The Wielders of Chaos part 30

"Prologue to the Final Battle,"

"Sonic, do you think we can fight something like this?" Miles questions suddenly. It was still late and after getting an earful from Rob and Tony for making them worry. They returned to the basement to sleep. Thankfully, Rob and Tony were too tired to have long tirade, but they were hyperaware of Miles at this point. Especially with Tony's sprawled out form practically draped over him as a sort of early warning system of sorts. Miles found himself a bit restless after learning what Mephiles truly is. Also because of Tony's feet. Most of all though was the fact that this demon had managed to not only kill Sonic once, but twice. And he feared he'd be the third time. As they say, third is the charm.

"Well, you're not me. Far as I'm concerned, he only killed me once. First time doesn't count since it didn't stick. But this is you Miles. What does it matter?"

"You're the hero of the world Sonic, you've fought and beaten all kinds of things to keep this planet safe."

"Now, I'm dead, but you're not. You're better than me Miles. You can do this."

"But I've never saved the world…"

"Well surprise, you've already done it."

"Mephiles is still in control…"

"Sure, but since we've started this whole journey. You've changed the world little by little. Ya started out small by just saving a brother and sister, then saving a town, a city, and then a kingdom. Giving people hope, and you may not see it but that's enough. You've done a lot since you first found me. You've done so much; I mean all of you guys have done so much. No point fighting for the world if there isn't anyone in it."

"But this is Mephlies, the biggest baddie out there."

"And we'll beat him. Because you're more than just the little kid that I met a few weeks ago. You've grown into someone more than that, and it's okay if you don't see yourself as some big hero. I never did."

"Really?" Miles questions incredulously.

"Okay, maybe I knew I was awesome. But you just gotta try and do the right thing. That's fine, just keep doing that, stay true to who you are."

"But isn't that what got you killed?"

"Who knows?" Sonic says with the shrug evident based on his tone alone. "As much of a bummer as it sounds. I did all I could do, and it wasn't enough. It sucks, but that's how it is. I've had a whole year to come to terms with that. Plus, you aren't alone Miles. You might feel like you gotta be the hero of this story because you paired up with me. But when it comes to me, what ya see is what ya get."

"But-,"

"And don't forget you aren't alone either dude." At Sonic mentioning that Miles turns his attention to the other occupants of the basement. Despite Rob's refined nature, he was an ugly sleeper in a very awkward position on his bed. Tony wasn't much better his mouth hanging half open in a light snore with his other limbs draped over Miles. "Trust me, they don't want anything to happen to you either."

"Yeah, you're right. Thanks Sonic."

"Anytime buddy…"

-000-

"So, what was so important that three of you had to sneak off in the middle of the night?" Commander Tower questions Miles, Cinos, and Mikaela standing before everyone. They were in the conference room of GUN Headquarters. A War-Room of sorts. A large circular table which held about 15 seats in all. It was an insanely large table that the group was amazed they all could be sat at it. Currently, the three in question were the only ones standing as they were being questioned.

"How'd you know we left?" Cinos questions.

"Well, for one you just told me," Tower starts. Miles elbows Cinos in disapproval at the slip up of admittance. "Also, we have a monitoring system for the Chaos Emeralds. We detected that three of them were on the move."

"Well, it turns out that Mephiles is more than what we thought he was," Miles begins.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we were all under the impression that Mephiles is this…thing that suddenly appeared and covered the world in darkness right. Like a freaky monster of the week that no one knows anything about. Part of the reason no one knew how to fight him since no one had ever seen him before," Cinos explains.

"But that's actually not true, Silver and a bunch of the others have actually fought and defeated him before," Mikaela adds.

"What are you talking about?" Sol asks.

"Yeah, I've never seen anyone like Mephiles before…" Rouge admits.

"Yes, until yesterday that would be true. But in truth you, Omega, and I have actually battled Mephiles before," Shadow said.

"But how is it possible to have fought and defeated someone like Mephiles and not remember?" Tower asks.

"Well I guess its best to start from the beginning. I had felt something calling out to me for the past few days. After things had calmed down I had decided to follow the thing that was calling me, and it led me to Soleana. Cinos and Mikaela had just happened to see me leaving town and they followed me. When we got to Soleana, it was easily the most affected area I've ever seen since this whole mess has started."

"Yeah, even the people on Blaze's world were more held together than that place," Mikaela adds. "It even felt colder there."

"Yeah, it was bad. The people there, they were practically zombies, and there weren't any monsters there despite how bad things are. Well, normal monsters. The type of beast that were there was unlike anything we've seen. Mephiles even reanimated Sonic's body to stop us!" Cinos exclaimed.

"You fought that…thing…?" Sol asks looking at Miles.

"Yep, proved that there's only room for one fastest thing alive on this world," Miles says proudly rubbing under his nose.

"And what was the thing calling out to you?" Andrea asks.

"It was Princess Elise, she was calling out to me from inside this…this monstrous dragon thing. It was through some connection I still don't really understand. What's weirder is that this monster could talk and everything. It was clear that Mephiles put a lot of precautions there to prevent us from getting our hands on something."

"And the three of you were enough to deal with all that?" Rob asks.

"Barely…" All three of them admits.

"We got super lucky, no way around that," Cinos adds.

"We could only rescue the princess with the strength we had on hand, so anything beyond that would be impossible." Shadow said.

"So, you had saved the princess?" Sam asks.

"Yeah, than she did this…thing that awakened hidden memories in Sonic, Shadow, and Silver."

"And these memories explain Mephiles's history?" Tower asks.

"Yeah, between the three of us we managed to get the story straight for the most part. Apparently, a lot of this has to do with time travel," Miles says.

"Boooo!" Will exclaims.

"Stop it," Kitt reprimands the younger boy. "What Will means to say, time travel can be seen as problematic as far as helping explain things. Is there a way to get this story across without going into too much details on that part?"

"Afraid not, its pretty essential. But luckily for you between Silver and I, we've figured out the details to put it as simply as possible," Mikaela begins. "So, put simply, Mephiles is an existing paradox."

"Ya lost me already…" DJ admits.

"That means Mephiles exists, but he shouldn't exist at the same time, thus a paradox," Victor supplies.

"Well clearly he exists, he's killing the planet!" Tony exclaims.

"He exists as an entity outside of time," Mikaela states. She received blank stares in response. She squeezes the bridge of her nose in slight frustration before she huffs. "Okay, think of time like a river. A river that flows, there isn't anything you can do to stop a river from flowing. You can only slightly alter that flow. Lets say a time traveler is like a pebble. There is nothing a pebble can do to alter that river. It can't do anything to stop that stream. Even a large boulder may make an alteration, but the river will still flow albeit differently. Mephiles isn't a pebble, he's like a forklift. It'd take some effort but that could definitely alter the flow of that stream. But in order to alter the stream the forklift can't be in the stream. It must be able to exist outside the stream to make any kind of alterations."

"Mephiles is construction equipment?" Eddie asks.

"Shut up," She responds annoyed. "That's Mephiles, but Mephiles used to be more than that. He fused himself with an entity known as Solaris, the Sun God, a fourth dimensional being that could devour time. So that stream, yeah Solaris is a horse that size of a continent and an even bigger thirst."

Cinos jumps in, "But Solaris was defeated. In order to undo the damage he caused, the original form of Solaris was destroyed. Solaris no longer exists, which means that battle didn't happen, ergo Mephiles should no longer exist."

"But he does…" Mikaela says sadly. "The best Silver and I could come up with he somehow separated himself from Solaris when the creature was defeated. Then he concealed himself in some pocket dimension desynced from time to save himself. His other half Iblis wasn't so clever to do that. So at least Solaris is a problem we don't have to deal with. But, if we don't stop Mephiles he will become a part of our world. The damage he has done will become permanent and real. Right now, the world and the timestream are fighting against him. If we destroy him we could potentially erase every trace of him from our time period."

Miles now jumps in, "He's spread his monsters and darkness so wide because he is trying to cement his existence. That's why he's trying to acquire as much power as possible literally all of reality, the planet, and now us are trying to be rid of his existence. He is literally fighting to exist every single moment. What we've done so far has dealt him a massive blow. After all it felt pretty magical how the people have started returning to normal so suddenly. How even the world around us has been recovering faster than expected," Miles looks at everyone in the room meeting their eyes. "Mephiles is desperate to scare us, when its him who is terrified of being eliminated. Every force in the universe is trying to get rid of Mephiles. The will of Chaos is even on our side! I know it may feel like we're just pulling all this out our butt. Like I get it ya know…but we have a real chance here."

"HOHOHOHOHO, how very interesting!" a voice suddenly exclaims. Everyone jumps on high alert as suddenly a holographic model of Eggman appears hovering over the meeting table.

"Eggman!" everyone exclaims.

"I see the lot of you have finally figured things out this far. Very impressive," the man states with a chuckle.

"How did you-?!"

"A genius like myself can easily gain access to whatever he may please. I just strolled in to how our heroes are doing." He twirls his mustache with a wild smirk.

"Glad to hear that you add another notch to that foiled belt of yours Doc?" Miles questions.

"I see you are beginning to acquire that hedgehog's annoying wit, well half-wit," Eggman grunts. "But you all are overlooking a major detail here."

"Well does that mean you are going to support us Dr. Eggman?" Rob asks.

"At the behest of your parents," Eggman grunts in slight annoyance. "As I was saying, Mephiles is trying to do so much more than cement his existence. After all, he was a god, it would be foolish to think he wouldn't want to obtain that level of power again."

"But Iblis doesn't exist," Mikaela points out.

"Ah, but as you all have stated neither does Mephiles, yet here we are. If Mephiles retains his godhood, he will become a being that exists beyond time. There would be no need to cement his existence when he could surpass existence itself. All he needs is his other half."

"He can move through space and time…but can he really move to a time period that no longer exists?" Mikaela asks.

"This is so confusing…" Will groans rubbing his temples.

"For the sake of simpletons who do not understand quantom mechanics, Mephiles must be defeated before he reclaims Iblis's essence. To do this requires power. He most likely planned to use the Chaos Emeralds but is now trying to supplement that power in other ways. It hasn't been affective so far. But the keys stand in this very room," Dr. Eggman stares at all the kids in the room. "The key to our salvation or our destruction."

"We're going to fight him and we're going to win," Miles states with a stern voice "So, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, will you help us fight this, or hold up in your panic room while Armageddon hits us? Can't conquer the world if there is no world to conquer."

"That's awfully trusting of you to ask me that young man, do you really think you can trust me?" Eggman questions.

"No doubt you're going to see how you can use this to your advantage in the end. But I'll thwart that plan when we get to it."

Eggman lets out a bellowing laugh, "Well let's hope my new arch nemesis doesn't fall before I can get my chance to do him in myself this time." With that Eggman excuses himself. Seeing as he had inserted himself into the meeting no doubt he would be sure to reach out them again soon.

"Well we now understand Mephiles' goal, but how do we stop him?" Cinos asks.

"I think it's time for your big speech Tikal," Eddie says.

"Big speech?" Sol asks.

"Yes, I suppose so," Tikal's voice replies as the Sol Emerald lifts into the air. It glows briefly for a few moments before a projection of Tikal's form emerges from the stone. It seemed to emanate a strange heat from the form. "Apologies for the heat, the nature of the Sol Emeralds is fire after all. So it is somewhat unavoidable."

"How are you able to do that?" Blaze questions mystified. As the caretaker of the Sol Emeralds there isn't much she doesn't know about the gems.

"This has more to do with how my chaos magic mixes with your Sol Emeralds. But this also serves to illustrate my point more precisely," Her head moves around the room as her eyes were difficult to make out since every part of her is the same color. "Wielders of Chaos, it is time you fully understand the power you all wield."

"What do you mean, do we have some sort of secret super power?" Tony asks.

"Yes and no."

"What does that mean?" Victor asks annoyed.

Tikal clasp her hand together, "I would like to explain something. You all are here because you have chosen to be. There was no fate, or destiney, or predetermined vision that brought about this gathering. There is a chance that none of you would have ever met and gone on this journey. That some of you had the chance to pass up this responsibility but chose to bear it. Every single one of you are special but at the same time you are not."

"Getting mixed signals here?" Andrea mutters.

"The Servers are the Seven Chaos, Chaos is power, enriched by the heart. The controller is the one who unifies the chaos. This is my prayer, the will of the Chaos Force. Do you all know why the Chaos Emeralds are also called the miracle gems?"

"I'm actually not sure…" Rob admits.

"Isn't it just because they're super powerful?" Will asks.

"It's power depends on the controller," Tikal unclasps her hands to place them on her chest. "Many had thought the prayer was speaking about the Master Emerald as the controller. This is only partially true. The Controller can be the Master Emerald, or those with great will."

"Like that spell Finetivus created…" Tony mutters.

"You felt it Tony did you not?"

"Yeah, the Chaos Force," Tony looks down at his hands. "It was power that was a part of me but it wasn't at the same time. Like…,"

"Your thoughts given form," Tikal finishes. "Not just anyone can tap into the Chaos Emerald's power. It takes a strong will, the emeralds give that will power, and the strength of that power depends solely on your own heart. Your beliefs, you're drive, it can create incredible power."

"Almost like creating something from nothing…" Eddie supplies.

"Like a miracle," Mikaela states as she stares at her own Chaos Emerald in her hands. Amazed at the true worth the object she holds.

"You all have been tapping more and more into this power. Aspiring more to become who you truly are and that side of yourselves drawing strength from it. When I stated that you are all special but not, what I mean is that a number of people could have found those Emeralds. Activated their power and become the new heroes this world needs. It didn't have to be you all here, and all of you are aware of that. But you chose this, to be here despite that fact which makes you all incredible individuals. In the coming battle you all will face a creature unlike any you've faced. You must stay true to who you are and harness that strength. If you do that, you may be able to awaken a power unlike any other."

"Turn our thoughts, into power…" Rob said staring at his own emerald.

"Thank you, Ms. Tikal," Commander Tower states stepping forward now. "I couldn't have said it better myself. You all are here to do great things, and no matter what may happen later. I am proud that all of you have dedicated yourselves to this fight. I can't speak on the more mystical aspect of the speech. But I can tell you that you have the full support of G.U.N on your side. You all have the power to defeat Mephiles, we are aware of his goal, what he hopes to achieve, and how he plans to acquire that goal. Now, we coordinate an attack, you all will be on stand-by until further notice while we locate Mephiles' new location."

"New location?" Cinos asks surprised.

"Apparently Mephiles' fortress just up and moved away. It's not in the Great Plains anymore," Kailia explains.

"How is that possible?" Andrea asks.

"It is odd, but it has been known to move locations periodically. The reason why has yet to be determined though. But seeing as Mephiles' days are numbered it ultimately won't matter," Commander Tower stands from his seat. "I will allow you all time to formulate your own plan of attack," the man moves to leave the room. After the man leaves a moment later Miles stands to go after him.

"Miles?" Sol asks, however the boy either didn't hear her or ignored her call.

"Uh, don't we kinda need him to plan our attack?" George asks.

"We have a room filled with skilled fighters and two people who have been inside the fortress. I think we have sufficient enough people here to begin planning an attack strategy," Kitt states.

"What exactly does the Commander mean when he wants us to formulate an attack? I had thought he would be giving us orders," Lauren asks confused.

"Well what he probably means is for us to follow orders when infiltrating the area of the place. When it comes to the actual battle with the big bad himself, we would have to rely on our own judgment. Doesn't hurt to come up with a plan when it comes to that," Kailia explains to the other girl.

"Cream only has healing and flight abilities for the most part. I don't know how much help in direct combat I will be."

"We have plenty of people here who specialize in that, so you don't need to worry about throwing yourself in harm's way," DJ remarks.

"Which kinda does raise this point, Tikal?" Sol turns her attention to the floating figure. "How exactly do we hurt Mephiles?"

-000-

"Commander Tower, sir!" Miles calls running after the man. The man pauses before turning. "Can I talk to you for a second sir?"

"Oddly formal all of a sudden," the man remarks with a raised eyebrow. "That usually means you want something."

"I guess you could say that," Miles looks down at the floor for a moment before meeting eyes with the taller man. "I'm sorry for being a pretty rotten godson."

"Well, I wasn't being a very good godfather myself," the man seems to soften as he places a hand on Miles' shoulder. "But I understand you've been through a lot. We both have, so there's no need for you to apologize."

"All this time I tried blaming you for them not being here. That they would be here with me, if not for you. I'm sorry, I know that's not true, I always did. I was just looking for something or someone to blame. I'm willing to bet you were almost begging them not to go out there. But after listening to what Tikal said, it made me realize something. They would've done what they could do to help, it's just how they were. They're not here because they were special, but at the same time they weren't."

"I'm glad. I'm glad you can finally move on, again I am sorry," Tower places his other hand on the boy's shoulder. Miles glances around a moment before moving in close to give Tower a firm hug. The stoic Commander's face seems to relax for a moment before giving the boy a warm embrace. Knowing where they were Miles didn't hold the embrace long. "They would be so proud of you."

"Thanks…but that's actually not all I wanted to say." Miles composes himself after a few moments to stand straight. "I would like to see the details of my parents' last mission as field researchers."

"Ah, can't say this request surprises me. I actually figured you would've demanded access to that sooner."

"It seemed like it didn't matter. But I know how smart my parents are and how they could sometimes see things others couldn't. They were your Chaos Energy experts, so when it comes to mystical stuff they might have some notes that could help us now. I want to at least check."

"Of course," The Commander reaches into his back pocket to pull out two ID badges. "I figured I'd keep these on hand in case you wanted them. You were avoiding me, so I figured I'd wait till the time is right to give them to you."

Miles takes the badges to see they are photo ID badges of his late parents. A woman who shares many of Miles' facial features with short natural black hair with a small smile. A man also wearing his hair naturally with glasses a sort of cheesy smile. Miles smiles slightly seeing the photos of his parents. "Thank you, Commander…"

"You're welcome. Before you had arrived, I had to move inconsequential items in storage. When we brought you in, I had all their things moved back into their old offices. You can also look through their lockers to claim any items you would like."

"Thanks," Miles salutes the man and Tower returns the gesture as the man quickly walks away. "Surprised at how quiet you were that whole time."

"I have tact Miles, there is a time and place for everything," Sonic said. "But I do have a question. If your parents were here in Central City, why were you all the way in Soleana? And why haven't we been crashing at your place here in Central City instead of Rob's couch?"

"It was a training program," Miles stares at the ID badges in his hands. "Growing up I had thought my parents' were superheroes. Even working alongside superheroes too!"

"Shadow being called a superhero, that's a neat idea."

"One that I doubt he'd appreciate honestly," Miles adds. "They had originally joined just to fight in combat situations. But as the world changed with crazy threats and super powered hedgehogs. The Project Shadow incident was what really did it. They saw how much G.U.N lacked in understanding. They dedicated their lives to researching the myths and how they interact with our world. Growing up I wanted to be like them, heck what am I saying, I still do. I was in Soleana as like a study abroad trip. Learning about other cultures within the Federation and furthering my education. I was midway through the program when darkness spread. I only spoke to them a handful of times before all communications were taken out. It was dangerous to travel so I was stranded. And to answer your second questions…" Miles sighs. "Honestly, going to that house would just be too painful. I couldn't bear to go home to see no one and being there all alone."

"Makes sense, well then let's go see what your folks were up to then," It seemed Sonic did not want to pry anymore. With that Miles quickly turns down the hall and begins his trek. However, a sudden nagging in his brain hits him. He stops curiously before turning around to see Victor seemingly wondering around.

"Victor?" Miles says grabbing the younger boy's attention. "What are you doing?"

"Just, well I said I was going to look for you. But I ended up just wondering around…"

"As the partner of Chaos, I'm sure you could've found me in a snap, something on your mind?"

"…kinda…Tikal's little speech kinda messed with my head."

"I know what you mean," Miles says rubbing the back of his head.

"Its just, where I'm from all this hero stuff. It used to mean something, but it doesn't anymore. It's all about survival. I wasn't interested in this fight, but after pairing up with Chaos…I thought it was stupid kid stuff."

"Sounds like you went from one hell hole to another."

"Exactly but meeting you guys, making friends it feels weird that all this happened…"

"You wanted to make difference," Miles walks over to the younger boy before throwing his arm on the boy's shoulders. "None of us our heroes to each other or even ourselves. I know I sure don't. Wanted to give up this gem the first chance I got, but as I kept fighting it just became a part of me."

"So, if I just wanted to walk away…?"

"Heh, I think you're in too deep now. You like us too much."

Victor's gem flashes a few times, "Heh, I guess you both are right. Thanks Miles."

"Friends gotta look out for each other," Miles says clapping the shorter boy's shoulder. "Tell the others I went to look into my parents' research to see if they found anything."

"Sure, um…I know about your folks…will you be okay?"

"I'll be fine," Miles says with a nod before walking away leaving the boy alone with his thoughts.

Miles walks the hallways he knew so well, the hallway he had intentionally been avoiding the moment he got here. Down the hall, to the right, straight for two seconds, left after passing the glass doors and the third door on the right. He knew it well and it brought an ache to his chest just thinking about it. But he swallows the lump to flash the ID badge off his father for the door to open. Once open he walks in as the door shuts close. Most of the office was empty most likely as Tower had said that that unnecessary items were moved into storage. Miles walks over to the desktop to start up the modem. He waits a few moments tapping his fingers on the desk after he takes a seat. Finally, it loads the login screen seeing an old baby picture of him. Miles snorts as he enters the password, his middle name and his birthday. Sometimes being an only child has the advantage of you being your parent's whole world.

Miles sniffles a bit remembering how his parents were always so overly thrilled about every little thing he did. How hey recorded his first steps. His first jog, and even his first fall. When he said his first words. When he said his first sentence and when he told his first story. So many completely insignificant things but his parents swore it was world shattering things to be recorded. As if it would teach future generations. Miles sighs as he inserts his mother's badge. Since the profile picture was of him as a baby that meant this was his mother's profile, his father would be a picture of all three of them. Once the ID was inserted files appeared on screen. Miles scans the file names thankful again that this he is using his mother's computer. She was always the more organized of his parents.

"Sonic any idea how I can turn on speed reading?"

"Bro I don't even know how to turn that off. Just don't read fast I guess…"

"Well I guess nothing to it, but to do it."

So Miles began looking through the files. Trying to find anything that may have something to do with Mephiles, the world, or even Dark Gaia. It was a lot of plans and surface level data. Unfortunately the science was lost on Miles. However, he knew what he was looking for none the less. His parents were smart, crazy smart. They could see two steps ahead of everyone else. They wouldn't have risked so much on their last mission without securing some piece of information. Something that could potentially save the world. Because that's just who they are. Miles opens up a task bar to search for the latest additions to the profile. After a few searches, he sees it. Last field report. Uploaded on the day of their last mission. Miles had thought all wireless communication had been rendered useless at this point in time. Miles mentally prepares himself as he hits play on the recording.

"This is Agent Algaleta, senior field researchers for G.U.N. This is a recording of the data gathered from on site of the being known as Mephiles. After a week of radio silence from Team Dark and the eventual return of Omega, it was clear that they were not enough to defeat this creature. Today we have ventured into his domain to ascertain what his goals may be. Using our Chaos Measuring device, we know he has at least four of the Chaos Emeralds within his domain. However, the energy that Mephiles has been using is not Chaos Energy. It seems to be rapidly decaying…" A shift of movement as the muffling of the recorder moving around. "It seems that whatever it comes in contact with rapidly decays, as if the energy itself is trying to drain energy from the life around it."

"Like a leech?" questions another voice in the background.

"Sweetie I'm recording, we have to keep this professional," She says. Miles feels a lump his throat hearing his dad in the background. He always did that when she recorded.

"Why, what if I have something to add?"

"You don't," she says with a sigh. "Anyway, its not Chaos energy, as it not self-sustaining. However, it is comparable more stable after obtaining readings. It seems the energy latches on to whatever is living and drains it. However, it still seems unstable. Unsustainable even."

"As if he's constantly trying to obtain more and more power…" Miles says after a moment of realization.

"An endless loop, I think it best we clear out of here as soon as possible. The creatures created by these energy seems to lash out at anything that gives of life energy. Okay Omega can you-,"

The recording ends there. Miles sighs trying to rationalize his feelings. Trying his best to push how he feels aside to process the information given to him. He really wants to, but he immediately hit the replay button again. Listening to the information again. It ends again, and the boy hits replay again without even thinking. He is no longer listening to the words, only the voices. The voice of his parents. The voice of his mother, the voice of his father in the background. Hearing how carefree his father sounded despite the dangerous situation. How his mother wanted to be professional by the professionalism fell apart as soon as his father spoke up. As absolute and sure she sounded as if she was on to some grand solution.

"Miles, you've played it five times now," Sonic finally points out, his voice stopping Miles from hitting the replay button again.

"Sorry…"

"I get it man…don't sweat it, I get it…"

Miles sighs than he quickly rubs his eyes, "So she recorded this on Omega. Makes sense, wonder why he never told me. But than again, I'm sure my mom used her rank to order Omega to keep quiet about that detail. Whatever the case I think I get what this all means," Miles stands to his feet taking the photo ID out of the modem. The computer logging off instantly. Miles looks at it with a sad smile as he places against his forehead similar to a person in prayer. After this he leaves the room walking toward where his friends are or at least should be. He sees that rather large group are all moving towards him.

"This a surprise party…" Miles asks trying to hide his emotions.

However, he wasn't too successful at it was easy to see through, "Miles, are you alright?" Sol asks.

"Yeah,"

"Well your eyes are red…" Rob points out. "Victor said you might need company."

Miles's eyes flicker over to Victor who responds with a nervous shrug, "Heh, and every single one of you came by?" Miles says with a slight chuckle as he rubs a finger under his eye.

"The more the merrier right," Will says.

"Or something like that at the very least…" Knuckles adds gruffly.

"I'm about to give each and every one you a hug and super speed," Miles states.

"Well that's not really-," Kailia is cut off as she was the first. Miles moves to each and every person in succession. Giving each one a hug, although he lingers on Tony and Rob. Lastly, he gets to Sol who was not as startled by the hug even being holding him in her arms. They embrace until Miles is the one to end it.

"Thanks," Miles says.

"Of course, feeling better?"

"A good bit…" Miles admits before switching gears. "My parents were on something about Mephiles."

"Dude, you can slow down for a bit you have to be feeling a lot," Cinos advises as he places a hand on Miles' shoulder.

"Don't worry, the best way to deal with anything is to move forward. My folks noted that Mephiles powers was like a parasite. Feeing off the life energy of everything it came in contact with. We know that Mephiles needs power in order to establish his existence in this world. He's constantly in a state of near death. Only the Chaos Emeralds can provide him with the sustain he needs."

"Oh my god…" Mikaela says shocked.

"So we don't need to defeat him…" DJ begins.

"We just need him to exhaust the energy he is using to sustain himself," Kitt finishes.

"With fourteen of us that should be possible." Shadow states.

"This changes the battle plan a bit, but honestly for the better. We have something to work toward this time," Rouge adds.

"Right, but above all else," Miles reaches a hand out to grasp Sol's. This surprises the dark-haired girl as she looks at Miles startled. "Let's keep each other safe."

"Agreed," Kailia says nudging Rob lightly. Rob blushes a bit.

"But we must also be prepared for the worst. We each have to understand, we must win. There is only success or failure. No matter what it takes," Kitt says.

"No matter what it takes," Cinos says with a nod.

"No matter what it takes," Andrea says.

Sol stares Miles in the eyes, "No matter what it takes…?"

Miles nods gripping her hand tighter, "No matter what it takes."