Sonic the Hedgehog

Longshot

"I have a bad feeling about this," Shadow says, looking at the ruined city not too far away.

He, Rouge, and E-123 Omega wait beside Knuckles and Amy in the middle of the green, pleasant field. Gathered in a neat circle before them are all seven of the dark chaos emeralds.

Most of the plan has yet to be announced, but even so, everyone aside from the desperate echidna can tell whatever it is he's planning, it isn't foolproof.

Not too long ago, Tails flew into Station Square, coming to the conclusion that Sonic had entered the city without warning. While Amy wanted to believe otherwise, it was something she knows he'd do by now.

"If he doesn't show in the next two minutes, I'm going in after them," Shadow says.

"Don't be silly, you're lucky to be standing," Rouge argues. "If anything, I'm going in."

"I'll come with you," Amy tells her.

"That won't be necessary," a voice says from above which everyone is thankful to hear.

Looking up, they see Sonic held securely in Tails' grip as both of them gradually descend onto the field. Knuckles gets in the hedgehog's face before his full weight has touched the ground.

"Does that brain of yours even think?" Knuckles grunts. "It's a warrior's job to win as an army. Not die as an individual!"

"Look, I'm sorry Knux, but do you think we can speed this up?" Sonic asks. "I was told you have a plan."

"I do," Knuckles confirms, looking over at his surrounding allies. "Everyone, gather around the emeralds!"

With no time to waste, everyone follows the echidna's command without question. Each of them is now in a circular formation around the seven dull gemstones.

"It's a pity what's come to be of my precious emeralds..." Rouge pouts.

"They're NOT your emeralds! Knuckles barks. "Besides, if this works, we'll have them back."

"Wait, really?!" Sonic asks, shocked at such a revelation.

"Yes," Knuckles nods. "Back on the plane, one of them regained their life for a brief moment after Amy joined me in my prayer. I know I wasn't imagining things. I'm sure of it. Their divine power is not lost."

"How can you be so sure?" Shadow questions.

"Something my father told me long ago. He sat me down after I had asked to know more about the stones that kept our home alive. His explanation was vague, but I remember it like it was yesterday. He told me the emeralds contain practical energy, yes. But that's only half of it. They also have the ability to turn our very thoughts into power. In other words... positive energy. I don't think Eggman succeeded in extracting that."

"SO HAPPINESS IS WHAT GIVES THE EMERALDS THEIR TRUE POWER?"

"In a way, yes," Knuckles answers.

"THAT IS THE LAMEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD."

"Wait, hold on," Rouge interrupts. "Even if we're able to revive these gems, and that's a big IF, what good will that do? I don't see how they can get us out of this mess."

"They won't," Knuckles agrees. "But they might grant one of us the ability to do so."

"If I remember correctly, didn't you say their ability to grant certain individuals immense power was... a rumor?" Tails asks with uncertainty.

"It's all we've got."

"I say we do it," Amy smiles. "Hope wins all battles! I don't see why this one should be any different."