The Virus of Emerald Hills (Sonadow)

Chapter 17

Ten streams of light blasted through space in one direction, to a planet that was hidden for several reasons. The main one to do with the power that the planet held, one of purity, it was rich of it and could be dangerous if it fell in the wrong hands. No one could speak as their streams took control and the ten arrived on Primalisa, a beautiful planet rich in colours of purity. 

“Woah this is beaut….” Silver never finished as he coughed violently. Immediately those who had masks put them on, Sonic found his missing but soon Shadow’s which was in his quills was placed over his face. 

“What about you?” Sonic asked on the limited oxygen in the mask, Shadow only smiled. They had landed not far from the tree his father had described. “Follow me” Shadow coughed out, Sonic reached for his hand as their light streams faded around their bodies, everyone followed the ultimate lifeform who stopped barely a foot in front of the tree, “Wait” his one word was said through a struggled breath. Sonic froze watching the way the tree hung almost like it was alive, Silver was amazed as the tree did indeed lean forward. 

“An honour among those who wish to rectify the past and protect the pure from the darkness, a conquest of the angels amongst the demons, to pass is to breathe. Does one attest?” 

Shadow spoke in a language that not even Maria recognised but Espio did, he knew this language off by heart, the language of the gods. Something that he was born to understand, the question as to why, the others would find out eventually.

“Great, we can’t understand him now” Drax complained, Honey whacked him while shushing him. All of them watched with curious eyes, Sonic more as Shadow swayed slightly. 

“Indeed, eight saplings. Do not waste them on those who don’t deserve it” 

Shadow mostly definitely heard the warnings, his eyes connected with Espio who took a step back, he knew one thing, he would be relying on his own powers to breath. Shadow took eight leaves from the tree which moved into its position beforehand. 

“One by one, I will call you,” Shadow said, all heads nodding. 

“Sonic” 

The blue hedgehog took the leaf and water sapling, he wore a disgusted expression as he chewed and swallowed as it tasted like perfume, his face twisted but he soon found himself able to breathe without the mask. 

“Silver” 

Sonic stepped aside watching Silver go through the exact same process. It continued for the others except Chaos and Espio, both who wore different expressions. Chaos looked oddly happy while Espio wore an impassive expression. 

“Woah, what about them two?” Drax asked actually in concern. 

“The ancients didn’t agree. Chaos doesn’t need it and Espio wasn’t allowed. So, I’d suggest passing a mask to him” Shadow bluntly said, eating a sapling as he adjusted his rings, they went a red colour before flashing to gold. 

“Woah, what was that?” Silver asked, he was amazed as were the others especially since the tree reached towards Shadow before it stilled. 

“That was the rings sending signals, these were created by the ancients for the bloodline I carry and will help us find the throne” Shadow summarised, leaning into Sonic who kissed his cheek. Both of their eyes were on the horizon as their hands connected. 

“So, if you guys can stop being gross, can we move?” Honey teased, Sonic only stuck his tongue out while Shadow felt Maria grip his hand, especially when they moved towards the dark woods. Drax and Mephiles smirked, the darkness felt welcoming but there was a chill in the air, both of them reached for one another while Honey laughed at their brave expressions dropping the second a screech filled the area. Maria flinched until she felt herself picked up, she clung to her brother who carried her on his hip, Shadow didn’t care.