Chapter 46

Rematch

The tumult raging inside the camp dimmed as Sonic was pushed into the pavilion. Arthur led his knights over to the dining table. The dinner plates had been replaced with a large map of the valley. More rebels filed inside, allowing Sonic to slip off into a corner without drawing attention to himself.

Arthur leaned over the map and studied it intently. "It will take Zero about an hour to reach us. That announcement was just a bluff."

"We must strike now," Gawain suggested. "Our only hope of escape is to punch a hole through their line and escape into the forest. If we scatter our forces there is a chance some of us could make it out. Take Silver and Rayne with you commander, it is most essential that you are not taken prisoner."

"I appreciate your concern," Arthur said dryly. "But I will not abandon the camp. We either escape all together or not at all."

"P…Arthur…Our war is lost if you are taken. There is still hope as long as you escape."

"I will not leave anyone behind. Not again." Arthur's tone offered no argument and Gawain did not make a third attempt. A silence fell inside the tent. Sonic could see fear in the usually grim faces of the rebels. His stomach squirmed with guilt. This was all his fault.

"Listen to me," Arthur started. He looked around the room pausing at every face as if trying to evaluate their courage. "Our cause does not end here. We will not die tonight. Zero and his Jackal Squadron are powerful but they are not known for their brilliant tactics. If we are clever and careful we can escape his net." Arthur pressed a finger down at the map. "We will not wait for them to find us. We will meet them at a place of our choosing and break through their ranks."

"How?" Rayne interrupted. "They have thousands of sentinels with them."

"Which is why we will fight them here." Arthur pressed a finger down on the map. Gawain leaned over to see the spot. The falcon's eye flashed and he stroked his beak.

"The tree cover is extremely dense there. The sentinels might have a hard time moving."

"As will we." Rayne pointed out. "And we will be slowed down if we try to take civilians with us as well. If Zero joins the fray then we will have no chance."

"Which is why a splinter group will have to buy the main force time. There is no need to send a large force, just a few who can distract Zero."

Gawain frowned. He glanced knowingly at Arthur. "And why would Zero draw off his assault to follow just a handful of us?"

"Because I know him. Zero's greatest flaw is his pride. He will give chase for a chance to fight me one on one."

Everyone in the tent except Sonic seemed to shiver. "Commander…you…you cannot face him alone. The whole point of this is to keep you out of the emperor's prisons."

"I told you before Gawain, I will not run again. Zero will break away from the rest of you, if he thinks he can corner me. That will give the rest the opportunity they need to escape."

"Then let us come with you!" Rayne exclaimed. "That is our duty."

Gawain said nothing. He looked as if he were trying to force down some horrible tasting food. "Arthur…you…allow me to go with you at least."

"No," Arthur countered. "The Sniper Core needs their captain. Your abilities will be needed to take down the sentinels." He turned to his other knight. "Rayne, if you wish it, you may-"

"I'll go!" Sonic stepped forward and every face in the camp turned to him. He ignored their gawking. "It's my fault the empire found your camp. I owe it to you to try and help everyone escape. Besides, Zero and I already have a history."

"A history of nearly beating you to death." Silver, who had been brooding in a corner, emerged to glare at Sonic. "You've already caused enough trouble as it is. Now you want to kill our commander as well?"

"Arthur won't need to go," Sonic insisted. "Zero will come after me, even if I'm alone."

"Am I supposed to applaud your courage?" Silver sneered. "If we let you go alone, you'll just run off to save your own skin."

Sonic ignored Silver and turned to Arthur. "Zero will pursue me. He knows we have unfinished business."

"Do you wish to sacrifice your life? Or do you actually intend to win?"

Sonic smirked. "I won't lose twice to the same opponent. I never have."

"He will use the Sol Gems," Gawain pointed out. "You were no match for him once he had powered himself up."

"That trick will only work once. He caught me off guard. But it doesn't matter how many times he juices up, he'll never be as fast as me. I can take him." Sonic took another step toward the table, so he was nearly face to face with Arthur. "Your people need you. Let me take on Zero."

"If you go alone, your chances of survival are slim."

"A low margin for error is the perfect recipe for a thrilling adventure," Sonic said with a grin.

Arthur paused and looked down at the map. "It could work," He whispered. "But I had a plan of getting Zero to come after me. How will you bait him?"

Sonic held up his arm and flashed the Imperial Persona. "He can already track me. If you had some sort of megaphone or something, perhaps I could try and taunt him, challenge him publicly."

"We have camp speakers," Gawain said. "You could use those. But are you absolutely sure he will come for you? If he ignores you and pursues the rest of us, we won't be able to punch a hole through their lines."

"No doubt, that is what he wants!" Silver snapped. "Am I the only one who can see what is going on here?" He jabbed a finger in Sonic's direction. "He is an outsider. He's led the empire to our doorstep. We should be killing him, not trusting him."

"What choice do we have sir?" Arthur replied coolly. "It is immature pride that prevents you from seeing the truth about Sonic. If he was our foe, he could have alerted the empire to our location and left the camp already. But he is still here. He saved Priam and the others. Now question my judgment again, and you will no longer be a knight."

Silver's expression fell. He looked suddenly childish and afraid. "I…I'll go get ready then." He turned and raced out of the pavilion.

Arthur shook his head. "I don't like it. Sonic, I cannot ask you to risk your life for a cause that is not your own."

"This is my choice," Sonic insisted. "I brought myself here. Whether by accident or not, I led the empire to you. Give me a chance to make it right."

"Very well. Everyone, prepare to leave the camp in ten minutes. Gawain, take Sonic to the speakers. Let him make his challenge."

Moments later, Gawain was dragging Sonic by the arm. The camp was alive with hectic activity. Rebels were running in every direction to collect weapons and tents. A great majority of them had gathered by the north entrance with Arthur at their head. "This is foolish," Gawain snarled. "Zero will cut you into pieces and still have time to run us down."

"He won't," Sonic said with a shake of his head. "But you won't stop doubting me till I prove it."

"I've heard lots of tough talk from young warriors like you. They are always so sure of their abilities until their bones are shattered and their blood leaks onto the floor."

"Such a cheery image-"

Gawain shook Sonic and forced him to face the knight. "This isn't a game. More than our lives are at stake. If Arthur is captured, then Soleanna is finished, as is the rest of the planet. Who knows what will fall after that. Perhaps the entire universe."

Sonic frowned. "Who is Arthur? What is he really?"

Gawain shook his head. "Come!" He dragged Sonic over to a tree. Gawain bent down and soared upward, carrying Sonic with him. They landed on a plank nailed into the side of the tree. Gawain took a speaker that was resting there and thrust it into Sonic's hand. He spun the dial and an ear splitting screech echoed over the valley. Sonic pressed his mouth against the receiver and swallowed.

"Hey Zero!" Sonic's voice magnified over the forest. "I thought that was your voice I heard. Like nails on a chalkboard. Last time you got the better of me with your nifty little gem, but the same trick won't work twice. If you really are as tough as they say, then you won't say no to another one on one would you?"

Gawain ripped the speaker out of Sonic's hand and threw it off the tree. "That's enough, either he will take the bait or we are finished."

Sonic leapt off the tree with Gawain and the two of them hurried back to the others. When Arthur saw them coming he broke away and came over to Sonic. "Nice speech. Short and simple, and I think effective. If you really mean to fight Zero then I suggest you head east. There used to be a garden in that direction. The trees have been cleared away and there is enough space for you to use your speed when you fight him."

Sonic nodded and turned to go, but Arthur caught him by the shoulder. "What's up?"

"You could die you know..Is..is this what you were like back on earth? You just rushed to aid people you hardly knew?"

Sonic shrugged. "I never really thought about it like that. I just did what needed to be done."

"Hmmm…who are you, Sonic the Hedgehog?"

"Whatcha see is whatcha get, just a guy that loves adventure!" Sonic turned away, flashing a smile as he went.

Before he could leave, he nearly ran over Jasmine who had rushed to him. There were tears in the young hedgehog's eyes. "Good luck Sonic. I know you'll be okay. I…I've seen it in my dreams."

Sonic smiled awkwardly and gave the girl a reassuring pat on the back. "You'll be alright as well. The others will keep you safe." Jasmine wiped her tears and made an attempt at looking brave. Sonic waved at her and then shot off like a bullet towards the east.

He zig zagged through the trees and after a while he heard a trumpet sound and knew Arthur and the others were heading out. Now that his show of bravado was over, Sonic felt the waves of fear and panic crash over his barricades. He did not fear Zero and was confident he could win against the jackal, but he did not feel the same way about the rest of the plan. I have to win quickly and get back over there to help. Sonic wasn't sure if he could live with himself if he caused the thirteens to get captured or worse.

Within minutes, Sonic reached the clearing Arhtur had told him about. He could see the rundown hedges and remains of what had clearly been a vast garden in ages long past. A tall crumbling spyre rested in the center of the clearing. Sonic took up position on top of it and looked around. The massive walls of the basin completely encased the valley. With sentinels pouring in from every direction, the thirteens would be hard pressed to escape. Sonic's gut sank as he realized the valley was the perfect place for an ambush.

A light trace of blue dawn light streaked through an opening in the clouds. The forest seemed completely still, but Sonic knew the peace was about to be shattered with combat. He tapped his foot anxiously as he waited for the floods to burst. A second later a flash of white hot pain erupted on his arm. Sonic grimaced and squeezed the brand on his wrist. After a few seconds, the pain receded.

"There you are!" Sonic looked down and saw Zero and two of his canine lackeys. "Come down here and die." The jackal had returned to his usual size. The Sol Gem powerup must not be permanent then.

Sonic jumped down and landed gracefully in front of Zero. "You brought friends."

"Just witnesses." Zero said with obvious relish. "What use is killing you, if no one can sing my praises?"

"Don't get too ahead of yourself."

Zero snapped his heavy jaws. "Fool, I nearly killed you at the temple. This time I won't leave anything for those filthy thirteens to put back together."

"Your threats won't help. Go ahead and power up with your little gem. We both know you don't stand a chance without it."

"Don't I!" Zero bounded forward, but Sonic had anticipated that. He sidestepped with ease but did not counter. Instead, Sonic sped at the two cronies who only had time to let out yelps of fear before Sonic knocked them out with swift kicks to the head.

"There goes your audience," Sonic quipped.

Zero howled and dug his claws into the earth. He tore out clumps of dirt and launched them at Sonic. With effortless grace, Sonic avoided the projectiles and spin dashed at Zero. The jackal caught him and dug his heels into the ground. So you want to test me? Sonic revved himself up and slowly started pushing Zero backward.

The jackal hissed and redoubled his efforts to dig his heels in. There was a moment of pause, before Sonic again started to push Zero back. Zero realized his mistake too late, he let go but did not give himself a chance to avoid the blow. Sonic launched forward and smashed right into Zero's chest. The jackal stumbled backward, gasping for breath. Sonic did not give him time to recover. He soared into the air, curled up into a ball and dropped down like a bullet. BANG! Sonic crashed into Zero's neck and the jackal crumpled into the ground.

"You sure do learn pretty slow," Sonic said as he celebrated the early round victory by stretching his arms lazily over his head.

Zero slowly pushed himself onto one knee. His fur was matted with grass and dirt and blood was trickling out of his jaw. Pink light streaked from behind him as he drew a Sol Gem from his belt. "So do you," He gasped. "If you were smart you would have killed me when you had the chance."

"Who says I wanted to? I want you at your best before I beat you."

"Careful what you wish for," Zero crushed the gem. He breathed in the mist and again his body seized up and his eyes turned white. This time, Sonic did not allow himself to be mesmerized by the transformation.

When he was finished, Zero launched forward with tripled speed. That was still too slow for Sonic. He dashed to the side and Zero went bounding harmlessly past him. Zero turned but did not make a second attempt at rushing Sonic. Instead he pawed the ground and waited, clearly coming up with a new strategy.

Sonic did not give him that chance. He sprinted to the side and in seconds had encircled Zero in a tornado of blurred motion. "This trick again?" Zero smashed his arms to the ground. At the exact same instant, Sonic leapt. The shaking ground acted like a launching pad. Sonic propelled upward at blinding speed straight at the crumbling spyre.

Sonic ping ponged off the spyre face and zoomed at Zero with redoubled speed. Crack. The sound barrier broke just before Sonic struck Zero. The jackal was thrown backward almost fifty yards. He lay sprawled out on his back, his chest heaving. It took Sonic a moment to steady himself. The attack left his body sore and aching.

Sonic groaned as Zero slowly rose to his feet. Foam covered the jackal's jaws and blood smeared the fur on his chest. "I…I'm going to tear you apart, limb from limb."

"You just-" Sonic didn't get to finish. Zero galloped forward and sprang directly at him. Sonic evaded just in time and narrowly slipped past the follow up swipe. Zero's claws were extended and the razor sharp edges came tearing at Sonic's face. He slipped past every attack and retreated back towards the spyre. Sonic could not hold out forever. Even at his max speed, the jackal was just too sturdy to bring down. Unless…

Sonic allowed himself to be brought towards the spyre. Zero's rage was burning too hot for him to notice what Sonic was up to. When Sonic had nowhere left to run, Zero clapped at his head with both hands. Sonic ducked down and Zero dug his hands into the ruined stone. Sonic rolled to his left and dashed straight up the face of the spyre. SMASH!

As he hoped, Zero was climbing up the tower in pursuit. Sonic could feel the ruin tremble from the impact. This had better work. He went over the top and was racing back to the bottom just as Zero mounted the summit. Sonic hit the ground and spin dashed straight into the stone, striking it as hard as he could. The great artifact shuddered, hung still for a moment, and then toppled backward. Zero let out a howl as he lost balance. He clutched at the dropping spyre for support and the full weight of the tower came crashing down on him.

Dust billowed and covered the debris. Sonic covered his eyes and coughed. After a minute or so, the smoke cleared. Zero lay buried in heavy stones. His limbs stuck out at odd angles, and Sonic could tell he had broken both his legs. Sonic sighed and collapsed onto one of the fallen stones. He was panting to recapture his breath.

The distant echo of blaster fire and shouting caught Sonic's attention. He stood up and saw puffs of smoke rising from the north. I have to go help. Sonic was about to run when a pink streak of light distracted him. Sonic whipped around and saw the familiar pink glow.

From beneath the rubble, Zero had drawn a second Sol Gem from his belt. Before Sonic could stop him, he had crushed it in his hand and breathed in the mist. Zero let out a horrible scream of pain. Crack! His legs twisted nightmarishly and snapped back into place. Zero screamed as he effortlessly tossed aside the stones he was buried beneath.

He rose to his feet with his entire body convulsing violently. Zero's eyes were no longer white. They had turned a deadly shade of bright red. His limbs swelled to grotesque proportions. Zero's jaw got bigger and his teeth extended out of his open mouth.

Every change in his body seemed to exact a toll of unfathomable pain. Zero was howling and whimpering in agony as his body transformed. Steam issued out Zero's black fur and Sonic could feel waves of heat burning off the jackal's skin. When it was over, Zero lay crouched and trembling. He was at least four times bigger than before. When he turned to face Sonic there was not a hint of integliance or recognition. A bestial animal, with burning red eyes and salivating open jaws glared at hungrily at Sonic.

He…he's bigger but that doesn't mean he's faster. I can still- Whoosh! Zero moved faster than Sonic would have ever believed. In an instant, he had closed the gap and his claw nearly cut off Sonic's head. Sonic managed to evade the first attack but he never saw Zero's tail. It swung around and hit Sonic with the force of an armored truck. He fell face first into the grass and Zero picked him up before he could recover.

Zero held him by the ankles and wrists and stretched him out. Sonic yelled in pain and wondered if Zero was going to tear him in half, but then a knee was driven into his back. Sonic made no sound. All the air was driven out of him. He became as limp and helpless as a rag doll. Zero slammed him into the ground and placed a paw onto his face. Sonic could not see anything other than black fur. All his senses were being driven into the ground. He's going to crush me. That was the single horrible thought that Sonic was left with. It would be his last. He's going to crush me.

"Let him go!" A familiar voice echoed through the night. Zero's paw was lifted up and Sonic's head rolled to its side. He saw a masked figure striding up to Zero. Arthur had his hand on his sword hilt.

"Your fight is with me now."