Author's Note: This is my first Sonic Fan-Fic story I have written that actually makes sense. Ever since I read some of the Fan Fics on the 'Net, I wanted to make one for all to enjoy, but be warned : it is 35 pages long ( on Microsoft Word ). I hope you enjoy the story, since it is my first one ( and that I've read and re-read this thing a dozen times for mistakes ). ANY relations to any other Fan Fics is strictly coincidential, and I apoligize if there are any similarities. Happy reading! ( Legal stuff is at the bottom, for all you lawyer-type people.)
Steph Ratt
#1
PROLOGUE:
" It's wonderful, Snively, " Robotnik gloated to his lackey. " Finally, that hedgehog will be mine! " He walked over to the new roboticizer, made especially for Sonic.
" Yes, sir, " Snively replied, putting the finishing touches to the roboticizer. " It's diamond-glass tube will ensure that Sonic will not escape it this time. "
" Excellent! " Robotnik replied happily. He looked it over, then came to a strange slot at the base of it. " What's that for? " He asked, pointing to the slot.
" THAT, sir, " Snively started, knowing Robotnik would be pleased with his work, " is for a Power Ring! It will enhance Sonic's robotic traits, just as it does for his physical traits. I noticed we could use the Power Ring to our advantage during the last fight while I was still building the roboticizer. If it can be used for good, it can be used for evil. "
" Wonderful! " Robotnik answered, very pleased. " Continue to finish the work on it, Snively. I'm going to celebrate our victory. "
" But we haven't won yet, sir, " Snively pointed out.
" We haven't yet, but we will . . . "
Robotnik left the room, and Snively continued his work.
Knuckles
It's always dark here in Robotropolis, even during the day, due to the horrible pollution problem. It just makes me want to gag. I rarely visit the city, but tonight was important. Sally, Bunnie, Antoine, Tails, and I, Knuckles Echidna, were behind a trash heap, which Sally called their meeting place. Sonic had run off to what he calls their ' blind drop ', which is an old gargoyle statue who's head can come off to reveal a great hiding place for messages. We were to receive an important message regarding the Doomsday Project from Sonic's uncle, Chuck. Seems Robotnik's ready to start Doomsday and Chuck had some battle plans for us.
Anyway, we were waiting for Sonic behind a pile of stinky trash. My dreadlocks flew in front of my face as I scanned the horizon for Sonic. Sally just kept saying, " Where is Sonic? He should be here by now. It's taking him way too long. " I think she worries way too much, although she was right. Sonic shouldn't have taken twenty minutes to get a little piece of paper. I suggested that he ran into SWAT-bots on the way, but I had a worse feeling than that. Little did I know how right my feeling was . . . . .
Meanwhile, Sonic was dodging SWAT-bots . . .
" NYAH, NYAH!! " Sonic laughed, sticking his tongue out at them while running backwards. " Bet ya can't catch me, you metal-heads!! Ha ha! " he turned himself around and went into a ' Sonic-Spin '. He wasn't the least bit worried about getting caught by the SWAT-bots. They never have caught him, and he planned to keep it that way. He knocked the 'bots off their feet and zoomed away, laughing. " Losers!! " he called back with a smirk.
As he ran to the blind drop, he suddenly tripped over something, making him skid across the ground, and when you're running as fast as he does, it hurts. Sonic slowly sat himself up, still a little dizzy from his fall. He felt his chin, which hurt to the touch. He looked at his hands, which were covered in blood where it touched his chin, and decided he'd head back to the garbage heap, AFTER he found out what could've possibly tripped him. He searched the ground for clues, and shortly saw something shine between two lamp posts, were he had started the fall. Sonic walked up to the lamp posts, kneeled down, and felt the shining object between them. Yep, it was definitely transparent string, tied to either post. He stood himself up and started to wonder who would tie string along the ground between the posts. Without anyone in mind, he decided to be a bit more cautious in that area anyway, knowing it might be a trap. He suddenly realized that his backpack was awfully light, especially if he was carrying a Power Ring. Sonic reached inside and noticed the Ring was gone. ' It couldn't have gone far, ' he thought, scanning the ground for its whereabouts. He walked a little further until he saw a shiny, golden object not more than a few feet ahead of him. Sonic jogged over to it. ' The Power Ring! ' he thought as he bent down to pick it up. It was the last thing he remembered after someone beat him over the head with a heavy object that clanged when it struck.
" 'Butt-nik better pay me good fer this one, " Nack said as he threw the scrap metal he used to club Sonic aside and picked him up and threw him in his flying vehicle. Nack jumped in shortly, and flew off towards the Control Tower . . .
Meanwhile . . .
" This is way too long for Sonic to get a message! " Sally exclaimed. I was getting a little worried myself. It had been forty minutes since we last saw Sonic. It NEVER takes him forty minutes to do anything. To him, forty minutes seems like forty years.
" I am alzo agreeing weez zee Princezz, " Antoine said.
" Knuckles, we must find out what happened to him! " Sally blurted out.
" Don't worry, Princess. He's probably at Uncle Chuck's hideout, " I replied, very unsure of what I was saying. I think Bunnie sensed what I was really thinking about what happened to Sonic, since she started to give me worried glances every now and then.
" Well, let's go then! " Sally cried, heading toward Chuck's place. We all followed her.
* * * * * * *
" No, he's not here," Chuck answered after we made it to his hideout. " Why, is something wrong? "
" Sugah-Chuck, " Bunnie started, " we've been all standin' out there for forty minutes. Ah definitely thank somethang is wrong. "
Finally, I decided to blurt out what I had to say:
" I think he's been captured. "
" That's not true, Knuckles! " Tails cried. " Sonic's never been, and never will! "
" I think Knuckles may be right, Tails, " Chuck said, sounding worried himself.
" It's not like Sonic to show up late for anything. "
" Well, where would they take Sonic if they did capture him? " Sally asked.
" The real question is 'Where ELSE would Robotnik bring him? ', " Chuck answered with a smirk on his face.
" Oh, no! " Sally replied.
" What ?!? " Tails cried in confusion.
" The roboticizer! That's where Robotnik would take Sonic first! He'd do anything to make Sonic his mindless slave! " Sally put her hand into a fist. " To the Roboticizer Room, Freedom Fighters! "
We all followed her, including Uncle Chuck, to the Control Tower.
Meanwhile, Dr. Robotnik gloated over Sonic's capture . . .
" . . . So you see, Hedgehog, there is no possible way of escape from this roboticizer, no matter how hard you try! " Robotnik laughed at the helpless hedgehog, who was chained around the arms and ankles. He stood inside the roboticizer, made especially for him, giving Robotnik a rude look.
" I don't care, 'Butt-nik, " Sonic started, " 'cause I know my friends will save me."
" I don't think so, Rodent . . . SWAT-bots! Watch the entrance! " Robotnik ordered. The robots obeyed him, and stood at the door with laser guns ready.
Sonic knew Robotnik was waiting for the Freedom Fighters to show up --- so he could show Sonic's horrible fate to them --- or Sonic would've been roboticized by now. Either way, he knew he'd be roboticized, even if the Freedom Fighters tried to stop Robotnik. He sat himself down in the roboticizer, back turned to Robotnik. A tear slid down his face, knowing that these were his last few grueling moments as a hedgehog made of flesh and fur.
* * * * * * *
We all jogged quietly through the long corridor to the Roboticizer Room, only hiding when 'bots came. We shortly made it to the room next the Roboticizer Room.
" If I know Robotnik, " Chuck started, " that room will be plastered in 'bots. "
" Good point, Uncle Chuck . . . " Sally replied, reaching for her portable computer, Nicole. " Nicole, can you scan for security in the Roboticizer Room? "
*SCANNING, SALLY...* Nicole answered. She shortly showed a hologram of the current layout of the Roboticizer Room : two 'bots were guarding the door, another two were standing next to Robotnik, and four around the roboticizer.
" Boy, he's serious, ain't he? " I replied.
" Shoah is, sugah! " Bunnie said.
" So how are we to be getting past zee 'bots, hmm? " Antoine asked, trying to sound brave.
" I think I know . . . " Sally said.
* * * * * * *
Robotnik became very impatient as he waited for the Freedom Fighters to show.
" Snively! " he said to his lackey. " Start the roboticization process! I can't wait any longer for those pesky Freedom Fighters! "
" Yes, sir! " Snively replied as he turned to press the blue button which was to activate Sonic's roboticizer. " Roboticization will begin in thirty seconds, sir. "
" Proceed, Snively. "
" Yes, sir. " He pressed the button.
Sonic sat in the roboticizer in horror as he felt the machine warm up. He watched as Snively inserted the Power Ring, which he found in Sonic's backpack, into its slot at the bottom. Sonic stood himself up by using the sides of the circular tube, and started shoving as hard as he could against the sides, in hopes the roboticizer would fall over and break, but, unfortunately, this roboticizer was not like the others he had escaped from. The roboticizer stayed put on its base, no matter how much force he used. ' It's hopeless, ' he thought. That was until . . .
" Take that, Metal-Head!! " I shouted as Bunnie and I pounded the two guard 'bots at the door.
" SWAT-BOTS! " Robotnik yelled. " GET RID OF THOSE MEDDLESOME FREEDOM FIGHTERS! NOW!!! " Sally and Tails came running in and knocked five of them out of the way. I pounded the last one in the face. I ran over to the roboticizer and swung my fist at what seemed to be a glass tube. I'm surprised I didn't break my fist! The tube was as hard as diamond; I didn't even put a chip or a scratch in it. All I knew for sure was that I was gonna have a very sore hand the next morning. I looked up at Sonic, who stared at me with sad eyes. " I'm sorry, Sonic, " I mumbled under my breath.
" Roboticization is in five seconds, sir, " Snively replied happily. I ran over to him, picked him up and said, " STOP THE ROBOTICIZER, NOW!!! " A large hand suddenly threw me out of the way.
" It's too late, Freedom Fighters! " Robotnik laughed, who had grabbed me earlier. " Time's up!!! "
* ROBOTICIZATION IN PROGRESS *
We all watched in horror as a beam of light came down on Sonic, snapping the chains around his hands and ankles. He screamed an agonizing scream, which made Sally start to cry. She ran towards the roboticizer and put her face against the glass. I noticed Sonic lean forward and also put his face against the glass, his eyes looking right into Sally's. She watched sadly as her boyfriend's eyes turn from the lovable and friendly hedgehog eyes to the evil looking, red and black eyes. He seemed to become taller as flesh
turned to metal. The roboticization seemed to last forever, like everything was moving in slow motion. I walked up to Sally and touched her shoulder, and noticed Sonic mouth ' I love you ' to her before his inner soul was replaced with the evil power which the Power Ring was providing for the roboticizer. A tear fell from his eye as he became another mindless slave of Robotnik.
I think Uncle Chuck was the saddest of us all, although tears were streaming down all of our faces, even mine, as we watched the dramatic moment earlier.
" FREEDOM FIGHTERS!" Robotnik exclaimed. " May I present to you my new creation, Metal Sonic!! " He pointed over to Sonic as the glass tube rose . . .
END OF CHAPTER 1 . . .
Tails
He shone brightly as the light hit his metal skin. Sonic the Hedgehog, my all time hero since I was just a pup, was now on Robotnik's side as a strong, buff-looking, metallic-blue robot hedgehog. I knew that for a fact, but I didn't want to believe it.
" Allow me to show you what Metal Sonic can do . . . " Robotnik said evilly.
" Metal Sonic! Attack these intruders! Destroy these Freedom Fighters! "
" YES, LORD ROBOTNIK... " Sonic droned. He stepped off the platform and charged at Sally, but Knuckles grabbed her and ran before Metal Sonic could catch her.
" I SHALL DESTROY!! " Metal Sonic cried, charging at Uncle Chuck. I quickly flew down to Chuck and grabbed him before Metal Sonic did.
" Thanks, Tails! " he thanked.
" No prob! " I replied. Then I suddenly noticed Metal Sonic grab Antoine, who was * trying * to protect Bunnie.
" AIEEEEEEE!!!!!! " he screamed as Metal Sonic threw him into the still-active roboticizer.
" ANTOINE! " Bunnie cried. She jogged over to the control panel, shoved Snively aside, and smashed the panel with her robotic arm. The panel sizzled and hissed as she ran over to where Antoine laid on his side semi-conscious on the roboticizer's platform. She went to pick him up, and almost dropped him in the process. " Woah, sugah! Yoah gettin' ah bit heavy! " she said, not realizing what really happened until she went to pick him up again, which was when she saw a bright flash shine from Antoine's face. She took a quick glance down at him and almost fainted at the sight. He was covered entirely in metal on the left side of his face up to his hairline, then it continued all the way to the tip of his left ear. Only the stars knew how much more he was roboticized, but she didn't have time to worry about it right now. We had to get out of Robotropolis right away. Bunnie picked Antoine up again, and headed towards the door.
" C'mon, y'all! " she cried. " Les all get outta here! " We all followed her, but so we could get a head start, Knuckles pounded Metal Sonic in the face and took off behind us.
" GET THOSE FREEDOM FIGHTERS, NOW! " Robotnik cried, who just stood there complaining. Metal Sonic obeyed, and zoomed off after us.
" Everyone grab onto me! " cried Knuckles. We all grabbed eachother's hands and Sally ( who was in the front of the line ) grabbed onto Knuckles's hand. He jolted off at his fastest speed, tugging us all along like a kite tail. We ran down a few corridors until we came to a hall with a huge air duct we could hide in for awhile. Knuckles ran to the end of it. Bunnie put Antoine down with a clank and quickly pulled the duct open. She put Antoine in and gave us a gesture to get in before her. We all climbed quickly inside and Bunnie immediately after. She replaced the metal cover just in time to see Metal Sonic zoom by.
" Whew! " she sighed, leaning back on the back wall of the duct. " We'll all stay here until they suspect we're gone. "
* * * * * * *
We had been sitting there for quite some time until we finally decided that they suspected that we were gone. We decided this was the time to make a run for it. That was until something shot right through the duct right next to Antoine and I ( we were at the end ).
" I thank they found us! " Bunnie cried.
" We hafta get outta here! " Knuckles said.
" We'll have to split up, " Chuck started quickly. " Sally, you go see if you can download any information about the Doomsday Project; Knuckles and Tails, you two try to distract Metal Sonic for awhile, since you two are the fastest; Bunnie, you take Antoine back to the garbage heap and wait for us there. I'm going to my hideout for a few minutes. Everyone got it? "
" Yeah! " we replied. We snuck out the end we came in and Sally took off to do her job. It was me and Knuckles's turn now.
" HEY! METAL SONIC! BETCHA CAN'T CATCH US! " I hollered. He turned around and glared at us evilly.
" SUBJECTS IDENTIFIED AS FREEDOM FIGHTERS. MUST DESTROY! "Metal Sonic replied, scanning us over." I WILL BE SURE YOUR TERMINATION IS PAINFUL! "
That's when we made our move. We bolted away as fast as we could, and, as predicted, he followed right behind us with incredible speed. After we turned a corner,
Bunnie took Antoine and ran in the opposite direction. Chuck followed her, then turned down another corridor towards his hideout.
Meanwhile, Knuckles and I surprisingly kept a short distance ahead of Metal Sonic.
" DO NOT RESIST, FREEDOM FIGHTERS! " exclaimed Metal Sonic, now starting to fire at us, just missing us. Metal Sonic shot again, and hit Knuckles's leg, making him fall. Metal Sonic zoomed passed him, on his way to get me, but before he could, Knuckles grabbed Metal Sonic's leg, causing his flying to be uncoordinated, therefore causing him to fall. Knuckles held on tightly as the two combatants skidded along the floor, then came to a halt as they both hit a wall, knocking them out. I flew down, grabbed Knuckles, and quickly flew out of sight.
I had shortly found Bunnie and Antoine ( who was still unconscious ) at the trash heap. Thankfully, Metal Sonic did not follow or find me.
" Knuckles is hurt, Bunnie! " I exclaimed, putting him down.
" Oh mah stars! What happened?! " she asked, examining Knuckles's wounds.
" Think, Bunnie. This is Sonic and Knuckles we're talking about here, " I pointed out.
" Don't those two evah give it up? " she sighed.
Sally shortly arrived, glad that some of us made it back safely.
" I have a bit of information regarding Doomsday, however, " she started, somewhat disappointed, " I could not find anything useful, not even the Project's flaws or weaknesses. If we don't plan this carefully, we'll lose the war for sure . . . hey! What happened to Knuckles? " I explained to her what had happened, then she examined his wounds. She concluded that they were minor burns that would be cared for once we got back to Knothole.
" Okay, let's get out of here, " Sally said.
" But what about Chuck? " I asked.
Then, suddenly, we saw and heard a loud explosion in the distance. When we realized where it came from, we were in a panic.
" CHUCK! " we all shouted in unison, staring at the bright area where Chuck's hideout was.
We ran quickly to its location, and shortly found Metal Sonic, standing at the hideout's former entrance.
END OF CHAPTER 2 . . .
Chuck
I had picked up the special emerald I had created, put it into the backpack I had picked up off my desk, and went back through my hidden trap door in which I had come, just in time to hear a loud explosion occur behind me. It was then I had realized Metal Sonic had blown up my secret hideout. Thank goodness I wasn't in there when he did.
I continued through the tunnel until I came to a ladder which led to outside. I climbed up the ladder, pushed the manhole cover away, climbed out, and replaced the camouflaged cover back in its place. I started towards the meeting place, only to find no one there.
" Sally? " I called. There was no response.
Suddenly, a feminine scream was heard in the distance. ' Sally!' I thought. 'Metal Sonic's probably found them.' I followed the screams right to where my hideout used to be. There, I saw Sally struggling to break free of Metal Sonic's grip. Knuckles looked like he wanted to pound Metal Sonic; Bunnie was trying to tell Sonic to put Sally down; and Tails stayed with Antoine behind them.
" ONE MOVE," Metal Sonic started, " AND THE PRINCESS LOSES HER HEAD ... " He activated his laser blaster on his arm and pointed it right at Sally's head. " I MEAN IT! "
" Sonic, stop, please! " Sally started crying.
I ran over to them.
" Put her down, nephew, " I said sternly. Everyone turned around and smiled when they realized that I was okay, but I just wanted Metal Sonic to put Sally down.
" YOU WERE TO BE TERMINATED!" Metal Sonic exclaimed angrily. He moved Sally closer to his laser blaster. " ONE FALSE MOVE ... " I decided to try something.
" You wouldn't shoot her, Sonic, even if you tried, " I simply told him.
" Chuck, what are you doing?! " Bunnie whispered loudly to me.
" OH, YEAH? WATCH ME! " Metal Sonic exclaimed as he armed his blaster with a * click *. Sally cowered in his hand, whimpering loudly. Her eyes were closed tightly, ready for the blast. Metal Sonic stared at her for a minute, then moved his arm with the blaster away from Sally's head and closed it.
" YOU ARE RIGHT, " Metal Sonic started, " I CANNOT SHOOT HER. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME. PERHAPS ONE OF MY COMPUTER CHIPS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED? " He stared at us curiously.
" Nothing is wrong with any of your computer chips, Sonic, " I said.
" You won't hurt her because you care for her. " He glanced back at Sally, who was still quivering in his hand. He put her down and made her face him. She opened her eyes and was horrified to see Metal Sonic staring at her, right in the face. She was frightened, but felt somewhat comforted when she saw him stare at her confusingly.
" YES... THAT IS IT, " Metal Sonic replied, confused. He looked at her eyes, which were shining from the wetness of her tears, and saw the reflection of his face in her eyes, only he wasn't made of metal, but he had a blue coat of fur, loving eyes, and long, soft-looking quills. He shoved Sally away from him and looked her over. " I REMEMBER YOU ..." He stared at the ground, still trying to get it through.
" I love you, Sonic," Sally said quietly, wiping her eyes. Sonic quickly glanced up at her, then quickly fell to his knees and shook his head.
" OH, SALLY, WHAT HAVE I DONE? " Metal Sonic mumbled to the ground. Sally's face gleamed when she heard him say this.
" Oh, Sonic! You're yourself again! " Sally cried happily as she ran over to hug him. He grabbed her tightly, but not to tightly enough to hurt her, since he knew he was much stronger than he used to be. They hugged eachother for awhile, Sally crying happily in his arms.
" IT'S OKAY, SALLY," Sonic said soothingly to her. " ROBOTNIK ISN'T GOING TO TAKE ME AWAY FROM YOU ANYMORE, I PROMISE YOU THIS." She just replied with a few sniffles.
" Oh, Ah jus' love romance movies . . ." Bunnie said, admiring Sonic and Sally's reunion.
" Eww, YUCK!!! " Tails said with a funny look on his face.
Sally looked at Sonic. " Are you going to come back to Knothole with us? "
"I---I CAN'T, SAL," Sonic replied with a depressed tone in his voice.
" ROBOTNIK STILL THINKS I'M ON HIS SIDE. I THINK IT'D BE BEST IF I STAYED HERE. I COULD GET SOME INFORMATION ABOUT
D-DAY. "
" Sonic is right, guys, " I answered. " I'll go back to Knothole with you, since I have no place to stay now. " Sonic looked a little embarrassed. " Besides, he has a better chance of being a double agent than I did. "
Sally thought it over. " I guess you're right, Chuck. " She turned back to look at Sonic. " You'll promise me that you'll be careful? "
" HEDGEHOG'S HONOUR, " Sonic replied, crossing his chest. He stood himself up, then helped Sally up, and gave her one last hug before she would leave.
" SEE YOU SOON? "
" Of course." She headed back to Knothole with Tails, Bunnie and Antoine, and Knuckles following close behind.
" Don't worry, nephew, " I told Sonic, who looked like he was having second thoughts about staying in Robotropolis by himself, " we'll take good care of her for you."
" I HOPE SO, " he said. He started to smile. " MAKE SURE THAT THAT ECHIDNA DOESN'T GET TOO CLOSE TO HER."
I started to laugh. " I'll do that for you, Sonic! "
" ANYWAY, I'LL LOOK AROUND THIS PLACE AND SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING USEFUL TO US. ANY INFORMATION WILL BE LEFT IN THE BLIND DROP TOMORROW MORNING." I had agreed it was a good idea.
I said my farewells to Sonic, and started towards Knothole.
* * * * * * *
Meanwhile . . .
" Look, Flabbio," Nack started, " I brought you the hedgehog, you roboticized him, and I'm supposed to get paid, so pay up, Chunky! "
Dr. Robotnik thought it over. " Okay. Follow me, Mr. Weasel." Nack followed him, happy that he was finally going to get out of this stupid city run by an overgrown cheeseball. " Wait right there, please, " Robotnik said, pointing to the spot where Nack was standing. Robotnik walked over to what Nack thought was a desk, that was until a glass tube came down over top of him.
" HEY! What's the big idea?! " Nack exclaimed. " Is this some kind of joke?! "
" No, Mr. Weasel, " Robotnik started. " You wanted to get paid, " he gloated as he walked over to a blue button on a large panel near the tube, " but you won't want to after you've changed your mind."
" I WASN'T PLANNING TO, BUTTERBALL!! " Nack yelled, now becoming very worried.
" You will once you've been roboticized! " Robotnik laughed as he pushed the blue button and watched Nack scream in agony as he quickly turned from warm flesh to cold steel.
" MAN, THIS IS BAD ... " Sonic whispered to himself as he watched from outside the room.
* * * * * * *
Antoine had awaken with the sun the next morning, and was surprised by his new body. I had taken a look at him last night, and he was also roboticized under his jacket on the left side of his chest and continued the whole way from his waist-down. He had been upset for awhile, but shortly got over it when Sally 'over-comforted ' him by telling him it made him look brave and strong. He's never shut up since and it's driving us crazy.
Anyway, Antoine (unfortunately) and Bunnie had agreed to come with me to the blind drop. We headed there at about noon.
* * * * * * *
Meanwhile, Sonic hadn't even written a message to us yet. He was still looking around for information that would be useful to us. Since it had been working hours now, he'd have to be a little more cautious of what he was doing. He had searched everywhere in the Control Tower, except two rooms: the Control Room, where there was always too many 'bots to look around, and a hidden room in the West Wing, which his sensors had picked up earlier. He decided this was the place to search first.
Sonic shortly found the large, well-camouflaged metal door covering the entrance. With his incredible strength, he pulled the door open, went inside, and shut the door back up. He was amazed at what was in front of him, it was not a roboticizer room, but a DE-ROBOTICIZER room! Sonic couldn't believe it was even a de-roboticizer, but knew it was a partially finished de-roboticizer because his sensors picked up different component readings in it than what was in a roboticizer. Yes, it was definitely built to be a de-roboticizer.
He looked around the small room, until his attention was drawn to a half open drawer on what looked like a control panel. He walked over to the drawer and opened it up all the way. Inside was a neatly folded piece of paper. Sonic took it out and unfolded it to see what was on it, and was shocked when he did find out. On the paper was a perfect copy of the original de-roboticizer plans. Sonic beamed with happiness. He refolded the paper and put it in a small compartment on his left arm for safe-keeping until he got back to Knothole. He wanted to surprised Sally himself.
He continued his search around the room, and became interested in a computer in the far right corner. He walked up to it, sat down in the chair, and turned it on. To his dismay, a password screen came up. 'Uh oh, ' Sonic thought as the screen glowed brightly at him. He looked around the room for any clues. Above the computer, he noticed a fairly interesting plaque embossed with the words ' ALL LIFE WILL PERISH, YET ALL MACHINES WILL CONQUER. ' Sonic pondered over this for a minute. ' This phrase must help someone with the password, whoever that "someone" is . . . ' he thought. 'Let's see . . . "perishing life" may mean "destruction" or "death", but machines? ' This had all confused Sonic. Then a sudden thought crossed his mind. ' "Perishing life" can also mean, in Ro-butt-nik's perspective, "roboticization"! That's where the machines come in! But now the question now is: When will the machines conquer?' Suddenly, the answer came to him. Sonic looked back down at the keyboard and started to type " D-O-O-M-S-D-A-Y ".
* ACCESS GRANTED *
Sonic smiled.
A new screen shortly appeared:
PLEASE CHOOSE FILE:
Sonic hit the '1' key on the keyboard. After a two minute delay, the computer read:
* SHOWING COMPUTER DEMONSTRATION OF DOOMSDAY *
Shortly, a computer-animated example of how D-Day was to go appeared. It showed everything that had happened so far ---- Sonic getting captured, then roboticized; Nack's roboticization ---- and it continued:
* " Metal Sonic!" Snively calls. Metal Sonic responds. " You are going to help Nack and I in the Doomsday Project. We are going to use Robotnik's original plans with the Doomsday Pod, only we will improve them, re-program the computers of Robotropolis to only respond to my orders, and conquer Mobius! Ha Haa!" If Metal Sonic refuses, hook him up to a re-programming machine to obey only me. Send Robotnik through the Void, where we'll never have to hear his stupid babbling again. Continue my plan the following dawn. Send SWAT-bots to capture the citizens of Mobius and roboticize them, while the Pod mechanizes the planet. Get Metal Sonic and MechaNack to destroy Freedom Fighters of Mobius ( they'd all make lousy 'bots anyway) especially that stupid Knothole group. . . *
Sonic quickly got out of the program. He did not want to see anymore of the horrific scenes.
The main menu came up again. He decided to select '2'. Shortly, a few diary-like writings came up, which dated back to when Sonic was seven. The most recent one, however, seemed to interest him the most:
June 23, 3234
Attempts to re-program the computers are going fairly slow, but Doomsday is definitely drawing closer. I have finally set a date for it --- the morning of July 2, 3234---and finally thought of a way to get rid of that bumbling oaf Robotnik. I'll just send him through the Void and let Naugus take care of him. How could I have forgotten about the Void?
Anyway, I will definitely be sure Robotnik is not doing his stupid Doomsday plan. All information about my plan is stored into the new computer animation I finished last week. Just something to remind me.
Snively Robotnik
( unfortunately. Just having the same name as that ball of lard makes my stomach turn)
Sonic turned his attention to the day's date. His databanks told him that today was July 1st, 3234, which, meant . . . tomorrow was Doomsday.
Suddenly, the door started to slowly open. Sonic quickly got up, shut the computer off, and went to the control panel to look like he was doing something for Robotnik. Snively came into the room, followed by Nack and a SWAT-bot, which probably opened the heavy door for the little twerp.
" Metal Sonic! " Snively exclaimed, surprised. " What are you doing in here? "
Sonic thought quickly for an excuse. " SYSTEM EVALUATION, SIR. "
" Well, don't bother. I have better plans for you . . ." Sonic knew exactly what Snively was going to ask of him. " What would you say if you help all of Robotropolis --- except Robotnik, of course --- conquer Mobius with the NEW plans for Doomsday? "
Sonic quickly thought for a few seconds. If he refused, he would be re-programmed to obey Snively --- just like in the animation --- which would also, unknown to Snively, cause Sonic to forget all of the Freedom Fighters, and make him evil again. If
he agreed with Snively, he * shouldn't * be re-programmed. He decided to agree with Snively. " YES, SIR. "
Snively was very pleased. " Excellent! Come, we have planning to do! " Sonic hesitantly followed Snively.
' I gotta get Nack to regain his free will, and get him to help me backfire the Doomsday Project . . . ' Sonic thought as he followed Snively to the War Room.
* * * * * * *
Meanwhile, we still hadn't gotten our message.
" Pairehaps he ees being busee," Antoine suggested in a voice which was partially mechanical.
" Perhaps, " I said, " but doing what? " I scanned the horizon, maybe finding Sonic along the way, but no such luck. Bunnie suggested we wait until dark, since that was the best time for Sonic to go around unnoticed. I agreed it was a good idea, even though we'd be very bored between one o'clock and 8:30, but we didn't care.
I was about 3 PM when Antoine said that he finally saw Sonic zooming past the garbage heap. He stopped suddenly, then turned around and headed in our direction. He stopped again, looked around, and came right up to us.
" I JUST BARELY PICKED YOU GUYS UP ON MY HEAT SENSORS!" Sonic exclaimed breathlessly. " ANYWAY, THIS SHEET CONTAINS, HOPEFULLY , USEFUL INFORMATION. " He handed me a rolled up sheet of paper. " MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN KNOTHOLE KNOWS ABOUT IT."
" Thank you, Sonic, " I thanked as I turned toward Knothole.
" ONE MORE THING, GUYS! " Sonic cried.
" What's that, sugah? " Bunnie asked.
" PREPARE FAST... "
" Eh? " Antoine said.
" DOOMSDAY IS TOMORROW AT DAWN. "
He ran off, back to the Robotropolis Control Tower . . .
END OF CHAPTER 3 . . .
Antoine
" ' To my fellow Freedom Fighters, ' " Sally started to read off of the message which Sonic gave to us. " ' I'm in a rush, so just the important stuff. Doomsday is tomorrow at dawn. Probably attacking from the back of the Great Forest. Nack ( yes, Nack, who was roboticized this afternoon ) and I are to lead the attack for Snively, who has re-programmed everything in the city to only obey his orders, and has much harsher Doomsday plans to turn Mobius into his planet. Be prepared for the worst. The only good thing that happened here was that I managed to regain Nack's free will, who just barely agreed to backfire the Doomsday Project, as long as he gets de-roboticized. I told him when the time comes, my word will be kept. Also managed to hook up a comm.-link to my main power supply, so we'll be able to keep in touch with eachother using Nicole. Contact me if you have a way for us to distract the 'bots while you guys prepare for the worst.
Wish you luck, Sonic ' "
" Is any of that good, Sally? " Tails asked.
" Well, except for the part with Nack regaining his free will and the comm.-link hookup, " Sally started. " No. "
We had all been told that Doomsday was to begin next week, so none of us were ready for the attack so soon, especially Sally, who was still just planning our battle positions. But what was even worse was that Snively was planning the attack, whom everyone on Mobius knew was way smarter than Robotnik, who probably had a lame plan anyway.
" Well, guys, " Sally said, " we'll have to fight with what we have planned. Everyone to the Battle Hall in five minutes. Get all of Knothole Village there." She headed out of Meeting Room and towards her hut for the Battle Plans.
Sally had positioned all of Knothole around the Great Forest by the next morning, but even that wasn't enough time . . .
" THEY'RE COMING!! " Tails cried from the lookout tower. Coming towards the Great Forest was half of the Doomsday Squadron, which consisted of Sonic and Nack leading, followed by about fifty of sixty 'bots, and a huge Doomsday Pod, which pulverized everything alive in its path, except the animals, which it roboticized.
I ran up to the alarm and started to ring it ( that was the job Sally gave me. Major fun ). The village ran out to their assigned positions. Sonic had in fact managed to reach Sally via Nicole and told her of their plan:
" WE'RE GONNA CIRCLE AROUND THE OUTER EDGES OF THE FOREST FOR AWHILE, THEN YOU'LL GIVE US THE SIGNAL THAT YOU GUYS ARE READY FOR US TO BACKFIRE THE PLAN, " Sonic explained.
" Gotcha, Sonic! " Sally agreed. She tucked Nicole away and started towards her hut for her copy of the battle plans.
" Oh, my princezz!!" I called to her as she walked by me.
" Yes, Antoine? " she replied, seeming to be lost in thought, like she was ignoring me.
" Will I be getting to do anytheeng for zee battle besides reeging zee bell? " I asked.
" Maybe. " She continued on towards her hut.
' OOO! ' I thought angrily. ' She had totally ignored me! '
I looked up in the sky and saw Sonic and the 'bots fly overhead.
* * * * * * *
" SO WHAT'S THE PLAN, BOY-BLUE? " Nack asked.
" THE PLAN, " Sonic started, " IS TO DISTRACT THE 'BOTS UNTIL THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS GIVE US THE SIGNAL THAT THEY ARE READY FOR ANY UPSETS, THEN WE WILL GO TO THE BACK OF THE DOOMSDAY POD AND QUICKLY RE-PROGRAM IT TO ABORT ITS MISSION, WHICH WILL SEND IT BACK TO ROBOTROPOLIS AND SELF DESTRUCT THERE. GET IT? "
" UHH, ONE THING. "
" WHAT'S THAT? "
" NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, RE-PROGRAMMING THAT SUCKER'S GONNA TAKE A LONG TIME, AND WE DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH OF IT ON OUR SIDE! "
" GOOD POINT... PERHAPS WE COULD TRY DESTROYING IT OURSELVES? "
" YEAH ... HEY! WHAT'S GOING ON?!? " Nack cried, noticing the Doomsday Squadron heading downwards.
" OH, NO!!" Sonic exclaimed. " THEY HAD THEIR HEAT SENSORS ON!" He tried to contact Sally, but the excitement was a little too much for his circuits, which caused him to almost fizz out, but calmed himself down enough to go after
them . . .
* * * * * * *
I sat beside the alarm chimes, lonely and bored, when suddenly a blast shot just inches from my feet. I quickly looked up and saw that the D-Day Squadron had started their attack on the Great Forest. Just before I could ring the chimes, another blast shot them down. I had no other choices but to run or be ' French ' toast ( just a little pun there ). I chose to run.
As I ran, I examined my arm panel for anything to distract the 'bots while I took for cover. I pushed a small button, which caused a small blaster to come out of a small compartment on the top of my robotic arm. ' Ah hah! ' I thought happily as I shot behind me without even bothering to aim. I pushed another button, and suddenly flew off the ground, going every which way. " AHHHHHH!!!!! " I screamed, as I flew all over the place. That was until Sonic caught me in mid-air.
" NICE FLYIN', ACE!! " Sonic said to me, holding me out, then let me go when he made sure that I was hovering. " SEE YOU FOUND YOURSELF FAST-FLYIN' FEET, EH? "
" Oh, merci Sonic! " I thanked. " I am feeling so vairee deezee! "
" HEY! YOU SHOT THOSE 'BOTS GOOD! " Nack exclaimed, pointing to the two 'bots I had shot at earlier. I turned to look at them and noticed they were down, burning in flames. I thought I had only distracted them, but I guess not.
* BEEP! BEEP! * Sonic's comm.-link signal cried. He pushed a button next to it. " YES? " Sonic asked.
" Sonic, what is going on down here?! " cried a feminine voice. " I told you we'd give you a signal when we were ready!! "
" AWW, SAL! I'M SORRY, " Sonic apologized rather sarcastically,
" THEY HAD THEIR HEAT SENSORS ON! I FORGOT TO TAKE THAT INTO ACCOUNT! "
" Well that's something pretty dangerous to forget! " Sally sighed loudly. " Well, how about some help down here? Almost half of Knothole is gone, most of our Freedom Fighters are injured or have gone missing, and we ran out of defensive line attacks!!"
" WE'LL BE RIGHT THERE. SONIC, OVER AND OUT. " Sonic switched off his comm. and turned to us. " C'MON, GUYS! WE'RE GONNA WIN THIS WAR, EVEN IF IT KILLS US! " We quickly headed for the village, shooting 'bots along the way. I had to be careful that when the 'bots did shoot at me, they didn't hit my right side ( where I wasn't roboticized ). If I wasn't roboticized, I probably would've cowered in a corner somewhere, but something inside told me that I had the courage to stay and fight until the end.
We had quickly met up with Sally and the remaining Freedom Fighters ( which weren't very many ). They were surprised to see me with Sonic and Nack, since Sally had * specifically * told me I was a bell ringer, but she probably forgot about me until now anyway.
" Antoine! " Sally cried. ( Oh boy. Here it comes. ) " My specific orders to you were for you to stay at the alarm and ring it when danger came, and when it came, did you ring it? No! " The rest of whatever she said to me were just a bunch of ' blahs ' and ' mumbles '. I wasn't really paying attention in the first place anyway.
" AW, CHILL, SAL! " Sonic started. " ANT HERE JUST TRASHED TWO 'BOTS WITHOUT LOOKING! " I was surprised Sonic was standing up for me. He's never done that before, and it was scary.
" He did, did he? " Sally said, looking at me in disbelief.
" Mais oui, my Princezz!" I said as I started to tell her what had happened. " I was seeting at my poseetion in ze war when I was suddenly attacked from above. I had decided to run, seence zee alarm had been blown up before I could reeng eet. I had found a lasaire on my arm panel, and took a shot behind moi, and in fear of zem feeneeshing moi, I had flew away, right into Sonic, in fact, and he and Nack had shown me zee real damage I had done to zee 'bots I had shot at. Zat ees ze whole truth, my Princezz. "
" Mmm hmm, " Sally simply replied. " Well, how about you show us you can do it again, only this time, aiming and firing at the 'bots? " She smiled.
" I'm right on eet, my Princezz! " I replied happily, heading out the door, Nack and Sonic close behind. We flew up in the air and started firing at the 'bots.
After I shot down about a dozen 'bots, a sudden, sharp pain occurred on my right side, causing me to stop in mid-air. I glanced quickly down at the point in which the pain was, and saw a hole through my jacket and a severe burn on my skin. Then suddenly one of my rocket blasters on my feet stopped working. I looked up and saw 'bots all around me. Then what happened next, I don't remember, but when I came to again, I found myself lying in the dirt, scratched, burned and bruised. If it wasn't for my metal armour covering most of my body, I probably would've been dead. I heard quick footsteps coming in my direction, and I slowly moved my head to see who it was.
" Oh, thank the stars you're not dead!! " Sally exclaimed, running up to me, with Bunnie, Chuck, Tails, Rotor, and a limping Knuckles following close behind her. She immediately took out Nicole and knelt next to me.
" Nicole, " she started, " can you please do a scan of Antoine for any internal or external damage? "
* SCANNING, SALLY, * the computer replied. She beeped and hummed as Sally waved her over me a few times.
" Are y'alright?!? " Bunnie asked, bending down to look me over. " That was some crash y'all had! "
I looked at them confusingly. " Eh? I am not remembering anytheeng aftaire zee blast to my foot," I groaned slowly trying to get up, but in too much pain to do it alone.
" Y'all took quite a beating, " Bunnie explained, helping me up. " Those 'bots jus' trashed ya after ya stopped up there. Y'all fell when they blasted yo' other foot there. " She pointed to the other foot I didn't know the 'bots even touched. It was very blackened, and was hard to bend. I ended up sitting down on the ground, since I hurt too much to stand.
* THERE ARE FIVE MAJOR POINTS OF EXTERNAL DAMAGE, THREE OF INTERNAL. * Nicole interrupted after a few moments. * ALL INTERNAL DAMAGE POINTS ARE LOCATED IN ROBOTICIZED PARTS, AND THREE EXTERNAL.*
" Where exactly, Nicole? " Sally asked impatiently.
* SEARCHING, SALLY . . . INTERNAL DAMAGE INCLUDE THE MAIN POWER SUPPLIES TO BOTH LEGS AND LEFT ARM. EXTERNAL INCLUDE SECOND DEGREE BURN TO RIGHT ABDOMEN, A MINOR CUT AND BRUISE ABOVE RIGHT EYE, DAMAGE TO BOTH FEET, AND LEFT EAR SEVERELY BENT AND TWISTED, PROBABLY DUE TO HIS LANDING HEAD FIRST. *
" Thank you, Nicole, " Sally thanked as she put away her computer. " It's gonna take some time to repair you, but at least you're alive." Sally smiled gently at me.
" We'll take you back to the Knothole First Aid Facility as soon as possible, but with the Village being evacuated for the time being, you're better off to stay here with us."
Sonic shortly flew in with Nack closely behind him.
" GUYS! " Sonic exclaimed hysterically. " THOSE 'BOTS WERE WAY TOO MUCH FOR US! THEY KILLED ANTOINE!! "
" I am not knowing what you are talking about, " I wearily said from behind him, sitting in the grass next to Bunnie and Tails. I guess in all of the excitement, he didn't even notice me until I said something.
Sonic turned around and looked at me as if he'd seen a ghost. " ANT! YOU'RE OKAY!! " He ran up to me and hugged me so hard that I'm surprised I didn't fall apart.
" I... cannot... be breathing! " I managed to say through clenched teeth.
" OH, GIMME A BREAK! " Nack sighed. " HE'S YOUR FRIEND, NOT YOUR BROTHER, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!! "
" RIGHT, " Sonic started, letting me go, " AND GOOD FRIENDS LOOK OUT FOR EACHOTHER. " Everyone was somewhat shocked at what Sonic had just said, even Nack. Sonic and I had never been considered ' good friends ', sometimes not even friends at all. Something had definitely changed Sonic's opinions and views about me, and I had a hunch that he was feeling very sorry for roboticizing me.
" Uhh, Sonic? " Tails interrupted, pointing to the sky in front of him.
" WHAT? " he asked, noticing the strange look on Tails' face. He followed Tails' finger and saw what was coming for them.
" SWAT-BOTS!!! " Nack shouted, ducking for cover as the 'bots shot at the us, just missing us. Everyone followed Nack's gesture and ducked. Sonic stood up and started to fire at the 'bots who dared to challenge us.
" Eet's hopeless!! " I cried, covering my head with my good arm. " We are all doom-ed!! "
" We're not doomed, Ant! " Bunnie shouted to me so she could be heard over the noise of the blasters. She turned her head to Chuck. " Is there anythang we can do, Sugah-Chuck? "
" Maybe there is . . . " he replied thoughtfully. He looked up Sonic, who was still shooting 'bots, who was now joined by Nack. " Try to hold them off a little longer, nephew! I have to go get something from your hut! "
" CAN DO, UNC! " Sonic exclaimed loudly. Chuck got up and quickly headed for Sonic's hut, where he had been staying while he was in Knothole.
" My Princezz! " I called loudly. " A thought had been crossing my mind, and I was wondaireeg eef we even tried to deestroy the Doomsday Pod? "
Sally looked stunned at my question. " No. We didn't, " she replied, admitting in her voice that she had totally forgot about the Pod. She turned her head to Nack. " I know I asking a lot of you, Nack, " she yelled to him, " but we need you to try to hold off the Doomsday Pod! Please! "
He thought for a second. " WILL DO, PRINCESS! " He flew off to the Pod, leaving Sonic to keep the 'bots away from us alone.
Uncle Chuck shortly arrived carrying a backpack. " Follow me! " he shouted to us. " I found a place to take cover for awhile! " We quickly got up and followed him, Bunnie and Sonic carrying me.
We ended up in a deep part of the remaining Forest.
" SO WHAT'S UP, UNC? " Sonic asked.
" I have something that may just win us the War . . . " Chuck started, putting the backpack he carried down in front of him and started rummaging through it. " I've been working on this ever since I regained my free will. I never knew if it would come in handy, but I guess it will today. " He shortly pulled out . . .
" A CHAOS EMERALD!! " Sonic cried with amazement. " B-BUT HOW? "
" It's not a Chaos Emerald, nephew, " Chuck explained, holding the beautiful, multi-coloured gem in his hand, " but it's very similar to one. It took a lot of research and time to create it. "
" And you made that?! " Knuckles exclaimed, examining it carefully. " I'd say it was a real Chaos Emerald from the Island. "
" SO HOW'S THIS THING GONNA HELP US? " Sonic asked.
" Well, you use it like you would with a real Chaos Emerald, except you need only one Power Ring for it to work. In other words, this gem is very similar to the legendary Master Emerald. Remember the last time you used the Emeralds? " ( Chuck means the events in the comic ' Super Sonic vs. Hyper Knuckles ' from Archie Comics :) )
Sonic stood in awe. " SUPER SONIC ... " he mumbled to himself.
" What?! " Sally asked, obviously confused.
" Power beyond imagination . . . " Knuckles added.
" Eh? " I questioned, just a confused as Sally.
" It will definitely win us the War . . . " Tails concluded.
" Huh? " Now Bunnie had joined Sally and I in total confusion.
" The Emerald, " Chuck started to explain, " and a Power Ring combined will give Sonic, or any of those who know how to use the Emeralds' powers, the ultimate powers of the seven Chaos Emeralds --- super speed, strength, courage, life, invulnerability, invincibility, and flight. Combining all of the Emeralds powers and the magic of fifty Power Rings will create the ultimate weapon of destruction --- a super-sapien capable of doing things we only see in our dreams. I created my Emerald to be very similar to the legendary Master Emerald --- it needs only one Power Ring for it to release its powers. If this Emerald or if any of the real Chaos Emeralds fell into the wrong hands . . . "
" TOTAL DESTRUCTION, " Sonic finished for him.
" Should we do it? " Tails asked.
" I don't know, " Sally said. " It sounds dangerous. "
" I am theeking eet ees worth a try, " I suggested.
" Ah agree with Antoine, " Bunnie said. " It's our last chance to fight for freedom."
" HEY, I'M COOL WITH IT! " Sonic exclaimed. " I SAY LET'S DO IT TO IT!! "
Sally was still unsure of the plan. " What do you think, Chuck? " she asked.
" It's Sonic's choice, Princess," Chuck replied. " As ' Super Metal Sonic ' , Sonic's normal powers which were enhanced when he was roboticized plus the ones he had gained from roboticization will increase with the Emerald's powers, making him so powerful, that there's a chance his systems may overload, but whatever Sonic chooses, I'm with him all the way. "
Sonic thought for a moment. " I'M GONNA DO IT GUYS! " he replied shortly. Chuck handed him the Emerald and reached into his bag for a Power Ring.
" Now Sonic, once I give you this ring, transformation will begin almost immediately, " Chuck said. " Please be careful. Come back to me alive. "
" I WILL, UNC, " Sonic promised, taking the Power Ring from Chuck. He held the Ring and the Emerald next to eachother up high, like he would do with just a Power Ring for an extra burst of speed. They glowed brightly as they connected to one another, encasing Sonic in a bright multi-coloured aura. The two objects of power combined together, slowly disappearing from Sonic's grip. The transformation ended in seconds, concluding itself with a blinding flash of golden light. Standing in front of us was a metallic gold robot hedgehog, his glowing red eyes contrasting with the beautiful shine of the golden metal covering his body.
" WOAH! CHECK IT OUT!! " Sonic exclaimed in amazement, looking himself over. " LOOKIT ME, SAL! I'M EVEN MORE HANDSOME THAN BEFORE!!"
" Sure you are, Sonic, " Sally replied, smiling at him sweetly.
" OH WOW!! I wanna try that!!! " Knuckles exclaimed, imagining how cool he'd look if he got a hold of the Emerald and a Power Ring.
" Not today, Knux, " Bunnie said. " Today, Mobius will be free!! "
END OF CHAPTER 4 . . .
Sonic
The feeling I had during the transformation is one like no other, but the one I had now was even better. It was the feeling of victory; I felt I would win the Great War for the Village of Knothole and all of Mobius. I loved that feeling.
" Please be careful, Sonic, " Sally told me, kissing me on my cheek.
" DON'T WORRY, SAL! " I said, flexing my arms. I kissed her cheek, and headed on my way. " WISH ME LUCK! " I called back. I heard them all say good-bye to me as I headed off at warp speed.
I had flew to where Nack was, who was surprised to see me.
" COOL NEW THREADS! " he said, referring to my new golden armour.
" NEED SOME HELP? " I asked him.
" SURE COULD! " Nack replied. I quickly flew over to the D-Day Pod and trashed it with several sweeps around it, then finished the leftover SWAT-bots. I flew back to Nack and we gave eachother the high five.
" NICE GOIN', BRO! " he complimented. I told him to go back with the other Freedom Fighters and protect them if I did miss any SWAT-bots. He agreed, and
headed back to Knothole, while I zoomed off at light speed towards Robotropolis.
* * * * * * *
Meanwhile back in Robotropolis, Snively wasn't even paying attention to the progress of his Doomsday Plan, but was more interested in getting rid of Robotnik . . .
" What's going on here, Snively?!? " Robotnik bellowed hysterically while entering the Control Room. " Doomsday was not to begin until next week!! "
The tiny little man turned around to see his fat uncle complaining again, as usual. " SWAT-bots! " Snively cried, pointing to Robotnik. Four SWAT-bots held onto Robotnik tightly.
" What is this all about, you sniveling little fool?!? " the evil doctor asked, very confused to what was going on.
" My, my, my, aren't we tense? " Snively said rudely. " Naugus will sure have a rough time with you. "
" What are you saying, you imbecile?!? " Robotnik demanded.
" I am saying that this planet is now mine, Julian, " Snively gloated. "Everything in Robotropolis only responds to me, and I decided to waste this pathetic planet with my Doomsday Plan, instead of holding it off another week and use your lame, idiotic plan. I am also saying that Naugus has wanted revenge for a long time. " Snively looked at the 'bots. " Take him to the Void Room and immediately dispose of him. "
* AS YOU COMMAND, SIR. * one of the 'bots said. They started heading for the door to the Control Room, with Robotnik in tow ( which is a very large load ) and Snively laughing his annoying little laugh while watching Robotnik being towed away ( which must be a hilarious sight ).
" You will pay, Snively! " Robotnik bellowed loudly. Robotnik's eyes suddenly widened when he looked up at the view-screen behind Snively. " Snively! What is that?!? " he asked, pointing as best as he could to the monitors behind Snively.
" Nice try, Julian . . . " Snively replied, giving Robotnik the ' evil eye '. But being the nosy little twerp he was, he turned around and squealed ( that's what I think his screams sound like anyway ) at the sight of a large, bright beam of light headed straight for the heart ( if it has one ) of Robotropolis. Snively enhanced the image, and was shocked to find out it was me with my powers somehow enhanced. Snively started to run for cover.
" What about me?! " Robotnik called to Snively, whom had started to run down a corridor.
" Who cares about you? " Snively called back. " You're being sent into a Void! You already found cover! " And with that, Snively had disappeared towards his secret room.
" That stupid little slime will pay dearly for this! " Robotnik mumbled, finally breaking himself free of the four SWAT-bots' grip. He ran ( more like waddled ) to the control panel and flipped open a small plastic covering which covered a button with the words ' FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY ' written underneath it. He pushed the button, and a hidden door slid open. He walked through and climbed up a flight of stairs which led to a launch pad with a waiting hovercraft, ready to launch. He climbed in . . .
I ran into the Control Tower, destroyed the main computer in a matter of milliseconds, then continued on my way to destroy the other main buildings of the city . . .
He shut the door to the hovercraft . . .
Everything in the city began to explode, and a warning signal flashed in my optic units, saying I was overloading my main power supplies, and read that I was to slow down to prevent system failure . . .
He fiddled with a few buttons, then began to launch . . .
I decided it was time to leave the city when I saw the Control Tower explode . . .
Everything around him started to blow up, including the hovercraft itself . . .
I ran as fast as I could to get out of the city, the force of the explosion creeping dangerously close behind me.
* SYSTEM OVERLOAD!!!!!! SWITCHING TO EMERGENCY POWER!!!! *
' No!!' I thought. ' Just a few more seconds!! ' I had started to fade out, but forced myself to move faster and faster out of the city. Moving at above maximum warp, even with super powers, was way too much for my systems to handle. I managed to make it at least out of the major explosion points, but still had another good mile to go before I'd be safe from the blasts that were creeping up quickly behind me.
* EMERGENCY POWER USED UP!!! SHUTDOWN IN FIVE SECONDS!!! *
' NO! ' I thought. ' Just a little farther! Far enough so I won't be part of the explosion!! '
* 5 *
I suddenly realized I was quickly slowing down . . .
* 4 *
I flew ground level past Uncle Chuck's former hideout . . .
* 3 *
Suddenly, all of Robotropolis went up in a large explosion, sending me flying through the sky, landing right on my face, feeling pieces of metal being crunched . . .
the whole city was in flames . . . I started fading out, and noticed oil leaking heavily from my arms and some came out of my mouth. My enhanced hearing picked up wild cheering in the background. The effect of the Emerald and Ring had worn off, and both were blown away to another location. A tear fell out of my eye as I remembered my promise to Uncle Chuck. " I'M SORRY, UNC, " I wearily said as I faded out of consciousness, and another large explosion blew me away.
It was the last thing I remember.
END OF CHAPTER 5 . . .
Bunnie
We heard the explosion --- and all the others after it --- but we didn't think Sonic would be part of it.
I started to worry about him when he didn't show up after the explosion, ten minutes ago. Sally too.
" Where is he? " she asked herself. " He's taking much too long out there. "
I looked up at Tails, who was in the lookout tower. " Do you see him, sugah? " I asked him.
" I can't find him anywhere, Bunnie, " he answered, scanning the horizon with his binoculars, " but the fires have calmed down a bit. " He removed the binoculars from his face and turned to look at me. " Now would be a good time to go look for him. "
" Well, let's go then, " Chuck replied. I think he was the most worried of all of us.
" But what about me?! " Antoine exclaimed. " You are not to be leaving me here all by myself!!! "
" Don't you worry none, sugah, " I told him. " Rotor here'll take you to his workshop an' fix y'all up! "
" Sure will! " Rotor replied. " Good thing half of Knothole was spared. "
" For sure, " Sally joined.
" Can we get going, please? " Tails asked impatiently.
" Oh! Sorry! " Sally replied. She turned to Rotor. " Rotor, when you're finished with Antoine, put him in the Infirmary so he may rest for awhile. "
" Will do, Princess! " Rotor replied.
So Tails, Chuck, Sally, Nack, Knuckles, and I headed to where the battle had concluded, while Rotor carried Antoine off to his workshop.
It took about twenty minutes to get to what was left of Robotropolis, which was mostly blackened metal, shards of glass, blocks of cement, and slabs of wood.
" Lookit this place . . . " Knuckles said, picking up a piece of metal and examining it. " Sonic really did a number here. There's no way Tubby woulda survived this . . . " He threw the metal slab down and brushed his hands against eachother.
" There's no way anyone woulda survived this . . . " Tails added.
Sally bent down and reached for Nicole. " Nicole, can you scan the perimeter for any signs of life, robots or animals? "
* SWITCHING TO SCANNING MODE, SALLY, * the computer answered. A tiny sattelite came out of the top of her. Sally waved her around slowly. Very shortly after Sally had sweeped the perimeter, Nicole replied, * I HAVE FOUND ONE LIFE SIGN, VERY FAINT. IT IS A ROBOT. *
" Do you know which direction it is in? " Sally asked her.
* I'M AFRAID NOT, SALLY, ALTHOUGH I'M NOT SURE WHICH, THERE IS A SIGN NORTH, WEST, OR EAST FROM HERE, APPROXIMATELY 2 KILOMETRES FROM THIS POINT. *
" Thanks, Nicole, " Sally thanked as she put her computer companion away. " I guess we'll have to split up, guys. Bunnie and Nack, you two search east; Tails and Knuckles, you two will search west; and Chuck and I will head north. We'll meet back here in ten minutes if we don't find anything, " she said as she stuffed a stick in the ground. " If someone finds something, call everyone else. Let's go, Freedom Fighters!! "
We all headed in our assigned directions.
* * * * * * *
" This ain't easy, that's for shoah! " I said as I looked at the ground carefully, searching for anything that might help us know if Sonic was nearby. " There hasta be an easier way than this! "
" MAYBE THERE IS..." Nack suggested. He fiddled around with a few buttons on his arm panel, until his whole eye section went red.
" Woah!! What didja do?! " I asked in surprise.
" I'M SCANNING IN INFRARED MODE ... " he answered. " IT'S SO MUCH EASIER! TOO BAD YOU COULDN'T DO IT."
He continued to happily scan the ground in ease while I lifted every piece of metal I found in vain . . . !
* * * * * * *
Meanwhile, Sally and Chuck were having about as much luck as we were.
" Nicole, can you find anything in this area representing any form of life? "
* I AM SORRY, SALLY, * Nicole replied, * UNLESS YOU ARE REFERRING TO THE GRASS AND BUGS THAT ARE UNDER ALL OF THIS JUNK, I'M AFRAID THERE'S NO SIGN OF METAL SONIC HERE. HOWEVER, THERE IS POSSIBLE POWER RING ENERGY NEARBY. *
" Good work, Nicole, " Sally complimented, yet sounding somewhat depressed. " Can you find the Power Ring? "
* SCANNING THE PERIMETER, SALLY. *
Sally turned to Chuck. " I hope he's okay, Chuck, " she told him.
" If I know Sonic, " he started, " he'll try to stay conscious long enough for us to find him. If he's as badly damaged that Nicole can't find him, well . . . " he trailed off.
* I HAVE FOUND THE POWER RING, SALLY, * Nicole interrupted.
" Excellent, Nicole, " Sally said. " Where is it? "
* RIGHT BESIDE KNUCKLES, ONE KILOMETRE AWAY FROM YOUR POINT OF STANCE. *
Sally and Chuck quickly ran over to Knuckles and Tails' search location.
* * * * * * *
" KNUCKLES! " a feminine voice called to him, " DON'T MOVE!!! "
" Huh? " he asked turning around to see Sally and Chuck running up to him.
" I said don't move, " Sally repeated when she reached him.
" WHY?!? IS THERE A BUG ON ME?!? "
" Oh, no, no, no! Nicole just picked up Power Ring energy near you. Nothing to worry about. "
" Good, " Knuckles sighed in relief. They ( including Tails ) started to dig around Knuckles' feet. Shortly after, they found the Power Ring.
" Yes! " Sally exclaimed excitedly. She turned to Tails with a huge, excited smile on her face and said, " Tails, go get Bunnie and Nack! " Tails obeyed and flew off in our direction.
* * * * * * *
Nack and I were still searching when Tails came.
" Guys! " he cried happily. " We found Sonic's Power Ring! "
" YEAH, SO? " Nack said, still scanning the ground.
" Jus' 'cause y'all found the ring, don't mean ya found Sonic, Tails, " I pointed out.
He looked at me thoughtfully, brushed my comment away and asked us, " Did you guys find anything? "
" ACTUALLY . . . " Nack replied. He paused for a moment, then said, " I HAVE, RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME ... " He turned off his infrareds and started digging away the junk in front of him. He stopped after a few minutes.
" TAILS, " he started, a worried tone present in his voice, " I THINK YOU SHOULD GET THE PRINCESS. "
" Why? " Tails asked confusingly. Nack picked up the object for us to see.
In Nack's hand, was Sonic's arm.
END OF CHAPTER 6 . . .
Nack
I was just as horrified as anyone else would be if they held an arm, but it was a robot arm, and things happen. At this point in time, Tails, Bunnie, and I were worried if Sonic even survived the blast. Tails had, in fact, gone to get the others. Right now, it was just Bunnie and I.
" Do ya suppose Sonic's nearby? " Bunnie asked me curiously.
" I DOUBT IT, " I answered. " THE EXPLOSION COULD HAVE BLOWN HIS ARM OFF FROM ANYWHERE. " I looked at the severly dented arm. " I HOPE HE'S ALRIGHT. "
Bunnie looked at me in surprise, not expecting words like that to come out of my mouth, since I was still considered to the villagers as their enemy. She finally replied,
" You an' everyone else here. "
Sally and the others shortly arrived, and they too were surprised of my findings. Sally came up and looked at the arm in my hand, examining it carefully. She then turned her head to face Chuck. " Does this mean that Sonic's . . . " she asked him sadly.
" I'm not too sure about that one, Sally, " Chuck answered, equally depressed,
" but his oil supply is probably running dangerously low. "
" What? " Knuckles asked.
" Sonic's oil supply is like your blood supply, " Chuck explained. " If he looses to much, he can die. "
" We have to find Sonic as quickly as possible, " Sally exclaimed quickly. She pulled out Nicole . " Nicole, can you please find Sonic? "
The computer ' sighed ' as if she was fed up with this search. * I WILL TRY MY BEST, SALLY, * Nicole did her little satellite thing, then after a few moments, she replied, * I'M SORRY SALLY, BUT I'M AFRAID SONIC'S LIFE SIGN IS SO FAINT, I CANNOT PICK IT UP ON MY SCANNERS. * ( Nice excuse Nicole, you lazy little computer. )
" Thanks, Nicole, " Sally replied sadly. She closed up Nicole and put her away.
" It's hopeless, guys. We've lost Sonic. " She sat down and started to cry.
Chuck walked up and knelt down next to her. " Now, Princess, " he said soothingly to her, " we can't give up now. Sonic would never in a million years give up on you if you were in his position right now. You have to believe we will find him, but we can't rush into conclusions, like you did with the Power Ring, thinking Sonic would be nearby. " Sally looked at him with tear-stained eyes. " We have a robot whose scanners are probably far more advanced than Nicole's. " Sally looked at me, then back at Chuck.
" You're right, Uncle Chuck, " Sally replied, wiping away her tears, " but I don't want him to feel used either. " Chuck helped her up.
" IT WOULD BE AN HONOUR, PRINCESS, " I replied, bowing down to her, recieving the same stupid, awestruck look Bunnie gave me earlier, but her face did light up.
" Thank you, I think, " she said, still not sure if she heard me right. " Proceed then. "
" AS YOU WISH, " I replied, fiddling with the buttons on my arm.
" SWITCHING TO SCANNING MODE... SCANNING MODE INITIATED. SCANNING NOW. " I waved my right arm around the area, watching a bunch of numbers in my optic units, displaying the distance I was scanning and the perimeter and area I was in. It was quite cool actually, but for forever? No.
After what seemed like just a few minutes, the numbers started flashing, and several beeps followed them.
" What's going on, Nack? " Sally asked curiously. " Why are you beeping? "
" I FOUND SOMETHING, THAT'S WHAT'S GOING ON," I exclaimed happily.
Sally's face beamed with joy. She was so excited, I'm surprised she didn't explode. " Where?! Is it Sonic?! "
" AIN'T SURE IF IT'S SONIC, BUT THERE IS DEFINITELY A LIFE SIGN 300.5 METRES SOUTH SOUTHWEST FROM MY POINT OF STANCE. "
" Huh? " Tails asked, confused.
" THAT WAY. " I pointed in the direction in which I had picked up the sign.
" Well what are you standing there for?! " Sally said excitedly. " Go find out what it is! " I obeyed her, switched to an infrared scan mode, and walked towards the life sign.
A few minutes later, I saw ( in infrared ) something under all of the junk, and it was a fairly large object ( not Robotnik large, thank the Lord ). " I FOUND SOMETHING, PRINCESS! " I called out to her, turning off my infrareds, and started to dig away the debris.
" Can you make out what it is? " Sally asked after catching her breath.
" UNDER ALL OF THIS JUNK? YOU KIDDING? YOU COULDN'T EVEN FIND RO-BUTT-NIK IN HERE, AND THAT IS SOMETHING NOT HARD TO MISS. " I joked as I continued my dig. Tails giggled quietly behind everyone. " HOW 'BOUT SOME HELP HERE? "
Bunnie walked up to my ' dig site '. " Shoah thang, sugah, " she said as she bent down to help. Tails also came to help. Chuck, Sally, and the still sore Knuckles stood and watched as the three of us dug away at the rubble. Sally was driving us crazy by constantly asking, " Did you find him? Where is he? ", but we all just ignored her after awhile, and Chuck conforted her, probably sensing our agitation with her.
After about ten minutes, I ended up finding a shiny but blackened piece of blue metal. I pointed out my findings quietly ( so Sally wouldn't ask questions ) to Bunnie and Tails, and we dug around it for a few more minutes. We three then decided to carefully pull our findings out from under the rubble. We did so, and we discovered it was Sonic, oil leaking heavily from his mouth, the arm joint with no arm, and both legs.
" Oh, Sonic! " Sally cried loudly, tears draining from her eyes like fountains. She kneeled down beside him and wrapped her arms tightly around his limp, lifeless body and put her head on his chest, staining it with her tears. " Not now, Sonic! " We sadly watched the dramatic scene. Suddenly, Sally's head lifted from Sonic's chest. " Wait a minute . . . " she said suspiciosly. " I hear beeping and clicking through his chest plate. " She looked down at him. " Sonic? "
" S-SAL? " he mumbled quietly.
" SONIC! " she cried happily. " YOU'RE ALIVE!!!! " There was a cry of joy from us all.
" I DID IT, SAL ..." Sonic smiled wearily.
" You sure did, Sonic, " Sally replied, tears still falling down her face.
" HOPE *fzzt* YOU GUYS HAVE A *fzzt* FUN VICTORY PARTY ...*whirr*. "
" What do you mean 'you guys'!? " She started to cry again ( way to go, Sonic ). " You're not coming?! "
" SAL, *bzzt* I BARELY HAVE THE STRENGTH TO *vzzkt* STAY A-*crackle* ALIVE . . . *whirr*. "
" NO!! SONIC DON'T SAY THAT!! IT'S NOT TRUE! "
" I'M SORRY PRINCESS *grind* . . . BUT THERE IS SOME-*bzzt* SOMETHING YOU C-*hsst* CAN DO FOR *dzzt* ME *whirr*."
" What's that? " Sally asked, stroking his metallic head, not caring if she got oil on her or not.
" *ssst* IN MY LEFT *fzzt* ARM, THERE I-*crackle* IS A TINY PANEL; FIND THE BUH-*vrap* BUTTON TO OPEN IT *kzzt*. INSIDE, *ssst* YOU WUH-*vwheep* WILL FIND A SUH-*grind* SURPRISE . . .*whirr*."
" What is it? "
" LET'S JUH-*hisst* JUST SAY THAT NACK'S *sizzle* END OF THE BARGAIN *bzzt* HAS BEEN *zrp* D-*grind* DONE *bleep* *whirr*. "
Bunnie leaned over to me. " What's he talkin' ahbout, sugah? " she whispered.
" I'M NOT SURE, ACTUALLY," I answered, trying to remember what 'bargain' we had.
" I- I don't understand, Sonic, " Sally continued.
" *GRIND!* YOU WUH-*KZZRPT!* WILL . . . *whirr!* ... *CLICK!* " He said no more.
" SONIC?! SONIC?! NO!!! " Sally cried as she held her fallen hedgehog tightly in her arms. I noticed Sonic's remaining arm move to her hand and held it.
* SHUT-DOWN HAS BEEN INITIATED *
* DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE TO ALL INTERNAL EMERGENCY COMPUTERS *
* BEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!! *
We all cried at the death of Sonic the Hedgehog.
END OF CHAPTER 7 . . .
Sally
I cried for the longest time when Sonic didn't respond anymore. I was both angry and sad at what had happened. I quickly got up and exclaimed, " Take him back to Knothole! " Everyone looked at me as if I had lost my mind. " WHY ARE YOU ALL JUST STANDING THERE?!? TAKE HIM BACK, NOW!! "
" Woah! Calm down, Princess! " Knuckles said calmly.
" AREN'T YOU GOING TO LISTEN TO ME ?!? TAKE HIM BACK AND FIX HIM!!! " I cried ( literally ).
" Now, Princess . . . " Chuck started.
" DO AS I SAY! NOW! " I yelled, tears streaming down my face rapidly. I fell to my knees, and just bawled loudly. I think everyone understood that Sonic's death was a big deal to me, even Nack. Chuck came and kneeled beside me, his arms outstretched. I collapsed into them, and he hugged me tightly. " Why, Uncle Chuck? Why? " I muffled through his chest.
" It's okay, Sally, " he said soothingly to me. " We'll take him home and see what we can do, okay? "
" ( sniffle ) Okay. " I wiped my eyes, and Chuck helped me up. We all went to pick up Sonic carefully, trying our best not to damage him anymore than he already was. We slowly carried Sonic home, Tails flying slowly behind us, carrying Sonic's left arm and picking up any parts that fell off of Sonic.
* * * * * * *
We had finally made it to Knothole an hour later. Tails knocked on Rotor's door.
" Just a minute! " Rotor called from inside. " ANTOINE! GET OUT OF MY WAY! "
" But my arm!!! " Antoine cried.
" Worry about it later! " Rotor replied.
" But I am looking unsightly!!! "
" Who cares?!"
" I am caring!!! "
We suddenly heard another door slam from inside. " If you don't shut-up, I'll leave you in there, Antoine!! "
" But I am being afraid of dark closets!!! I will be being quiet! " We heard the door open, then a loud crash. " Ouchie!!! "
" Antoine! I just fixed your ear, and you went and dented it again! Ugh! " Rotor sighed. " Just stay there for a minute. " We heard him walk up to the front door. It creaked open, and Rotor's head popped out. " Sorry for the delay, guys, but Antoine --- Woah! What happened to him?! " Rotor exclaimed, referring to Sonic.
" You don't happen to have room for another 'bot, do you? " Chuck asked.
" Well, sure in the other room where all my high-tech equipment is, but --- "
" Great! Everything I need is in there! " Chuck replied happily. " Can we? "
" Well yeah, but I'm warning you, Antoine's being a pain. "
" I am hearing that, " came a mumbled reply from the back of the workshop.
" What did I tell you, Antoine?! " Rotor warned.
" Right! I am being quiet. "
We took Sonic into the other room and placed him on a steel table that looked like an operation table. Rotor looked him over.
" Well, can you fix him? " I asked.
" It may take some time, but I'm sure, with Chuck's help, we can have him at least operating in a few days or weeks. "
" But what about me?! You are still having to fix my ear again and put my arm back on!! " Antoine cried from the workshop.
" WILL YOU PLEASE SHUT-UP!!! " Rotor cried, sounding very annoyed with Antoine.
" Been like this the whole time? " I asked Rotor.
" Ever since you guys left, " he grumbled.
" How is he doing? " Bunnie asked.
" Guess, " Rotor replied. " Well, to be serious, his legs were badly damaged, but I managed to replace the damaged parts and replace his feet with new ones, and his power supply to his arm is being replaced. He definitely has to go to the Infirmary. His burn's pretty nasty. "
Bunnie looked at Rotor worriedly and whispered to him, " If the time comes, will those parts de-roboticize if we were to do so? "
Rotor looked stumped. " To tell you the honest truth, I haven't the foggiest idea."
" Well, now's not the time to worry about that, Bunnie, " I told her. " Let's leave to let Rotor and Chuck start work on Sonic. " I turned to look at Rotor. " Oh, one more thing, Rotor. "
" What else, Sally? "
" Before Sonic passed, he told me of something he had for us in his left arm panel, but he didn't tell us what. Could you check that out for me? "
" Can do, Sally! "
" Thanks. " We then left, but it wasn't over yet.
" Madamoiselle Rabbot! " Antoine hollared, limping out of the workshop carrying his arm in his real hand. " I am needing your help putting zis theeng on! "
Bunnie sighed and started to walk up to Antoine. " Ah'll see you later, Sally-girl, " she said. " This could take awhile. " So Bunnie went with Antoine, Tails decided to have dinner, Chuck and Rotor were working on Sonic, Knuckles went to the Infirmary to get his burn checked out, and I, well, I didn't know what to do, that was until I saw Nack.
Nack, who was sitting in the grass, was leaning against a tree, looking up in the sky, lost in thought. I decided to go talk to him. I walked up cautiously to him, still unsure if he really did change his ways, and sat down next to him.
" What's on your mind? " I asked him.
He seemed startled when I asked this. " WHA'? OH, HELLO PRINCESS," he replied thoughtfully. " NOTHING'S REALLY ON MY MIND, ACTUALLY."
I thought for a few moments, trying to think of what to say to him next. It's not everyday I have a decent conversation with my enemy.
" YOU'RE STILL UNSURE OF ME, AREN'T YOU, PRINCESS? " he said to me, watching birds fly overhead.
" Please, call me Sally," I said. I decided to tell him the truth. " Yeah, actually I am. How'd you guess? "
" BY THE WAY YOU REACT AROUND ME. "
" Is it that obvious? "
" YEAH, BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ME. YOU HAVE RO-BUTT-NIK TO THANK FOR MY CHANGE OF ATTITUDE. "
I thought for a second, then asked, " Why? "
" HE'S THE ONE WHO DID THIS TO ME," Nack replied, referring to his roboticization. " BEING ROBOTICIZED IS LIKE A PUNISHMENT FOR ME, AND I REGRET THAT I EVER WORKED WITH ROBOTNIK, OR HELPED HIM IN ANY WAY. I GUESS YOU COULD SAY IT REFORMED ME, SALLY. " His words made me think about what he just said. Somehow, I felt sorry for him. " THE ONLY REAL THING LEFT OF ME IS MY HAT. " He took it off and held it, then threw it on the ground next to him. " THE REST OF THIS? IT'S ALL ARTIFICIAL; FAKE; UNREAL. " He looked at his roboticized arms and legs, and a tear fell down his face. "EVERYTHING IN MY WHOLE LIFE HAS BEEN HORRIBLE, BUT I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT NOW." I examined him the whole time he said his speech, and I knew for sure he was definitely serious about it all.
" Ummm, " I started, unsure of how to word what I was going to say, " where are you planning to go? "
" WHO KNOWS? PROB'LY JUST WANDER AROUND FOR AWHILE."
" Well, uhh, we have room in Antoine's hut until he gets better. He's supposed to stay in the Infirmary for a week or two, until his burn heals. You can stay there until then, that is, if you want to. You could help us rebuild the Village. "
He looked at me strangely. " YOU'RE SERIOUS, RIGHT? "
" I swear upon the Book of Acorn that I'm serious. "
Nack picked up his hat and put it back on his head. " WELL, WHY REFUSE AN OFFER GIVEN TO ME BY THE PRINCESS OF MOBIUS? " He stood himself up, and held out his hand in a gesture to help me up. " SO YOU COMIN' OR NOT? AS YOU MAY KNOW, I DON'T KNOW MY WAY AROUND THE VILLAGE YET. YOU BETTER SHOW ME AROUND IF I'M TO STAY. " He smiled at me with his hand still out. I grabbed it, and he pulled me to my feet.
" It's hard to believe you were ever our enemy, Nack, " I laughed as I started towards Antoine's hut with Nack following closely behind.
" IT IS, AIN'T IT? EVEN I DON'T BELIEVE IT. " So the rest of my evening was spent showing Nack around the remains of Knothole and Antoine's hut. After that I ate supper, took a shower, and went to bed.
* * * * * * *
It had been three days since I had last seen Rotor and Chuck. I could've sworn that those two were working on Sonic for three days and nights straight. I decided that today I would go visit them.
As I exited my hut I was startled by a rustle in a nearby bush. Ignoring it, I continued on my way to Rotor's workshop, that was until I got the biggest scare in my life.
" AAH, GEEZ!! " I shouted as Tails and Nack jumped out of the bushes, screaming like madmen. " You two! Must I tell you guys a thousand times that you're supposed to be helping with the rebuilding?! "
" Naw, you only have to tell us a million times! " Tails laughed. " But you shoulda seen your face! "
Nack started laughing too. " SAL, SAL, SAL! DON'T YOU KNOW HOW BORING WORK IS? BUGGING YOU IS MORE FUN! "
Tails looked behind him. " Hey, Nack! Over there! Let's go scare the wings off of Dulcy! " Tails pointed to Dulcy, who was coming out of her hut, ready to start helping with the rebuilding.
" AW, YEAH! THAT'LL BE FUN! DULCY ALWAYS CHASES US! "
So the two ran to hide in another bush.
' Boys will be boys,' I thought, smiling, shaking my head.
Nack was immediatly accepted into the Village, and Tails had become his best friend. The two of them were always seen pranking and tricking the villagers. Nack had made the village a fun place everyday, no matter how depressed we were about Sonic.
Then suddenly I remembered why I left my hut in the first place. I continued on my way to the workshop.
* * * * * * *
" Hello? Is anyone there? " I called as I knocked lightly on the door. Uncle Chuck shortly answered it.
" Sally! " he said happily as he opened the door. " Long time, no see, Princess!"
" Good morning, Uncle Chuck, " I replied. " Do you mind if I come in to check on Sonic? "
" Of course not! C'mon in! " he answered. " In fact we wanted you to come see Sonic, but be quiet; Rotor's taking a little nap. "
I quietly walked in and gently shut the door behind me. I followed Chuck to the other room, and we stopped at the door.
" What's wrong, Chuck? " I asked, curious as to why we stopped so suddenly.
" Please don't be frightened at the way he looks right now. We had to take him apart a bit to work on him, " Chuck explained.
" Okay, " I replied. I followed Chuck into the room, and was agahst at the sight in front of me. Sonic was still lying down on that strange table and most of his metal coverings taken off and lying on the floor. Wires were attached to him everywhere, which were all hooked to monitors and computers. One of the monitors interested me, since it looked like a heart monitor, and it beeped at the same rate as a normal heart would. I walked up to it and examined it until I finally asked, " Chuck, what's this one for? "
He smiled a huge smile, knowing I'd probably be pleased with his answer. " Sally, this one is monitoring Sonic's computer functions, making sure his computer brain is working properly.
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. " You guy's didn't . . . " I said in disbelief.
" Actually we did, last night. He's alive, but not well enough to do anything himself right now. "
I just stood there, still trying to get it through. " You're kidding me, right? "
" Nope! Go and see for yourself. He started to talk this morning. "
I walked up to Sonic quietly and looked him over. Tiny lights on his chest ( which had no panel over it ) blinked on and off as if they were pulse meters for him. His arm still hadn't been put back on, but I guess Chuck and Rotor were more interested in bringing Sonic back to us, and that was the important thing.
" S-Sonic? " I asked quietly. No reply. Chuck came up behind me.
" Sonic, there's someone here to see you . . . " Chuck said to the motionless figure.
Suddenly, I saw Sonic's head move slightly, then his eyes flickered on dimly.
" Hi, Sonic . . . " I said, crying tears of happiness. Chuck left us to be alone for awhile.
" SALLY ... " Sonic wearily replied, smiling.
" How're you feeling? " I asked sweetly.
" JUST ... FINE. I HAVE ... A HEADACHE. "
I started to laugh gently. " That's okay. "
" HOW'S EVERYONE DOING? "
" Oh, just fine. Everyone likes Nack. He's driving us all crazy. Tails too."
" SO, YOU DID LET HIM STAY, HUH? FINALLY ... TRUST HIM?"
" Not really, yet . . . although he'd make a great Freedom Fighter. "
" YOU DIDN'T MAKE ... HIM ONE YET? "
" I wanted to talk to you about it first, Sonic. "
" I THINK WE SHOULD, SAL. "
" But, he hasn't really asked about it . . . yet. "
" SAL, SAL, SAL. THAT'S JUST ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR EXCUSES TO GO BY 'THE BOOK'. "
" But Sonic, if he wants to become one, he has to do as 'the Book' says. "
Sonic sighed. " WE'LL DISCUSS IT WHEN I FEEL BETTER. " His eyes started to gaze over to Chuck, who had returned carrying a piece of paper in his hand.
" WHAT DO YOU THINK, CHUCK? "
" Well, I think it'd be great if Nack became an honourary Freedom Fighter, but we will dicuss that at another time. " Obviously, he'd heard me and Sonic's entire conversation. " Right now, this is important. " He held up the piece of paper.
" What's that, Chuck? " I asked him.
" Do you remember that job you wanted Rotor to do? "
" What job? " I questioned.
" The arm panel. "
" Oh, right! Continue. "
" Well, he did check it out, in fact, and found this inside. " He handed me the paper. " Sonic thought you might like it. "
And, oh boy, did I ever like it.
" Deroboticizer plans?!? " I exclaimed happily. " But where . . .?!? "
" I FOUND THEM IN A ... ROOM IN 'BUTTNIK'S PLACE ..." Sonic replied wearily, but still happily.
" Oh, Sonic how can I ever thank you?! " I asked estatically.
" NO NEED TO ... SAL. "
After that, I had a small conversation with Chuck, and left Sonic to rest.
* * * * * * *
' I had never really realized how important Sonic had been to all of us until Doomsday had clinically killed him. Thank the Lord that Chuck and Rotor were able to bring him back. Rotor said it will be a while before Sonic will be able to do anything on his own, including walking and running at super speed. He said this was because the section in his memory bank which housed the information that let him know how to walk, fly, and run super fast shut itself down when Sonic "died", and the information cannot be retrieved, so he has to relearn these skills. Chuck is grateful that it was the only section to his computer brain that was damaged. He said if anything else there was damaged, Sonic would have been permanantly, oh, how do I say it nicely? " mentally impared ", which means Sonic wouldn't know who, what, and where he is, who we are, how to talk or even think properly. I, too, am grateful for this.
' Anyway, everyone ( except Sonic, of course ) came to the victory celebration, which was a huge success. Nack and Tails kept teasing everyone there, which was probably why the party was such fun.
' A lot of other things have happened since that day. For one thing, Bunnie and Antoine are seen together A LOT lately. Bunnie said that she was showing Antoine the advantages of being a half bot, but every day?! Sure, Bunnie! The good thing is that Antoine has definitely gotton over his partial roboticization, therefore he isn't as annoying anymore. The village is rapidly being rebuilt, so now over half of it is complete. We added new huts to our village's original building plans, so Nack is now staying in his own hut until he decides what to do with himself. Knuckles is also staying with us until his burn heals a bit. We also have started the building plans for New Mobotropolis, and plan to rebuild it in one year, if all goes well.
' I believe we finally have peace on Mobius, and I think the victory of the Great War has brought us all closer together. All the surviving on Mobius can finally call this planet free, and I can truely call myself " Princess ".
' Until next time,
Princess Sally Alicia Acorn '
Deep beneath the remains of Robotropolis inside an underground room, a short, funny-looking figure places a shiny, multi-coloured emerald onto a platform, then walks over to a computer, its wires lying around the tiny room like a bundle of ropes. The wires all attach to another figure lying under bedsheets on what looks like an operation table. Other wires attach from the figure to the emerald to the computer. The little man smiles evilly as the computer asks for a password. He types in S-N-I-V-O-P-O-L-I-S, and after a loud whirr, the emerald shines to life, and from under the cloth, the figure's hand moves ...
THE END OF
THE METALLIC TOUCH SERIES CONTINUES . . .
Sonic the Hedgehog, Sally, and all related characters are trademarks of SEGA (tm).
This story is Copyright 1997 to
Stephanie Ratt and cannot be reproduced ( except for your reading enjoyment ) in any way without the author's permission.
MechaNack was created Dec. '96 by S. Ratt.
* E-mail me at lshadow@geocities.com and comment on my story.*
* Flames will be printed out and fed to my dog, not even bothered being read.*