Chapter 10: Nightfall
Your power the sinister figure hissed. It calls to me. Unbelievable.
"What?" Ash said, his voice trembling slightly. "What are you?"
The figure bored into his eyes with its own. Slit pupils revealed a dark soul.
"Wait," Ash breathed, suddenly recognizing the figure. "You're…"
The creature didn't let him finish, as it suddenly enveloped itself in power which burst forth, forcing Ash to cover his eyes once again. When he opened them, the creature looked bigger and stronger.
Show me your strength the creature pointed at him in challenge, and we shall fight to the death.
Ash didn't respond. He just shook his head.
Do not defy me it growled. Let us fight to the death, or else I shall kill you.
"I can't beat you," Ash said. "You and I both know that."
Do we? Have we met before?
"What?" Ash blinked. "What do you mean?"
Do not trifle with me the creature growled again, growing impatient. I will ask you one more time: fight me, or you will die!
Ash shook his head. "It doesn't matter," he said. "I'm dead either way."
Pathetic the creature shook its head scornfully. You won't even raise your hand to defend yourself? Very well. I have no time for these petty games. A ball of dark energy formed in the palm of its hand. Farewell!
Ash crossed his arms in front of his body in a vain attempt to defend himself, knowing even if he called on the aura to save him, the power would be inadequate. The creature unleashed the ball of energy, and it crackled violently as it flew towards its target.
It never hit.
Ash heard an explosion from beside him, but no pain. He looked up sharply in confusion. What's this?! the creature exclaimed.
"Get away from him, monster!"
Ash recognized that voice immediately. "Sonic!"
"You okay, Ash?" Sonic, presently a werehog, asked him. "That looked like it could've been bad."
"Yeah. Thanks."
You again the creature glared at Sonic. I don't wish to fight you...not yet.
"Sorry, but Baseball Head's off the roster this go-round," Sonic retorted. "You want a fight? Then fight me!"
The creature looked at him thoughtfully, then chuckled darkly. I guess it wouldn't hurt to have a casual fight for once. I could use the change of pace, anyway. Very well, then. I accept your challenge.
Sonic got into a battle stance, his massive fists clenched. He leapt forward and tried to punch the strange creature. The creature didn't even budge as the werehog's fist bounced off an invisible barrier, knocking him back. He leapt back up and charged forward, punching it again. This time, the creature retaliated and threw him back with a psychic force. Sonic hit the wall, but with some quick thinking, he pushed off the wall and dropped down on the creature with his fists, slamming its head. The creature groaned in pain, clearly fazed, but it quickly regained its bearings and threw Sonic across the chamber. Sonic skidded across the ground, digging his feet in to stop his momentum, before charging towards the creature on all fours. With a mighty leap, he latched onto the creature and viciously shook it.
GUH! the creature grunted, and it threw him off. Your power is greater than I anticipated it said. I seem to have underestimated you. No matter. I shall show you your place. When Sonic attacked again, the creature stopped him in mid-air, dangling him mercilessly before tossing him into Ash, knocking both of them back.
"Ungh!" Ash cried.
This isn't over, you insignificant fools the creature snarled as the dark realm around them shook violently. We will meet again. And next time, I won't be playing games. With that, the realm exploded, blinding Ash and Sonic. Then all was calm once again.
"Ugh," Sonic, still a werehog, groaned as he rubbed his arm. "That smarts."
"What in the world was that?!" Ash shivered.
"I don't know," Sonic said, "but it seemed to know who I was."
"I thought I recognized it as well," Ash said, stroking his chin thoughtfully, "but it seemed so different. Was it a different –?"
"Ash! Sonic!"
They turned and saw a familiar face running towards them. "Serena!" Ash exclaimed. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," she said, breathing heavily as she caught her breath. "My ankle's all better now, but I saw Sonic disappear suddenly, and then I came here to find you guys. I was so worried. Are you hurt? What happened?"
"We got stuck in some alternate dimension of sorts," Sonic explained. "There was this creature there that wanted to fight us. Otherwise, we're okay."
"Oh, thank goodness," Serena sighed in relief, clutching her chest. "I was so scared. Please don't put yourselves through that again."
"Hey, it wasn't our fault," Ash insisted. "We got sucked in against our wills." His expression softened. "I'm sorry I made you worry."
"It's okay," she smiled. "I'm just glad you're okay."
"Hey, guys!"
The three of them turned and saw Tails running up to them. "Tails!" Ash said.
"Ash! Serena! Sonic! Are you okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine," Sonic nodded. "Where are the others? Did they find Pikachu?"
"Yes," Tails said, gesturing. "We're over there. Come on: we've got some food cooking on a bonfire if you're hungry!" With that, he ran in that direction.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Ash grinned. "Let's eat!"
"I'm not that hungry, but hey, at least I'll be with friends," Serena shrugged.
"Then let's go!" Sonic grinned. "I may look like a freak, but I still love me some chili dogs!"
With that, they laughed and followed Tails under the night sky, innumerable stars shining above them.