Return of Gerlad's Legacy

Chapter 19: Earth Protectorate

Umbra Eclipse, Lord of the Black Arms, Ruler of the greatest of all Empires, stood waiting. He wasn't bored. Tonight had been enough fun. More fun than he had in a long, long time. Even more fun than playing with Loveless' emotions, and that was grand fun. The church was empty and totally lifeless. What could he expect? He had already taken this part of the city. But he wouldn't need it much longer. As soon as the Chaos emerald was in his hands, he would leave. This city had no more to offer him other than a power snack and a few human bodies to quell his blood thirst. But the intensity of tonight's escapades were amusing. Next he would head to the Ukraine and have a bonfire.

The Doors o the church slammed open. In the threshold stood, two black and red hedgehogs, a pink and red hedgehog, and a blue hedgehog. But it was the sack on the tall black hedgehogs back that made Umbra's eyes have a departed look of joy. "I see you have the item," said Umbra with the slick voice of a snake with legs.

Shadow only grunted. He stopped in the middle of the isle and looked at Umbra with a serious face. "I didn't think you were much on religion, Umbra. Enjoy playing priest?"

Umbra laughed. "Not bad for a beginner, Shadow. Your jokes could use some work though. I chose this local for the quite and the dramatic entrance you could have."

Shadow growled, "Always the thespian, eh, Robert?"

Umbra's smile vanished. "Hand over the item."

Shadow looked around. This hall was empty except for them and Umbra. No giant bubble of energy. No children trapped. "What have you done with the children?"

Another wicked smile appeared. "They are quite safe. First the item."

Shadow pulled out his gun. "Where are they?" He spoke with ultimate authority and power.

"Naughty, naughty," Umbra mocked. He snapped his fingers and the familiar flash of light appeared. "Very well, here is the merchandise; do you have the payment for this humble merchant?"

Shadow opened the bag and pulled out the blue Chaos Emerald. "Why do you want this? You don't need it to use your powers. You are full Black Arms."

"True, brother," Umbra approached them with the giant bubble in tow, "I have no reason to keep it in my personal possession, but that does not mea you can keep it, little brother. This is for the Ultimate weapon. The one that not even the 'Ultimate Life Form' can stop." He stretched out his clawed and scaled palm and awaited the Emerald.

"The children," Shadow said, his voice remaining its authority.

Umbra sighed. "The Gratitude I receive for my hard work . . ." He snapped his fingers and the bubble dissipated. The children ran past the power hungry alien and hid behind Shadow and the rest of them. "The payment."

Shadow threw the monster the Emerald. "I hope you choke on it."

The Katrina flew threw the skies of Russia silently. Even inside, there was no sound other than a cough of a sneeze. No dared to bring up the subject of tonight. Shade felt woozy, Crystal feared her mother's fury, Lucas felt guilty like it was his fault, Whirl sat only in silence his ever thought of the scaled nightmarish alien he had seen and Storm was like his cousin: fear. Emily was hugging Shade; her only thoughts were to comfort him in his confusion.