Roleplay:Island of Enigma

Overview
It is a normal day in Station Square. People are busy doing their usual day-to-day routines. It is a calm and peaceful day, or at least it was, until, out of nowhere, the city was bombarded by a huge tidal wave. When it cleared, the city was completely flooded, however, that was not the full extent. Out of nowhere, a huge island rose out of the ocean near the city, as if daring any brave explorers to come to it. two days after it appeared, there were reports of strange, glowing, lizard like creatures all over the city. What is this mysterious island? What secrets does it hold? What effect will it have on the world? And why did it suddenly appear?

Feel free to add whatever characters you like! (max is 5 per user!)

RULES!


 * Stick to the plot. Don't twist it to revolve around your characters.


 * Do not engage in random fights without reason


 * No excessive swearing


 * No sexual content


 * NO GMODDING!! Offenders will get a warning. If they do not listen, all their posts and subsequent posts will be deleted.


 * I know no one wants their character(s) to die, so try not to kill other characters please. Near-death state or KO would be okay.


 * Lastly, HAVE FUN!

Heroes

 * Gabriel Aungel (E-113:Xi)
 * Banzai the Monkey (Banzai123)
 * Beat the Cat (Banzai)
 * Droget the frog (Sonicfan919)
 * Fa-La-Stu the Echidna (Sonicfan919)
 * Paroi the Guardian (Banzai)
 * Kyros the Hedgehog (RTH)
 * Shendo
 * Rapid The Hedgehog (RTH)

Anti-Heroes

 * Frost "Snap" Glacia (Numbuh)
 * Vine "Growth" Oakwillow (Numbuh)
 * Electro "Storm" Zaptic (Numbuh)
 * Proto-M (E-113:Xi)
 * Edgecrusher the Wolverpine (Ryu)
 * Dismal the Hedgehog (Ryu)
 * Keith The Dragonolf(Metal)
 * Drago The Dragon(Metal)
 * Dragonor The Hedgehog(Metal)
 * Freezer The Wolf(Metal)
 * Paul The Wolf(Metal)
 * Lol-Asl the Bee (Sonicfan919)

Villains (just b/c the Rp has a plot doesn't mean it can't have villains)

 * Malla the Crymnian + Soldiers (E-113:Xi)
 * Glowing creatures called 'Shades' Shade.png
 * Sentinel
 * The Trolls (anyone)

Part 1A: Introductions
Station Square has been flooded for the past few days. Thousands of citizens have been relocated to other cities until the damage has been repaired. The cause of all the trouble? A massive, mysterious island that suddenly rose out of the sea, looming of the coastline of the city.

"So, that's the Island of Enigma, huh?" Banzai the Monkey asked himself. Researchers named the island this because no one was able to information on its secrets. Everyone who went to explore the island never returned.

"Well," he stood up, "I'm not going to find out anything by standing around here." He dropped his heavy staff to the ground, where it floated a few feet above it. Two flat pads then extended out of the staff. He then jumped on it, riding it like a board. "I'm not going to save anyone by standing here either." His staff then exhaled bluish smoke, as Banzai soared on it into the skies.

???: I wonder what is on there...*uses Chaos Control to get over to the Island*.

Meanwhile, on top of a building, a cloaked figure stared at the island floating alone in the waters. He saw the tiny dot that was Banzai flying towards the island.

"What is he doing?" the figure muttered to himself. "Hmph...well, if that island's the source of the flood, then I suppose it's worth investigating..."

Activating jets in his boots, the cloaked figure flew towards the island as well...

Later that day, a news reporter was giving a report on the island. "As you can see, Station Square is completely underwater. Just recently, several people have traevlled to the island, ignoring the stories of people who vanished there. Who knows what it holds? Treasures? Monsters? Hopefully we'll find out soon enough."

Part 1B: The Island of Enigma (Jungle)
Banzai knew he landed in an open, grassy plain, but as soon as he landed he foudn himself in a dense jungle. "What the hell!?" He shouted in confusion. After exploring the jungle for a bit, he stopped to rest. "Wow, this place is a lot bigger than I thought!" The island was indeed massive, with varying environments. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a huge, glowing lizard-like creature walked out of the trees and attacked Banzai. With a quick WHACK! of his staff, the creature was down for the count. Then, it suddenly faded away into smoke. "That was weird," Banzai said. Then, about ten more creatures walked out of the trees, much larger than the previous one and more T-rex like. "Looks like he brought friends!" Banzai said, staff in hand, ready to knock some prehistoric skulls. Suddenly, one of the creatures exhaled scorching fire-breath, catching Banzai by surprise. He immediately jumped into the trees, but his tail caught a tiny flame. As he blew it out, he realized something: the trees didn't catch fire. The dino flame should have scorched the trees behind him, but they didn't have a mark on them. "That's odd." Then, another dino shot a huge ball of electricity at Banzai. Using his staff, he hit it back like a baseball, right at the dino. Banzai stood there in shock as it simply absorbed the electricity like it was nothing. "Uh oh," he said.

A large tangle of vines grows up out of the ground. The separate from each other, revealing a brown hedgehog with green streaks. He notices Banzai nearby. "Sup?"

"Who're you?" he asked.

"Name's Vine," says the hedgehog, "Call me Growth."

"Okay Growth," Banzai said, "You wanna help me with these dinos?"

"Sure." A wooden pole rises from the ground next to him. He grabs it and a huge, curved thorn grows out of one end, turning it into a scythe.

A blue dino soon spotted them, and exhaled an icy breath in their direction.

Banzai jumped out of the trees and fired an energy blast from his hand at the creature.

The vines beside Growth begin to tangle and extend, becoming a long, winding path up to the dino's head. He charges up the vine path, spinning his scythe expertly.

The blast Banzai fired hit the dino, but didn't seem to have much of an effect. A second, red dino breathed fire at Growth. Banzai threw his staff like a boomerang at the red dino, hitting it in the head an knocking it down, due to the staff's heavy weight. However, the flames still managed to reach Growth.

Vines grow up out of the vine bridge and kamekazi right into the flames, blocking them yet catching on fire in the attempt.

Banzai took on the other dino's using his staff to crack their skulls. He managed to climb up the back of another one and smack it in the head, killing it.

Growth reaches the top of his bridge, jumps up high, and brings his scythe down on the blue dino, spinning it at blinding speed.

Growth managed to kill the dino, but there were more looming around them.

"Maybe we should get out of here," Banzai suggested.

"Probably a good idea," Growth replies.

Banzai jumps on his staff, riding it like a board. "can you fly?"

"Nope," says Growth, "I use the plants." The vines wrap around Growth and recede into the ground, taking him with.

"Oh well, suit yourself," Banzai said as he flew off into the sky.

Part 1C: The Island of Enigma (Mountains)
A figure stood on the peak of a rocky mountain as he watched the heroes (and villains) set foot on the island. "Fools," he said, "What do they think their doing? They had better not interfere with my plans."

At the foot of the mountain, the cloaked figure with the jet boots descended, looking around.

"Hm? Looks like I have a visitor. I should give him a proper welcome," Paroi said.

At the foot of the mountain, the cloaked figure heard movement behind him. He turned around.

"Hello," Paroi said.

"Who are you?"

"Your executioner." He then extended his arm towards the figure and created a prison of earth around them, only exposing their head. "Who are you?" Paroi asked.

"I was...Burton," said the figure. The earth around him suddenly exploded outwards, revealing that his left arm was robotic and currently in gun mode; the barrel was smoking.

"Now my name is Edgecrusher," he continued, pushing the rest of the earth away from him.

"A mechanical abomination is more like it," Paroi replied, creating several blades of light around him. "Now, do you plan on leaving my island?"

"I know what I am," said Edgecrusher, looking somewhat remorseful. "But I don't plan on leaving. This island is the source of the flood in Station Square, I know it is."

"Correct, and soon the source of destruction around the world." Paroi said as the blades of light sped towards Edgecrusher. Just as the blades were about to hit him, the cyborg leaped up into the air with surprising agility, making the blades collide beneath him.

"Pest," Paroi said. Swinging his hand upwards, he sent the blades at Edgecrusher again, who aimed his robotic left hand at them and fired an energy shot.

A wall of earth rose up in front of Paroi, guarding against the energy shot. "This is my domain. You cannot defeat me here all alone."

"No...but I can try."

"Funny."

Edgecrusher landed on the wall of earth. Rock spikes then erupted from the wall Edgecrusher was standing on. Leaping back, he grabbed one of the spikes and broke it off. He then drove it downwards towards Paroi.

Paroi grabbed the spike, with Edge clinging onto it, and threw it against the side of the mountain with great force, creating a massive crack in it. For a moment, there was silence...

"I know you're not that weak," Paroi said.

Without warning, the rock spike shot out of the wall like a bullet, heading right for Paroi.

Paroi was expecting something like that, and punched the spike directly, causing it to shatter into hundreds of pieces. "That all?"

The hooked end of a chain suddenly sunk into Paroi's shoulder, and he was dragged forward!

"Gah!" Thinking fast, he grabbed onto the chain, dug his heel into the ground, spun around and dragged Edge out of the wall. The cyborg landed hard and dug in his heels as well, pulling back. It was a tug of war.

"You're pretty quick for a hunk of metal," Paroi said. Suddenly, the ground below the cyborg's feet turned to mud, causing him to slip and be thrown off the side of the cliff by Paroi. The chain, that was connected to his robotic left arm, was still embedded in Paroi's flesh. The cyborg then watched as the chain phased out of Paroi, as if emerging from water.

Damnit, Edgecrusher thought to himself. He brought the hooked tip of the chain down into the rock, anchoring it into the cliff face.

"Paroi stood at the edge of the cliff, looking down at Edgecrusher. "Hanging in there?" He said hunorously, but his expression did not change.

Suddenly, Paroi put his hand to his head, as if he had a headache. "Change of plans," he said as a massive hole opened up where edge was hanging and sucked him in.

(On to part 2)

Part 1D The Island of Enigma (Glacier)
Fa-La-Stu:(In deep thought)If I'm to reverse the effects of Station Square I have to travel to this island first. (Bumps into a glacier then faints)

(When she wakes up she is in a Glacier)

Fa-La-Stu:Huh,where am I?This is very strange. (Outloud)Anybody here!?

"Hey," a voice said. It came from a red cat with blue hair. "Name's Beat. Who're you? Came to investigate the island too?"

Fa-La-Stu:I'm princess Falalala-Stu Ruth Echidna but please,for the love of god refer me to as Fa-La-Stu.Correct you are I'm here to see if this has anything to do with Station Square going down.

"There is a high possibility it does," Beat said. "Don't you feel cold? I mean, we are in the middle of a glacier."

Fa-La-Stu:No duh!I would uses chaos heat but I'm afraid I might melt this place and I can only swim for so long and cats hate water!

"Hehe. Well, might as well explore this place. It's so weird though. When I got to this place, I could have sworn I was ina jungle or something. Then I found myself here," Beat said.

Then, out of nowhere, a giant hand made of pure ice burst out of the ground and tried to smash Fa-La-Stu and Beat.

Fa-La-Stu:(Used Chaos flame)Back up off me you icy idiot! Now..(punches an ice wall and they sees a forked path)

She burned a hole in the palm of the hand, but it simply reformed and swiped at them again.

"Dammit!" Beat said as he jumped out of the way. "Let's go over there!" he shouted, pointing to the forked path.

(She grabbed him and went down the path moving foward then they fell in a deep dark glacier cave)

Fa-La-Stu:Now what?

"Looks like you didn't heed my warning," a booming voice sounded from all directions.

"Who are you?" Beat asked.

"I am Paroi," the voice answered, "guardian of this island. Leave now or suffer."

"Should we listen to him?" Beat asked.

Fa-La-Stu:Not if Station Square is still in danger! We'll never leave do us your worse Paroi! Come on do something!

"Suit yourselves."

"I don't like the sound of that," Beat said.

Fa-La-Stu:Wait! Your a cat! Use your nails to climb out of this cave!

"I could do that, or..." his hand started to glow bright blue, and a blue platform appeared in front of them. Beta stepped on it and motioned for Fa-La-Stu to follow him.

Fa-La-Stu:(Follows)What is this?

"It's a platform made out of drive, my energy. Hold on tight. I'm gonna fly us outta here." With that the platform rose into the air, carrying Beat and Fa-La-Stu out of the cave.

Fa-La-Stu:Now what to do?Wanna' kiss? (Thinking)I guess Krinkinko is sort of rubbing off on me.

"I think I'll pass, maybe later," he said as the dropped down into a wide, grassy plain. "How does ice and snow suddenly turn into green grass?"

Fa-La-Stu:Sorry 'bout that. I think Paroi transported us here somehow. Yo Paroi!Waht's the big idea?

"What do you mean?" a cloaked figure was standing behind the two.

Fa-La-Stu:(shocked)Who are YOU?

"You just said my name." Paroi said sarcastically. "Now, I ask you to leave once more."

The cold wind picks up. Snow begins to swirl into a shape nearby. The winds die down, revealing a cyan hedgehog with white streaks.

"More unwanted guests," Paroi said.

The hedgehog crosses her arms. "And who are you?"

Fa-La-Stu:Wait,are you...Snap!?

As soon as Beat saw Paroi, we welled up with rage. "You're the one who destroyed Sation Square! What's the deal with this island anyway?"

"I shall bring about the destruction of the surface world," Paroi said.

Snap looks over at Fa-La-Stu and replies "Hey."

Fa-La-Stu:You should be able to freeze Paroi!

"Possibly." Snap turns to Paroi and raises her arms. Twin jets of cold shoot out at him.

Paroi extends his arm towards Snap, causing the jets to backfire and reverse towards her instead. Paroi then raises his arms, causing long, thorned vines to rise up out of the earth. "I warned you." he then sent the vines charging at Fa-La-Stu, Snap and Beat.

Fa-La-Stu:(Uses Chaos blast then gets on her knees)Your sucking my powers!

(No he's not, well, not yet actually)

The jets of ice swerve around Snap. She charges at Paroi.

Fa-La-Stu:What did the world ever do to you anyway?

"You don't need to know my reasons," Paroi said as he chopped Snap in the neck at lightning fast speed. The thorned vines then wrap around Fa-La-Stu and Beat.

"Grr! I won't let you get away!" Beat then expelled cyan blue energy all over his body destroying the vines. He then rappidly fires bolts of blue energy at Paroi.

(Fa-La-Stu then finishes the combo with a Chaos lightning to PAroi's chest)

Snap takes the chop and immediately collapses into a pile of snow. It was only a clone.

Paroi created a wall of earth to guard against Beat's attacks. He then saw the pile of snow left by Snap."Hm. What a coward." Paroi puts his hands in front of his chest, absorbing the lightning into his hands. He then redirected it towards Fa-La-Stu.

Fa-La-Stu:(Does the same as Paroi did)

Paroi then sinks into the earth, and the lightning passed above his head. He then rose out of the earth behind Fa-La-Stu and caught her in a headlock.

"Get away from her!" Beat shouted as he charged his fist with blue energy and attempted to punch Paroi. This caused Paroi to release Fa-La-Stu in order to dodge the attack.

Fa-La-Stu:(Kisses Beat)Thank you.

Beat's face turned red, redder than usual. "Uh, thanks."

Jonik:Snap,get out of here!

Snap: Jonik! what are you doing here?

"Maybe you should get out of here," Paroi said.

Snap: no way! (twin spears of ice appear in her hands)

Jonik:(Starts to make Paroi extremely scared)

Paroi looks towards Jonik. "What are you trying to do?" he asked as he fired a couple of energy bolts in his direction.

Snap: (a wall of ice rises to block the bolts) not while im here! (stabs at Paroi with her spears)

Paroi had a mental lapse for just a moment, preventing him from reacting to Snap's attack. He was stabbed in his chest and badly hurt. "Gyahh!! There...seems to be...a change of plans," he said before disappearing in a cloud of purple smoke.

"That was weird," Beat said.

Suddenly, a massive hole opened up beneath them, and the fell into it's depths.

(on to part 2!)

Part 1E The Island of Enigma (Desert)
Meanwhile, a small group of people, Trolls to be exact, happened to descend upon the island's desert. They were led by a green-furred hedgehog wearing a jacket and blue jeans named Toxic.

"So, this is the island," he said, looking around. He turned and looked at his fellow Trolls. "Trolls, there may be a great treasure hidden on this island! We will find it for Rageik!"

The Trolls cheered, all except for an emaciated, gray-furred runt of a hedgehog. Toxic happened to notice the gray hedgehog's lack of enthusiasm.

"Aww, whats the matter, mutt? Scared?"

"Uhh...y-yeah, a little..."

Toxic snorted.

"What a wimp," he said. "It's just a desert."

Lol: Hey fellas.What are you here for! (Throws a poptart towards Dismal) Catch!

Dismal, not expecting someone to throw a Poptart at him, promptly missed the catch.

"We're looking for a treasure, Lol," said Toxic.

"Why don't you fools leave?" a voice echoed all round them. Everyone jumped and looked around, while Dismal cowered.

"Who's there?!" Toxic commanded.

Lol:Some idiot trying to get his butt kicked! (Hands Dismal a whole box of strawberry poptarts)

"I am the guardian of this domain. If you do not leave now, you will all suffer horrible consequences."

"Ohh no, horrible consequences! How scary!" Toxic said in a mocking tone.

Lol:Horrible consequences! (Baby voice) Look buddy, once we find out what this island is we'll rule it with an iron fist!

"Uhh, g-guys, we should probably leave," said Dismal.

Suddenly, the trolls found themselves sinking.

"Oh crap!"

Lol:No when there's a will there's a way!I can take this quicksand now grab my hand Dismal and grab the rest on the guy's hands in a line and hold on tight!

The Trolls obediently formed a chain, with Dismal holding onto Lol's hand.

(Lol then uses all his strenght and flies into the desert sky with them coming out the sand in a chain he then spots a temple and goes down there)Lol:(Huff puff)You guys are pretty heavy!

Part 1F The Island of Enigma (Caves)
???:(walks into the cave) I wonder where everyone is....

"Why don't you leave?" a voice echoed all around ???.

???:(uses Thunderbolt at the Cave and turns around) Who are you?!

"I am Paroi, guardian of this island. leave now or suffer."

???:I won't leave.(uses Metal Claw on the Cave)

"Suit yourself."

Suddenly, a massive boulder falls in front of ???.

Droget:(Jumps in front of the boulder and Slashes it in half)Are you okay?

The two halves of the boulder then sprout arms and legs.

"Meet the Rock devils," Paroi said.

The two creatures then charged into Droget and ???.

Droget:(Spins so fast he can't stop the go to the rock devils and turn them to sand then he falls on the floor dizzy)

The pile of sand forms into a giant hand and swipes ad Droget.

Droget:W-ww-WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS!?(crying then slashes)

The hand dissintegrates into sand, and reforms again behind Droget.

The sand then forms into a giant sphere, then takes on a more humanoid appearance, finally revealing none other than Paroi himself.

Droget:(Turns around)W-Who are you?

"The one who shall end your trespassing on my island." Paroi said.

Droget:I just came here to find my friend Fa-La-Stu.Also I bet your the jerk who flooded Station Square.

"You're quick to catch on," Paroi said, "but I don't think you'll find her."

Droget:I have a feeling you know where she is!

"Nothing here happens without me knowing."

Droget:Why did you flood station square we idn't do anything to you. Just fix Station Square and I'll leave faster than you can say Roasted frog.

"No," he said as a bright blue sword appeared in his hands. Paroi then charged ad Droget, attacking him with his sword.

(Droget slashed at the same time to make the swords clash)

Droget:Then I'll have to ask you to leave!

That comment angered Paroi, who then proceeded to repeatedly slash at Droget.

(Droget ept slashing with his sword)

Droget:You villans are all the same. Blood thirsty monsters who kill for no reason.

Suddenly, Paroi jumped back. He had a confused look on his face. He put his hand to his head, as if he had a headache. "Bloodthirsty....monster....wait." As quickly as it happened, he snapped out of his trance and continued attacking Droget, slashing at him at amazing speeds

Droget:I know your not a monster. You have to have good in you. Your protecting this place.

"Leave now!" Paroi shouted as he fired a large beam of energy at Droget.

Droget:(Gets hit)I..know...your not a..monster.(Faints)

"*Huff* Who do you think you are?" Paroi snapped, "Get off this island while you still can!"(Droget is still fainted)

Paroi then vanishes into thin air.

Droget:(wakes up)Please,I know theres good in you.

That was the last thing he said before he was sucked into a hole that apperaed beneath him.

???:Hmm...

Part 1G The Island of Enigma (Temple)
Lol:The treasure should be near.

"Yeah," said Toxic.

Lol:(Starts walking down the basement stairs) I hate to brag but once I rule this island. I'll finally rise and step to the troll throne!

"Umm, what?"

Toxic gripped Lol's shoulder and pulled him back.

"What makes you think that you're ruling this island? We're claiming it in Rageik's name."

Lol:Such a sissy. Just think about it. We rule this island together and just think about all those adoring women. Not to mention we'll go up in ranks and be rulers!

As they were walking, the stairs suddenly retracted, causing them to slip on the steep pathway. They all screamed as they slid down into darkness.

Lol:I smell gold!

Right enough, the trolls landed in a room full of golden treasures. They looked around in amazement.

"Wow...!"

Lol: Now look, Toxic. Do you still want to give this place to Rageik?

"Well...uhh..."

Lol:Just think of all those women Toxic. Foxes, hedgehogs, dragons, sharks, squirrels, computers, chickens, humans, echidnas, seedrians and more!

"Scratch the computers and humans, and I'd be one happy man."

"You're disgusting, Toxic," said Dismal, wrinkling his nose at the green hedgehog. Toxic scowled and chucked a golden goblet at Dismal, hitting him in the head.

"OW!"

Lol:So I think I've found the key to the throne room of this island. So what do you say for Rageik or not for Rageik.

"Hehehe, definitely not for Rageik!"

Lol:(Swipes the key)Now we just need to get this bad boy at the top of this island and we'll rule like kings!

The key then elongates and bends, transforming into a venemous golden snake.

(Lol then throws it and finds the real key)

Lol:Come guys let's head to the mountains!(Runs up the stairs)


 * (what stairs? :D)

The snake then grew to a tremendous size, transforming into a giant, golden cobra, hissing at the trolls. Toxic pulled out a spear, ready to fight.

Lol:Sh** he ain't gettin' this key! (Plays on a flute and starts to charm the Snake)

In response, the cobra spat venom in Lol's direction.

Lol:(Jumps out of the way then grabs the others and the real key then flies towards the mountains)

(wait, if you're deep inside a temple, how do you fly out?)

(They took the stairs to get to the basement,Lol ran up the stairs grabbed everyone and flew out)

(Okay. thanks for clearing that up)

Part 1H Island of Enigma (Wastelands)
Wandering across the desolate lands, General Malla of the Black Army was leading his soldiers to destination currently unknown to them. "Are you sure there's even anything worth are time here, General?" one of them asked. Without even looking back, Malla replied, "I assure you soldier, our time spent here will not be wasted." They walked on, incredibly focused on what lay ahead.

"I'm just going to skip the warning this time and go straight to the consequences." The mysterious Paroi appears in front of the group. "Go away," he said.

Malla observed the being standing before him. "I am not harming this island, nor am I sparking conflict. My soldiers and I are merely searching for something. If you wish to start a battle yourself, then we will not hesitate to defend ourselves," spoke the general. His english-speaking was out of date, so he sounded quite old fashioned. The small group of soldiers behind him each reached for their holsters, ready to fire their there weapons if provoked.

"All I ask is that you leave," he said.

Malla continued forward. "My presence here is not disturbing anything, so I see not reason why I should do as you say," he said. The soldiers followed him as he walked onward.

"Fine. I warned you." Paroi vanished, and a hole appeared beneath Malla, sucking him into its depths.

Malla grabbed onto the edge of the hole, but its expansion made his resistance futile. The soldiers attempted to assist him, but they were merely sucked in as well.

Part 2 The Island Core
The real Paroi stood at an altar somewhere deep within the island.

"Should I bring them?" Paroi asked.

"Yes. They have power. Send them here." A booming voice echoed.

"Understood," Paroi said, bowing.

(Fa-La-Stu gets sucked in)

Fa-La-Stu:W-Where is Droget?!

"He will be here shortly," Paroi said, before vanishing completely.

Beat fell beside Fa-La-Stu. "Oww. My head. Where are we?"

A monkey then lands on top of Beat. "Ouch! How'd I get here?"

Beat recognized the voice immediatly. "Banzai?" he asked.

"Hey, Beat!" Banzai the Monkey responed.

(Droget fell and Fa-La-Stu rushed to help him then Lol and the trolls fell)

Lol:(sees Fa-La-Stu)Hey,cutie.With this key I'll take over this island!

Fa-La-Stu:Still doin' evil?

Snap: (sits up)

Growth: ugh. what happened?

Jonik:I don't know but I don't like it!

Malla and his soldiers appear amongst the others. He cursed in his native tongue before being calmed by the soldiers. Looking around at the others, he asked in english, "Were you all asked to leave as well?"

"Yep," Beat replied.

"I think it's safe to say that this isn't a normal island," Banzai said sarcastically.

Just then, a transparent image of Paroi appeared in front of the group.

"Listen to me closely."

Lol:Yo where's the top or center of this popsicle stand! (hiding the key)

"Just what are you up to!?" Beat shouted to Paroi.

"Yeah! What's the big idea flooding Station Square?" Banzai asked.

Lol:Well I need to get to either the core or top to sight-see.

"You should have listended to me when I said to leave. Now you'll never get out of here."

Lol:Okay I just need to get to the core of the core.

Suddenly, a cloaked figure descended down behind everyone, using the jets in his boots.

Malla laughed. "That is hard to believe. If I wish it, I can call in one of my gunships and teleport myself and my soldiers on board. You cannot keep us here, no matter how hard you try." The soldiers began to laugh with him, but there was a sort of nervousness to theirs'.

Lol: Helloooo? Core?

"It's not that simple." Paroi said. "When I was telling you to leave, I was trying to spare you this fate. As your simian friend said, this isn't a normal island."

"If you were helping us," Beat said, "Why were you trying to kill us!?"

"Someone else is controlling my actions." Paroi said. "It's complicated. The most I can do on my own is project an image of myself and warn you."

Malla looked as if he were disgusted. "'Friend'? I would never befriend a Mobian. What a scum of a species..." he growled. One of the soldiers behind him began fiddling with a handheld device.

Lol:I'll find the center of the core myself!

Droget:I knew you were doing all this for good! Now where is this jerk whose controlling you.

"Wait, you're a good guy?" Beat asked, mostly to himself.

"You're standing in him," Paroi said.

Edgecrusher, still standing away from everyone, looked down.

"So, the island's -" Beat started.

"Yes. The 'island' is actually a huge monster, known as Sentinel."

Dismal whimpered and stared nervously at the ground.

One of the soldiers began to laugh, but this time he was actually humoured. "This hunk of rock is a monster?" he asked rhetorically, "Why don't I let him know we're here, then?" The soldier then pulled a Light Shot from his holster and fired at the walls of the core.

Lol:Don't fear Dismal.(The key made a large unlocking noise, Lol floated up,he glowed golden,the key then disapeared. It appears I have to make it out this core to rule this Island.

(you're twisting the plot a bit, don't you think?)

(well it's not like he can get out so you can basically carry on)

Growth: (gasps. whispers, seemingly to no one) Storm, what are you doing?

(Lol feels an invisible hand slam into his back. when it leaves he is forced to unwillingly land and return to normal)

Lol:Who did that? Cause I will gain control...eventually. (the key appears again)

Dismal started to sneak away, looking for some way to escape.

(a female voice is heard)

???: i should've known i couldn't keep hidden forever. (a blue hedgehog with yellow streaks appears. long, thin strands of electricity coming out of her fingers and going into Snap and Lol's backs)

Lol:Teeeheee.That tickles!

Storm: that's not all it does. (tugs on the strands attached to Lol. he unwillingly throws the key to the side)

Dismal was still sneaking away, trying to make himself look as inconspicuous as possible.

Lol:*dives and catches th key*Careful. IT's no use Dismal we're trapped.

Storm: this is my puppetmaster technique. it allows me to control another's actions. only downside is i have to get in close to use it.

"I'll take that," Paroi said, as the key floated into his hands. "Listen to me. You're all in another dimension right now. The most I can do is send you to another part of Sentinel. You'll have to figure out the rest from there."

"Can't you do more than that?" Beat asked.

"Sorry. Right now Sentinel doesn't know I'm helping you guys, and I plan to keep it that way. By the way, you may feel your energy slowly slipping away."

Banzai hadn't noticed it before, but realized that he was gradually getting weaker. "You're right."

"Sentinel is absorbing you're energy so it can awaken. You must hurry." Then, Paroi's image vanished.

Then everyone was teleported to another part of Sentinel.

Part 2B Stairs
"Where the heck are we?" Beat asked.

"Look for the orb," Paroi's voice echoed.

Lol: I have a feeling that key will help us later Mr. stingy.

Droget: I hate mazes!

Seeing how Dismal was already a physically weak individual, he was now finding it hard to stand up.

Lol:*notices Dismal and picks him up on his back*Gotcha' back buddy!

Storm: (the electric strands attached to Lol dissappear. she puts her hand on Growth's back. when she removes it, electric strands are coming out of her fingertips and going into his back)

"I'm sensing a strange energy sources coming from that direction," Beat said, pointing North of their position.

"I trust your judgment, so I'm following you," Banzai said as he followed Beat in the indicated direction. Edgecrusher silently followed the two of them.

Lol:(follows)

Storm: i sense it too. let's go. (follows them. brings Snap and Growth with)

Malla grunted. "Hmm, I suppose I have no choice," he said angrily. He then gestured to his soldiers. "You split up... and give me one of your weapons." A soldier than handed him a Dark Hammer, and he proceeded to follow the others.

The makeshift group continued down a large, twisting stairway. Suddenly, Beat stopped.

"What's up?" Banzai asked.

"The energy suddenly shifted." Beat pointed to his left. "It's over there now, no wait." He pointed to his right, "There! Wait, I'm getting three different readings."

"Maybe we should split up," Banzai suggested. "Hey Storm, you can sense energy, right? Can anyone else here do that?"

Storm: actually, that might not be necessary. i've been working on a technique that allows me to split my spirit into peices and insert them into the people im using the puppetmaster technique on.

"Uh, I don't like the idea of spirits inside me," Banzai said.

"Hold on," Beat said, "One reading's stronger than the others. I think this Sentinel thing is trying to throw us off."

"Hey, I think I found what we're looking for!" Banzai was leaning over the balcony, and he spotted a large key-hole like opening, several feet below them.

Droget:What are we looking for again?

"I'm gonna guess it's that giant keyhole," Beat said. "Doesn't someone have a key?"

Snap, Storm, and Growth: (look at Lol)

"Wait, didn't Paroi take it?" Beat asked.

"Look! Over there!" Banzai pointed towards a glowing key floating sevearl feet ahead of them.

"How'd we miss that?" Beat asked. "It could be a trap. After all, we are inside a monster."

Growth: i'll go. after all, Storm's already using her puppetmaster on me. if i get knocked unconcious or something, she could pull me back.

"Okay then. Be careful," Beat said.

Growth: alright. (carefully walks over and grabs the key)

Suddenly, the key melts into a puddle. It then slowly grows and changes shape, until an exact copy of Growth is standing before him

Growth: !

"I knew it was a trap!" Banzai said, annoying Beat.

(Numbuh, would you mind Rp-ing for the fake Growth? When it's defeated they'll get the key)

(alright. does it have the same abilities?)

(Yep. And it's more resilient)

Growth: (throws a punch at the fake)

Fake Growth: (vines grow out of the ground and trap Growth)

Growth: heh, think you're tough huh? (scythe appears in his hand. manages to free himself and swings the scythe at the Fake)

F Growth: (blocks with his own)

Lol:(sneaks from behind and electricutes the fake growth)

F Growth: (roots snake out of his feet and into the ground, redirecting the lightning)

Beat throws a couple of energy bolts at the fake Growth

F Growth: (the energy is redirected by the roots. he aims his hand at Beat. vines shoot out at Beat)

Beat forms a barrier around himself, deflecting the vines. He then aimes his free hand at F.Growth, enveloping him in another barrier.

Edgecrusher, who had been hanging back the entire time, finally approached the fake Growth. He aimed his left arm at the doppelganger, and his hand turned into a flamethrower.

F Growth: (glad for Beat's barrier. surrounds himself in another barrier of plant)

"I was hoping you'd do that," Beat said as he released his trap around Growth.

F Growth: (as soon as the barrier is gone, hundreds of razor sharp thorns grow out of his own barrier and shoot out at the heroes)

"Hrraaahhh!!!" Banzai fired a large energy beam at F Growth, destroying the thorns in the process

F Growth: (the beam tears through the plants and slams into him full force)

As soon as the beam hit the fake Growth, Edgecrusher released a blast of flame from his robotic hand to scorch the doppelganger.

"Is it over?' Beat asked.

F Growth: (dead)

The Fake growth then melted into a puddle again, and reformed back into the key. Beat carefully walked towards it and picked it up. After studying it for a while, he came to the conclusion that it was safe. "Now, let's drop this thing into that keyhole!"

Growth: (abruptly grabs the key, jumps off the stairs, and falcon drops the key into the lock)

As soon as the key entered the hole, it shrank and vanished in a blinding flash. When it finall cleared, Paroi, the real one, was standing in front of Growth.

Growth: (stands up, since the falcon drop left him in a sitting position) hey.

"Thanks," Paroi said. "Now, things just get harder from here."

"What?" Beat said.

"Well, you freed me from Sentinel, meaning I have no control over him anymore, and he's still draining our energy, mine included."

"Great," Banzai said.

"And now that he's lost his guardian, he's bound to be furious," Paroi continued.

Growth: so, what happens now?

"Now, I can help you to escape," Paroi said. "Although -"

He was cut off when the stairs they were standing on suddenly vanished, causing them all to fall.

"Sentinel's pretty mad," Beat said.

Snap: (creates a slide of ice to slow their fall)

"YIPE!" Banzai cried as soon as he landed on the slide. "I HATE cold!"

"Just be glad we're not dead!" Beat told him.

"Can you take us in that direction?" Paroi pointed to the west.

"What's over there?" Banzai asked.

"An exit." Paroi answered.

"Excellent," Malla said boldly, "I can finally get what I came here for." He began to head west, swinging his Dark Hammer at the air.

Then, before they knew it, they were back in Station Square, and swimming in water. Edgecrusher quickly fired his hooked chain at a building, pulling himself towards it and climbing onto the window sill, panting slightly.

"Hwwaaaaaah!!!" Paroi cried and extended his arms to his sides. Suddenly, all the water evaporated into the air.

"Wow, that was easy," Beat commented.

"I'm a sorcerer. I know many spells. That was nothing." Paroi answered.

"What now?" Banzai asked.

"From the look of things, Sentinel will awaken in a few hours. When he does, he will rampage and destroy the surface world."

"What!? Why!?" Beat was shocked.

"He wants to claim it for himself. What we need to do is find some way to transport him to another space," Paroi said, "however, we'll need a massive amount of power. He is an extremely powerful being."

"We can get the Chaos Emeralds and use Chaos Control," Banzai suggested.

"That would work, but how are we going to get them all in a few hours?" Beat asked.

"If I can get back onto Sentinel," Malla started, "I can get what I came here for... An emerald hunter. I intended for him to find the emeralds for myself, but I suppose destroying this thing takes priority." He pulled out a hologram generator, which showed an orange robot. "Does anyone want to help me find it?"

Dismal looked around. Now that all the water was gone, he could get out of here. He started to walk away.

"I'll be glad to help," Beat said

"Me too!" Banzai said enthusiastically.

"Hey! General guy!" Banzai called Malla. "Mind if I come with ya?"

"I myself am a living Emerald detector," Paroi said. "If I focus hard enough, I can sense the location of large sources of energy, but I have to be close enough. I still suggest we split up into groups to collect the emeralds faster."

"Can you sense any now?" Beat asked.

"Hold on." Paroi closed his eyes and stood completely still. It was obvious he was focusing very hard. Finally, he opened his eyes again. "There, on that mountain." Paroi pointed towards a large mountain looming in the distance.

"Okay then," Beat said, "I'll help you get it. You, uh general guy, would you see if you can locate another emerald while we look for this one?"

Storm: i think my puppetmaster technique will help here. (severs connection with Snap and Growth. makes new one with Paroi)

"How does this technique work?" Paroi asked Storm.

Storm: using electrokinesis i can simulate the electrical impulses from the brain that make the body move, taking control. or, in this case, let the target keep control, while using the electric strands between us to, in a way, combine us into a single being.

"Now, in case of emergency, is their any way I can sever this connection?" Paroi asked.

(really, is there?)

Storm: if there's an emergency, I'll know about it and sever the tie myself.

"Fine then. A little warning though. Forgive me for boasting, but my body is a bit more complex than the average person. Be careful with your technique." Paroi then took a few steps forward. "Now, let's go."

Malla swung his Dark Hammer over his shoulder. "Alright then, the monkey and I will return to Sentinel and locate my hunter, while you three search yourselves." After speaking, he took out a handheld device and pointed it to the sky, pressing a button. "One of our tanks should be here shortly for transportation," he added.

Banzai dropped his staff to the ground, which then hovered slightly above the road. he then jumped on it, riding it like a board. "If you want, I can go and scout out the area first, before you go. What does this hunter look like, and where'd you last see him, or it?"

"An orange robot," Malla explained, "I was tracking it to a mountain on the island, until I was interrupted." He looked off in the direction Paroi and Storm went with annoyance. "You can go ahead if you must, but I will be close behind, ready to combat whatever Sentinel may throw at us." Looking up into the sky, Malla noticed that his tank had arrived. "Ah, my transport approaches."

"Okay then, I'm off!" Banzai said as he soared towards the island.

"Okay, I'll go see if I can find any Emeralds," Beat said as he materialized a board-shaped object out of his energy. "Hey, wait a second." He noticed Dismal sneaking away. "You wanna come with me? I can use some help."

"Uhh," said Dismal, looking caught off guard. "I...well, I'm pretty....useless...."

"Don't say that," Beat said. "C'mon."

"If you say so..."

The gray hedgehog hesitantly walked over to Beat.

Paroi and Storm's hunt
Paroi and Storm started their climb to the summit of the grassy hill.

"There may be a much easier way to do this," Paroi said.

Storm: this is just so we can split up while still allowing us both to track the emeralds.

"I was talking about climbing the hill," Paroi said as he continued trekking up the hill.

Storm: yeah, there probably is.

"Hm." Paroi snapped his fingers, encasing Storm and himself in a bright blue orb. "Hope you don't mind teleportation." Paroi then focused his energy, and made a diamond shape with his thumbs and index fingers. "PERAGRO!" Suddenly, both Paroi and Storm instantly appeared at the top of the hill, overlooking Station Square.

Storm: that was much easier than walking.

"Now, the emerald should be around here somewhere," Paroi said.

As soon as Paroi spoke, several, devil-like creatures jumped out of the trees.

"Ah, that would be the Shades. Careful, they're not friendly."

Then, they all swarmed and attacked the two.

Storm: (severs connection with Paroi)

Paroi spread his arms, and mutters a word under his breath. Then, the entire area was enveloped in a blue barrier. "There, they should be more vunerable now. Attack them while the seal is active!"

Storm: right! (charges at the Shades, twin blades of lightning extending from her fingertips)

The Shades visibly had difficulty movign while in Paroi's seal. They were like sitting ducks to Storm's attacks.

Storm: (begins slashing mercilessly at the Shades)

Storm manages to dismiss a few of the Shades, but other's begin to slowly reform.

Storm: (slightly annoyed now. begins firing bolts of lightning at the Shades)

Storm's last attack finally finished off the rest of the Shades. Paroi then released his seal. "Shades are spawn of Sentinel. Annoying little things. That would have taken much longer if I didn't weaken them." He then walked over to a bush, sifted through the leaves, and pulled out a yellow Chaos Emerald. "One down, six to go."

Storm: alright. (restores connection with Paroi)

"I don't sense any in this area," Paroi said. "Let's go somewhere else."

Storm: right!

"Let's head back to Station Square. Maybe I'll pick up something there."

Storm: got it. let's go.

Back in Station Square.

"Huh?" Paroi stopped for a second. "I'm sensing another one, no two others!"

Storm: exactly what these are for. (holds up the electric strands connecting them) how far apart?

"Hm. These might be more difficult to get. One us somewhere off the coast of the city, while the other is on the other side of the city." Paroi pointed to the left. "It's a little convenient that all the emeralds are so close together," he commented. "Maybe they were gathered here before the flood?"

Storm: possibly. but close is good. there's still a limit on how far these can stretch.

"Hm." Paroi smiled. "It seems one of our friends have found an emerald. That leaves five more." He then got serious again. "I'll take the one in the ocean. The other one should be on top of that sky scraper." Paroi pointed to a building in the distance.

Storm: easy. (starts grinding toward the building on a rail of lightning. the electric strands between them continue to lengthen)

"I guess I'll go," Paroi said, taking off in the opposite direction. When he finally reached the harbor, he stopped and looked at the water. "This should be simple," he said as he dove into the sea.

Storm: (reaches the building. the rail turns and goes straight up to the top. despite gravtiy, she continues along the rail at the same speed)

A couple of Shades appear and try to knock her off the rail by ramming into her.

Storm: (backflips off the rail. it splits into multiple lightning bolts. each bolt slams into the Shades. she lands on a new rail)

Paroi, using his magic, was walking and breathing underwater like it was nothing. "Now where is this emerald?" Suddenly, eight fish-like Shades appeared around him. "Finally, my turn." He said.

Meanwhile, back above water, the Shades Storm defeated were forming into a giant blob. It deformd and bent and twisted, until it turned ito a giant griffin creature with piercing blue eyes.

Storm: well that's annoying. (leaps off the rail onto the griffen's back. a whip made of electricity appears in her hand)

The griffin writhes vigorously, trying to shake Storm off its back. In an attempt, it turned upside down and continued flying that way.

Storm: (lashes out with her whip. it wraps around the griffin's neck and she catches the other end on the other side. uses the whip like reins to steer it into a building)

The beast shrieked, and then turned its head in a complete 180, now facing Storm. It opened its mouth, and exhaled a purple fiery breath at her.

Storm: (taken by surprise. let's go of one end of the whip and dodges to the side. some of the flames still hit her)

Meanwhile, Paroi was holding an emerald in his hand, the remains of several Shades floating around him. "Better get back to the surface," he said as he made a massive jump underwater, breaking the surface in little time.

The griffin twisted the rest of its body to face Storm. Then it tried to ram into her.

Storm: (takes the hit and starts falling, grateful for the wind that puts out the flames. she cracks her whip and it wraps around a pole jutting out from the side of the building)

The griffin realized that ramming worked, so it attempted to do it again.

Storm: Weapon Style: Lightning Whip! (storm clouds close in over head. multiple whips of lightning stretch out of the clouds and wrap around the griffin. the rain from the storm causes the whips to electrocute the beast)

The beast writhed about in pain for several seconds, before finally bursting in a puff of purple smoke.

Storm: (panting slightly. continues the climb up to the top of the skyscraper)

Paroi continued walking towards where Storm was, emerald in hand. "I wonder if that girl has gotten the gem yet?"

Storm: (reaches the top and grabs the emerald. makes a new rail and rides it back to Paroi)

Paroi sees Storm coming twards, and waves to her. "Over here."

Storm: (sees him. stops and jumps off the rail whe she gets there. holds up her emerald) got it.

Banzai and Malla's Hunt
Banzai floated high above the 'island', using his goggles to scan the landscape. "Where would I find an orange robot?"

Down below, Malla flew by in his tank. He dropped the blast shield and shouted up to Banzai, "Would you rather I lead the way, Mobian? I have a locator on it."

"Yeah, go ahead!" He shouted back.

Suddenly, a great ball of purple flame shot out of the 'island' directly towards Banzai. He narrowly managed to avoid it without falling off of his staff. "I think Sentinel knows we're here." As soon as he said that, more fireballs headed towards Malla and Banzai.

Malla defended with the tank's cannon, but the fireballs quickly tore through its barrier. The tank was done for, so he jumped from the cockpit and brought his Dark Hammer down hard upon the ground.

"Guess it's time to land." Banzai dove his staff towards the ground, sumersaulting off of it just before hitting the ground next to Malla. Just then, a massive puddle of purple ooze appeared in front of the two.

"That does not look good," Banzai remarked.

Malla rested the Dark Hammer on his shoulders, and pulled a Flash Shot from his holster. "Hmph, I have been more frightened by Annelids back home. This is far from menacing," he said as he fired a shot at the ooze.

The ooze simply took the shot. Then, it split up into ten parts, each part forming into a purple devil-like creature.

For once, Banzai didn't make a comment and swung his staff directly at one of them. To his surprise, his staff got lodged in them as if they were made of mud. He pulled as hard as he could, and finally managed to dislodge his staff. "Looks like physical attacks are worthless."

From another holster, Malla revealed a Worm Shooter and threw it to Banzai. Firing rapidly at the creatures, he shouted, "Then we use more gun!"

Banzai tossed the weapon back to Malla. "You do things your way, I'll do them my way." His hands started to glow. He then spread his arms forward, and rapidly fired several energy blasts at the creatures.

Realizing that his weapons weren't working, Malla put the two guns away and dropped his hammer. He ran at one of the creatures and grabbed its head, smashing it to the ground. "We have to find that robot if we're going to get the emeralds," he called out to Banzai, "If you can handle yourself, Mobian, I can go look."

"I'm okay here! You go look! But we're still on Sentinel, so there's bound to be worse stuff."

Malla tried to run, but the creatures held him back. He fought them off, but their numbers were too great; he was overwhelmed. Suddenly, from the distance came an orange streak. It passed by like lightening, tearing the beasts away. When it stopped, it was revealed to be the robot they were looking for: Proto M. "It's the Doctor's robot!" Malla shouted, "How did it reactivate on its own?"

"Well that was lucky!" Banzai said as he continued fighting off the rest of the Shades.

Malla grabbed the robot, and said to it "You're coming with me, hunter." Instead of cooperating, Proto M slashed through Malla's armoured glove and dropped to the ground. It scanned the Black Barrel he had mounted on his shoulder, and reshaped its arm to duplicate it. Proto M began firing rapidly at Malla, Banzai, and the Shades.

Banzai jumped high into the air and started flying on his staff, swerving to dodge the bullets. "Why's this guy attacking us?" he called to Malla.

"I have no idea!" Malla shouted in frustration, using a Black Shied to block the shots, "It shouldn't even be moving! We shot it down, that's why it's here." He reached behind his back, pulling out two Black Swords. He ran forward, slashing at the Shades along the way, and kicked Proto M to the ground.

"So, what to do? I mean, we can't break it, since we need it to find the emeralds!" Banzai said as he landed next to Malla, staff in hand.

Malla walked up to the robot, using his foot to hold it down. He looked around, noticing that the oncoming Shades seem to have slowed. "I say we knock some sense into it, the stupid hunk of metal," he suggested.

"I'll leave that to you. I got these things covered." He spun his staff in his hand, and ran off to fight the army of monsters.

Hmm, brave little monkey, Malla thought to himself. He picked up Proto M violently and started to speak in his native language. "Listen robot, I know you can understand me, whatever language I speak in. I'm going to make this clear: Help us, or I turn you into scrap and send you back to that idiotic Doctor." Proto M made some strange clicking sounds, then appeared to calm down. "Good choice," Malla chuckled.

Meanwhile, Banzai was swatting down the Shades like flies. The weight of his staff made it easy to cut through them like water. When he finished off a couple with his staff, he took care of the rest with several energy beams. By the time he was finished, He was panting. "So...is he on our side again?" he asked, pointing to the robot.

"If he knows what's good for him, yes," Malla answered. He dropped that robot, and it began scanning the surrounding lands, an area of a few miles at least. When the scan ended, Proto M began hovering away. "This way. There is an emerald on the island, in the possession of a Mobian," it said. Malla followed silently, batting away a remaining Shade with his fist.

Banzai followed after him. "You lead the way boss."

Beat and Dismal's Hunt
Beat and Dismal arrived at Tails's workshop.

"Okay, all we need to do is ask him for the detector," Beat said.

"O-Okay..."

"You okay? You don't look so good."

"H-Huh?" said the gray hedgehog. "I-I'm fine..."

"If you say so." Beat didn't sound convinced. He knocked on the door a couple of times. A two-tailed fox then came out of the house to greet his visitors.

"Hey Beat! Long time no see!" Tails said. "Who's you're friend?"

"This is.....uh...what's you're name again?" Beat asked, slightly embarrassed.

"Dismal..."

"Okay. Hi Dismal. Come in you guys!"

They stepped inside of the technological miracle of a workshop.

"So, what's up?"

Beat then explained the entire story to Tails.

"So, you need my detector?" Tails asked.

"Yeah, can we get it?"

"Here. Good luck guys."

Beat immediately turned it on. "Hey, there's an emerald near here! It's only a few blocks away!"

"R-Really?" Dismal asked.

"Yeah! C'mon, we gotta hurry!"

They walked down the street, trying to find the source of the signal. Then, Beat suddenly stopped."It's coming from this shop right here," he said, looking at a Candy Store. "Hey, maybe if we're lucky, we can get the emerald and a few snacks!"

"Why would a Chaos Emerald be inside a candy shop?" Dismal asked, looking incredulous.

"I dunno. Luck?" Beat was both happy yet curious. At least it wasn't with some giant monster, but in a candy shop? "Let's find it." he said as he stepped inside. Dismal stepped inside with him.

"Okay, the readings are telling me that it's right....behind this counter!" Beat said leaning over it. He sifted through the rubble left behind by the flood, looking for the emerald. Without him noticing it, three devil creatures stood at the shop entrance. Dismal did not see them either, until he happened to look around.

"M-M-Muh-Muh-Muh...!" he stuttered, shivering in fear.

"Got it!" Beat said. He quickly rose up, showing off the emerald to Dismal, until he saw the Shades. "Uh oh," He said. Then, they attacked. Dismal promptly screamed in terror and dove behind the counter.

"I got this, don't worry!" Beat said as his hands started to glow. As one Shade charged towards him, he created a wall of cyan blue energy and pushed it back. Another one then came and tried to slash him. Beat fired an energy bolt at it, creating a large hole in its abdominal area. When the last one came towards him, Beat materialized a sword out of his energy, and sliced its head off. The Shades then evaporated into purple mist. "There, all done," Beat said to Dismal. "You can come out now."

The gray hedgehog, still shivering fearfully, hesitantly peeked out from atop the counter. An old magazine was comically sitting on his head.

"Come on, I'm already getting another reading!" Beat said excitedly. As he stepped out the door, a figure suddenly dropped down in front of him, scaring him out of his wits. "YIPE!" He yelped, until he recognized the face.

"Did I scare you?" The figure said.

"A little. What are you doing here Shendo?" Beat asked.

"Laniatus asked me to gather the emeralds in one place a while ago, which I did, but the flood washed them all over the place. So, I'm looking for them." Shendo said.

"That's great! Can you help us?" Beat asked.

"Sure. Three heads are better than one! Right lil' guy?" he said, looking at Dismal. "What's you're name?"

"U-Uhhh," the hedgehog stuttered, slowly getting back up (Shendo's sudden appearance made him fall over in shock). "I-It's Dismal..."

"You're pretty fragile aren't you?" he said sarcastically. Dismal turned red with embarrassment.

"Relax, I'm kidding."

"There's another emerald south of here," Beat said, "And not too far either! We're pretty lucky!"

"We'll get there faster if we fly," Shendo said as he rose into the air. Beat created a board out of his Drive and stepped on it. Then he gestured to Dismal. "Coming?"

"Uhh, I-I guess so..."

"All right then, here we go!" Beat said as he and Shendo rose high into the air.

After flying around for a while...

"So where is the emerald?" Shendo asked.

"It should be right below us,' Beat said.

They landed in the middle of a once busy cross section.

"I don't see anything," Shendo said.

A blue hedgehog with yellow goggles on his head and white shoes with light blue stripes was walking bruised and bloody. "C'mon Rapid!" He yelled as he walked with a limp.

Beat noticed the hedgehog immediately. "Um...are you okay?" He asked.

"What happened to you? Did you get hit by a bus?" Shendo asked.

The hedgehog dusted himself off. "No. I fell out of a tree. I'm Kyros." Kyros said.

"I'm Shendo. That's Beat, and this is Dismal."

Wow, Dismal thought. He looks worse than I usually do..!

Kyros read Dismal's mind. "I do?"

Dismal was not expecting Kyros to read his mind.

"Uhh...h-how did you.....w-what I m-meant was..."

"Guys," Beat said, "It looks like the emerald's underground," looking towards a manhole.