Time Hero

by Hero Memory

The Metarex should be dead. But instead, Sonic and his friends find themselves confronting a Metarex battalion with only ruins of the Blue Typhoon. Sonic is freezing in fear, and Tails and Amy are left to pick up the pieces. That is, if there's even enough of the universe left to save. After all…the Chaos Emeralds aren't exactly supposed to scream… Book 3 of 3 in trilogy!

1. Tearing Fabric

Welcome, one and all, to my FINALE to the Time Trilogy.

Yes, before we get started with the story, one very important note:

Time Hero is the third in a series, the sequence of which is:

1. Metarex Rule ( s/8147295/1/Metarex-Rule)

2. Darkened Chaos ( s/13375671/1/Darkened-Chaos)

3. Time Hero

HOWEVER!

Never fear, you should be able to jump right in with Time. Certainly, it helps to have read Metarex Rule and Darkened Chaos, but when it is referenced, I will very often explain the reference, as any author would in writing a sequel. If there's anything you have questions about, please don't hesitate to reach out! I'm happy to answer any questions whether you're a long-time follower of the previous two books or jumping right in with Time Hero.

In case it was not already clear, this is a continuation of Sonic X, jumping off where season 3 left off. Because I started writing my trilogy before all episodes of that season had aired, there are some differences that violate continuity, for example, the fact that Chris is present in this novel. But those continuity violations should be very few.

Otherwise, all you need to know is that this novel opens up immediately after the conclusion of Darkened Chaos, which is to say that this book opens up right after the events of episode 77 of Sonic X (because if you've been around this series for a while, then you know we're playing with time travel!).

Without further ado, please enjoy! And though it likely does not need saying:

Disclaimer: I do not own Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic X, or anything related to the franchise. This is merely a work of fanfiction.

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Chapter One: Tearing Fabric

Black Thorn strode through the metal doors that stood at least four times taller than she did. They had to, in order to accommodate most of the Metarex. She was the exception to the rule. She usually was. But the moment she stepped into the room, all the Metarex halted in the middle of the work to get down on one knee and bow to her.

As she continued into the room, the Metarex General Shining Birch fell into step beside her. "Are our forces nearing the Blue Typhoon?" she asked, her young voice layered with metal as though threaded unevenly through a modulator.

"Indeed, Black Thorn," Shining Birch said.

"And what of Majyk?"

"They will arrive within a few hours, Black Thorn."

She frowned, glaring at the Metarex around the room. "You will depart soon to join them; I will not allow for failure."

"Of course," Shining Birch said, inclining his head.

They reached the center of the room, and Black Thorn fell into the chair that waited there. She rested her elbow on the arm of the chair, cradling her chin in her palm. She resisted the urge to wince as the cold metal of her hand met her flesh. It took all her self-control to look bored with the matters before her. "You understand it was a privilege that the Emeralds returned you to life," she said eventually.

"I—I do," Shining Birch stammered.

Black Thorn sighed. In the breath, she heard underneath the static sound of machinery. "You have failed me once before."

"I will not do so again," Shining Birch said quickly.

She waved her hand, and Shining Birch cut off. "The only reason you have been forgiven is because Rusted Maple failed as well," she said. "But know that while the alteration of time allows forgiveness, your transgression has not been forgotten."

"I understand," he replied in a small voice.

"In addition," Black Thorn continued, "you are responsible for keeping Rusted Maple sane enough to complete his mission."

"Of course," he agreed.

"In the meantime, I will implement Mission Planted Seed," she explained. Black Thorn pushed herself to her feet once more. A couple of the Metarex glanced back. But when they saw Black Thorn as the source of the noise, they quickly averted their eyes. Her own eyes narrowed. "There is absolutely no room for failure this time," she announced to the room.

All the Metarex in the room froze mid-motion, though none turned to her. "Time travel is no longer an option so whoever dies stays dead." She scanned the room, though she found no eyes to meet hers. "I brought you back; I can take that away."

She stormed out the same way she came in, leaving all the Metarex, including Shining Birch behind. She struggled to ignore the heat rising in her stomach. The Metarex need to fear her, not question her authority. She led them.

But she was not a Metarex.