For the most part, anything creative I do is all original stuff but somehow, I got the silly idea to write my own Sonic fanfic. An AU one that takes place after the Floating Island mysteriously crashes into Robotropolis, killing Robotnik and releasing a host of baddies onto Mobius. Ever since the disaster, the planet has been plagued by powerful earthquakes and the lakes where the power rings used to rise from, have begun to vanish. The story mainly revolves around Sonic and Tails (And I suppose Knux) trying to find the emeralds, each which tell of a terrible fate that may descend on Mobius. Uhhh...yea. It sounds lame but level with me here...
Really Sonic, could you slow down for once?
The aquamarine hedgehog slowed to half the speed of sound, allowing his two allies to catch up in the small hovercraft. He tapped his foot for a few moments, looking forward to the path ahead.
Slow down?
My craft cant keep up with you! Besides, how else are you going to track down the power ring? Tails asked. He did have a point. Ever since the earthquakes had started up, the lakes where the power rings resided had disappeared. Sonic turned in time to see the small craft arrive, carrying the two tailed fox and the brown lynx with black stripes.
Yea well, if we dont hurry, another tremor may cause this lake to vanish as well.
Very unlikely. The tremors have occurred at a regular interval, every week or so. Its only been a few days since the last one so its not like were terribly pressed for time.
Sonic leveled his eyes at her. I know that Nicole. However whos to say the quakes wont occur at any time? Its best we get there as soon as possible. Any reason why Rotor needs one of them so badly? He asked. She looked at Tails. Tails frowned.
Well, beats me. He spouted an explaination that was heavy in mumbo jumbo, stuff that goes over my head
The gist of it is that he just needs a power ring. Im sure hell explain in due time. He seemed pretty stressed, she said, interrupting Tails. Sonic nodded He looked forward through the Great Forest.
Well, how far is it?
Not much further, she said. She looked down at the onboard computer. Id say its due north.
Sonic turned and sped off in that direction. Bouncing from tree to tree, he felt in his element. Ever since the fall of the Floating Island and the destruction of Robotropolis, he had been stuck in more boring meetings on what to do with the displaced echidnas and dingoes. Nothing good for the speedster. It was almost if he had lost the power to make an impact. At least out here, he could still let loose.
Sonic arrived in a large clearing and came to a stop. A large crystal lake lay before him, the one where the power rings were supposed to come from. He sat down on the grass and a few moments later, Tails and Nicole arrived. He jumped to his feet. Great! Now we can get the Power Ring and be on our way!
Calm down Sonic, Tails said, laughing. He landed the craft before hopping out with a small handheld computer in his hand. He pointed it toward the lake and frowned. Nicole walked past him and to the edge of the lake.
Arent the rings supposed to, you know, float to the top?
Yea. Im wondering whats up, Tails said. Sonic walked closer to the edge and peered into the water, hoping to catch a glint of the golden ring. He tapped his foot for a few moments and Nicole laughed.
Perhaps our calculations were wrong.
But you have the mind of a computer, Sonic said. She looked at him and nodded. So whats up buddy?
Tails looked up at him. Good question. I dont know why it isnt coming up. We have the right location. Ive tried to rescan it but it keeps coming up with this location. Perhaps some strange power is keeping it down.
A strange power? The power rings are probably just a rung below chaos emeralds on the power scale. Itd take someone very powerful, well versed in the arcane arts to do that, Nicole said. I cant think of anyone like that.
Well Knuckles could do it. He is basically a chaos emerald but I doubt hed do it. Hes only concerned with getting the island back up so his people can return safely.
Any other candidates?
Robotnik but since hes dead, that rules him out. Dimitri and Kragok could but no one knows what happened to them after the island crashed. And I know for sure that Mogul could have a hand in it, Tails said. Sonic grumbled to himself.
If I could swim, Id go down there and see whats up.
Good luck with that but I think we should go back to Knothole, Tails said. Sonic began to open his mouth to counter but a small tremor tore through the forest. He waved his arms around, trying to keep his balance but tumbled to the ground. Birds flew up from the treetops as a small crevasse in the earth began to form. He watched as it ran from the edge of the forest, across the clearing and to the lake. When it did, the water in the lake began to go down at a rapid pace. As the tremor came to an end, Sonic crawled over to the edge of the lake and looked down. For such a small lake, it was pretty deep and at the bottom, half covered in mud, was the gold ring. Except it didnt look all that golden, as if it had no juice whatsoever. I suppose that solves my question.
Sonic sped down to the bottom of the lake, nearly slipping on the muddy surface. He grabbed the ring and held it up. Usually when finding one, one would become juiced with temporary power and speed until the effects wore off but now, nothing. He looked at it again and waved it around in the air. He looked up at his two companions and shrugged. Nothing! This thing is useless!
As he said that, his hand began to feel warm and he looked at the ring again. It began to glow and feel real hot. So hot that he let go of it and it began to float in the air. He stepped back, unsure of what it was going to do. A faint transparent image of a female echidna appeared and she looked at Sonic. She didnt look too vicious or threatening but so he began to calm down. Please, can you help us?
Help you? He looked at Tails and Nicole for answers but they sported the same confused look as him. Drat. Sonic looked at the female echidna again. Help you with what?
Please help us, she said, repeating her previous plea but with more emphasis this time. Sonic shrugged, unaware of what she needed help with. Suddenly a large sword cut through her and the image vanished. The ring lost its glow and dropped to the ground again. Sonic grabbed the ring and looked at it.
He ran back up to the others and handed Tails the ring. Whats going on? Why would the ring suddenly show an image like that?
Tails attached the ring to his computer and waited while it analyzed the ring. Nicole looked down back at the lake and then at them.
Ive never seen her before. Do you think shes an ancient spirit released from the island?
A what? Sonic and Tails asked together. They both looked at each other and frowned. They had seen a lot of strange stuff together but an ancient spirit from a power ring?
Ill admit, I dont know all the secrets of the power rings but there is obviously much more than meets the eye. I wonder if Rotor knows about it.
Tails frowned as he removed the ring. The computer wont tell me a thing. Nothing at all. If it that really was real, Im guessing she managed to just channel her force into it for that one message. I dont know how she did it, he said, rubbing his chin. I have heard that the rings have something of a mystical connection to the emeralds but I dont know the whole gist of it.
Didnt Merlin tell you anything? Sonic asked, tapping his foot again. Tails shrugged.
Sorry Sonic but thats all I know. You know Merlin, he can be pretty flaky when trying to get some answers. I think all old wizards are like that.
Of course he didnt, Sonic said, shaking his head. He looked at the dead ring again and shrugged. Lets get this back to Rotor. He might be able to figure something
POW! A gunshot rang through the forest, disturbing the relative peace. Sonic didnt flinch but a smile spread across his face. Nack, I presume. What do you want?
I want that power ring you got there, the purple weasel said as he emerged from the woods. He held up his gun, pointing it at Sonic and then the others. If you dont hand it over, Ill first kill your little friends before
He never got to finish as his eyes locked on the ring as Sonic tossed it over his head. Nack watched it sail into the woods, leaving a mile wide opening that Sonic took, gladly. In a matter of moments, Nack was on the ground, knocked out while Sonic returned the ring to Tails. He dusted off his hands and looked at the pathetic weasel.
Maybe you could have gone a little easier on him, Nicole said. Sonic and Tails exchanged a look of amusement.
He had it coming, stupid weasel.
Tails frowned. How did he know about the power ring? Do you think hes been following us all this time? My scanners werent picking up anything.
They have devices that allow a person to be invisible from radar. I bet you thats what he has, she said. She walked over to Nack and reached down for his belt. She pulled off a small device that looked like a small mechanical spider. She handed it to Tails.
Where would he get something like this? Do you think Robotnik gave it to him?
Sonic shrugged. Considering lardo hires this guy often, I wouldnt put it past him. Well let Rotor play with it.
Ooohhh Nack groaned as he opened his eyes. Sonic put his foot on his chest and looked down at him.
Who gave this device to you? Sonic asked. Nack smiled at him, his two fangs showing. He obviously had no intention of saying a thing. Sonic sighed. Well if you dont want to talk, Im sure the king will have something to say for trying to kill us.
King Maxxy? Hah, why should I fear him? Hes nothing but a little kitty kat. His son is an immature kid who gets queasy at the thought of making decisions and his dau
Quiet you! Sonic yelled, grabbed Nack by the collar and pulling him toward his fist. Nack smiled at him, pleased he had got under his skin. Sonic frowned and let him go. Never mind. You arent worth the effort.
He got off Nack and walked over to Tails and Nicole. Lets get back to Knothole and give this to Rotor.
Tails communicator went off and he answered it. While he was occupied with the call, Sonic walked over to the edge of the lake and tapped his foot. Nacks intentional insult still rang with him and it took all his power not to punch the weasel out. Sonic, you okay? You seemed ready to snap back there, Nicole said. He laughed.
Nothing like it. Im fine, just lost my cool for a moment. It happens to the best of us.
She nodded and he glanced at her. She was no doubt still trying to deal with the fact that Sal had given up a chance at life for Nicole to have her own. He didnt know what to say, if he was actually supposed to say anything.
Luckily, Tails interrupted the tense moment. Sonic, Sonic! Weve got to get back to the palace pronto!
Whats up? He asked, turning away from Nicole. Tails walked up to him as he put away his device.
The king said Prince Elias has disappeared! They dont know where he ran off to!
Knuckles sat atop a large rock, his eyes closed and legs crossed. Sonic eyed the vibrant colored echidna as they entered Knothole and he folded his arms. Is there something you want?
Getting in touch with the emeralds? Sonic asked. He smirked at his joke but Red didnt seem to take it so kindly.
You wouldnt understand. I see that you guys were able to find a power ring.
Sonic jumped back. How did you know that?
There are some things that you are better off not knowing. Secrets that even us Guardians arent able to share with anyone.
Sonic, can we get going? The king will be wanting to see us! Tails said. Sonic glanced at the orange fox and smiled.
Sonic glanced back at Knuckles and laughed. Well be seeing you Red.
Before you go, could I see that ring by any chance?
Sonic glanced at Tails and Nicole, both of whom shrugged. He tossed it to Knux, who caught it in mid air. I dont know what use it could be to you. All we saw was this ghostly echidna girl who kept crying for help.
What, are you serious? He asked. Sonic nodded. Knuckles looked down at the ring for a moment. I better look into this further.
The trio entered the largest tree in the forest, a huge monstrous redwood that served as the makeshift castle, that was until Mobotropolis could be rebuilt again. The only sign that it even was a castle was the small royal banner that hung over the hollowed out doorway. As they walked through the hallway, Sonic noticed St. John walking opposite their direction. The skunk had an annoyed look on his face and Sonic smiled at him. Dont give me that look. Its bad enough Elias has run out again, dont make it any worse.
Do you know why he may have run off? Tails asked. St. John shrugged as he adjusted his crossbow.
Your guess is as good as mine. I just wish he would stop doing this and act like a prince. Didnt the princess ever teach him anything? He threw up his hands and stormed out. Tails watched him leave and then turned to Sonic.
He is right. Elias should know better.
Hey, if Sal believed that her brother wasnt up to the task, she wouldnt have He stopped short and noticed Nicole close her eyes. Forget what I said. Lets just get to the king. He said, hoping to avoid cracking open another whole batch of issues.
Do you guys still resent me because of Princess Sallys choice? She asked. Sonic and Tails looked at each other, unaware of what to say. Sonic scratched his head.
I dont resent you at all. I justummm
Were still just trying to figure out why she did it. We know she did it for a reason but it will take some time for us to get used to it.
Yea, exactly. I mean I was her best friend and it still doesntummm, lets just get to the king, he said. Tails nodded while Nicole just sighed.
The king awaited them in his chambers, sat at the head of a large diagonal table with the royal crest in the middle. He looked up from the table, a weary look on his face. Not a look he sported often. I apologize your majesty for the wait.
No, its quite all right. I just havent been able to sleep for the past couple of days, he said, grasping his cup with both hands. He looked more like a homeless drunk than the once proud king. Its just Elias, I cant believe he ran off, again.
Are you sure youre okay? Tails asked. The king sat up, and frowned at them.
I am fine. Just tired of my sons behavior. It seems like every time a crisis hits our kingdom, he feels the need to go running off into the woods like a little child.
He wasnt raised to be a ruler like the princess was. Its going to take some time for him to learn how to deal with it.
Im well aware of that, he said, almost glaring at her. He stood up and took a few steps away from the table. That is why Ive been training him day in and day out on how to be a ruler. I wont be around forever and soon hell have to take the reins of the kingdom.
Dont say that. Your majesty is in fine health and it isnt like our kingdom has any immediate threats at this time, Nicole said. She folded her arms. Robotnik is dead and whatever foes were on the Floating Island have been spread to the four corners of the world.
Judging by my pale color and my less than steller health, I would have to disagree with you.
Nevertheless, our first objective should be to get Elias back here as soon as possible, Sonic said. He slammed his fist into his open palm. Once hes back here, safe and sound, you can go back to training him on how to be a proper ruler.
The king let out some bad sounding coughs before slumping back in his chair. Yes, I agree.
Tails sighed. Do you know where he may have run off to?
No clue. He left during the night so we werent able to see were he was going. I sent St. John and a team out already but I hope you two might be able to help as well.
Leave it to us! Well find him in no time at all! Sonic said. The king nodded and coughed a few more times.
I should fetch the doctor for you. It cant hurt to check you out at the least, Nicole said. Sonic nodded.
Good idea. Me and Tails will go see if Rotor can help us track down that wayward prince, he said. He zipped out of the room with Tails close behind.
Rotor sat at his desk, adjusting a small device in his hands when they arrived. He looked up from his work and smiled. Did you bring the power ring?
We did but Knuckles is looking at it but Ill make sure to let him know you need to see it.
Ahh well, at least its here, Rotor said. He picked up the device and eyed it for a few moments. So what can I help you with?
We need to find the prince. No one knows where he ran off to so we were hoping you had a device that might solve our problems.
You mean like a radar or tracking device? I have something like that but its range is pretty bad.
Tails frowned. Really? Why cant you extend the range of the device? He asked. He looked around the workshop. Where is it?
Rotor walked from behind the desk and over to a small satellite looking device. He picked it up and set it down on the desk. As you can see, its pretty complete but I havent been able to find the part needed to enhance the range on this thing, he said. He adjusted his glasses while Tails looked over it.
You mean this part right here? He pointed to a part of the device. Rotor nodded and Tails looked at it further. While the two poked at it, Sonic walked over to a corner and sat down. If there was nothing he could stand more, it was those two playing around with their toys. Perhaps he could catch a quick nap
Have you tried searching Robotropolis? Tails asked. Rotor stepped back in surprise while Sonic jumped to his feet. Tails noticed the shock on both of their faces and he smiled. Well you know, Robotnik had a lot of technology and if we went down there, we may be able to find the part we need.
I know but its still Robotropolis. We still dont know how dangerous it is. The king sent out a scout team but they never returned.
Yes but that was just an ordinary scout team. Im sure if me and Sonic go down there, we could find something, he said, looking at Sonic for some confirmation. Sonic laughed.
I like how you think Tails.
However, I dunno what kind of robots may be waiting for us there. It could be desolate but Im sure there are many robots running amok down there now that their master is gone.
From what Ive heard, the robots have banded together under the control of one powerful robot. They seemed to have taken over Robotniks former command center, bound by the rule of the strong, Knuckles said as he entered the lab, ring in hand. He tossed it to Rotor and glanced at Sonic. Some of the echidnas returned there to see how the island was and saw them. Their leader is a large green croctobot.
Croc-bot? I thought we got rid of him! Tails said. Sonic shrugged and glanced at Red.
So what do you propose we do? Id say we just go in, tear through those bots and find what we need.
Knuckles leveled his eyes at Sonic and let out a sigh. I knew youd say something like that but I disagree. I think wed be better off sneaking into the city, finding what we need and getting out. The last thing we need to do is anger the robot citizens there. No telling, they may even have some echidnas in their prisons.
All the better to smash them. Besides their only minions of Robotnik.
Knuckles groaned and slapped his face. Has Sally taught you anything?
Sonic frowned at him, resisting the temptation to hit him. He wanted nothing more than to indulge in old times and smash some bots but perhaps they were right. The bots hadnt tried to attack the kingdom or anything and seemed happy to just keep to themselves. He looked at the two. Sohow will we avoid a confrontation if we do go in there?
They cant patrol the entire city Sonic. Im sure there are places we can sneak around and find the part.
Wellfine. If we do run into them and they cause trouble, Ill have every reason to smash them.
Yes, you go do that, Knuckles said. He shook his head and eyed Sonic. I figure I should come along and see if there are any more echidnas in the city.
