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| Project : Shadow's Continuing Sonic Fan Stories; More Sonic fanfics by me | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 21 2005, 10:27 PM (872 Views) | |
| Project: Shadow | Aug 21 2005, 10:27 PM Post #1 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=10]THE CONTINUING SONIC THE HEDGEHOG FAN STORIES[/size] [size=9]Mobius After the Defeat of Robotnik[/size] [size=1]By Project : Shadow[/size] [size=7]Table of Contents[/size] The Quest of Luken Shanley Introduction to the Story Prologue : Luken Shanley's Departure Chapter I : In the Dwelling of the Charlatan Chapter II : The Dark Deeds of the Dragon Chapter III : Destiny Across the Sea Chapter IV : Country of Origins Intermission : War Between the Allies Chapter V : Luken Arrives in Dragon Kingdom Chapter VI : The Captain of the Guard Chapter VII : The Valley of the Dragon Chapter VIII : Confronting Leonadus Chapter IX : The Final Duel Chapter X : Another Land Free Epilogue : The Return [size=7]Introduction to the Story[/size] One purpose of my first story was to give you all an idea of what the Mobius my stories occur in is like. A few years in the future, Sonic is commander of the Mobian military M.E.D.O. and Robotnik came back with a devastating army, but he was finally defeated for good. The Character Archives is where I wrote the stories for all my characters. My characters appeared a little in my first fan story, but they were really like guest appearances. This story stars my characters. In this, Sonic and everybody are the guest stars. So I hope you will all enjoy it. I hope to include all my characters so you all have a good idea of what they are like. Keep in mind, everything that has happened in the two Sonic Adventures RPG episodes are leading up to this story. So begins the tale of my characters, especially of Luken Shanley. [size=7]Prologue : Luken Shanley's Departure[/size] Once a world of endless war and conflict, now the planet Mobius is free from Robotnik's tyranny. This is news almost upsetting to Luken Shanley, who had hoped to make a name for himself in the fight against him. For the past twelve years Luken has dwelt in seclusion from the outside world in the depths of the Great Forest with his grandmother. The Great War had made him an orphan, his father was killed before he was born and his mother perished when he was eight years old. He himself had sustained an injury in his leg that prevented him from walking for several years. His father was a great warrior, his bravery was well remembered by both his native people and the survivors of the war. Luken wished to be such a noble hero as was the father he never knew. He had decided he wished to join the Freedom Fighters when he left his grandmother's home in the forest. What he found was that the Freedom Fighters' mission was accomplished. It gladened his heart that Mobius was now free once again, though he felt a bit dissapointed. However, he would soon learn of a place where he was needed, and where he could fulfill his goal. In the heart of the Dragon Kingom, Luken would have his chance to either thwart evil and become a great hero or to fail and be lost to the world, never remembered. Now, he journeys through the wood in search of the world beyond it. As he passes through the trees under the veil of the leaves, which keep out the light of the sun and leave the forest in shadow, he recalls his last conversation with his grandmother from an hour or two ago. This was the day of his twentieth birthday, the eleventh day of May, and his grandmother had given him this day the treasures that he longed for thoughout most of his life. "This, grandson, was passed down through countless generations of my family, and now it belongs to you." says Jatara Mikayla as she hands Luken a tall staff of silver and gold with a white crystal at the very top. "Thank you, Grandma, for this really fancy walking stick." says Luken and both laugh. The joke was in truth, though. Luken's leg had longed healed, but it was left weakened and he always required a cane or walking stick in order to walk well. Being a cat, he was very nimble and athletic. He could jump to extreme heights, climb with ease, and perform other acrobatic stunts that were not at all hindered by his weak leg. It was simply the common task of walking that he found difficult. "Finally, I bestow upon you . . . this." she said as she majestically handed over a long sword to Luken. "Xanvuril, your father's weapon that was has seen much of war as it was passed down through the generations of your father, Lunn Shanley. It was retrieved when he fell in battle and given to his wife, and she gave it to me to keep it safe. You are its rightful owner, and such a sword master as you are, you are most worthy to wield it." Luken fought back his tears and received the sword. He removed it from its decorated sheath and held the blade high. It had a two-handed hilt and a very long blade, yet it was surprising light. In the center of its hilt, there was a small green gem that seemed to glow with a pale light of its own. Luken nodded his thanks to his grandmother and made for the door. He hugged her tight and she bade him farewell. She watched him from the door until he was out of sight, and even then she lingered a while. Neither knew if they would ever see each other again, but both knew they were following the paths they were meant to follow. |
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| Project: Shadow | Aug 29 2005, 05:51 PM Post #2 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=7]Chapter I : In the Dwelling of the Charlatan[/size] The forest remains dark except for the places where the sun passes through the boughs of the trees, and those are few and far between. Finally, Luken comes upon a clearing. The bright sun caused his eyes to hurt at first until they adjusted to the light. At first, he thought he had seen a small cottage in the clearing. When his vision cleared, he now saw a huge fortress. The trees seemed to be cleared away, and now the sky seemed darker. Luken rubbed his eyes and looked again. Nothing changed. Slowly, he crept towards the great gate of the fortress. As he did, flames came rushing down to his feet. He fell backward as he tried to avoid them. As he looked toward the sky, he saw a griffin come soaring down towards him. This time Luken did not take time to look again and ascertain whether or not what he saw was real. He didn't care to take that chance, and ran back to the trees for cover. The beast perches on the high tower in the middle of the fortress and waits for Luken to come into view. Luken passes though the trees and around the fortress. He slips by the griffen without being noticed and reaches the stone wall. Creeping along the wall, he comes to the gate. Without even thinking, he knocks upon the large, wooden door. Immediately, the griffin leaps into the air and circles around. For a moment Luken is paralyzed with fear, he knocks again hard upon the door as the griffin prepares to breath its fire. When he knocks again, the door gives way and he stumbles into the fortress. He sees the flames approaching him just as he slams the door back shut. As soon as he does, the roaring of the flames and of the griffin cease. Everything is silent. Before Luken now is a dimly lit hall. He can see the walls around him, but knows nothing of what lies ahead of him. As his feline vision reveals the darkness, he can now see bones, metal armor, and swords lying about the floor. For a second he thought he saw the bones move, but he kept going and didn't think about keep thinking about it. He then comes into a wide room, and suddenly he hears the clinking of metal behind him. He turns around and sees the bones, now arranged into full skeletons, walking towards him. They're wearing some armor and carrying swords. Though the sight of them is terrifying, he doesn't allow the fear in his mind this time. He draws his sword and beckons the skeletal warriors to make their move. They strike clumsily, and he easily blocks their attacks and deals his own. When he strikes them with his sword, the bones shatter and the warrior is defeated. However, soon come forth and Luken is quickly surrounded. He begins to alternate his attacks between his sword and staff. Finally, after Luken has destroyed almost twenty of his enemies, they stop appearing. Now Luken allows himself to think. He cannot understand how or why any of what he has seen exists. It could not be real, yet it seems so. He begins to feel rather helpless as he begins to worry what sort of situation he'll find himself in next. His train of thought brings him to his memories of Amadeus Prower. Commander Prower was the only father figure that Luken had ever known, and he and his wife Rosemary had taken him in when his mother was killed. Amadeus saved Luken's life from a deadly Overlander attack during the Great War, but he was too late to save Luken's mother. In his despair, Luken actually says his name aloud. "Oh, how I wish you were here to help me, Amadeus." Suddenly, the room lightens and seems to shrink. Luken now finds himself in a small library with one window, and the sun is shining brightly into the room. On the other side of the room, there is someone wearing a dark blue cloak and reaching for a book on one of the higher shelves. Luken stares around himself in astonishment. Then the person turns to him and speaks. "How did you know my brother ?" "I . . . I knew him during the Great War. He saved my life and took me into his home when I was orphaned." Luken blurts out. "Is that so ? That's most peculiar. Allow me to introduce myself, I am known as Merlin Prower." "I'm . . . honored to meet you. I don't suppose you could tell me what's going on here, could you ?" "Of course," begins Merlin "you see, I am what people call a charlatan. I have the power to create illusions that seem very real. That is what you have experienced. I did not know of your intentions, and that is the way I protect my home." "That's . . . most interesting. You say you're Amadeus' brother ? Do you know where he is ?" inquires Luken. "Sadly, I do not. He dissappeared ere Robotnik took over, and I feared the worst." "I'm so sorry, and I have heard of Robotnik. I longed to join the fight against him until I learned of his defeat. Never the less, I wish to make a name for myself and become a great warrior like my father was." "Your father ?" "His name was Lunn Shanley, he fought in the Great War, or so I was told by my mother and grandmother. My name is Luken." "Ah yes, Lunn was a great warrior. He fought bravely to the last. Where do you plan on going, might I ask ?" "Well, I don't really know. I thought I'd make if out of the forest first, but you've managed to make that rather difficult." Luken said with a laugh. "I've lived with my grandmother not far very from here in the forest for twelve years. I'm just now seeting off on my own." "Really ? Well, why don't we sit down ? I may know of something that may interest you." Merlin Prower leads Luken to a small table with two chair and they sit down to continue their conversation. "Though Robotnik has perished, do not think that tyranny does not still exist. It does, and I have been investigating this recently in a land called the Dragon Kingdom." "I can't say that I've heard of it before." "Few have, there are but a few very small villages too speak of. The land is mountainous and there a canyons where few have entered. Long ago, the land was, in fact, inhabited by Mobius' dragons. However, when Robotnik took over their number dwindled and many were roboticized. They left the Dragon Kingdom and have not returned since. Then, cats like yourself began to inhabit the land. They would sometimes have a ruler, and they once had an evil ruler called the Iron King, but he was defeated by Sonic The Hedgehog." "I have heard of him !" Luken interrupted. "I must admit I've found the tales I've heard rather hard to believe." "Well, you can believe them. He is the greatest hero of Mobius. Anyway, as I was saying, the Dragon Kingdom also was once under the rule of Monkey Khan, but his rule failed. Then, only a few months ago, many more cats as well as echidnas journeyed to the Dragon Kingdom, and they brought with them their leader." "Who is he ?" Luken asks. "He . . . is a dragon, yet so much more than a dragon. Have you heard of Shadow The Hedgehog ?" "Only vague rumors, I'm afraid. Why do you ask ?" "They are much alike, Shadow and the dragon. They were both created in the laboratory of Professor Gerald aboard the Space Colony ARK." "Then . . . he's not a real dragon ?" "Not a true dragon, no. He is more. He has all the natural abilities of a dragon, and he has the power of Chaos Control, the power to use the energies of the Chaos Emeralds to affect time and space." "I'm afraid I don't know much about Chaos Emeralds." "They are the ultimate power on Mobius. Gems that contain unlimited energy. The dragon used the seven Chaos Emeralds to gain even more powers. He now commands the elements. Water moves to his will, lighning strikes where he commands it, metal forms into whatever he wishes, the earth shifts to his own desire, and much more. So great is his power, that anyone could have foreseen that it would corrupt him. His name is Leonadus, and he considers himself superior and thus the rightful ruler of everything. At first he was not like this, but as his power grew so did the evil in his heart. I fear for the safety of those who dwell in Dragon Kingdom." "Then he must be stopped !" Luken shouts out to his own astonishment. "Who will stop him ? Sonic is too concerned now with the Kingdom of Acorn. Knuckles The Echidna will not leave Angel Island. My nephew, Miles will remain with Sonic to assist him. Shadow's true intentions are too difficult to perceive. I suspect one day he wil face Leonadus, but it may be too late for the cats and echidnas by then." Luken does not think of himself, he now can only think of the lives in danger. Something festers in his heart and he finds himself shouting out again. "I will stop him !" The words from his own mouth surprise him. He contemplates them for a moment, and then realizes his true feelings. He had known he wanted to become a hero, but never knew how he would react when the chance was before him. Now he knew. "I will stop him," he repeats more softly. "That is, do you think I have a chance ?" Merlin smiles at Luken. "Yes, I do. You've shown great skill here today, and I believe Leonadus is overconfident. You will be able to use that to your advantage, and I will show you how." |
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| Project: Shadow | Sep 15 2005, 10:11 PM Post #3 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=7]Chapter II : The Dark Deeds of the Dragon[/size] For a good long while the Dragon Kingdom was prosperous and peaceful under the rule of Leonadus. They felt protected with one so powerful as their leader. Now his power has corrupted his mind and blackened his heart. The once benevolent dragon lord has become a tyrannical monster. He rarely leaves his castle, Oran Armon, but when he does everyone dreads the moment. He believes to be superior to everyone because of his power. His castle was once a small fortressof stone that the cats and echidnas built in his honor for him a home. Now he has commanded them to make it more extravagant, and the outer walls of the castle are now wrought with pearls. Thus, the reason for its name, Oran Armon or white fortress. He now has come to the small sea town of green pastures called Oren Merton. Alongside him are his guards, cat and echidna warriors. Their captain walks on the dragon's right side, Machiko Cheetah. Finally, the dragon lord stops and enter the small town library owned by the Davalynn family. It is kept by Jarlath Davalynn and his daughter, Sharai. Leonadus commands his guards to leave him and stand watch over the town. As those reading quietly in the library notice him they stare in horror and quake in fear. He glances to each of them with his menacing eyes as he walks by. Then he stops next to Jarlath. The elderly cat looks up a the tall figure with an inquiring look. "How may I help you, Lord Leonadus ?" he asks. Leonadus is silent, and slowly everyone in the library is making their way out. Each one creeping out the door, and hoping they won't be noticed. "I suppose you could tell me why there are no books on dragons here." Leonadus scowls just looking for a reason to be angry at the old cat. "I'm terribly sorry about that," Jarlath replies quietly "I simply have never been able to come across any books on them. You see, these are mostly books that belonged to me that make up this library, and a few have been donated to it as well. I just . . ." "I know all that. Don't give me your excuses and spare me your life story. I want to know when you are going to get some." "Well, I don't really know. I don't believe I could find any around town, or anywhere else in our land for that matter. I'm in no shape to travel at my age and I . . ." "Wrong answer, you're not listening to me." "I heard you, but I'm sorry that I . . ." "You still refuse to listen to me, so you will not hear . . . at all !" Leonadus lets out a tremendous screech. The entire building shakes from the magnitude of the sound waves, and all the window shatter. Everything glass in the building shatters. The ceiling cracks and Jarlath screams and covers his ears in pain. Then the sound stops. Leonadus walks out. "Old fool." Several cats and echidnas are out in the street staring at the building, but they all leave when they see Leonadus. Leonadus calls his guards to him and they leave the town. Moments later, Sharai Davalynn comes running to the library. She throws open the door and calls for her father. She receives no answer. She hurries in and out of every corner of the library until she finds him. She calls to him again, but he stands perfectly still. Sharai touches his shoulder and he looks up at her. Jarlath tries to speak, but it's only a whisper. Then he shouts. She looks at him in horror and his face turns pale as the awful truth is realized. He can no longer hear, he's been stricken deaf by the evil dragon. |
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| Project: Shadow | Sep 16 2005, 09:42 PM Post #4 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=7]Chapter III : Destiny Across the Sea[/size] Luken rests upon a high cliff overlooking the vast ocean of Mobius. He wonders how he will ever make it across the sea to the Dragon Kingdom, where he vowed he would liberate his people from Leonadus The Dragon Lord. As he glares into the shining blade of his sword, he notices the reflection of Merlin Prower approaching him from behind. "Merlin, have you thought of a way I might find passage across the sea yet ?" "As a matter of fact, I have. Follow me, please." Merlin leads Luken down to the beach where there is a landed G.U.N. helicopter. Luken looks around and then glares at the helicopter and his eyes grow large with fright. "You don't expect me to ride in that thing, do you ?!" "Why not ? Don't tell me you're a cat that's afraid of heights," Merlin replies with a smile. "Well, no . . . I mean, heights that I climb to are fine, but . . ." "You're afraid to fly ?" inquire Merlin. "YES !" Luken screams with his eyes tightly shut. "Well, that's the best thing I could come up with. I certainly wasn't able to find some ship you could stow away on," said Merlin "so you'll just have to sneak into that helicopter before it takes off." "Wait, what do you mean sneak ?" "I don't think that G.U.N. squad meant to take on another passenger, so you'll just have to hide yourself in there and remain hidden until they land. I'm not really sure what they were doing here, but it seemed like they're a recon team. Anyway, once they land you should find yourself somewhere near Station Square. To the west, you will come across the Mysterious Cat Country. Perhaps you can stay there for a while to rest, and you might learn more about your father there." "That would be interesting. I think I'd like that." Luken responded and his spirits lifted. "I thought so, and then you would make your way farther west until you come across the Dragon Kingdom. What do you think ?" "I'm starting to like the plan a little better, but I still don't know about this flying business." "Oh come now, it's not a big deal." "Have you ever flown ?" "Well no, but my nephew does all the time and nothing has happened to him yet . . . that's . . . worthy of mention anyway. Of course, there was that time . . ." "Nevermind !" Luken shouts and covered his ears "You're just going to end up talking me out of it. Here I go, wish me luck !" "Farewell Luken, and I hope you find what you seek." Luken creeps down the hill to the unguarded helicopter. He slips through the door and crouches down in the back behind a crate. Then, the G.U.N. squad returns and get seated. Immediatly, and without a word, they take off. The 'copter leans forward and Luken warily clings to anything he can. So begins his nauseating trip over the ocean. Suddenly, Luken finds himself in the dark. He cannot even see his hand as he waves it in front of his face. Everything is pitch black. He feels his staff in his hand, and leans on it to raise himself up. Then, as if he was urged to do so, he taps the bottom of his staff on the hard surface beneath him. Immediately, the small, white crystal at the top of his staff illuminates everything around him with bright light. Suddenly, walls of flame appear all around him. He's trapped in a ring of fire. Stones then begin to fall from above and he barely escapes being crushed by the boulders. Luken looks up where their rocks came from and seesa pair of glowing, green eyes coming towards him. He draws his sword and watches the eyes. As they come closer they begin to grow enormous. Soon all he can see is a green glow around him, and then everything turns black again. Luken's eyes then open. He looks around and notices that he is in the G.U.N. helicopter again. He is lying flat on the floor of the vehicle and his staff is under him, and his sword still in its sheath. Then an firm hand grabs his arm and pull him up. "And who might you be ?" asks the G.U.N. soldier in a harsh voice. Luken, still dazed from the strange dream, remains silent. "What are you doing here ?!" yells the man. "I . . . I don't know," Luken replies, which is not far from the truth as his dream was so real to him that he's still confused from his mind's transition back into reality. "I'll tell you what you're doing here. You're going to be locked away for stowing away on our 'copter !" "No, wait !" he says as he struggles to get free, but the soldier's grip on him is too strong. "Let me go !" Luken shuffles his foot under his staff on the floor and kicks it up to him. He grabs it with his free hand and immediately whacks the soldier in the nose with it. "Ouch ! Why you little . . ." the soldier lets go of Luken and holds onto his nose. "Get back here !" It's too late, for even though his leg gives him terrible pain with each step from his old injury, Luken uses every effort in his body to run as far away from the area as he can. Not until he loses the G.U.N. soldiers, and himself, in a deep wooded area does he finally allow himself to collapse on the ground. Luken lies on the ground in the woods in severe pain. If ever he regretted his decision to leave the Kingdom of Acorn during the flight over the ocean, he regretted it even more so now. For an hour or more he lies there. Then he hears footsteps on the fallen leaves of the forest floor. He tries his best to get up but falls back down in even stronger pain. For years after he attained his injury he had been unable to walk. That passed and he graduated to using a wooden walking stick to assist him. His leg had always been uncomfortable, but this was the first time in years it had brought him such pain. He felt completely helpless now. The sound of the footsteps draws near and he sees a gray image between the trees approaching him. He closes his eyes and lies back down to try to appear lifeless. Finally, something softly touches the side of his face. He carefully opens his eyes and there, leaning its head down to his, is a gray Pasha. Its mane is long and its eyes are bright orange. It looks at him with a caring expression. He thinks of attempting to ride it, but its perfectly plain to see that it's wild, and he wouldn't have a chance of taming it right here and now. Still, he can think of no other way out of his predicament, so he decides to try it. He calls the animal to him, and to his surprise, it walks right up to him. He reaches up and grabs at its flowing mane. It raises its head and lifts him up. Luken crawls onto the Pasha's back and raises up. Immediately, it sets off. It runs swiftly but lightly, being very careful of its rider. Luken feels great relief, and drifts back off to sleep. His dreams are much more pleasant, as he is carried off into the west. |
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| Project: Shadow | Sep 17 2005, 08:14 PM Post #5 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=7]Chapter IV : Country of Origins[/size] Luken wakes again and his surroundings have drastically changed. He's in a region with stone ruins all around. He soon realizes his location when he sees a group of Mobian cats ahead of him. The two younger cats pay him no notice, but the older one looks at Luken in awe and cries, "Lunn Shanley finally returns !" "What ?" Luken says in surprise. "Oh, I'm not Luh . . ." "He comes riding upon his noble steed, Ashlan again !" the old cat interrupts. "What ?!" he says as he looks down at the Pasha is wonder. "Wait a minute, I'm not Lunn Shanley. I'm his son, Luken." "Oh . . . behold, here cometh Luken, son of Lunn !" "Uh . . . yeah, I take it you knew my fah . . ." "Lunn sends his son to help us in our time of great need !" interrupts the old cat again. "Huh ? Actually, I'm only passing through. I'm headed to . . ." "Hope is restored ! Victory is assured ! We shall . . ." "Dad !" interrupts one of the younger cats. "Hmmm ?" replies the old cat as he turns to one of his sons. "Give it a rest, Dad. Please excuse him, he tells us all the time about how your father saved his life on the field of battle. Since then, I think he's been trying to organize a fan club for the guy. How is he, anyway ?" "I'm afraid," begins Luken "my father perished in the Great War between the Mobians and Overlanders before I was even born." "Cruel fate ! The mighty warrior, Lunn Shanley fell in battle !" cries the old cat. "Alas, we shall never again have anything more than his memory to comfort us. Where are you going, young warrior ?" "Well," Luken replies "I thought I would see what I can do to help those in the Dragon Kingdom. I hear they are under terrible oppression from the dragon, Leonadus. I plan to . . ." "Curse you !" breaks in the old cat. "You wish to leave us as soon as you arrive and join the others who abandoned us. They deserve whatever he does to them for going off with him when they were needed here. Fine then, be off with you and never come here again." "I wasn't quite ready to leave yet," says Luken. "I had hoped to learn some things about my father, and maybe I could help you. What do you need help with ?" "In that case, I will tell you much of your father, and your question I will also answer. The cats can wait no longer. We have finally chosen to seek our revenge against the Echidnas for the land that they stole from us. We move against the very family that was our enemy long before. The Knuckles Clan, they trespassed onto our land long ago and disturbed the great water beast that brought ruin to both our civilizations. Then they took the land they stole from us to the sky, and there they will among the clouds. We will fix that." "You mean the Guardians of Angel Island," asks Luken "I've read about them, but how do you plan to defeat them ? I understand that they're very powerful, and don't they have a right to their land because . . ." "Fool ! They stole it from us ! It belonged to us !" "You weren't using it." Luken replies. "It doesn't matter, for we will have our vengeance. You shall help, son of Lunn." "My name is Luken." "Whatever, come now and I will tell you about your father." "Oh boy," says one of the younger cats with sarcasm "this could take years." The old cat tells Luken many stories of his father an their wars he fought in, but Luken learns little about who his father truly was. The old cat was only concerned about the things Lunn had accomplished and rambled on for hours. Then a great horn was sounded, and the cats are called to war. |
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| Project: Shadow | Sep 17 2005, 08:17 PM Post #6 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=7]Intermission : War Between the Allies[/size] At this point in the story, the events of the Sonic Adventures RPG Episode III : War Between the Allies occur. Luken returns to the outskirts of the Mysterious Cat Country and continues on his journey to Dragon Kingdom. |
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| Project: Shadow | Sep 17 2005, 08:58 PM Post #7 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=7]Chapter V : Luken Arrives in Dragon Kingdom[/size] After an exausting adventure with all of Mobius at war, Luken is happy that things are back to normal, and that he can finally return to his original quest. Though he may have achieved fame as a hero through the war that was not his reason for setting out to Dragon Kingdom. He desires to try his very best to liberate his people in that land from the corrupt dragon, Leonadus. He and his father's Pasha, Ashlan, have formed a strong bond. Luken now rides to the gates of the land he seeks. The gates are closed and two sleeping guards, one a cat and the other an echidna, are resting upon the edge of the high balcony. "Hello there !" Luken shouts. He doesn't get a reply, and the two guards continue to snore. "I said . . . HELLO !" "Wha ?! Oh no, we were asleep ! We . . . I . . . uh, who are you ?" asks the echidna. "Name's Luken, and I'd like to enter Dragon Kingdom." "Oh yeah," responds the cat "no can do. No one enters Dragon Kingdom unless the Dragon Lord approves of it." "Cool, so let me speak to him so we can get this over with," Luken replies. "The great Leonadus will not be disturbed, so be on your way !" commands the echidna. "Hmph ! From what I've heard, he's already disturbed," whispers Luken to himself. "What was that ?!" "Oh, nothing. Y'know, two respectable gentlemen such as yourself shouldn't be on guard duty." The cat and echidna look at each confused. "Why not ?" "It's such a waste of your talents, of course." Luken begins, "In fact, I was hoping to offer my services to the Dragon Kingdom. I'm a worthy warrior, as several have told me, perhaps if there were someone else to join this group of skilled soldiers then you two might be promoted to something you might find more rewarding." "And . . . how would we go about doing that ?" "Simple, allow me to see, Lord Leonadus. I imagine he'll be very grateful to those find great warriors as new recruits for his elite guard." "I told you that you cannot see him," replied the echidna. "Then allow me to speak with your captain, if you may." "Well, I don't see why not. Oh fine, come through the gate." "Thank you," says Luken with a smile. "I'm sure your master will reward you for this in the near future." Luken dismounts Ashlan before going through the gate and whisper to Pasha, "You better not come in here. There's no telling what may happen. Take care of yourself, and don't go too far away. I may need you again before this is over." Reluctanly, Ashlan gallops away from his master and back to the wilderness. Luken takes up his staff and strolls through the gate. The echidna guard then comes down and approaches him. "We'll have the captain speak to you, but in the meantime, enjoy your stay in the town of Oren Merton." "I will, and thank you." Luken strolls the quaint streets of the town. It is a pleasant mixture of the old fashioned ways and the technology of today. The citizens of the town, as well as the entire kingdom, consist entirely of Mobian cats and echidnas. Everything seems peaceful, yet Luken can't help but notice the grim faces of the people. Almost everyone he passes by, even little children, are displaying a solemn expression. No one seems to be cheerful at all. "Enjoy my stay, hmph ! You'd find more cheer in a graveyard than in this place. In fact, I . . ." Luken halts suddenly when he notices the Davalynn library. "Well, a library. There's one place that I expect to find silence. Maybe I might learn some things about my family among those books." Luken walks into the building. He is greeted by a girl as he walks in. She's leaning down to a computer typing while examining one of the books. Luken waves to her and goes looking through the thousands of books. Then the girl speaks to him again. Her eyes show weariness as if she had been crying. "Welcome, is there anything I can help you find ?" "I don't know, but I suppose I was looking to see if you had any records on my family," Luken explains. "Does your family live around here ?" "Well no, not exactly. My father once lived in the Mysterious Cat Country, east of here. I thought that is where most of the inhabitants of this land originated from." "That's true. Although such records may have been lost or never brought here, we may have something. Follow me, please. Oh, my name is Sharai Davalynn. This library belongs to my family, and it's become my responsibility since my father is no longer able." "I'm sorry, what happened to him ?" asks Luken in a concerned tone. "I'd rather not talk about it. I believe we may find what you seek over here." "Thank you," Luken replies "but what about your mother ?" "She died shortly after I was born," Sharai says sadly "so I never knew her." "I know how you feel, and that's why I wish to learn about my family. My father died in the Great War before I was born and my mother died about eight years later. My name is Luken Shanley." "Shanley ?!" Sharai's eyes brighten and she looks at Luken strangely. "It couldn't be. Your family is a legend in our culture. I'm positive we'll find something on them now." The two go through several books and read and talk for hours. They find books on many brave warriors of Luken's ancestry. One book tells about the past of Luken's sword, Xanvuril. Sharai looks on in awe as Luken presents the sword forth for Sharai to examine. After talking and reading until the night draws near, they finally close down the library and go to an empty room to continue their conversation. Sharai reveals what happened to her father, Jarlath, and Luken tells her of his purpose for coming to the Dragon Kingdom. She protests, "You can't face Leonadus ! He cannot be stopped, his power knows no limits." "If no one ever stands up to him then his evil will continue to endure and grow. It would seem that if I don't do anything to stop him, no one will. I will defeat him, or die in the attempt." Sharai tries to change his mind, even though she greatly desires for Leonadus to be driven from the land, but Luken holds to his purpose. |
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| Project: Shadow | Sep 21 2005, 08:08 PM Post #8 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=7]Chapter VI : The Captain of the Guard[/size] The next morning, Luken wakes up in the library in a soft chair where Sharai and him had finished their conversation. There is a soft blanket layed over him and a pillow behind his head. He opens his eyes and is startled by a little echidna child staring him in the face. "Whoa ! Uh . . . hi there," he says to the echidna girl. "Who are you ?" asks the echidna girl. "Uh . . . I'm Luken." "Okay, are you a clown ?" "A clown ?! No, why do you ask ?" "I was just checking to make sure. Clowns scare me." "Okaaay, they kind of scare me, too." "What's that ?" asks the echidna girl, pointing to Luken's sword in its sheath. "It's . . . a sword," Luken says nervously. "What's it do ?" "It . . . uh . . . well, it's for . . . fighting." "Why ?" "In case, someone tries to hurt me, I suppose." "Why ?" "If . . . they don't like me, I . . . guess." "Why ?" "I . . . I don't know why !" cries Luken frustrated. "Okay, I love you. Bye-bye !" she says and runs off. "Good morning," says Sharai coming into the library "did you sleep well ? I just left you here last night. I didn't know what else to do with you. Have you seen my father ? I assume he's here since someone has opened the library back up and it obviously wasn't you." "No, I just woke up. The only person I've seen so far is that . . . interesting, little echidna girl." "Well, perhaps you're ready to see me," says a cheetah wearing a ragged tunic, a sword in its sheath, and a bow with a quiver of arrows. "My name is Machiko. I'm the captain of the Dragon Kingdom's elite guard force. I was told you wished to speak with me. Why don't we go somewhere more private ?" "Oh, alright." Luken nervously follows Machiko Cheetah out of the library and around the corner down a dark alley. "Well, this is an odd place to hold a conversation." "It'll do, don't think you can deceive me, Luken. I was given a full report of your entire conversation with those gate-keepers, and someone has been watching you ever since. Oh, and don't worry about them. They've already be given a job more suitable than guard duty." "That's good to hear," Luken replies. "Yeah, now they're in charge of the sewage of this town. We know why you're here. We have ears everywhere, and where you would least expect them. Don't even bother trying to deceive us. The Dragon Lord knows everything that goes on in his kingdom." Luken reaches for his sword, but like lightning Machiko draws his first and disarms Luken after kicking him into the wall. When Luken gets up, Machiko slashes his face with his claws. "You're lucky that you're facing me now and not Leonadus. I'm going give you a choice, to leave this land now or to face the Dragon Lord. It is a life or death situation and you control the outcome. Leave now or die, it's your decision." "I see it," begins Luken as he clutches his scratched face "as a choice between cowardess and courage." Machiko knocks him down again by striking him in the face with the hilt of his sword. "To face Leonadus is not courage, it's suicide. None who fight him could ever survive. He commands every element, he is a greater sword master than you and I combined, and he knows the power of Chaos Control. Neither of us can even imagine what that power can accomplish." "Why do you serve him ?" Luken asks. "I became the captain of his guard when he offered me the position long ago after observing my fighting skills," Machiko explains. "I prefer to be on the winning team when the game is played, thank you." "You're the coward, and you're selfish. You care only for your own life. I wish to help the lives of others, even at the expense of my own." "If you consider that wisdom, then you can have it. Do whatever you want. I'm certainly not going to great lengths to save your skin." Machiko turns to leave and then looks back. "I've heard of your father and all the other legendary warriors of the Shanley family. I guess you're proof that there is weakness in your family after all. You're crippled, you can barely walk and yet you think you have what it takes to defeat an all-powerful dragon. Well . . . good luck." Luken walks out of the alley and down the street. Cats and echidnas stare at him and Sharai sees him and offers to help, but he walks on. He comes back to the gate at which he entered the kingdom and stops. Machiko comes up behind him again. "Good to see you have some sense. Open the gate !" he commands to the two cats on the balcony. "Yeah, I do." Luken whistles loud as the gate opens, and Ashlan comes galloping through. Luken climbs onto the Pasha and turns away from the gate. "I have the sense to take my Pasha and not walk all the way to Leonadus." Machiko shakes his head as Luken rides off. |
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| Project: Shadow | Oct 3 2005, 01:41 PM Post #9 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=7]Chapter VII : The Valley of the Dragon[/size] Luken rode for both day and night through the land in search of where the dragon's dwelling was. Finally, he came upon a small pass through a huge canyon. When he came out from within the rock walls he gazed in wonder at a land of beauty. There were endless fields of bright, green grass, a sparkling blue river that forked and a part of it went back under the other side of the canyon while the other section flowed on to create a mote around a magnificent fortress wrought entirely of shining, white pearls. There were several ledges on the canyon wall as well as caves that lead deep into them. Great ships lie anchored in the river and a long bridge of silver connected the land on the two sides of the water. Luken remains frozen in awe at the sight for several minutes until he catches sight of something moving on a high ledge above him. "Well, well, well, for a moment I had reason to hope you had lost your way and starved to death in the forest, but it would seem you're determined to endure a more terrible death." Machiko says to him from on high. "I guess I never had a chance of beating a cheetah to this place, did I ?" Luken asks in a dissappointed tone of voice. "Look on the bright side," Machiko replies as eleven other warriors of both cat and echidna race approach the ledge "you may yet be spared from a horrible fate if we manage to stop you." Luken holds tightly to Ashlan's mane, "I'm afraid that won't happen." "You may be surprised," Machiko raises his hand and the five cat and six echidna warriors raise their bows. The weapons are not simple, wooden longbows but are shining metal with similar technology to that of the bows used by M.E.D.O. Troopers. "Fire !" The weapons fire arrows which first appear as beams of green light which is extinguished when they hit the ground in vain, missing their target. Ashlan rears back and darts off carrying Luken speedily across the fields as arrows rain down all around them. The Pasha streaks along the grass at an amazing pace but he has to change course often when arrows come down in front of them. At last, they leave the range of the warriors and don't look back. "Whew ! I guess they're not very good at hitting a moving target, huh Ashlan ?" The Pasha neighs a sigh of relief. As they slow down to a slow walk, they hear the sound of galloping hoofs again, but this time they're not the sound of Ashlan on the run. They see a flash of white light so bright that it seems all else around them grows dark for as long as the light endures. Ashlan rears back again and a beam of light strikes the ground where his hoofs once stood. The light fades a little and a white unicorn is seen dashing towards them. A great race to the river begins as the two powerful animals run alongside each other. Beams of light fire from the horn of the unicorn and one beam passes right through Luken's cape. Ashlan gallops ahead as the unicorn stomps the ground and a terrible fissure almost reaches Luken and his steed. Just as Ashlan sets hoof upon the silver boards of the bridge, the unicorn breaks off pursuit and retreats back to a cave where the river comes into the canyon. They proceed cautiosly across the bridge, and just as they draw near to the other side they hear a strange sound that seems to come from beneath the water's surface and the bridge starts to shake apart. Ashlan takes off and reaches the other side just as the bridge collapses but Luken falls from the back of the Pasha into the water. When Ashlan realizes this he neighs frantically and runs back and forth along the edge of the river as he intends to jump into the water with his rider. Then Luken's head comes up above the water's surface. "Relax Ashlan, I may not like water same as most cats, but that doesn't mean I can't swim. That's weird, I would think this river would be freshwater but I taste salt in it. Stay there and I'll be there in a second." Luken throws his staff and sword onto the grass and starts to swim toward the land. Then there is another strange sound in the deep and the water ripples toward Luken. A whirlpool begins to draw him under. "Ashlan, throw me my sword back !" The Pasha obeys the command, taking the hilt of the sword in his mouth and swinging it into the air until it leaves his grip and falls right into Luken's hand. Luken takes a deep breath and dives under the water. He sees a shadow like a large fish approaching. He grasps his sword with both hands tightly, ready to deliver a deadly blow to what he thinks may be a shark. To his surprise, he sees a dolphin with very long fins swimming towards him. Then it issues out another sonar blast that sends Luken all the way out of the water and right into his Pasha. "Whoa ! That was odd. That dolphin looked so strange, it could only have been one of those described in the legends of Atlantis. First a unicorn, then an Atlantean Dolphin, so what could possibly be next ? We know the dragon comes at the end of all this." Then as if in answer to Luken's question the hear two strange sounds. One sounds like the cry of a great bird of prey while the other sounds like engulfing flames. "Oh no, I should've guessed." Luken quickly climbs back onto Ashlan and the Pasha raises up and dashes toward the pearl castle. As Luken now knew, a phoenix, a fire bird, now flew towards them breathing fire in their path. Ashlan runs faster now than ever before and in no time they reach to gates of Oran Armon. The phoenix flies off toward its nest on the high canyon wall. Luken climbs down a bids his to remain behind. "Ashlan, you've saved my life so many times just now that I quickly lost count, but you cannot help me in there. Stay here and be careful, I may yet need you again when this is over." The Pasha lowers its head and neighs. Then Ashlan trots off to the side of the fortress as Luken approaches the gate. Before he even has a chance of pondering how he may enter the castle, the gates open. He slowly walks inside to meet the dragon and possibly his doom. |
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| Project: Shadow | Oct 3 2005, 03:35 PM Post #10 |
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Egg Robo
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[size=7]Chapter VIII : Confronting Leonadus[/size] Luken finds that inside the bright, shining castle of pearl is a much darker, eerier setting. It looks much like ancient medieval castles from long ago. The only light comes from the few windows and torch lamps along the walls. The walls and floors are marble and covered with carpet like velvet and curtains of silk. Their colors are scarlet and crimson. The marble that is left uncovered is black and dark gray. There are suits of armor arranged on each side of the long halls. The only sound Luken can hear is that of his own breathing and his heart beating. Then the gate and the great doors slam to behind him, increasing the darkness and nearly shaking him off his feet. Then all is silent around him once more. He walks on for what seems like hours and his surrounding change very little. Occassionally, he sees a small door but try as he may, none will open. Finally, he reaches a wide chamber. On a high balcony is a large throne and a creature shrouded in darkness by a deep blue cloak and hood rests upon the throne. Only his glowing green eyes and the long and sharp, clawed hands can be seen. Luken stops and stands up as tall as he can, still holding his staff in his left hand while the right hand slowly creeps toward the hilt of Xanvuril in its sheath. "At last we meet, Luken. I know quite a lot about you, and here you come before me. In vain you expect to slay the dragon like great warriors in ancient times long passed. Well, I am no ordinary dragon." Leonadus stands up in front of his thone and casts his cloak aside. "I come here to give my greatest effort to deliver the people of Dragon Kingdom from your evil !" shouts Luken quivering. "Evil, you say ? Tell me, what is your definition of evil, son of Lunn ?" "Those who are selfish, those who enslave people and deprive them of their free will. To bring emotional, mental, and physical harm to others, that is evil." "Is that your manner of thinking ?" Leonadus replies and Luken nods. "Let me tell you mine, and as an example I will use Doctor Ivo Robotnik. For years the Mobians and Overlanders fought needlessly, this you know for the Great War was the death of your parents. Robotnik came and helped the Mobians bring the war to an end, in their favor. He then examined the king's rule and deemed it as a failure. King Max had been unable to stop the war, but Robotnik had succeeded. Who then was worthy of ruling Mobius ? The king would not leave the throne easily, though and Robotnik was forced to exile him to the Zone of Silence. Neither would the other Mobians willingly follow his rule, so he used the method of robotization to make them more loyal. As a robot, they were impervious to all illness and disease. Nor would the process of time bring about their death. He had given them all the gift of immortality, yet they foolishly gave it up. They never felt hungry, thirsty, tired, or even pain, yet they wished things back to the way they were. And those who slipped away from Robotnik's rule brought about his ruin. They converted Mobotropolis back into a dwelling of doomed mortals. So he had take desperate measures in order to save their lives. They had organized a great military to stop him, so he had to do the same in order to ensure victory for all of Mobius. At last he was able to complete his plans with the Black Emerald, but still there were those who did not share his greater view of life. At the utter most end of need he bestowed his gift upon himself, but it was not enough. He was destroyed, and along with his destruction went every hope that robotization could ever be used to save Mobius again. That was the end of his tale, and now I will tell you mine. I was created by Robotnik's grandfather in his attempt to unlock the secrets of immortality in order to save the life of his granddaughter, Maria. He was not able to control me, though nor was I able to control myself at first. He had bestowed power upon me so great that I nearly destroyed the entire space colony research laboratory and he was forced to encapsulate me deep within the station. However, when it was besieged by G.U.N. I escaped and made my way down to Mobius where I met Egarim Grayden who taught me how to focus my powers. Eventually, my power was so admired and worshipped by the cats and echidnas in the region where Egarim dwelled that they decided to follow me here, so that I could restore the Dragon Kingdom to be a land dominated by dragons. They made me their Dragon Lord and I have since brought peace, order, and freedom to this land. In time I realized my rightful place among them, for my power is superior. I protect them and they serve me as it should be. Ever I have respected those who also have great power and not meddled in their affairs, but those who are weak and interfere with my plans do not deserve life . . . such as you." Luken quickly draws his sword from the sheath at his side and Leonadus reaches to the sheath at his back and draws his weapon as well. Leonadus spreads his wings wide as he leaps from the balcony and their blades lock. They glare at each other intently and prepare to duel to the death. |
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7:22 PM Jul 10