Ecto the Hedgehog: Fragments of the Past

== Prologue: The Hedgehog Returns ==
Ecto was running. He was running insanely fast from something, but when he tried to look he couldn’t. He heard laughing behind him and he sped up. He saw the world crumbling around him and immediately began to sweat, he needed to escape. He saw salvation ahead, a portal. Putting on a burst of speed, he ran faster than the speed of light towards it. But before he could reach it, a crumbling pillar fell right on top of him.
Ecto woke up in a cold sweat. He looked around and saw he was in his room in The Alpha Zone. Grumbling to himself, he threw on his hoodie and got up. As he walked down the hall, he saw that everyone else was up already. Peeking out of the window, he saw that the sun was quite a ways up. He walked into the kitchen and saw all of his friends sitting around the table, murmuring quietly. 
Ecto: Hey guys.
Slack: Hang on…
Flame: He’s really…
Rocky: Ecto’s back!
Ecto: Wait, what?
Slack: You’ve been in a coma since we defeated Armageddon and his new pals.
Ecto: How long ago was that?
Slack: It was…
Flame: About…
Rocky: Six months.
Ecto: I was out for six months?
Slack: Yeah, you were hit on the head really hard.
Ecto: Wow.
Flame: How are you feeling?
Ecto: I’m fine…
Slack: Is something wrong?
Rocky: We should quiz him on stuff. To make sure he’s ok.
Slack: Smart. Okay, how long has the team been together for?
Ecto: Four years.
Slack: Correct. Who is your arch-nemesis?
Ecto: Volt the Hedgehog. Although some would say Armageddon the Dragon.
Slack: Correct again. How many times have we used the Overlord Diamond?
Ecto: A few, all against Armageddon and his buds.
Slack: Good job.
Rocky: What did you do before you founded the team?
Ecto: I… I… I…
Flame: Uh oh.
Slack: Let’s scan that brain.
As Slack readied the brain scanner, he thought about how to fix Ecto’s possible amnesia. He soon had an idea and would share it if the amnesia was legit.
Slack: Okay, scanning now.
Ecto: This is starting to get worrying.
Slack: Okay. It seems like all your memories before you met us have been wiped.
Ecto: That’s… not good.
Slack: Luckily, there’s a way to fix it. You’ve simply got to travel to the Starfall Islands and integrate into Cyberspace. As it stores your memories, you’ve simply got to extract them. Also, the glitches have been getting more serious lately. Mephiles could escape, so you’ve got to fix them. 
Ecto: Doesn’t Cyberspace corrupt you though?
Slack: You’ll be fine. There’s 39 portals that you have to fix.
Ecto: How do I do that?
Slack: You must run through the memory and reach the end. There’ll be a glowing object at the end of it. Break the object and some of your memories will come back. The only catch is that the memories will bring some cyber corruption with them.
Ecto: Nothing I can’t handle.
Slack: Be careful.
Ecto: When am I not?
Flame: All the time.
Rocky: It’s kind of a problem.
Ecto: Okay, I get it. What if I run into the Titans?
Slack: The Chaos Emeralds should be in Cyberspace. There’s seven per island, excluding Ouranos.
Ecto: Okay, see you guys in a bit.
Slack: Watch out for Mephiles while you’re there!
Ecto: Will do!
With that, Ecto sped off. He wouldn’t return until he had got his memories back and nothing can stop a force of nature.
== Part 1: Kronos Island ==
Ecto soon found himself on the shores on Kronos Island. Using his superior speed, he scaled the steep cliffs. When he had made it all the way up, he followed Slack’s directions to the nearest portal.
Ecto: Okay, so Slack said that one portal could be found here. He’s marked it as “Database”. So I just touch it? Okay…
Ecto touched the portal and was teleported into Cyberspace. 
Ecto: Woah! This place looks like a lab! I guess I’ll get to the end then.
Ecto sped through the simulation of the lab. He bashed a few simulated G. U. N. soldiers and made it to the end.
Ecto: This must be the glitch orb that Slack was talking about. I guess I should crush it.
Ecto crushed the orb in one hand and immediately recoiled. The memories came rushing back, along with the extreme pain of cyber corruption.
Ecto: This was the lab that I was made in. Oh heck… this stings. Oh well, guess I’ll be off then.
As he left Cyberspace, a Chaos Emerald appeared in his hand.
Ecto: Sweet! These things always come in handy. I wonder if this stuff gives me any new skills. 
While running to the next portal, Ecto tested out the cyloop. He discovered that it could give him useful items.
Ecto: This is pretty cool, shame that it hurts so much. At least it fades after a while.
???: Mortal, I request your aid.
Ecto: W-who said that? Mephiles?
Mephiles: That wasn’t me, Ecto the Hedgehog.
Ecto: How can I hear you, demon?
Mephiles: When you absorbed part of Cyberspace, it linked our consciousness. Unfortunately, I cannot affect you in the slightest.
Ecto: Well boo hoo.
Mephiles: Don’t toy with me child, this time you won’t be able to stop me. 
Ecto: Who was that voice?
Mephiles: Someone insufferable.
Ecto: Really? This sounds like you are trying to get me to trust that voice. You think I’m a fool? I know who that was, it was the End.
Mephiles: You are such a pain.
Ecto: Shut up.
On that note, Ecto ran off and began repairing his memories and Cyberspace. He had restored most of his memories of his creation by repairing Flowing, Digital Cave, Genshi, Dropaholic and Go Back 2 Your Roots. He had also acquired quite a lot of cyber corruption, his arm was completely covered.
Ecto: One more portal to go! Ouch, I hope this will be over soon. 
Ecto jumped over to the final portal and entered. When he got into Time Flyer, he noticed that it wasn’t the same as his past memories.
Ecto: What the heck?
Mephiles: As you can see, I made some adjustments to this portal. I can now set my titan on you.
Ecto: Titan?
At that, the being known as Giganto appeared out of nothingness.
Ecto: Oh no…
Giganto grabbed Ecto and started to pound him into the ground. He then tossed Ecto across the simulation.
Ecto: Errg… you’ll… pay… for… that.
He then crushed the glitch orb and left the stage.
Ecto: That’s the last Chaos Emerald. I guess it’s time to leave.
Mephiles: Oh no you don’t. My titan has set up a Cyberspace barrier around the island. You’ll have to beat him in order to leave.
Ecto: Bring it on!  
Ecto ran off toward the crater that Giganto resided in. When he proved that Sonic was a weakling by running up the waterfall blocking the path, he dashed forwards at the speed of light.
Ecto: Okay, let’s dance!
Ecto powered up and flew toward the faceless titan. He remembered that he had gained a multitude of new powers and put them to the test. He blocked Giganto’s claws and then spindashed his face.
Super Ecto: C’mon, is that all you got? I’ve fought literal dragons that can bend reality to their liking, you’re second grade compared to him!
At that, Giganto started firing nearly infinite lasers out of his back and began raining down blows on Ecto.
Super Ecto: Geez, you really pack a punch! I take back what I said, you are a worthy adversary! But I think it’s time to finish this, don’t you?
Ecto flew back a short distance and dashed forwards. Even Giganto’s superior reflexes couldn’t react fast enough to dodge warp speed. When Ecto broke through the titan’s chest, the mech dissolved into ash.
Super Ecto: That was fun. Well then, onto Ares Island! 
== Part 2: Ares Island ==
Super Ecto soared over the vast expanse of water until he was over the sand-scarred Ares Island. Before he could find the second titan, a beam of energy blasted him out of the sky.
Ecto: Ahhhhhhhhh!
Ecto smashed into a sand dune and sprawled, head over heels, down an sand bank. 
Ecto: Ow. Why did I have to blasted from so high up?
Mephiles: Fool.
Ecto: Shut up.
Mephiles: Fine, mortal. The next titan is unbreakable, you cannot beat it.
Ecto: Shows what you know, I have fought machines and gods and come out on top.
Mephiles: This time you'll fall.
Ecto ran around until he found a portal to Cyberspace. He hopped in and was transported to a battlefield. 
Ecto: This must be the War to Take Back the Planet!
He ran through the gunfire, barely dodging the bullets flying around. He reached the end and was faced with a tank. Spindashing through it proved fruitful as the memory orb was right behind it.
Ecto: This was... when Eggman started trying to take over the world, again. This cyber corruption really sucks.
When he left the portal a dragon robot appeared in the windswept sky.
Ecto: Wyvern!
Mephiles: Have fun, you wretched worm.
Ecto blasted off towards anything that could be used as shelter. Wyvern locked on and began firing missiles upon missiles at the speeding hedgehog.
Ecto: This guy isn't letting up!
Mephiles: You can't escape Ecto. Give up. Accept your fate.
Ecto: Shut it, you miserable ghost.
Ecto skidded to a stop under an outcropping and sat down. Wyvern, having lost its target, sailed away.
Ecto: Heh, better luck next time.
Mephiles: You cannot run forever.
Ecto: Yeh yeh.
Ecto sped across the dunes towards an oasis sheltered in a canyon. When he got there, he met up with the Hermit Koco. After a brief exchange, Ecto walked past with powered up attacks and defense to the Chaos Emerald Vault. He absorbed the Emerald and left. At the suggestion of the Hermit, he met up with the Elder Koco. With his speed increased, he sped off to finish the rest of the Cyberspace portals. He had already finished Slice and Sway, so he finished Heavenly Sky, Nostalgic Sweep, Hype Street, Deja vu, and Transparent Highway. He entered the portal for Floating in the Blue.
Ecto: Final portal, here we go! Shhhhhh.... this stuff hurts.
Ecto sped through the simulated battleground and acquired the final memory orb. He now had enough keys to get the final Emerald.
Ecto: Here we go, come at me!
Ecto scaled a tower and hopped onto Wyvern's back. He was shook off, however, and landed on Wyvern's cyber trail. A brief chase ensued, which ended with Ecto on Wyvern's head. He powered up, and took off.
Super Ecto: Alright, let's see how tough you are!
The two beings flew all around the island, mountains crumbled when Ecto tossed Wyvern into them, and missiles darkened the sky. When he got to his last legs, Wyvern began blasting missiles like there was no tomorrow. Ecto stalled his dive, collected a bunch of missiles, and opened the titan's mouth. He flew backwards and watched in satisfaction as the dragon mech exploded into red light.
Mephiles: You...
Super Ecto: Next island, here I come!
== Part 3: Chaos Island ==
Ecto flew over the vast expanse of water until he found himself over a snowy volcanic island. Another laser blasted at him and knocked the Chaos Emeralds out.
Ecto: Whyyyyyyy!!!!!!!
Ecto landed smack dab in a snowdrift. He picked himself up and shook himself out. 
Ecto: Oww, oww, oww.
Mephiles: You may have destroyed two of my titans, but this one will kill you.
Ecto: You are aware that I can revive myself upon death, right?
Mephiles: But, you will be taken to Cyberspace. You will be trapped in here with me, forever. 
Ecto: That's a good reason to not die. 
He ran up the snowy slopes and found himself on the mouth of a volcano.
Ecto: Holy moley! Really don't want to fall in there. 
Ecto dusted off his soldiers and sped off towards the next Cyberspace portals.
Mephiles: The Chaos Emeralds cannot be found in Cyberspace. Have fun, rat.
Ecto smirked and ran off to clear Escape the Loop, Go Slap, Memory Will Tell, Constructure, BMB, Enjoy This World, and All Reality.
Ecto: Where are the Chaos Emeralds?
Suddenly, seven lasers shot into the sky. All the colours of the Chaos Emeralds. 
Ecto: Ugh... fine.
Mephiles: Not this time, goodbye.
The titan Knight appeared out of nothing. He swung his sword down at the hedgehog. He dived out of the way, narrowly avoiding getting hit in the head by flying rocks.
Ecto: Oh dear. This is bad.
Knight threw his razor shield at Ecto, cutting off his escape. Seeing no other option, he jumped onto a passing SQUID. A stressful chase ensued, with the shield nearly getting him multiple times. In the end, the hedgehog escaped with his life.
Ecto: Better luck next time.
He ran off to get the Chaos Emeralds. When he had all seven, he entered the volcano. He flexed his complete mastery of pinball by getting five million points in less than five minutes.
Ecto: Take that!
The volcano then proceeded to erupt. The lava burned away the fog from the immense crater that dominated the main island. Ecto ran towards it and jumped in. He absorbed the Chaos Emeralds and went super once again.
Super Ecto: Are you ready for another embarrassing beatdown then? 
The two powerhouse clashed in a flurry of blows. Ecto was raining down blows faster than the eyes could perceive. Knight blocked the blows with his shield and sword. Ecto yoinked the shield and rode it into Knight's face. When this had repeated a couple of times, Knight tossed his shield around everywhere. Ecto blocked it and threw it back into Knight's face. Knight was on his last wheels, he swung his sword down on Ecto. Ecto grabbed it and used it to cut Knight in half. The titan exploded in a ball of light.
Super Ecto: You're running out of time to stop me, Mephiles. I nearly have all of my memories back.
== Part 4: Rhea Island ==
Super Ecto landed on Rhea Island, seeing the towers that were erected all around.
Ecto: I've gotta shut down those? I don't wanna do that!
Ecto grumbled and ran off to one of the towers. He then began to grind up it. He was soon high above the ground, falling off would be a mistake.
Ecto: Why is it so tall?
The hedgehog continued climbing the tall tower. Upon reaching the top, he integrated with Cyberspace. He received a vision detailing the past of the Ancients. Now even more corrupted, the jumped off the tower. He ran off to the second one and repeated the arduous climb. He received yet another vision and got even more corrupted. He could barely walk at this point, so he flopped off the edge of the tower and plummeted. Just before he went splat, he came to his senses and stuck the landing. He limped over the grassy terrain over to the third tower. When he got there he roared in agony as the corruption spread over his torso. He beat himself and began to climb.
Ecto: Curse this infernal cyber corruption. I will make Mephiles' demise even more painful than need be.
The pained hedgehog ascended the tower. Upon reaching the summit, he had another vision and slumped over. He lay there, twitching, for a few seconds. He then rose again and jumped of and ran over to do the next two towers. On his last legs, he staggered over to the final tower. He pulled himself up to the summit and slammed himself into the interface. He reluctantly accepted the vision and got even more corrupted as a result. He screamed and absorbed the Chaos Emeralds. He flew off to the final island.
== Part 5: Ouranos Island Round 1 ==
Ecto landed on the grassy shores of Ouranos Island. He looked around and saw a purple looking Cyberspace portal. He ran over to the portal and jumped in.
Big: Oh hey there! You look like Sonic!
Ecto: *Gasp* Big? 
Ecto began bowing to the divine might of the chubby cat.
Big: Would you like to fish? I'll let you borrow a rod!
Ecto nodded and took the rod. He handed Big some purple coins and cast his line. He reeled out a hammerhead shark.
Ecto: What the hell? What kind of material is this rod made out of?
Ecto opened the shop interface and saw some Vault Keys.
Ecto: Big... how did you get the Vault Keys?
Big: I kill those skinny guys. They gave me their hearts and I opened portals.
Ecto nodded giddily and continued to fish. He kept on going until he had run out of purple coins.
Big: Your out of purple coins? That's okay, you can just go get some more.
Ecto opened the shop interface and bought Vault Keys. He thanked Big and left the portal. With his keys, he ran around the island and got five Chaos Emeralds. He entered the hacking mission for one of them and cleared it. He entered the temple like structure and snagged the Emerald.
Ecto: Wait, where's the seventh one?
Mephiles: I dunno.
Ecto: Why would I ask you?
Mephiles: I was just distracting you while Supreme shot you.
A blast of light flew out of nowhere and hit Ecto square in the face. He flew back and smashed into the very top of the Emerald Temple. Somehow, the final Emerald was hidden there. He absorbed them and went to face the final titan.
Super Ecto: Goodbye, Mephiles.
Ecto flew around, absolutely wrecking Supreme. The titan tried to fight back, but to no avail. Ecto blocked all of his attacks and sent all of his gunshots right back at him. Eventually, Ecto had beaten Supreme down so much that the titan ceased to operate.
Super Ecto: Oh yeah!
The shell of Supreme cracked open, releasing the End. It cumulated into a massive copy of Ecto, which smacked the Emeralds out of him. The hedgehog spiraled down to the grassy plains of the island.
The End: There is nothing you can do to stop me.
At that, the End blipped away. Ecto struggled to stand.
Ecto: I have all of my memories back, now I've just gotta stop the End.
== Part 6: Ouranos Island Round 2 ==
Ecto half limped, half crawled over to the Hermit Koco, who told him to seek out the Elder Koco. The Elder told him that the Chaos Emeralds were moved to more secure positions. Ecto acknowledged this and went off to get the first one. 
Ecto: Why'd they have to move the bloody Emeralds? How did they move them? They don't have hands! Alright, Elder said that it was over the ocean around here.
Ecto saw a bunch of moving platforms over the vast expanse of water. He jumped on the first and executed the maneuvers needed to get across. He took note of a strange looking koco. He walked over and it began to spew out code. Ecto typed in a command the the koco stopped spewing and grinned at him. The hedgehog looked over his shoulder and saw the first Chaos Emerald appear.
Ecto: Thanks little buddy.
Ecto snagged the Emerald and saw a tower like the ones of Rhea Island burst out of the ground. He looked at it, shrugged, and ran towards it. He climbed up it.
Ecto: Sheesh, this one's even taller then the ones back on Rhea!
He got to the top and saw a special looking koco waiting for him. He was shunted into a vision, where an Ancient towered over him.
Ecto: Hey, you're one of the Titan pilots!
Dragon: I loved my people. More than my own life, more than anything. I happily gave everything to protect our new home. You gutted my Titan. You turned off the six final seals. You will answer for your ruinous intentions... now!
Ecto: Geez, I'm sorry!
Ecto found himself in a room with a bunch of enemies. They sped toward Ecto at unprecedented speed. He dodged and ducked, taking out the enemies one by one. After about a minute, the final enemy disintegrated.
Dragon: I see now. You went to extremes to protect this world against our foe. Take my blessing and protect out planet!
Ecto nodded and went off to get the next Emerald. Once he did, the next Tower burst forth. He went up it, talked to the pilot, did the trial, then went off to get the next Emerald. He did this once more. He did the third trial and went to get the fourth Emerald. He did and saw the fourth tower. He ascended it.
Ecto: Huh. Guess there's a "surprise fourth Titan" after all. In the vision I saw, you lose to the enemy when you sealed it in your Titan. How are you here?
Crane: That's not important. You wish to do as I did? Stand before its unthinkable might and save this world? Prove it. Show me what you're made of.
Ecto steeled himself and entered the trial. He dispatched the Ninja and stood before Crane once again.
Crane: Bravo. You are every bit the hero I hoped you would be. My people thought the same of me. They looked to me for hope and inspiration. I... wasn't enough. You freed my dearest friends from their Titan shells, and for that you have my deepest thanks. I, however, was lost. What you see now is the memory of me before we flew into battle. I always wondered how things ended. Now I know. Take my blessing, and with it, my thanks and my hopes. You are this world's hero now.
Ecto: Finally! I feel like myself again! Thank you!
He jumped down and collected the fifth Emerald with no trouble. He watched in shock as a fifth tower appeared.
Ecto: Wait, what? There's only four titans! Who's up there?
He ran over and began climbing.
Ecto: This is where I fought Supreme. That's totally not ominous.
He reached the top and saw a bearded koco even larger than the Elder. He found himself transported to yet another vision.
Master King: You may call me "Master King." It is as close as your limited language will manage.
Ecto: Wow, somebody' feeling high and mighty. Anyway, the pilots says you're the one who can turn the Cyber Corruption into new power? Is that right?
Master King: They are correct. I was the leader of my people. I led them away from their doom. I oversaw the colonization of this planet. I directed the installation of Cyber Space. I ordered the construction of the Titans. I have been the guiding voice of my people for longer than you can imagine.
Ecto: And now, you're a rock in a chair.
Master King: You are insolent!
Ecto: Yeah, and I'm short on time. So if you want me to save your legacy, you're going to fast-track this new power process.
Master King: You remind me much of another. They vexed me then as much as you do now. They also gave everything to stave off the end. ...Very well. Step forward and I shall temper you into my finest weapon.
Ecto was transported to the arena in which he fought Giganto. He ran up and went Super. He toiled away at the titan until it crumbled. He blinked and found himself on Ares Island where he fought Wyvern. He went Super again and defeated the second Titan. He grinned and saw he was now in the arena with Knight. He went Super yet again and destroyed the sword wielding behemoth. He breathed a sigh of relief and turned to the Master King.
Ecto: I can feel it! Oh, I can't wait to let loose!
Master King: But you must. That power is a fragile thing. It was not meant for you. It has been synchronized to your form as best it can, but if used recklessly the power will leave you entirely.
Ecto: Huh. I'm not used to holding back.
Master King: I can feel the enemy's approach is nigh. Go. You have been given all we can give you. I... can do nothing more for my people. I entrust the rest to you.
Ecto: You can count on me!
Ecto grabbed the last two Emeralds and sat down for a minute, taking in what had just happened. He then heard the telltale whoosh of a Titan appearing out of air. He turned and saw a Titan made from parts of all the others. The End sent a tendril down to connect with it. Mephiles descended in front of the monstrosity.
Mephiles: Do you like my Amalgamation? It will be what ends you, for good.
The demon fused with the mech, becoming a intelligent killing machine. Ecto went Super and flew to meet it. He was smacked around until he remembered his newfound powers. He took control of his Cyber Corruption and achieved a new form. His eyes changed from red to green, his green aura became red. 
Starfall Super Ecto: Now this is power! Come at me!
The powered up Ecto clashed with the Amalgamation. He severed the cord tethering it to the End. He tore through the Titan without the End's regeneration. He laid it low and pulled out its gun. As he did that, Mephiles regenerated the mech and reattached the cord. Seeing no other option, Ecto gave into his Cyber Corruption.
Starfall Super Ecto: Sorry Master King, looks like I'm going all out after all!
Ecto screamed as the corruption overtook his body. He regained enough control to direct himself at the Titan and arrowed towards it. He blasted through the hole in the chest where Mephiles was situated, finally ridding the world of his evil. he continued up into space, where he rammed the End head on. The purple moon disintegrated and reformed on the planet, looking just like Ecto. The original hedgehog flew down and stood face to face with his double.
The End: I take whatever form you perceive as death. You see yourself? Strange.
Ecto aimed his hand and blasted the End into nothingness. His Cyber form faded, leaving him with enough vestigial energy to duplicate in Slack's lab. Sighing in happiness, Ecto flew home.
== Epilogue: A Land At Peace ==
Super Ecto landed triumphantly on the shores of the Alpha Zone. He let the Chaos Emeralds scatter to the corners of the world. He walked through the hole in the ruins of the Death Egg and went to his room. He left a note on his door saying he was asleep. He slumped on his bed and for the first time in days, slept. When he woke up, he shuffled down to the kitchen.
Ecto: Yo.
Rocky: Hi.
Flame: Took you long enough. I thought you were the fastest thing alive.
Slack: How was it?
Ecto: Mephiles is dead, I have my memories back, and I have enough Cyber Energy for you to remake.
Slack grinned evilly at the though of how he could harness the energy into powerful weapons for the team. Ecto laughed and made himself a tea. He leaned against the counter and started to sip it.
Rocky: Nothing much happened. Armageddon is missing, hopefully for a while.
Ecto nods and takes one of Slack's scanners. He extracts part of his corruption.
Ecto: Here you go. Have fun, you crazy sloth.
Slack took it and begins thinking about how to put this in a rifle. The rest of Team Alpha laugh and begin debating on whether or not they should get a better plumbing system.
The End
Category:Stories
Category:The Alphaverse (StryaMaker's AU)