Healing Hearts
Chapter Fifteen

Knothole Village-The Next Day...

"So, how are you feeling today," Sally asked Austin.
"I feel great," Austin replied, stretching and flexing. He removed the bandage on his chest to check his wound. "Look at that. You'd never know I had a gaping wound two days ago."
Sally inspected the area and sure enough the wound was practically gone. Only a faint scar remained, and even that was rapidly fading.
"I'm amazed," she said. "Edenians really do heal quickly." She placed her hand on his chest. "Well, I'm just relieved you're fully recovered."
Austin placed his hand over hers and squeezed it affectionately. "Me, too. Still, I am under doctor's orders to use up that salve."
"I don't think the healer realized just how fast you'd recover," Sally said. "Either way, I'd say just use a little of the salve she gave you. No point using a lot when the wound's pretty much gone."
"I agree," he said. He retrieved the jar and dabbed a small amount of salve on his vanishing injury and then reapplied a new bandage. "By tomorrow it should be totally healed." He gazed at the little jar in his hand. "Now, what about this? I'd hate to waste it."
Sally thought for a moment. Then, "I know. We could let Tails use it. He did suffer burns to his arm during our raid on the factory."
"Good idea," Austin said. He grabbed his shirt and put it on. "It might help his arm heal faster."
"C'mon," Sally said. "Lets go talk to him."

They arrived at Tails' hut and Sally knocked on the door. A moment passed and then the door opened. Tails peered out and saw who it was.
"Oh. Morning, Sally. Hey, Austin," he greeted. "What's up?"
Austin handed him the jar. "Here, Tails. This is a jar of salve given to me by the Wolf Pack's healer. Since my wound's pretty much healed, I figured you could use this for your burn."
"Thanks," Tails said, taking the jar.
"No problem," Austin said. "So, we all set to head out to Angel Island?"
"We'll have to fly there," Sally said.
"But, how," Austin asked. "Even if we take the Tornado, it won't be able to carry all of us."
"Perhaps I should show you my other project," Tails said. "Follow me."

They walked around to the back of Tail's workshop. Sitting there was a large, sleek jet.
"Whoa," Austin gasped.
"Say hello to the Tornado X-1," Tails said, a hint of pride in his voice. "It's big enough to accommodate all of us."
"It's beautiful," Austin complimented. He turned to Sally. "Did you know about this?"
"I knew Tails had been working on something," she replied. "But I didn't know it was this."
"I just finished installing the main components this morning," Tails said. "And here's the good part. It's computerized, so all we have to do is input coordinates and the X-1 can fly itself, if necessary. Meaning, I could fly it one handed."
"Tails, you rock," Austin said.

It wasn't long before everyone was gathered around the Tornado X-1.
"Remarkable," Amber marveled at the sleek jet. "You're quite the mechanical genius, Tails."
"I knew you'd come through, Tails," Amy said.
Tails blushed modestly at the compliments.
"So, are we ready," Darren asked.
"We're still waiting on Rotor," Sally said.
"Wait no more," Rotor said, walking up to them. "I'm right here. Sally, I got something for you." He handed her a small device.
"Nicole," Sally exclaimed.
"Sorry it took a while," Rotor said. "Between the repairs and everything else that's happened over the last few days, I finally got her up and running again this morning."
"Thank you, Rotor," Sally said.
"So, who's Nicole," Austin asked.
"I'll show you," Sally said, opening up the device, revealing a small hand-held computer. "Nicole. Are you operational?"
"Affirmative," the computer replied.
"I'd like you to meet someone," Sally said.
Suddenly, a light appeared and standing before them was a female lynx with black hair, green eyes, and wearing a purple dress. Sally hugged the lynx.
"It's so good to see you again, Nicole," she said.
"It's good to be back, Sally," Nicole said, hugging her.
Sally turned to Austin. "Austin, I'd like you to meet Nicole."
Austin gazed at Nicole. "Hello. It's nice to meet you." He held out his hand and Nicole shook it.
"And these two are Amber and Darren," Sally said, introducing the others.
"It's nice to meet all of you," Nicole said.
"Sally," Austin asked. "Where did she come from? Is she...real?"
"Nicole is an Artificial Intelligent lifeform," Sally explained. "Thanks to some nanotechnology we procured a while back, she's capable of assuming a solid hologram projection."
"That's amazing," Darren said. "Even though I don't know what it all means."
"So, where has she been this whole time," Austin asked.
"She suffered some damage during a mission about a week before you came to Mobius," Sally said. "Rotor's been working on the repairs." Sally smiled at Nicole. "I'm glad to see you're alright, Nicole. I really missed you."
"I'm ready to help out in anyway," Nicole said. "Rotor informed me about the emeralds after I came back online." She glanced at Austin and smiled. "And he told me about our guests here." She winked knowingly at Austin, indicating she knew about him and Sally.
"By the way," Rotor spoke up. "I have some more good news. After our first scuffle with the Stealth Bots, I confiscated their stealth technology and studied it. Thanks to what I found, I was able to create a program that can alert us to any bot that's cloaked."
"Finally, things are starting to look up," Amy said. "We got Nicole back, we have a way to detect those Stealth Bots, and we took out Metal Sonic and that spy doll."
"And we have three new allies helping us," Sally added. "You're right, Amy. Things are starting to look up." She turned to address everyone. "Alright, team. Are we ready to go?"
Everyone nodded.
"Then lets go," Sally said. "Tails, prep the X-1. Next stop: Angel Island."

Several moments later, the X-1 zoomed through the air. The navigational computer, with help from Nicole, piloted the jet, steering it towards their destination. Nicole appeared next to Sally.
"So, Sally," she said. "Tell me about Austin. When did you two get together?"
"I take it Rotor filled you in about us," Sally said.
"He did," the A.I. replied. "I'll confess, I was happy to hear that. I hated seeing you suffer after Sonic...well, I'm glad you're happy again."
"Thank you, Nicole," Sally said.
"Now, I'd like to know more about him," Nicole said.
"Alright, I'll tell you about him," Sally said.

Austin was sitting across the aisle from Sally. He watched as she and Nicole talked. It amazed Austin that an Artificial Intelligent program could show such emotions. He always assumed computers were pretty much...well, soulless. And yet, he couldn't deny that this A.I. possessed not only a soul of sorts, but emotions and feelings. And everyone treated her just as they would anyone else, and not as some machine. He would have to talk to her at some point and get to know her better.
"Penny for your thoughts."
Austin looked up and saw Amy standing there.
"What's up, Amy," he said.
"I noticed you were watching Sally and Nicole," Amy said. "She's something, isn't she?"
Austin nodded. "I've never met an A.I. before. I've heard of them, but this is the first time I've actually seen one. She seems nice, though. But, where did she come from?"
"You know, I'm not really sure," Amy replied. "She was already with the Freedom Fighters before I joined up. From what I understand, Sally found her one night, just lying on the ground. Nicole can't seem to recall where she's from or who built her. One thing we're certain of, she wasn't built by Robotnik."
Austin glanced back at Nicole. "So, no one has any idea about her origins? Not even her?"
"Pretty much," Amy said. "But there's no denying she's been a big help to our cause." She fell silent for a moment, and then said, "Say, Austin? Do you mind if I talk to you about something?"
Austin turned his attention back to her. "Sure. What's on your mind?"
Amy hesitated, a slight blush on her face and she shuffled her feet nervously. "See, I think...it's about...Tails."
Austin glanced towards Tails. The young fox was sitting in the pilot's seat, checking the computer every now and then.
"What about Tails," he asked.
"Um, well," Amy stammered. "I...uh...N-Never mind. Just forget it."
He watched her return to her seat and sit down.
"What was that about," Austin wondered.
"Hey, guys," Tails called out. "We're approaching Angel Island."
Austin got up and made his way towards the front of the jet and gazed out the window. He scanned the waters below but saw nothing.
"Where is it," he asked. "I don't see anything."
"Try looking up," Tails said, indicating towards the sky.
Austin looked up and gasped. There, in the sky, was a large island.
"Whoa," Austin exclaimed. "A flying island?"
Sally came up behind him. "Quite a sight, huh?"
"I'll say," Austin said. "How is that possible?"
"You'll see soon enough," Sally replied.

The X-1 touched down in a clearing on the island. Everyone disembarked and Austin gazed around the area. It was hard to imagine that the very ground they stood on was actually floating miles up in the air. The area was surrounded by trees and bushes, the sounds of birds filling the air.
"Welcome to Angel Island," Sally said.
"Been a while since we were last here," Amy said.
"So, where do we find Knuckles," Amber asked.
"I can think of one place," Sally said. "Follow me."
They set off down the trail. Sally led them through the area, occasionally passing through the bushes and trees. After several moments, they came to a large clearing. Stone pillars stood in the center of the area, surrounding a stone pedestal and steps. At the top of the pedestal rested a giant green emerald.
"Whoa," Darren exclaimed. "Look at the size of that thing!"
Austin stared at the emerald. Even from here, he could feel an immense energy pulsing from the gem.
"Sally," he asked. "Is that...?"
"Yes, Austin," Sally replied. "That's a Chaos Emerald."
"Incredible," Austin said. "I didn't realize they were that huge."
"Well, this is great," Darren said. "We're looking for an emerald and we find one. We beat Robotnik to it."
"Not so fast, Darren," Sally said. "That emerald is off limits. If we were to remove it from the pedestal, then this island would drop."
"You mean," Amber said, "we're airborne because of that emerald?"
"Bingo," Amy replied.
"Okay, never mind," Darren said.
"I highly doubt Robotnik will care though," Austin said.
"It's not this one we need to worry about," Sally said. "The emeralds we seek are much smaller. Besides, Robotnik won't get this emerald so easily."
"Why's that," Darren asked.
"Because I won't let him."
Everyone turned around and there stood a red echidna. Austin noted the echidna's fists had two spike-like protrusions. He knew without a doubt that this was Knuckles.
"Sally," Knuckles said. "Long time no see."
"Hello, Knuckles," Sally greeted. "It's been a while."
Knuckles' gaze shifted towards Austin, Darren, and Amber suspiciously.
"New friends," he asked, tensing noticeably.
"Easy, Knuckles," Sally said. "Yes, they're friends. This is Austin, Darren and Amber. They're helping us in our fight with Robotnik."
Knuckles still regarded them warily, but he did relax.
"Alright. If you say so," he said. "So, what brings you here to my neck of the woods?"
"We came here to talk to you," Sally said. "Regarding Chaos Emeralds."
Knuckles was silent for a moment and then said, "Follow me. We'll go talk at my place."

It didn't take long to reach Knuckles' house. He opened the door and ushered them in. Inside, they found several other Mobians lounging around. A crocodile, a chameleon, a bee, an armadillo and a female echidna.
"Yo, Knux," the crocodile greeted. "Back so soon?" He then noticed the guests Knuckles had with him. "Hey! Princess! Good to see ya."
"Hello, Vector," Sally said. "Before you say anything, let me introduce Austin, Darren and Amber. They're with us. You can trust them." She turned to Austin and his friends. "This is Knuckles' team, the Chaotix. That's Vector. The chameleon is Espio. The bee is Charmy, the armadillo is Mighty and the echidna is Julie-Su."
"Hello," Austin greeted them.
"So, when did you start palling around with Overlanders," Charmy asked.
"They're not Overlanders, Charmy," Sally said. "It's a long story. Right now, we need to talk to Knuckles regarding Chaos Emeralds."
Knuckles indicated some chairs. "Have a seat and lets talk."

Knuckles listened as Sally told him of Robotnik's plans to locate the lost emeralds and utilize them for his own purposes.
"And so," Sally said, "since you have a connection to the Chaos Force, we were hoping you could help us track them down."
"I see," Knuckles said. "I understand why you came to me, but I'm going to have to decline."
"What," Sally gasped. "But, Knuckles, you're the only one who can help us."
"I have an obligation to guard the Master Emerald," Knuckles said.
"That never stopped you from helping us before," Sally pointed out.
"I'm sorry, Sally," Knuckles said. "But I've made up my mind."
"How can you be so selfish," Amy yelled, jumping to her feet. "Don't you realize what'll happen if Robotnik gets those emeralds? We're talking about the fate of Mobius here!"
"Don't lecture me, Amy," Knuckles shouted. "I have my reasons! I'm sorry, but I can't help you!"
"You can't, or you won't," Amy snapped back.
"Amy, calm down," Sally said. "If Knuckles can't help us, then we'll respect his decision."
"But, Sally," Amy protested.
"We'll just have to find another way," Sally said. She stood up and turned to Knuckles. "Thank you anyway, Knuckles. We'll go now."
She turned to leave, the others following her. Amy glared venomously at Knuckles and then stomped out, slamming the door shut behind her.
After they were gone, Knuckles slammed his fist onto the table, nearly causing it to collapse. Behind him, Snively emerged from the room.
"That hedgehog certainly has a temper," he commented. "Nicely done, Knuckles."
"Shut up," Knuckles snarled.
"Now, now, mind your tone," Snively reprimanded. "Don't forget what's at stake here."
"You're scum, ya know that," Vector growled at Snively.
"Don't think you'll get away with this," Espio added.
"Spare me," Snively said. "Now then, Knuckles, lets discuss the locations of the emeralds, shall we?"
Knuckles clenched his fists, shaking with rage. How he wanted to wipe that smug smile off Snively's face. But he couldn't. Doing so would risk the life of someone he cared about.
"Fine," he murmured.
"Wise decision," Snively said.

"That self-centered jerk," Amy ranted as they made their way back to the X-1. "I can't believe he'd just blow us off like that!"
"Amy," Amber interrupted her tirade. "Settle down. I'm sure Knuckles had his reasons."
"Something seemed off," Austin said, glancing back towards Knuckles' home. "I can't quite put my finger on it, but it just seemed like something was wrong."
"I thought so, too," Sally said. "I know Knuckles, and while he can be hardheaded and obstinate, he would never turn us down if it meant keeping the emeralds out of Robotnik's hands."
Austin glanced at her. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
Sally nodded. "We're not leaving just yet. Something's wrong and I intend to find out what it is."
"What's the plan," Tails asked.
"Tails, I want you to program the X-1 and have it pilot itself to fly away," Sally said. "Then have it circle back around and hide itself elsewhere on the island. Meanwhile, we're going to do some recon."
"Why have the X-1 do all that," Amy asked.
"Just humor me, Amy," Sally said.
They returned to the X-1 and Tails put the instructions into the computer. The jet rose up into the air and took off.
"What if we need it at some point," Darren asked.
"Then I'll remotely call it back," Tails said, holding up a small remote.
"Okay, what now," Amy asked.
"We sneak back to Knuckles' house and get some answers," Sally said.

A few moments later, they had made it back. They kept to the trees and bushes, staying out of sight.
"Lets see what's going on inside," Sally whispered.
Quietly, she made her way towards the house and carefully looked in the window. Knuckles and the Chaotix were seated at the table and none of them looked happy. Then Sally saw why. Seated across from them was Snively. She couldn't hear what was being said, but judging from Knuckles' expression it wasn't a pleasant conversation. She snuck back over to her friends.
"Snively's inside," she said.
"Knuckles is working with Robotnik," Amy gasped.
"I don't think so," Sally said. "He didn't look too happy."
"I think it's safe to say something's definitely up," Austin said. "I wonder if Snively is extorting Knuckles somehow."
"You're quite right."
Everyone started and glanced around. Appearing above them in the tree, was Espio the Chameleon. He lept down and joined them.
"How did you get out here," Amy asked.
"I have my ways," Espio replied. He turned to Austin. "And you're right, Snively is extorting Knuckles."
"What happened, Espio," Sally asked.
"Snively arrived here yesterday," Espio explained. "He demanded that Knuckles help him locate the Chaos Emeralds, on Robotnik's orders. Naturally, Knuckles told him to get lost. However, Snively had an ace up his sleeve. It seems he's holding Knuckles' mother hostage. If Knuckles doesn't cooperate....well, I think you can guess."
"That's horrible," Darren exclaimed.
Austin's fists clenched angrily. "First he kidnaps an innocent child and now he threatens someone's mother. Just when I think Robotnik can't sink any lower...."
"Espio," Sally asked, "do you have any idea where she's being held?"
"Unfortunately, no," Espio replied. "For all I know, she may not even be on the island right now."
"I say we grab Snively and question him," Amy said.
"Bad idea," Amber said. "If we move against him, he could order his forces to harm Knuckles' mother."
"She's right," Sally said. "We need to rescue her first before making a move."
"So how do we find her," Darren asked.
"I'm willing to bet she's still on the island," Austin said. "If she were at Robotropolis, Knuckles definitely wouldn't cooperate. He would know Robotnik would probably roboticize her regardless. Snively on the other hand would keep her nearby to ensure Knuckles would help. At least, that's what I'm hoping."
"If she is being held here," Sally said, "then there would have to be a ship and bots somewhere."
"I have an idea," Tails said. "I'll send instructions to the X-1 to fly over and scan for any bots."
"But they'll see the X-1 and be on the alert," Amy said.
"Not if I put it in stealth mode," Tails said. "A little something Rotor installed thanks to the parts he took from the Stealth Bots. Sally, I'll need Nicole's help for this."
Sally handed the hand-held computer to Tails. He plugged a cord into it, connecting it to his remote.
"Alright, Nicole," Tails said. "Lets do this."
For several moments Tails and Nicole proceeded to input commands into the X-1. They waited as the jet began it's pass over the island, scanning for any Swat Bots. After a while, the results came back.
"Got it," Tails said. "Looks like you were right, Austin. The X-1 located two hover drones and a squad of Swat-Bots. Thermal scans also show two people among them. That's gotta be her. Though, I wonder who the second one is."
"Where abouts, Tails," Austin asked.
"Approximately 5 miles east of our location," Tails replied.
"Got it," Sally said. "Espio, any chance you could stall Snively until we get back?"
"I'll see what I can do," Espio said. "Good luck." He vanished from sight, sneaking back into the house.
"We'd better get a move on," Austin said.

The X-1 had picked them up and flew them close to the site where Knuckle's mother was being held. The jet landed a mile away and then the Freedom Fighters walked the rest of the way. Soon they came upon the landing site. Hiding in the bushes, they surveyed the area. The two hover drones were parked nearby and the Swat Bots were patrolling the area. A single cage stood in the center area, occupied by a single prisoner.
"There she is," Sally said. "Lara-Le."
Suddenly, a familiar figure emerged from one of the drones. It was Nack the Weasel.
"Deja vu,"Austin said. "What are the odds he'd be here?"
Tails scanned the area with Nicole.
"Hey, guys," he said. "We've got trouble. I just picked up several Stealth Bots in the area."
"Great," Austin said. "It just gets better."
Amber said, "We should deal with those Stealth Bots first."
"Agreed," Austin said. "Once they're out of the picture, we can tackle those Swat-Bots."
"There are three over in that direction," Tails said. "And three more over there."
Austin drew his sword. "Lets do this."

Nack walked around, scanning the immediate area. He didn't expect any trouble. The Guardian wouldn't do anything while his mother was their captive. Still, he hadn't gotten this far in life by taking chances. He held his new rifle close, watching for anything out of the ordinary.
"You know, you won't get away with this," Lara-Le said, as Nack walked past the cage. "My son will save me."
"Keep telling yourself that, lady," Nack replied. "But your little boy can't do squat while we have you. One word from Snively or the Doc, and it's curtains for you, and he knows it. Just relax. As long as he cooperates, you'll get out of this just fine."
He resumed his rounds, occasionally checking the sky.
"Are you expecting someone to fly in," Lara-Le asked, noting Nack seemed nervous.
"Mind your own business," Nack growled.
Suddenly, he heard laser blasts. He glanced around and saw the Swat-Bots fighting against three of the Freedom Fighters. It was Princess Sally, Tails and Amy. Then a commotion off to the other side caught his attention. Turning, he saw two humans fighting the remaining bots. One was a boy with blue hair and the other was a girl with red hair.
"What the," Nack exclaimed. "Who are they?"
He raised his rifle and took aim at the two humans. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, however, something landed on top of him, tackling him to the ground. Nack felt the air knocked out of him.
"Hey, Nack. We meet again."
Nack turned slightly and looked up to see Austin standing over him.
"YOU, AGAIN," Nack yelled.
"Holding another person hostage, Nack," Austin tsked. "You just never learn."
"On the contrary," Nack said. "I have learned."
He reached into his belt pouch and pulled out a pellet. He tossed it at Austin and it exploded. A thick cloud of smoke enveloped him and he staggered back, coughing. Nack moved fast. He struck upwards with his rifle, driving the butt of the gun into Austin's stomach. Austin collapsed to his knees, gasping. Nack stood triumphantly over him. He cocked his gun and aimed at him.
"Say goodbye," he said.
Behind him, Lara-Le reached through the bars of the cage and grabbed Nack. The weasel yelled in surprise as she pulled him backwards, disrupting his shot. Austin's vision cleared and he saw Nack struggling with Lara-Le.
"Let go of me, you crazy broad," he shouted.
Austin moved forward. Just as Nack pulled free, the Edenian lashed out and landed a solid blow to the weasel's face. Nack spun and then crashed to the ground, out cold.
"Thanks for the assist, ma'am," Austin said, bowing politely.
"My pleasure," Lara-Le said, smiling pleasantly.
"Hold on, I'll get you out of there," Austin said. He swung his sword and severed the lock. Then he opened the door. He held out his hand and helped her out of the cage.
"You're such a gentlemen," Lara-Le said.
"The name's Austin," he introduced himself. "Excuse me for a moment."
He reached down and grabbed the unconscious Nack. He tossed the weasel into the cage and then shut the door. Then he grabbed Nack's gun and twisted the barrel off. He jammed the barrel into the lock slot, effectively locking the cage.
"There," Austin said. "Right where he belongs."
At that moment, the others joined him and Lara-Le.
"Sally," Lara-Le greeted, hugging her. "I'm so glad to see all of you."
"I'm glad you're alright, Lara-Le," Sally said. "I see you met Austin."
"Yes, I did," she said. "I wasn't expecting a human to save me. And who are the others?"
"That's Darren and Amber," Sally introduced. "We can talk more later, but right now, we need to get back and let Knuckles know you're alright."
"The X-1 is on route now," Tails said.
"I can't wait to get back," Amy said. "Oh, the look on his face when we get there."

"Lets hurry this along, Guardian," Snively said. "I'm a busy man."
"Don't rush me," Knuckles growled. "I can only sense the emeralds so fast."
"Just remember what happens if you don't cooperate," Snively said.
"I'm well aware," Knuckles ground out.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"See who that is," Snively ordered Charmy.
"How about saying please," Charmy sniped as he flew towards the door. He opened the door and peered out. "Yes?" He turned back to Snively. "There's someone here to see you."
Snively frowned. "What are you talking about?"
At that moment, Austin stepped into the house.
"Hope I'm not interrupting," Austin said.
Snively stumbled out of his chair.
"Y-You," he stammered.
"What are you doing here," Knuckles said. "Don't you realize..."
"He'll harm your mother," Austin interjected. "Yeah, I'm aware of that. Oh, Lara-Le."
Knuckles stared wide-eyed as his mother entered.
"M-Mom," he gasped. "You're alright!"
"Yes, I am," she said. "Thanks to Austin and the Freedom Fighters."
"And, now that she's safe," Austin said, glancing at Snively, "you know what that means?"
Knuckles turned around to face Snively, cracking his knuckles. "Oh, yeah. I know what that means. Mom, cover your eyes. This isn't going to be pretty."
Snively darted around the table and dashed out the door...only to find Sally and the others waiting for him.
"Hellooooo, Snively," Amy smiled, her hammer in her hands.
Snively backed up and bumped into someone. Turning around, he saw Austin, Knuckles and the Chaotix.
"Oh, Snively," Austin said. "You're in big trouble now."

A little while later, Snively was bound and gagged. Austin tossed him into one of the hover drones. Tails exited the drone and closed the hatch behind him.
"I set the autopilot to return to Robotropolis," he said.
"I'm sure Robotnik won't be too happy with Snively when he gets back," Amy said.
"I also took the liberty of putting Nack on board as well," Austin said, grinning.
They watched as the drone rose into the air and then shot off in the direction of Robotropolis.
"I can't thank you enough," Knuckles said. "I wanted to tell you what was happening, but with Snively in the room, I couldn't risk it."
"It's alright, Knuckles," Sally said. "We figured something was up."
"Knuckles," Amy spoke up, "I'm so sorry I yelled at you earlier. I should have realized you wouldn't turn your back on us."
"Don't worry about it, Amy," Knuckles said. "At any rate, you guys need my help finding the emeralds, then you got it."
"Thank you, Knuckles," Sally said. "I knew we could count on you."
"In fact," Knuckles said. "I sensed one a little while ago." He pulled out a map and pointed. "I sensed it around here."
"No way," Sally said. Then she laughed. "Austin, you're not going to believe this, but the emerald Knuckles sensed is in the canyons."
"You're kidding me," Austin gasped. "And here I thought we had just made that up."
"Well, everyone," Sally said, "looks like we're off to the canyons."
The search for the Chaos Emeralds had begun.

End of Chapter Fifteen...