GeneX - Soleanna Struggle
Chapter 17 - The Tests Of Soleanna

Note: Sonic the Hedgehog and related characters are (c) SEGA and 
Sonic Team. You knew that, right?
GeneX and related fanchars are (c) 2BIT (TheGreatGator), the author.

"Wish tomorrow,
Would be that day that comes to make it up to you,
For all I never did.
Let me make it up to you.
Love is worth a chance." - Worth A Chance, Sonic and the Secret Rings


Doctor Eggman paced around the control room of the Egg Carrier. He was somewhat frustrated with how many times he'd needed to recapture the princess that day. "You've wasted so much of my time." he said to Elise, "If you had cooperated with me earlier, I wouldn't have had to do this!" The princess was seated in the middle of the room, watching the fat scientist as he wandered about. "What are you trying to do, Dr. Eggman? Why do you wish to revive the flames of disaster?" she asked. Eggman stepped around behind Elise's chair. "Did your parents ever disclose to you anything about Solaris?" he asked as he stopped to her right. Elise didn't answer, so Eggman continued. "Solaris' secrets are in his eternal flames." He stepped away from Elise for a moment. "His power, can change time, and even manipulate the fabric of time itself!" he said with awe before turning back to Elise. "I wish to obtain this power, and dominate everything in this world, from the past, all the way to the future!" As the mad scientist turned to look at the monitors above the controls, Elise thought about what he said. "You wish... to rule over... time?" she said. Eggman smiled at the thought. "Yes, truly. And the secret..." he said, turning back to Elise, "It remains dormant in you, princess." Returning to his controls, Dr. Eggman began pressing some buttons. "The princess of Soleanna and the seven Chaos Emeralds... Once I have everything, the fate of the whole world will change! And one of the beautiful gems is just ahead!" he said with excitement. He was right, too. An announcement from his radar soon made that clear. "Chaos Emerald located." Eggman was glad that for once, things seemed to be going according to plan. "Finally... Now, let's go collect that Chaos Emerald!" he said. Suddenly, Alpha and Char came into the room. "Your fatness! Are we there yet?" Alpha asked like a bored child. Char giggled at the robot. "Good question, Alphie!" he said. Eggman frowned. "I really must find time to fix that robot... into a washing machine!" he muttered. Char fluttered over to the controls to look at the monitors. "Do you get cable on those TVs?" he asked. Eggman clenched his teeth in an attempt to contain his annoyance. "Forget that, Char. I have a mission for you and Alpha. Exit the ship and patrol the area for intruders! Don't allow anyone aboard! Especially Sonic!" he ordered. Char and Alpha both saluted him. "Yessir, Mr. Egg Salad, sir!" Alpha said. Char flew to catch up with Alpha as the robot exited. "You can count on us, doc!" he said. "No, I can't..." Eggman thought, "But at least I'll know if any intruders get aboard the ship..." However, this was too little, too late. Elsewhere on the ship, intruders were already aboard...


Copter, with help from Razor, Mia, Katie, Chet, and Tommy, managed to reach the Soleanna jungle while the Egg Carrier was still hovering above it. "All right! Eggman's not even in Kingdom Valley yet!" Copter said, thrilled. "Yup, there's still time to catch it. Told you my 'crazy driving' would be useful!" Mia said smugly. Razor pointed to an altar with three pillars on it. On top of the pillars were orbs, one blue, one yellow, and one red. "That's the entrance to Kingdom Valley. It'll probably be easier for you to catch that ship from on top of the towers and cliffs in there!" Razor said. Chet grinned. "OK, race ya!" he said, speeding off towards the altar with the others in pursuit! Just before he reached the altar, though, he found his path blocked by an old man. "Bwaaaa!! Where'd you come from?!" Chet gasped, having not seen him a moment ago. As the rest of the group arrived, Katie remembered something. "Oh, yeah, I read about this place! They won't let anyone in without first passing some sort of test!" she said. The old man nodded. "Such a smart girl. Yes, it is true, none shall pass without fist facing the tests of Soleanna. Not one, but three tests must be conquered before you may be deemed worthy to enter." he said. Copter's jaw dropped in disbelief. "H-hold on, here! You're gonna make us take tests!? We gotta get into Kingdom Valley now, before that ship gets away!" he shouted, pointing to the Egg Carrier. Tommy gasped at Copter's behavior. "You can't talk to him like that! He's a priest!" he said. Copter looked at Tommy, then at the old man. "Priest...? Oh, boy... Umm..." he muttered uncomfortably. The old priest simply smiled at him. "It's all right. I can see you are in a hurry. Tell you what, I will allow all of you to pass, if one of you can pass the tests. That will be much faster than having each of you take the tests. That said, which one of you will represent your group?" he asked. Everyone in the group took a step backwards except for Copter. Once he realized what was going on, Copter looked around at the others in protest. "Oh, come on! I've been fighting all day!" he muttered. The priest didn't listen to his complaint, and called another, younger priest down from the altar. "You have been chosen, young fox. Do not worry, the tests won't take long." the old man said. Copter groaned at his misfortune. "Fine, I'll do it. SOMEBODY has to care what happens to Heather!"

The old priest took a moment to explain the Tests of Soleanna to Copter and the group. "These tests are an ancient tradition, dating back many, many generations. There are several different tests, and different ones are chosen for different people. Your first test, young fox, will be the Test of Courage." he said. The younger priest stepped forward to take over. "Your courage will be tested here. You will fight enemies in a life-or-death battle!" he said. Copter looked at the priests with shock. "Life-or-death!? I thought you priests were peaceful!" he said. The young priest nodded. "We are. But the enemies you will face aren't. Are you ready?" he asked. Copter looked around. "I don't see any enemies around here. Seems to me YOU aren't ready!" he said. The young priest snapped his fingers, and a swarm of robots dropped into the jungle from the sky! They were the same robots Eggman had been using throughout the day. "Heeeeeeey... Those are Eggman's robots! Did he hire you guys just to slow us down!?" Copter growled. "This IS kinda weird. How'd you get Eggman's robots to participate in your little test?" Chet asked. The young priest turned to the older priest with uncertainty. It was the older priest's duty to answer. "We priests work in mysterious ways. We cannot tell you how we did it, just as a magician cannot tell anyone how he performs his magic tricks." he said. Mia crossed her arms. "I thought you priests were against magic." she said. The old priest chuckled a little. "Who said we used magic?" he said. Copter sighed impatiently. "Whatever! Those robots don't scare me! This test will be a cinch!" he said, starting to walk away. The young priest stopped him. "Hold on! You can't go like that!" he shouted. Copter turned to the priest. "Like what?" he asked. The priest walked over to him. "The rules of the Test of Courage require that the person taking the test must give up something. He must be put at a disadvantage, of sorts. That is what makes it a true test of your courage. For this test, you must give up your tailband!" he explained. "Oh, this keeps getting better and better..." Copter groaned, taking off his tailband and handing it to the priest. "By the way, how'd you know about..." he started to say, but thought better of it. "Never mind. You priests know everything, I guess..."

There was a large, nearly empty area right in front of the altar, and the robots had gathered there. Copter gulped nervously as he stepped towards them. He hadn't fought without at least wearing his tailband for a long time, and he was used to having it as a little insurance policy if a fight got too tough. However, he quickly forgot those worries when the robots began attacking him! At first, things seemed to be going fine. Copter swiftly avoided their attacks, and retaliated with a few of his own, causing the robots numbers to quickly deteriorate. "Yeah, go Copter!" Tommy cheered. However, the test was only just beginning. In a moment, more dangerous types of robots began to appear, including large, tough-looking ones and flying ones with laser turrets encircling them. Copter was so preoccupied with what was already there, he didn't see the new ones coming at first! "Copter, look out!" Razor shouted, running off to help him! Razor fired a few shots from his gun at the robots, but then ran out of ammo. "Oh, right... I forgot to finish loading it!" To make matters worse, the robots were now coming after him, too! The others were about to rush in to help Razor, when the old priest stopped them. "This is the fox's test! No more of you shall interfere!" he said. By this time, Copter had noticed the predicament Razor had landed himself in. "You troublemaker! Hang in there, I'm coming!" Copter shouted, running to the rescue! It was a little tough without his tailband, but if there was one thing Copter had plenty of, it was courage. He quickly ran from robot to robot, smashing them one by one with his tails, until all that was left were the giant robots. During the fight, Copter and Razor had managed to leave themselves surrounded by these giants, but Copter had a plan. He grabbed Razor's hands. "Hold on or die!" he shouted, flying up over the robots as they began shooting! The remaining robots took themselves out due to the crossfire, and Copter dropped Razor off back at the altar. "Piece of cake! They're just as dumb as any of Eggman's robots, too!" Copter grinned. The two priests clapped their hands, impressed with Copter's performance. "You have passed the Test of Courage. Congratulations!" the young priest said.

The older priest motioned to the pillars as the blue orb atop one of the pillars lit up. "With the first test completed, we must take a moment to prepare your second test. It will be the Test of Memory. While we prepare, I recommend you rest. That first test looked exhausting!" he said, leading the younger priest back to the altar. Copter shook hands with Razor. "Thanks for... trying to help. But do me a favor, don't do it again!" he said, joking a little. "Don't worry, I won't!" Razor chuckled. Katie tapped Razor on the shoulder. "Can Chet and I talk to Copter alone for a minute?" she asked. Razor nodded, and led Mia and Tommy away. "C'mon, c'mon, they want some privacy!" he said as Mia and Tommy protested. Once they were alone, Copter tried to guess what this was about. "You guys want closure for what happened at Station Square... Right?" he asked. Chet shook his head. "That's all Katie. I'd rather not think about it." he said. Copter nodded in agreement, and they both tried to leave, but Katie grabbed both their arms. "Stop it! We need to talk about this! We all did some nasty stuff to each other!" she said sternly. Chet crossed his arms. "I didn't do anything! I just... got punched in the face!" he protested. Copter grinned at the memory. "Yeah, I got you good!" he said. Katie stomped his foot. "OWW!!! Cut it out!!" he shouted, struggling to get away. Katie wouldn't let go of either of their arms. "LISTEN!!! I just... Wanted to apologize... To both of you..." Copter and Chet both stopped struggling after hearing Katie's words. "The whole thing that happened between all of us... Was really my fault. I let Copter think I wanted to be his girlfriend... Because I thought I did... You'd been gone so long, Chet, and I became lonely... I'm sorry... So sorry..." she said tearfully. Chet gave her a hug. "I understand... Don't worry about it..." he told her. Copter cleared his throat to get their attention. "So, that's the truth? You really did... like me?" he asked. Katie nodded. Learning this, Copter looked very apologetic. "Whoa, even now this is all so complicated... All right, I'm sorry, too. Thinking back, I did say some really... jerky things. And then, when you offered me friendship, Chet... Hehehe... POW! Really, I was the one who made a whole thing out of it... Sorry." Chet shook hands with Copter. "Don't worry about it. Seriously, I think you've more than made up for it by trying to save Katie." he said. Copter smiled at him. "You're all right, Chet... In spite of yourself!"

In a short while, the old priest returned with a different younger priest. "As I have said, you now face the Test of Memory!" the old priest said. The younger priest took over as everyone gathered around the altar. "This is the second test! Let's see how good your memory is. You will be asked three questions from your past. If you can answer them, you will pass." he said. Copter stomped his foot in protest. "Aw, now, come on! How can you presume to know anything about my past!? This is too silly!" he shouted. The older priest raised his hands as a signal for quiet. "We have ways of knowing things. However, for your particular test, we are going to try a more unorthodox style. I have been giving this test for a long time, but this time, something has happened that has never happened before! A spirit, an actual spirit, has requested the honor of testing you! The spirit understands the rules, and wishes to ask you his own questions." he explained. Copter looked suspicious. "A spirit? Do you priests believe in ghosts?" he said. The younger priest answered. "I wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it myself. We feel there must be something important about you, if spirits are coming to test you!" he said. The old priest had one more thing to say. "Since the nature of this test is rather unusual, I have decided that you may have assistance from your friends on a single question, but only one. Now, the spirit has asked that we priests leave you alone for this test, so we must go for now. Best of luck!" As the priests walked away, Copter and the others wondered if they hadn't gone crazy. In a moment, they found that wasn't quite the case. "Hello, and welcome!!" shouted a familiar voice, as the "spirit" the priests referred to made itself known! Flying down from above them was none other than Lospecter! "It's time for another edition of Lospecter's Quiz Mania! Dust off the old thinking cap, fox boy!" he said, laughing at them. Copter slipped his tailband back onto his tail and raised his fists. "Not YOU again! Can't you leave me alone!? Besides, I already know that you don't know the answers!" Copter growled. Lospecter chuckled at him. "On the contrary, this time I hold all the cards... Answer cards that is! And, unlike those boring priests' version, when you lose MY quiz, I win your soul!" 

The quiz began right away. "So, this is the only way into Kingdom Valley for you, so play nice, kids! Question number one! Right here on this card... What comes to mind when I say: 'Experiment,' 'flames,' and 'runaway?' These questions are multiple choice, but nuts to that. I'm not GIVING you the answers!" Lospecter said. Copter chuckled at him. "That's the best you got? It's Heather, Experiment 7!" he said. Lospecter frowned. "I only require one answer! But, who cares! They both mean the same anyway! Correct, you little wise guy! Now, question number 2! When I say, 'train,' 'bomb,' and 'roof,' you say...?" The question was phrased in such a way that Copter didn't quite get it at first. "Wait, what? Come on, this is supposed to be multiple choice, you said! Gimmie the choices!" he shouted. "Eeeehh!! Incorrect! But the priests said you get a cheat. Anyone else care to guess?" Lospecter taunted, counting Copter's complaint as an answer. Chet understood the question, having seen enough at Radical Train before. "That refers to when he and Gemini fought Fera. I'm sure one of the choices sounds something like that!" he said. Lospecter laughed. "That's ridiculous..." he said, looking at the card. Once he looked at it, his smile turned to a look of anger. "Fera... All right, you punks! But he don't get help the rest of the way! Here's question number 3! What do you think of when I say 'Whisk?' Heck, I'll throw in the choices this time. 'Truth' or 'death?' I say it, 'cuz I like how it sounds!" he said, feeling confident Copter couldn't get this. Of course, Copter knew perfectly well. "Truth!" he said. Lospecter looked at the card and grew enraged. "How the heck could you know that!? What does it even mean!? Those stupid priests gave me these cards! Aw, that does it! I'm the smarty-pants spirit, and I say we're going to try a bonus round! Now, tell me this! What caused Shadow Arcangel to crash into the ocean?" he asked, knowing Copter couldn't answer. "Hey, that's not fair! There was only supposed to be three questions, and we got them right!" Mia shouted. Lospecter made a buzzer noise. "Time's up! The correct answer was, 'I have no idea!' Oh, but that was also the wrong answer. Ain't I a stinker? Aw, well. Come and get your lunch, Losohsts!" As Lospecter vanished from the area, a swarm of Losohsts surrounded them! The cloaked specters each carried an axe, and began attacking at once! The group wasn't prepared to fight with them, and the battle quickly became dangerous. Copter, however, was not about to let his friends be harmed. "Hey, monsters! It was MY test, so leave them be! There's plenty of me to go around! Eat this! Chaos Whirlwind!" He managed to knock the ghosts around somewhat, but his shouting and fighting drew all of the Losohsts to gang up on him! Just as things seemed hopeless, four loud voices shouted at the Losohsts. "Dark spirits! The power of light compels thee! BEGONE!!!!" With a huge flash of light, the Losohsts were repelled, and Copter watched in confusion as they all flew away. "What the...?" he said, turning to see who did that. The old priest was standing at the altar with three younger priests, each holding a book of holy text. The old priest stepped toward Copter. "We were watching the whole thing from afar. That spirit, it seems, was an evil spirit." he said. Katie scoffed at them. "Yeah, 'this just in!'" she said sarcastically. The old priest looked apologetically at Copter and his friends. "We put you in great danger there. And, since we are so moved by your heroic efforts to save your friends, young fox, we have decided to grant you passage into Kingdom Valley!" Everyone cheered excitedly at the news, but the priest quieted them. "However, we ask that you at least attempt the final test, for tradition's sake. It will not take long, and you need not pass the test. Just attempt it." he said. Copter figured that he couldn't refuse, so he just smiled and accepted the challenge. "Bring it on!"

The yellow orb on the pillars was lit, and now Copter would try to light the third. In a moment, the priests were ready, and the old priest called everyone's attention. He was accompanied by the third of the younger priests. "The third and final test we have chosen for you, young fox, is the Test of Love. We have sensed that you have been having difficulty in this area." the old priest said, leaving the rest to the young priest. "The last challenge is about love. This may be the hardest test you've ever experienced. You must lose something in order to gain something. In life, there may be moments like this. When that moment comes, you must make your decision here and now." the young priest explained. Copter raised an eyebrow. "What the heck are you talking about? Are you speaking a different language?" he asked. Chet laughed at his confusion. "C'mon, Copter! He's talking about love! That's what the test is about, remember?" he said. Razor seemed to share Copter's confusion. "So... He has to make some sort of decision...? What do you mean?" he asked. The young priest silenced the group. "This test is a decision, which only you can make. You cannot ask your friends for guidance. This is a private matter, so we will go inside the temple behind the altar for this test. Once you make your choice, you will be permitted to enter Kingdom Valley." he said. "We can't go? What a gyp!" Chet muttered. Copter looked a bit uneasy. "The test is a... private matter, you say? I'm not sure I want to try it, then." he said. "Relax, Copter! You'll do fine!" Katie said encouragingly. The priest smiled. "Besides, you've already agreed to this. Don't worry, the test won't change your life... necessarily. I will give you my counsel on your choice once you make it as well. Come along, now! Don't be shy!" he said, leading the way. Copter stepped backward a moment, but Tommy and Mia pushed him forward. "Hurry up! Heather's not going to wait very long, y'know!" Mia reminded him. Copter gulped nervously, wondering what the test would be about. "All right... I'm going..." he said wearily as he followed the priest into the temple.

As Copter wandered into the temple, he found the priest already inside waiting for him. In addition, he saw others, each of whom were quite familiar to him! "Here, you see several friends that you have encountered in your journeys. You must choose one of them. This is the Test of Love!" the priest explained. Copter saw six familiar people standing three on each side of the priest. They were Heather, Katie, Mia, Rainbow, Gemini, and Whisk! Copter's eyes went wide as he tried to comprehend what was going on. "Didn't I leave all of these people elsewhere... Katie, Mia, get back outside, you're not supposed to follow me!" he said in confusion. The priest explained. "They are merely here in spirit. Each of them is still where you left them outside. You have been struggling to understand love, and now we face you with a romantic choice. Who is it you love?" Copter still didn't quite understand, but he decided not to question that and to instead focus on the choice before him. Each of his friends called out to him. "Copter... You know we belong together, don't you? I'll be waiting here on the left." Katie said. "We met only for a brief moment, but... You felt something, didn't you?" Whisk asked from beside Katie. On Copter's immediate left, and the priest's right, was Heather. "I know you denied this earlier, but you're helping me because you're in love with me, aren't you, Copter? Please, come over to me!" she begged, like a cry for help. On Copter's immediate right was Gemini. "We're good friends, aren't we, Copter? If you want to take it further, I'll wait here for you." she offered. Next was Mia. "Yo, buddy! I know you like me! Don't be shy, c'mere, you!" she called. "Oooh!! Oooh, Two!! Pick me! Over here! Pick me!" said Rainbow on the far right, acting like an excited child. Copter listened to each of their calls and attempted to come to a decision. He now understood what the priest had meant earlier, this was the most difficult thing he'd ever faced. Which one was truly right for him? Were any of them right for him? He wasn't sure, but he knew there wasn't much time. He had to make a choice!

There is no true solution for this, so below are the results for each choice. You can choose the one you think Copter should end up with. I'd appreciate it if you'd tell me who you picked!   -2BIT

Katie
As Copter thought about it, he realized there was only one choice. Only one he'd ever actually had a romantic interest in. He ran to the far left, taking Katie's hands in his and giving her a kiss! "Of course, Katie... You're the only one for me. Too bad you're spoken for..." he said as he realized that it truly wasn't Katie standing before him. As all of the "spirits" vanished, the priest walked over to Copter. "Well, it's quite obvious she was your choice. Your heart's first love. That is your choice. I respect that. It takes real strength to follow your heart, even as logic dictates that you shouldn't. This strength will see you through the coming battle." he said. Copter frowned. "But I think it probably won't have a happy ending..." he said. The priest shrugged. "I don't know. Only time will tell."

Whisk
Copter had absolutely no idea how to go about this choice. It seemed the priest was playing a cruel joke on him. Still, as he gazed into the eyes of each of his choices, he suddenly felt his heart pointing him to one in particular. He found himself walking over to Whisk, whom it seemed he'd fallen in love at second sight with! "You know, you're pretty cute. I can't believe anyone would even try to kill you!" he said, feeling that he was now beginning to understand Vortex's anger. "Still, I gotta save the one who tried. Can you forgive me?" he asked, but never got his answer, as Whisk vanished along with the others. The priest was now at his side. "Whisk is your choice? That was unexpected. Love does act in mysterious ways. Basing love on merely sight can lead to difficulties, but such strength of conviction is good to have. Good luck to you."

Heather
With his time running out on the outside, Copter struggled to come up with a choice. He thought about each one carefully, but was overwhelmed by a desire to protect one in particular. Rushing to his left, Copter threw his arms around Heather! "OK.... I admit it! Maybe I wasn't sure before, but I am now! I love you! And I promise... I'm going to save you!" he said as Heather returned the embrace, tears forming in her eyes. However, the moment was merely an illusion, and Heather soon vanished. Copter turned to the priest, tears in his eyes. "Are you quite satisfied? That was a sick game you set up just now!" he shouted. The priest wore a serious expression. "It was necessary. You now know what it is you want. You've chosen the damsel in distress, the one for whom your desire to protect has blossomed into love. This could be true love. And I can see you surely won't lose sight of it."

Gemini
"This is insane!" Copter thought as he tried to find an answer. After all, this was no way to choose a girlfriend. Still, he had to pick. As he looked around, he could think of one who'd been more of a friend to him than any other. Copter walked over to Gemini. "You've supported me for a while. At first, we didn't get along so well, but when I was full of doubt, you and Cream gave me the strength to face Kosmo. It meant a lot to me. I just wish you were here now... I could really use your help." he said. Gemini placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'm your friend, Copter. I'm always with you... If you know where to look." she said, pointing to his heart with her other hand before vanishing. The priest smiled warmly at the touching scene that had just played out. "How sweet. You've chosen a good friend. The spirit reacts to your words, because you hold her close in your heart. She will take good care of you, wherever she is."

Mia
Copter tried to think seriously, but he couldn't take his eyes off Mia. She was kind of playful, and very friendly. He'd never thought of her as a romantic interest before, but the thought began to intrigue him now, more than any other. "What the heck." he thought after a moment, walking over to Mia. Once he was close enough, Mia grabbed him and gave him a big kiss! "That wasn't so hard, was it, skunk boy?" she said, her "insult" merely serving to excite Copter further. "You know, I never realized that calling me 'skunk' was just your way of flirting with me! After all, that's kind of a mixed message!" he said, falling over as Mia disappeared. The priest walked over to him and chuckled. "Interesting. Your choice is one you've never considered before. The heart will sometimes show scenarios to us that are quite unexpected, but that can lead to some truly fun relationships. Be cautious, though. It's possible that 'skunk' really is an insult!"

Rainbow
Thinking about his choice, Copter noted that as everyone else fell silent, Rainbow continued calling out for him to choose her. Her enthusiasm both touched and annoyed him. Still, of the six of them, Rainbow was the one he'd known the longest and felt the closest to. As she continued to call out to him, Copter walked over. "Calm down, Rainbow. I am picking you!" he said, somewhat playfully. Rainbow jumped up and cheered. "Yay! Thanks, Two! I knew you'd come to me!" she said, trying to hide her uncertainty. Copter gave her a hug. "Punchy might be mean to you, but I'll treat you right!" he said. As Rainbow vanished, Copter found the priest had walked over to him. "You've chosen the friend of a friend. This may cause friction. Still, you seem to feel that each of you is the right choice for the other. Love may cause rifts between friends, but it is the true friendships that will endure even that. It may bring all three of you closer."

That concludes the multiple choice. The ending (below) is the same for all six.

The final test having been cleared, Copter and the priest returned to the altar. As they did, the red orb lit up, signifying the completion of the Tests of Soleanna. "So, what was the choice? What did you choose?" Chet asked eagerly. Copter shrugged at him. "Doesn't matter. I can still change my answer... If my heart tells me to." he said. The three young priests stood at the pillar representing the test they administered, while the old priest stood at the entrance to the altar to address the group. "You have completed the tests, and proven yourselves more than worthy. With your courage, memory, and loved ones with you, the coming journey will easily be overcome!" he said in congratulations. Above the altar, six eagles waited to carry each of them to Kingdom Valley. "It is impossible to reach Kingdom Valley by foot, so the eagles of Soleanna will aide you. Good luck on your journey." the old priest said. As the rest of the group stepped to the altar and prepared to leave, Copter stopped to speak to the priest. "I'm not sure what the true purpose of those tests was, but I want to thank you just the same. It got me thinking about stuff I really needed to think about, and I think I'm more prepared for what's coming next now more than ever." he said. The priest smiled at him. "I am glad you could take something good out of that. It makes the whole thing worthwhile!" he said. As the eagles dropped down, and each member of the group grabbed on to their talons, the four priests waved farewell to them. "Hold on tight, and return safely!" they said. The eagles lifted each member of the group into the air, and began flying in the direction the Egg Carrier was moving. The eagles wouldn't be able to carry them all the way to the Egg Carrier, but they at least would have time to think of another solution. With the tests behind them, the only challenge left before them was Kingdom Valley!

To be continued...