"The Tanak' Shi-rat" Authors:Robert Brown and Francis Tolbert Disclaimer: This story uses characters created and copyrighted by Sega of America, Inc. and Archie Comics (except where noted, in which case they were created and copyrighted by us). The authors hereby give permission for this story to be downloaded and/or printed at 1 copy per user as long as (1) no changes to the story are made without our express written(not e-mailed) permission and (2) no attempt is made to profit from this story. If either or both rules are violated, it will be considered a violation of copyright law. The song, "Sonic Boom-Opening Theme", is copyrighted and property of Sega of America, Inc. The lyrics appear here without permission. Author's Note: Hmmm...know what ppl, I really don't have much to say this time. Just let me note that we will now be using Antoine's last name as it appears in the faq list compiled by Dan Drazen, which I've just recently stumbled upon. Also, the next story, "The Weakest Link", will be written by my friend Francis. Consequently, it'll be his first chance to write an author's note(which he is resisting in every sense of the word). Hope you enjoy reading it, and this story. Till next time, happy reading! Cast of Characters (in order of appearance) Sonic Hedgehog Princess Sally Acorn Princess Sondra Acorn*** Miles "Tails" Prower Bunnie Rabbot Antoine D'Coolette Ari Lupe Rosie Tanis Shi-rat*** Metal Sonic Snively Donovan### #4 Sonic sat on a bench near the center of Knothole with Princess Sally on his lap, holding her close. The last days of summer were upon them, and Sonic looked forward to the cooling off that was sure to follow. Some of the leaves were just beginning to turn brown, and Sonic thought he could just detect a faint chill in the north wind. He shifted his weight and pulled Sally a little closer. The duel they had fought had done more than Sonic had dreamed it would, and he couldn't be happier. He had worried that the relationship he shared with Sally would be irreparably damaged, whatever the outcome. Instead, it had brought them much closer. Sally now realized that Sonic would do whatever it takes to keep her safe, regardless of what it might cost him personally. She had promised never to act without consulting her friends first, and Sonic intended to hold her to that promise. Sally snuggled into Sonic's chest and put her arms around his neck. She seemed much more content now than she had been lately. He was sure it had something to do with the fact that Robotropolis had been exceptionally quiet lately, and his own attentiveness to her. But there was more to it. For the most part, Sonic thought the change in her should be attributed to the revival of Sondra. Sondra. Sonic's face darkened at the thought of her. He still didn't trust her completely, even though she had proved her loyalty numerous times during missions to Robotropolis. It's just that he thought there was more to her than she was letting on. Whenever he looked into her "crystal blue" eyes, as she called them, he got the impression that she was not so much looking at you so much as looking into your heart and soul. He hated feeling like he was only an open book for her to read. Sally noticed the change in Sonic's demeanor. "Penny for your thoughts?" she murmured into his ear. Sonic smiled and shrugged. "Just...things," he answered evasively. Sally placed her hand on Sonic's cheek. "And am I one of those things?" she asked in a low purr. Sonic kissed her cheek. "You know you're always in my thoughts, Sal." Sally smiled and blushed. "Then how about we grab some chili dogs before tonight's raid?" "Nah, I'm not all that hungry," he said, his voice distant. Sally immediately turned Sonic's face toward hers and looked into his eyes. "Now I know something is wrong, Sonic," she said, concerned. "You've never passed up a free chili dog in your life. Now out with it." Sonic tried to turn away, but Sally held his face firmly. He stared at her a moment longer, then dropped his gaze. "You know already," he said, sighing. Sally's mouth twisted in displeasure. "It's about Sondra, isn't it? Sonic, how many times have we been through this? I'm certain she is who she says she is. She knows things about my father that not even Robotnik would have known." "I don't question her being adopted as a princess or coming from the Void, I just think there more to her than we know. I mean, how did she get the super speed? She says she just 'developed' it. Sal, that has got to be bogus. I was born with it, why wasn't she?" "How should I know, Sonic? Maybe when her parents knocked her out to save her, it started her up. And maybe she was born with it, but never knew about it. Hell, we don't even know why you have super speed." "I just don't like it, not one bit." The sound of approaching laughter interrupted their conversation. Tails came flying in holding Sondra by her hands and swinging her back and forth like a swing. Sondra was wearing a light brown jumpsuit similar to Bunnie's, a pair of shorts and a vest the same color as the jumpsuit, and a pair of light blue boots similar to Sally's. Sondra was laughing so hard, she was having trouble catching her breath. Tails, who by this time should have started tiring out, just smiled at her and kept going until they were out of sight. Sally found herself smiling, watching those two kids. Ever since Sondra had come out of her coma, she and Tails had become fast friends. Tails had been especially eager to form this friendship since there were no other animals in Knothole his age. It kind of reminded her how she and Sonic had been when they first met. She wondered off-handedly if the kids' relationship would turn out as her and Sonic's had. Sally turned back to Sonic and saw a look of anger and jealousy on his face that was gone in an instant. Her eyes lit up in sudden understanding. "That's it, isn't it," she asked. "What's it?" Sonic asked, a barely disguised hint of anger in his voice. "You're jealous!" "Say wha'?!" "You're jealous because Tails is spending more time with Sondra than with you lately." "Don't be stupid," Sonic said, turning away. "Why would that bother me?" Sally smiled knowingly. "Sonic, talk to him. Tell him how you feel. Tails is starting to mature; he'll understand." "You think so?" Sonic asked hopefully. Then his gruffness returned. "This is assuming, of course, that it's even bothering me in the first place." Sally chuckled to herself. "Fine, Sonic; I'll play your game." "If I were to talk to him, what would happen to the mission?" "It can wait an hour or so." Sally stood, smoothing out her vest. "This is something important to you, so go ahead." "Thanks, Sal," Sonic said, standing and hugging her, forgetting this was supposed to be a hypothetical situation. "I'll make it up to you, you just say how." He let go and sped off in the direction Tails and Sondra had flown. "Actually, Sonic," she said after he had gone, "this is just a small part of what I'm doing for you." She sat down on the bench and closed her eyes, thinking of a time not too far in the future when maybe her and Sonic's relationship would be more than just boyfriend-girlfriend. Sonic sped through Knothole, calling for Tails. "Man, I was sure they went in this direction," he thought as he entered the Great Forest. He skidded to a stop and called again. A ball of orange and white fur exploded onto Sonic, knocking him flat. Before he could say, "What the...?" Tails grabbed Sonic and pulled him into the bushes. Sonic started to ask what was going on, but Tails clamped his hand over Sonic's mouth and held a finger to his lips. In a few seconds, Sondra came running by, calling Tails' name much as Sonic had done just moments before. Her cheeks were a bright pink, and Sonic thought it wasn't just from running. After she passed, Tails let Sonic go and sat up, shivering. "Yo, what's goin' on, little bro?" Sonic asked, though a part of him really didn't want to know the answer. "Are you all right?" "S-s-sonic," Tails stammered, "I-I-I..." "Whoa, whoa, easy there Tails. Just take a deep breath and start from the beginning. Did you and Sondra have a fight or something?" "N-no, we didn't. As a m-matter of fact, you couldn't be more w-wrong." "Then what?" Sonic asked, his apprehension growing. Tails took a few deep breaths and cleared his throat. "We were sitting down," he began calmly, "just talking about how nice it was to finally have someone our own age to play with, when I must have reminded her of something and she got this real sad look on her face. Out of nowhere, I got the idea to kiss her on the cheek. Y'know, like I do to Aunt Sally and Aunt Bunnie, just to cheer her up or whatever. Thing is, it seems she had the same idea, and..." "And you ended up kissing, lip-to lip, like me and Sally do," Sonic concluded heavily. Tails nodded. If he noticed his friend's discomfort, he said nothing about it. "At first, we just stayed there, stunned. But then we closed our eyes and, well, I can't describe what happened next. All I remember is feeling like I was floating on a cloud and that my insides turned to water. "After we stopped, we just sat there, looking at each other, and I ran before anything else could happen." Tails looked Sonic in the eyes. "Sonic, I'm scared. Scared of what happened, scared of how I felt...and scared that I want to feel like that again. Sonic, what's happening to me?" he asked plaintively. "Before, I never wanted to even be near any girls, but now, Sondra's all I think about. Does this have anything to do with that talk Aunt Sally's been pushing you to give me?" Now it was Sonic's turn to stammer. "Um...well, Tails, I-I'm kinda caught off guard by this. Y-You're right, it d-does, but I-I'm gonna need some time t-to figure out h-how to say what needs to be s-said." Tails nodded. "OK. I guess I should talk to Sondra about this then, see how she feels about this." "No!" Sonic said quickly, startling the young fox. Lowering his voice, he continued, "Wait for me to get back; I'm gonna talk to Sal about this and get her advice. Once we talk, then you can talk to Sondra." "OK, I'll be in my hut." Tails flew off, somewhat unsteadily, as if drunk. Sonic juiced by him, top speed. He was so distracted, he ran right into Bunnie and Antoine walking hand in hand. In seconds, all three were tangled in a heap. "Will you please to be getting your feet out of my face Sonic?!" Antoine yelled, angry at the interruption. Sonic stood up and helped the others stand. "Do you know where Sally is?" he asked quickly, distracted. "Can't even apologize to us before you start askin' questions sugarhog?" Bunnie asked, dusting herself off. "No time. This is mega-important guys, please understand." "Hmmph. Well, our prinzess is in ze War Room, briefcasing the others about ze raid tonight. We have drawn guard duty, otherwise we would be being there as well." "Thanks, Ant. Juice it!" Before they could brace themselves, Sonic took off, leaving them both on the ground in his wake. "Wonder what that was all about," Bunnie remarked, picking herself up. Then she saw Tails flying to his hut, bonking into things along the way. She pointed him out to Antoine, who suddenly nodded. "Ah, I am believing I have seen that look before. It is being on my face whenever I am kissing you." "Really?" Bunnie asked. "I never noticed. Let me see if I can get it on your face now." And that's exactly what she did, forgetting about their guard duty for the moment. He ran to the War Room where, as Antoine had said, Sally was just starting to brief everyone about the mission that night. "Yo Sal," he said, panting heavily, "we really need to talk, right now!" "What is it Sonic?" Ari asked, standing up. "Is there some trouble? An attack, maybe?" "N-no, nothing like that," Sonic returned, a bit nonplussed to see him, Lupe, and other members of the Wolf Pack there. "It's just that something big has come up all of a sudden." "Are you sure it cannot wait?" Lupe asked, scratching the scar on the side of her nose. "This will be one of our biggest raids on Robotropolis. Rotor and Sir Charles believe they are close to finishing the de-roboticizer, and they need only a few parts to complete it." Sonic stopped cold. "That's what the raid is for?" he asked. Sally nodded. "Yep. I wasn't gonna fill you in till later, because I didn't want to get your hopes up. Now, what is so important that you just had to interrupt?" Sonic fought with himself. Half of him needed her advice, but the other half wanted his Uncle Chuck back, as a living, breathing animal. Eventually, he said, "It's really private, Sal. And really important. I promise I won't keep you long." "We'll be right outside," she told the others. She walked out with Sonic right behind her. "OK Sonic," she said once they were outside, "you got me out here, so talk." Between stammers, Sonic explained what had happened between Tails and Sondra. Sally got a pained look on her face. "Oh boy," she said, worried. "I see the problem. Looks like the raid is off tonight." "I don't know about that, Sal," Sonic said, glancing inside the hut. "Lupe's right; this raid is mondo important." "Maybe, but Tails' and Sondra's emotional well-being are more important. You know, if you'd had this talk with Tails already, we probably wouldn't have this problem now." "Sal, this is no time to be pointing fingers. I just need some advice in how to go about this." "If I knew how to do it, don't you think I would have by now? As it is, I'm gonna have to talk with Rosie about talking with Sondra. Remember, she may look sixteen, but she's only eleven." Sonic got the same look Sally had. "I don't envy you, any more than you envy me. But what am I gonna do? Rosie gave me the 'talk', but you're going to her. I don't wanna bother Uncle Chuck about this, and there's no one else I can turn to!" "Calm down, Sonic. There just might be a way." Sally took Nicole from her boot and opened her up. "Nicole, access map to Sanctuary and display." "Accessing now, Sally," Nicole said. "Sanctu-what?" Sonic asked, scratching his head. "Sanctuary," Sally repeated as Nicole displayed a holographic map. "It's a place known to very few people where they can go for some peace or guidance. I myself go there once or twice a year for a day or so, just to talk or get away for a while." "You mean someone actually lives there? Why hasn't he or she been captured and roboticized yet?" Sally was about to explain, but Nicole cut her off. "Displaying now, Sally," she said and a holographic map of the Great Forest appeared with a red line marking the route. Sonic stared at the map. "I dunno, Sal. Looks like some pretty rough territory, and it's really close to Robotropolis. You sure someone lives there?" "Nicole, end display. It's too long to get into now, Sonic. Just ask the priest; he'll explain it." "A priest?" Sonic asked, suddenly reluctant. "Sal, you know I ain't never been one much for religion." "Sonic, just trust me, OK?" She handed him Nicole. "Nicole will guide you there. And take all the time you need. We'll wait." She kissed him softly, cutting off his doubts. "Trust me." Sonic sighed and headed off, following Nicole's directions. Sally waited until he was out of sight and walked inside. "The raid is off," she said simply. "Sonic was right, this is important." "If I may be so bold, Princess," Lupe said, "what does this concern?" "It is a matter concerning my sister, Sondra." Sally smiled in delight at how that just rolled off her tongue. "No need to explain further," Ari said, holding up his hand. "Anything that concerns the Royal Family takes precedence." "Thank you, Ari. Of course, you will all be provided with suitable lodging for the night. But now, I must go." All present bowed acquiescence and left. Sally headed to Rosie's hut and knocked on the door. "Come in, Sally," Rosie called from inside. Sally smiled. "How did you know it was me?" she asked when she opened the door. Rosie smiled back from the rocking chair in which she was seated, a warm smile that lit up her eyes. "Your nanny always knows, Princess. So tell me, what brings you here?" Sally sat down in a chair across from Rosie. "It seems I need to have a 'talk' with Sondra," she said slowly. "I see," Rosie said, rocking back and forth slowly. "Children grow up so fast these days. I assume you came here for advice?" "Yes, I did. It's so hard to explain these things, especially to a child. I don't know how you ever managed to talk with all of us." "It's easier than you think. You all had some experience in the subject, and I just took it from there." Sally looked thoughtful for a moment. "Rosie, have you ever been in love? I mean real love?" Rosie leaned back in her chair. "Once, long ago, when I was about your age. It was the happiest time of my life. Everyone said we were perfect for each other, and we were at that. But then, he was suddenly called away by something he could not discuss with me. My family moved to Mobotropolis soon after, and I never saw him again." "How sad. I'm sorry for dredging up old memories." "That's quite all right," Rosie said, clapping her hands briskly. "But now, let us deal with your problem, shall we?" Meanwhile, Sonic ran through the Great Forest, unsure of where he was. Every so often, Nicole would call out a direction change, and Sonic wondered if he would ever reach this place. Soon enough, though, he arrived at a small clearing that looked empty at first. At Nicole's urging, he stepped out into the clearing, and a large and magnificent church suddenly appeared from out of nowhere. Sonic stopped abruptly, regarding the building in awe. He stared open- mouthed at the marble sculptures which adorned the top of the otherwise bare walls of the church; not even ivy grew upon them. He silently admired the large stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the various Holy Books of Mobius. Three large, oaken, double doors stood at the top of a flight of marble stairs. "Yo, Sonic," Nicole said, "you're gonna catch flies if you keep your mouth open like that." Sonic paid her no mind. He felt an overwhelming sense of peace now, and suddenly understood what Sally meant. No one could cause any trouble here; no one would even want to. For the first time since being in Knothole, Sonic felt totally and unconditionally at ease. The central doors opened, and a robed figure walked out. He walked slowly, hands clasped in front of him and his head bowed. His face was hidden by the cowl, which he kept drawn low, so Sonic couldn't even determine what type of animal he was. He began to feel a little uneasy about this, but it was soon quelled by the peace he had felt earlier. The figure continued walking until he stood directly in front of Sonic. From how his hood moved, Sonic guessed the figure was looking at him very intently, and Sonic didn't like it. He opened his mouth to say something, but the figure cut him off. "Greetings, Sonic Hedgehog," he said in a deep, but aged, voice, "I have been expecting you for some time now." "You...know who I am?" Sonic asked, absent-mindedly closing up Nicole and placing her in his backpack. "Of course," the figure said, turning around and walking up the stairs. "I know many things about you, the least of which is your name." "How do you mean, Father?" Sonic asked, following him. "First of all, please call me Tanis. I belong to no one religion, I just serve the Almighty." He opened the doors and allowed Sonic to pass. "Secondly, many people have visited this sanctuary, Princess Sally and Dr. Robotnik for instance, and I have heard much about you." "Robotnik was here?" Sonic asked loudly. "Why would you let that...?!" Tanis clapped his hand over Sonic's mouth. "Please, remember where you are, Sonic," he said in hushed tones. "This is a sacred place." "I'm sorry," Sonic said after Tanis removed his hand. "I just can't believe that you would allow him in here, and that he wouldn't try to capture you." Tanis sat down on one of the many stone benches and motioned for Sonic to do likewise. "Have you ever heard of the covenant of Tanak' Shi-rat?" Sonic shook his head as he sat down. Tanis seemed to smile, but Sonic could not be sure since his face was still mostly hidden. "Then I must tell you the story. Many centuries ago, Mobius was in a very dark age. All the races were fighting for control of the planet. Not a minute went by without someone, somewhere getting injured, maimed, or killed. "Then one day, the leader of the Holy Ones, a woman by the name Iridal Shi-rat, arranged a meeting with all the leaders of all the races." He pointed to a stained-glass representation of a rather beautiful female mouse dressed in a robe similar to the one he was wearing. "Though the Holy Ones themselves were made up of many different races, their jobs as servants of the Almighty bound them together beyond their physical appearances or personal beliefs. "When all the leaders had shown up, Iridal ushered them into a cave and had the entrance blocked by a large boulder. She then told the leaders that the Almighty had come to her in a vision and told her that it was her duty to stop the bloodshed. She asked all the leaders to come up with ideas on how to accomplish this and called them by name one by one, adding that whoever could get all the others to agree to their plan would become ruler of Mobius by the will of the Almighty. "All the leaders had ideas, but none came close to being approved. They would all be debated and argued for days on end, but always refused. Then, it was the leader of the foxes' turn, a man by the name Tanak' Acorn." "Acorn?" Sonic asked. "Then that means..." "Yes. This man was Sally's ancestor. He said that though he did not know how to stop all the bloodshed, he knew of something that might stop at least part of it. Since they were now seated in a holy cave, and not one fistfight or other physical combat had broken out, he suggested that they make an official pact never to fight on holy ground or in the presence of a Holy One. This way, anyone could seek peace or guidance at any time without fear of harm. "But, he added, this would force the Holy Ones to assume a role of neutrality throughout the ages, to insure that whatever battle that raged would not be affected by the Holy One's beliefs or actions. He asked Iridal if the Holy Ones would accept such a role, and she immediately answered that they would. But she asked for a clause that if this covenant were broken, any and all Holy Ones would be released to act as their hearts dictated. "Try as they might, no creature there could fault the plan. Again, it was debated for days, mostly because no one wanted to admit that Tanak' was right. Eventually, all present consigned themselves to the covenant, and so was born the ruling House of Acorn and the many places of peace all over Mobius." "Pardon me for interrupting again, but how many of you are there?" "When I last contacted my brethren, there were over forty of us spanning all reaches of Mobius." "Wow," Sonic said, letting out a long breath. "Please, continue your story." "They left then, each imbued with an inner peace that they took back to their clans. Within days, much of the bloodshed had stopped, simply because they had found something on which they could all agree. In honor of the two responsible, they called the covenant the Tanak' Shi-rat, and it has endured to this day. "This very Sanctuary was constructed by Iridal Shi-rat's own hands, just as the city which became known as Mobotropolis was first constructed by Tanak' Acorn. And so, while wars have come and wars have passed, the covenant has endured, without fail, for over seven hundred years." "So the House of Acorn has been ruling that long?" Sonic asked. "Not continuously. As I've said, some coups did occur, but there always seems to be a return of power to the Acorns. Robotnik once asked me if the string would end if there were no longer an Acorn to rule. In honesty, I had to tell him yes, but I did not know what he had planned for the King." "It's not your fault. You did what you thought you had to; ain't no one gonna fault you for that." "True, but there is another problem. I am the last of the line of Shi-rat. When I die, there will be no one left to enforce the covenant. True, none of us Holy Ones has been roboticized. But then again, there are so few other creatures left who are not roboticized, and fewer still whom could be considered mates. Eventually, all the lines of the Holy Ones will die, and there will be no more covenant." "Well, we ain't gonna let that happen," Sonic said, standing. "I promise you, we will defeat Snively and restore all Mobians to how they were before." Tanis pulled back his hood, revealing a mouse's face that was well past middle age. "I fear that may come too late for me." He sighed and folded his hands in his lap. "But I'm sure you did not come here just to hear me talk about the days of old. What brought you here today?" Sonic sat down again, fidgeting uncomfortably. "Well, my best friend, Tails, is at that age when he's begun to notice and have feelings for girls. He's always been like a younger brother to me, so I'm the best choice to give him that 'talk'. I know what to say, but I don't know how to say it. This is one of the most important times in his life, and I don't want to mess it up by saying the wrong thing, especially since the girl he's falling in love with I do not completely trust yet." "Hmmm. You must be talking about Sondra. Sally told me all about her, and your misgivings about her. Very well. I understand your concern. I too was once young and in love, but circumstances did not allow it to continue. Give me a few moments to ponder and pray for guidance and I will return with my advice shortly." So saying, he stood and walked to the front of the church where he knelt and bowed his head. Nearby, in the Great Forest, Metal Sonic was leading the first group of a new version of SWATbots in a field test. Snively had installed an extremely rudimentary form of artificial intelligence in them; just enough so that they could learn from their mistakes. He had entrusted Metal Sonic with the task of testing it out and looking for any bugs. "Sweep the area," Metal Sonic ordered. "Look for any signs of non-plant life." "YES, SIR." the robots droned. Half the squadron fanned out in a search mode while the other half used scanners. Metal Sonic waited patiently for them to finish, not really expecting anything to come from it. "PRIORITY ONE, HEDGEHOG ALERT!" a nearby SWATbot exclaimed, scanner blinking excitedly. "Hedgehog alert?" Metal Sonic asked. "Well, well, looks like we're really gonna see what you guys are made of. Come on, and stay quiet." Sonic sat calmly on the bench, waiting for Tanis to finish. Normally by now, he would have been up and pacing. But the sense of peace this place gave him was powerful enough that even an action-loving fellow like himself was content to just sit and do nothing. After about fifteen minutes, Tanis raised his head and stood up. He walked back toward a suddenly attentive Sonic and sat down across from him. "I have my answer," he said solemnly, "but first I must ask you a question. Has Sondra given you any reason, any reason at all, to doubt her motives?" Sonic considered for a moment. "No," he admitted grudgingly, "she has not. It's just that my gut instincts are telling me that she's not what she seems." "I understand. Here is my advice: until such time as she gives you reason to doubt her, try to accept her as one of your family, as Sally has. This is not to say you should discount your gut instincts; just hold them back until they can be proven or disproven." "But what does that have to do with Tails?" "I was getting to that. You mentioned that Tails may be falling in love with Sondra, and you are afraid that that may color your talk with Tails, correct?" Sonic nodded wordlessly. "Then the answer is simple. Treat this as a talk between a father and his son. A father often has to put his own feelings aside for the benefit of his children. Try to get in that mindset, and it should make things easier." "Perhaps, but that still don't help the fact that I don't know how to put what needs to be said." "Start by asking what he already knows, and work from there. Take your time, and try to answer all his questions fully as they come up. If his well- being is that important to you, I'm sure you will know what to do when the time comes." "Thank you, Tanis," Sonic said, shaking his hand. "I feel better about this already. Now I should get back to Knothole before something else happens while I'm gone." "Quite all right," Tanis said, standing up and drawing his cowl back over his head. "If ever you need to talk again, I'm sure Nicole will lead you back here." Sonic smiled and walked out of the church. He skipped down the steps, full of new energy. He was on such a natural high, he thought nothing could bring him down. Just as he reached the bottom of the stairs, he was grabbed roughly by two sets of robotic arms. "What the...??!" Sonic exclaimed in surprise. He looked around and saw a SWATbot at either arm. He struggled to get free, but he was caught fast. "Now, now, bro," grated a metallic voice nearby. "There's no use struggling. We gotcha, and we gotcha good." "Who are you?" Sonic asked, still trying to get away. "Oh, I think you know," Metal Sonic said, stepping into view. "You must be Metal Sonic," he said contemptuously, looking the robot up and down. "You don't seem like all that." "So, we finally meet face-to-face, Sonic," the robot said. "We're like flip sides of the same coin, you the good, me the evil. But we'll be mirror images once you've been roboticized." "Thanks for the offer, but no thanks. Gotta juice it!" Sonic started revving up his legs, ready to blow these guys away with a supersonic boom. "Not so fast!" Metal Sonic said, attaching two metal bands to Sonic's legs. Immediately, Sonic's legs hung motionless. "What did you do to me?" Sonic yelled, truly frightened for the first time in his life that he could remember. Metal Sonic grinned, showing his pointed teeth. "Just temporarily blocked off all messages from your brain to your legs," he said, pulling off the bands. "The effect will last for an hour or so; just long enough to get you into the roboticizer." Sonic pulled with all his might away from the SWATbots, freeing one hand for the moment. He reached into his backpack for a power ring, but realized he had stopped carrying them since the incident with the Deep Power stones. What a mistake! The SWATbot grabbed Sonic's arm again and held it tighter, causing Sonic to yell in pain. "Y'know, I like the sound of that," Metal Sonic said. "Make him do that again." "That will be quite enough," a voice said from the top of the stairs. Metal Sonic turned and saw Tanis standing there, hands folded in front of him. The hood was drawn low once more, so Metal Sonic did not know who he was. "Stay out of this, old one," Metal Sonic sneered. "We came just for the hedgehog; no need to throw your life away." If Tanis was perturbed by this, he did not show it. "By the covenant of Tanak' Shi-rat, I command you release him and leave this place in peace." "I don't know who you are, or what you're talking about, but I'm a fair- minded robot; let's compromise. How about I leave this place...in pieces?" Metal Sonic asked training a laser rifle on Tanis. "I warned you, old one." He fired the rifle, striking Tanis in the chest and catapulting him through the doors of the church. "Tanis!" Sonic yelled. He tried to get to him, but his legs were still not responding and he was still caught. "So much for him," Metal Sonic said casually, turning around. "Now then, let us get back...??" Dark clouds appeared from nowhere, covering the sky in an instant. Lightning flashed and thunder cracked, drowning out Metal Sonic's voice. A booming voice came from within the church. "I said, LET HIM GO!!" Lightning arced from the sky, strking all the SWATbots and reducing them to ash in seconds. Tanis reappeared at the top of the stairs, his robe buoyed around him as if he were standing in the middle of a tornado. "You tell your leader, Snively, that the covenant of Tanak' Shi-rat has been broken, and I am on the side of the Freedom Fighters. Let him fear that which he has unleashed!" He pointed at Metal Sonic and the robot was thrown backward into the air and straight toward Robotropolis as if by an explosion. Tanis ran to Sonic's side. "Are you OK, Sonic?" he asked. "I can't move my legs," he said, struggling to stand, but only managing to sit up. "What just happened here?" "They broke the covenant, and now they will pay. I will transport you back to Knothole, and then begin my preparations to join you." "Join us?" "Yes. It is no longer safe for me here, so I will move the church to the outskirts of Knothole. When you see Sally, tell her what has happened and that I am now at her disposal." "But how will I...?" Sonic was cut off as he was surrounded by a swirl of wind, and he found himself suddenly on the floor of Sally's hut. Sally, Rosie, and Sondra had been sitting around a table, each with a serious expression on her face. Sally and Rosie had just finished giving Sondra the 'talk' and were making sure she had no questions. Though her maturity had shown itself during the talk, Sondra's face was a bright red and her eyes shone more brilliantly than usual. But all this came to a halt when Sonic appeared suddenly. The three females ran to Sonic at once. "What happened, Sonic?" Sally asked, concerned. Sonic groaned and pushed himself to a sitting position. "I was attacked at the church by Metal Sonic," he said weakly. "He did something to my legs; I can't move them!" Sally took Nicole from Sonic's backpack and opened her up. "Nicole, scan Sonic's legs for any damage." A beam shot out from Nicole and gave Sonic's legs the once-over. "All neurological function in the lower extremities has ceased, Sally," Nicole reported. "The effect is temporary and should not last for more than a few hours." "C'mon Sonic," Sondra said, hoisting him to his feet and onto her shoulder. "I'll get you home." She took off, leaving behind an astonished Rosie. "That girl is quite strong," Rosie remarked. Sally was too preoccupied to notice. "If Sonic was attacked, then the covenant is broken!" She ran after Sonic and Sondra, mind racing with the possibilities. Rosie calmly walked over to Sonic's hut, after restoring the damage the speedsters had done to Sally's hut. "Everyone is in such a rush these days," she thought. "I just hope they haven't forgotten how to step back and take in the whole picture once in a while." Back at the church, Tanis nodded to himself. "The balance has shifted, and I must prepare to go. Let me gather what I need." He wakled off into the forest, never noticing the black-clad figure that detached itself from the shadows of the church and walked to the front doors. The figure sighed as he surveyed the damage done. "Well, Snive-ly," he said in a voice with what could be a Japanese accent, "you've really done it this time." He started fixing the doors, moving as quickly as he could. Over in Robotropolis, Snively was feverishly examining the radar screens, searching for any sign of where his latest SWATbot patrol could have gone. "They couldn't have just disappeared," he thought. "And besides, Metal Sonic was with them; he would have informed me if they had fallen under attack." Just then, a loud crashing was heard above him as Metal Sonic fell through the roof, narrowly missing landing on Snively. Snively turned to face the robot with a startled yell. "Metal Sonic, report," he commanded, once he had calmed down. Metal Sonic got to his feet shakily. "We almost had the hedgehog," he said. "But this old man in black robes interfered. He ashed the SWATbots and literally made me fly here." Snively's eyes widened in terror. "Turn around and open your access panel," he said. Metal Sonic complied, and Snively was soon hooked up and searching the robot's database. "Damn," he exclaimed, finding what he was looking for. "Guard this room," he said, unhooking the mainframe from Metal Sonic, "and don't let anyone in." "Yes, sir." Metal Sonic said, leaving the room as ordered. Snively waited until Metal Sonic closed the doors before turning to the mainframe. He flipped a switch and a nearby button glowed red. "I had hoped I wouldn't have to resort to calling him, but desperate times call for desperate measures." He slammed his fist on the button, then settled back in his chair to wait. Sally burst into Sonic's hut just as Sondra was positioning Sonic on a bunch of pillows she had scrounged up somewhere. "Tell me whether you're comfortable," she said. "Yeah, yeah," Sonic grumped. "If you wanna be helpful, go get Tails and tell him I want to talk to him." "You got it," she said and sped out of the hut. Sonic tossed and turned as best he could. "I hate when people have to take care of me," he muttered. "So, whatcha doin' here Sal?" "Sonic, are you sure you were attacked at the church?" Sally asked, barely able to keep the excitement out of her voice. "It wasn't in the forest by the church?" Sonic rolled to face her. "Positive, Sal. Tanis said the covenant was broken, and that he was on our side now. He said something about moving here soon and being at your disposal." "Sonic, do you know what this means?!" "Right now, Sal, all I care about is getting my legs back under me." "Oh, of course," Sally said, calming immedaitely. "I'm sorry, Sonic. You just relax, and I'll get whatever you need." "Aw c'mon Sal! I hate being waited on!" "Uh-uh, no arguments Sonic. I'm gonna be in the kitchen making you a huge plate of chili dogs; you deserve it." She kissed him full on the lips, cutting off his arguments, then walked into the kitchen. Sonic sighed and settled back on the pillows, watching Sally with a smile on his lips. "Y'know," he thought, watching her work, "a guy might just get used to this." His eyes widened. "Wait a minute, what am I thinking??? One thing at a time, Sonic." "Hey, Sonic," Tails said shyly, flying through a window, "you wanted to talk to me now?" "Yeah, Tails, sit down. Rule #1: never argue with a woman when she's determined to get her way, 'cause they'll always play dirty to get it." Tails looked at him for a moment, confused, then just started laughing. Sonic laughed too, and it helped break the ice. Soon, Sonic got down to business, telling Tails all that he needed to know, and doing a pretty good job of it. Tails had some questions, but they were ones Sonic had anticipated and he handled them expertly. Afterwards, when Sonic had finished and was waiting for any final questions, Tails just sat there lost in thought. "I understand what happened now," he said. "It all makes sense." "Yeah, it's simpler than it seems in some respects, but much more complicated in others. I can only tell you the basics; you'll have to learn the rest on your own 'cause everyone experiences it differently. But if you ever need to talk, you just find me, OK little bro?" "Of course, Sonic. But now, Sondra and I have a little surprise for you." "A surprise?" Sonic asked, worried. "What is it?" Tails smiled craftily. "You'll see." He flew out of the hut just as Sally returned from the kitchen carrying a huge plate of chili dogs, as promised. Sally set the plate on the table and laid down next to Sonic, wrapping her arms around him and burying her head into his chest. "You handled that very well, Sonic," she said, looking up at him. "You'll make a fine father someday." Chills ran up Sonic's spine. There was something in the way she looked at him and the way she said that that worried him. Before he could come up with anything to say, however, Tails returned with Sondra. "Hey there, you two," Tails said, and Sonic noticed that he was carrying Sonic's own guitar. "We're not interrupting anything, are we?" "Um, no," Sonic said quickly. "So, what's the surprise?" Sondra walked in and took Nicole from Sally's boot. "Nicole," she said, opening her up, "load up file sonicboom1 and prepare to play." "Ready, Sondra," Nicole replied. Tails strapped on the guitar and played a few bar chords, warming up. Sonic was impressed; Tails had learned his lessons well. Sondra placed Nicole on a chair and stood in front and slightly to the side of Tails. "I know I've been taking up a lot of Tails' time lately, and I wanted to do something for you to apologize. Nicole, begin," she said. Nicole came to life and started playing music the likes of which Sonic had never heard before. Tails was adding in his own guitar improvisation, and was letting loose some really intense riffs. Sondra was tapping her foot, getting the beat, then she launched into a song with Tails singing backup that was destined to become Sonic's favorite. It began something like this: If you're strong, you can fly, You can reach the other side Of the rainbow. It's alright, take a chance, 'Cause there is no circumstance That you can't handle(when you use your mind!). Sonic Boom, Sonic Boom, Sonic Boom... Sonic just lay there, holding Sally, listening and humming along. "I guess I was wrong about her," he thought as the song moved into the instrumental bridge. "If she cares enough about me to actually take the time with Tails to sit down and write this song, it shouldn't be too hard to get to like her after all." Meanwhile, Snively sat in Robotropolis, waiting impatiently for the one he had summoned to show up. He hated the waiting, but he hated what he was being forced to do even more. A slight scraping sound caught his attention. He looked up and stared into the shadows. "I know you are there, Donovan," Snively called. "You might as well come out; I am not impressed." A grey-furred squirrel with a shock of black hair stepped out into the light. He wore a black vest, black gloves, black boots, and shades; giving off an air of mystery and danger. "You should have been more careful in programming your robots, Snive-ly," he said in the same voice heard earlier at the church. "Now you've broken the covenant, and shifted the balance of power heavily in favor of the Freedom Fighters." "I know what has happened; I don't need to be reminded," Snively snapped. "And the name is Snively." "Whatever. So, why have I been brought here?" "As you said, the balance has been shifted, and I need you to restore it." "That much is obvious," he said, removing his shades and staring at Snively with a dagger-like gaze. "What do you intend to have me do?" "The Freedom Fighters are like a chain, each link depends on the others. But among all those link, there is a weakest one that when broken will cause the chain to fall apart. I want you to find me that weakest link and bring it here." Donovan smiled a dark smile, bringing an evil light to his black eyes. "Consider it done, Snive-ly," he said, replacing his shades and stepping back into the shadows. "I will bring him here myself." "Good," Snively said. "You know the way out, now go." He waited a moment to make sure then called Metal Sonic in. "I want productions of the new SWATbots stepped up as soon as possible, is that understood?" "Of course," Metal Sonic answered. "I thought I heard voices--" "Never mind that, you have your orders." "Very well." Metal Sonic left to carry out his orders. Snively smiled a sly smile. "It is so easy to manipulate Donovan into working for me, and it should be easier to get him to finish the job." He let loose a laugh that frightened away a few rats, but not much else.