Author's Note: I am so bad with updates with all of my stories, and I'm deeply sorry to all of you. I have no excuses save for daily life and writer's blocks hitting me. *Bows head deeply* I hope to catch up as much as possible.
To make it up to you all, here's a new awaited chapter of Return of the Wisps!
I do not own Sonic The Hedgehog. All rights belong to Sega. I only own the OCs.
Chapter 17: An Icy Reunion.
The entrance to the Shrine certainly hasn't changed. Its structure remained intact, layers of snow blanketing the stonehedge as though camoflaging it like the rock of the mountains. Flakes descending like confetti, the temperature dropped approximously lower than average. Even the Sunlight's warm rays could not break through the powerful barrier of sub zero clouds. The Wisps shivered against the cold, their little bodies trembling against the warmth from the two hedgehogs cradling them.
Even the soft, cosy material provided from Amy and Star's scarves did little to warm the aliens' blood and cells. Sonic's thin but strong arms wrapped around them, his face laced with sympathy and guilt.
"It'll be okay, guys. Just a little bit further and we'll be in a nice, warmer place." He whispered, his soft, soothing voice etched with comfort.
"(I-I hope so...T-t-this place is-is-is)-PICHOO!" The Hammer Wisp jolted forward, a sneeze squeaking out. "(Ugh, freezing.)"
"Ugh, are we there yet?" Sun groaned, shivering against the bitterness threatening to transform him into a hedgehog popsicle. He hated coming here, and it was getting on his nerves for being in this frozen zone for too long all day.
Ayla snuggled against her mother's embrace, the blustering winds beginning to seep even through her warm coat, both pairs of arms cocooning a few Wisps who held no provided warmth from the chills either. Snowflake, cradling Snowy who giggled, her paws outstretched skyward catching the tiny confetti descending, cast her gaze upon the horizon, the Holoska Mountain's towering their majesty beyond all.
Avalanche echoed his mate's, black eyes scanning across the miles stretching upon the desolute landscape, until a familiar carving below caught his eye. A deep, low growl reached everyone's ears, his grip on Sonic and Sun curling up a bit, shielding them from the incoming blizzard.
"Hey, there it is!" Sonic perked up, relief evident as he recognized the opening: An ancient Shrine in relations of Light and Dark Gaia Temples, notalestic memories flooding his mind like a soothing balm, blanketing him.
"Home! Home, home!" Snowy squealed, clapping her hands happily.
"Ugh, finally!" Sun heaved, rolling his eyes. "Can we head back to Aquarium Park now, Blue? I'm freezing my quills off!"
"Can't, bro," The blue hedgehog shook his head, his quills drifting with each movement shaking away traces of snow. "We promised to talk to Korso, remember? To clear things up so that the Wisps aren't put into anymore kind of danger."
He lowered his gaze, unease etched in his eyes while biting his lip. 'Especially when things had gotten so bad. With Spirit, the Mischief Five, the Lunania Comet...and Cormain.'
Sonic prayed to all deities he could think of for a better tomorrow, hope for the Comet to be restored, the Wisps and Universed returned to normal. Guilt once again ate at him, unable to help but fear for the worst. If things were bad like this now, who knows what could happen? The little aliens were gentle, sweet and kind, some a bit mischief and playful, but they were the most adorable species of all the Galaxy.
And Cormain's lingering darkness was all it took to take the harmony away once more.
"...Sonic?"
"Huh?" His brother's voice, laced with concern, broke the blue hedgehog out of his thoughts, emerald eyes quickly meeting the violet orbs, conjoined by collective gazes, each elitced with worry. "Oh, sorry. Got lost in my thoughts again."
He sheepishly ran his fingers so rapidly through his quills the limb were mildly blurred.
"(Are you sure you're okay, Sonic?)" The Hammer Wisp tilted its head cutely, concern still evident.
"I'm fine. Besides, it's not like Baldy McNosehair is gonna be here. That guy's long ancient history!" Sonic meekly shrugged, sweat dropping.
Unbeknownst to the heroes, in a close distance not to far from the large Yetis standing by, high pitches squeals etched with fear echoed the bitter cold air, cries of panic reaching out for any and many for aid in need. A small black, Wisp, honed with a red jagged mouth in a similar pattern to the Jade Ghost Wisps and Nega Wisps, soared by the snow as fast as it could, fleeing from the threat chasing not too far behind. The little black Wisp, despite lacking eyes, wailed helplessly.
"(AAAAAAAAAHHHH! Go away! Leave me alone!)" The little Wisp screamed, panicking as it gazed behind, its heart beating so fast it might even pop.
It sped faster and faster, not fully paying attention to which an illuminating orange and red aura began engulfing the little alien. The creatures, being two other Yeti, raced after it, snarling with anger for they were startled by the little Wisp.
Seeing its black colouring and suspicious appearance, distrustful of its purpose and desires in spite of its small structure, they ultimately agreed to take care of it and bring it to their leader.
The little Wisp's heart trembled at how close the Yeti were now, it spun around covering its head, the glow on its body increasing in size, shades of white mixing in like a painting changing colours on a canvas.
"...Catch it?" The first Polar Bear trailed off, he and his companion freezing in their tracks. They collectively gasped as the Wisp whimpered, its Hyper Go On surging beyond until...
BOOM!
The deafening sound of the explosion roared through the entire area, sent across the lands of Holoska that it reached the ears of Sonic and his friends who all collectively gasped, spinning their heads to see light briefly shone.
"What the?!" Sonic gaped, his eyes widening. What the heck was that?
"Uh...guys?" Sun squeaked, horror mounting his face as another rumble soon growled across the land, vibriating through their very bones with their hearts shaking at the Earthquake...
"Oh, great...!" Sonic groaned, realization dawning instantly. "RUN!"
Holding their grip on their panicking outsiders and humans, Avalanche and Snowflake both quickly spun their heels, sliding through the snow downward, trails of snow flying in their wake as the trembles of an avalanche threatened their very lives. Unfortunately, the two Yetis' feet suddenly sank, snow, rock and dirt weakened by the loud explosion. The two began to fall, roaring with alarm while losing their footing and their grips on Sonic and his friends lost as well.
"AHHHH! NO!" Sonic yelped, holding on the Wisps close to his chest, eyes squeezed shut, descending into the newly made cavern.
"MOMMY!" Ayla's scream reached the hedgehog's ears, followed by a horrified gasp barely heard through the roars of the ground trembling.
His emerald orbs cast at the little girl and baby Yeti, falling too far from her frantic mother screaming back, Sun's cries of dismay. The all scene was a colossus of horror reaching across the bitter cold reality, the harsh explosion's actions drawing them all part.
"Ayla! Sierra! Sun! Snowy!" Sonic was helpless, unable to reach his friends in time, powerless crushing him as though a boulder were pinning him further down into the depths.
He had to do something, anything, to save everyone! His tears burned through the floodgates, guilt, anger and sorrow making it impossible to breathe. Why?! Why did this have to happen!?
One of the Wisps squealed, its eyes peering at Sonic as they descended, followed by the gaze of the rest of the group. Each exchanged gazes, a collective nod echoing through the volcanic eruption of chaos spreading across the painful separation and despire, wiggling away from the hedgehog's grip, a blinding light illuminating the trench before everyone was forced to shield their eyes.
The whiteness spread in a symphony melting away the darkness and rock, tingles singing like harps gently strung, falling rocks and snow slowing their descend. Eventually Sonic found himself in the safe glow of the protective sphere with the Hammer Wisp, a Hover Wisp, and a Cube Wisp, floating through another tunnel safe from the danger zone. Two more illuminations caught his attention, the hedgehog's head whirling fast to see both Ayla and Snowy in separate orbs reaching his point, several more in the opposite direction.
"Holy Chaos...!" Sonic whispered, shock and relief evident on his face.
Eventually the orb reached the ground, the three Wisps dismissing their powers and allowing Sonic to gently drop to his feet, followed by Ayla and Snowy, the latter two wobbling with soft cries. Dashing in a blue blur, he reached their side, catching the human girl with one arm, his gentle hold steadying her balance.
"Are you okay, Ayla?" He frowned softly, his heart racing.
Ayla sniffled, whimpers audiable in her throat as she snuggled in his chest. Sonic's heart ached, the child's trauma being as clear as the crystal lake, shone through the fingers of the sun. "I-It was scary...! I-I want my Mommy...!"
"Shhh..." Sonic's arms coiled around his friend's torso, gently rubbing her back, hugging her with his powerful might to calm her down. "It's okay. We'll find her. Everything's gonna be alright. I promise."
The Wisps, guilt radiating their hearts with an exchanged glances, hovered over around their Mobian hero and the little girl, gently patting the latter. Ayla's lips trembled as did her heart, but the embrace of Sonic the Hedgehog, the hero who saved her life and her home, and the delicate touch of the cute aliens were a balm of comfort and security.
A ping echoed to life, its sounds vibrating like a chime swayed against the gentle breeze, alerting Sonic and his friends, even the nervous yet curious Snowy the baby Yeti, the youngster wobbling over with a curious look entiched on her face.
"(What's that sound?)" A Cube Wisp placed a tentacle to its face, confusion evident.
"Oh! That's my CWS!" Sonic blinked, realization dawning as he switched over the translation, answering the call.
"Sonic! Are you okay?" Sun's face appeared through the tiny screen, panic lacing over. Roars of what could only be described as deepening concerns nearly overlapsed his voice behind him, with Sierra's sillhoutte form inches away.
Relief washing over him, Sonic's mouth carved up to his signature grin. "Yo, Sun! I'm okay, and I've got Ayla, Snowy and the Wisps with me. How about you?"
"Just peachy," The tangerine hedgehog answered flatly. "At least Sierra, the other two Yetis and I are okay too, but we're stuck in a tunnel with a way out blocked!"
"Guess we all vote for a short cut, huh?" Sonic one-armed shrugged. "I don't think we'll be able to get back up the way we came."
"You think?"
The blue hedgehog rolled his eyes over his brother's sarcasm. Sun really isn't one tolarate with the cold weather...or hot weather, to be exact. One would think the orange hedgehog would be used to the other climates of Mobius' pattern, especially having traveled post-Dark Gaia Crisis. But noooooooo.
Wisely choosing to ignore the former clone's dry remark, Sonic shifted his gaze across the cave, the dark walls captivated in near black, a charcol to be exact, shadows imprinted in forms as though evil were to ambush their prey, winds assaulting the exterior of the cave, creating creepy howls adding to the haunting atsmosphere. Ayla and the Wisps whimpered, huddling against the blue hedgehog, warms wrapped around his torso and shoulders.
"It's scary in here..." The young girl's fingers coiled parts of his fur, unintentionally yanking strands of the blue hair near his torso.
Sonic winched with discomfort, fighting to hold back his yelped of pain while fearing his fur would be pulled off. Instead, he distracted himself by keeping his eyes upon the tunnel beyond, recalculating the odds: Judging from the cave's path, remesising the time he and Sun ventured through the Shrine of Gaia in search for the Temple and rescue Chip, it looked like this cave was part of the tunnels to the Yeti's Cavern.
"Hmmmm...If I'm right, this cave is another road to the Snow Tribe's home," Sonic gently cupped his chin with his free hand, his brows knitted together. "So if we take this path, we should be able to-"
STOMP! STOMP!
"Eee!" A high-pitched squeak of fright escaped his lips before he could stop himself, two thunderous tremors nearly knocking him and his friends over. His heart skipped a beat, shuddering at the hot, warm breeze crushing against him as deja vu kicked in.
Oh, Chaos, not again...!
"Sonic! What's going on!?" Sun's frantic tone returned, face laced with feeling while Sierra learned over his shoulder, franting over the safety of her daughter. "Sonic! Ayla! Wisps! Snowy!"
Sonic tilted his head behind him, fear evident, squeaks of horror echoed from the Wisps' mouthless faces before taking shelter behind him. Towering before them, approxmitely around 85 feet tall, yet another giant Yeti, one familiar with an aging beard and fur. Its facial expression didn't express kindness, only those angry eyes digging into their souls. The hero of Mobius instantly stood in front of his friends, arms spread to shield them from the new threat, before realization struck a cord.
Wait...could it be?
"...Korso?" Sonic breathlessly whispered, white steam puffing from his lips from the cold, much lower than the temperatures above.
As though reading his thoughts, relief spread across Ayla's face while Snowy's squeals of delight echoed across the cave walls, clapping her hands enthuastically.
"Grampy! Grampy! Grapmy!" The little Snow Tribian's feet pattered against the ground, fully ignoring the rocks digging beneath her feet, eagerness of reaching the giant Yeti.
Korso, the Tribian Leader of all of the Snow Tribe, set his gaze upon the little one, relief entiched across his features. His mouth carved upward into a smile, gently scooping Snowy and cradling her in his hands. "SNOWFLOWER. THANK GOODNESS YOU ARE SAFE. I HAVE BEEN VERY WORRIED ABOUT YOU.
"(Grampy?)" The Wisps all exchanged perplexed glances with raised eyebrows.
"Uh...Did she just say-?" Sonic's own puzzled gaze slowly turned Ayla, confusion set into his face.
"Mr. Korso is Snowy's grandfather, but she calls him Grampy," She confirmed with a nod, her eyes stone set at the giant Yeti, waving happily. "Hi, Mr. Korso! Mr. Sonic, Mr. Sun, Mommy and I found Snowy and brought her back home!"
Korso turned his gaze downward, the echo of Ayla's words releasing the cogs in his mind upon the sight of the human child, the gifted chosen capable of understanding their language. Yet it was the familiar blue hedgehog standing beside her that captured his attention: Memories came flooding back instantly.
"Hey, Korso..." Sonic waved, briefly masking his fear with atmost respect. "Long time no see, big guy."
The giant's perching eyes engulfed the hedgehog's frame, brows narrowing with suspicion evident, until memories came flooding back like a tidal wave: The blue hedgehog hero, coming to reunite with the Guardian of the Light, the revelation of Kaiser the Myth Hunter, their battle to test the Mobian's heart, the Gaia Temple...
Recognition formed immediately in Korso's mind as a smile carved its way to his lips. He bend on one knee, scooping up Sonic, Ayla and even the Wisps with his free hand while they entiched yelps of alarm, Sonic fearing they would be clasped tightly again but he was surprised how gentle the Leader of all of the Yeti was being. Against the bitter cold, the giant palm felt warm and soft, like a cushion or a large bed.
"SONIC THE HEDGEHOG..." Korso began, his words saunder and a twinge of heavy accent. "WE MEET AGAIN.
"Whoa! You can talk now too?" Sonic's eyes widened to plates, the surrealism engulfing him like a tsunami. Since when did Korso lean to speak common language?
"I SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE, YES. I...AM STILL...LEARNING. VERY DIFFICULT...TO SPEAK YOUR TONGUE." The giant confirmed, the struggles of prounanation as clear as a crystal lake.
"When I began teaching Snowy after everybody learned I could understand them, Mr. Korso decided he wanted to learn how to talk to us too," Ayla supplied helpfully. She blushed sheepishly, tugging her coat's sleeve. "Of course, it's not easy. But I just know everybody will be able to talk soon!"
Man, how much did he miss out in the last five and a half months? Sonic cocked his head, praise and proudness written on his face. Ayla's recent discovered abilities to understand Yeti language was amazing in and of itself, but for her to actually decide to teach said creatures to speak the same language was such an incredible feat! It made it a lot easier to now understand each other without the use of someone or a machine needing to translate.
"Kid, you're amazing already," Sonic gently rubbed the little girl's head, prompting a giggle to escape her lips like a soothing bell.
"(Wow, this is so cool!)" The Drill Wisp beamed, turning to its siblings. "(We should learn how to speak Sonic and Tails' language too!)"
"(Yeah, it'll be easier than them having to use their...translator thingys all the time.)" The Hammer Wisp nodded rapidly, excitement engulfing his heart.
"Speaky! Speak speak speak!" Snowy clapped, her little paws reaching over for Sonic and Ayla, giggles echoing as though they were jingles signaling the arrival of the magic man in red. "Bluey, bluey, bluey, bluey, bluey, play!"
Korso watched with growing curiosity and slight amusement between his granddaughter and the hero of Mobius, the latter's face twisting to amused discomfort. So, it seems they have meet quite recently and judging by the way Snowflower's determination to reach Sonic indicated she wanted nothing more than to keep him forever, and beyond to play with like a toy.
"SNOWFLOWER LIKES YOU, I SEE." His voice carried more of a statement than a question.
"Yeeaaaaah, that's kinda an understatement," Sonic shrugged, sheepish for Snowy's antics in wanting to have him all to herself. "It's kind of a long story how we met her, and, well, me, Sun and our friends are saving these little guys and the universe all over again."
A deep frown settled on Korso's face. "FROM THE MONSTER KAISER, OR EGG...MAN."
"Neither, 'cause they're both gone for good. Kaiser died not long after we put most of the planet's parts back together, and Eggman, well...his latest plan three and a half months ago finally got to him so badly it destroyed him." Sonic's face fractured with unease, memories haunting him in a way a ghost would claim its victim.
"That mean Cheetah and Dr. Eggman are really gone?" Ayla asked, shocked.
The cobalt speedster nodded. "Yeah, and I don't wanna get into the full details since they're pretty horrific...and similar to how they died."
Korso found himself tongue-tied as he absorbed the young hedgehog's words. So both the monster and the foolish human scientist have perished from this world, similarly according to the blue child who had witnessed their untimely demises. Yet there was no full satisfaction to their deaths. The Snow Tribe had come to acknowledge Sonic's desires to protect life, not take them away.
He was a pure heartened teenager, one who was haunted by death, in spite of the cruelty Kaiser and Eggman committed towards many, be it other creatures of different shapes and heights, or their own kind for selfish desires, persuing goals never to be accomplished.
Yet the question remained, thoughts cogged through his near intelligent mind: Who was responsible for the turmoil these strange, oddly shaped floating beings to cause such harm across the vast sea of stars beyond Mobius' azure skies?
"Anyway, I'll explain everything as I can, but me and Sun, who's in another part of the cave with Ayla's mom, Snowflake and Avalanche, are short on time and we gotta get back to our other friends," Sonic's apologetic gaze returned to Korso, as though reading his mind. "Short version, a piece of another monster's darkness, the one we call Cormain, is responsible for what's going on, including breaking the Lunania Comet into pieces and possessing one of our alien friends called the Wisps."
"CORMAIN?"
"Yeeeeaaaaah, an ancient old monster a group of people had to seal away until recently, due to a, well, guy from another world. But you don't have to worry: The only thing left of the monster is the piece of darkness and we're gonna put of stop to it and save the Universe." The blue hedgehog shrugged once more.
Korso's lips carved downward, curious of what Sonic and his friends' words truly mean. All of his life, the Tribian Leader knew of the coexistence of his kind, humans, Mobians and Mobini.
His thoughts came a screeching halt as another squeal vibrated through the walls, accompined by roars of fury sending chills down Sonic and his friends' spines, the smaller beings gasping with alarm. Korso's senses went to high alert as he whirled on his heels, fingers wrapping around Snowy, Sonic and Ayla while the Wisps flew away, their hearts beating with fear like drums.
"Hey-whoa!" Sonic yelped, struggling to pull himself free, Ayla blinking with shock upon this act of protection. "Let us go, Korso! Let go!"
The grip wasn't too tight, yet their legs were pinned against each other, engulfed by the giant fingers coiling them like a snack to its prey, their bones creaking at the pressurizing squeeze.
Sonic's emerald eyes cast at the viewers/readers, once again breaking the fourth wall with annoyance and disbelief mixing in together. "Oh, c'mon! What is this, hold the hedgehog like a toy year or somethin'?!"
"(HEEEEEEEELLLLLPPPPP! SOMEBODY HELP!)"
The high-pitched squeal screamed once more, native in an forien langauge the Wisps knew of, familiarity kicking in as did with Sonic, all eyes drawn to the orange glow illuminating the walls in a high speed similiar to a Firefly. The ground and walls simultanously rocked with quakes at each thunderous steps that came after, furious roars increasing. Eventually the same black Wisp beelined past the group, its invisible eyes perching upon a much larger 'monster', entichling a yelp while coming to a complete stop, screeching comically like car tyres.
"Wow! Another Wisp!" Ayla gasped, her eyes sparkling upon the sight of another little cutie.
Sonic's eyes widened like they were about to burst, shocked upon seeing the black new alien. That mouth...the slightly jaggy shape...Oh no! Please, not that!
"A...A...A nega-!"
"(Boom!?)" The Hammer Wisp flinched, his eyes nearly popping out while snapping their hedgehog friend from his panicking thoughts.
Wait...Boom? Is that what they called the Nega Wisp?
Boom, the new Bomb Wisp, swiftly turned its gaze upon the familiar voice saying its name, realization and relief crossing over its eyeless face before flying over to its bretheran, hugs and squeals exchanged with joy that was soon short lived with the roars getting closer with the owners being that of the two Yeti, scrapes churred along tiny areas of their fur.
The Wisps all flailed with screams, scooting behind the perplexed Sonic who did his best to shield them, realization hitting him like a ton of bricks. If this little guy had accidentally caused trouble with two of Korso's kids, then...Hoo boy...
"Wait, wait, wait! Don't hurt them!" Sonic flailed his arms frantically, desperately trying to halt the two Yetis' enraged march. "They're friends!"
Korso's eyes narrowed as he gently then set his friends and grandchild on his shoulders, eliticting yelps from the startled Sonic and Ayla.
"STONE, HUGOR, HALT!"
The thunderous command had the two Yeti stop in their tracks, shock rooting through upon the sight of their leader, silence creeping between them momentarily, howls being the only source of noise. The Wisps' trembles chattered like a baby's rattle, quickly hiding behind the concerned Sonic in fear, peeking over his shoulders.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF YOU TWO CHASING THE LITTLE ONE?" The giant demanded, switching to his native language, fury entiched across his face with both arms crossed.
"We were following the creature of darkness, Master. We felt the need to bring it to you to observe its behevior when it glowed in light and exploded, causing the ground to break." One of the Yeti explained.
"Uh oh..." Ayla shuddered, having unintentionally listened to the conversation.
"Why "Uh-oh"?" Sonic inquired with a raised an eyebrow.
"Mr. Stone said said the little black Wisp glowed and made the ground break by exploding when he and Mr. Hugor were chasing it." She translated.
"Exploded?!" The hedgehog recoiled slightly, bewildered. He instantly turned his attention to the Wisps, most echoing his thoughts with gazes shifting at the aforementioned black Wisp who's head hung low. "You caused the explosion, little guy?"
Boom nodded while prodding two tentacles together, guilt evident in spite of lacking eyes. "(I didn't mean too...I flew through the light hole thingy from Aquarium Park after Spirit and some of the Star Beam and Jumper Wisps took us away from home. Then those monsters came after me, and uh...I'm still out of practice with my Hyper Go On...)"
"Ooookaaaay...so, that means you're uh...an Explosive Wisp?" Sonic shrugged once more, finding his words stuck in his throat and if his brain were a computer, he'd end up seeing the flashing blue screen of "Error: Reboot".
"(A Bomb Wisp, to be precise,)" The Hammer Wisp clarified, sweat dropping. "(They make things to kablooie in odd places! The reason why they're not around is because everybody agreed they'd all practice in a safer area until they can control their powers. Mama and Big Brother Yacker think its all part of their emotions.)"
Huh. No wonder he'd never seen any of these Bomb Wisps before, even when briefly visiting Planet Wisp yesterday. Sonic made a mental note to ask Yacker of the other kinds of Wisps at a later date once Aquarium Park is restored to its original glory. A flash of sympathy sparked in his eye, catching on of how Boom looked so frightened and upset, lacing an ache in his heart. Poor little guy...
Panic soon gripped his soul, Sonic gasping with horror with realization as his eyes frantically traveled back and fourth between Korso and the two other Yetis, the unmistakable anger surging across their features. Oh, no...! If they come to the conclusion the Bomb Wisp was a threat, and deem every non-Yeti a threat...It's game over.
"(I-I'm so sorry! I was scared!)" Boom wailed, tears pouring from its invisible eyes like rain drops, the rest of its kind all expressing their forgiveness and sympathy with hugs and cuddles, reassurances only failing to sooth its guilt-eaten heart.
Still, the cogs ticked and even paused as though they got stuck in his brain, thoughts pouring with many possibilites. What if Boom was the cause of the avalanche before? The one near the temple? Could that be why they were nearly buried? Was it all an accident? The Mischief Five aside, Sonic knew the Wisps were amongst the most gentle creatures in the vast of the universe itself, construct to the evil monsters of the Black Arms.
"Hold up, guys!" Sonic quickly stood, his fingers gently tugging at the Snow Tribian Leader's fur, all attention now turned to the hero of Mobius. "This little guy didn't mean it. He was scared, and was only trying to get to safety. Like Snowy and Ayla, he's just a kid!"
Surprise and confusion settled into Korso's expression. Since their fight many days ago, he knew Sonic's heart was very pure, a young Mobian providing belief in good in others and engaging battles against those of monstery purposes. Yet it still amazed the giant Yeti how much faith Sonic put into those who are different to him, whether they were human, his own kind or other creatures not as dominant as the other two races.
"YOU BELIEVE THE LITTLE ONE DID NOT MEAN HARM, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG?" Korso asked.
"Totally!" Sonic responded without hesitation. "They're just as freaked out on what's going on than the rest of us are, and accidents always happen. The Wisps are not used to being here on Mobius, so they still need to learn about everybody else's cultures. I know it's not easy, but please, Korso, give 'em a chance. I'll do everything in my powre to set things right."
The eyes of all collectively widened by his wise words as they sunk in. His face held no false bravedo. Korso gazed upon him carefully, his expression softening.
"Father!"
The call of another voice halted the conversation, thunderous stomps reaching by their destination like a herd of wallabeasts as the fifth Yeti came charging from behind the two other Yetis from another tunnel, the look of urgenty not lost to the group.
"WHAT IS IT, CECIL?" Korso inquired, his expression hardening almost instantly.
"Two Mobians, a black and red hedgehog identical to Sonic the Hedgehog and a white bat, along with a robot are near the human village, exchanging a fight against the traitor, Dark Fang!" Cecil the Yeti gestured the tunnel he ventured from. "Cloud and I saw him cause an avalanche almost killing our brother and sister, little Snowflower, the humans, the Heroes of Snow Tribe and the small, tiny creatures with incredible powers saving them all! Cloud saw him take his leave and is about to stop him so I could warn you!"
"WHAT!?" Korso's roar of fury and horror nearly shook the whole cave.
The swift movement nearly causing Sonic and Ayla to fall, fumbling to regain their balance yet were unable to stay put. They screamed as they tumbled off, regaining the giant Yeti's attention, hurling his hand up still withholding the now trembling Snowy while the two landed with a soft thud against the padding of the warm palm, a groan escaping the hedgehog who rubbed his head at the close call.
"What's going on now? That guy is acting like there's mondo trouble," Sonic asked, nervously.
"DARK FANG...TRAITOR...BLACK AND RED HEDGEGHOG, LOOKS LIKE YOU, SAYS CECIL." The strained words came out, barely audiable yet still delivering a clear message.
The sixteen year old's face paled. Despite not knowing who Dark Fang was despite the clear image of him being a traitor sinking in, he knew immediately there was only one black and red hedgehog that fitted the description.
"Shadow?! What's he doing here?" Sonic yelped, worriedly.
"Who's Shadow?" Ayla and the Wisps collectively blinked, confusion filling their faces.
"YOU KNOW THIS HEDGEHOG? IS HE LIKE YOU AND SUN?"
"Kinda. Let's just say that Shadow is older than he looks, and more of my friendly rival," Sonic awkwardly sweat dropped, getting straight to the point. "Though I don't have a clue what he's doing here, but somethin' tells me he and this Dark Fang guy are exchanging in a fight."
Determination kicked in, the cogs could be seen spinning rapidly in his head. If Shadow was here, the mission providing evidence of Wisp activity, then Rouge and Omega were likely to be here as well. Sonic's brows kitted together, his teeth gritting to the point of nearly breaking but he ignored the jaw aches. He had a job to do, and he was going to set things right.
"I'm gonna stop Shadow from making a big mistake! Can you show me the way outta here, Korso? Shadow's stubborn but I can't let him do this." Sonic returned his gaze to the giant Yeti, only for a yelp to escape his throat when a pair of white furry arms gripped him and lifted him off his feet. "Hey-whoa!"
"Bluey stay! Bluey stay! Bluey no go!" Snowy cooed, nuzzling her face against the hedgehog's left cheek, gripping him like a plushed teddy bear. "Grappy, keep Bluey, Grappy, keep Bluey, pwease?"
"S-Snowy, please! Let me go!" The blue hedgehog winced at the bone-crushing sensation threatening to squeeze him until he burst like a balloon.
A feeling of terror grippled deep through his bones, Sonic unleashed grunts of dismay and desperation while wriggling in the baby Yeti's death hug, kicking his legs frantically with silent pleads for help radiating around him. 'Help! Korso, please don't let Snow keep me!'
"Snowy, please put Mr. Sonic down," Ayla delicately placed her hands on her friend's arm, easing it lower. "He's not a toy, he's our friend."
"AYLA IS RIGHT, SNOWFLOWER," Korso agreed, sympathy flashing over his expression, his giant fingers carefully removing Sonic from the surprisingly strong grip. "WE CAN NOT KEEP SONIC THE HEDGEHOG. IT IS AGAINST HIS FREE WILL. WE HAVE TO LET HIM GO."
He held the hedgehog with a free hand to gently set him down before gazing at the emerald eyes. "THE PATHS LEAD TO MANY OUTSIDE TO PATH OF HUMAN VILLAGE."
Relief danced across his face as Sonic placed a hand to his thumping chest, nodding. "Thank you. I won't let you down!"
Sonic quickly pivoted on his heels and dashed into the shadows, focusing entirely on the path leading to the exits, his legs turning into red discs. The cave's haunting exterior failed to haunt him with their terrifying howls, the bitter chilled temperatures doing nothing to cling against his fur and skin.
The darkness did make it difficult to see and he nearly crashed into each dead end quite a number of times while he wished for a flashlight to guide him safely. At long last after what felt like an eternity, the promising warmth of light met his vision at the other side, a portal leading to freedom from the cave's endless mazes. He escalated his speed, pumping his legs for a mighty leap through the rock's mouth, flipping horizontally of an athlete.
Sonic landed safely with one hand and knee touching the soft, white snow, the howling winds blustering against his skin prompting him to quickly coil his arms against each other.
"Brrrr! It-it's s-s-s-so cold!" He hugged himself futilessly, the chills of the Holoska's endless winter threatening to freeze his blood.
"RRRRRRRRAAAAWWWWWRRRRRRR!"
The monstrous, massive roar jolted Sonic back to reality with gasp escaping his mouth, darting straight to the direction echoing throughout the valley. He was surprised to find himself back to where he and his friends were almost sent to their icy graves, the valley where the avalanche took place, the inner temples towering over him.
Gun shots, grunts and illumination of yellow flashes faintly painted the distance ahead, spreading the heavy fog beyond. Sonic's eyes narrowed. There they are!
"Knock it off, guys! Stop fighting!" Sonic shouted.
He had to stop the fighting, ensure history would not repeat itself, and prevent Shadow from making the ultimate mistake.
Around roughly the same time as Sonic and Ayla's separation...
The Blizzard seemed to come and go as it pleased, Rouge questioned Mother Nature's mood swings. Snow curved around her ankles as did with Shadow, the former's fur blending with the confetti descending from the endless white fluffy ceiling covering the sky above, while the latter stuck out like a sore thumb, the bitter chills doing nothing to daunt the Ultimate Lifeform himself.
Their shared companion, Omega, was also ignoring the cold despite the blizzard threatening to fry his circuits and wirings. His metallic feet sank in the deep frozen white at each step crunching the ground.
Their sights caught on wondering Wisps, their expressions peeked with confusion and awe, many times they recognized, others in newly shapes being new to the mix. Crimson, light yellow, hammer shapes, even those oddly shaped in forms of an alien eagle, wings spread freely as though embracing the new world.
"Anything out of sorts besides the obvious?" Shadow questioned, his eyes glued to Omega.
"Affirmative," The robot gazed at the mountains far ahead. "Scans detect high resonated energy spike beyond the borders of Holoska Village, many alien species emerging from what I can conclude may be a portal. Analyzed complete: I cannot fully identify the cause."
"Do you think it's connected to the portals appearing all across the planet?" Rouge raised an eyebrow, tugging her coat more tightly across her body, attempting to avoid turning into a Bat-cicle.
"Affirmative."
"Hmmm..." Shadow's arms folded across his chest, cogs turning in his head. "I doubt the Wisps did this on purpose. Spirit however may be the cause of it, for his intentions may have brought in dire consequences to the Universe."
"Well, we got reports that one in Mobotropolis was suddenly closed and disappeared. Maybe they're fading out already." Rouge shrugged.
"Somehow, I don't think that's how portals work." The hedgehog responded drily.
"Well, excuuuuuse me for not thinking of a more logical explanation! Traveling through portals and other planets are Sonic's forte!" A twice as sarcastic tone drawled back sharply.
Omega watched the heated yet softened arguement take place between his two companions, his logical programming failing to detect the usefulness of the silly bickering. Having known them for most of his entire mechanical life since Dr. Eggman created him, the robot had developed understanding beyond the expectations. While not built for artifical emotions, sense of exasperation began to creep into his system.
Before he could voice his own prospective, scans and detectors blared within his system, drawing his attention across the signs of danger reaching their destination, confirmed by the squeals of terror echoing from the fleeing Wisps suddenly passing by.
"Alert! Incoming threat 2 miles radius!"
That, combined with Rouge's sensitive hearing tickling her ears, broke away the silly arguement as she and Shadow whirled simultaneously. Even from the distance, Team Dark could make out the approaching enlarged figure of a massive creature, near-black charchole grey fur, beard, thick arms and legs with giant hands and leering, blood red eyes narrowed, holding nothing but anger and hate beyond the orbs.
"Hold that thought," Rouge casually brushed snow off of her coat.
"I call dibs!" Omega chimed, his mechanical arm switching to his laser gun, aimed at the incoming threat.
The creature crouched on its legs, launching itself from the point of the canyon alley, landing about ten feet away with a thunderous tremor across the region. The Yeti, one having thought to have ended the lives of Sonic, his friends and those 'traitors', unleashed a mighty roar, pounding its chest. How dare these Mobians and machinery invade its home?! The beast thought to have ended the lives of these outsiders, but now it had no choice but to continue until all life beyond Holoska were extinct.
"Take it out!" Shadow commanded, his air shoes rocketing against the snow as he dashed towards the opponent, the ground not once making him lose his balance.
Rouge took the skies, wings extended against the harsh blizzard while Omega slid across the slippery surface, serving to his advantage. Sprays of bullets and lasers danced across the white, but the Yeti thought ahead, grasping a large, flat rock hidden within the snow, using it as a shield to keep it safe from fatal harm. Despite it protecting it's softer body from the hearted force, the stone eventually crumbled in the assaulting attack, shattering into tiny pieces raining down on the ground.
Using this distraction to the advantage, Rouge wasted no time in delivering her signature screw kick at the giant's face directly at the left cheek, the force carrying enough strength to force the Yeti stumbling to the side, an anguish roar escaping him. It placed a hand to its aching jaw, only for its sensative hearing detect a high-whirling coming from above just in time to see Shadow curled tightly for his and Sonic's signature Homing Attack to strike it from the top.
Unwilling to allow the dark Mobian make contact, the grey Yeti thrust its arm thrust against the hedgehog's curled form with a sickening whack, sending him soaring out of control. A gasp of agony escaped Shadow, forced out of his Homing Attack and would have made a thunderous crash had Rouge not swing by to catch him by the wrists on time.
"You could use a lift, handsome." She teased, a glint in her eye.
"Shut up, Rouge," Shadow grumbled, masking his embarrassed expression with a scowl.
The explosive roar regained the duo's attentions, swiftly casting their eyes upon the beast who sneered at Omega, the robot denied of showing expressions. The Yeti dug into the bitter, wet substance of white, crushing fists coiling at a massive rock from snow, unveiling its deadly size before hurling at the robot. Despite being built for all combat and stability, even the E-123 robot immediately knew the survival rate of the incoming collision was slim to none, but he pushed onward, swapping his barrel gun out for a laser cannon to obilerate the rock.
"Omega, get out of way!" Rouge shouted, her heart racing with deepening concern, collectively shared by the teeth-gritting Shadow. "You're gonna get crushed!"
Shadow's eyes narrowed, already imagining the devastating end of his fellow teammate. Thinking quickly, he signaled Rouge to release her grip, his eyes sharing more than words can provide on the plan. Entrusting him, the bat loosened her grip allowing Shadow to fall, his hand gripping on the Chaos Emerald from his quills, holding out the gem as he felt the familiar power course through his arms into his heart.
"Chaos Control!"
Upon chanting the words, Time froze all around save for the Ultimate Lifeform, swiftly unleashing flurries of strikes, the thrown rock not even withholding the might of the hedgehog's Homing Attacks, kicks and punches cracking through the stone until a final kick hurled it back to whence came. Shadow landed with grace on the ground while the effects of Chaos Control dissipated while the rock swung back at the Yeti. Stone shock mounted on the giant creature's face, his eyes widening.
How was it the rock coming back at it?! It was impossible!
Desperation and anger taking hold, the Yeti's fist was like wrecking balls as it landed a powerful punch at the rock, shattering the remains into pieces raining down and creating shockwaves across the land. Shadow and Omega, the latter grippled with was only described as bewilderment, stood their ground, Rouge hovering by, keeping her distance.
"I wanted to destroy it!" Omega's optics pivioted at the hedgehog, a complaint evident.
"Hmph." A scoff was the only response Shadow provided, now understanding the strength their opponent possessed.
The Yeti's rage manifested, ready to unleash upon the three foolishly attempting to prove themselves superior. It charged once more, each stomps cracking the ground and melting the snow with thunderous impacts, and Team Dark stood readying in stances, Shadow's fists clenched tightly as he charged with speed only rivaled to Sonic's, his hand manifesting the glow of Chaos Spear to strike at the monster's heart, determined to this conflict once and for all...
"STOP!"
The sudden order of plea and determination caused both opponents, as well as Shadow's team, all collectively gap with shock as a blue ball soared between the latter and the Yeti, crashing against the ground like a bomb, sending snow flying everywhere, forcing Shadow and the Yeti to halt in their tracks.
The dust of white faded, the figure emerging in the form of Sonic the Hedgehog, standing between the opponents with his arms outstretched, palms open facing the Yeti and the perplexed Team Dark.
"Sonic?!" Shadow took a step back, his stoic and calm demeanor crumbling into shock. "What are you doing here?"
"Tryin' to stop ya from makin' a mondo mistake, Shadow!" Sonic responded.
Team Dark all stared at the blue hedgehog like he had two heads attached. What on Mobius was going on?
Shock, fury and disbelief ignited across the grey Yeti's mind in the meantime, gazing solely opon Sonic, one of the outsiders it thought to have eliminated with the avalanche along with his kind, the smaller creatures, those foul humans and...those traitors! How could he have survived!? It was impossible! Sonic pivioted his head to the giant creature, desperation etched in his eyes.
It didn't take a genius to guess this was Dark Fang, the traitor of Korso's people. Questions lingered as to why this darker Snow Tribian betrayed his own kind, but he knew now wasn't the time to ask.
"Dark Fang, you gotta stop this!" Sonic cried, addressing to the Yeti. "You're making a mistake here too!"
The newly identified Dark Fang recoiled, those words rang through his ears like gongs. How did this insufferable hedgehog know of his name?!
"Dark Fang?" Rouge tilted her head, raising an eyebrow with confusion. "Now I'm really missing something."
"This does not compute." Omega agreed.
"Get out of the way, Sonic!" Shadow hissed, one step crunching into the snow. "That thing is a monster!"
"Not until Korso and the others get here and we figure out why this guy caused trouble. It's a long story and I need you guys to keep this whole thing a secret! I made a promise and I'm not gonna break it." Sonic argued, not taking his gaze away from the Dark Fang.
Dark Fang returned the glare, fury igniting within, ready to erupt as though an extinct volcano was ready to unleash its wrath upon those doing it wrong. Each step shook the earth, in a slow, menacing manner. It will take out all Mobians and Humans, and many other creatures forcing all Snow Tribes into hiding from the sacred world they once dominated in the white ice coating the planet.
"I don't understand why you betrayed your people, but I know Korso. He and the other Snow Tribians are my friends, just like these guys," Sonic began, his voice shaking with anticipation. "It's not right hurting others, and you should know this. So, please, stop this."
Unfortunately, Dark Fang refused to listen. He roared with fury, readying to crush this insolent hedgehog and his friends once anf for all and with a might swing made to grab Sonic, causing a horrified gasp to escape him. Acting swiftly, Sonic back flipped high, narrowly averting the massive grip while hinding his legs to swipe at the other hand reciprocating to swallow him whole.
He landed safely in the snow, hand and knee pressed while attempting to ignore the bitter wet chill biting his skin. "Dark Fang, wait! We can talk about this!"
"It won't listen, Sonic! Move before you turn into a hedgehog pancake!" Rouge called out, concern hinted in her tone.
"I can't just leave and let history repeat itself!" The blue hedgehog protested, desperately.
Dark Fang wasn't finished it, cupping its paws together tightly like a ball, its massive size towering over the group who gaped in horror save for Omega, who's senses set off warning sirens in his programming. They immediately dodged out of the way as the attack collided, the ground trembling in the giant's might, snow all but thrust away from the hardened ground. Sonic, Shadow, Rouge and Omega all regrouped, only to be forced to continuously evade each punch and swipes, the anger of the Yeti only escalating by each passing moment.
"Why are you insisting to not fight this thing?!" Shadow demanded, his gaze focused on the attacks while multitasking casting his irritation to Sonic.
"Look, it's a long story, okay? I'll explain after-yipe!" Sonic was forced to duck, the winds barrelling from the Yeti's hand blowing through his quills.
The Ultimate Lifeform rolled his eyes, deciding to take matters into his own hands as his teammates once more created diversions, leaving him freedom to thrust himself, empowered by the air shoes' jets, the ignition evaporing the snow into temporarely puddles. He thrust himself into a ball to leave an earth-shattering attack when once again the hero of Mobius intervened, his cries for the battle's cease failing to reach his friends' ears.
The blue hedgehog's lightning-fast spin attack collided against the black hedgehog's, both bouncing off course from a 40 degree angle, leaving thunderous sparks illuminating the cold air like a set of fireworks. The two heroes landed clumsily, Shadow more managable with an awkward wobble forcing him to use one hand for steady balance, yet Sonic, as per usual, crashed face-first, burying his face in the snow with dusts of white drifting.
"Omph!" Sonic's body flopped, pushing both hands against the ground, tugging with discomfort before finally yanking his head free, stumbling as his hand rubbed his face, wincing. "Ugh...Talk about getting a cold shoulder."
Shadow squeezed his eyes shut, his hand cupping his face while sighing with exasperation. Did he have to say that?
Rouge and Omega, realization dawned simultaneously of Dark Fang now already adapting to their, Shadow and even Sonic's movements prediectively, were forced to regroup with the two hedgehogs until another mighty punch sending shockwaves echoing across the area eventually caught them off guard before they could even think with gasps escaping them, the blasts hurling them off their feet.
They all screamed with air knocked out of the three Mobians and almost knocking out Omega's systems, crashing and tumbling like slinkies until they skid to a stop. Exhaustion engulfed, Sonic laid on his front, pushing his hands on the ground, letting out a hiss with his chest burning, while Shadow forced himself to one knee, his free hand resting on the other, and Rouge's wings were left mangled and crippled, discomfort lacing on her features.
"Great...Juuuuuuuuust great..." Sonic groaned, his vision blurred and he sworn he was seeing double of Dark Fang's approaching form, darkness threatening to engulf his senses and plungue him into its abyss.
He desperately shook his head to rid the dizzy spells, but the thickness of the creature's shadow loomed over him and his friends. Another gasp escaped Sonic, horror mounting on his face as Dark Fang's eyes with ominous gleam of utter hate, disgust and violence, refusing to show any ounce of mercy upon the heroes. The giant monster's hand soon reached to grab them, the sheer helpless upon the heroes dawning, Sonic panicked as he realized he failed, soon history would repeat itself and Korso would once again feel humanity and Mobians betrayed his trust.
Or so he thought.
"DARK FAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNGGGGG!"
The familiarity of Korso's voice roared across the mountains and desolute region of ice and snow like a symphony of a cathedral's sets of bells ringing lifting the weight of terror. Sonic, Shadow, Rouge and Omega collectively turned their heads while Dark Fang froze in his tracks, inches from grabbing the heroes, shock written over his face moments before the larger Yeti's structure descended from the higher ground, landing with an earth-tremoring force, his own punch connecting with a solid crunch against the smaller Yeti's jaw.
Dark Fang flinched at the impact, his head snapping to the side and his feet lifting off the ground, flying across the land until he crashed against the ground, dust and snow creating a brief tornado forcing the heroes to raise their arms shielding their faces before it all dissipated. They hesitantly lowered their hands, caution etched on their faces save for Omega who's metallic expression were always motionless.
"Sonic!" The fearful and determined cries laced in the welcoming charade of Sun's voice echoed.
Hearing his brother prompted Sonic to return his face to whence Korso came, Sun himself with Avalanche, Snowflake, Snowy, Sierra, Ayla, and their group of Wisps, with the other kinds, having hidden themselves at the upper rock structures and having watched the battle in awe and fear, reaching them. Team Dark now held no words even in their minds, having gone blank like a computer unexpectedly switching off.
"Hey, guys! Glad to see ya!" Sonic reciprocated, pushing himself to his feet while brushing off the snow.
Sun wasted no time as he somersaulted off Avalanche's shoulder, landing with style, for once ignoring the bitter chills clinging to his fur coating him like chocolate frosting on an popsicle, his feet thudding against the snow as he delicately placed his hands on his brother's shoulders.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, we're fine. If it weren't for Korso, we've been toast." The hero of Mobius' voice, carrying geniue assurance and relief, nodded.
"BLUEY!" Snowy gushed, her hands clapping so rapidly they limbs were mildy blurred. Excitement surged to see her favourite blue hedgehog 'toy' again.
Would Grampy Korso let her keep the hero of Mobius? Oh, she really hoped so, he is just so cute and cuddly and playful! The infant Yeti wanted nothing more than to keep the blue hedgehog forever, and all eternity.
Team Dark continued to gaze, their minds blank like a computer being smashed into pieces and left with just black. What on Mobius was going on!?
"What are you two do doing here?" Shadow demanded, multitasking in helping Rouge stand while the latter winched at the back ache.
"Huh? Shadow? Rouge and Omega? You guys are here too?" The tangerine hedgehog recoiled, his voice a mixture of surprise and confusion.
"Hey there, little sunshine," Rouge greeted, playfulness lacing her teal orbs. "Didn't expect to see you and Blue here."
The former Sonic Clone slumped, groaning. Did she seriously have to say that?
"Like I said, it's a very long story. And from the looks of it, we all need to be sharing tales with each other," Sonic's unease ignited a spark of discomfort as he crossed his arms.
The unease only grew as the Mobians watched Avalanche storm across the snowy plains, thunderous stomps sending tremors across the Earth as his rough claws pinned Dark Fang, the darker Yeti's frustrated roars soaring through the cold air. Korso slowly approached, his massive form dwarfing over his children.
"DARK FANG. WHY DID YOU COME BACK? WE BANISHED YOU FROM THE TRIBE FOR YOUR BETRAYAL." The Snow Tribian King snarled, gritting his teeth.
"YOU WERE THE ONE BETRAYING US, FATHER," Dark Fang hissed, struggling against Avalanche's mighty grip keeping him from escaping. "YOU NEVER SHOULD HAVE TRUSTED THOSE HUMANS, THEY BETRAYED US! SENDING THAT MOBIAN MONSTER!"
"IT MATTERS NOT. YOU WILL ANSWER FOR YOUR ACTIONS AGAINST THESE YOUNG HEROES, ESPECIALLY SONIC THE HEDGEHOG." Korso leaned close, his face inches from touching the furious darker tribian's.
The murderous look in Dark Fang's eyes, one to send chills in many into the deepest abyss of eternal darkness, did nothing to daunt the mighty leader's demeanor or posture, nor did it grant him mercy or means of escape. He struggled against Avalanche's grip, but he could not escape. Frustration continued to build up liable to explode like an overdue volcanic eruption, his roars echoing like a storm's fury destroying everything in its path.
Snowflake stood by the two humans, the Mobians, single robot and Wisps, all watching with trepidation coursing through them. The little aliens' instincts caused them to hide behind Sonic and Sun, their tiny tentacle arms clinging onto both hedgehogs' arms worried if Dark Fang would continue his assault.
"So, what brings you guys here?" Sonic's gaze shifted to Team Dark.
"We were investigating portals spread all across the world," Shadow got straight to the point. "We have reason to believe the shattering of the Lunania Comet may have something to do with it."
Both younger hedgehog's froze, horror mounting their faces before wincing simultaneously.
"Uhhhhh, yeeeeeeaaaah, we know about that," Sonic sheepishly scratched his head, a nervous grin spreading. "In fact, we already closed up one in Mobotropolis connecting to Sweet Mountain which turned into a Salty Mountain by one of the comet's pieces, and the one leading here from Aquriam Park turned that world into a Tropical Frost-both halfs of it, I mean."
"Turns out Spirit did more than just convince some of the more mischievious Wisps to try and get Sonic and Tails to stay on Planet Wisp for the rest of their lives, he and the other four Wisps somehow broke the comet, opening portals to other worlds connecting to Mobius, each piece not only transforming the other planets, but they transformed themselves into larger mutated versions." Sun added, his voice filled with annoyance and concern.
"They now call themselves the Mischief Five, and well, Spirit made a deal with me with a challenge: I find all of the pieces to put the Comet back to normal, and everything returns to normal, and I fail, I stay on Planet Wisp for the rest of my life." Sonic concluded.
A silence crept between the hedgehog brothers and Team Dark, Dark Fang's roars of fury mixed with the whistles of the icy winds like a flute being the only sounds to be heard for a good three minutes, yet it felt like it went on far longer than that. Until finally Shadow made his voice known...and it wasn't in a cheerful tone.
"You idiot!" The dark hedgehog snarled, stomping up directly at Sonic's face that their noses almost touched by an inch. "You just sold yourself to one with a potential rise of darkness by fusing themselves with the Lunania Comet?!"
"Hey, it's the only way to solve this!" Sonic snapped. "Besides, I know what's going on and it isn't Spirit fully doing this! Last night, the Wisps' Mom's past self came to visit me in my dream and told me that a piece of Cormain's darkness escaped when the Octosaurs trapped him in the Prison of Evil, making its way to the future, and I gotta use the light in my heart to set him free!"
"You based on this idea over a dream?" Shadow scoffed, not buying it.
The blue hedgehog's arms folded against his chest, refusing to back down despite the lingering ache in his heart but forced it to the back of his mind. "You know me, Shadow. It felt real, and Knuckles can vouce on that."
Beep beep!
"Speaking of which..." Sun sweat dropped, his train of thought booting itself of what was happening while Sonic, unknowningly feeling a case of deja vu, swiped his arm to his face answering the call.
"Sonic Speaking." He greeted.
The screen came to life as a miniature image of Star's frantic expression reciprocated the greeting, terrified expressions of Yacker and the other Wisps peeking over her shoulders.
"Sonic! Sun! You guys gotta come back! It's an emergency!" The lavender hedgehog screeched so loudly, the blue hedgehog was forced to lean away at the high-pitched tone, wincing.
"Star? What's going on?" Sonic responded worriedly while Sun and the Hammer Wisp, fear lacing their faces, leaned over for a better view, nearly squashing the blue hedgehog's face.
"What is it?! Are you okay?" Sun cried out, the fear of his girlfriend's safety escalated.
Memories of the nightmare plauged by Dr. Starline and his Hybrians, and the Deadly Three weighed heavily on the former Werehog's mind, his heart beating like crazy with worst case scenarios eating at him.
"I'm okay, just a bit shaken," Star shook her head. "But Knuckles is captured by a giant ice monster, and taken him to the Ice Palace!"
"WHAT?!" Sonic and Sun chorused, exchanging horrified glances.
Concern and trepidation collectively filled everyone's expressions, even Team Dark found themselves lost for words despite still not fully understanding what was going on. Minds raced of what could have happened that ensured Knuckles' sudden capture by the Icy Monsters in Aquarium Park, and what would become of him.
One thing was for certain, Sonic, his eyes filled with raging guilt and determination, knew what had to be done to ensure his older friend's safety.
"C'mon, Sun! We'd better get back to Aquriam Park, now!" He turned to his brother, after assuring Star they were on their way.
"Right!" Sun nodded with agreement.
"Hold it, faker!" Shadow demanded, snatching his younger rival's wrist with a tightening grip to halt anymore movement. "You need to tell us what is going on, and why you know these creatures!"
"I usually like to tell a story, Shads, but now's not a great time. You gotta take a rain check on that, but to give you a brief summary, Kaiser killed one of Korso's kids five years ago no thanks to one of Sierra's villagers who wanted to be leader of the whole village, but since me, Sun and Chip came along and fixed things up, that jerk's been permanently kicked out with a new place to live, and I promised to bring Snowy back home. To be continued!" Sonic's words lingered with impatience embodied deep and frustration mixed like sour milk in lemonade, the urgency to get going leaving no room for negotiations.
The Ultimate Lifeform snarled ready to demand more in spite of the tumultous thoughts and memories of Kaiser's cruel ambitions adding to the criminal history, only for Rouge's own hands placed on his shoulders, halting anymore movements against the hero of Mobius.
"Easy, hun. We'll catch up with them later. Duty calls, and he did give us a few juicy details on what's going on, so I say that's more than enough for now." The bat's teal eyes glinted with understanding, a playful charade of mischief and bonds of a mother's scolding to her son.
Irked by the decision, the urgency of the situation not lost, Shadow heaved an annoyed sigh, reluctantly releasing his grip on Sonic's wrist, the blue hedgehog rubbing said limb. Their eyes met once more. "You'd better keep your word, hedgehog."
"Yeah, yeah, I always do. You know me, I never break my promises." Sonic attempted to hide the twinge of guilt with a nonchalant wave.
Shadow could only shake his head, questions flooding his mind yet he understood the gravity of each mission, accepting the knowledge of the mysteries behind the portals across Mobius. Better than nothing.
"Sorry, but we gotta go!" Sonic apologetically returned his gaze to Sierra, Ayla, Team Dark and the Yeti. "Our friends need us."
A glimpse of understanding elitched across Sierra's face, her eyes, filled with warmth locked with the blue hedgehog's electric eyes, an embodiment of mutual trust and loyalty they each held. The Holoska Village leader exchanged a nod, her winter gloved hand gently resting on his shoulder as she knew, saddened as she was to see him and Sun depart so soon, duties and the fate of Mobius called once more.
"Be careful, Sonic. We shall see each other again soon."
Sonic, ever the embodiment of courage, resolve and vows, nodded with a silent promise spoken through his eyes, words not needed. A yelp suddenly escaped him as he suddenly found himself once more in the tightening bear hug inflicted by Snowy the infant Yeti, snuggled and his face partially buried in her white fur. The sickening sounds of bones meeting against flesh echoed in the ears of his friends, all winching with sympathy and unease, even Shadow's usually stoic and emotionless expression disappeared.
"Ouch..." Rouge whispered, her voice carrying concern for Sonic's misfortunate predicument.
"Bluey stay! Bluey no go!" Snowy pleaded, her smaller arms enveloping Sonic as though he were a toy, her youthful pleads sparkling surging with childlike desires.
The Wisps's expressions were mixed with bewilderment and realization, the flicker of guilt interwined with Spirit's just as childish desires in ensuring Sonic and Tails would remain in their home world, the sight of pain and discomfort etched across the hedgehog's face. They each exchanged glances before hanging their hearts low, a couple sniffling with tears beginning to leak.
Dear Cosmos, Mama and Big brother Yacker were right: It was wrong to keep their hero for themselves.
"S-Snowy! Please, let me go...!" Sonic struggled within the kid's grasp, desperately wriggling and squirming to pry himself free, but no amount could help him escape. The young Yeti Child's strength was evident already.
Fortunately, aid was provided as Snowflower hunched forward, kneeling low as her size could manage, delicately prying her daughter's arms off of the hedgehog and held her cupped in her larger hands. Sonic slumped, panting and wheezing while placing his hand to his chest, gulping in desperate air back into his lungs he felt nearly burst like a balloon about to pop with too much helium.
"Bluey, huh? Since when did Yeti learn to talk?" Rouge's eyes twinkled with amusement. She found it quite adorable to see a snow creature hug the blue hedgehog like a toy.
"Sorry, Rouge, but we gotta go. Emergency and all," Sun, his impatience and desires to reunite with Star overshadowing the amusement, helped to straighten Sonic who finally managed to recover enough to nod.
"Unlike Mr. Grumpy here, sweetheart, I can tolerate." The albino bat's giggles chimed like a flute chanting a melody drawing out a horde of mischief people, while Shadow rolled his eyes, exasperation evident.
"Sorry, Snowy, but we gotta go find our friends," The hero of Mobius apologetically waved tenderly. "We'll come and visit again soon, okay?"
The tremor of small quakes once more reverberated through the surrounding area like a hurricane mixed with an Earthquake. It drew the attention of every individual to the towering formation of Korso, his sensitive hearing caught on the quickened conversation. Fighting instincts against the posed danger lingering, Shadow, Rouge and Omega hunched, the robot of the team switching to ammo. Yet, admist of the astmosphere, Sonic, the steadfast pillar of peace and understanding, calmly held up his arm, gesturing his friends to stand down.
"SAFE RETURN, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG."
Korso's voice, usually growled with authority and suspicion, softened to the level of understanding, the pride in a tone of a father to his growing son. His keen eyes softened with the awareness of the situation. He reached his colossal hand to the smaller lifeforms, particually at the cobalt teenager. Sonic in turn responded with a nod back, his gloved hands tenderly closing around Korso's extended finger, firmly shaking hands symbolizing trust and allience.
"I promise." He responded.
Without further ado, Sonic gripped Sun's wrist, his trademark smirk etched across his face as he granted his friends a two-finger salute while making Shadow and his team vow to behave themselves until they got back, before he, his brother and companions dashed across the fields beyond, their senses returning to the portal to reunite with the rest of their team, to return to their main objective and restore Aquriam Park to its original glory, the heroes vanishing in blurs of rainbow colours, Sonic's legs barely touching the ground while the Wisps shrugging off the winter chills of the land beyond.
All the while their friends could only watch with antipation and concern, Team Dark exchanging glances while Snowy whined, waving at the departing heroes.
"Bye bye, Bluey."
A/N: Again, I'm deeply sorry for the long delay for this story again, and as such, this the final update of all of my stories for 2024 and I apologize for not being able to update as much this year as I wanted, or even write a Christmas story(writer's block and all this year).
But don't worry, next year I will continue onward with my stories and vow to return to my roots once things fully settle down.
So until then, Merry Christmas to all and happy new year as we say farewell to 2024 forever and enter 2025!
See you later!