====================

Chapter 7: Alliance

Mobius. Once a lush and free planet. Life was enjoyable for the former prisoners of Dr Robotnik as they rebuilt thier destroyed civilization. Robotropolis was
destroyed, and a large city called Mobotroplolis II was built on it's remains. Those who were hiding from Robotnik's wrath could safely return to thier families. Princess
Sally had become the queen of the planet. The Freedom Fighters were now members of the royal court, justice and equality was common. Happiness was abound.

Robotnik's factories were still around the planet, and were eventually destroyed. The possilbility of Robotnik's return was now impossible. With no army, factories or
supplies, he was dismissed as a minor threat. He was gone...until the planet's natural balance began to go out of control. The ice caps at the North began to melt, and earthquakes became
frequent. From out of nowhere, a large army of advanced robots attacked the peaceful civiliazation, annhilating all who stood in thier way. Many lives were lost, and few were captured. A small portion escaped, in hiding.

Seb and David looked at the devestated planet. Collecting the bodies and burying them, they returned to the Fire Wave to plan thier next move. Seb sat at the main table, with the others
looking up at him while he sat there, thinking.

"Our best option is to find those who are hidden and get them to safety. Robotnik will find them sooner or later. He's tearing the planet apart. If we could get them to somewhere safe...then we might be able to perform some sort of rescue operation. Innocents should be evacuated...and if we can free some of the prisoners...most of them would be adept at fighting. If we're going to fight, we'll need support." Seb explained.

David sat down, chewing a piece of straw before he looked up at Seb.

"Good idea. But we don't have any transport to get em' outta here. If we're lucky...the StrongGale might still be ere...But...I'm the only one who can fly it...and there's going
to be quite a bit of resistance...the portal isn't reliable. Robotnik could have robots there waiting...What do you think, Zac?" David suggested.

Zac simply shrugged.

"I'd go for an all out attack, but we don't know the numbers. We'd get slaughtered. We'd need Joshua if we wanted to do that though...he's like the one who's capable of
stopping enemies that we've never heard of..." Zac replied.

Aisha was silent. She was simply snuggling up against Toxic who was going red.

"It doesn't matter what you choose to do. I just want to do something other than sit here. I have a stash of weapons...but not enough for an army...and I doubt many of
the people we'll find are capable of weilding fire-arms. If we are lucky...we might find some people who can help us..." Veneno sighed.

"It's settled. David. When we find the underground resistance, you'll take them with you to our HQ planet. It's still safe from attack. Fat boy doesn't know about it. They will be safe there...afterwards...you come and get us. We better head to the Jazz System. Devan Shell hasn't quite got a strong force set up yet. Jazz, Spaz, Lori and Queen Eva would be able to hold out until we get there. Spaz is actually quite smart every now and again...despite his appearance and behaviour. Let's just hope he doesn't lead them to try and eat some Dopefish..." Seb sighed.

"...I don't see what's so bad about those fish. They're large, meaty...and they are quite filling...and I don't care what the readers say, no they do not have what thier name suggests!" Zac yelled.

"Duh. Do you think people are really that stupid?" Toxic asked.

"...I'd gladly reply to that, but I'd get in a serious amount of pain. Let's just get moving!" Zac yelled.

Veneno made his way to the front of the Fire Wave with some diffculty, the muscles in his left leg were slowly regenrating, but still needed his cane to support him. Grabbing
the steering wheel, he started the battle truck and accelerated towards the Great Forest. As they approached, many of the trees had been cut down and destroyed, but not a single body
was there. Driving on, they were being watched from above...

"...Unbelivable...Those of Gaming Force return to this place...Thier quest will end in failure if they do not procced cautiously. Prehaps some aid may be required..." the voice claimed.

The figure leapt after them, running at a rapid pace, his silver hair behind him. His Mamasamune was in it's sheath, his black clothing becoming a blur in the wind. Leaping into the air, he
covered a great distance before looking forwards. Ahead was a large gaping crater. This was what he was looking for. Making one last jump, he landed directly in front of the Fire Wave, causing Veneno to slam on the brakes.

"Who...or what the heck just stopped us?!" Veneno yelled angrily.

Seb looked outside to the one and only Sephiroth. His green eyes glowing, his one black wing blowing gently in the wind, his arms folded.

"Welcome, Gaming Force. I've been waiting for you. Put away your weapons. I wish to form a truce. You see...Dr. Robotnik...he's trying to take over this dimension. When he does,
no one will be able to stop him. My powers alone are not enough. A greater darkness is within this planet. Stronger than I." Sephiroth explained.

"And why should we trust you. Last I remember, you tried to destroy Diamondus with Meteor. What you did was unforgivable. But...when we were under attack...from Devan Shell, why
did you stop him? And refuse to cast Meteor?" Seb asked.

Sephiroth smiled.

"I was not expecting you to try and stop me from a fruitless attack on a pathetic planet. This opened my eyes. J.E.N.O.V.A's lies...The Promised Land exists...but following my 'mother' was
not the way. I see now...the way to the Promised Land is light. Not darkness...I have been there. The answers I seeked where there. I found out my 'true' purpose." Sephiroth explained.

Seb and Zac kept silent, hands near thier weapons, but reluctantly drawing them.

"I know you may not trust me. We have no other choice but to work together. That is what is needed. If you will just step aside for a second..." Sephiroth said.

He lifted his arm into the air, causing a wave of white light to form an arrow. It pointed into the depths of the crater.

"When Dr. Robotnik attacked, I provided many shelter here. I was made to watch for the heroes of light to return. Please, procced." Sephiroth gestured.

They all reluctantly walked towards the crater, and leapt down into it's depths. A large doorway stood before them. Sephiroth knocked seven times, causing a small opening to appear. Passing a small medal, the doors swung open, revealing the hidden base.

"Welcome, Sephiroth. And Gaming Force. You have returned. I shall notify Queen Acorn immediently!" a rabbit saluted.

"..."