Sonic Forces: Not a Hero

Protecting Friends

"Oh no," I thought as Tails landed me on a building nearby. Sonic and Infinite were already fighting.

"Be careful, Artemis," cautioned Tails, "I'm going to go regroup with the others. Don't push yourself too far."

I nodded, as Tails left, I watched the battle between Infinite and Sonic. Sonic looked like he had the upper hand, but I knew Infinite. Infinite looked like he was just buying time. Suddenly Infinite began to glow.

"You're done for, Sonic," laughed Infinite, "The Phantom Ruby's energy is recharged. Perish, along with your useless friends!"

Just as Infinite prepared to strike, I threw my wire in front of him, stopping his attack. I landed in between Infinite and Sonic, staring Infinite down.

"You!" growled Infinite.

"Sonic, go," I insisted, "This is my fight."

"No way," refuses Sonic, "I'm not just going to leave you to fight him all by yourself."

"I can't let Infinite hurt you or anyone else," I argued, "I'm the one who let him become this. If Infinite is to hurt anyone, it should be me."

Infinite laughs, "You've changed, my Huntress. I don't remember you being so self-righteous before. I guess that's what happens when you allow your so-called friends to weaken your resolve."

"You don't get it," said Sonic, "Everything Artemis has ever done, was to help you! She's been fighting for you! I promised her I would save you and that's exactly what I intend to do."

Infinite laughs again, "Who says I need saving?"

"Come on, Artemis," urged Sonic, "Let's settle this together!"

"Thank you Sonic," I thought before nodding.

"Friends are nothing but a fleeting illusion," mocked Infinite, as he charges for me, "You can count on nobody but yourself!"

Sonic quickly grabbed me and moved me out of the way as I said, "You know that's not true!"

"Your mask can't hide how sad and lonely you are," said Sonic, "That Phantom Ruby virtual reality of yours is the real illusion!"

Infinite runs off, with Sonic and I chasing after him. When we got close, Infinite created circular robot shields, similar to the ones Metal made. Sonic and I knew exactly what to do. Sonic got me close to the shield as I used my Asteroid clones to destroy the robots one by one. Sonic then rammed into Infinite. Infinite pushed him back, then created four red cubed pinwheels to block our path.

"Hang on," smiled Sonic as he grabbed my hand. Sonic boosted us through the small openings of the pinwheels, "Together."

"Together," I nodded.

Sonic began to spin rapidly and I charged up my cube shield around us, before the two of us yelled, "Double Boost!"

We ran into Infinite, causing him to collapse to the ground. Sonic and I landed, to see Infinite struggling to get up.

"All right!" cheered Sonic as he reached for a high five, "We did it--"

I disregarded his high five as I rushed over to Infinite's side. Infinite punched the ground, struggling to stand.

"Impossible," I growled, "I cannot be defeated."

"Zero," I said, "You lost because you threw away your heart, soul, and your friends. I didn't understand either for a while, but when I opened up my heart I understood."

Infinite looked at me struggling to understand.

"Zero, let's go home. Put this whole thing behind us," I smiled reaching for his hand.