Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright

[INTERMISSION ARC] Chapter 68: Bravery

So, the three of them headed to the hut as planned, and they managed to get down safely to a tunnel. Meanwhile, Shadow faced the soldiers.  In an open tunnel area that resembled a sewer with two directions. Just then, the earphones rang, and Rouge's voice came through.

''Ah, I see. You're now in their underground. It seems that's the part where you need to separate from each other. Tails will handle his mission, while you two go for the retrieval of the Chaos Emeralds. Got it?''

Tails nodded in acceptance. ''Ah...! I fear I can do that at my own will, Rouge..!''

''I'll be proud of you, Tails. Don't be afraid. You have the power to fight back, so there's no need to worry,'' she encouraged Tails.

''Now.. something tells me that you've changed a bit, Rouge. You seem like a closer friend to be with.''

''Don't use those words... I've always been a part of you, my friends. Now, it's time to finish this confrontation, for real.'' Her voice faded.

Then the fox looked at them and turned his back. ''I wish you the best, Amy and Sonic..'' With that, the fox continued on his way. He noticed a distant room and guessed it was where he needed to disable most of the systems.

''Let's go, Amy.'' Sonic gave a thumbs-up and headed along with Amy.

Meanwhile, Tails entered the next room. He found himself in the electrical room, the place where he needed to complete his mission. Tails activated his gadget, transforming into his Soulficated state. Now wearing a brown leather jacket, goggles, and a red scarf, he surveyed the room, inspecting everything. He summoned his Wrench, ready for action. However, before he could act, a figure approached him with a quote.

A Marauder appeared in front of the fox, wielding a futuristic spear-like weapon. ''So, you're an intruder.. why is a kid even here anyway..?''

Tails immediately attempted to strike, swinging his wrench to slam down, but the soldier was skilled, using a kick to land a hit on Tails' forehead. The fox stumbled back, and the spear nearly pierced his belly. Rolling sideways, he struggled to stay on his feet but ended up kneeling.

''That's all well... You're not special anyway. You're just a child. I, Princeps, will be the last person you see in your life.'' The soldier charged, moving toward Tails, but the fox calculated his movement. He used his Soul Weapon to fire a quick burst of electrified energy, hitting the enemy but the enemy barely felt any damage. ''Ugh..! Such a joke..!''

Tails gasped. ''It barely.. affected him..?!''

The soldier laughed. ''Don't get your hopes up..! Even if your puny weapon can generate electricity, it's useless against our armor. Lightning... is USELESS!''

''Useless..?!'' Tails gasped again, shielding himself with the wrench. But it was too late. The enemy's kick landed again, and the spear stabbed into Tails' chest. Though he bled a bit, the leather jacket mitigated some damage. The enemy kicked him away. ''Tsk... I heard a report that a red echidna raided us. So, you're his friend?!''

The fox coughed, damaged. ''Of... course... I am.''

''People say it's cruel to do things to children like you, but we are the Nocturnus. We don't have sympathy just because of age.''

Princeps swung his spear for a final blow, but Tails countered. He revealed a hidden flamethrower, a smaller version that resembled a Glock that shot fire. He yelled, ''TAKE THIS, FLARE GUN!'' The gun fired, hitting the enemy with a flame flare. Tails retreated, his injuries making him less confident in continuing the fight. He began to run, his tails lifting him into the air, and he fled out of cowardice.