Episode 13 Twin Fires.
The guys looked a little embarassed about walking in on Loki and Tikal,but most rallied well.

"We're just off for lunch," Ame told them, "We can turn this into a double celebration."

"Double?" Tikal asked.

"Hey guys," Paz smiled at them, "I'm staying for a bit."

Walking over to the elevators, Tikal whispered to Loki,

"We're gonna get such a hard time over this, you know."

"Uh-huh." he agreed.

"So how long has this been going on?" Ame jumped right in.

"And why didn't you tell us sooner?" Amy couldn't wait either.

"My lil' bro' has a girlfriend," Felica chimed, "How cute!"

"How about we hold off the questioning untill we get to the resturant?" Luc was extremly shocked by the discovery, but couldn't think why.

"Good idea," Loki put in, glad for the break.

Scarlette had been walking behind the rest of the guys, almost smiling, much to her sister's discomfort. The gothic batgirl hadn't been happy since, well ever.

"What is wrong with you today?" Rouge eventually asked.

"Why is it, so wrong for me, just for once, to be happy?" Scarlette replied.

"Its got something to do with that Topaz, hasn't it? Wait, you have a crush on Ame's bro?"

"I know so little about him, its just a crush, a girlish whim."

"Stop with the rhyming already. How are you gonna talk to him if you have to keep thinking so much."

"These couplets come so naturally, and it gives an edge to me. While other people shout and curse, I'll impress him with my verse."

"Sure, is that why he's talking to Felica?"

True enough, Paz seemed to be enjoying talking to Felica [or at least her breasts], making Scarlette feel momentarily jealous, until she realised that Felica was giving Paz ground rules about staying in her apartment.


Dr. Robotnik had finally allowed the remaining members of the S.L.A. to attempt to use Celestus, but only under the controled environment of one of his labs, and he wanted to take readings.

"Right then Metalix," he said via the intercom, "Attack the target before you."

"Before he what, leaves?" said Super Sonic in the background.

"Affirmative," Metalix charged his shock attack, then unleashed it.

"Amazing, simply amazing," Robotnik's insrtuments registered incredable power, "Now we add Celestus!"

Pressing a few buttons, the doctor opened a panel in the room, and the turquoise Emerald decsended. Taking, Metalix's eyes began to glow brighter. A cavity opened in his chest and he placed the gem inside.

"Power increase registered, shock generators triple efficentcy, charging." Metalix gave a self diagnosis.

"Whenever you're ready!" Robotnik said, hiding his curiosity.

"SHOCK ATTACK!" Lightning flew from the robotic hedgehog, it struck the target, and destroyed it, teaking out a large section of the wall.

"Wonderful!!!" Robotnik laughed, "Simply superb!!!"

"It went boom!" Super Sonic said smiling.

"Overall drain, zero." Metalix reported.


Paz had been living at Felica's for three weeks. He couldn't get his own apartment, under orders from Ame. If he got his own place, then the guys would wonder how he was paying for it, and they could find out how rich both of them were, not a good thing apparently.

Felica didn't mind the company, and it gave her a chance to find out more about Ame. She'd noticed that since they'd got back, Ame and Luc had been spending more time apart, Luc working and ame visiting someone at the hospital, or something. Felica had been droping house sized hints that she wanted to know what was going on, but so far Paz had either ignored them, or just not clicked [the latter, he's not too bright lolh].

Shutting a draw noisily, she walked out of her room, dressed in her bathrobe, to see Paz sitting watching T.V. He wore a pair of baggy jeans, and a black hoodie. Better be direct, she told herself.

"Paz," she began, "Can I ask you something?"

"I don't know where your panties are," he blurted out.

"I..." Felica took a deep breath, let it out then said, "You really need a girlfriend."

"Yup," said Paz seriously.

Having lost her train of thought, Felica went into matchmaker mode.

"How do you feel about gothic girls?"

"Never datedone, but I wouldn't say no if she was cute." Paz replied, missing the point.

"In that case, I'll see what I can do." Felica walked out of her apartment, and over to Amy's.

Knocking, it didn't take long for her to answer.

"Amy, can I ask you something?" Felica began. Seeing how Felica was dressed, she panicked, and said,

"I didn't steal any of your panties for Sonic," and went slightly red. [this joke will keep on appearing]

"Calm down. Huh??" Felica didn't know how to react.

"He said you looked great in them, so he wanted them, I don't know why." Amy continued, hyperventalating.

"Hey, calm down, forget it. I just want to know if you've seen Rouge today." Felica would have to corner Sonic later.

"Oh, right. I think she's coming round later."

"Tell her I want to see her, 'k?" Felica said returning to her apartment.


Loki and Tikal had gone walking on the beach. Loki wore basic blue jeans as always, and a 'Oh my Goddess jacket over a black sweat shirt. Tikal was dressed for the beach in summery green. It felt good that they could say they were going out together, or that they could hold hands while walking, or kiss without having to check who was around. Even Amy and Ame hadn't gone too over the top, but it felt like both of them had lost something.

Tikal thought that not having to sneak around meant that the danger had been removed, but she knew they had a good future together, if only they could get that far.

Loki had feelings for Tikal, he couldn't deny that, but he also had feelings for....

"No." he whispered to himself, he shouldn't think about him like that.

"Hmmm?" Tikal had heard him, "Did you say something?"

"just a random thought," he told her, "Nothing that really concerns you."

She wanted to hear it anyway, but let it go. Tikal thought that she and Loki would have years to share all those little thoughts, and secrets, she didn't know that destiny had a differnet opinion. tikal went back to her own thoughts, and leaned gently on Loki. In response he put his arm around her.

Thos was love, he thought, ~I have to talk to Luc when we get back.


On Horatio's desk there were several repair invoices to levels he never went to, an upgrade report for security bots, that he hadn't issued, and a suppy form needing his signiture, ordering 20 gallons of ice-cream [super sonic loves mint and coffee flavour].

All three he attributed to his father, the first two probably part of some scheme, the third a complete puzzle. He signed all three, put the aside and began massaging his temples. He knew questioning the older Robotnik would prove fruitless at best, and annoying at worst, so he would have to investigate personally.

His thoughts were interrupted by Fenrir walking out of his bedroom, his slim frame covered only by a long t-shirt, that had slipped off one shoulder. he rubbed his eyes sleepily and said,

"Horatio sir, sorry I slept so late."

"Don't worry about it, you were up most of the night [insert giggle here]" Horatio replied with a sly smile, "But get dressed, we are going on a tour of my fathers levels."

"Of course, but it's security restricted, only a select few are allowed even into the waiting rooms."

Horatio walked over to Fenrir, kissed him, then said,

"Ah, but I am head of this company, and I will have to inspect any problems, and according to the forms on my desk, there is a problem in one of the labs."

"Of course." the catboy sad, retreating to the bedroom to dress.


"We have two, how hard can it be to find the rest?" Ame's voice could be heard from outside his door. Rouge paused for a second, then knocked and entered. She wore a corset top in pink, a pair of tight black pants and pink high heels. With her were Knuckles in his customary leathers and Scarlette, in black, black and more black.

"I'm not saying its gonna be hard, just dangerous," D replied, "The last time all seven were together it caused the end of a civilisation." She was just back from a dig, and still wore her dusty dig clothes.

"Indirectly," Ame counterd. He wore trousers that had purposely mismatched legs, and a t-shirt that said 'Straight acting: pretending to care who wins in sports events for the purpose of appearing butch', both in purple. "But we know someone else wants them."

"Gomen kudsai!" Knucles called [ok, i have no idea why Knux knows japanese, but I just like the laguage, so someone has to use it].

D and Ame looked up to see the visitors.

"Whats the debate about?" Rouge asked.

"The Chaos Emeralds," D said without thinking. Ame shot a glance at her, then indicated Scarlette, before grabbing Koukan from the table and trying to hide it.

"What a pretty little gem, there must be more, we've one of them." Scarlette said in her normal blank fashion.

"What?" Ame and D shouted, "Rouge, is she right?"

"Maybe..." Rouge said hopefully, "Okay, locked in the safe at home is a red version of that."

"Red." from Ame.

"Pyron." D told them.

"But I don;t know if it is a Chaos Emerald, " Rouge quickly explained, "I've tried to use it, like you use yours, but nothing."

"We need to see it just in case." D told her.

"I don't think thats possible." Rouge shook her head.

"Don't be silly sister dear, don't tell the folks and bring it here." Scarlette loved seeing her sister squirm.

"Rouge!" Ame's voice was disapproving, "Why don't you want to bring it?"

"Fine! I'll bring it over first thing tomorrow."

"So that makes three," said D, dusting her nose nervously. "What are you gonna do if you get all seven?"

"I'm not sure yet. We'll burn that bridge when we get to it." Ame said cheerfully.

"Cross, cross that bridge." Knuckles corrected.

"Whatever, anyone for tea?"


Loki and Tikal [i keep wanting to call her tickle...] had returned from a long day of doing nothing, except enjoying each others company. At the door to Chao Tower, they ran into Felica who had just finished an afternoon shift at the casino, and had just come back for a quick dinner, a short shower and some light matchmaking.

"Hey lil' bro'" she called seeing them.

"Hi Sigyn." Loki replied, Tikal had stopped them both to wait for her.

"Felica!" she shouted at him, almosrt automatically. "Gawd, what is wrong with your face?"

"I was fine untlo you showed up." he lied.

"I doubt that, you always were a miserable little so-and-so."

"Please tell me we have the pleasure of your company all night, so that I can get my ear plugs." Loki's sarcasm dripped.

"Nope, just popped back for some essentials, then I'm off again." she told them as they entered the elevator.

"You work at Casinopolis, right?" Tikal asked.

"Yup." They had reached the third storey.

"I hear it's a nice place." On Tikal's door was a note in Ame's unreadable scrwal. They managed to figure out to go to the roof, so turned and went back to the lifts.

"I've worked in worse casinos." Felica continued, "I was trained as a dancer, and I'm naturally flexable and agile, so they just love me in every place I've performed." The doors opened to the roof.

"What do you do, exactly?" Loki had to know.

"Hey guys," Ame called over, "Dig in, Felica, I didn't think yo'd want anything heavy, so I did you a pasta salad, and no-one's listening to me." With Ame were Rouge, Scarlette, Paz, Sonic, Knux, Tails and Klonoa.

"I'm a headlining showgirl." Felica said striking a pose.

"Great, my sister's a glorified stripper."

"I'm a showgirl, a dancer, there is a massive difference!"

"Like what?"

"I don't take anything off."

"You just start half naked."

"At least I have fun!" they were both shouting now. "Here you are, great friends, loaded, a beautiful girl on your arm and you still look like that!"

"Like what?!"

"I've seen happier flat frogs!"

"I have my reasons!"

"Like what?! What could be enough to upset someone with so much going for him?!"

"I was raped!" Loki blurted out, "Happy now? I was drugged then spit roasted by my old boyfriend and one of his lackies!"

"Loki, I....." Felica began.

"Shove it!" he said, storming off down the stairs.

Felica looked at the shocked faces, until she saw Ame, chewing his lip, his head hung slightly.

"You knew?" she asked.

"Yes," Ame admitted, "But we can't help, it's best to just let him cool off."


Metalix hadn't wanted to relinquish control of Celestus, but had seen no way of keeping it without losing the 'good doctors' favour, or maybe even his life. The power he had felt coursing through his systems was phenominal. It was only the second time he had fel such strength, the first being millenia ago, shortly after he was originally activated by his creators in Echidnopolis.

He accesed his memory files to see how the gems energy had changed, and also replayed his first few days of 'life.'

"Are you sure a robotic shell can handle the energy?" Metalix was back in the lab of his birth, surrounded by Echidnas.

"We've exhausted almost every other option." the head told them, "And if our fatesayers are right we don't have long until the revolt. We need a Titan!"

"We have activity!" an operator interrupted.

"What is my designation and function?" Metalix's first words.

"You are Metalix, and you are the first of our golems, our warriors!" begin testing!"

After a solid month of training and testing, Metalix was allowed to interface with each of the Emeralds i turn but never more than a day at a time. Each time he passed the test with flying colours. Slowly an idea began to form. The mutating power of the crystals changed him, made him think differently. He realised he could only save these people if they were under his direct control, if he ruled them.

When he was going to impelement his plan, he was stopped his creators, and imprisoned on the moon, in the derelict palace of Koukan, and there he remained until only one year ago.

"Hunka junk, workworkwork!!!!!" an almost insane voice commanded, followed by several kicks. This wouldn't have normally worked, but the issuer of these commands registerd as being Chaos powered.

"System active. I am Metalix."

"And I am Super Sonic. We're gonna have fun!!"


Tikal had wanted privacy, so had been left alone on the roof. When the elevator dors shut, she let go and began to cry. She knew Loki had a right to keep secrets, but something this massive? And how come Ame knew? Her sobs got deeper.

"Tikal?" Knuckles' voice caused her to start slightly. "I know you wanted to be by yourself, but..."

He didn't need to finish, as she had thrown her arms around him, and was crying into his shoulder.

"Why couldn't he tell me?" she asked.

"He's always been something of a loner," Knuckles patted her hair, "Maybe he didn't want to worry you?"

"But I worried anyway. It's not fair!"

"You know now, so when he gets back, you can talk."

"But would he have ever told me? If it wasn't for Felica's taunting, I still wouldn't know."

"I'm sure he would have, but like I said, he's a loner. He probably not used to having someone to confide in."

"You could be right." Tikal said, a smile returning to her lips.

"Now lets get inside, it looks like we're in for quite a downpour. Loki should be back son, and you can talk then."


Loki had been wandering aimlessly since his revaltion. he didn't want to go back to the apartment, but he had no money with him, nor did he have anywhere else to go. The sky was getting dark with both the night and heavy clouds. Loki hated the rain. As a catboy, he hated most types of water. He ran for shelter in a taxi rank as the rain started, and began to consider his next move.

Sleeping on the street was out, going home was out, maybe he could just sleep here, and hope that Tikal would be in school tomorrow. Very unlikely, but what else could he....

"Hey, Loki!" Luc had pulled up, "Need a lift home?"

"Luc? No." he shok his head.

"Sure? You'll get soaked, and I'm just finishing."

"I don't want to go home. They know, they all know, I told them."

"Get in, you can use my old place. It's not the Ritz, but it is dry." Loki jumped in, and Luc drove them both to his old apartment. Inside was a dump, just as Felica had said.

"How did you stay here?" Loki asked.

"Nesscity. Not everyone has a trust fund." Luc said, a trace of biterness entering his voice. "I stayed here since I was 17, since my parents kicked me out."

"Kicked you out?" Loki asked.

"I'd better be going. Ame knows when I finish. i'll stop by tomorrow, we can talk then, ok?"

"Sure, tomorrow." he said as Luc left. He prodded the sofa a few times with his foot to make sure it wouldn't fall apart before setling on it for the night, and falling into a restless sleep filled with the mocking faces of Horatio and Fenrir, and the teary face of Tikal, which was much worse.


Horatio had spent a busy day avoiding his father while exploring his levels. It had seemed at first that the damage had ben done by a simple electrical fault, as stated on the forms. However Horatio had come to distrust his fathers word, and had taken several scans of the area.

Fenrir had ben analysing the information and was surprised by the results. "According to the power report, there was only the base current of100 volts running through the circits of that room." Fenrir told Horatio, while punching some more keys.

"So? Isn't that normal?" Horatio knew his aide had a point.

"So in order to do that much damage to a non-conducting substance, as the room was lined with, it would have to be over 1000 times that. There is no way that that much energy would have been made in a single overload."

"Now we just have to find out what did cause it."

"How's this for cause?" Fenrir turned his monitor for Horatio to see.

"Chaos reading? Are you sure?"

"I triple checked. Either the software is flawed, or your 'daddy dearest' has a Chaos Emerald."

"If he buried it deep enough in one of his vaults, then my scan wouldn't pick it up, unless I increase the power."

"But I thought you said that your scanner affected machines."

"True. Hmmm. Then lets move on. have you found out exactly what he is doing to the security bots that he considers an upgrade?"

"Not yet, but there are only a few files that I haven't cracked. It wont be long."

"In that case, we can take a break. I think that we both need to get to bed."


Dawn had arrived, and passed. Ame had stayed up most of the night, waiting for Loki, and Tikal had done the same in her apartment. Luc had told neither where he was, and didn't feel as awful as he should.

At 7:00 the guys were having breakfast at Ame's, most in uniform. Those who weren't present for Loki's admission had been told, and all were quiet.

"Tikal didn't even get to bed, she just fell asleep on the couch." Amy told them.

"I just hope he's alright." Tails said.

"He's gonna be fine, right?" Paz asked.

"I shouldn't have been so hard on him," Felica felt guilty.

"You didn't know." Ame comforted her.

A knock sounded at the door, ame rushed to open it, Rouge and Scarlette stod in the frame, both in school uniform, Rouge holding a red gem.

"I know this might be a bad time, but it's the only time I could get it."

"You're okay, we'll go up to the roof." Ame excused himself, grabbed his backpack, and followed the bat twins.

On the roof, Rouge said,

"I told you before, I can't use it, but you're welcome to try."

"No, I doubt I'll have any better luck." Ame took out the purple stone, "But this is Pyron, see how Koukan reacts?"

"I hate to ask and sound a fool, but what do you mean by use the jewel?"

"I'll show you with mine." Ame held up his Emerald, "SPIRIT RAY BEAM!" A ray of purple light shot out and shatterd a group of plant pots.

"You think ours could do the same?" Scarlette began.

"Well, not quite, ours is flame." Rouge finished.

"If you can't use it, I should try." Scarlette put her hand on Pyron.

"A simple question, that is, why?" Between them, the stone began to glow faintly.

"Now, both of you, try something!" Ame shouted.

"What?" they replied in unison.

"Koukan says call out 'Dancing Flames'!"

"Okay." Rouge nodded.

"Sure," Scarlette agreed,

"DANCING FLAMES!" they both said as one, and several flames span around them, before flying off in all directions, one hitting Ame's sheild.

"Wow, we did that?" Rouge couldn't believe it.

"Yup, since you're identical twins, you were once one. You need to tap into that to use Pyron's magic." Ame told them.

"Looks like from now, my sister dear, where you are, I will be near."

"Great."

Below them, on the street, a squad of upgraded secuity bots were just being activated. One turned up towards Chaos Towers, recorded the energy, then started its patrol.


ok, Metalix's past, what di you think, and who should be next to reveal a chapter from their life, you decide[ well, not really, i have it all plaqnned out-ish]
Ame-chan
p.s. it will all work out in the end, i'm planning happy endings.

E-mail Ame.

on to ep. 14
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