Sonic X: Back To Earth.
Author's Note: To make up for two years without an update for this story, now you all get two in one month!
Let's get to it for the second final part of the Mutagen Saga!
I own no rights to Sonic the Hedgehog or any of the related media.
The Mutagen Saga.
Chapter 21: Battle of Fate-P2.
Last time, our heroes have confronted the shocking revelation that the fake Dr. Eggman was actually Dr. Kai Narasu, and has gained control of Vector who is forced to fight them. In their desperate battle to try and save the world, Narasu gained advantage over them, even come up with a plan.
Sonic ends up captured, as Tails, Chris and Knuckles try to save him, but thanks to Charmy, Amy and Team Rose, they destroyed the gem controlling all those affected by the Mutagen.
However, just as the Sonic Heroes attempt to free their friend, now Vector and Dr. Narasu are seemingly losing control and time is running for both worlds. Will Sonic and his friends restore Vector?
What decision will Sonic make for the fate of the two worlds merging together as one?
The giant crocodile stood, gaze upon the smaller fractures of Sonic and the rest of the heroes, their frightened expressions, the blue hedgehog masking his fear as best he could while protectively standing in front of Tails, Amy, Cream and Cheese, and the human de-aged children. Their minds whirling on whether Vector was still under the corruption of the Mutagen, even without Narasu's gem controlling him.
"Please, Vector! It's us! We're your friends!" Cream screamed, tears sparkling in her honey eyes, sadness and heartache sweeping her features as she cradled the weeping chime, squeaks of a small tiny Flicky, from Cheese who's tears streamed freely down his face.
'Oh, man...Maybe smashing the gem before knocking Vec' out of it wasn't the best idea...' Sonic's mind raced with horrible possibilities, one scenario after another fast-pacing like the formula race cars attempting to out-speed him.
To the collective surprise and confusion of the heroes and villains as unbeknownst to them, Vector, having seen and heard everything yet had been unable to do anything to free himself from Narasu's control, had seen strange light flash across his vision, until Vector felt the twinge of discomfort all over his body, the whiteness and blur clearing, giving a better view of the world around him, his hand on his head.
"OOOOOGGGHHH...MY HEAD..." Vector groaned, blinking a couple of times until he saw all of his allies and friends, most sprawled on the ground below, their sizes resembling to ants from his point of view. "DID SOMEBODY GET THE NUMBER ON THAT BUS?"
"Vector?" Sonic whispered, hope and relief sweeping through his heart.
The group then saw, no longer gleaming in red or purple of the Mutagen infection, restored to their true colouring, glints of concern, guilt and relief swimmining within those two orbs.
"Vector, you're...back to normal...!" Tails breathed, he and Sonic both feeling the collective wave of relief, smiles beaming across their muzzles.
"WELL, RELATIVELY SPEAKIN', BUT YEAH," Vector replied once he finally regained his senses, his hand rubbing his neck, sheepishly. "I HEARD EVERYTHIN' YOU GUYS AND EVERYBODY ELSE TO TRY AND GET ME BACK TO NORMAL, BUT I GOT NO IDEA HOW YA' ALL DID IT."
"Heh, you can thank Charmy and Amy for that one, big guy," Sonic chuckled, happily. "They, Cosmo and Cream were the ones distracting that creep."
"THEY DID?" The green crocodile blinked, bewildered. Of all of the times he had been with Espio and especially Charmy, not once had Vector even thought the youngest of the detectives could have even came up with an idea, let alone help to be a good distraction against bad guys.
For the second time today, the kid had surprised his superior and close friend.
"Hey, Vector's back to normal! His eyes aren't blinking like police car sirens anymore!" Charmy exclaimed happily, gesturing with a finger at his oldest friend's face.
Everyone, most recovering from the unexpected whiplash, saw the young bee was right. Despite the crocodile still within a giant form, no longer did they see Vector's will corrupted or imprisoned, but the destruction of Narasu's gem had freed their friend and ally's mind. Charmy, Espio, Amy, Cream and Cheese, the latter two beaming beaming smiles bright as the sunlight, Cosmo, Chris, Frances, Danny and even Knuckles, the red echidna grinning, all collectively felt relieved while Rouge and Topaz shared a smile, Omega standing, despite the damage reducing his capability to stand without malfunctioning, Shadow wincing yet remaining stotic crossed his arms, and even Eggman, Decoe, Bocoe and Bokkun all simultaneously sighing with relief, slumping forward.
"The crocodile's mind is back to normal." Decoe sighed.
"What a relief...I was worried that big, overgrown lizard was going to have all of us for lunch." Eggman wiped his bald head dry from sweat, only for the aforementioned crocodile, and even Charmy, Espio and the rest of the Sonic Heroes to shift their gazes, honed with heated glares ignited like a burning fireplace, to tower over the evil scientist.
"YA' AIN'T OFF THE HOOK YET, EGGMAN! YOU STILL OWE EVERYBODY FOR ALL THE MESS YOU CAUSED!" Vector bellowed.
"Yeah, what he said!" Charmy snapped in agreement.
"I-I-I-I-I-I...Erm..." The panic-stricken doctor quivered like a baby's rattle, fearing for the brutal punishment his enemies all had.
Eggman was however given a slight break from the heroes wrath, as a high-pitched wail of agony and strain, raspy as though one was dehydrated, caused him to snap his and soon everyone else's attentions upward.
Everyone all gasped in unified shock, their minds having slipped from the memory of Narasu, who was now grasping his head in a painful, tight grip, his fingers trying to dig into his sculp, sparks of black lightning and mists of the Mutagen igniting all across his body. He was breathing heavily, air purged from inside out.
"Huh? What's going on with Narasu?" Bokkun asked, uneasily.
"The Mutagen within his body is overwhelming him!" Tails was quick to understand, his eyes widening the size of saucers, horror gripping his chest. "I think destroying the gem may have freed Vector and all the other people and animals affected by it, but it's now corrupting Narasu!"
"The foxboy is right! That gem is Narasu's source of control, but it was also what kept his own mutagen stabilized, as it is an upgraded version with a drop of his own blood!" Eggman exclaimed, terror bursting through his body. "I may be evil, but at least I'm not THAT crazy!"
"That's one good thing about you, Egghead." Sonic reluctantly admitted, a sweat drop streaming along the side of his head, unease along his bones.
Narasu's voice was forever lost to him, the sheer agony of losing control of his own body causing his vision. What was happening to him? How could he have lost control over everything!? This is...just. Not. Possible!
"N-No! NO! M-My body is...turning against...me!" Narasu's words were slurred, like he had too much to drink at a pub, no longer able to think clearly.
Witnessing the horrific sight like out of the deepest parts of their nightmares, Sonic, his friends, allies and enemies could only watch as the Mutagen's overwhelming power, the lightning strike dragged right out of a thundercloud, as though it had been summoned, conjoined by the gusts of the dangerous winds, the skies distorted, roars and haunting shifts of crackles like an evil laughter bellowing across the skies. Everyone was forced to brace themselves, Vector quickly towering over the others, his arms encirling around with his back used as shield.
Amy quickly wrapped her arms around Cream who hugged her fearfully, Cosmo clasping hands with Tails who's arms wrapped around her like a protective blanket, Sonic doing his best to shield all four of them, the rest raising their arms, cries deafened by the rages of the storm and Narasu's paralyzing screams. The evil scientist himself was soon engulfed in an explosive wave of light, his arms and legs outstretched, his whole body seemingly evaporating as a result, his agonized roar of seeming death no more.
Nervously glancing back, Vector and everyone else soon turned to see what had become of Narasu, only to all unleash a collective gasp of horror.
"What in the two worlds is THAT!?" Decoe screamed, temporarily breaking apart in panic.
"S-Sonic...It-it's...!" Tails stammered, his words caught within his throat, his breath threatening to choke him.
"It can't be...!" Knuckles breathed, his heart skipping a leap.
"No...way..." Sonic slowly murmured, shock and horror over the memories of the murals within the Ocean Palace flashing before his very eyes, the deepening connection of Rusca's past echoing like a nightmare he found himself trapped within.
In the place of Dr. Kai Narasu, was a giant mutated hedgehog, sickly pale blue like a sticky pile of scientific melted goo, quills upward in a similar matter of Shadow's, a triangler golden symbol on his chest, gleaming milk-glowing white eyes without pupils, in a similar height as Vector's current form, a twisted grin glinting, showcasing shark-like teeth.
"Who...or what...is that!?" Eggman shook, frightened to the core of his very being.
"The ancient evil incarnation of Rusca, the hedgehog who along with the Murasians was the one responsible for splitting up Earth and Sonic's world in the first place." Chris gulped, terrified.
"This is what he accidentally created when the Chaos Emeralds turned his anger and negativity into power, just like with Chaos..." Sonic took a step back, terror stabbing his chest like the sharpest blade of a magnificent sword. "But how can this be? I was careful not to let my anger get over me, even with the Chaos Emeralds around this time."
"...Nazo. He has returned...!" Espio murmured, horrified.
"This...is so not good news." Charmy deadpanned.
The revived Nazo, his evil glint restored, withdrew his head back with a maniacal laughter. "HA HA HA HA HA HA! AH HA HA HA HA! AT LAST! I HAVE RETURNED! YOU HAVE FAILED TO KEEP ME AT BAY, RUSCA HEDGEHOG! NOW, ALL IN THIS WORLD AND THE NEXT SHALL BOW BEFORE ME, FOR ALL ETERNITY!"
"This is terrible...!" Cosmo clasped her hands together, fear twinkling in her eyes. "How could this even be possible?"
"I really didn't bring this guy back, did I? Or were we so busy none of us saw my own darkness creep outta me?" The blue hedgehog's mind whirled, panic gripping his throat, threating to cut away his air supply.
While everyone else could only gaze, faces and hearts racing with horror, Chris couldn't understand why his hedgehog best friend blamed himself. Something about Nazo's rebirth whirled through his mind like a washing machine, until another memory blinked into existence like a light bulb.
"However, the dark being will be reborn through one or two unexpected, but be rest assured it is not you. But two who are effected terribly, not through de-age, but through mutation."
"Mutagen...wait, that's it!" The de-aged boy exclaimed, snapping his attention to the blue hero. "Sonic! It wasn't you who brought Nazo back! I think his soul was trapped within the time rift between the two worlds!"
"Huh?" Sonic blinked, glancing up at his human best friend with confusion etching his features. "What'dya mean?"
"Remember what Rusca told us? Through a mutation, Nazo would be reborn by one or two unexpected, but it's not from you, and not through de-aging either." The young Thorndyke explained.
"That's it!" Tails perked up, realization engulfing him and soon slowly everybody else. "When the collision of Eggman and Chris' portholes reacted, combined with the Mutagen, it effected the two worlds into merging, and just before he died, Nazo's soul must've been carrying on across Space and Time, and Narasu's greed and lust for revenge must've had the monster choose him to be his vessel."
"A vessel?" Amy asked, confused.
"In other words, think of how one of the ghosts possessed you at that mansion, Amy. Nazo's soul was lingering across as a ghost and now he's picked Narasu to possess to recreate himself." The twin-tailed kistune re-elaborated.
"Wait, so Nazo's ghost...Oh no!" The pink hedgehog's hands flew to her mouth, a horrified gasp nearly breathed out as she realized what Tails had meant.
"And because of the Chaos Energy from the Emeralds combined with the port holes and Narasu converting mine with the use of the Mutagen formula, his blood and attempting to spread it across Earth, he has infused himself with the negative energy and accidentally causing Nazo to choose him to revive himself." Chris continued.
"I once did not believe in ghosts, but seeing this Nazo, whatever this giant mutated hedgehog is, Thorndyke and the foxboy are right." Eggman gulped.
Guilt began to eat at Sonic's heart, despite coming to realize Rusca's warning had become a reality, and the gem may have been part of the situation, Sonic's eyes closed that destroying the gem may have freed Vector, but it had brought about the evil dark side of Rusca back to life. Which means that the fusion between the two worlds is almost complete and time was running out.
'They're right. Nazo must've planned this all along, and maybe that's why Cosmo and Rusca both gave me my dreams. They were tryin' to warn me all along...and I didn't believe in Rusca. I should've listened to him.' Knowing now there was only one way to end all this, and make the difficult decision to ensure the merge was safely completed, the blue hedgehog soon snapped his sharp gaze towards the giant evil hedgehog.
Determination flowing like an embrace of a warm blanket, Sonic stood to his feet as he began to bravely advance towards the greatest threat surpassing the evils of the Metarex, to the bewilderment of all of his friends, their collective shock set upon the blue hedgehog that even Vector's hand moving to stop him did nothing as Sonic simply jumped over, a light shake of his head telling him to leave this to him.
In the midst of his laughter, gleamed with his revival, Nazo's gaze shifted towards the heroes below with a frown replacing his grin, curiosity settling in upon the sight of an unfamiliar, young and foolishly brave blue hedgehog taking a few steps towards him.
"So, Nazo," Sonic began, stopping in his tracks, his emerald eyes heated with compassion and courage upon his greatest opponent he braced himself face. "We finally meet. Never thought I'd meet a hedgehog that's pretty ugly in my whole life, or anybody else's."
"OH? AND WHO MIGHT YOU BE, CHILD?" Nazo questioned, his eyes narrowed to focus more on the blue hedgehog's appearance, widening slightly of shock and surprise, curiosity hinted in his voice. "YOUR FACE...YOU RESEMBLE TO THE ONE WHO CREATED ME, YOUR HEART AND SOUL IGNITED WITH PURE LIGHT OF THE ENERGY OF CHAOS."
"Huh, I guess even as a ghost, you didn't see what my friends and I could do, but I've heard about you from Rusca's ghost. Heck, I've seen what you've done, and there's no way I'm gonna let you destroy the two worlds! You probably haven't heard about me, but you certainly will now: I'm Sonic the Hedgehog, and I'm gonna be kicking your butt back to the afterlife!" Sonic declared, jerking his thumb to his chest, his free arm whipping the air.
Curiosity soon morphed into laughter, Nazo being amused as he believed the teenage hero to be foolish. "SO, RUSCA HAS CHOSEN YOU TO BE HIS SUCCESSOR SHOULD I HAVE RETURNED? DO YOU TRULY BELIEVE YOU, A CHILD SIMPLY TOO FOOLISH, SHALL BE ABLE TO DESTROY ME?"
"Buddy, you have no idea what we've been through. I've freed Chaos from his anger and hate with the help of my close friends, we've saved the universe from evil aliens threatening to destroy it, and we all fight an egg-shaped creep using giant robots trying to take over the worlds more times than I can count. We're a lot stronger than you think, and if anybody's foolish to get what they want, you're on top of that chart!" Sonic crouched, his fists tightened for the ultimate showdown.
"MWAHAHAHAHA! IF YOU ARE SO EAGER FOR DEATH, I SHALL GRANT IT FOR YOU!" Nazo bellowed, thrusting his arm back, a spark of large, dark energy materializing in a form of a dark, powerful sphere like a ball of lightning, tossing it towards the heroes.
Sonic immediately dashed to safety, his legs becoming a blur while narrowly avoiding the sphere of darkness. He winced at the powerful gusts of the impact, the earth shaking beneath his feet nearly making him loose his balance, his arms raised shielding away the plumes of dust sent across the lands like a dust storm, his friends and enemies letting out a collective cries of alarm. Even Vector, whose arms raised around the rest to shield them, was forced to shield his eyes with a free arm.
None the less, the cobalt hedgehog continued to dodge, soon joined by the rest of his friends save for the humans, Team Chris, and Topaz knowing this battle was out of their league, while Amy, Cream and Cosmo took to try and distract the giant evil hedgehog. Concern and fears etched across the humans' features, deepening scenerios of how this would all end.
'Sonic...Everyone...Please be careful.' Chris could only helplessly watch, the agony of being on the sidelines now once more holding him back. Guilt continued to eat away at his heart, the realization of being the catalyst of this disaster eating him away from his inner organs.
"You're too slow, Ugly! You're gonna have to do better than that!" Sonic taunted, speeding at Nazo with a series of Spin Attacks across the giant monster's chest. But to his shock, none of his hits were even sending out a reaction from the embodiment of darkness.
The giant hedgehog simply let a small, amused chuckle before flicking Sonic with two fingers like an annoying insect, the sound of the smaller hedgehog's alarmed screams combined by the roars of thunder like a symphony of darkness, being the sweet, sound of a melody in his ears. Nazo's expression soon morphed into a frown as another giant Mobian, Vector, quickly caught Sonic in his free hand like a ball in a swift speed, carefully holding his smaller friend like a delicate porcelian item.
Sonic winced, having been knocked as though he was punched several times, his chest and head throbbing like drums, placing a hand to his sore sculp, sitting up with his other, the soft material of a warm, comfy bed-like ground gaining his attention. Dread filled his bones, a soft gasp blown through his mouth, the blue hedgehog snapped his gaze upward to find he was in a giant cupped hand, and the massive face of Vector the Crocodile greeted him, his expression only that of concern.
"SONIC, YOU OKAY?" Vector asked immediately.
Realizing the detective saved him sent a wave of relief washing over him, Sonic sighing with feeling. "Yeah, I think so. Thanks, Vector."
"Chaos Spear!" Shadow bellowed, releasing his all power of the yellow spears at Nazo, but the attacks, even from Omega's ammo and kicks, punches, everything the heroes could think of against the evil hedgehog, did nothing but slightly ruffle at Nazo's fur, as though he was simply within the gentle breeze of a nice, warm day.
"None of our attacks are working!" Amy exclaimed, her knuckles turning white in the tightening grip of her hammer. "Not even a weak spot!"
"What do we do? We can't let Nazo destroy the worlds!" Cream cried out, shivering with fear, cuddling the trembling form of her precious Chao who shook in a form of a frightened child within their mother's arms, standing close to her older friends.
Knuckles charged, his fists ready for the mighty punch, thrust like massive boulders ready to smash the ribs of Nazo like crushing the weakest trunks of a tree. But the powerful hits enough to rock the earth was no match for the mighty steel-like plate skin and flesh, the fur softening the impact like a fluffy pillow.
"Huh!? No way! What is this guy made out of!?" The red echidna exclaimed, a sweat drop forming, as he was forced to back-flip away to avoid getting hit himself.
Charmy carried Espio as high as his buzzing wings, muted by the roars of the storm's fury, the darkness engulfing the land in thickness of a blanket to increase the humid temperature of the hottest day of the year or the suffocating heat of the hottest desert, could carry him. The young bee, at his older friend's signal, tossed him while the ninja tossed his mini shurikens, his throws swift of the speeding deadly strikes like a set of jets fired upon. Unfortunately, Nazo simply flicked each weapon away like a swarm of flies.
"Impossible!" Espio gaped, horror and dread spreading through his expression, his eyes shrinking back with terror tightening its grip in his heart, the frightened Charmy's hands quickly gripping around his wrist, hovering away to the safe distance, the evil might of Nazo flowing like the thickness of the dark power too strong for any, even the strongest of warriors, to overcome.
"I don't think anybody has a chance against that monster...!" Decoe remarked, his arms wrapped around Bocoe who returned the embrace, their electrical surge of terror nearly curcuiting their hard drives.
"If even Sonic can't stop him, we're all as good as goners!" Bocoe trembled.
"What do we do, Doctor Eggman?" Bokkun asked, terrified, his optic gaze pleading like a terrified young child asking for hope and praying towards their parents for a miracle.
"There's nothing we can do," Eggman gulped, seeds of dread lingering within his veins like pimples crawling along his skin in a simulated growth of wild poisonous flowers. "Even with the Chaos Emeralds in Sonic's possession, that thing may be more powerful than the Metarex...!"
"YOUR ATTACKS ARE USELESS, MORTALS. ONLY DESPAIR SHALL CONQUER THE KNOWN WORLDS." Nazo declared, his right arm swept across the thunderous fields, a powerful beam of dark winds like an energy blade sweeping at the three remaining teams.
Much too fast even for Sonic and Shadow to dodge, a collective gasp of horror even as Vector couldn't hold back the powerful blast, the giant crocodile, along with the rest of his team, Team Sonic, Team Dark and Team Rose, were all forced across the plains alongside Team Chris, Topaz, and Eggman's group who could not retain their balance, swept away off their feet, screams filling the air until they all crashed like a large, severe hailstorm.
Vector ended up losing his grip on Sonic who tumbled about, feet and head up and down until his face planted on the soil. Amy and Tails did their best to shield Cream and Cheese and Cosmo, as did Shadow with Rouge, all sprawled once more, cuts and bruises lingering, exhaustion and fatigue engulfing them all from all the fights they endured in the past few days leaving them helpless, panic and fears creeping along.
"D-Dang it...!" Sonic winced weakly, struggling to push himself up. "Now I know why Rusca had trouble with this guy. G-Guess we'll have to...use the Chaos Emeralds after all."
"How are we going to stop that monster?" Frances asked, fearfully.
"The only way to stop him is with the Chaos Emeralds! But," Chris trailed off, uncertainty crawling through his bloodstream like worms wriggling within the wet soil, his gaze cast upon the heavily injured blue hedgehog. "Sonic might not be able to do it all by himself."
"Then I shall help him," Shadow declared, clutching his left arm that trembled upon the impact, heavily damaged to move without support, wincing at the aches in his muscles, his ribs screaming with heavy fractures he knew were severe, but as the Ultimate Lifeform, he refused to back down even though he had, as much as it irked him, cloned by the skeleton remains of a long-dead hedgehog.
However, Sonic heard this and his attention snapped to his rival, a realization hitting him hard. "Shadow, wait! You can't!"
"Why not? Do you have a problem with me turning Super all of the sudden?" The black hedgehog snapped, annoyed.
"Nope, that's not the problem. It's the fact you're identical to Rusca, given you kinda share his DNA, which is also in the big guy, and he could turn your power against ya'. That guy's like a giant dark negative side on a really bad day," The blue hedgehog sweat dropped, a deadpanned expression crawling along his features. "It's already weird enough that you and I look kinda alike in the face, and even he noticed I look a bit like Rusca."
"Sonic's right, Shadow. Nazo could use your Chaos Powers and memories against you, even though you don't have the Mutagen." Tails agreed, concern etching his expression.
"And even though I do not fully understand how it is all possible," Eggman perked up, his free hand rubbing the throbbing sore spot on his head, uncharacteristically worried. "It is as Sonic said, you sure the DNA with this Rosca-whatever his name is, and thus this creature also shares it, meaning he could corrupt you just the way Narasu corrupted the crocodile."
"His name is Vector and it's all your fault this happened, y'know." Charmy angrily pointed out.
Despite not liking to be told to hold back, believing he still had the power and advantage, Shadow hissed with his fist shaking, nearly trembling from the sheer force of anger and frustration. They were right, he was connected to the giant monster and if the ebony hedgehog wasn't careful, Nazo could drain away his power as well.
"And what about you?" He finally returned his gaze, annoyance and anger plustering deep in his eyes, back at Sonic. "Do you think you can handle Nazo and save both worlds as well as time itself?"
"I've got to, Shads. If I don't, Nazo wins and it's game over. I still don't like the idea of creating a new timeline for everybody on Earth, but now there's no choice left," The blue hedgehog nodded, heart sinking like a stone in the sea of sorrow and guilt. "You sacrificed yourself twice in a row, and I'm not gonna let ya' do that again."
Even as he said this, Sonic's mind spun back like a super powered Spin Dash fired through the Blue Typhoon's cannon, Rusca's words echoing like a drift of the wind's soul, a memory formatting realization within his heart.
"Sonic...Choose carefully, and share your power with your friends in order to make it possible as well as survive to avoid any sacrifices."
'To share my power with my friends, to make sure everyone survives. I did share it with Tails and Knuckles a couple of times and it worked like a charm. Could that be what he meant?' Sonic thought carefully, remembering how back at the Ocean Palace and their search on the Egg Fleet he, Tails and Knuckles shared their strength with the Chaos Emeralds, their deepening connection along with the others empowering them more than ever.
If he fought against Nazo alone and completed the merge, Sonic may as well share the same fate as Rusca, and with the power of the Mutagen via using Narasu's body, the blue blur came to a bitter conclusion he might not even win this time. Guilt, fear and concern creeping along his bones for the welfare of his friends, the hedgehog knew there wasn't much of a choice. He needed help, now more than ever.
"I can do this." Sonic stood, arms and legs shaking from the sheer force to stand, the fatigue and pain weighing him like heavy stones on his back, his emerald orbs cast upon the evil giant hedgehog once more, bracing for the ultimate battle of his life.
"YOU THINK YOU CAN DEFEAT ME ALL ALONE, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG? THOSE FOOLS COULD NOT, AND NEITHER SHALL YOU. YOU ARE BUT ONE WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME POWER AS RUSCA." Nazo cackled, as though taunting the teenage hero.
"Ha! Like I said, you don't know what we've been through, and just so you know, I'm never alone! I've got friends with me, even in spirit, that I can count on just as they count on me!" Sonic remarked, his signature smirk shining as the brightest light as the sun and the Chaos Emeralds.
He paused, glancing over his shoulder with his sights set upon all of his eyes, his eyes darting to his two teammates. "And who else to help me out than two of my best buddies?"
"Huh!?" Tails and Knuckles gaped, shock sweeping across them as well as the others. Did they all hear right? Was Sonic...really talking about them helping him?
"Tails, Knuckles, I'm gonna need you both to help me out this time."
"S-Sonic...I...I really wanna help you, and we've come a long way, but I don't know how to use the Emeralds, let alone all seven of them. We've been lucky twice with just one!" Tails protested, shaking his head.
"You and Shadow've got more experience with the Emeralds, what makes you think Tails and I can handle it?" Knuckles demanded, too shocked to even think fully, his mind spinning like a boulder descending a steep hill.
"Hey' c'mon! We're all more connected than you think, and if the Chaos Emeralds let me share their powers with you, this will be a cinch! Remember, it's our friendship that draws out their real power, and since Nazo here is just a giant monster of darkness, greed, hate, all that sort of thing, he's on his own." Sonic reassured, his fiery determination and willpower ignited within him, coming back to life and ready to defeat the evil giant hedgehog.
Doubt and fear crept through Tails, his young intelligent mind spreading with unease crawling through his small fructure, but the deepening light of reassurance and trust radiated through Sonic's eyes, followed with a thumbs up before casting his gaze at Knuckles, who thought long and hard for a few moments, arms crossed over their journey together, the combination of sharing the power of one Chaos Emerald each to defeat the corruption of monsters and Eggman's robots, before the red echidna nodded, was enough to steel the twin-tailed fox's own confidence, determination and desire to protect his friends and Cosmo.
"Okay! I won't let you down, Sonic!" Tails finally responded, fists clutched together, a smirk of bravery and determination spread across his muzzle.
"You can count me in!" Knuckles grinned, one fist held tightly.
Sonic smiled back, as the rest of his friends, despite their fears of losing him, Tails and Knuckles, all knew they had what it takes to defeat Nazo and save the two worlds, Amy's eyes shone as bright as the beautiful jade gems, Cream and Frances collectively nodding with encouragement, Shadow crossing his arms, a stern, quick small nod sent at his younger rival's way, Danny and the giant Vector both grinning, Charmy doing an excited flip with a fist pumped skyward, Rouge, Omega and Topaz all nodding, as did Espio, the silent message of luck drifted from his eyes, Cosmo's hands clasped with hope and prayers, her loving blue eyes gazed upon Tails who blushed a little, and finally, Chris giving Team Sonic the encouraging thumbs up.
Even Eggman, reluctant in giving encouragement to his long-time enemy, nodded before quickly casting his gaze to the side, arms crossed in annoyance. Decoe and Bocoe both clasped their hands together, pleads to be saved radiating through their hard-drives, while Bokkun fiddled his, a frightened whimper flowing through his mouth.
Once more the blue hedgehog had a lot to say, but now wasn't the time for another emotional speech, yet he did nod in return, a fist clutched of the empowered friendship flowing through his pure heart.
"Alright! Let's show this creep the real super power of teamwork!" Sonic declared, his trademark grin visible to many eyes beyond.
"Yeah!" The rest of the Sonic Heroes save for Shadow, who muttered an 'Right!' cheered on.
"Since when did you share your power with your fox-boy and echidna friends? Only you and Shadow are capable of using the power of the emeralds." Eggman questioned, doubtful of Team Sonic's claims.
Sonic just grinned, mischievously. "We're just full of surprises, Eggman."
"FOOLS!" Nazo's roar collectively caught everyone's attentions once more, forcing them to whirl around with gasps swiftly echoing like a flock of frightened bats blinded by lights, as the giant evil hedgehog stood towering before them. "YOU SHALL ALL BOW BEFORE ME, ALL OF THIS PATHETIC PLANET ONCE ONE, SHALL BE MINE TO CONTROL, AND ALL WHO OPPOSE ME...WILL DIE!"
Another summon of the darkened sphere, once more powerful to evaporate the heroes and villains below, Sonic's warning of watching out was released too late, while Shadow attempted to counter it with another series of Chaos Spears to destroy the orb. To their horror, the attacks were simply absorbed, increasing in size, Nazo's laughter bellowing like an echo within a cave.
"He...absorbed Shadow's attack!" Cosmo's shaken voice rattled, her heart beating in an accelerating rate of fear, panic and dismay.
"Tch! Darn it!" Shadow cursed, angrily. Sonic, Tails and Eggman were right: Nazo did share the DNA of Rusca, which was used to create him all those years ago. Frustration bubbled up like boiling lava in a volcano, ready to erupt.
If he can't do anything to stop Nazo, how can he help to save the two worlds? Why was he sent back to Earth in the first place?
"I BID YOU AND YOUR SO CALLED FRIENDS FAREWELL, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG. BEGONE!" Nazo tossed his sphere in a way as though he was playing a game of volley ball, directly towards the heroes who made to try and escape out of the way.
Before most of them could move, however, a pair of giant, white gloves hands suddenly swooped in at Team Sonic, Team Rose, the two members of the Chaotix, Team Dark, Team Chris, Topaz, and Eggman's group, all collectively screaming in alarm when they found the world blocked by brief whiteness that soon shifted into leaving them trapped in darkness, the two hands cupped together in an air-bubble like space for all of them, belonging to Vector who snarled, fury for what Narasu and Nazo had both done in the past flowing within his chest.
A large, heavy heave of concentration, mixed with the combination of courage and determination to protect his friends, allowed the giant crocodile to breathe a large atomic-like fire breath as large as his current height, strain and sweat bullets fleeting along his head. The flames blocked the sphere of darkness long, a massive explosion soon following, orange and dark purple hue spreading across the fields that forced Vector to screech backwards despite his heels digging roughly through the Earth's soul, twin giant trails of small dry rivane left in his wake until the currents stopped.
Nazo witnessed the events unfold, unfazed by the winds of his own attack blocked by a simple, mutated Mobian, the winds blown against his fur like a hair-dryer at its height setting with a curious frown.
"NOT IF I CAN HELP IT, GLOW BOY!" Vector bellowed angrily, bending as he gently put everyone he saved back to the ground, most startled with mixture of relief overflowing them, before he made to charge, a roar of courage as he knew that Nazo will not give Sonic, Tails and Knuckles a chance to transform.
"Vector!" Team Sonic, Chris, and Espio cried, desperation to tell their giant friend to wait upon the realization he had saved their and everyone else's lives.
The giant detective didn't respond, instead he thrust both hands to grab hold of the giant hedgehog, who simply clasped hands in a sudden wrestle, the two large opponents strugghing to overpower one another.
"No, Vector! Get away from him! He's too strong for you!" Sonic pleaded, concern for his large friend's safety washing over him.
"U-UGH! I'LL KEEP HIM BUSY! YOU, TAILS AND KNUX FOCUS ON DOIN' THE-THE REST, SONIC! THERE AIN'T MUCH TIME LEFT! USE THOSE CHAOS EMERALDS, FAST!" Vector grunted, shifting his gaze over his shoulder, his eyes cast upon the fearfully worried blue hedgehog.
"Sonic," Shadow's voice, soft in the firm tone, caught the growing panicky hedgehog's attention, Sonic gazing over his shoulder to his older rival, the rest of the group gazing with hope, encouragement, pleads and prayers etched across their expressions. "We're counting on you."
Despite the deepening fears of what the future how held, for the soon to be merged two worlds, Sonic knew the turn of the events could no longer be avoided. To save Earth and their world, and Time itself, the cobalt hero had to defeat Nazo or else he would rule supreme, and the timelines were lost forever, to never move, trapped in a frozen orb with time flowing across the vast of the universe.
He will not allow that to happen!
"Right! Here we go!" Sonic nodded, extending his hand out, palm flat in the formative circle, his sharpened gaze towards Tails and Knuckles who quickly rejoined his side, both holding their hearts for the ultimate showdown. "Ready, guys?"
"Ready!" Tails and Knuckles chorused, their palms slapping onto Sonic's in a loud clap of teamwork, their hearts united like a parade of friendship and courage.
"Let's do this!" Sonic focused his heart and energy hard, his positive emotions flowing for the bonds deeply connected with all of his friends, like a chain of benevolent sun's warmth on the beautiful, crystal clear sky. "Remember, guys. Think every positive thing, and don't let bad thoughts get to you."
Receiving responses of affirmatives, and clearing their minds of all doubts, fear and terrible memories, allowing thoughts of hopeful futures, their bond with each other, all of their friends, the happier times sending warmth like the sunlight shining from the heavens above, the trio simultaneously closed their eyes, Sonic focusing very hard with his inner will.
In the reaction of Team Sonic's absolute trust and bonds, sensing no evil intentions within them, the Chaos Emeralds could see pure hearted heroes who were willing to sacrifice themselves for the people and world they loved. Drifting from the possessions of the rest of the Sonic Heroes, their lights illuminating a circle of a symbolized rainbow, their powers breaking through the rage of the storm.
Even Nazo, a frown of confusion illuminating his features as he punched Vector back, the giant crocodile grunting in pain seeping through his body, hitting the ground with a loud thud, wincing just as the evil monster chuckled right before the reaction from Team Sonic made him stop, winced at the blinding shine from below with a wave of shock coursing through his veins like a small electrical spark. "WHAT!?"
What kind of sorcery was this? More importantly, a twinge of perputation crept upon his entire being, the feeling of familiarity not lost to the evil giant hedgehog of darkness.
Vector, placing a hand to his head with a groan, glanced below to see his younger friends, awe and wonder sweeping across his expression.
'I know you helped me and Shadow out a lot of times, but this time I need the help from two of my best friends. Please, let me share your power with Tails and Knuckles, and help me save the two worlds and time itself...!' Sonic could feel the Chaos Energy bursting within him, this time coursing his power, the tingle of light trailing to his benevolent heart, tingling down through his arm to his finger tips.
Tails let out a whimper of discomfort, the reaction of the Chaos Energy far stronger from all seven of the mystical gems course through his own arm, streaming like a river of light up along into his young, sweet heart. The gentle squeeze from Sonic's hand sent a wave of comfort and reassurance through the young fox, the need and desire to help his big brother, friends and more importantly, Cosmo, the girl of his life, to protect them, to help save the world, empowered him to accept the aid.
Knuckles breathed a breath of slight strain, but the memories of the times Sonic used his power to save the universe, his energy and willpower overpowering many others, his willingness to sacrifice his own life reminded the teenage Guardian of his own destiny, protecting the Master Emerald all his life, now extended to protect his friends, the worlds, the universe itself, the form of friendship he shared with his companions never truly wavering.
Through a symphony of friendship and much more, the Chaos Emeralds vanished, empowering Team Sonic with Sonic himself transforming into Super Sonic once again, his quills drifting upward, his fur golden and his eyes ruby red. For the first time anyone, even the hero himself, have ever seen, Tails and Knuckles all gained their own new super transformations: Tails' fur now glowed in the beautiful hue of light orange in a way of an afternoon sun, his eyes also taking on a ruby colour, while Knuckles' fur held a hinge of light pink, his eyes the same as his younger companions, and like Sonic, his quills flowed in a wave like tentacles.
They all have become a trio of Super Sonic, Turbo Tails, and Hyper Knuckles.
"UGH! WHAT IS THAT ANNOYING MULTI-COLOURED LIGHT?" Nazo hissed, arms raised to shield his eyes, the positive power of the Super Trio seeping a discomfort of stings through his veins.
The rest of the Sonic Heroes, Topaz and Eggman's group gazed with silence of awe, the power of the Emeralds never ceasing to amaze either of them.
"Sonic just shared his power with Tails and Knuckles...!" Chris remarked, unable to believe three of his closest friends had pulled off such an amazing feat.
"This is incredible..." Cosmo trailed off, her hands clasped together in a prayer with full hope that everything will be alright once again.
"This means everything will be okay now!" Cream exclaimed happily.
"Chao, chao! Chao!" Cheese cheered on, his arms waved high for Team Sonic to win this battle.
"You guys can do it! We believe in you!" Amy cheered on, her hands cupped around her mouth, her heart ignited with hope, prayers and her undying love for Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as her friendship with Tails and Knuckles.
Soon most of the rest of the group chanted their encouragements and hope, Shadow, hesitant to even admit it, let alone cheer on as well, gave out his own support to the younger Mobians, and Omega chanting that the trio can defeat the, in his words and mechanical support, 'Worthless giant embodied meat-bag', all bringing forth the willpower and deepening bond the trio held and shared with the rest of the Sonic Heroes below them.
Super Sonic exchanged a look of determination with Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles, the latter two stunned by their new powers yet neither allowing the temption to corrupt them, a simulated nod to end this dark fight and nightmare shared, before Team Sonic flew towards their new greatest enemy with trails of light like a rainbow left in their wake.
The trio soon reached within distance of the monstrosity, Nazo himself forced to raise his arms shielding his face, the postivity of Team Sonic's power far too blinding like a light bulb shone far too close towards his eyes, it was even a struggle to even get a glimpse of the heroes who hovered before him, their determination powerful than that of the Chaos Emeralds.
"NO...THIS IS...IMPOSSIBLE! YOU CAN USE THE POWER OF THE CHAOS EMERALDS, AND SHARE THEM WITH THESE INFERIOR MORTALS YOU CALL FRIENDS!?" Nazo grunted, a surge of anger bubbling within his chest like hot boiling water overcooked in a sauce pan.
"I did say that I freed Chaos, didn't I?" Super Sonic casually shrugged. "How else d'ya think I managed to do it? I'm not as strong as Rusca was before, heck, even at times I needed help to kick butts from other bad guys. But we've been through a lot together, even when we're separated, and I don't need to use the Chaos Emeralds all the time to do the right thing!"
"As long as we're a team together, and always protect the people we love so much, not even you can keep us down for long, Nazo!" Turbo Tails added, his fists clutched tightly, the sheer power within him bursting like a wave of fireworks, in a gentle calmness of the ocean at the same time.
"We're a lot stronger than you think, Nazo, because you're nothing more than a wave of darkness accidentally created by Rusca who destroyed you before, and we're gonna beat you this time!" Hyper Knuckles crossed his arms, seriousness etched along his features.
"DARE TO PROVE YOUR MEANINGLESS WORDS!?" The giant evil hedgehog bellowed, another sphere of darkness shot out towards the Ultra Team Sonic, who simultaneously raised their hands with their aura's light illuminating brighter than before.
At the touch of the sphere, Super Sonic, Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles caught it in a union of teamwork like a volley ball, sent to destroy them all. The Ultra Trio strained to hold the fifty-feet length orb back, surging their combined powers to shield their friends below, to defend the worlds with all their might. Shifting their gaze to one another once more with a silent agreement greeted with a collective nod, they focused hard upon their powers, light spreading from their palms across the sphere which blanketed the darkness into nothing until it was soon evaporated harmlessly, a glitter of sparkles descending like confetti of snowflakes.
Nazo unleashed a horrified gasp, his eyes widening of disbelief upon his power being stopped by the smaller heroes who cast their glares upon his lifeless orbs, all seeing nothing but cold, emptiness within his eyes, a void of life within his body.
"There's your prove right there, Nazo!" Super Sonic shouted. "You're goin' down!"
The evil giant hedgehog hissed a growl, in the fury of a lion missing out on its prey, until a sudden flash flicked within his mind's eye, a sudden glimpse of another hedgehog, identical to Shadow only golden much like Super Sonic, the pure bravery and compassion illuminating like the sun shone upon a newly appeared rainbow after a hard rainstorm. It was this vision alone that had Nazo soon breath a sharpened gasp of horror.
"NO...NOT THIS AGAIN!" Nazo bellowed with terror.
"C'mon, guys! We've got no more time to waste!" Super Sonic informed his friends, who gifted him with nods of agreement.
"We need to hurry, Sonic! The incomplete merge is almost done!" Turbo Tails frantically cast his gaze high above, darkened swirls of cloud formation spinning like a slow whirlpool in the sky, lightning strikes hitting the middle bit by bit, seemingly summoned for the total destruction of the two worlds.
"Right!"
"NO! I WILL NOT ALLOW MYSELF TO BE DESTROYED AGAIN!" The evil giant hedgehog roared, summoning several darkened crystals, his hands thrust out as they shot like multiple missiles.
Undaunted by the incoming attack, Super Sonic, Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles all barralled through the crystals, each disintigrating bit by bit even by the slightest touch, though they did maneuver in twirls and twists in each path in the form of cranes and eagles, swift as Tails would maneuver the movements of the X Tornado in rapid spins, Hyper Knuckles punching odd random crystals with the mighty force, Torbo Tails flipping front ways, his twin appegences sharpened like knifes to bash away several more, and Super Sonic super Homing Attack the rest, creating a powerful golden shield of a near-invisible barrier, carting some back at Nazo who narrowed his gaze, thrusting his right arm to the side, a dark, powerful shield mimicking Sonic's in purple black hue, destroying his own attack in process.
"Okay, that's just plain unfair, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering how bad guys like you always cheat!" Super Sonic grunted, he and his two friends gaped at first in shock, the real threat of Nazo's growing power becoming more and more apparent.
The evil creature did not leave any room for a response this time, seemingly vanishing without a trace that had Ultra Team Sonic gasp, their minds shutting down briefly as they tried to figure out where he disappeared, only for Nazo to re-materialize directly behind them. A collective gasp with chills crawling down their spines alerted Super Sonic, Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles to spin around quickly as their enemy made to attack them.
"Watch out!" Hyper Knuckles grunted, he and his two friends barely managing to dodge the razor-sharp crystals from impaling them, the trio spirling to safety up in the sky, yet Nazo thrust his hand and grabbed them in a single swift.
Super Sonic's group all cried out in alarm, hissing with pain as the evil giant hedgehog brought them to his faze, a sinister grin showcasing his shark-like teeth, the pressure of the massive fingers squeezing them like tiny dolls crushing their bones even as Super Sonic, Turbo Tails, and Hyper Knuckles strained, hissing with agony while trying to squirm, wriggle and pry themselves free.
Nazo soon withdrew his arm back, tossing the Ultra Team Sonic across the field where they flew, screaming before he teleported back to where he originally stood, his mouth gaped wide open to catch them, sucking in everything in a powerful gusts to inhale the heroes while their friends below collectively released gasps of horror, Amy, Chris, Cream, and Cosmo screaming out for Sonic, Tails and Knuckles.
By the time Super Sonic saw this, gasping with horror and his eye widening simultaneously upon the realization Nazo was going to eat him and his best friends, the golden hedgehog, straining with his energy, grasped Turbo Tails' and Hyper Knuckles' wrists, struggling to pull them all out of range as he flew against the winds. His two friends also saw what was going on, the two-tailed fox cub screaming with terror.
Fortunately, the empowered golden hedgehog, his will to save his friends and the worlds increasing his courage and power, managed to pry himself and his team free, trail of golden light swallowed by Nazo who roared with agony as he ended up engulfing the pure positive Chaos Energy, the sparks zapping him from inside out and canceling his attack. The force of the gust's disappearance caused Ultra Team Sonic to flip uncontrollably forward with cries of alarm, spinning around until Super Sonic re-postioned himself, helping Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles to straighten as well.
"Man, that was close!" The golden hedgehog heaved a relieved sigh, his companions panting with the adrenaline of anxiety yet were relieved they were all still alive, which soon faded instantly when he and his friends all heard Nazo growl, sharply returning their gaze to the evil giant hedgehog who was rubbing his lower jaw, a glare of fury so strong that if looks could kill, Sonic and his friends would be dead by now.
He refused to be caught off-guard by mere small children, especially those far younger than Sonic the Hedgehog. How dare those insignificant fools best him!? Nazo will not stand for such insolence!
Super Sonic grunted, his arms crossed. "Is that really the best you can do? Even my little brother here can do more than you think!"
"I AM MORE POWERFUL THAN YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS ARE, BOY," Nazo snarled while ignoring his injuries, his massive form looming over the Ultra Team Sonic who hovered ready, defensive on what their enemy was about to do next. "EVEN WITH THE CHAOS EMERALDS WITHIN YOUR VEINS AND HEARTS, I SHALL RULE THIS REALITY, REMAKE IT IN MY OWN IMAGE, AND ALL CREATURES BORN WILL CEASE TO BE!"
"Yeah, no thanks. That's even more boring and horrible for you! And people say I have a big ego! Heck, you're even more dramatic than Eggman and that's saying somethin'!" Super Sonic's eyes narrowed, the red orbs flaring a spark of fire, his aura accelerating along side of that of Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles, readily pushing themselves to their limit.
"We'll show you what we're really made of!" Turbo Tails declared, feeling the greatest power he never felt before, his heart pouring with the undying bond he shared with his friends, with Cosmo, for the two worlds. His young mind swirling memories once more, all the times he had been with Sonic, the support he gained from all of his friends, the times he succeeded in helping them gain victory against Eggman, the courage he gained even on his own.
His biggest supporters were Sonic himself, his best friend, idol, mentor, and big brother, and Cosmo, his closest friend and the love of his dreams, her gentle, beautiful and kind nature.
'I already almost Sonic more times than I can count, and lost Cosmo once...I'M NOT LOSING EITHER OF THEM OR ANYBODY ELSE AGAIN!' The young fox cub's mind spun, his positive energy swirling like a typhoon of light and sunshine, his vision briefly blurred but ignored the increasing fatigue threatening to overwhelm him.
"You'll be going back to your grave, big ugly!" Hyper Knuckles snarled, determination and the warrior within him sparking with life, a fighter longing for companionship, and resolve to continue his duties as Guardian of not just the Master Emerald, but for all of his friends and trusted allies.
'I've taken a lot of things for granted, even the Master Emerald. Placing my doubts in Sonic and the others when they have been the people I can always count on...I WON'T LET ANY OF THEM DOWN AGAIN!' The red echidna hissed, deepening resolve empowering his will to overcome the tiredness seeping along his vision.
'Tails, Knuckles, Chris, Amy, everyone...You guys have always been with me even when I'm alone, showing me that I'm never alone. I'm sorry that I put you all in danger. If either of you got hurt or lost again, I won't be able to forgive myself. I'M NOT LOSING ANYMORE FRIENDS AGAIN!' Super Sonic clutched his fists tightly, ignoring the stabbing pain on his palms, his undying resolve to save everyone, his heart pounding in his ears for the increase of his Chaos Energy which was shared by two of his companions, his friends, his allies...
Every single one of the Sonic Heroes are the family the hedgehog truly had in all his life.
"Nazo! We ARE going to defeat you! And we ARE going to save the two worlds and everyone in it, and no stupid dark, moody cloud of darkness that doesn't have what we all do is going to stop us!" Super Sonic roared, his, Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles' arms spread in a chain of symphony of light, the hedgehog's hands clasping the fox's left and the echidna's right.
"IF YOU ARE SO WILLING TO DIE, THAN I SHALL GRANT IT FOR YOU!" Nazo then performed some sort of arm movements, in a way of a symbolized ritual, his hands raised skyward as a very powerful and large trianglar shape appeared, a massive dark energy swallowing in the darkened clouds all around them, but it did not stop there.
As Super Sonic's team readied themselves, struggling against the gusts of winds attempting to swallow them whole like a black hole engulfing all who get too close, the rest of their friends doing the same with Vector once more using himself as a shield when he, and soon the de-aged humans all simultaneously grunted with agony, the strange sensation of burns within their veins and bones like a fireplace slowly burning them, hearts racing. Team Rose, the rest of the Chaotix, Team Dark, Eggman, Decoe, Bocoe and Bokkun all shifted their perplexed gazes which quickly switched to horror when they saw not only Vector's body glow in an ominous illumination of purple and red, but also Chris, Danny, Frances and Topaz, the four humans clutching their heads, collapsing on their knees.
"Chris, Danny, Frances, Vector, Topaz! What's wrong!?" Amy exclaimed, horrified.
"My...my head...my body...Nazo is...doing something...!" Chris wheezed, his voice distorting from his youthful childhood to his adulthood, his fructure slowly expanding as were his clothes, the same with his childhood friends and the GUN agent.
"It-it hurts...!" Frances whimpered, her throat squeezed tightly as though a pair of hands were choking her to death, eyes stinging with tears with the powerful urge to cry.
"I-I...Can't...move..." Danny strained, his breathing becoming far too quick.
"This is worse than...than when the Mutagen...first engulfed all of us...!" Topaz wheezed, her skin paling, hair turning white as snow, wrinkles and prune materalizing all across her, as it were to the three de-aged children, hairs white, their youth slowly drained away.
For Vector, he was in a different painful situation, his vision blurred, and as Espio and Charmy shifted their horrified gazes to their giant friend, their eyes collectively winded to see stone, concrete like substance spread along from the tip of his tail and top of his head, trailing along that the crocodile was forced to push himself away.
"Ah! Vector! You're turning into a rock!" Charmy exclaimed, pointing frantically.
"The mutagen...Nazo is absorbing the mutagen of all those affected!" Espio realized, his eyes swiftly turning to the bellowing evil giant hedgehog.
"Not just that," Eggman added, horror mounting across his features. "He's also absorbing the lifeforce of everyone and everything affected, and not only every single human in the two worlds will die because of their bodies aging rapidly, but that giant crocodile will turn into stone since he has been infected by it twice!"
"WHAT!?" The rest of the Mobians, even Shadow, all collectively cried in horror. Soon realization dawned upon them with horror sweeping them like the might wave of the ocean in the fearsome storm.
Nazo was using Narasu's mutagen power combined with his own to increase his own power to destroy all life on both planets in an attempt to defeat Ultra Team Sonic, who heard the cries from their friends, the trio's gaze collectively looking over their shoulders with gasps of fear, horror and distraught escaping their mouths to see five of their friends not only aging now rapidly, but also Vector dying by paralysis.
"CHRIS! VECTOR!" Super Sonic screamed, devastated. No...No, he can't lose any of them! Not when he and his friends were so close! It can't end like this...it just can't!
"S-Sonic...!" Chris grunted, his voice rasp as though he hadn't had water for weeks, his vision blurred and struggle to hold on becoming a losing battle, his faith and hopes relying solely upon Team Sonic. "Don't...don't let Nazo...anger you...Just defeat...defeat him now, before it's...before it's too late!"
Despite wanting to try and reach his friends, to use his power to heal them before it was too late, the golden hedgehog realized his human best friend was right. Even though he feared destroying Nazo now would only kill everyone, Super Sonic knew, alongside Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles, who felt rage seep through before the hedgehog quickly shook his head, a silent remind to not let anger and hate overwhelm his senses, this was their only chance left.
"It's now or never!" Super Sonic declared, his heart screaming to finish this, for the sake of their friends.
"Right!" Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles agreed, the latter admittedly shaken for almost allowing his anger to overcome him, especially when Super Sonic silently reminded him of the dangers of possess such enormous amount of Chaos Energy.
Their glares sending razor sharp daggers within Nazo's vision, the trio focused hard on their combined energies, Super Sonic's chest swelling with the one thing he never thought he would feel much in all his life: Regret, for what he was about to do, but the choice was limited and he wished their was another alternative where no side had to be forced to change their timeline or lives by aging or de-aging. Their auras beginning to glow brighter, the illumination of light greater than the sun.
"Let's show this creep what we're made of!" The golden hedgehog allowed the energy to engulf him, he, the shining fox and echidna, all ready for the final blow. "Here we..."
"GO!" The trio chorused together, soaring like a triplet missiles and rockets in a super-powered beam of light, their strong energy of friendship, caring and love spreading like a wildfire all across the skies above, instantly evaporating Nazo's attack with the sphere vanishing without a trace.
"WHAT!? THIS CAN'T BE...HAPPENING!" The evil hedgehog exclaimed, fear, horror, dismay and disbelief spreading like a plume of toxic fumes, his pupil-less eyes widening like plates, a terrified gasp echoed across the land to see the super powered trio speeding towards them.
Nothing, not even his mighty power, can stop the power of teamwork by Ultra Team Sonic! All of his plans to ressurrect himself through the mutation of a mortal human who made it possible, to finish what he had failed since the day of his creation by Rusca Hedgehog, the foolish Mobian raised by a human, now he was to meet his permanent demise...by the hands of Sonic the Hedgehog and all of his friends!
"It's over, Nazo!" Super Sonic shouted, he, Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles exchanging battle cries of determination.
'This is it...there's no turning back. Chris...Helen...sorry that you can't get married for another nine years. But at least...you can invite me over to make it up for it?' Super Sonic held a sorrowful smile, knowing that once he and his friends do this...nothing will ever be the same again. But at least there would be no more goodbyes to their human friends.
No time or dimensional barriers to hold them back. In the new timelines he was about to create...they would be seeing to the new future together.
"Chaos Control!" Super Sonic, Turbo Tails and Hyper Knuckles all chanted loudly, bursting straight into the trianglar chest-plate, shattering it into pieces before sweeping through the giant monster's body, spreading their energy through inside out and then emerging from the torso.
Like a virus spreading in an accelerating rate with no hope of a cure, fire burning his very being and bones, Nazo hunched low, clutching his chest in the agony of the two things he feared the most: Light, and compassion. Wheezing and panting, the evil giant knew he had lost.
"NO...NO! NOOOOOOO!" It was the final scream Nazo could make, before he exploded into oblivion, his darkness fading away and light spreading across the land.
The light of Chaos Control did not end there, as the power from Ultra Team Sonic, with Super Sonic's decision made final for the fate of the two worlds, for the parallel universes to be made as one once more, spread across the merging planets, those below them including the rapidly aging humans all silent with awe and growing fear on what was to become of them. Amy held Cream and Cheese close to her, the youngest duo burying their faces in her chest in the warm embrace of support, Cosmo's hands clasped together, Team Dark silent with Shadow's arms crossed in anticpation, Eggman and his robots silent with fear.
Team Chaotix, including the weakened Vector, remained silent in gaped shock, and Topaz closing her eyes, resigned to whatever decision Sonic had made. Finally, Team Chris, their future now made with new memories and timeline they would soon expect, their dreams to be put on hold for another nine years, but neither one had much regrets, as it was worth in saving the lives of their Mobian friends.
Chris Thorndyke, however, had one regret, but only a little. He closed his eyes with a somber yet hopeful smile, his dreams to remain by Sonic's side coming true...but his dreams in marrying Helen delayed.
'Sonic...I promise I won't hold you back. Helen...I'm sorry we'll have to wait for another nine years. We will still get married when we grow up again...right?'
It was these thoughts that drifted like a dream, before the young Thorndyke's world went white, the light of Chaos Control spreading across the two Universes...
Then...it faded.
A/N: Yeeeeeaaaaah, okay, not the kind of ending I had in mind, but the next chapter will be the final part of the Mutagen Saga as we will be seeing the results of Sonic's ultimate decision. I was hoping to finish it with this chapter, but this chapter was getting a bit too long again, so the next chapter will be a somewhat Epilogue of the saga itself before we move on for the next saga.
Again, sorry for these cliffhangers, but I shall begin on the next chapter as soon as possible.
See you later!