Hi hi!
Top of the morning to everyone and hope everyone's having a good morning/day/evening/twilight/whatever other thing you want to call it lol. For this one I'mma keep my stuff before the chapter short and sweet so let's dive right in! ^u^
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or locations. They belong to Sega.
Chapter 24: Spagonia Siege V
'…I don't know why I was given this job…'
…
…
'…why it was my fate…'
…
…
'…destined to be here… forever…'
…
…
'I would be leaving everything behind doing this… the people I met… the people I've known… everyone…'
…
…
'… that would include… yes…'
…
…
…
Knuckles roared a mighty roar into the heavens, the giant ball of pure black and red energy growing to an immense size above him. Holding the giant sphere with both hands his expression was one of unrelenting anger that has been bottled up inside him for a while, having been suppressed by kinder actions towards him.
Right now that was nowhere on his mind as he was currently bent on obliterating the two enemies trying to get up in front of him. Green metal armor heavily damaged while missing an arm and another with purple armor having its limbs torn off, wiring and electrical sparks being emitted from them. The Phantom Shinobi and Phantom Rider struggled to stand with their eyes turning on and off indicating that shut down was imminent, but the power of the Phantom Ruby kept their reserves going.
Knuckles wanted to end them.
There and now.
"RAAAAAWWWWWWWRRRR!" with another roar Knuckles wasted no time and threw the energy ball towards his opponents. The very air trembled and dispersed violently with the incoming attack releasing pressurized shockwaves throughout the surroundings. Fire tornadoes spun around rapidly from the mix of flames and dust devils while large amounts of debris rose into the air and were engulfed by the incoming energy ball. The clouds above separated but closed instantly as the energy ball moved lower towards its targets.
Getting closer and closer with the surroundings becoming darker, the Phantom Heavies stood no chance but the green mech did beep once and activated an energy shield to protect itself and the purple mech. It was out of weapons, out of ammo, and out of options.
Red eyes gazed at the incoming attack and braced themselves, the ground underneath crumbling away from the massive energy being released.
Knuckles applied more force to speed up the attack in which it got closer to the ground creating a trench separating the earth from beneath. Violent shaking rattled whatever buildings remained standing to crumble into the ground and release plumes of smoke into the air, getting sucked up by the power of the energy sphere.
BZZZZT!
The attack made contact with the mech's shield being able to hold it off.
CRACK!
But only for a brief moment.
One more mental push from Knuckles was all it took.
The Phantom Heavies were swallowed up disappearing from view.
…
The resulting explosion created a brilliant light yet it fell silent within the air. The energy ball dug itself into the earth causing enormous quakes so intense that the ground released shockwaves around the dome-shaped structure seen from above. Clouds of dust and smoke emitted away from the attack sending debris flying away and engulfing them in its light. The explosion continued to grow in size, the surroundings displaying themselves as black and white.
For that moment of silence, chaos and destruction reached an all-time high.
The top of the dome created a second explosion that released a mushroom cloud high into the air, penetrating through the black clouds and causing bits of sunlight to peak through. The blast was so large that the sun's rays couldn't find any specks of the town remaining. The red echidna's attack destroyed everything in its path and left nothing behind, the smoke let off hiding the area underneath.
Eventually the attack settled and the earth stood still once again. The winds still blew hard but was not as vicious as before and the storm has reduced to bouts of thunder and lightning here and there. The smoke slowly moved away from the area and revealed more than a barren wasteland.
It revealed a gigantic black charred crater underneath.
No signs of the two Phantom Heavies anywhere.
The smoke cleared out more in the air and within seconds was the dark form of Knuckles shown once more, the ominous aura still surrounding his body. Flaming white eyes showed intense rage with gritted sharp teeth and clenched fists.
He let out a roar of victory that was ear-deafening and shook everything around him.
…
Knuckles then charged up a dark purple energy attack from his mouth and aimed it at the ground.
'Kill. Them. All.'
…
…
"GRAH!" Dulcy moved aside a large piece of debris that has fallen on her during the blast. The shockwaves were powerful enough to send the teal-green dragon flying back and into a still standing building which collapsed moments after. Luckily she came out with minor scratches and bruises, her dragon skin being tough enough to withstand some punishment.
That wasn't her main concern however as black eyes looked up to see Knuckles preparing another attack, aiming it down to the ground. Her orbs widened further in shock.
'Is he… no… NO KNUCKLES!' Dulcy panicked and flapped her wings once taking off into the air and speeding towards the echidna. 'The energy he's giving off is incredibly strong and if he fires that… the whole world will be destroyed!'
Pain coursed through Dulcy's body both physically and mentally. The toll of seeing Cinder get killed right before her eyes was still fresh and she tried her very best not to break down again, but at the same time she was incredibly concerned for Knuckles who wasn't in control of himself. Her senses were able to pick up his chi… but it was dark and twisted… negative emotion running along it.
Dulcy wouldn't have guessed that Knuckles erupt so much anger and hate all at once.
Ever since he stepped foot in the Shinjin Shrine she viewed him as a strange individual. If anything she took an interest in him ever since the spar he had with Jian and saw that the red echidna was very strong, being able to best their toughest fighter. From there Master Shuifon talked to him in private and after the talk did Knuckles announce that he would be staying with them for a while.
That 'while' turned into five years and her perspective of him changed during that time. Not only did she notice how much stronger he has become, but Dulcy noticed much more on how Knuckles actually is. The first few days he was pretty reserved and kept to himself, only conversing with Master Shuifon and Zonshen. It took some time until Cinder was able to talk with him that he became more comfortable around the group and from there did he really open up. Dulcy noticed how kind he was when it came to helping others and how his titanic strength was a valuable asset. His courage, selflessness and a bit of goofiness made training more fun and actually had Cinder hone her skills a lot better to the point of being able to take down foes twice her size by herself. His stories of his travels were something else as well but she had a feeling he left some parts out.
When it came to her and Knuckles it was total respect for one another. Knuckles admired Dulcy for her leadership skills and the abilities she has as a dragon while she looked up to him in terms of standing up against impossible odds. If anything to her, Knuckles is a great addition to the Shinjin Shrine and wouldn't think of anyone better to have arrived. She did note his gullible nature and somewhat funny antics, but over time did he hone himself to be more mature and level-headed that he did become somewhat serious. Dulcy is relieved however that he maintained his playful personality as Cinder loved to hang out with him in games and such away from training.
Knuckles was pretty much family to her during those five years and sees him as a brother she always wanted. Even though they weren't the same species that didn't matter. She wants to ensure that Knuckles is safe and in good spirits.
At the moment that was not the case as her senses felt increasing rage coming from him.
'Hold on Knuckles I'm coming!' she thought speeding towards him.
Dulcy was adamant to not losing another family member.
…
…
Loud bursts of coughs came off the hidden voice of Tikal from underneath a pile of dirt as she dug her way out. Her orange fur was tattered with specks of the earth and her green dress displayed several patches of holes and tears but not enough to reveal too much. Dusting herself off her mind instantly though to the others and with panic she turned to where she was hiding before.
The building she was in remained standing, Tikal letting out a sigh of relief.
"Oh thank goodness it is still there… they are safe." she whispered before turning back again. "I have not witnessed something so powerful since… and even then it was a lot stronger than he was…"
Her blue eyes looked to the dark form of Knuckles, seeing him prepare an energy sphere from his mouth aimed to the ground. Her expression became horrified once more. "If that hits the earth then… no, please no…!"
Tikal began running quickly towards him with several emotions running in her mind but also of the time she experienced ever since she was revived. Coming into contact once again with Sonic and his friends, being attacked by Dr. Eggman who turned out to be a fake under the influence of dark energy, having to flee Angel Island as it was engulfed by this dark energy, and from there it was resisting the forces bent on taking over the land. She wasn't one to fight and her pacifism is due to that, but she is willing to help out the best she can. The last five years were very hard for the echidna princess and seeing her new friends in this new time going out of their way to repel this evil hurt her. She despises the violence that has to be carried out in order to bring peace and the actions they take only brought them back in moderate to severe injuries. Every day during those years they would come back from missions looking worse and worse, the morale going down with every counterattack.
If anything Tikal just wants all of this to stop having already seen enough and letting out enough of her emotions. It took blood, sweat and tears to fighting back against this evil and she felt they made not much progress. The end results were usually broken bones, severe cuts and bruises and for some of them like Sonic and Shadow… missing limbs. She just wanted it all to end, having experienced enough hardship back in her time when her father ruled the land and unleashed mass destruction by angering her very best friend in the beginning.
Tikal was already hurt enough to having to sacrifice herself once in order to save her best friend by sealing them inside the Master Emerald. She will not let anything happen with her new friends in this time and luckily she was able to put them in safety for the time being.
Right now her focus was on saving one of her own kind. One that she was told from Sonic and Tails on his life and what he has experienced. If anything… it was somewhat similar to her own except he witnessed no mass destruction. What he experienced… was true loneliness throughout most of his life, and for Tikal, that was the same experience she had when she was a child back then. Her grandmother was the only one that cared for her but she passed away too soon and while Chaos also cared for her along with the chao… it still wasn't the same regardless. She wanted to speak with someone of her own kind that wasn't like the echidnas back then and based off what Sonic and Tails have said to her before, Knuckles was one of a pure heart. Nothing like the echidna from back then and Tikal believed every word.
Right now, she wanted to save him. She wanted to save Knuckles.
From the same emotions she has been going through as well.
"Come on Tikal run faster!" the orange echidna pushed further in her running, lungs screaming for air and rest but her determination was what kept her going. Blue eyes watched the former emerald guardian finishing up in charging his attack ready to unleash it.
With one large intake of breath, Tikal and Dulcy yelled.
…
"KNUCKLES!"
…
Burning white eyes blinked once.
Amethyst orbs revealed a second later.
"H-Huh?"
A single word was spoken like a question.
His gaze fell to the ominous darkness that swiveled in front of him, dispelling instantly. Blinking several more times he raised a black gloved hand in the air and saw a similar aura surrounding it.
Only now it began to fade away.
'Kill… them…'
'What's that voice?'
'Kill…'
'NO!'
Violet eyes blinked again with head shaking to clear his thoughts. Afterwards he opened them once again and looking around, a gasp came out. He was floating high in the air which was new for him, but he was more shocked at the scene.
Knuckles was stunned at the amount of destruction that lay before him.
Spagonia, a once bustling town filled with kind people and amazing sights, was now reduced to a desolate smoldering pile of ash filling a huge crater. Severe cracks ran through the ground which emitted red and orange glows signifying fires going on within the crevasses. Smoke rose from various parts of the area and mixed with the dark clouds above the sky which slightly rattled with the aftershocks of thunder. His nose picked up the scent of burning instantly upon regaining himself and no longer can he smell the fresh outdoor fields he took in when he and the others ran across them.
Others…
"KNUCKLES!"
Two voices broke his train of thought and his gaze shifted slightly below. He saw the flying form of Dulcy up ahead with the small orange one of Tikal running from below. Concerned expressions were on their faces and Knuckles wanted to question why. He only recalled fighting the Phantom Shinobi and upon seeing Cinder-.
Knuckles froze.
'Kill…'
That voice again.
…
'Did… did I… cause all of this…'
The red echidna heard his named being called again but he ignored it, his mind separate from reality.
'I really… I really did didn't I? I let myself be close to others again… was it a-.'
'I would be leaving everything behind doing this… the people I met… the people I've known… everyone… that is what you have said…'
…
'I did…'
'… that would include… yes…'
'I never wanted this to happen. I just wanted to follow my own path, find my own destiny. Even just being with the Shinjin Warriors is causing all of this. It's my fault… they will say it's my fault… I caused this…'
…
"KNUCKLES!"
His gaze shifted once again to the two, Dulcy and Tikal coming closer. They were less than fifty meters away.
'No… I broke my promise and got too close again! This will always happen! I SHOULD'VE NEVER MET ANY OF THEM!'
Closing his eyes tight to prevent the tears from coming out he gritted his teeth. A glowing green light encasing his form as it vanished quickly.
Along with himself.
"WHAT?!" Dulcy yelled in shock stopping herself. Her wings flapped to keep her afloat but she was aghast that Knuckles has disappeared. "What just happened…"
Tikal stopped dead in her tracks and breathed heavily just as stunned, blue eyes wide like dinner plates. "He… he is… gone…"
Dulcy looked down and noticed the panting orange echidna below, flying down to her location. "You saw what I saw right?" the teal-green dragon asked.
"Y-Yes. Knuckles was in pain… he is still in pain…" Tikal looked down in sadness. "I felt his emotions… he is hurt."
Dulcy also lowered her gaze in despair. "I sensed it too. I've never seen him like that ever since we met. I'm very shocked that he lost control like that."
Tikal nodded, tears threatening to break out. "I-It w-was like back then…"
The Shinjin Warrior leader raised an eyebrow. "What was like back-?"
BOOM!
The two jumped at the large sound of thunder, forgetting that an ongoing storm went on even though it was calm at the moment. Dulcy shook her head. "Never mind that! Where are the others?!"
The echidna princess gasped. "I almost forgot! Do not worry they are safely hidden in a building I was in during the battle." Tikal stated.
"Alright let's go get them and get out of here, but dangit though how are we gonna do that? I don't have a Power Gem with me!" Dulcy replied in anger.
Tikal's eyes widened. "Oh I may have the solution!" she reached into a hidden pocket on her dress and pulled out a white gemstone. "I have been given this by someone in one of the nearby buildings… but sadly…"
"Wait hold on this doesn't look like a Power Gem?" Dulcy took the jewel and saw that it did look very different. "What is it?"
"I do not know but it is not a Chaos Emerald. I am not too sure but when the others do regain consciousness they may know what it might be." Tikal explained.
BOOM!
The two jumped once again.
"Okay whatever works let's just get out of here! Grab on!" Dulcy said going up in the air and offering her hands. Tikal nodded and grabbed them with her own and the teal-green dragon lifted the echidna princess of the ground flying to where the others are.
Dulcy's mind was still reeling from the loss of Cinder. Tikal was still thinking about all the chaos that has occurred. But most importantly.
What has happened to Knuckles?
…
…
…
"WE NEED TO STOP THE BLEEDING OR HE'LL DIE!"
"MAKE SURE TO KEEP DISINFECT HER CUTS! SHE CAN GET WORSE FROM INFECTION!"
"SHADOW'S GOING INTO SHOCK! WE HAVE TO RESTRAIN HIM!"
It was turmoil within the medical section of the Mazuri hideout that was hidden from the rest of the world. Several human and mobian doctors that were available from the refugees that took solace there were scrambling to heal the critically injured group consisting of Sonic, Amy, Shadow, Blaze, Rouge, Jian and Bunker. From the shouts and screams going on it looked like it was a struggle to ensuring they stay alive and with how limited their resources are, it'll take a miracle.
Outside stood Dulcy leaning on the wall with arms crossed and a frustrated expression, parts of her body sporting bandages. Tikal was being comforted by Cream who was crying herself while her mother was tending to the injured, Vanilla having gained medical experience on her part. Vector, Espio, Charmy and Big stood silently and kept to themselves with thoughts going on in which they should have also joined them for support.
Aside from the chaos going on inside the medical room, the air outside was very tense. For them they faced many battles and came out victorious but recent times have not been kind to them. More defeats creeped in to which they had to resort to guerilla tactics in order to repel the enemy or gather resources for the denizens of the hideout. Especially with the enemy having the power of the Phantom Ruby did it become REALLY difficult.
Coming back with injuries was becoming more common and some severe cases occurred like as with Sonic's legs and Shadow's arm, but today's cases… were far more extreme.
The sound of sliding doors alerted everyone but it wasn't from the medical doors. It was from the other set of doors across from it, revealing Tails.
Having a solemn look on his face.
Vector gave a sigh. "It's tough kid, but they'll make it out."
"Yeah… I don't know what else to say." Charmy said agreeing with the crocodile. Espio simply gave a respectful nod.
…
"That's not what I came here for…" Tails muttered. Everyone got curious from this with Cream and Tikal also developing interest. Vector was surprised; Tails was Sonic's best friend and he would be very worried for the Blue Blur as well. "That's… well what is it then?" Vector said. Tails looked around at everyone and looked down.
"The Chaos Emeralds are gone… he's been here…"
…
…
…
Crunching footsteps were heard upon a cliffside teeming with snow on its surface. The imprints of them left their mark behind the figure that rose to the top and stopped near the edge overlooking a small icehouse village, the rising sun making its way to brighten the area.
The rays hit the individual; their face obscured by the black hood over them.
A black scarf flowing behind them in the wind.
End of Chapter 24
Ooooo man looks like the battle's over but our former emerald guardian has separated from the others!
Will Sonic and company turn out okay from the aftermath? Will the loss of the Chaos Emeralds affect on how they may defeat this threat? Even though we MAY know who is that in the ending, what will they find in this frosty land?
Stay tuned next chapter! ouo/