Part 20a
On the previous chapter of Elemental Chaos, the battle against Metal Sonic Version Three-Point Zero and his "Overlord" transformation continued. In order to stop the power of the Chaos Rings, Tikal volunteered to go retrieve the Master Emerald, while everyone else buys her the time to do so. During her trip back to the altar, she ran into Heavy and Bomb (along with Tiara Boobowski, Rouge the Bat, E-123 Omega, and Marine the Raccoon), who just came back from Casinopolis, where they ended up racking up more rings to help fuel the super forms of Knuckles, the Chaotix, and the others. Heavy and Bomb, being the only ones who knew the password to the newly-installed security system, decided to accompany Tikal on the way to the altar.
After temporarily disabling the security system and retrieving the Master Emerald, the three of them Chaos Controlled their way back to the battlefield. When Metal Sonic 3.0 returned (after being thrown over the horizon by Big, Bark, and Squash), Tikal quickly used the power of the Master Emerald to disable the Chaos Rings, reducing him back to his original form in the process. Eventually, after Squash informed everyone about Robotnik's message to the Elemental Goddesses, everyone agreed to let Metal Sonic face Three-Point Zero alone (since he was no longer invincible, and because Metal Sonic requested it), and decided to assist Knuckles and the others by giving them more rings to sustain their super forms, as well as running the Master Emerald through Tails' space transporter (as Marine suggested).
Using the power of the Master Emerald, Knuckles disabled the Sol Emerald power that the Egg Galaxia absorbed, and they were all able to over-power its beam with ease. Once again, all of the heroes combined their powers and rammed into the Egg Galaxia with incredible force, sending the machine crashing into yet another large asteroid behind it, which caused an explosion, ultimately foiling Doctor Nega's plans once again. Is this truly the end this time? Has the Egg Galaxia truly been destroyed? Also, with his escape pod disabled, was Dr. Nega able to survive the explosion? Find out on this exciting conclusion of Knuckles' Chaotix: Elements of Power, Episode 2: Elemental Chaos!
Super Charmy: YAY! We did it, we did it!
Super Vector: Heh heh heh! Yep! All in a day's work, boys…'n' girls.
Super Espio: Hmph. I'll bet now, Dr. Nega will think twice before trying something like this again… Assuming he's still alive, that is.
Super Mighty: Somehow, I wouldn't be surprised if he was still alive. He and Robotnik always seemed to have a knack for surviving explosions somehow…
Super Charmy: Huh? What does Nack have to do with anything?
Super Knuckles: He wasn't talking about the weasel, Charmy. The word "knack" means "special talent".
Super Charmy: Oh.
Splash: I have to say, Dr. Robotnik… You really came through for us this time around.
Robotnik: Huh? What do you mean?
Splash: Well, for starters, if it hadn't been for you repairing the Scepter of Darkness, that scheming lowlife, Mephiles would still be running loose right about now.
Robotnik: …
Scorch: Yeah. Also, you were the one who suggested sealing Iblis within the Fire Element Gem in the first place. Remember?
Robotnik: Yes, that is true, isn't it?
Seedra: I definitely wasn't expecting you to turn the tables on Dr. Nega at the last second like that. I never thought that you, of all people, would actually take part in saving the world. I guess you aren't such a bad person after all, Doctor.
Robotnik: Hmph, don't get the wrong idea! The only reason I did these things, is to prevent the planet from getting destroyed. Needless to say, if that were to happen, that I won't be able to conquer the world and build the Robotnik Empire!
Seedra: I should have figured…
Super Sonic: Yep. Some things just never change, do they? That's Ro-butt-nik for ya!
Robotnik: Although, as much as I'd hate to admit it… It was nice working with you again, even if it was for a little while, but no more! I hope you've all made the best out of this little alliance while it lasted, because it will never happen again! The next time we meet, it will be as enemies, and this time, my plans WILL succeed!
Super Tails: Alright, if you say so.
Robotnik: Now, if you would excuse me, I'll be returning back to the base. There's a spy that I still need to sniff out. Until we meet again… Farewell! *Flies away*
Scorch: Well, my work here is done, so I'll be on my way, as well. *Follows Robotnik*
Storm: I guess we'd better run along, too, don't you think, Shock?
Shock: Yeah. Again, it's been nice working with you guys. *Floats towards Sonic and holds out her hand for him to shake* Let's race again sometime, huh?
Super Sonic: Sure. *Shakes her hand* I'll be looking forward to it.
Storm: Are you coming back to the base with us, Slush?
Slush: Yes, but not right now. I'll be back a little later.
Storm: Alright then.
*Shock and Storm leave*
Super Charmy: Hee hee, "bee back a little later". Get it? *Snickers*
Splash: *Giggles*
Seedra: Nice one!
*Everyone else sweatdrops*
Slush: Anyway, about the "spy" that Robotnik talked about "sniff[ing] out"… I have the strangest feeling that he's getting closer to discovering the truth. The fact that Nega outright told him that someone's been leaking information behind his back doesn't help, either.
Super Vector: Yeah. I'm pretty surprised that he didn't botha to rat 'chu at when 'e had the chance.
Slush: …
"Rat [me] out", you say? I'm sorry, but I have NO idea what that means.
Super Vector: It's a slang word, meanin' "tattle".
Slush: Oh, I see. I may not look like it, but I'm pretty old. I'm not all that familiar with slang terms like that.
Super Charmy: Exactly how old ARE you, anyway?
Slush: …
I'd rather not say. All you need to know is that I'm older than pretty much everyone here right now, except for Splash.
Super Charmy: Even Shadow, too? He's like, fifty-something years old!
Super Shadow: …
Slush: Oh, yes. I'm much, MUCH older than that. Anyway, though, shouldn't you be more worried about your ring energy? It could run out at any given moment now.
Super Knuckles: Oh, shoot! I almost forgot! I think we should go ahead and get back to Earth!
Burning Blaze: Indeed. The Robotniks have been defeated, and the Sol Emeralds have been retrieved, so there's no reason for us to dally around here any longer.
Super Tails: Yes, why don't we get back to my Workshop?
Super Shadow: Very well then. Chaos Con-
???: WAIT!
Before Shadow had a chance to Chaos Control himself and the rest of the heroes back to Earth, they were suddenly interrupted by someone. When they looked in the direction of the voice, that "someone" turned out to be a tattered and burnt up Dr. Nega.
Super Shadow: So, you're still alive, huh?
Nega Robotnik: *Coughs and wheezes* I… I can't…breathe…!
Burning Blaze: Ah, yes, of course. We are still in space, aren't we?
Nega Robotnik: P-Please…! H-Help me…!
Super Silver: After all YOU'VE done, why should we even bother!?
Slush: I couldn't have put it any better myself! You've got a lot of nerve asking ANY of us, especially ME, for help! Especially after what you did to me last month! What kind of mercy did you show me, when you lured me into that room and trapped me in there, with the temperature set to a hundred degrees!? What kind of mercy did you show to the people of the planet you were about to destroy!? Can you answer THAT!?
Super Espio: That about sums it up. Like I told you a while back as we left you in the Ifrit's dimension, you reap what you sow, Nega.
Nega Robotnik: F-Forgive me! *Coughs* I… I apologize! For ALL of it! *Wheezes again* I… I really…mean it! F-From here…on out…. I'll… I'll abandon my plans for world conquest! I'll change my wicked ways!
Burning Blaze: Knowing YOU, that's highly unlikely!
Nega Robotnik: R-Really… I mean it! I… I give you my word!
Everyone: …
Nega Robotnik: You… You all…believe in mercy, don't you…!?
Super Knuckles: Yes, but not when it comes to showing it to people who don't deserve it!
Burning Blaze: Precisely. You deserve about as much mercy as Mephiles does!
Nega Robotnik: *Coughs* P-Please…help me…! I'll…I'll do anything!
Super Mighty: …
I don't know, you guys. I'm having second thoughts… Maybe we SHOULD spare him…
Super Vector: What, are ya CRAZY!? I'm in 'da same boat as the rest o' them! All 'dis crap about him "chang[in'] [his] wicked ways" or wudevah… I ain't buyin' it for one second! People like him would say anything ta save their filthy hides!
Wechnia: Exactly.
Seedra: I don't know about anyone else, but I agree with Mighty.
Splash: I agree with him, as well. Don't get me wrong, though. I don't like Dr. Nega any more than you do, but regardless of what he deserves, I just…don't have the heart to leave someone to die, especially if they're asking for help.
Super Mighty: Yeah, what she said.
Burning Blaze: *Sighs* I guess you do bring up a valid point. Alright, Nega, we'll help you, but under one condition.
Nega Robotnik: Anything, anything! Just…just name it!
Burning Blaze: As soon as we get back, you're returning to the mental asylum that you escaped from. Does this sound fair to everybody?
*They agree*
Super Shadow: Alright, then it's settled. It's time to go back to Earth. Chaos… CONTROL!
*Shortly afterwards, they find themselves at Tails' Workshop*
Heavy: So, you finally did it, huh? I guess sending the Master Emerald through the space transporter really did the trick!
Marine: Yup, 'n' it was all my idea!
…
Say, by the way… What's THIS crazy ol' bloke doin' here!? *Points to Nega*
Blaze: We're taking him back to the mental asylum.
Nega Robotnik: Eee hee hee hee…
Knuckles: What's so funny?
Nega Robotnik: What ignorant, gullible simpletons you are! Did you TRULY think I would comply with that?
Everyone: WHAT!?
Nega Robotnik: Eee hee hee! *Reaches into his coat pocket and takes out a camera*
Slush: Ahhhh! I-Isn't that the same camera that you used on Robotnik last month, when you turned him into a card!?
Nega Robotnik: That's correct! I always keep this thing with me just in case, as a last resort! You may have destroyed the Egg Galaxia, but THIS is still intact! In just a single click of a button, I'll be rid of you fools once and for all! Then, I'll be free to proceed with my plans! Eee hee hee hee hee!
Vector: Y'see!? It's just as I was sayin' before! I KNEW he couldn't be trusted!
Splash: How could you!? We just saved your life!
Seedra: Yeah, even though you DIDN'T deserve it!
Nega Robotnik: Eee hee hee! It's your own fault for being so soft and naïve! It's THOSE very weaknesses which are about to lead to your downfall! Now, say goodbye, you meddlesome FOOLS! EEE HEE HEE HEE HEEEEEEE!!! *Aims the camera at them*
Everyone: …!
Vector: BRACE YASELVES, EVERYONE!!!
As Dr. Nega aimed his camera at the heroes, he wasted no more time and immediately pressed the button. Unfortunately for him, however, it didn't work.
Nega Robotnik: W-WHAT!? What's going on!? Why isn't it working!?
…
O-Oh… OH, NO! I forgot to replace the film cartridge! CURSES!
Bark: Heh heh heh! That's too bad! *Cracks his knuckles* It's clobberin' time!
Vector: Ya took the words RIGHT outta my mouth! *Cracks his, as well*
Knuckles: *Same*
Amy: *Raises her hammer*
Tiara: *Raises her jeweled staff*
Nega Robotnik: *Starts backing away, and quickly jets out the door*
Vector: LET'S GET 'IM!
No longer able to defend himself in any way, Dr. Nega had no choice but to retreat, with all the heroes chasing after him. Before the deranged doctor could get any further, Silver quickly stopped him via telekinesis.
Silver: You're not going ANYWHERE, Nega! Not THIS time! You're going to stay RIGHT here until the asylum picks you up!
Sonic: Heh heh! I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Game Over, Nega Ro-butt-nik!
Nega Robotnik: AUGH! I HATE YOU!
Shadow: It's either that, or I could Chaos Control you back to the Doomsday Zone, where we should have left you in the first place.
Nega Robotnik: AHHH! NO, NO! THE ASYLUM'S FINE!
Shadow: I thought so.
Shortly afterwards, Tails used the phone at his Workshop to call the Station Square Mental Asylum. Unable to use his telekinetic powers for long periods of time, Seedra eventually took over and tied Dr. Nega up with her vines. Twenty minutes later, the S.S.M.A. arrived, and Nega found himself in a straight jacket, getting thrown into the back of a white truck. As they were driving off, Knuckles, the Chaotix, and the rest of the heroes mockingly waved goodbye to the doctor, with him yelling and complaining.
*They laugh at him*
Nega Robotnik: SILENCE, YOU INSOLENT FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLS!!!
*The truck eventually leaves*
Squash: AH-HA-AH-AH-AH! Now THAT' S what I call entertainment!
Vector: *Turns off the camcorder* Man, that was freakin' PRICELESS! It was just as funny as last month's incident!
Charmy: Hee hee, yep! That was really, REALLY funny! Like I said before, not even Tiara's last name is as funny as THAT! And her last name has the word "boob" in it! *Snickers*
Tiara: *Glares at him*
Charmy: Sorry. ^^;;
Tiara: Yes, I'll bet you are.
Amy: Well, now that the battles are over, should we head over to the beach?
Cream: I don't see why not.
Big: Sounds good to me! Then me 'n' Froggy could go fishing while we're there!
Froggy: *Croaks*
???: Hiya, chumps!
Rouge: Oh, look. It's Fang and Bean again. I'll take it that you two are finally finished hiding?
Nack: Ah, shaddap! We wasn't hidin' from nobody! Didn't ya hear a woid we said? We ran outta ammo, 'n' we only left ta get some more!
Bean: Exactly! I don't know where you ever got a stupid idea like that! If that was an attempt to be funny, then you failed big-time.
Amy: Well, whatever the case may be, you're too late. The Robotniks have already been beaten, and so has Metal Sonic 3.0, most likely, since Tikal got rid of the Chaos Rings' power.
Nack: Maybe, but 'dat ain't while we're here. We came back, 'cause we gotta sco'ah ta settle wit' 'dat cat goil ovah 'dere! *Points to Honey*
Honey: Oh, boy. Here we go again…
Nack: I TOLD 'ja I wasn't lettin' ya off 'da hook 'dat easily, didn't I? Now, Ah'm only gonna say it one more time! Ya beddah pay me 'da money ya owe for 'da damages to 'da Marvelous Queen! Cough up 'da dough, right now, or else! *Aims his gun at her*
Espio: Hey, back off! *Stands in front of Honey*
Nack: Look, 'dis ain't none o' ya bu'iness, y'hear!? Get outta 'da way, unless ya'd like me ta bussa cap 'n 'da bofa yas!
Heavy: "Bussa cap 'n 'da bofa yas"? Wow. You sound like a blithering idiot.
*A few people snicker*
Nack: Look, ya li'l smartass! Don't think I won't pump YOUR guts full o' lead, too!
Heavy: Oh, how I quiver with fear.
Nack: *Aims his gun at Heavy and blasts him*
Heavy: *Unaffected* Oh, I'm sorry. Was that supposed to hurt?
Nack: Why, you…! *Gets ready to shoot him again*
Bean: Hold on a second, Nack! If one bullet doesn't hurt him, then firing a bunch of others at him won't, either! All you'll be doing is wasting your ammo! Why not save it for them? *Points to Espio and Honey*
Nack: Fine, wudevah. Anyway, let's get back down ta business, shall we? *Points the gun at Espio* Ya've got 'til 'da count o' three ta get out 'da way, or both you 'N' ya goilfriend will be layin' on 'da ground 'n a puddle o' blood!
Espio: G-Girlfriend…?
Honey: *Starts to blush*
Charmy: Espio and Honey, sittin' in a tree!
Marine: K-I-S-S-I-N-G-!
Vector: *Covers their mouths* 'Dis ain't 'da time for that, y'know!
Nack: One… Two… Thr-
Random Guy: They're the ones, officer! *Points to Nack and Bean* They're the ones who took my jeep!
Cop #1: Hey, you two there! Freeze! You're under arrest!
Nack: Ah, crap! C'mon, let's SCRAM! *Runs off*
Bean: Right behind you! *Follows*
*The two of them run off, getting chased by the cops, and everyone laughs as Nack yells "AH, CRAAAAAAAAAP!" on the way*
Vector: *Has managed to get that one on tape, too* HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, man! I nevah expected TWO hilarious things ta happen in one sittin'!
Charmy: Actually, Vector, there's three! Care to take a guess at what the third is? Espio and Honey are in looooove! *Snickers*
Marine: *Snickers, too*
Espio: W-What? *Blushes* Don't be ridiculous!
Honey: *Same* Exactly! We're just friends, okay?
Amy: Hee hee hee! Oh, don't mind them! It's nothing to be ashamed of, believe me!
Cream: Uh oh… I think they've got her started again…
Big: Yup…
Amy: Love changes everything! It makes you feel as if every little moment in your life is huge!
Tails: Yep, you were right, Cream. Once Amy gets caught up these little "love lectures" of hers, she could go on about it for hours. It's best that we bail now, while we have the chance!
Sonic: You said it, little bro! Come on, we gotta speed, keed!
*Just about everyone starts stampeding out of there, while Amy's in the middle of her speech, without her noticing*
Amy: Love is such a wonderful thing! It makes you feel invincible, as if you could accomplish anything!
*She goes on and on*
Ten minutes later…
Amy: …Yep, that's pretty much it. So, basically, in a nutshell, love conquers all!
…
*Looks around and notices that everyone's gone, except for Ray* Huh!? Where'd everybody go!?
Ray: They must have gone ahead to the beach.
Amy: Ooh, I HATE it when they leave me behind!
…
But for some reason, Ray… You're always the one person who doesn't. Why is that, exactly?
Ray: Uh, well, I, uhh… *Has a sudden flashback of the "friendly kiss" that Amy gave him in Knuckles' Chaotix: The Last Story Part 10k*
…
Umm, no reason! No reason at all!
Amy: Are you sure? Is there something you'd like to tell me?
Ray: I-it's…nothing at all! Really!
Amy: Oh, come on! You can tell me! We're friends, aren't we, Ray?
Ray: Well, I, uhh, well... Of course we are! Heh heh heh! ^^;;
Amy: …
(What is WITH him? He sure is acting strange all of a sudden…)
Ray: (Oh, geez… How am I gonna put this into words…? This is a lot harder than it looks… No wonder Mighty was so nervous around Tikal last year…)
Amy: …
Ray: …
Alright, you've got me. I… I have a question.
Amy: Okay, what is it?
Ray: W-Well, it's about…Sonic. Don't you…ever get tired of chasing him around and fighting with Tiara over him? I mean, how do you know for sure…that he's even interested in you that way?
Amy: Hee hee hee! It's quite simple, actually. As I've said quite a few times, I happen to have a sixth sense about that sort of thing. It's never steered me wrong before! I know for a fact that Sonic has feelings for me; he's just too shy to admit it! He'll come around someday, I just know he will!
Ray: Oh, right. Your "sixth sense"… How could I forget?
Amy: Well, I'm heading to the beach now. First, Cream, Marine and I have to execute the final part of our plan to get Silver and Blaze together. After that, I'm going to see what I can do about keeping Boobowski away from MY Sonic!
Ray: ...
Amy: I'll see you later, okay? *Leaves*
Ray: *Sighs* I thought for sure I'd be able to tell her this time...
???: Tell her what? That you're in love with her?
Ray: GAH! S-Slush! Where'd you come from? I didn't know you were still here!
Slush: I was about to leave like everyone else, but then I noticed that you stayed behind, and I was simply curious as to why.
Ray: You've…got the wrong idea! Seriously!
Slush: Really, now? Then why were you acting so nervous?
Ray: Only…because I was…afraid she'd flip out on me for saying that Sonic probably wasn't interested in her! Believe me; I've seen her do it!
Slush: HAHAHAHA. Nice try, but you don't fool me, kiddo. She's not the only one with a "sixth sense", you know. Although, I'd say mine's a bit more accurate.
Ray: You're…not going to tell anybody, are you? Do you have any idea how embarrassing it would be if other people found out?
Slush: There's no need to worry. Your secret is safe with me.
Ray: Whew… Thanks.
Slush: No problem. I'm pretty good at keeping secrets. In fact, I'm already keeping one for Scorch right now. I personally don't think it's that big of a deal, but she, on the other hand, feels that it could destroy her reputation.
Ray: I see.
Slush: Hey, but don't feel bad, though. I'm sure that someday, when Amy finally gets it through her head that Sonic doesn't like her that way, she'll come around. I guarantee it.
Ray: Maybe you're right.
Elsewhere… Shadow, staying true to his word about making sure Mephiles doesn't return, has taken it upon himself to venture through Mystic Haunt once again, where the portal to the Ifrit's dimension lies. Knowing that all seven Chaos Emeralds were needed to break the dimensional seal, he decided to take those with him in order to do so.
Shadow: I've found it… The portal to the Ifrit's dimension! Now, to get down to business… *Releases the seven emeralds into the air*
*The Chaos Emeralds, as well as the dimensional door begin to glow, and then it opens*
Shadow: *Takes out the Scepter of Darkness* Mephiles the Dark, this is it for you! Your days of terrorizing this universe are coming to an end, once and for all! Never again, Mephiles! Never again! *Tosses the scepter through the portal*
???: Well put, Shadow. Well put.
Shadow: *Turns around* Oh, it's you, Squash. You followed me here?
Squash: Well, I guess you could say that. I see you've finally decided where to put the Scepter of Darkness…
Shadow: Yes. The idea came to me as Espio mentioned this place to Dr. Nega earlier. If there's anywhere to put the Scepter of Darkness to ensure that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands again, then it's definitely here.
Squash: Ah, okay. That's good to know. By the way, Shadow, I would just like to take the time to say thank you. If it hadn't been for you and everybody else getting Mephiles to show his true colors, then I probably never would have found out about it, until it was too late. Also, before I forget, I would like to thank you for saving my life back at that temple.
Shadow: Don't mention it.
Squash: I think I've covered most of the grounds, but still… I really appreciate everything you've done for me, and I don't think there're enough words to express how thankful I truly am. I would like to return the favor someday, if possible. Shadow, I just want you to know… If there's anything that you ever need, just remember that I've got your back.
Shadow: I'll be sure to keep that in mind.
Squash: There's one last thing… *Walks toward Shadow and kisses him on the cheek*
Shadow: H-Huh?
Squash: If you ever, EVER tell anyone about that, I will kill you.
Shadow: We'll see about that.
Squash: *Walks away*
*Rouge and Omega enter the room as Squash leaves*
Rouge: Well, well… I see SOMEONE'S really taken a liking to you, Shadow.
Shadow: How long have you two been there?
Rouge: We arrived only a few minutes ago, which was shortly after Squash did.
Shadow: I see.
Omega: Are you a hundred percent certain that Mephiles will be unable to return this time?
Shadow: Yes, I'm positive. At this point, I highly doubt that anyone, even Dr. Nega, will go through the trouble of releasing him again, after what happened last month. Even if he wished to, he won't be able to do so without the seven Chaos Emeralds, as well as the fact that he's currently within the mental asylum.
Rouge: Makes sense. Well, with that said, I'm heading over to the beach with Knuckles and the others. What about you, Shadow?
Shadow: I think I'll pass. I have other things to do.
Rouge: It's always business with you, Shadow, but alright. Suit yourself then. I'll catch you later. *Leaves*
Omega: The door is still opened, Shadow. Before evacuating the premises, I would advise closing it again.
Shadow: Of course.
Following Omega's advice, Shadow shut the interdimensional door. After that, he once again used the power of the seven Chaos Emeralds to place the seal back on it, in order to ensure that Mephiles stays locked away for eternity, never to return.
To "bee" continued on the next post...