Sonic GeneX - The Series: Zodiac in Time
Episode 5 - Returns
Note: Sonic the Hedgehog and related characters are (c) SEGA and
Sonic Team. You knew that, right?
GeneX and related fanchars are (c) 2BIT (TheGreatGator), the author.
Previously on Sonic GeneX - The Series...
Ophiuchus has been working to gather allies. He's spoken to Fred and alerted Gunner to Copter's involvement with Cancer...
Sonic and Tails have been working to repair the portal to Blaze the Cat's world, when not involved in planning Punchy & Rainbow's wedding or fleeing from Tails' female admirers now that he's single. In the meantime, Blaze has been holding onto the Chaos Crown in her world...
The Doomlings have appeared organized, and Brutus decided to stir the pot by casting suspicion on Bard and Luna as possibly controlling them, since foxes and wolves are not trusted in that time period. The group is left to mourn after finding Paul's body; killed by Doomlings.
After going on a mission to rescue Sagittarius/Razor from Cancer, Gemini learns that Fred has been lying to her all these years, and is probably Zodiac's Leo. It's a heavy truth to discover, and from here she decides to go her own way, no longer letting anyone control her. She rescues Timothy, Silver and Carrie from Aquarius and Virgo near the Hidden City in the past, where Radia witnesses their conflict.
Now, on to the next chapter!
Ophiuchus was once again in human form. It was occasionally the Zodiac Council's decision to disguise themselves when interacting with people from the past. It kept their true forms out of the historical record, which sometimes made things simpler. Today, Ophiuchus went to Tails' Workshop, where Tails and Sonic were puzzling over how to finish repairs on the portal device that would allow Blaze to visit them. "Uhh... Tails! Stranger!" Sonic called as he answered the door. Ophiuchus stepped in and accompanied Sonic to where Tails was working. "I am Ophiuchus of the Zodiac Council of Divine Masters." he announced to them. Sonic frowned. "Okay, OUT!" he grunted, cracking his knuckles. Ophi crossed his arms and stood firm. "I can see where you'd feel that way. I bring you a peace offering...hoping for your cooperation in the future." he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out...a Chaos Emerald? Tails stared at it. "We need an energy source like that, but better it were a fake one..." he murmured. Ophi smirked. "It IS a fake. They are quite easy for our council to produce. Use it, and reunite with your friend from another dimension." he told them. Sonic tilted his head. "In exchange for what...?" he asked. Ophi placed the emerald in Tails' hands and chuckled. "Your understanding. It may seem to you I'm a cold hearted snake, but I always have the long game in mind, Sonic... Tails..." he said, turning to exit. "Someday...you may thank me for the things I do..." he mused. Sonic watched him leave and shivered. "Make sure that won't blow up before ya use it, Tails!" he suggested. "Duh..." Tails murmured.
The emerald worked, and soon the portal had opened! Tails would need to build a stabilizing device on the other side since he'd kinda blown up the portal in Blaze's world. In a few moments, Blaze the cat and Marine the raccoon leapt through the portal carrying baseball bats, which Marine swung wildly. "Awright, Egg-guy!! Now we got ya! Didn't think you'd block Captain Marine from savin' her shipmates forever, did ya!?" she shouted. Sonic and Tails stepped back to avoid getting whacked, and Blaze stopped to stare at them. "Sonic... y-you're okay!!" she gasped, blushing as she tried to compose herself. "We, uh... Tails told me some pretty dark things before he blew up the portal..." she babbled. Sonic nodded. "Well, it's all okay. Eggman's army is toast." he smirked. Marine glibly tossed aside her bat. "Well, that was anticlimactic after six months..." she murmured. Just then, Amy crept into the room. "Aha! There you boys are! ...Oh, hey Blaze!!" she waved, "Sorry we can't visit, I need these two to help me. I'm working on planning Punchy and Rainbow's wedding!" she said with a giddy grin. Blaze and Marine looked shocked. "Really... Gosh, we missed quite a bit, didn't we." Blaze sighed. Tails had a guilty frown. "Sorry about that, Blaze..." he said. Marine smirked at him. "Oy, if Sonic and Amy are collaboratin' on this wedding, does that mean you an' Cream..." she teased, only for Tails to look sadder. "Ix-nay!" Sonic whispered, "...they broke up." Blaze looked at Tails sympathetically, and gave him a small hug. "Oh, you poor dear... And with all you went through with Eggman..." she said. Marine scratched her head, then got a playful grin. "Hey! Why don't you two cobbers go out together?! You have no idea how worried Blaze was over you after the last she spotted ya, foxy!" she said with a playful smirk. Tails blushed as Blaze backed away from him. "I-it was a natural response to seeing him in that context! He was a wreck!" she babbled. Tails chuckled softly. "Th-thanks, Blaze... I did what I did to protect your world. Sorry to worry you." he said shyly. He then picked up his tools. "Can't help you now Amy, we got an unstable vortex here! I gotta get the other half of this device up and running in Blaze's world!" he said, heading for the portal. "Right! I'll help ya out, Tails! And you can hear all about how Blaze was pining over ya for six whole months!" Marine snickered. Blaze grunted in annoyance. "I...was not..." she groaned.
Blaze accompanied Sonic and Amy outside. She held the Chaos Crown in her hands. "Since I'm here, I'd like to see that shrew I got this crown from. I'm curious to know more about its powers." she said. "Aw, so you're not coming with us... Well, you HAVE to come to the wedding! It's getting pretty close, actually!" Amy announced. Blaze smiled. "I wouldn't miss it!" she said. Sonic nodded. "Cool... Unfortunately, I have no idea where that shrew your talkin' about lives." he told her. "Not far." came the voice of Illusi, standing behind them near Tails' Workshop! "Yaah! Don't do that! You scared me!" Amy gasped. Illusi chuckled. "I have my ways. I wondered when one of the winners of the Chaos Relics would come looking for me. Unfortunately... the full extent of the Chaos Relics' powers is something that eludes me." he told her. Sonic shrugged. "Oh well. Bye, creepy shrew!" he said, heading on his way. "You know he's gonna be at the wedding, don't you Sonic?" Amy told him as she followed. Blaze held the crown up and looked Illusi in the eye. "You must know something. It would be irresponsible to give these away knowing nothing about them." she stated. Illusi crossed his arms. "The Chaos Crown kept Howler the wolf alive for centuries. It appears to have some power over life itself. Some oversimplify it to immortality, but I'm not sure that's the case." he said. Looking at her, he could tell Blaze was serious in wanting to understand the Chaos Relic. "I don't know how to unlock the crown's true power, but perhaps I could help train you in its use all the same. If you come with me, we can get started..." he said. Blaze shrugged. "It's not likely safe to return home until I get the go-ahead from Tails anyway. Lead the way, mister shrew." she said. He chuckled as he started heading for the jungle. "It's Illusi..." he told her. "...Seriously?" Blaze babbled.
Taking her to the Forest of Dreams where he resides, Illusi had Blaze sit cross-legged by a stream, the crown upon her head as she attempted to meditate. "Clear your mind... Lose your stress. Your fears and insecurities... Let the sound of the stream carry that away..." Illusi said calmly. Blaze felt a little silly, but she did her best. As her thoughts became muddled with the sounds of running water and rustling leaves, the Chaos Crown began to glow softly. "That's it..." Illusi whispered. Beside her, vines started to rise up in reaction to the crown. The nearby grass grew, nearby flowers bloomed. "Extraordinary..." Illusi murmured. However, just as quickly as this discovery excited him, it was torn away. Blaze's fingers sparked with flame as vines brushed across them, and before either of them knew it, the life she was breathing into these plants with her crown was snuffed out by her flames, fire spreading quickly before Blaze gasped and brought the fire under control in her panic. "I-I'm so sorry!" she cried, stamping out the last embers with her feet. Illusi stared with a sober expression. "No, this isn't good... Y-your flames. Your flame power clashes with the power of the Chaos Crown! You cannot use it properly!" he stammered, rubbing his face with an almost pained expression. Blaze looked at him with a frown. "Not exactly a teacher, are you?" she mumbled. Illusi let out a sigh. "Sorry... This isn't about you. Don't you see? First Lospecter gets away with the Chaos Key, now I find a massive complication with your use of the crown. The Tournament of Chaos was a failure! It was meant to find worthy people to watch over the Chaos Relics...a modern team of Chosen Ones, for the world will soon need them..." he said. Blaze clutched the crown in her hands tightly. "...well, then, we can't give up. I'll get both powers under control. Just you watch!" she told him. Illusi glanced at her. "...I hope you do, Blaze. I hope you do..." he said.
Meanwhile in the past, Rex's team had finished checking in with Radia and returned to their mission, arriving at a small peaceful village populated by hedgehogs. They seemed to be preparing for some sort of festival. "Ah... This is the time of year for the hedgehog tribe's Lover's Festival!" William realized. His own village not being too far off, of course he knew this. "Aww, so tell us the truth Rex, you brought us here 'cuz you've got a sweetie you wanna visit!" Monty teased, elbowing him gently. Rex glared at him a little. "Monty...this village isn't my home. I don't know anyone here." he grumbled. Monty looked surprised. "Oh... I just assumed is all..." he babbled. "Still, this might be just what we need after everything we've been through!" Astra suggested. Spiro nodded. "Indeed! After you, milady!" he bowed, taking the fennec's hand as she blushed. Brutus scoffed. "Don't forget though, we may have traitors..." he stated, glancing at Bard and Luna. "Lighten up!" Red squawked, "This is a party!" he grinned. Luna growled at Brutus, and Bard shrugged. "Don't let him bother you." he told her. "Mind your own business!" Luna snapped. "...Very well, but as my teammate, I think your welfare is my business..." Bard muttered, walking away. Gemini's group was arriving in town as well, and were greeted by some friendly hedgehogs that kind of reminded Silver of Bill and Bob. "Welcome, travelers! You've come at a wonderful time! So nice to see another hedgehog, too!" they said. Silver scratched his head. "Yeah, sure, uhh... What wonderful time?" he asked. The hedgehogs grinned. "Why, the Lover's Festival of course! And is one of these ladies your...?" they asked, making Silver blush profusely. "W-we're just friends!" he babbled. Timothy chuckled softly at his reaction. The other hedgehogs smiled. "Well, enjoy your visit anyway! Who knows...you could meet your true love!" they giggled. Gemini had a wry expression. "I very much doubt that..." she murmured. Carrie smirked. "Well, no law against having a bit of fun, is there?" she asked. "Just remember the real reason we're here... We have to figure out the source of the Doomlings. Maybe they have something to do with the Lost Ones..." Gemini stated.
The two groups' time to relax at the festival was short-lived, as soon there was a buzzing heard, and a swarm of Doomlings crashed the party! Some were the Doom-Creepers that Gemini had encountered upon first arriving in this time period, others were giant bees with large stingers, clawed front arms and the Doomling's trademark single bulging eye. The heroes quickly set to work fighting them off, with Monty and Rex taking the lead. Astra and Brutus had spoken to Radia about the "Chaos Rings", and it was suggested they try wearing them in places other than their wrists. Astra used her ankle, Brutus used his tail. Feeling no power from the ring, Astra was ready to rely on her magic, but a Doom-Wasp knocked her wand from her hand! "Aaah! Noo!!" she gasped, only for Spiro to stand in the way. "Claws off my date!" he hissed, the Chaos Crown glowing as he focused on protecting Astra! Vines erupted from the ground and tangled the wasp, much to both of their surprise! "...I can do stuff!?" Spiro stammered. Brutus, meanwhile, felt power in his tail, and used it to whip a creeper, destroying it! "Hey... these are... Tailbands!" he babbled. Bard found himself surrounded by Doom-Wasps, looking very nervous as he pointed his key around. "Now, if I were controlling them, would THIS happen!?" he shouted. "Maybe you're putting on a show! We'll believe ya when they kill ya!" Red shouted from the distance. Bard gulped, expecting that would happen. However, Luna leapt in and tore at the wasps with the Chaos Claws, fighting fiercely to protect him! Bard watched her in shock, and once she had fought them off, could see she was exhausted. She was about to pass out, in fact, but Bard caught her. "I-it's alright... Let the others take over..." he sighed, blushing with her in his arms, "...You...angel..." he said softly. Gemini and her friends helped casually from the sidelines, not wanting to put themselves in the spotlight. At any rate, the monsters were soon repelled, and the hedgehogs gave a cheer. "These visitors have saved our festival!" the village chief proclaimed, "They shall be our guests of honor! Make them as welcome as can be, let them know our gratitude!" he announced. "Ha! Gee, thanks!" Monty grinned. "Your people are most honorable." Aya said to Rex. The hedgehog had a very serious look. "Not...my people..." he muttered.
The festival could now get properly underway, and one of the first things to take place was a bit of a dance while some hedgehogs played on harps and ocarinas for a relaxing, romantic melody. Gemini found herself wishing she did have someone to share this with, when who should appear but Aries. He was without his helmet and staff, and offered his hand to Gemini as he approached. "You look like you're in need of a dance partner." he said. Gemini reluctantly accepted his hand, and they began to dance gracefully, hands clasped on one side, holding one another with their other hands. "Where'd you learn to dance, Copter?" Gemini asked with a cute smile. He chuckled. "Maybe it's an innate skill I actually got from Tails...what about you?" he whispered. Gemini was saddened thinking on it. "...Fred taught me... He was like a father to me, but I just don't know anymore..." she sighed, resting her head on Copter's shoulder. She just wanted to forget that he was working against them for the moment. "Cancer's sort of on your side, Gemini. He just can't have you messing things up. But maybe we can help each other anyway..." he said, lightly flaring his cape as he dipped her. Gemini stared up at him with a nervous blush. "I want to trust you, Copter, but...well, you did shoot at Punchy..." she reminded him. "Not too hard. Just trying to get Ophi-I-can't-pronounce-his-name's attention." he chuckled, "But his group's got an advantage on you... A book they took from the future. It tells of everything that happens here... Written by one of the heroes after the struggle with the Doomlings." he said, lifting her back up. Timothy was watching, and crossed his arms grouchily as he saw Copter lift Gemini from that dip. "How can she dance with him? After all he put us through..." he huffed. "Somebody's jealoussss!" a random hedgehog teased, making Tim's face turn red. "Buzz off!" he spat. Gemini wondered about this book. "What good can a book in Ophi's possession do me?" she asked. Copter shrugged. "It's not in his hands... Capricorn has it. She's using it to put little fixes on anything you disrupt in the timeline. Just think...you could use it to pinpoint where the timeline went wrong..." he told her, stepping away and giving a bow as the song ended. "I hope the next time I see you is on such peaceful terms..." Copter said, walking away. Gemini nodded. "Me too..." she whispered. "Finally, he's done wasting our time! What's wrong with you, Gem!" Timothy spat. Gemini glanced at him in embarrassment. "I, err... Hey, where's Silver and Carrie?" she asked.
Silver and Carrie had found a stand set up where some tasty-looking pastries were being offered. They happily enjoyed a couple while the old hedgehog manning the stand smiled at them. "My, don't you two look cute together." she mused. Silver almost gagged while Carrie coughed, both of them blushing profusely. "N-no, we're not... W-we're just friends!!" they both babbled at once, to the old hedgehog's amusement. Not too far away, Rex was chatting with Gunther, who had tracked the team down at the village and expressed relief that they'd fought off the Doomlings there. However, Rex soon took notice of the familiar face at the pastry stand. "...excuse me, Gunther..." he muttered. "Err, yes, nothing to report anyway...just worried." Gunther murmured. Rex stomped over to Carrie and grunted loudly. "So, here you are. You can stuff your face with treats but you couldn't be bothered to say anything before walking out on our team, which you were so eager to join before you saw that things could get tough!" he snapped. Carrie looked at him and stammered. She had no words. She had her reasons for leaving like that, but she couldn't very well talk about the trials and errors of time travel with Rex. Silver took her by the arm. "Come on, Carrie. Let's...go." he murmured. Rex scoffed. "Whatever. Leave, sure. That's what you're good at, isn't it?" Rex scoffed as they walked away, Carrie looking a bit disturbed. As they left, Capricorn was walking up to Rex, paging through a certain book. After reading a passage, she closed it and cleared her throat. "Mr. hedgehog... Well, the hedgehog who fought off those creatures, yes?" she addressed him. Rex glanced at her. "It's a team effort, honestly. Errm...can I help you?" he asked her. Capricorn nodded. "Let's say I know recent events have thrown your group for a bit of a loop. But I have an idea of where you should head next..." she told him...
Gemini noticed Capricorn walking away with the book after a few moments. She clenched her fists. "Copter was right... How can we possibly change the past if Capricorn essentially has a how-to guide on how to put it back again?" she realized. Timothy crossed his arms. "Hold up. How do you know that's what it is, just because Aries says so? It...could be a book of recipes. Those pastries are pretty good...yeah...she just uhh...wants the recipe?" he murmured. Gemini looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "I don't know!" he grunted, "But I do know that I don't trust that fox! Remember how we're mad at the Zodiacs? Well he IS a Zodiac!" he pointed out as Carrie and Silver were joining them. Gemini sighed. "It's not like he's a card-carrying member of the Divine Masters! He doesn't even have those wings most of them have! Tim... I know Copter... He's good on the inside. He wouldn't just mess with me like that. We can trust him." she said. "What's all this about Copter?" Carrie asked. Timothy pouted. "He danced with Gemini and now she buys everything he says!" he told them. Silver chuckled softly. "Well, uh... They are pretty close, Tim. But, uh, Gemini, maybe a little bit of caution...Cancer IS messing with his head." he babbled. Gemini scoffed. "I can't believe you boys. Why don't we just get that book from Capricorn and find out for ourselves!" she huffed. Carrie shrugged. "Okaaay... What book? And, uh...how?" she asked. Gemini rubbed her head and groaned. "Hmm... Well, if Copter's right, we gotta think of something. I guess we start by trying to catch her..." she murmured. "This is gonna get US caught..." Timothy sighed.
Soon, dusk had fallen, and the twilight hour's atmosphere brought its own sense of romance to the festival. Spiro had spent the whole day with Astra and the pair of them had grown closer, while some other members of the group tried to get chummy with some single hedgehogs from the village. Then there was Bard. He had his own way of charming a lady, and since Luna had captured his heart after saving his life earlier, he now serenaded her as only he could...
"I see a radiant beauty... brighter than a star...
Not the moon, nor the sun, nor a diamond... nor anything too far.
My heart is frightened and feeling, for before me what do I see?
Such a sweet and wondrous beauty... and perhaps true love...for me..."
He took her hand, gazing into her eyes as he sang the final words. Luna was normally gruff and cold towards him, but her heart seemed to be softening. "You sweet sap... Let the others think what they want about us... I know you're a good guy." she smiled, pulling him over to kiss his cheek. One more member of Rex's group was also in a romantic mood, too. Brutus had snuck to just outside the town and was rubbing snouts with his mate, Cleo. "Won't be much longer, my precious... I've figured out my relic's power, and I've sowed seeds of mistrust for my fellow teammates so as to misdirect them away from my activities..." he snickered. Cleo sighed. "Just don't get too attached to those bozos. I'm your family, right?" she smirked. Brutus snickered. "I won't even remember any of their names once this is over!" he smirked. There were just a couple members of the group that were completely alone on this romantic night. One was Rex, who was walking to the edge of the village opposite where Brutus was, holding his head. "Come to us... We await you..." He shook his head as he heard these whispers in his mind. "Rex? Are you alright?" asked Aya, who'd followed him. "I... yes. Don't worry...get back!!" he cried, pushing her aside as Doom-Creepers jumped out of the shadows and attacked, forcing him to fend them off with his blade! During the distraction, Aya was clubbed in the head with a staff, falling into Aries' arms. "Have to borrow this one. Thanks, bye!" he muttered as Rex slashed and stabbed the Doomlings. Finding Aya gone once the monsters were defeated, Rex began to panic. "Kidnapped?? This can't be...!" he gasped.
As Gemini followed Capricorn to an area outside of the village, she stopped short upon seeing Aries, Cancer and Pisces approach. Aries had Aya in his arms, and set her down behind them. "Hey, there, Capricorn. Lose something? Tell you what, hand over that book there and we'll call it a trade." Cancer smirked. Capricorn growled, and some time portals opened beside her, Virgo and Taurus coming to her aid! Pisces clutched her trident and sneered at Taurus. "Would you pick a side already!" she spat. Taurus looked conflicted. "W-well... Both sides have a good case!" he grunted. Capricorn rolled her eyes and handed him the book. "Just hold on to this, then. Virgo and I will deal with this!" she groaned, rushing off with Virgo intending to fight. Pisces shot some ice at the ground with her trident, making the floor slippery. "Such a perfectionist, Capricorn...won't compromise over anything!" she sneered. Gemini decided to take the opportunity to sneak towards Taurus and try to snatch the book. "G-gemini... I wouldn't...!" Silver murmured, sweating nervously. As Gemini approached, though, Aries flew over the ice and blocked her! "Sorry, Gem, now that Taurus has it, I can't let you take it!" he said, turning his staff on her. Taurus turned to them with a start. "What the-- Sneakin' up on me!?" he growled, his horns sparking with electricity! Gemini backed up, shakily clutching her wand. "Y-you just talked to me in case you needed help swiping the book...but you were never going to share it!?" she stammered. Aries growled softly. "What do YOU know about changing the past!? You've been in my time for years and accomplished NOTHING!!" he snapped. "Hiccatastrophe!!" shouted Timothy, casting his spell straight at Aries and making him start to hiccup wildly! "Aaagh -hic!- You little -hic- twerp!" he gasped, falling over. Taurus leaned over Aries in concern. "You okay, dude?" he asked. Gemini took the opportunity to yank the book from his hands and run off with Timothy! "Hey!! Rrrrr!! Take this!!" Taurus yelled, charging after them and shooting thunderbolts their way with his horns! As Gemini and Timothy ran for dear life, Silver and Carrie stepped forward and blocked him with psychokinesis, knocking the bull back! The quartet fled into the village, and Capricorn hesitated nervously. "Cancer! Stop fighting me! We have to stop them!" she shouted. Cancer glanced at Aya. "Guess we have no use for the hostage anymore..." he murmured. "You would be wise to release her!" came another voice. Ophiuchus emerged from the time portal Virgo had come from, his snake eyes glaring at Cancer. The vulture whistled to call back Aries and Pisces. "Keep your weapons trained on the chameleon until we're out of here, my friends..." he told them, the trio backing away slowly. Ophi glared at Taurus, and he shivered before running off to join them. "Gaaaahhh! They're onto meee!!" he wailed. Capricorn walked to Ophiuchus nervously along with Virgo. "Gemini made off with the book, sir." she reported. "Maybe we should get the Deathbringer after her?" Virgo suggested. Ophi shook his head. "No...let's just observe for now. Watch how this plays out. She can't do too much damage, after all..." he smirked.
Rex found Aya alone a bit later, and brought her back to the village. Everything seemed well on the end of the heroes of the past, but Gemini found a quiet, private place to page through the book. "The Tragedy of the Bard..." Gemini read the title before paging through it. "It's not all written in song is it? Because I HATE when writers get pretentious and write songs into text! Songs aren't text!" Carrie grumbled. Gemini frowned as she turned towards the end. "There's a page missing at the back, right at the end... all there is on the following page is 'And thus was the tragedy of the heroes, as told by the Bard.'" she grumbled. Silver sighed. "That's what we get for trying to skip to the ending. Well, try to find where we are in time right now." he suggested. Turning through the book, Gemini found some familiar events. The raccoon village, the mirage city, the group coming to mistrust Bard and Luna... "Uh oh..." Gemini gulped. "What is it?" Timothy asked. Gemini read through quickly. "It totally is written in song, but I'll paraphrase it. Pretty soon...that dragon in their group is gonna betray them. This leads to members of their group getting killed, leaving them with just seven heroes. Thus the popular theory that there are actually seven Chosen Ones... No idea why Illusi split the Chaos Relics nine ways." she shrugged. Carrie nodded. "So, if we stop that dragon, it...well, it will be nine, heh. And the hero group will be stronger, and maybe that'll help the future in some way!" she stated. Gemini nodded. "It's worth a shot!" she said. Silver looked a bit conflicted by this plan. "What are you gonna do with this dragon anyway?" he asked. Gemini frowned. "Hmm... Well, he is supposed to die here. Does that mean we kill him?" she said awkwardly. Carrie chuckled. "Duh. Don't worry, I'll do the dirty work." she said. Timothy backed away from her. "Y-you've killed before?" he asked. Carrie shrugged. "No, but how hard can it be?" she stated. Gemini frowned. "Maybe there's a better way. Like if we erase his memory..." she murmured. Silver stepped away from the group and heaved a sigh. "They're about to cross a line, one way or another... I'm not sure what to do... Do I stop them? Or do we risk drastically changing the whole future?" he murmured. He had to decide soon. Time waits for no hedgehog...
To be continued...
