Winds of Freedom

Chapter 12: Why Are They Here?!

{Pre A/N}

Soooooo, I might have been watching a certain popular web series from around 2003 while writing this chapter, so, uh, beware of the blatant references up ahead.

Oh, also important notes in the end.

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Chapter 12: Why Are They Here?!

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Relic Island – On the Shang Tu Bridge, Morning Hours

Relic Island, the central hub of the Avalice Archipelago, was connected to the surrounding islands by massive stone bridges, each a testament to ancient craftsmanship. The island served as a crossroads for the three kingdoms, a neutral ground where their interests converged.

Across a stone bridge that connected Shang Tu Island to Relic Island, the roar of engines cut through the morning air. Sonic and Lilac raced ahead, their feet pounding against the stone with effortless speed, while Carol followed closely on her bike, her engine revving loudly. Above them, the Tornado soared through the sky, piloted by Tails, with Torque sitting in the back, tinkering with his gun as they approached their destination. The wind rushed past them, carrying the scent of saltwater from the surrounding ocean.

"So, this is the heart of the archipelago," Sonic remarked, taking in the sights as they ran. The small island ahead was covered in lush greenery, with ancient ruins peeking through the trees.

"Yup," Lilac responded, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and frustration. "Relic Island, right between the three kingdoms. It connects to each kingdom by a stone bridge, serving as a place to establish relationships and maintain balance between them..." She trailed off, a hint of bitterness creeping into her tone.

"And the place that is currently being raided," Carol added with a yawn, revving her bike's engine as she kept pace. "Seriously, what's up with the name of that mission? 'Zao's Reelection Project'?"

"Beats me, who's Zao, anyway?" Sonic asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Mayor Zao is the leader of Shang Mu," Lilac explained, her voice steady despite her disdain. "He governs the largest city in the archipelago and... he's kind of a sketchy guy. I can't believe he'd resort to something like this..."

"Well, not for long!" Sonic declared, his eyes narrowing as he glanced to his right, where the Tornado flew alongside them. "We're not letting him get the stone, no matter what!"

Tails, his eyes sharp, nodded in agreement. "There's smoke up ahead! That's where the train is! It's heading deeper into the woods!"

"That's where the Kingdom Stone is supposed to be!" Carol exclaimed. "There's an ancient temple there, probably where the Shang Tu Police are stationed too!"

Sonic's determination hardened, his pace quickening. "Well, let's not be late to the party!" he declared. The group sped towards the heart of the island, ready to confront the new threat and protect the Kingdom Stone from falling into the wrong hands.

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Relic Island – Ruins of the Ancient Temple

Deep within Relic Island lay a blend of lush forests and ancient ruins, the centerpiece being the remains of an ancient temple. The temple, though dilapidated, still retained a majestic aura, its golden walls cracked and its pillars broken, yet standing tall against the passage of time. Moss and vines snaked along the stonework, giving the structure an almost mystical quality, as if it held secrets long forgotten.