There Is No "I" In Team
(Ares Island)
"That...wasn't good at all." Tails said aloud, saying what they were all thinking. That Titan had them running the entire time and not in a way that Sonic would have preferred. Now they were standing next to the broken Tornado with less than stellar expressions.
"No, it wasn't. That Titan, Wyvern, is going to be more trouble than Giganto I believe." Sage commented, voicing out her own concerns. "The probability of success after observing it's defenses has gone down drastically."
"Let's go over what it can do." Sally said, walking back and forth with a hand under her chin. "Flight is obviously it's main mode of transportation while missiles seem to be it's most common form of attack."
"It was also changing the environment! It kept trying to block our way or make it really hard for us to escape from it." Tails added on, trying to think of how they could honestly think of it. "It's outer shell seems weaker compared to the Giganto Titan, but it no doubt makes up for that with it's flight."
"It's certainly more mobile. I wonder if it's had any similar attacks to Giganto." Sally said, thinking back to that terrifying energy attack it shot at them before shivering. "I hope not."
It wasn't comforting in the slightest. While Giganto was certainly tough, it didn't attack with the same amount of aggressiveness that the Wyvern held. It was far faster and versatile compared to the walking tank that most threw it's fist around. They still didn't even know it's full capabilities, knowing that it could be hiding something much more troublesome if angered.
"Well we have to think of something." Sonic said, feeling annoyed by their loss. It really stung him how quick they were forced to flee.
"Can't you use the Emerald like you did before against that other giant robot?" Amy suggested with Sonic perking up.
"Dang it, how'd I forget about that." Sonic said, taking out the Emerald. He then started walking off while tossing the Emerald up. "I'll beat that thing down a whole lot easier when I have this and we'll have a new Chaos Emerald."
"Hold it, Sonic." Sally said, grabbing him by his arm before he ran off. "We don't have enough information on this machine. We shouldn't just run in without a plan.
"Well I have a plan right here." Sonic said, making sure she saw the Chaos Emerald. "And what do you mean "We" exactly? I'm gonna deal with that titan by myself."
"We're going to help you get the Chaos Emerald obviously and make sure that Titan doesn't fall into Eggman's hands." Sally said, giving Sonic a small glare. He gave her one right back.
"I think I can handle the Titan like I did the last one, Sal."
"You got punched into a mountain!"
"I came out just fine!"
"After you used the Chaos Emerald you were!"
"And I beat the scrap off of the giant robot you guys got caught by!"
"And what are you gonna do if one of these titans or worse, Eggman finds a way to take the Emerald while you're using it!"
"Then I obviously won't let that happen!"
"SONIC THE HEDGEHOG SO HELP ME!"
"Yesh. It's like watching an old couple going through their hundredth fight." Amy muttered to Tails, who could only nod while worried.
"You know what, forget about it." Sonic said, turning away from her. "I'm heading out on a run. If I see that Titan again, I'll take it down myself."
"Sonic don't you dare-" She was cut off by Sonic dashing off, leaving behind a trail of dust. Sage was forced to go with them, leaving them alone. Tails and Amy calmly stepped back "That darn Hedgehog!"
She couldn't help, but to feel flustered with Sonic's reckless nature. He may have been the only one that could currently stand up to the Titans, but that didn't mean he had to go at it alone either! They were supposed to be in this together...weren't they?
"Does this mean we get a break because I'm dying for some shade right now." Amy said, fanning herself. Sally could only sigh in defeat, knowing that getting angry now was just energy wasting.
"We don't have much of a choice. We'll have to find Sonic later, but for now we should look for a place to rest." Sally said, her annoyance clear. The other two could only look at each other, going unnoticed by Sally. "Come on, let's-"
She didn't get to finish upon seeing a speeding sand storm coming right at them. Tails yelped in fright along with Amy, but Sally was getting ready for an attack. Even if she didn't have a weapon, she wasn't about to let Amy or Tails get hurt. It finally came upon them...in the form of a fairly large floating platform, much to their confusion. It only grew upon seeing several Koco's peek their heads over while wearing battle helmets and spears.
"Um...Hi?" Tails offered. Several Koco suddenly jumped down and startled them. They didn't attack however, instead they hopped over to the broken down Tornado. "Um Hey!"
Some turned to look at him, but the others pointed their spears at the plane. To their amazement, the spears started glowing as the Tornado slowly rose off the ground. They watched as they put it on the floating platform before turning to them and spoke in their language.
"...I think they know how to fix it." Amy said, after a moment. They instantly caught their attention. "And it looks like they're willing to lend us a hand."
(Ares Island)(With Sonic)
"Don't you believe that was too much?" Sage questioned, floating next to Sonic as he ran. She couldn't help, but to feel confused by the sudden fight between the two seemingly good friends. She couldn't help but find the whole interaction...silly.
"Well she could have laid off with me being beaten by the Titan thing." Sonic said, a frown on his face.
"I mean believing that they would be of no help against the Titan." Sage simplified.
"Well no offense to them, but I've been busting down a lot of killer robots by myself for a few years now and I've only gotten better at it." Sonic explained, yet his frown still remained. "And so far, I'm pretty much the only one who's been dealing with a lot of the bigger bots."
"Does that annoy you? Anger you?" Sage asked concerned.
"What? No." Sonic said quickly before letting out a sigh. "Trust me, I have no issues with busting down Eggman's plans and going against his whole World Domination thing...and it's a little fun."
"Then why dismiss help? It would improve our chances significantly." Sage questioned, still confused upon hearing Sonic.
"It's...it's not that I don't think they can't help, but so far the only way to actually beat the Titans is through hitting them really hard and I can't even do that without the Chaos Emerald." Sonic admitted, as much as he didn't want to. It really was just a fact that the Titans and everything else on the island proved to be far stronger than whatever Eggman had. "I mean, I know Sally can fight, but that's when she has a weapon at the very least and that's against Eggman's joke bots. Amy has a bow and I don't know if Tails can really fight. Not exactly ideal to bring out against anything out here." Sage...could understand that. Sonic was the only one who was currently combat ready to face off against their current adversaries. "But I know there's more to that than just fighting."
"They have proven themselves to be quick on their feet with a plan and have proven their intelligence is more than adequate." Sage commented.
"Yeah...Look, I just...I don't know how I'd handle seeing any of them getting hurt." Sonic said, looking slightly away from Sage seeing his expression. "I don't want any of them to get hurt if I can handle the fight instead."
"...They would not want to see any harm brought upon you either." Sage said, getting his attention. "Myself included. It...hurt seeing what Giganto had done to you. I doubt the others would have taken it lightly if they had seen the state you were in."
"Yeahy, you're right about that." Sonic said before shaking his head. "I'll make sure to say sorry after the run. Think Sal still needs a moment to cool off."
Sage could only nod, as Sonic ran even faster with her by his side.
(Ares Island, Hanger)
While Sonic went out on his run, the others had joined the Kocos to a damaged, but fully operational base. They weren't able to get a word in before the Koco's had taken the Tornado off their transport and brought it to the center of the bay where several repair stations could be seen surrounding it.
"I'm gonna head over to see what they're gonna do to the Tornado." Tails said, running off with the Koco's. "I may have a few ideas we can work with if they have the right equipment for it."
"And he's gone. Great." Amy said, letting out a sigh. She and Sally couldn't spot an Elder Koco, meaning any chance of a normal talk was out of the question. "Still I'm glad to be out of that heat. Heck I'm surprised there's air conditioning here!"
"Always be thankful for small things." Sally said, leaning up against a wall. She was more than happy to have a proper resting place, but right now she needed to plan. "Nicole, can you pinpoint anything related to Eggman's Frequency?"
" I will start looking now, Princess Sally. Please wait." Nicole said before going silent.
"So...how are you doing?" Amy asked suddenly.
"Oh, I'm fine. Thank you for asking. And yourself?" Sally questioned.
"Well if we ignore us nearly getting blown to smithereens earlier and the blazing heat here, I think I'm as okay as I can be." Amy admitted, beaming with a smile.
"Do forgive us for that. We're supposed to be watching out for you better than that." Sally admitted, thankful that Amy at least sounded alright.
"Huh-huh. And how are you feeling about Sonic right now?" Amy asked, catching the Princess off guard until she frowned.
"Well nothing too positive right now." Sally muttered, her annoyance made clear.
"And you're still mad about him wanting to deal with the Titan here on his own right?" Amy asked.
"Where does he get off by saying that we can't help him! I fought alongside him when we were escaping Eggman's troops! I swear he can be such a fool sometimes!" Sally vented for a moment before quickly calming herself. "Forgive me, that must have sounded rude."
"Don't worry, I've heard much worse from my cousin." Amy giggled before continuing. "But, you gotta admit. There isn't too much we can do to actually help him without another Chaos Emerald. I mean, I'm running around with a bow and arrow. At least you can kick them."
"Well...you do have a point." Sally admitted, unable to defend that. Sonic was physically strong enough to take down nearly everything they've faced so far. Meanwhile they've been forced on the sidelines for the most part. "Yet I can't stand being dismissed so easily just because he has a Chaos Emerald to help him."
"That's only part of it, I bet. If anything, I'd say he's more worried about any of us getting hurt or worse." Amy explained with a smile. She could see that both of them were worried about one another, they just expressed it in different ways. "You can't say you don't have the same feeling as he does whenever we get into trouble. Things like this are normal between those who care for one another."
Sally paused upon hearing that, faltering a little bit. She couldn't argue against that. No matter how many times Sonic had beaten an opponent, she would forever worry about his safety. "...I just want to help him with this. It doesn't please me that he needs to be the one who has to constantly put himself in danger while I just stand back and do nothing."
"Then let's do something about it!" Amy yelled, throwing a fist up in the air.
"What do you mean?" Sally asked.
"I mean if they're capable of supping up a mess up plane like that, then maybe we can get something to defend ourselves with!"
"I...suppose you have a point." Sally said, taking a glance around. She spotted several of the Koco's waiting for their weapons to be repaired by another Koco. "I am quite handy with a sword."
"I was thinking of replacing my bow." Amy said, wide grins growing on their faces.
(Ares Island)(With Sonic and Sage)
Sonic bounced an Eggman Bot's head as he stood surrounded by a bunch of destroyed machines that attacked him on sight. Unsurprisingly, they met a swith end to the blue blur. Sage took note the entire time from start to finish, always finding herself fascinated with how fast Sonic was.
"You've grown faster." Sage commented while Sonic tossed the bot's head away.
"Nah. These things are just cheap compared to the bots around here." Sonic said while walking forward.
"There is also that to take into consideration." Sage admitted, following him. "Should we know to return back to Sally and the others. There is no doubt they are worried about our safety."
"Yeah, you're right on that." Sonic said, letting out a small chuckle. 'Guess I better work on an apology too while I'm at it.' Heck he had been trying to work on one that didn't sound uncaring or too quick the entire time! He knew it wasn't going to be difficult, but it was the point of the matter. 'Okay, nothing too...me. She ain't used to that. Yet.'
Just as he was walking, he and Sage failed to notice the strange ruin-like pattern they were stepping in. Just as they reached the center, an alarm alarmed as laser beams shot from the ground. Sonic got ready to dodge only to see them interconnect with another and trapped them within a cage-like barrier.
"Well, that's not good." Sonic said while Sage was already working to free them. "And let me guess. Big robot is gonna appear in the next second to fight us?"
Almost as if summoning it, a machine did appear across from him. It was a very large white and red robot with multiple protrusions on its spherical head, it's body overall seemingly very armored in comparison to other bots.
"Sumo." Sage said, catching Sonic's attention.
"Sumo huh?" The Hedgehog muttered while getting ready. It made no move attack, either waiting for him to strike or for something else. "Guess we're fighting. Let's go!"
"Sonic wait!" Sage's words went on deaf as Sonic dashed forward to attack. However to his surprise as he spin dashed he bounced clean off it's shield like body before immediately getting smacked back. Sonic managed to stop himself from hitting the barrier as Sage appeared next to him. "Sumo's primary function is to focus on pure defense; using a barrier around it's normal armor."
"Great. Next time, don't let me run at these things." Sonic groaned while standing up. The Sumo suddenly got extremely aggressive as it hovered towards them while swinging it's arms. Sonic ducked under and rushed around the machine. "Guess I'll have to settle for hitting it harder!"
Sumo swung it's arms around in an attempt to strike down the Hedgehog, but missed upon the speed the blue blur held over it. As for Sonic himself, he was debating on using the Chaos Emerald before rejecting the idea. Last he needed was to draw any unneeded attention to himself. Well more so.
'Let's see if the old 'hit the same spot till it breaks' trick still works then.' Sonic circled around the machine, going into blinding speed as he struck it in several spots. Sumo couldn't counter it, but it didn't seem to be affecting the machine just yet. 'Come on there's gotta be something-wait. That could work.'
Sonic stopped the attack and ran strictly in a circle around the Sumo as fast as he could. What he didn't notice was that he was releasing chaos energy from himself as energy trailed behind him. The moment he made a complete circle around it, a shockwave went off underneath the machine and sent it flying off it's feet. It hit the ground hard as a blue energy flickered red around it.
"Sonic, it's barrier is down. Strike now!" Sage yelled.
"Got it!" Sonic didn't hesitate, curling up into a ball and aggressively spinning in place. He then launched himself and slammed clean into Sumo's chest, bringing them both toward the cage. Sonic kicked off while Sumo slammed into the electric cage, shocking it greatly as it's body spazzed violently out of control. Yet that didn't make the hedgehog hesitate as he spun his foot around. "Time to end this!"
Firing off a barrage of wind blades, Sonic kept up a relentless assault upon the machine. He had it pinned completely and wasn't letting it until it went down. Despite Sumo's attempts, it couldn't get free from it's spot and was forced to take the onslaught of attacks. It wasn't long before it went completely limp before imploding from within.
"Whew. That was something." Sonic said, relaxing a bit. It was then he noticed that the cage was still up, concerning him. "Hey, Sage? Shouldn't this disappear or something?"
"Something is amiss." Sage said, immediately looking into the systems. Her eyes widened upon what she found. "Eggman's Forces have hacked into the systems around here. They're keeping the barrier up and sending their forces as you fought!"
"Oh...crap." Sonic said, upon seeing multiple of Eggman's robots flying in. They dropped down and surrounded the cage, many weapons pointed at the Hedgehog. Sonic himself got ready, knowing he was gonna have to avoid their attacks until this cage was gone, but even he wasn't sure how well he could do in a limited space. "Think you can get us out of here Sage?"
"I'm on it, Sonic." The A.I. got to work just as the machine started firing at him. Naturally he dodged them, posing and mocking them the entire time. Of course with the numbers growing, he started to have a hard time to keep up with them all.
It didn't ease his nerves upon seeing one of the robots carrying a rocket launching and pointing it at him. However before it even could, a yellow energy blast slammed into it and destroyed it along with several other machines.
"Huh?" Sonic said, very confused.
"I hit him!" Sonic looked up in surprise to see Tails flying above him. Around his right hand was a red and yellow arm cannon that was charging up a second blast. "Hang on, Sonic! We'll help you!"
'We?' Sonic thought before seeing several machines go flying clean over the cage. He looked outside to see Amy charging through Eggman's robots and smacking them either away or into pieces with a hammer. A hammer that was easily as tall as she was, colored red with yellow accents. "I didn't think she could hold something that big." Seriously, she was tiny compared to him! He spotted several Buzz Bombers floating above her and shouted. "AMY! UP ABOVE, MOVE!"
The girl heard him and quickly ducked for cover for the blasts, barely avoiding them. Thankfully Tails noticed and started blasting them from above. Amy herself had swung her hammer into one of the larger bots, hitting it's top clean off as it struck a few Buzz Bombers. However the Eggbots soon turned their attention to them and began shooting.
"Yipe!" Tails dived down and flew around to avoid the blast. Amy could only grunt as she was forced to hide behind cover as they approached.
"Crap. They need help!" Sonic yelled, while taking out the Chaos Emerald. "Don't you let me down-"
He didn't get to finish upon seeing a floating platform fly from around the corner and towards them. It stopped in between Amy and the machines as the Koco's jumped over with their staffs ready. The sudden arrival caught the machines off guard as they found themselves heavily assaulted by the Koco's, who were surprisingly doing extremely well as fighters. Then came the real surprise as Sally soon came out from over the ship itself. She dived down at a group of machines before a pair of swords, made out of blue energy appeared in her hands. She gripped them tightly and attacked, slicing clean through the machines that had been in her way.
"Woah..." Sonic muttered upon seeing her in action. He only got to see it briefly, but Sally was pretty damn deadly when she had a weapon in hand. "She's really good..."
"Sonic? Are you okay? I noticed a rise in your heart beat?" Sage asked, concerned.
"Y-yeah! Peachy and aokay! Just focus on getting us out of here!" Sonic said, slightly flustered. Sage didn't seem to believe him, but focused anyway on her job.
"It is done." Sage said as the cage vanished. Instantly Sonic got to work behind him, destroying mass groups of Robots in mere seconds. Sage could only blink at Sonic's speed, noting he hadn't even used the Chaos Emerald to increase it.
Sally and Amy were working side by side, smashing and slicing through the threats before them. They helped the Koco's with their battles while Tails rained down attacks from above. They were working well as a team, taking down the machines one by one until Sonic came rushing through the remaining units and tore through them with ease.
"And that as they say is that." Sonic said, giving one last kick to one of the robots. He stretched a bit until he saw Sally approach him, her weapons vanishing in the form of two blue bands. "Well, I can't say I wasn't rescued, so...thanks, Sal."
"Well, it was a team effort last time I checked." Sally said, referring to their Friends and the Kocos.
"Yeah, you guys were all pretty amazing." Sonic admitted, getting small cheers from the Kocos. Tails rubbed the back of his head while Amy stuck her head up with a smile. Sally merely giggled as they locked gaze with one another with Sonic's softening. "Listen, Sally. About earlier, I'm really sorry about what I said. I'm more used to doing these things on my own and I don't wanna see any of you guys get hurt. Guess I was the stupid one when it comes to that."
"Sonic...Believe me, I understand. It's not exactly fun to see one of my friends run himself into danger. I want to stand by your side while dealing with the threats of this island, but much more importantly Eggman." Sally said, trying to stay as firm as possible, but found herself softening as well. "But it's not like we were properly equipped to help in any way until now."
"Well I think you found something that works. Love the blue by the way." Sonic joked, earning a smile in return.
"Well, I do like the color." Sally said, giving him a smirk.
"Oh my-You're cute as heck, but enough with the flirting!" Amy yelled, getting flustered expressions from the both of them. They weren't even given time to deny it as Amy continued. "Now come on! I wanna get this plan going!"
"Plan?" Sage asked, appearing out of nowhere. "For the Titan you mean?"
"Thanks to our friends here, we have an idea of how to defeat the Wyvern." Tails said happily. That instantly caught their interest as they stepped onto the floating platform. "It'll take some more time when we get back, but I know we can get done if we all work together!"
"Well, what are we waiting for? Lead the way!" Sonic yelled, more than happy to be on their way. Everyone had gotten onto the platform and took off with Sonic running alongside it. He couldn't help, but smile upon seeing all of their excited faces. 'Guess there is no 'I' in team...gosh, why do I feel like I said something corny!'
He was never, ever gonna say that outloud!
(Reha Island, Eggman's Fleetshit)(Control Room)
Eggman watched the footage of Sonic and his friends destroying his machines and couldn't help, but to clench his fist. 'Damn hedgehog. He's as persistent as his Uncle.' No matter, they wouldn't be able to stay ahead for long. He turned to another screen and saw his nephew appear on it. "Snivley, have you shielded the emerald's energy?"
"Yes sir. We've also managed to gain control of the Ares Island machinery in the area. W-with the exception of the Titan." Snively reported with Eggman nodding. They were quick to find another Chaos Emerald, thankfully out of the hands of another Titan. It was located in a rather tall tower off to the side of the island, yet compared to the titan, resistance was almost nonexistent.
"Good. I'll be there to claim that emerald soon enough. Be sure to keep a low cover." Eggman ordered as he ended the call abruptly. He already had one Chaos Emerald, and there were still a grand many more to collect. "Soon, my plan will come to completion and none shall stand in my way. Keep dealing with those Titans and collect my Chaos Emeralds, I'll liberate them from you in due time."
He would win in the end.
(Chapter End)
A/N: Hello and sorry for the late update, I've been working hard these past few weeks. However...I have nothing to add on sadly. This was...extremely straightforward and to the point, but feel free to take any guess you want for the next chapter.
Oh and I am well aware of the Frontiers Update, timing couldn't be better.
Until then, I hope you enjoy it, that you come back for more and that you all have a wonderful day. Until next time.
Reviews
Void Reader: Hope there aren't seven Titans to get the rest of the emeralds from. I can't imagine defeating Wyvern without Super States so we're putting our bets all on the new Chaos States. When would Sally get her Ring Blades, if they exist in this fanfic? Update soon.
Answer: Nope, definitely not Seven. That'll be too long for my liking. Also the Ring Blades are here now. Yay.
Sithlord-6666: you know if sally were exposed to chaos energy, I think it would gave her an affinity for electricity. Considering her discipline, she may take a few pages from Misaka Mikoto (level 5 Rail gun)
Answer: Hmmm, I'll think about it.
Guest: Great chapter i hope eggette recorded everything that happened sonic using the chaos emerald and fighting giganto otherwisely eggman might not believe her
Answer: Oh she has, don't worry about that.