SONIC HEROES: THE SERIES

Epilogue

With the downfall of Nazo and the Dark Rulers, the Sonic Heroes were no longer needed and disbanded shortly after. There were occasional threats from Eggman's group, but the matter was usually settled by either Shadow or Knuckles. As for the Heroes themselves, they each went on their own separate path

Sonic the Hedgehog returned to South Island after finally learning to take responsibility for those he cared for. He willingly resumed his studies with his mentor and prepared himself to take Queen Aleena's throne in the future. The hardest part about returning to his home land was leaving behind his friends and breaking off his relationship with Amy – Rector proved to be scarier than Naga could ever dream of. He still goes on occasionally adventures with his little brother, Stream, to the secondary island, must to Lucario's distress. Their lasted adventure lasted for two weeks – Sonic was grounded for a month.

Shadow the Hedgehog, no longer acting as the leader of the Sonic Heroes, returned to the G.U.N. military with Kumori at his side. Already having advanced status, the manufactured hedgehogs rose diligently through the rankings. And during the many times they could break away from work, they would visit Maria – the clone – and tell stories of the old days. About four months after Nazo's defeat, The Commander retired his post and offered the position to Shadow. However, the Ultimate Life-Form preferred working out in the field and surrendered the title to Kumori.

Silver the Hedgehog and Blaze the Cat contemplated on what they were going to after Nazo's downfall. They argued whether to return the Sol Dimension or travel through time to Future City. Eventually, they came to an agreement and remained in their current world, where they could retain close contact with their friends. And besides that, Mephiles was still at large and would most likely appear once again in the near future. But unknown to Blaze, the silver hedgehog was secretly training to control his power. Iblis' entire essence had become a part of his heart and soul – they were one being.

Amy Rose took this sudden separation harder than anyone. With the threat of Nazo and the Dark Rulers over, she willingly believed that she and Sonic would finally have some peace. But her heart was consequently shattered when learning that the cobalt hedgehog was breaking their relationship to continue his studies at South Island. The heartbroken hedgehog stayed with her brother for a short period of time before setting out on her own. In secret, she had been participating in illegal underground fighting tournament and currently reigns as Queen of the Cage. Her anger has become her greatest weapon.

Jet the Hawk, Wave the Swallow, and Storm the Albatross returned to their old career as the Babylon Rogues. Jet has matured into a thoughtful and decisive leader as he carried his team through missions they never would have dreamed of. Wave, finally accepting her heritage as a Lunar Rogue, united the two enemies together, which was deemed impossible. And Storm had grown into a mighty juggernaut that could only be rivaled by Knuckles and has increased his intelligence and confidence as well. Together, these three has conquer many opponents, one of them included an ancient sorceress *hint, hint*.

With Chaos' unwelcomed death, Blue was chosen to become the new guardian of the Master Emerald. The liquid seemed against this at first, but Tikal's persuasive methods changed his mind. Five months after Nazo had been defeated, the delighted echidna announced that she was in love with Blue and chose to live on Angel Island with him. Blue happiness was only amplified as Chao began returning to their birth land, magically reconnecting Angel Island to the mainland.

No longer being the guardian of the ancient gem, Knuckles was free from the curse of his ancestors and able to leave. He and Rouge settled themselves in the busy neighborhood of Night Babylon, against the echidna's wishes. Using the money she had collected from the number of treasures she 'borrowed', Rouge opened her own night club and casino: Club Rouge. Knuckles continued his training to become the strongest and acted as the bouncer for his wife's business incase a fight broke out or someone stared at Rouge the wrong way. Recently, he had been hearing rumor about the Queen of the Cage.

E-123 Omega returned to the city of his origin: Megalo City. It took some extensive work, but the E-Series robot managed to reprogram all the Meteor Tech robots and transform them into a security system. With the vast knowledge he had collected over the years, Omega situated himself as the brain of Meteor Tech and even regained his original body for mobility reasons. His systems have worked against common criminals, but only one band of thieves has ever managed to escape him.

Under the suggestion of his sister, Tails left his former life and traveled to the Demon Mountains, where their mother was raised. Tails and Aura continued their training under a shadowed master, where they would learn to control the powers their grandfather left behind. Unfortunately, Tails wasn't as disciplined as his sister and continued to tinker with technology, despite the items being labeled as forbidden. But Aura vouched that his brother would never use modern science against them and the demons left him in peace. But that did not mean they trusted him.

With Cheese leaving the planet to act as the North Sovereign, Cream was alone for the first time in living memory. But surprisingly, she wasn't upset by this turn of events. Instead, she dedicated herself to grow stronger and began her own personal training trip around the world. No one has heard from her since the beginning as she began sending fewer messages to her friends. Her last letter came to Sonic four months after her journey began and learned she was studying martial arts under a woman called Tigress. She said it was difficult and painful, but she would endure it.

Much to everyone's surprise, Vector surrendered his leadership to Espio only a few short days after the battle. Espio felt pressured by the position, which typically caused him to slip up during a mission. But thanks to Vector's own mentoring, Espio learned to be more confident in himself and slowly grew bolder with each mission. Charmy was still an annoying bumblebee that loved to annoy others unless Raine was around – Espio and Vector made a note to invite her more often.

Team Virtex continued living their normal mercenary lives with little changes. Rector, who generally disliked Sonic for his relationship with Amy, now despised every cell of the hedgehog for breaking his sister's heart. He made a vow to crush the cobalt prince if ever given the opportunity. Shade barely passed her entrance exam by two points and was happily invited as a full-fledged member of the team. The spark between Howl and Aura seemed to have intensified to a powerful infatuation as they both sent messages every three days. Raine continued crafting new medicines until she was recognized as the youngest creature to ever earn a Ph.G and was often badgered by scientists for her secrets. Shockingly enough, Marine loved to study magic and tried to memorize ever spell in the book Thorn gave her – the older members swore to never let him within thirty yards of the girl. Hybrid's life remained a mystery as he generally never reveals his true intentions.

The Seven Seas Crew decided to remain as a team and travel the world to learn more about its nature. Since learning the many tales of a higher existence from Nazo, the group was even more anxious to learn all their secrets. They occasionally worried about their children, but knew they were in safe hands.

Eggman and Rai enjoyed what remainder of time they had left before Rai was accepted into a prestigious collage in Europe. Talon, Esp, and Knux continued following their leader, who became Mecha after Metal had perished in battle. While Esp and Talon showed no argument for him taking charge, Knux seemed to think Mecha planed his former comrade to die. Emerl remained distant from the others, including his mother, and focused on nothing except destroying Sonic. Violet continued to live her easygoing life when, one day, she heard a noise coming from Amelia's room. When she peeked inside, she was struck with disbelief.

And thus, the end of the long journey finally comes to an end. But just as Blaze had said, this was only a new beginning. With Nazo's destruction, an even greater threat would soon emerge from the shadow. And this threat divided itself into three separate paths.

---

The scene opens to dark and desolate cave hidden deep beneath the grand river in the Land of the Seas – water echoed as it dropped from the ceiling. Nothing existed in the dreary cavern except for the number of stalagmites and stalactites scattered across the rocky surface. All of a sudden, a flicker of white fire ignited at the heart of a crafted stone carving shaped like a lantern, illuminating the cavern. It in turn revealed six spectral figures reflected against the light. Four of the phantoms had human structures, one of them was much bulkier and a few feet tallest, and the largest of them represented a winged beast. The character that was hunched over seemed to be laughing of something the others didn't know.

"Well, this is certainly a momentous occasion for the planet." The hunchbacked creature laughed deeply. "I haven't seen such a celebration since the Separatists took over the planet of Halista."

"What are you talking about, machine?" The large beast snarled.

"Lord Nazo is dead." The hunchbacked warrior cackled. "It's all over the planet's news."

"So the ruler of darkness has fallen." The golden-eyed human said monotonously. "This is not unexpected. There is a reason why all of us were gathered under one name."

"Hahaha! This is too good to be true!" The broad-chested human laughed rapturously. "After hearing all his nonsense, the spiky-haired rodent finally bit the dust! Now I can resume my conquest of my kingdom!"

"Have fun digging." The dome-headed character said snidely. "Your 'kingdom' has been buried in sand for the past four hundred years. I doubt anyone even remembers your name."

"Silence, you abomination!" The broad-chested warrior sneered.

"That will be enough." The bulky character announced, effectively ending the argument. "Our leader is here."

At these words, the group immediately made themselves presentable as a seventh phantom flickered into existence by the lanterns light. The new character was definitely human with messy, spiky hair and very distinctive eyes. They were a deep shade of violet with a ripple-like pattern around the pupil. Most of them learned to fear their leader for the power he presented, but only the golden-eyed human knew the true secrets of his eyes.

"I am certain you have heard the news." The leader said.

"Nazo is dead." The bulky character stated immediately. "His death was at the hands of a creature named Silver the Hedgehog. He somehow obtained the powers of a strong flame and wielded it against our former benefactor."

"A strong flame, huh?" The golden-eyed human said interestingly.

"This does not detour our plans." The leader proclaimed. "On the contrary, everything is going exactly as it should. Before his death, Lord Nazo has entrusted me with artifacts that will aid us in the coming war. Mephiles has taken two into his possession and we are left with the others." He turned his attention to one of the more specific characters. "Now we wait for the proper moment to strike. But before we do, I have a mission for you."

"Name it." The dome-headed warrior responded.

"How fast can you reach the planet of Babylon?" The leader questioned.

---

The scene alternates to a misshapen region within an endless desert...in another dimension. Upon closer inspection, the land in question closely resembled a junkyard of machines and other technological devices. But in some cases, all the junk and stone had been reshaped into makeshift shelters and stations – most of them were armed with some sort of weapon. The largest structure in the city was an ancient clock tower with bricks out of place, gears sticking out from the sides, and the clock face was missing several numbers. As the resident's of this strange world continued with their daily tasks, their power leader watched them through the glass of the clock tower. The unknown master wore a black cloak with an unusual symbol on his back: a pair of snake fangs with a drop of venom between them. The enigmatic leader concealed his identity beneath his hood and stared endlessly into space until...

"Master, it has happened?" A new voice hissed. "The first door is about to open."

The hidden leader turned to face his loyal subordinate. The creature greatly resembled Naga the Snake, but with a darker shade of venomous scales and a row of barbs line along his spine. He wore a sleeveless, black shirt, a pair of matching pants tightened around the ankles, fingerless black gloves, and a set of toeless boots. For reasons unknown, he wore a thick black cloth around his eyes and carried a silver shield on his back. The two creatures just stared at one another for several long moments before the master responded.

"Show me."

The enigmatic beings journeyed to the lowest parts of the clock tower and followed a secret path that lead to the deepest reaches of the planet. The snake warrior carried a flaming torch in his hands for his superior to see as they traveled a lengthy flight of stairs, turning and jumping occasionally. By the time they had reached the final step, they were estimated to be relatively close to the planets core, though they were used to the intense heat. The unknown duo had reached a towering chamber made from cobalt-blue stone with an unusual structure based at the other end. They approached it and discovered a wall made pure emerald gemstones with a number of runes carved into the face.

"What was it that you wanted to show me?" The leader questioned impatiently.

"I could feel the energy pulsating." The snake proclaimed. "It will open in a moment."

"If you are wasting my time, I swear to the name of..." The leader began.

The shadowed creature was shortly interrupted by the wall in question. The emerald gateway erupted in a flash of brilliant light, blinding both characters painfully. The jeweled wall raised itself upwards and effectively disappeared from sight, taking the radiance with it. When the enigmatic duo was able to recollect their sense, they noticed a new wall replacing the old one. A wall made from topaz held the mural of a fan with a row of runes at the bottom.

"The first door has been open." The snake warrior hissed. "That must mean this 'God of Darkness' must have perished in battle. The text said only to downfall of evil would lead to the first step of awakening."

"A god that is defeated is not considered as such." The leader said pleasingly, pressing his hand against the wall. "I wish for you to translate this text immediately and begin research."

"Yes, my lord." The snake bowed.

"This is only the beginning." The leader chuckled lowly. "Only six more doors and the forgotten weapon will be mine."

---

The scene is transported to an abandoned city...twenty years in the future. The ancient ruins in question was comprised of high industry towers – most of them made from enlarged pipes – and was separated into six levels. The high moisture in the atmosphere commanded the clouds to release a large quantity of rain. To those who couldn't recognize this rain would realize they were in Amegakure, the former headquarters of Akatsuki. Since the battle against Madara Uchiha, the villagers were forced to leave their home by their leader in search for a new place to remain hidden. With the desertion of its residents, Amegakure slowly rusted away with times. However, not everyone had decided to let the former village waste away.

"Ahh...such a great find." A hushed voice said.

In the lowest levels of Amegakure, an unknown character was digging through a discarded pile of metal, discovering a piece of steel with a red cloud. The explorer was a snowy-white owl with a silver beak and a tuft of dark head feathers. He wore dark-green archeologist vest, dark-green boots with black laces and silver cuffs, a pair of grey gloves with black tape around the palms, and a silver medallion hanging around his neck. The interested owl picked out selected a small brush from his vest and gently brushed the dust away from the slab.

"In perfect condition as well." The owl said happily. "Just needs a little rinse and it would be perfect for the Akatsuki section in the museum. This will show those snobby experts that the Akatsuki really was here."

"You just love showing them up." A low voice growled.

"Ah, don't tell me you don't love it." The owl grinned. He slowly placed the metal slab on the ground and suddenly stiffened; he took in a deep breath of air. "Do you feel that?"

"They finally found us."

The explorer owl remained motionless for several long minutes, listing carefully to his surroundings. This became difficult as the rain was pounding several levels above him, but he persevered through it. And then he heard it. A pair of slow footsteps echoed through the foundations and grew louder as they owner approached. The concentrated owl stood to his feet and gaze into the darkness once the unknown enemy made himself known. The warriors face was hidden beneath his hood, but he wore a jet-black cloak with a zipper down the middle and white flames at the cuffs, hem, and neckline. He wore black boots and gloves to conceal the remainder of his body. His cloak was dripping wet, indicating that he had just escape the rain.

"Can I help you?" The owl questioned

"Are you Meta, the archeologist?" The unknown character questioned.

"That would be me." Meta nodded shortly. "And you must be one of those Hakumei rogues that I've heard so much about. I heard that most of the members could be identified by the ring they were on their hands." His gaze fell upon the man's right index finger, which held a deathly-black ring. "Ooh, I had no idea that I was speaking to the leader of all people. I am deeply honored."

"If you have heard of us, then you know my reasons for being here." The leader stated.

"You want the beast inside of me." Meta grinned challengingly. "Well, I've grown awfully attached with the little guy. So if you want to get to him, you'll have to fight me for it."

"I really do not wish to fight you." The leader said calmly. "But I will not let you interfere with my goal."

The confident owl clapped his hands together, grinning madly at his opponent. Without warning, black-neon hooks were tattooed across his arms and legs, a spiked sphere appeared was printed on his chest, and the kanji for 'Iron' appeared on his forehead. His normally golden eyes transformed to an eternal pool of black as he swiped his hands to either side. The leader of the Hakumei remained indifferent, even as the metallic structures around them began reshaping themselves. Metal lamps were changed to silver steel snakes, slabs of iron turned to metal wolves, and the builds were changed to iron giants. With a motion of his hands, the living metal charged ahead for the cloaked villain.

---

The final scene alternates to an endless wasteland, where a familiar character was perched atop a towering cliffside. Mephiles the Dark looked unchanged after two decades with only exception of his clothing. Much like the leader of the Hakumei, he wore a black cloak with a metal zipper running down the middle and white flames on the cuffs, hem, and neckline. He did not wear boots or gloves, but held gold ring on his right ring finger. The time demon sighed heavily as he stared into the stars, losing himself into the depths.

"I wonder when he will return." Mephiles said nonchalantly.

"You should have asked Oracle."

A flash of light erupted the moment Mephiles turned around. The Hakumei leader stood across from his partner – his right sleeve was ripped off to reveal his white fur - and carried a body over his shoulder. The leader crouched down and gently placed the body on the ground, showing Mephiles the unconscious owl he had only recently defeated.

"You're getting sloppy." Mephiles scolded, pointing to the missing sleeve. "You allowed him to injure you. I did not train you for fifteen years just so that you could make yourself and easy target."

"The Chaos Sparks are much more powerful than normal enemies." The leader proclaimed. "I would say they are well above the level of the former Dark Rulers, possibly even greater than the Sonic Heroes. This one was able to fully control his beast."

"But you are more powerful than them as well." Mephiles stated agitatedly. "Why won't you release your dormant powers to aid you in battle."

"I despise fighting, Mephiles." The leader answered calmly. "But you know this already."

The leader picked up his target again and placed him on his shoulder before disappearing via Chaos Control.

"This is truly unbelievable." Mephiles said softly. "He does not possess a trace of darkness in his heart – it's entirely pure. I'm beginning to wonder if he really is your son, Lord Nazo."

THE END!!

And the long road finally reaches its end, but leads to another journey. I will postpone my Sonic Stories until I finish Reverse/Rebirth. Until then, stay tuned for Sonic Heroes: Desert Winds and Sonic Rush: Next Generation.

Please, read and review.