Sonic the Hedgehog: Solar Tides [IC/Accepting]

[Wind Rider]

It had now been a week since the incident with Storm Dragoon and the group was now approaching their new destination, Dewdrop City. With a name like that, Alex could only hope that this would end better than with Dragoon. "We are now approximately fifteen minutes away from Dewdrop city..." Alex was sitting on the railing when Reef announced this to the group, finally, after a week of nothing but clouds and sky, Alex was gonna set foot on land.

 

"Despite her attempts, Reef couldn't manage to secure any new information about the city... I've also tried my best to scan the area with my senses, but it seems like there is some kind of barrier around the land. I'm not sure if it's physical or just meant to protect form foreign chaos energy, but at this point I say we should prepare for the worst..." Axel explained the situation as best he could, sounds like the city was on lock down or something to that extent.

 

"Could be the result of Mephiles's attack on the world... Locked themselves in so that something like Mephiles's Genocide doesn't hit them again..." It was a sound guess, but Alex wasn't expecting Axel's thoughts on the worst happening to actually ring true.

 

Alarms and sirens rang on the Light Piercer. "We're surrounded... Multiple unidentified airships..." Alex looked over the railing to see multiple jet-like vehicles approaching the cruiser. "Their weapons are locked on... I-It seem's they plan to board us!" That was worst... Why did Axel have to jinx it? Alex generated a fireball in her hand and held onto it. "If they want to board us... Maybe we can... Talk things out... And if not, well... Say the word and there will be burnt corpses and ships..." Alex was serious about the corpses part, it was getting to the point where she would just start opening fire, literally, at anything threatening.

[Super Chaos Sonic]

 

When Zane spoke to Axel, finally saying what he was truly fighting for, his fists clenched tightly as he fought back the tears that welled in his eyes. He was sure Axel was going to scold him on his reasoning to fight....but the answer he heard...

 

"Because...The path of an avenger doesn't suit you, Zane."

 

This caused Zane to quickly look up at the ivory hedgehog, watching him grab his multi-tool from the deck, only to hear him speak once more.

 

"Would you still stand to face Mephiles if your home weren't in danger? Would you risk your life for me or the others if you didn't know that we were the world's last hope?! Would you fight alongside us even if you hadn't seen the deaths of those in Metropolis?!"

 

The arctic wolf looked away for a moment, not exactly knowing the answer. Would he have still done this? Questions began to pile into Zane's mind as he closed his eyes some.

 

-BGM-

 

"I believe you would. Because that's who you are, Zane..."

 

Zane's eyes shot open as he looked at Axel, who's gaze softened some. He looked at the hedgehog...no...his ally and friend as he heard him say this. Zane slowly lifted up his hand and looked at his empty palm. I-If...they're what's important to me...it's all the same? Fighting for my home...and being here...cause its the right thing. Axel... he thought, before making a fist.

 

"You've been granted a weapon that only you can wield. That means it's your duty to decide if it's that of a hero, or one who seeks payback."

 

"A hero...or an avenger?" he asked, only to see Axel tossing the multi-tool his direction.

 

"But I suppose it's my job to show you how to use it...We'll work on your movements first! Think you can land a hit on me by sundown?"

 

Zane stood there speechless, before finally wiping the tears out of his eyes, a small smile appearing on his face. "Heh...a talented fighter...and a great motivational speaker. What can't you do? ...still...thanks Axel." he said softly, before gripping the multi-tool in his hand, bringing the device to life and creating his ice blade once more. "Heh, I'll go on all day until I land that hit, Axel. Cause not giving up...that's what a hero does...right?" Zane gave off a smirk before skating towards the hedgehog, bringing his blade in for the strike...

 

For the next eight hours, Zane was worked in training by Axel.

 

 

It had been a long week, at least from Zane's point of view anyway. After his little training exposition and much needed talk, Zane pretty much felt like his old self again, with the exception of his fighting style with his ice blade improving greatly due to Axel's instruction.

 

And after it was all said and done, Zane's blade wielding prowess improved than he originally thought, especially with him training on his own time and finding ways to add an arctic wolf's touch to his style.

 

And now...

 

"We are now approximately fifteen minutes away from Dewdrop city...

"Despite her attempts, Reef couldn't manage to secure any new information about the city...I've also tried my best to scan the area with my senses, but it seems like there is some kind of barrier around the land. I'm not sure if it's physical or just meant to protect form foreign chaos energy, but at this point I say we should prepare for the worst..."

 

"A barrier? Noooooooot gonna lie..." Zane rubbed the back of his head. "But that's making me thing of Cha'Aqua...cause you weren't exactly able to see that either. All in all, as long as they don't have a Charyb like warrior...maybe we'll be able to get by."

 

That's about the time when the sirens went off on the Light Piercer...ooooooooooh joy...

 

"We're surrounded... Multiple unidentified airships...Their weapons are locked on... I-It seem's they plan to board us!"

"Bad idea..."

 

Zane let out a small sigh before shaking his head. "Never easy, huh? Well no worries...whatever they have, we should be able to handle it."

[Blade Mistress]

 

​After a few days of relaxing it was finally time to hit their next destination, Dewdrop City. Cynthia was just coming onto the deck with everyone else carrying her fixed up Hurricane extreme gear. ​"Gotta give it to Reef, she sure knows how to fix stuff up, Hurricane looks as good as new." ​​The group had Reef to thank for a lot of things, it sure was kind of the Cha'aquans to install her onto the carrier.

 

"We are now approximately fifteen minutes away from Dewdrop city...

 

"Despite her attempts, Reef couldn't manage to secure any new information about the city...I've also tried my best to scan the area with my senses, but it seems like there is some kind of barrier around the land. I'm not sure if it's physical or just meant to protect form foreign chaos energy, but at this point I say we should prepare for the worst..."

 

A barrier? Of all the things... Well, makes sense. No one wants someone like Mephiles knocking on their doorstep again. Cynthia was about to give Hurricane a test ride to see if Reef had added anything to it before alarms sounded throughout the Light Piercer.

 

"We're surrounded... Multiple unidentified airships...​ Their weapons are locked on... I-It seem's they plan to board us!"

 

​​A dozen or so ships had surrounded the carrier, great.

 

​"Heh... Wasn't expecting a welcoming party..." ​Cynthia put Hurricane on her back and morphed her arms into two steel blades. ​"What's your call Axel? Have at them or wait for them to come a bit closer?"

[King K. Azo]

Chimera wasn't happy. He hadn't made much progress on the research to make himself better. He was beginning to envy organics. They could so easily improve by pushing their limits... But Chimera could never push them. He could only give 100 percent, and that was it. He was a powerhouse now, but as the battles got tougher and everyone else got stronger, would he be able to keep up?

 

He reluctantly went to the group meeting, since it seemed they were approaching the city.

 

"We are now approximately fifteen minutes away from Dewdrop city...

 

"Despite her attempts, Reef couldn't manage to secure any new information about the city... I've also tried my best to scan the area with my senses, but it seems like there is some kind of barrier around the land. I'm not sure if it's physical or just meant to protect form foreign chaos energy, but at this point I say we should prepare for the worst..."

 

That was troublesome, to say the least. What kind of secrets could that city be hiding? Before Chimera could muse further, the alarms began to go off.

 

"We're surrounded... Multiple unidentified airships... Their weapons are locked on... I-It seem's they plan to board us!"

 

"I will destroy them," Chimera stated as he walked to the controls. He would be damned if anyone stepped foot on this ship, organic or otherwise. Perhaps the ship had been twisted into a shadow of its former self, but it was the glorious Egg Carrier, and he would make use of its weapons.

 

They needed a test run anyways.

[Mr. Hyde]

 

Light Piercer: Training Room

 

A strong sound came from within the weight room.  It was repetitive, almost a rhythm of sorts.  Ken's fist contact with fine leather.  The punching bag traveled faster now, his health was improving.  He curled his fist, knowing that he was not at one-hundred percent, nor would he be anytime soon.  He headbutted the bag.  It returned to hit his head, but he was ever stagnant.  How could he be so cocky, but be a slave to the repercussions of his abilities.  It pained him to admit, but he envied his brother.  Axel never had to take this much of a break...he commanded the chaos, it didn't control him.  

 

"Damnit....I'm supposed to making you jealous!"  He said kicking the left side of the sandbag.  Something pinched in his abdomen, and he rested on the floor of the training room.  His breath was rugged, but he wore a smile.  

 

Now wasn't the time to be hard on himself...he had to meet with the others in the control room...they must've been getting close to Dewdrop by now.  

 

"We are now approximately fifteen minutes away from Dewdrop city..."

 

Like clockwork, Ken walked into the briefing as soon as Reef stated this.  

 

"Despite her attempts, Reef couldn't manage to secure any new information about the city... I've also tried my best to scan the area with my senses, but it seems like there is some kind of barrier around the land. I'm not sure if it's physical or just meant to protect form foreign chaos energy, but at this point I say we should prepare for the worst..."

 

Ken feared for the worst...If anything were to happen, could he still protect his friends?  When the shriek of alarms filled the control room, Ken couldn't help but feel uneasy, and tense.  

 

"We're surrounded... Multiple unidentified airships... Their weapons are locked on... I-It seem's they plan to board us!"

 

"Bad idea..." 

"Say the word and there will be burnt corpses and ships..."

"I will destroy them,"

 

The tone in his teams voice...certainly frightened him.  Ken rose his voice.  

 

"Guys...they're Mobians!  We came here to save them, we aren't after their blood!"  They had to be reasonable here.  After all, they were invading the air space of a kingdom, with a ship that belongs to the former bad guys of the region.  "We can talk this out!"  Ken said, almost yelling.  His fist slammed on a railing as he raced his way to the top deck.  When he opened the door, the whirring of air ships circling the Light Piercer hummed through the air.  Ken did his best to wave them down, but to no avail.  Soon, five figures dropped onto the deck.  They were dressed in very tight suits, with a sun pattern that mimicked that of the medallion.  One figure stood in the back, while the others raised guns and pointed them towards Ken.

 

"You have intruded upon the great city of Dewdrop!  Turn around now, or we will sink this vessel."  

 

"Sink?....wouldn't we just fall to the groun-"  A shot of energy was fired from one of the soldier's weapons.  It grazed the floor of the ship right in front of Ken's foot.  "Yeesh...all play and no talk huh?"  These guys weren't playing games...but if Ken showed them the medallion that Silver had given him, maybe it would get them out of this situation.  Ken reached for the medallion, but it wasn't there.  "Uh...a little help here?"  Ken said uneasily.  

[Super Chaos Sonic]

 

"You have intruded upon the great city of Dewdrop!  Turn around now, or we will sink this vessel."

 

Well this wasn't good. From Zane's standing, Ken was trying his best to negotiate with these guys...but to no avail. However, the arctic wolf did notice something about these soldiers and their dress. Axel had been teaching him to notice details better and to observe his surroundings in battle. Upside to that, it really helped in situations like this.

 

The insignias were what Zane's eyes were currently focused on. It was sun and it reminded him of something... "Hey Axel, the insignias on the soldiers outfits..." he started. "Iiiiiiisn't it the same as your brother's little medallion he usually wears?" Zane looked back over to see Ken freaking out...apparently NOT having the medallion. "Well...usually wearing it...until today?"

 

"Uh...a little help here?"

 

Zane sighed heavily, before looking over at Axel. "Any plans, Axel?"

[Hälō]

 

"Hey Axel, the insignias on the soldiers outfits... Iiiiiiisn't it the same as your brother's little medallion he usually wears? Well...usually wearing it...until today?"

 

Axel heard Zane address him, but didn't take his eyes off the figures above. He had never given Ken his medallion back...

 

"Uh...a little help here?"

 

"Any plans, Axel?"

 

His response was instant. "Chimera, I need you and Reef to prepare counter measures for their ships..." Axel spoke in a low growl as he took a step forward. "Zane. Alex. Cynthia. Be ready to jump in if a fight breaks out... watch our back and target the leader at their flank."  As soon as the words left his lips, Axel vanished in his trademark flash of light. 

 

"We are not your enemy... This medallion is what lead us here." Axel's voice sounded on the upper deck. Reappearing behind Ken, the white hedgehog slide from behind his twin as if he were Ken's shadow; pivoting his body as he stepped forward to his brother's side and tossed the solaris medallion towards the figure standing behind the other soldiers. "It is understandable that you need exhibit  caution given the current state of the world, and I am aware that we are foreigners to this land..." Axel's tone was cold as he glared towards the soldiers with eyes that shined bright with chaos energy. "But the next person to fire a shot towards my brother," His right hand hung ominously in the air with his palm pointed towards the group, whilst his left hand grasped the chaos emerald in his pocket. "I'll kill them myself." 

 

[King K. Azo]

"Guys...they're Mobians!  We came here to save them, we aren't after their blood!" Ken's voiced called out as Chimera looked at the weapons. Oh? So because they were Mobians, they didn't fight huh? Just because they're organic,they're given the benefit of the doubt. The robot clenched his fists before his logic part of his processors kicked in.

They attacked Mecha Sonic because he attacked them. They had no issue attacking Charyb, but they let him attempt peace. Storm gave them no choice. He had no idea how Ken's group handled the little bots before Storm, but still, a logical conclusion was reached. They did their best not to kill everything and he should do the same.

"Fine, we will do things your way," Chimera stated as he walked to the top deck. When he got there, Ken was surrounded, guns pointed at him. The guards wore something that had a symbol that looked similar to the one on Ken's medallion. Perhaps... Deciding to take a risk, Chimera took a step forward.

"We will not harm you... I am... a former Eggman bot, yes, but... they have reprogrammed me, in order to be a protector of Mobians," It was a lie, and he hated saying these words, but it could help them, he would do it. He wasn't fully put back together yet...

[Wind Rider]

"Guys...they're Mobians! We came here to save them, we aren't after their blood!" Alex let out a sigh when she heard Ken say that. "Calm down... I wasn't gonna burn them unless I was told otherwise..." she stated giving him an annoyed look.

"Zane. Alex. Cynthia. Be ready to jump in if a fight breaks out... watch our back and target the leader at their flank." Alex gave a subtle nod, it would be best to keep an eye out in case a fight starts. She moved into a position where she had a clean shot at the leader of the soldiers. She was half hoping this didn't break out into a fight immediately, it would be a nice change of pace.

[Mr. Hyde]

 

Light Piercer Deck

 

 

 

"We are not your enemy... This medallion is what lead us here."

 

The guards jumped as another hedgehog appeared from seemingly nowhere out from behind the one they had previously aimed at.  As Axel pulled out the medallion, the hooded figure behind all of the soldiers perked up somewhat.  

 

"It is understandable that you need exhibit  caution given the current state of the world, and I am aware that we are foreigners to this land...But the next person to fire a shot towards my brother, I'll kill them myself."

 

Ken groaned uncomfortably.  

 

"Geez bro...you're gonna make me blush in front of the people who almost made me swiss cheese."

 

The soldiers started to lower their weapons, but as soon as Chimera appeared topside, they were on guard once more.  They aimed their weapons at him instead.  

 

"We will not harm you... I am... a former Eggman bot, yes, but... they have reprogrammed me, in order to be a protector of Mobians," 

 

"You must have stolen that medallion from our city!  That Mecha Sonic has antagonized us for far too long, and now you appear with other robots to invade our city instead?!  Likely story!"  As the soldier placed a finger on the trigger of his gun, the hooded figure from behind all of them stepped forward.  

 

"A pair of twins...one who possesses the Dewdrop Medallion?  There is no coincidence here.  Stand down men."  The figure dropped the hood of it's robe, revealing a fairly feline face.  One that was instantly recognizable above all others.  The Queen of Dewdrop Citadel herself, Blaze the Cat.  "Silver wrote to me all the time about you two...my how you've grown."

 

Ken pointed to himself, as if he was struck by awe. 

 

"Uh...how does this old lady know about Silver and us, Axel?"  

[Blade Mistress]

"Zane. Alex. Cynthia. Be ready to jump in if a fight breaks out... watch our back and target the leader at their flank." Cynthia nodded and stood at the ready, she morphed her arm into a blade and kept an eye on the Dewdrop soldiers. Axel made a bit of a threat towards the soldiers if they did not listen to reason, he even explained that Ken's little medallion had lead the group to the city in the first place.

 

"You must have stolen that medallion from our city!  That Mecha Sonic has antagonized us for far too long, and now you appear with other robots to invade our city instead?!  Likely story!" They weren't listening at all and were about to open fire. "Welp... Negotiations were fun while they lasted." Cynthia pulled her arm back and was about to rush at soldiers when a hooded figure ceased the oncoming fight. "A pair of twins...one who possesses the Dewdrop Medallion?  There is no coincidence here.  Stand down men. Silver wrote to me all the time about you two...my how you've grown."​ The cloaked figure removed her hood revealing herself, she had some major authority over these soldiers which was a relief, but the question still stood. ​"Uh ok... Who are you... And do you two know her at all?" Cynthia asked first to the lady and then to the brothers.

[Hälō]

 

"Uh...how does this old lady know about Silver and us, Axel?"  

 

 ​"Uh ok... Who are you... And do you two know her at all?" 

 

Axel sighed. "No, we've never met..." He addressed Cynthia first before nodding towards the other members of the crew in order to tell them to stand down. There was no mistaking it. The lavender fur, and burning aura... the fact that she knew about Silver and their connection to him... 

 

"It's not like we would run into one of the Old Heroes whilst we were up on our mountain, brother." Axel said as he lowered his raised hand back into his pocket and continued to study the cat that stood before them.

 

His tone was notably unimpressed. "I should have sensed your presence sooner..." It was generous calling her an Old Hero. From what he was taught, Blaze was more like an aid- a pawn that served the true warriors, like Silver and Shadow. "Blaze." He nodded respectfully to the legend that stood before them but his tone made it obvious that this was simply because he was damn near obligated to. 

[Super Chaos Sonic]

 

Zane was prepared to strike, just as Axel was wanting him and the others to be ready for...however, he was generally surprised that there was no conflict. There was just a hooded individual, removing the hood to reveal an older cat, who seemed to be simply talking to the hedgehog twins.

 

"Well...guess this means we're in the clear then." he said, before shrugging and heading out to the deck to reunite with the others that were currently on the deck.

 

"I should have sensed your presence sooner...Blaze."

 

The arctic wolf arrived with the others just in time to hear Axel say this and call the cat by her name. It was one he didn't know, but apparently she was something of importance...other than the obvious crown on her head, mind you.

 

"So she's an acquaintance you guys have?" Zane asked, tossing his arms behind his head, giving off a small smile. "Well then, I'm Zane! Nice to meet ya!" he said in a chipper tone, though he could obviously feel something about the cat before him. It was a similar feeling he got whenever Alex was around. Oh good...she's a fire user too...memo to self...don't piss her off. he thought to himself.

[Wind Rider]

With how the soldiers were acting, Alex was just about to toss a fastball right at them. Fortunately for the soldiers, the leader of their group, a cloaked figure who revealed themselves to be an old cat, ceased the fighting before it could even start. After a quick reassurance from Axel, Alex hid her knives back under her cloak and regrouped with the others on the deck.

 

"It's not like we would run into one of the Old Heroes whilst we were up on our mountain, brother." Alex overheard Axel and Ken talking to the mysterious figure. One of the old heroes? That's something you don't see everyday. "I should have sensed your presence sooner... Blaze." So her name was Blaze, and judging by her looks she must be very important to these soldiers, nevermind the crown she was wearing. There was also something off about Blaze, something that seemed almost like Alex. Another pyromancer perhaps?

 

"So... Your the leader of these goons? Well, it's a good thing you stopped us when you did, I was about to chuck a fireball the first chance I got..." Honesty waa the best case sometimes, though maybe she was being a bit too honest.

[Mr. Hyde]

 

Light Piercer Deck

 

"I should have sensed your presence sooner...Blaze." 

 

"Ohohoho..." The aged cat woman placed her hand to her mouth.  Her chuckle was modest, and she eyed him from across the way.  "My Axel...how cold you have grown.  Maybe that icy aura I felt was coming from you, instead of this wolf you have on your crew."  Blaze took a quick look at all of the other members of the new forces of the freedom fighters.  One piqued her interest the most...the other cat.  "My my...so rough around the edges.  But you'll have to do I suppose."

 

"Well then, I'm Zane! Nice to meet ya!"

 

"So... Your the leader of these goons? Well, it's a good thing you stopped us when you did, I was about to chuck a fireball the first chance I got..."

 

"YOU WILL MIND YOUR TONGUE!  BEFORE I BURN IT!"  Another hooded figure jumped from behind Blaze, unveiling herself to announce her striking pelt across the airship.  As she appeared in front of the mass of guards, and Blaze herself, she lit a rather large flame in her hand.  A tint of black flame could be seen flickering inside.  A ferocity was lit in her eyes.  Like someone had just badmouthed her mother.  As soon as the new arrival flung out her hand, seeming like she was about to launch her attack, a quick snap resonated.  In an instant, the fire was gone.  

 

"Tsk, tsk, tsk.  Cinder, you really must calm yourself.  Don't you see we have guests?"  Blaze said sternly.  

 

"But your highness!  These ruffians dared to disrespect you!  I couldn't sit idly by."  

 

"These ruffians are some of the only hope we have left in Mobius."  

 

"My sincerest apologies..." Cinder grit her teeth, as she went to stand behind Blaze.  

 

"I'm truthfully sorry for her poor manners...she's a bit...hotheaded."  A slight giggle came from Ken.  

 

"Hehe...fire puns."  But then Ken grasped this whole situation.  This was Blaze!  This was the woman that Ken had seen in Silver's treasured photos!  One of the last surviving Old Heroes left!  He was in awe.  However, Axel didn't seem to impressed.  "So should we like...call you grandma Blaze?"  As the phrase escaped him, Blaze's eyes became sharp.  

 

"I'm not that old you lousy punk!"  The guards surrounding her awkwardly stroked the backsides of their helmets.  Blaze turned around, and started walking towards the small aircraft that had docked the Light Piercer.  "My air brigade will escort you to a secure landing zone within the city's shield.  We will discuss more soon, my dear Defenders."  And with that, the squadron had left them, while two airships rode on both sides of the Light Piercer, chauffeuring it into the city.  As they touched down on land, and exited the ship, they were met again with Blaze.  

 

"Welcome to Dewdrop Citadel!"  

 

 

Dewdrop Castle

 

And there they stood, amongst the tallest tower above all other towers, looking down on the bustling city beneath it.  It was almost overwhelming enough to make Ken lose his lunch.  He had never seen so many people...not even Cha'Aqua had this many citizens, or things going on inside.

 

"Incredible..." He smiled.  "I can't believe all of these people survived the wave of geno..."  Ken couldn't bring him to complete the sentence.  "The destruction..."

 

Blaze sighed.  

 

"Yes...as I've mentioned before, this city is protected by a special barrier.  It keeps the darkness out...not even an Elder God can penetrate it's defenses.  Dewdrop is practically impregnable.  We took as many refugees as we could...but not all could be saved."  

 

"So that means?..."  

 

"Yes...I know the situation.  Silver told me...before he died."

 

Those words...they always caused him to hurt.

 

"But let's not dwell on the past.  The past is always filled with such dark things...instead, let us work towards the future."  She strolled over to the other mobians, excluding Chimera.  "Speaking of work, we must work on your technique...every single last one of you!"  

 

"Even me?"  Ken pointed to himself.  

 

"Especially you!"  Blaze said chopping him on the forehead.  She then eyed Alex.  "And you my dear...shall receive special training from yours truly.  Ohohoho!"  It had been so long since she had a protege, the excitement in her laugh was obvious.  "But...telling by your aura...we have a lot of work ahead of us!  So we start immediately!"  Cinder was waiting outside of the large doorway that led inside the tall tower.  She looked pissed, but she motioned her head to signal for Alex to come inside.  While she did that, Blaze waved to a side entrance, signaling for someone else to come over.  The light stepping of shoes could be heard from across the way.  Another cat stood in front of them now, besides Blaze.  "Introduce yourself!"

 

Timidly, and twiddling her fingers, the girl took a deep breath, scanning the crowd of Mobians before her.  She halted when she met her eyes with the robot.  For a moment she was silent, neither breathing, nor speaking.  The shock permeated throughout her body.  Before her lungs could give way, she exhaled rather violently.  As she spoke, she gasped for air between breaths.  

 

"I am Tiffany Allbright...Emissary of Iblis...you can call me Tiff...but please don't refer to me as the Iblis Trigger.  That kind of...triggers me...heh..."  She vanished, and started sliding up next to Cynthia, whispering into her ear.  "You know...there's an eggman robot standing right next to you, right?"  

 

From the same entrance that Tiffany had emerged, another figure strode confidently through the open area.  A complete contrast to the prior Tiffany.  She was an elegant creature, a similar shade of white and locks of hair draped her head.  A purple rose covering her left eye.  She was graceful, but she seemed a bit stern the way she carried herself.  With her, she carried a sword, just as beautiful as she was.  As she stepped towards Tiffany's side, her eyes glared at Ken and Axel.  

 

"And I am Princess Anais."  Her voice was a higher pitch than a full grown woman's.  She was short, sweet, and to the point.

 

"I guess you could call her, your sister!"  Blaze smiled uncontrollably.  It looked as if she had been waiting for this moment for 12 long years!

[King K. Azo]

"You must have stolen that medallion from our city! That Mecha Sonic has antagonized us for far too long, and now you appear with other robots to invade our city instead?! Likely story!" Chimera gritted his nonexistent teeth. It took all his willpower not to shoot the a****** on the face. Thankfully, he managed to contain himself as a cloaked figure step forth. Next thing he knew... It was Blaze the Cat standing there.

 

Instantly he froze up. Blaze... Was in his original programming. This was someone he was supposed to kill. No, no, no. Chimera was a strong willed robot, much like his brethren, however... Programming was something nearly impossible to defy. They could defy orders, like Metal Sonic had on multiple occasions, however... Metal Sonic was always following his prime directive, kill the hedgehog. Only two badniks on record were ever able to completely defy their programming, E-102 Gamma and E-123 Omega. However, Gamma was only able to because of his animal power core, something Chimera did not possess, and Omega was an irregular no one was ever able to figure out, although the running theory was that a combination of his pure hatred and being based off of Gamma allowed him to do this, two more things Chimera was not nor possessed.

 

He remained silent as they were lead away, struggling to keep all his weapons in check. He didn't want to blow his cover, but he had to kill Blaze... He WANTED to... Right? Was it something he wanted, or was it his programming? Maybe it was both. He didn't know... Then he remembered. She was a hero of old. How many badniks fell to her, how many cousins and siblings died to those monsters? He would have to avenge them all.

 

Except Metal Sonic 3.0. Screw him, no one liked him.

 

"YOU WILL MIND YOUR TONGUE! BEFORE I BURN IT!" a voice snapped, causing Chimera to snap up his arm, his laser weapon at the ready. It seemed there was a new cat, however, Blaze calmed her down. It didn't seem anyone had noticed his weapon activating, he quickly reverted his weapon to his hand. He looked at his metal appendage for a few seconds before realizing something. He was... Shaking. Why would he be shaking...? Was he... Afraid? He looked around... They were surrounded by an air fleet, using technology he was admittedly unfamiliar with... They were able to hold back Mecha while they were barely able to win... And they had Blaze the Cat with them.

 

There was a very real chance he could die. It didn't matter if the small ragtag team had his back, they were outmatched and outgunned. Especially since the Egg Carrier was not built for speed. If they so desired it... They could end his life here. And the worst part was, they would see no issue in it. He was just a machine, after all. He headed back inside the ship. He was safer there... And he... Needed to fly the ship! Yeah, that was it...

 

---

 

They landed by the tallest tower, one that was pretty majestic, to be honest. There they learned the city was protected by a barrier, one that would protect everyone inside. It also seemed everyone would get special training... Everyone exculding Chimera, the 'might as well be a toaster'. It almost enraged him that he was ignored... But he knew he didn't need training. He needed upgrades. Something he wasn't sure if he could get... Especially since he was pretty sure no one here was familiar with Eggman technology.

 

Blaze had some people to introduce to the group, the apparent Iblis Trigger, and a girl that was... Axel and Ken's sister? He wasn't going to try to figure this out, not when he overheard some certain words come out of the Iblis Trigger's mouth.

 

"You know...there's an eggman robot standing right next to you, right?" Chimera's head spun around quickly, facing her with his red eyes glowing.

 

"So what if I am?" he snapped. "Am I automatically evil for it? Allow me to prove my goodness by performing the noble deeds of the heroes of old, like committing a near genocide of a sentient race they refused to acknowledge as such because of the one who made them," he folded his arms and looked away. "And do not refer to the machine that attacked your city as Mecha Sonic. Mecha Sonic died long before I chainsawed his head off his body," his brother was a noble warrior... Not the cannibalizing monster he was forced to attack.

 

His teammates would notice the normally stoic robot was almost... Trembling... Was it from rage or fear was anyone's guess though.

[Wind Rider]

"YOU WILL MIND YOUR TONGUE! BEFORE I BURN IT!" Alex had just spoken to Blaze when another cloaked figure, revealing herself to be a black cat of sorts, got between her and Blaze. She had created a flame in her hand and seemed ready to attack, Alex seemed to shudder from the unnerving black tint that the fire had. Thankfully Cinder, as she was called, stood down as Blaze discussed the situation. After a quick chat, Blaze and her soldiers escorted the group through the skies and the group finally landed at their destination, Dewdrop City.

 

The city itself was a lot larger than Cha'Aqua was, the castle itself loomed over the large city. "That barrier of yours saved a lot of lives... Wish Metropolis had something like that..." Alex mumbled as she looked out towards the boundaries of the barrier. "Yes...as I've mentioned before, this city is protected by a special barrier. It keeps the darkness out...not even an Elder God can penetrate it's defenses. Dewdrop is practically impregnable. We took as many refugees as we could...but not all could be saved." Refugees? So there were some survivors from the genocide after all.

 

"But let's not dwell on the past. The past is always filled with such dark things...instead, let us work towards the future. Speaking of work, we must work on your technique...every single last one of you!" Work on their technique? What, she was going to train them? "And you my dear...shall receive special training from yours truly. Ohohoho! But...telling by your aura...we have a lot of work ahead of us! So we start immediately!" Alex raised an eyebrow at this, trained by Blaze herself, effective immediately. The idea of being trained by a legend seemed to stick in Alex's mind, but what could be so interesting about a thieving feline like her?

 

The cat from earlier, Cinder, motioned for Alex to follow her into another. She let out a disapproving sigh before entering into the room. "Ok... So whats this all about, huh?" she obviously wanted answers. She was a one-armed thief, whats so interesting about that?

[Super Chaos Sonic]

 

"My Axel...how cold you have grown.  Maybe that icy aura I felt was coming from you, instead of this wolf you have on your crew."

 

"Yeah unfortunately." Zane chuckled, before noticing Alex getting serious with the remark...only to have another cat with fire. Zane had a sinking suspicion that he was literally going to find that most of these denizens from Dewdrop miiiiiiiiight be cats...with fire...

 

"My air brigade will escort you to a secure landing zone within the city's shield. We will discuss more soon, my dear Defenders. Welcome to Dewdrop Citadel!"

 

 

"Whoooooa...." Zane said, astonished by the sight of Dewdrop as they stood on the tallest tower. Truth be told, this was higher than any of the buildings in Metropolis and the view, he had to admit, was better than Metropolis as well.

 

The arctic wolf strolled a little from the window he was looking through back to the group, seeing that Ken and Blaze speaking to one another. As he made it back to the group, he heard Blaze speak.

 

"But let's not dwell on the past.  The past is always filled with such dark things...instead, let us work towards the future. Speaking of work, we must work on your technique...every single last one of you!"

 

Zane nodded, but stopped as he noticed that Blaze seemed to take special interest in Alex and had her separated from the group. Huh...guess she gets the special treatment... he thought, shrugging before seeing a new figure into the room...it was another cat. Well crap...I'm really feeling out numbered here. And especially with my element...just my luck.

 

"I am Tiffany Allbright...Emissary of Iblis...you can call me Tiff...but please don't refer to me as the Iblis Trigger.  That kind of...triggers me...heh..."

 

Tiffany seemed...well, nervous as they come. But he could suppose WHY she was...

 

"You know...there's an Eggman robot standing right next to you, right?"

 

Oh sheet.... Zane thought, seeing Chimera quickly spinning around.

 

"So what if I am? Am I automatically evil for it? Allow me to prove my goodness by performing the noble deeds of the heroes of old, like committing a near genocide of a sentient race they refused to acknowledge as such because of the one who made them. And do not refer to the machine that attacked your city as Mecha Sonic. Mecha Sonic died long before I chainsawed his head off his body."

 

The arctic wolf could see that Chimera seemed to be trembling a bit. It was odd for Zane, a trembling robot, and it wasn't making too much noise from the trembling. But that wasn't the thing that got him. Zane seemed to be dealing with something ever since they got to Dewdrop...and it seemed it was eating him up. He made a note to at least talk to him about it.

 

"And I am Princess Anais."

 

Zane's attention was immediately turned to the new figure in the room, an elegant creature with a sword...who seemed to glare at Axel and Ken. He couldn't help but smirk a bit, seeing someone else giving Axel a stern glare.

 

However, this still begged a question. Was everyone at this moment a fire user here? If so...then he might be in trouble.

 

"E-Excuse me...Blaze, ma'am?" Zane said, clearing his throat. "Not to be disrespectful, but would you happen to have anyone who deals in ice or something? I'm sooooooorta feeling like a minority here."

[Hälō]

 

Axel remained silent for the most part, choosing to hear Blaze out before asking his own questions. A large part of him was greatly distracted by emotion that seemed to be oozing out of Chimera... To say that the robot was in some sort of distress would be an understatement. At least he wasn't the only one who didn't want to be here...

 

As Blaze spoke of training them, Axel began to wonder exactly why Silver had pointed them in the direction of this city in the first place. He began spread his senses around the area in search any chaos emeralds that the city may be in possession of but stop in his tracks upon sensing the aura of the new arrival. 

 

"Introduce yourself!"

 

Axel's gaze narrowed as he stared towards the pink furred cat that stood at Blaze's side. "I am Tiffany Allbright...Emissary of Iblis...you can call me Tiff...but please don't refer to me as the Iblis Trigger.  That kind of...triggers me...heh..."  She vanished, and started sliding up next to Cynthia, whispering into her ear.  "You know...there's an eggman robot standing right next to you, right?"  That was it. The Iblis Trigger was here. That's why they were shepherded to this city...

 

Axel's hands clenched tightly as he glared daggers at Tiffany, though his attention was soon stolen by another spike of emotion from Chimera.  

 

"So what if I am? Am I automatically evil for it? Allow me to prove my goodness by performing the noble deeds of the heroes of old, like committing a near genocide of a sentient race they refused to acknowledge as such because of the one who made them. And do not refer to the machine that attacked your city as Mecha Sonic. Mecha Sonic died long before I chainsawed his head off his body." The robot erupted towards the feline.

 

Axel felt himself open his mouth to speak, but was soon rendered silent by yet another new arrival. "W-Who..." He mumbled under his breath. The girl's aura was massive, even by his standards; easily outclassing all those on his team and potentially rivaling his own in sheer volume. Though that wasn't why his mouth was hanging open...

 

 "And I am Princess Anais." The girl spoke in a small voice as she glared back at Axel and his brother. 

 

"I guess you could call her, your sister!"  Blaze smiled indignantly. 

 

He didn't need the old cat's announcement to sense Anais's relation to Silver. Her aura bore a striking resemblance to his master's, so much so that the young prodigy could feel a part of himself grow oddly nostalgic; like hugging someone and smelling their scent after a long time. This girl was without a doubt Silver daughter. His true kin... something that neither him or his brother could ever be...

 

Axel stood silent for a moment as he took all this new information in. As he did so, Alex left the room to join Cinder and Zane spoke up to address Blaze. 

 

"E-Excuse me...Blaze, ma'am?" Zane said, clearing his throat. "Not to be disrespectful, but would you happen to have anyone who deals in ice or something? I'm sooooooorta feeling like a minority here."

 

"It doesn't matter, Zane..." Axel forced himself to project his voice as he took a step forward. "We won't be staying long anyway." His expression grew dark as he glanced over his shoulder towards the Iblis Trigger. "Chimera is with us, and frankly I consider him more of a warrior than all of you." His eyes fell on Blaze when he said this. "He's been fighting alongside us all this time, and has risked his life on multiple occasions to help seal away Mephiles..." A feverish anger swelled in his chest as he continue to spit venom towards Blaze and Anais. "Where were you when we were fighting that monster?! How dare you sit here and smile in my face knowing full well that you've done nothing but hide inside this barrier whilst Mephiles killed Silver! KILLED OUR FATHER!" His voice reverberated with energy as his emotions caused his control over the chaos force to slip and the air around him to contort and twist. "If you were there, we could have won..." Axel ripped his glowing gaze from Blaze and Anis, and allowed it to fall tot he floor. "My master would still be here."

[Blade Mistress]

Cynthia must've blanked out for a second, one moment they're being threatened by a group of soldiers, now they were being escorted into the city by the queen herself and her guards, at least there wasn't going to be any senseless fighting.

 

The view from the castle certainly was breathtaking, not even that aquatic city was this big and this was just the castle and it practically looms over the city below. "Speaking of work, we must work on your technique...every single last one of you!" Cynthia's ears twitched at the sound of that, did Blaze mean to train all of them? She was also giving Alex special attention, lucky cat. Before Cynth could comment on this, a pink furred cat introduced herself along with a silvery white furred one.

 

"I am Tiffany Allbright...Emissary of Iblis...you can call me Tiff...but please don't refer to me as the Iblis Trigger.  That kind of...triggers me...heh..."​ Iblis Trigger... Didn't Axel or Ken talk about someone like that?

 

"And I am Princess Anais."​ Well she seemed all high and mighty, the fact that Blaze said that Anais was Ken and Axel's sister made Cynthia go wide eyed for a moment. She snapped out of it when Tiff shuffled over and whispered to her. "You know...there's an eggman robot standing right next to you, right?" Chimera obviously heard her and seemed to go into a bit of a rage. Again before she could say anything she was interrupted, by Axel this time.

 

"Chimera is with us, and frankly I consider him more of a warrior than all of you." His eyes fell on Blaze when he said this. "He's been fighting alongside us all this time, and has risked his life on multiple occasions to help seal away Mephiles..." He seemed to be getting hotheaded from this. "Where were you when we were fighting that monster?! How dare you sit here and smile in my face knowing full well that you've done nothing but hide inside this barrier whilst Mephiles killed Silver! KILLED OUR FATHER!" Cynthia had a worried and nervous expression on her face, without anymore interruptions she decided to be the voice of reason for once.

 

​"Look... Chimera is with us ok? Sure he has respect for his creator and the other badniks, but that doesn't make him bad. He's already gotten us through a number of obstacles and that gives me a good enough excuse to trust him. And Axel... I thought you said we shouldn't start any unnecessary fights? Just... Calm down, ok?"

[Mr. Hyde]

 

Dewdrop Citadel

 

As Axel's emotions poured out of every inch of his being, Ken couldn't help but watch his brother.  He was right, however...why didn't Blaze save Silver?  A slight clocking could be heard as the queen strode over to Axel, and smacked him across the cheek.  

 

"How dare you..." She said, a single tear dropping down hers.  "How dare you insinuate such a thing."  Blaze's voice trembled, and Anais reached out to grab her shoulder in console.  "As soon as he sent you away...he contacted me via telepathy.  He told me to raise the shield...that he wouldn't be able to make it this time."  Blaze wiped her face dry, that stern replacing the tear soaked face prior.  "He gave up the last of his powers so that you may live...how dare you say that I would disrespect his wish like that!  How dare you put the blame on his wife!"  Ken put himself in between the too.  

 

"We didn't know!"  Ken said softly.  He turned back to Axel.  "I miss him too...but no one in this city is to blame.  Let's just be thankful people here are alive...safe from Mephiles."  He smiled.

 

Anais was now glaring at Axel.  How dare he insult her mother.  

 

"You...Axel was it?  You will be training with me.  I hope you can keep up...because I won't hold back against you like I was planning to."  She strode away, leaving her mother's side and disappearing towards the left wing where she had come.  

 

A slight sniffle could be heard from Blaze.

 

"And you...Wolf...I have no such Cryomancers.  All the wolves that remain live in the tundra...far too proud to put themselves behind divine protection.  But that doesn't mean I didn't have a plan for you."  As her sentence concluded, a Hedgehog seemingly dropped out of the sky.  This one was draped in a black duster, and a metal band covered his forebrow.  

 

"Yo Queenie!  Is this the pup you were talkin' about?"

 

"This is Milo.  He is our...chaotic expert."  Blaze rolled her eyes.  "Unfortunately."

 

"Geez Queenie...mellow out why don't ya?"  Milo walked up to Zane, and inspected him.  He continued to poke and prod him for what seemed was quite a while.  "Yup...you're totally out of whack...We gotta loosen you up man!  Come with me!"  He ascended once more, almost taking flight, up towards a certain ledge that hung off from the tower.  "Find a way up here and maybe I'll help ya be all loosey goosey!"

 

Tiff stared at Chimera now, half of her being full of fear, and the other half, of intrigue.  She finally got the nerve and met with him face to face.  

 

"Uhm...sorry about what I said Mr. Badnik sir.  Accept my apology!"  She bowed before him, and peaked to see if he had accepted.  Either way, she stood straight up and cleared her throat.  "Now...would you like to accompany me through the city?  It's very wonderful...and I bet you'll love it!"  She grabbed his cold, lifeless hands, and dragged him...or at least tried to.  He was a lot heavier than she had expected.  "C'moooon!  You gotta!"  She struggled to get out.  

 

Blaze then eyed the other straggler.  

 

"And you...what can you do?  What do you aspire to do?  I have yet to put a finger on your capabilities."

 

"What about me?!"  Ken said pointing to himself.  As if on queue, the earth below him started to rumble.  From behind them, where there ship had landed, a large Mobian emerged.  He was tall, and almost kind of fat.  

 

"You are Ken, correct?  Come young one...follow Turk.  He will teach you many thing."  The Mobian went to the right side of the building, opposite where Anais had disappeared.  "You are in need of valuable lesson, yes?"  Ken nodded his head rapidly.  This guy must've been way strong if Blaze decided to pit him up against such a gigantic teacher.  

 

"Catch you later everybody!  Good luck!"  

 

 

The Blazing Chamber

 

Inside the part of the building that Cinder had led her into, felt like a sweltering inferno.  Of course, to a pyromancer, this was home sweet home.  Cinder took a deep breath in, and out, the heat from her breath caused the air to shake.  It was as if she was casting a mirage with just her breath.  

 

"Ok... So whats this all about, huh?"

 

Cinder almost had forgotten about the newbie.  

 

"Tch...as if I know.  When Blaze takes in interest in something, she gets a little pumped up..."  Just like she did with her, the day they met in a dewdrop alley.  What was it that she saw in this trash, rather than her top notch protege?!  On each of her fingers, she lit a dark tinted fireball.  Quickly she looked behind her to meet Alex's eyes with her own.  "How can she trust you so easily...You're nothing special...but me...I was going to...I was going to..."  She turned all the way around, and shot the dark fireballs at Alex.  "NEVERMIND AND SHOW ME WHAT YOU'VE GOT, CAT!"  

[Super Chaos Sonic]

 

"Where were you when we were fighting that monster?! How dare you sit here and smile in my face knowing full well that you've done nothing but hide inside this barrier whilst Mephiles killed Silver! KILLED OUR FATHER!"

"He gave up the last of his powers so that you may live...how dare you say that I would disrespect his wish like that!  How dare you put the blame on his wife!"

 

Zane stood there just watching this transpire, first Axel unloading his emotions and lashing out at Blaze like he did, and then Blaze literally smacking him for saying it. It was obvious to the arctic wolf that it was taking a toll on both ends of this party...but it seemed Blaze was having the worst time with it.

 

Thankfully both Cynthia and Ken did their best to quell the argument which did help some, but nevertheless, Zane watched as Axel was led away by Anais, who seemed even more pissed than Cinder did. Then again, her anger was probably justified...

 

"And you...Wolf."

 

Quickly hearing Blaze address him, Zane stood upright and nodded. "Y-Yes ma'am?"

 

"I have no such Cryomancers.  All the wolves that remain live in the tundra...far too proud to put themselves behind divine protection.  But that doesn't mean I didn't have a plan for you."

 

He heard Blaze, sighing some. Wolves? Far too proud? Yeah that sounds about right. he thought, looking down at the vest he wore. "I-I understand ma'am. I just hope that they didn't make a mistake not coming h-"

 

"Yo Queenie!  Is this the pup you were talkin' about?"

 

"SWEET AND HOLY TUNDRA!!" Zane yelped as he backed up, ending up falling over, watching this new hedgehog dropping out of the sky, landing nearby.

 

"This is Milo. He is our...chaotic expert. Unfortunately."

 

Zane slowly got back up, dusting himself as he saw Milo approaching him and inspecting him. That's when the hedgehog began to poke and prod at him some. "H-Hey! What are you doing?" he asked, finally seeing Milo back away.

 

"Yup...you're totally out of whack...We gotta loosen you up man!  Come with me!"

 

He had a puzzled look on Milo but noticed him ascending into the air, soon landing on a ledge that hung from the tower. "....Okay that ain't even fair man."

 

"Find a way up here and maybe I'll help ya be all loosey goosey!"

 

Tch...easier said than done. Zane thought, looking up at the perched Milo. Easy Zane...you can do it. Just go for it. He exhaled slowly, before moving away from Blaze and the others and running towards the walls that surrounded the hall. He jumped and kicked himself off the wall, before immediately gathering the moisture around him and making an ice rail, to which he began to grind on.

 

"I may not be able to do that fancy floating thing...but this is just as good!!" Zane laughed.

[Hälō]

​

 

"Look... Chimera is with us ok? Sure he has respect for his creator and the other badniks, but that doesn't make him bad. He's already gotten us through a number of obstacles and that gives me a good enough excuse to trust him. And Axel... I thought you said we shouldn't start any unnecessary fights? Just... Calm down, ok?" He heard Cynthia step in to try to ease the tension. Though before could explain the full extent of Blaze's failure, the queen herself began to stride up to him. Watching with a hurt expression, it took everything he had to not stop her from smacking him across his face

 

"How dare you..." Blaze said, a single tear dropping down her cheek. "How dare you insinuate such a thing."  Blaze's voice trembled, and Anais reached out to grab her shoulder in console.  "As soon as he sent you away...he contacted me via telepathy.  He told me to raise the shield...that he wouldn't be able to make it this time."  Blaze wiped her face dry, that stern replacing the tear soaked face prior.  "He gave up the last of his powers so that you may live...how dare you say that I would disrespect his wish like that!  How dare you put the blame on his wife!"  Ken put himself in between the two.  

 

Axel could do nothing but stand their with a dead expression. He knew all too well that Silver had probably ordered Blaze not to come to his aid, that his master believed that his life was of little value compared to the innocent people of the world. But even then...

 

"We didn't know!"  Ken finally stepped in. He turned back to Axel.  "I miss him too...but no one in this city is to blame.  Let's just be thankful people here are alive...safe from Mephiles."  Axel watched his brother smile at him, and it caused his expression to lighten ever so slightly. Ken just had the effect on him. 

 

"You...Axel was it?  You will be training with me.  I hope you can keep up...because I won't hold back against you like I was planning to." Anais addressed Axel before striding away towards the hallway that she had came from.

 

Watching as Zane, Ken, and Chimera were whisked away by members of Blaze's court, Axel let out a sigh. Glancing towards Blaze a final time, he moved to follow Anais. Just as he passed Cynthia he spoke in a low tone that was almost easy to miss. "Thanks."

 

 

Axel followed Anais down the dark corridor without saying a word. The sharp silence persisted until they reached a large white door, and was broken by a low mechanical hiss as the door slid open to reveal a elegantly white space. 

 

Stepping in after his "sister" Axel looked around the room. It was perfectly rounded, with walls that were so white that they seemed to be emitting a light of sorts, and roof and floor to match. It would have been hard to tell were the floor began if it weren't the vast amount of swords that decorated it's surface. They ranged from standard broadswords to exotic weapons, and all seemed to have been deliberately driven into the ground as a form of decoration. Though strangely enough the floor didn't seem to be damaged by this at all...

 

As Anais took her place at the center of the room, Axel removed his hands from his pockets and glared at her. "You can't fool me... this isn't about training is it?" Axel suddenly spoke as he allowed his aura to flow freely, causing the air around him to grow heavy. "I'm sure you know that there's nothing someone like you can teach me..." A smirk formed at the corner of his lips as he stepped farther into the room.

 

"Silver trained me himself," Axel's eyes suddenly began to glow a bright cyan as he activated his true sight. "whilst you sat lavishly in this castle, playing princess." 

 

"Nonetheless... I'll take great pleasure in demonstrating the difference between you and I!  if only to wipe that condescending look off your face..." Truth be told, he was the one looking for a fight. Everything that had just happened in the throne room had put him in the mood to crush something, and this girl's massive aura made her the perfect candidate. The situation was also made slightly sweeter by the fact that this girl was Silver's bastard daughter...

[Wind Rider]

"NEVERMIND AND SHOW ME WHAT YOU'VE GOT, CAT!" Alex's eyes lit up as soon as she saw the dark fire coming straight at her. She rolled out of the way and formed a fireball in her hand as she stood back up. "So it's like that huh? Fine then!" She crushed the fireball in her hand before launching it at Cinder. But just as it reached the arc of its swing, the fireball burst, launching multiple smaller ones at Cinder.

 

The attack obviously caught her by surprise, but before the fire could reach its mark, Cinder let loose a massive stream of dark fire from her mouth, destroying each of the fireballs and then focusing right on Alex. "Whoa!" Alex ducked underneath the fire, singeing her cloak in the process. With a slight smirk she used her bracelet and went invisible.

 

"How did you... Gah!" Cinder soon felt a fireball hit her back as Alex reappeared behind her. Brushing the attack right off, Cinder continued to spew flames from her mouth, again Alex was barely able to dodge the oncoming fire stream. After getting a good distance away, Alex threw a fast ball right at Cinder's face. "Shut yer mouth already!"

[King K. Azo]

Chimera listened as Axel unleashed his emotions. It felt nice someone stood up for him... However, it quickly was nullified by Blaze walking up and slapping Axel. Great, now nothing was going to change. Hooray. Perhaps this was a sign that he needed to move on, go alone. He was harming this group as much as helping them.

 

"How dare you..." She said, a single tear dropping down hers.  "How dare you insinuate such a thing."  Blaze's voice trembled, and Anais reached out to grab her shoulder in console.  "As soon as he sent you away...he contacted me via telepathy.  He told me to raise the shield...that he wouldn't be able to make it this time. He gave up the last of his powers so that you may live...how dare you say that I would disrespect his wish like that!  How dare you put the blame on his wife!"

 

Chimera couldn't help but let out a laugh. It seemed Mecha Knuckles owned some blots now! Well... If he ever found him again. Soon, everyone else was dragged away by a different Mobian, leaving the robot alone. Well, it seems that he was left alone all love again...

 

"Uhm...sorry about what I said Mr. Badnik sir.  Accept my apology!" Chimera looked over to see the small cat bowing before him, before peeking to see if he had accepted. She then stood straight up and cleared her throat.  "Now...would you like to accompany me through the city?  It's very wonderful...and I bet you'll love it!"  She grabbed his cold, lifeless hands, and dragged him...or at least tried to.  Chimera was a lot heavier than he looked. "C'moooon!  You gotta!"  She struggled to get out. Chimera sighed a robotic sigh before he began to move. He would see he city, if not for strategic purposes.

 

He would need to know where to go in case things went south.