirked. One walked over and spoke to the bear.
"What form of foolishness is this? Do you think that you can protect those fools by yourself?" it taunted.
"Not protecting them. I just hung back to have some fun….mind coming to play with fire?" smirked Max as he threw off his shirt and pulled his Pike out. The bear had a killer smile as he tapped the bridge with the bottom blade.
"Lets make a bet….if you can get past me and this bridge, then you gained a new ally…" taunted Max as he got in stance on the bridge.
"Kill him!" shouted one of the aliens as their leader charged the bear. He didn't get too far as Max dodged the incoming attack and held the monster by his throat. Throwing him up and spinning his Pike and smacking the monster and sending him into the group of aliens.
Enraged, the horde charged at Max and lost all thought of sense of their own well being. In a quick flash of movement and strength, Max swung and struck the fiends with his pike. As they came at him, he slew them with a wide swing of his spear. As he did so, more would fill their fallen comrade's place. Knocking the last of the current group, Max looked up and saw a lager chunk heading towards him.
Running toward them, Max jumped up and landed dead center of the group, both shocking and scaring them. Using this to his advantage, Max spin his pike and started to swing it wildly and more accurate than ever, he smacked, slashed and impaled the group in a series of swipes and thrusts. As he smack the last 5 down, he turned and smirked in rage.
"Was that all of them! Don't make me laugh…." now turning serious, Max gathered up his energy and strength and yelled a fierce roar that had the Black Arms scared stiff. Now glowing with Kinetic Energy, Max swung his spear and slammed it to the ground.
"CMON! IF YOU'RE IN A HURRY TO MEET YOUR DEATH, MAXIMUS THE BEAR WELCOMES YOU TO TASTE HIS BLADE!" as he shouted this, the bridge behind him collapsed and fell to the river banks, trapping him and the rest of the Black Arms on the other side.
As soon the roar was sounded and the crashing of the bridge was heard, Sally knew that it was time to move faster. Although Max was slowing them down, there was another way across the river and they were starting to take the chance.
"Damn it, we may not outrun them…" said Rouge as she lead a family of foxes over.
"No….we can't….we're gonna fuckin die…"said Knuckles as he heard Rouge.
"…I guess so….but I aint going out like a coward…" said Shadow as he grabbed his sword and his hand glowed with Chaos Energy.
"heh… that's the line I've been waitin for…cmon suga….lets go kick some black arm ass." said Rouge as she took to the sky. Behind her was both Knuckles and Omega, both armed and ready to fight.
"humph….sounds like a plan." grinned Shadow as he skated towards the riverbank with the rest of Team Dark and Knuckles in tow.
"Shit SHADOW!" shouted Sally.
"Sally, we gotta get the people outta here. I'll go help Shadow and the other 3. We'll come back." Said Sonic as he pulled out his two swords and followed his friends.
Sally knew when Sonic went serious, he didn't kid around. Knowing this, Sally and Amy took up the responsibility of helping the villagers to safety.
"Come everyone. We must get to the docks and to the Chaotix. They're waiting for us." said Amy as she lead on with her friends.
As the blows and bodies were flying, Max's breathing got labored, his limbs ached from fighting and his thrust for water was coming to hit him harder and faster. Knowing that he cant cross the banks now, he would never make it. As he knelt he felt his strength leave him, and his hope for holding the army off.
"if I die…then I die fighting…COME GET SOME!" yelled Max as he kept swinging at the monsters and kept them back.
'Puma….where EVER you…I can sure use some help.' Thought Max as he kept fighting.
As if his prayers were heard, a stamp of hooves and the neighing of a horse was sounded, on it was a puma with a spear. The army that saw him turned and went after him.
Spinning his weapon, the rider stabbed one and quickly smacked the his buddy on his other side. Pointing his spear forward and eyes closed for a second, Raul then spoke in a proud voice.
"For the realization of my lady's dream….I FIGHT!" he said as the horse jumped and trampled on the next group of Aliens, the survivors were either knocked out or stabbed by his spear.
"I battle for Justice…THE SPEAR OF RAUL THE PUMA, SON OF OSCAR AND KATHERYN SHOWS NO MERCY!" screamed Raul as his body was engulfed in energy, giving his horse and him more speed and power, blowing the enemies away as if they were nothing less than leaves in the wind.
Seeing Max on his knees, Raul out stretched his arm and helped him up. Landing on the back of Raul's horse, Max just chuckled and helped Raul by smacking away the rest of the aliens.
"Heh-heh kid what kept ya? I was having too much fun." smirked Max as he knocked another one away.
"Sorry, but Aquatic Ruin's was overrun. I had to fight my way out and to get my ass over here. What's the latest?" chucked Raul as he rode faster with the horse.
"Sal, Sonic and the others are heading for the docks, my old pal Vex is there with his buddies and is planning to take them to Sakura Hill." Said Max as he held on to the horse.
"Grey is on his way over there as well with the people of Aquatic Ruins. We better link up with the others. Who knows what Sonic and his brother has gotten them selves into." said Raul as he rode faster.
As they got closer to the bank, they could see a army being held up by Sonic, Knuckles, Shadow, Rouge, Ash, and Omega. Without any time to spare, the two spearmen got off the horse and helped them.
"Well its about damn timed you showed up Puma-Boy! How's things in the Village?" asked Rouge as she gave a roundhouse kick that knocked a Alien back and out cold.
"In flames…the Black arms did the same to Aquatic Ruins. But the people there got out." said Raul as he struck one down and dodge a shot.
"What about Mina? Have you seen her?" asked Ash as he stabbed another monster in the chest and parried another blow and knocked him out.
"Mina's back there! No I didn't see her…I'll go get her." said Raul but before he could go, Ash took off on foot and ran back to Knothole.
"Dammit that idiot….Sonic, get the others back to the docks! I'll go help Mina and Ash. " Said Raul as he started to fight his way through the crowd.
"Shit…cmon lets go. We gotta help Sally." said Sonic as he and Shadow struck the last few and led the others away back to the Princess and her people.
Fear…..fear was gripping her mind as she saw two more aliens look around for her. She could only pray that either her boyfriend or her friend would come and help her. The thought of death scared her beyond wits end. As she started to sneak out of the abandon hut, she could hear the grunts and whispers of the blacken aliens and their movement.
Thinking fast, she slid herself under her and her lover's bed, the same that he took her on last night before the call was needed, that she was told to do if situations such as these happened. She then held her breath and kept quiet, her mind and body giving in to the fear. Her fear was replaced with surprise when she felt a hand over her mouth and another on her waist and rub it soothing.
"its me…keep quiet and follow me baby…we're gonna get out of here…" whispered Ash as he kissed her neck, reassuring her that he wont let her go.
Nodding her head, Mina got low with Ash and both slid out from under her bed and to the back of their room's window. Seeing that they cant opening it without making nose, Ash looked at Mina and whispered.
"When I break this glass out, you go over and you run straight for the Great Forest, and make your way to the docks. I'll meet you at the Forest. Don't turn back and don't come back. Ok?" he asked eyes pleading.
Her eyes looked back at him, she could see that he was trying to keep her hopes up, but it didn't waver the fear of her loosing him. Knowing that he didn't have the time to listen to any 'no we leave together' lines, she nodded and kissed him deep.
"please….please don't die Ash…I need you." she said as she held on to him and got back.
"I wont…I'm your manager of course…." he grinned as he held her. But he didn't want to be just a business associate to her. He drastically loved her and he wanted the marry her someday. But as he knew that his thoughts were distracting him from survival.
As he raised his boot, he kicked out the window, glass breaking and shattered out side. Hearing the noise, the aliens ran towards the room and watched as the Mongooses ran out the window and head for the forest.
"RUN!" shouted Ash as he and Mina ran to the bridge. Realizing this folly, Ash stopped and held Mina close.
"FUCK! FUCK! I forgot…." he said with the fear gripping him. Mina could only look down as they turned back but were now being chased to the river bank that ran next to the dock. The ships left and none were there. They were cut off and no one could help them.
"Ash…what do we do?" cried Mina as she held on to his arm scared.
"Stay behind me Mina…" he said as he raised his sword. The aliens could only watch in glee as their prey were standing there stranded on the other side of salvation from death.
One motioned the one in front to kill them. Smirking and running toward the couple, the alien outstretched his arm and readied for the glorious moment of spilling blood.
Ash could only hold his sword and prepare for the fatal blow that would end his life when a flash of brown and silver stroke down the demented alien. Both mongooses looked up and see Puma kneeling in front of them, weapon outstretched and stained with blood from the monster.
One of the other aliens charged Puma, only to be blocked and struck from a quick series of slashes. Turning his attention to the one next to him, Raul stabbed him with the butt of his spear and stroke his throat and ended his life. Standing in a protective stance, Raul turned and looked at the two who were happy to see him.
"Run!" said Raul as he looked at the two. It was all the reassurance they needed as they got up and headed off to the docks, leaving the lone warrior alone.
Turing his attention to the army in front of him, Raul grinned and smirked, turning and spinning his body, he landed a quick roundhouse kick followed by a simple strike with his spear on the on coming Black Arms alien and smirked. Two more rushed but with a spin with his spear, Raul dispatched them with ease.
"Feh…I cant take them all…'" panted Raul as he started to show signs of fatigue and stress. Cocked in a defensive stance and starting to edge back to the remains of Ring Bridge, Raul was praying for any form of a miracle for him and his plight.
It came from the sound of a person.
" RAUL COME ON!" shouted Sonic as he, Tails, Shadow and Knuckles came close to the dock on the last boat.
Grinning and taking his chance, Raul nodded and shouted.
"Later!"
Taking off at full speed to the bridge's remains, Raul turn tailed and fled, following him was none other but the monsters. As he got near the dock, 2 more monsters were ahead of him, one close and armed with the intent of killing him. Rolling and laughing, Puma swiped the monster and killed him with his spear.
Running still and in a astonishing feat of skill and courage, he hopped and stepped off the head of the other alien and crossed the bridge and had his hand outstretched for Sonic to catch him.
Catching and holding on to Raul, Sonic now aided by Knuckles and Tails hoisted Raul on to the ship landing him on his back.
"You'll break that skull of yours if you're not careful Kid…" grinned and chuckled Knuckles as he looked at Raul.
"…I don't fear that pain…" grinned the puma as he was helped up by Sonic. Getting up and clutching the grip. Raul smirked.
"As long as I'm able…to stand and fight…I will advance my friend's cause" he stated as looked at Sonic and the others. They could only grin and nod as he said this.
'This kid…he's got some balls on him. Maybe we have a new team player on the Sonic Team…' thought Sonic as he nodded at Raul.
I know I know…its mostly a BIG ass ripoff of both DW6 and such but do me a favor and answer this question. How do some authors get their ideas from? Sure some come from here (taps my heart) and most also come from games, movies and stories. So can u really fault some of that?
Let me know when you review people. And again srry but I had to help my family more than usual ever since I hit 21 so bear with me and I wont run out on ya.
C ya then…and in the words of my friend Jack Mallone, keep partying and keep studying.
From ur insane in the membrane friend and writer
ZhaoYun 320