Sonic EXE: The Dark Horizon

Part Twelve: Sacrificial Resolve

Warning, this one is a little longer than the rest! If you've been waiting for action, just keep reading because you're in for a surprise,

Open Field

TAILS POV
As I approached the open field, my eyes were still fixed on the gadget's flashing screen that flickered with detected anomalies. Nothing about my surroundings seemed unusually strange, so what was the meaning of this? I looked around nervously, gripping the gadget tighter until I looked forward. I felt my heart skip a beat upon noticing EXE materializing from the darkness. His gaze was fixed on me with an unsettling intensity and a malevolent smile playing on his lips.

My eyes widened and I took a single step back, watching as he confidently took a few steps toward me. "You've been busy, haven't you? Detecting anomalies? Trying to outsmart me?" But I stood silent. My heart was like a racecar. "Cat got your tongue, Tails? Or are you beginning to understand how powerless you are?" But I was frozen in place. "I'll gladly give you another chance to play, Tails. But remember, every game has its price," he said, his grin widening.

I trembled, feeling a chill upon seeing his slightly exposed razor teeth with that smile. "I'm not here to play, EXE. I'm here to stop you!" I finally blurted out, tightening my grip on the gadget. "You're not playing? Oh, Tails... in my game, everyone plays whether they like it or not," his voice was low. With a swift motion, I felt his fingers wrap around my neck, causing me to gasp as he lifted me up with an unnatural strength. He was choking me. My eyes immediately darted toward Amy for a brief moment.

She was just hiding in the bushes, watching. It was like she too was frozen in place. I panicked as I struggled against his grip, gasping once more, "Let go of me!" EXE grinned maliciously, tightening his grip. "Not so fast, little fox. You're not going anywhere..." I desperately tried to break free, fear in my eyes. As I struggled harder, my voice strained. "I won't let you destroy everything!" EXE gave me a dark chuckle, "You're in over your head, Tails. This world belongs to me now..."

I felt his grip tighten to an unnatural strength. I gasped for air, feeling the world around me darkened.

Amy, help me...

AMYS POV
I watched as the horrific scene unfolded in front of my widened eyes. My hands were trembling and my heart was racing like crazy. Tails needed my help! But I was frozen in place. I couldn't move and I knew any second now, EXE would kill him. The last thing I wanted was for anyone to hurt my friends! If I didn't help soon, Tails wasn't going to make it. My eyes darted around in search of something that would make him let go. That was when my eyes spotted a pile of rocks.

I rushed over and lifted a large, hefty rock from the bunch and turned to face EXE again as he choked Tails. I have to do something! EXE was completely focused on Tails, so it gave me the perfect chance to move. I gripped the rock tightly, taking a deep breath. I rushed forward, aiming the rock before throwing it at his head. EXE staggered, groaning as he momentarily loosened his grip. I heard Tails gasp for air and I quickly rushed forward, my hands tightly gripping my hammer as I swung it.

EXE growled, dropping Tails and turning to face me. I was ready to protect my friends, even if it cost me my life. "Foolish girl. Do you really think you can stop me?" I raised my hammer, glaring at him, "I won't let you hurt Tails!" EXE smirked, noticing as Sonic rushed in. Sonic noticed the tension, his eyes suddenly widening with concern. "Tails!" He called out. Tails breathed heavily, glancing over to Sonic, "Sonic, you're just in time..." He huffed.

Sonic was relieved, but he felt a hint of guilt. "Phew, glad I made it. Are you okay?" Tails managed to catch his breath, "Yeah, thanks to Amy." I stood nearby, determined, "He won't hurt you anymore, Tails." EXE smirks darkly, his eyes clearly fixed on Sonic. "Look who finally decides to show up..." He had that wicked grin on his face. I was ready to swing my hanger and wipe that stupid smirk off his face. Sonic took a protective step in front of Tails, "You're not laying a finger on him again, EXE."