I don't think so there are limits what can be included and they will be even more easy to conquer since they wholly outdated technology. So I don't see how they would be able to thrive or even exist in this verse, remember it's a Sega villain victorious world and the total war games don't exactly have what we consider video game villains on it except for Warhammer games but Chaos would steam roll everybody else since nobody would have any idea how to deal with them or even be aware of they existence until it's too late
Also here's another Omake:
Excerpt from the diary of Corporal Markus Brandt
Morning - Orders and Rumors
It's been weeks since the the Shattering took Gallia and everything else we called familiar and scattered it into something unrecognizable. Command still sends us out like clockwork, clinging to the old mission: secure territory, impose order, and claim resources for the Empire. But out here, in this fractured land, it's becoming harder to see the point.
Today, we were ordered to investigate a nearby village that reportedly had a heavy presence of "mechanized hostiles." We've encountered the machines before, Badniks, as the locals call them, mindless drones that seem to exist only to capture and enslave.
The strangest part of the report, however, wasn't the machines. It was the rumor that the Black Arms, those alien creatures who've terrorized the northern Gallia, were also involved. I don't know if that's better or worse than fighting people like ourselves.
We're soldiers of the Empire, conquerors by design, but it's hard not to notice how often we've been fighting monsters and robots instead of men lately.
Noon - The Village
When we arrived, the village was a ghost town. Empty streets, burned-out buildings, and an eerie silence that settled over us like a fog. It didn't take long to find the enemy.
Badniks patrolled the streets, dragging small, caged figures toward the village square. At first, I thought they were animals. Then I saw one stand upright, clutching at the bars of its cage, its wide eyes filled with desperation.
They weren't animals, they were people. Not human, but people nonetheless. They looked like walking versions of the foxes, rabbits, and cats you'd find back home, but they were intelligent and wearing clothes. Their fear was unmistakable.
I froze, rifle halfway raised. What were these creatures? Were they allies? Resistance fighters? Prisoners of war? Before I could decide, the machines spotted us.
Afternoon - Liberation
The battle was chaotic. Badniks swarmed from every direction, their mechanical limbs clanking as they closed in. My squad moved as we were trained, covering each other and targeting the machines' weak points. Explosions tore through the square, sending shards of metal flying.
It wasn't an easy fight. These machines were faster and smarter than your common soldier. Still, we prevailed, clearing the streets one building at a time.
When the last Badnik fell, the Mobians - yes, that's what they called themselves - emerged cautiously from hiding. A young rabbit holding the hand of an older, fox-like creature was the first to approach. Her voice was small but steady.
"Are you here to take us too?"
I didn't know how to respond. For a moment, I felt the weight of what we represented. Soldiers of an empire that came to Gallia as conquerors, now standing as liberators in a village far removed from anything resembling home.
"No," I said finally. "We're here to help."
Late Afternoon - The Warehouse
The villagers spoke of a large warehouse on the edge of town, where the Badniks had been taking prisoners. They begged us to investigate, their voices trembling with urgency.
When we reached the warehouse, my stomach turned. Cages in shaped of capsules lined the walls, but these weren't holding mobians. They contained glowing, ethereal creatures I'd never seen before. At first glance, I thought they were Black Arms.
The creatures, small and shimmering with vibrant colors blue, yellow, pink and green floated weakly inside their enclosures. Their glowing eyes were filled with exhaustion, and their tiny bodies flickered like dying embers.
"They're wisps," one of the Mobians explained, a squirrel with a bandaged arm. "Some badniks use them as fuel for their machines. They're alive, but… Eggman doesn't care about that."
Eggman. The name keeps coming up in these stories, like a ghost haunting this fractured world. A tyrant who enslaves everything in his path, machine or flesh. According to rumors invasion attempt in Gallia done soon after the Shattering by this same machines were done in the name of one Doctor Eggman.
A ridiculous name but one these mobians fear like he was the Devil.
The sergeant order us to open these strange cages. At first, my squad hesitated wisps or not, these creatures looked alien, otherworldly. But as the cages broke open and the Wisps floated free, I realized they weren't dangerous. In fact, they seemed relieved.
The Wisps hovered around us, their chirping sounds soft and almost musical. One, a bright yellow Wisp, circled me as if thanking me. It was surreal, watching these glowing beings float into the air, free for the first time in who knows how long.
Evening - Reflection
The mobians held a small gathering that night, a quiet celebration of their freedom. My squad sat among them, eating strange fruits and listening to their stories.
The irony of it all isn't lost on me. We were sent here as conquerors, soldiers of an empire that sought to bend Gallia, and now this shattered world, to its will. Yet these people, these mobians, see us as liberators.
Are we?
I don't know anymore. The lines between conqueror and savior blur more with every step we take in this new land. We saved this village, freed these people, and released the Wisps from their torment, But how long can this last?
The Empire's mission hasn't changed, even if our circumstances have. Would they feel the same gratitude when the Empire come back to they village not as saviors but as conquerors?
As I sit here writing, a blue Wisp hovers nearby, its soft glow illuminating these pages. Its presence is comforting in a way I can't explain. For the first time since the Shattering, I feel like we've done something truly good.
Tomorrow, we'll move on to the next mission but tonight, I'll hold onto this moment. The gratitude in the mobians' eyes and the freedom we gave the Wisps will be something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Obs: No that fox and rabbit were not Tails and Cream. Anyway sure the Empire is conquering villages but some squads would no doubt come up in this type of situation where they are the liberators so they probably would feel real uncorfotable about it.
So @Kingster this is a omake I being preparing since the Lesser Minion tryouts and I am always putting off since I am not sure of it's quality and wanted to wait for the end of the vote, the Empire omake was way more easy to make than this one. So I decided what the heck and given my best shot:
Scrambled Eggs
The quaint café nestled in the corner of the Restoration HQ territory buzzed quietly with activity. The air was rich with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with the hum of gentle chatter. Nephthys the Vulture adjusted her seat, her talons lightly tapping the table as she sipped her latte. Across from her, Clove the Pronghorn stirred her cappuccino absentmindedly, her normally cheerful demeanor replaced by a visible cloud of worry.
They never speak much beyond professionalism back in they own world, being a Egg Boss don't leave one much for socialization and there was always the paranoia over how much you could entrust you colleges before you say something Doctor Eggman may not like and they rat you out in exchange for favors. The Doctor approve such methods, it keep his Egg Bosses disunited and unable to think in overthrowing him if being too busy watching they own shadow.
There was not need much here but old habits die hard, the Restoration always keep on eye on both of them specially in their afternoon lunch together. Not a bad attempt but Nephthys have fool the doctor for years with her little ruse with him being none the wiser, so they will have to do better.
"So," Nephthys began, her voice soft but steady, "How is your sister these days?"
Clove froze for a moment, her spoon clinking against the cup as her hand faltered. She sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging. "Cassia… she's not doing well."
Nephthys tilted her head, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly in concern. "I see. Is there something new?"
Clove nodded, staring into her cup as if it held the answers she needed. "She's been weaker lately. It's hard to ignore. The doctors think it might be time to give us a final diagnosis. I've… I've set up an appointment with one tomorrow. I need to know what we're dealing with, but…" Her voice cracked, and she took a shaky breath. "I don't know if I'm ready to hear it."
Clove and Cassia reasons to joining the Egg Army was very much a open secret, Nephthys herself met the young Cassia in this new world. Her demeanor was too happy for being part of the Egg Army that's usually made up of power hungry individuals and the desperate but she still find the young pronghorn endearing all the same and the world being far too cruel to handle her this burden
Nephthys reached across the table, her clawed hand resting gently on Clove's. "Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone."
Clove gave her a small, grateful smile, but the heaviness in her gaze remained.
(Line break)
Nephthys waited at their usual spot in the café in the next day, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd, Clove never arrived. At first, she brushed it off as nerves about the doctor's appointment but when Clove didn't appear the following day either and neither the next one, concern gnawed at her.
She asked around for Clove, but no one had seen her since and Cassia has disappeared from her room in the hospital as well. Whispers began to circulate, theories forming, it wasn't long before a grim picture started to take shape: Clove had taken Cassia and disappeared.
The realization hit Nephthys like a stone. If Clove had taken her sister, it could only mean one thing: she was seeking a cure on her own and the Restoration doctors are unable to save her sister, still the question is where would she go?
The answer was as chilling as it was obvious, there was only one figure who might understand Cassia's condition well enough to offer any semblance of hope.
Only one who might lure Clove back into danger.
Nephthys closed her eyes, a deep, resigned sigh escaping her beak. He had to be involved.
Doctor Eggman.
The thought chilled her, ever since the Shattering that brought them all into this strange, patchwork world, the doctor had vanished, leaving his former Egg Bosses adrift.
Clove had been overjoyed to escape her role as an Egg Boss, she and Cassia embraced the Restoration's amnesty and their offer of a chance at peace. Nephthys, on the other hand, had always kept her musings about him to herself there was no need to bring the mood down.
He always came back, that was the unspoken truth she carried, it was only a matter of time. Now, her fears felt more real than ever.
Back at her small apartment the Restoration provided to her, Nephthys began to put her affairs in order.
She sharpened her blades, packed her essentials, penned a letter explaining what happen to her to the few friends she made in the Restoration and started her daily training once again alongside keeping her old uniform prepared. All for the day when he came looking for her as well, because sooner or later he will.
She stared at her reflection in a small mirror on the wall, the weight of her choices clear in her eyes. "This was always going to happen," she muttered to herself. "He always comes back."
A part of her wanted to believe that Eggman's disappearance might be permanent but deep down, she knew better. His shadow loomed too large over all their lives to simply fade away.
Nephthys wonder what kind of mad scheme he will cook up to take back his Empire from the Zeti and how many innocent will suffer thanks to his sadism and callous disregard for anybody but himself. At least at his side she can make sure not many needed to die.
Clove and Cassia will be there too, so not everything will be so bad this time around.
(Line Break)
Obs: So since the Restoration offering amnesty for former Eggman goons I thinking both Clove and Nephthys meet since it kinda natural both frequent the same place and working in the Restoration HQ, plus they were always the more deluded and chill of Egg Bosses and since nobody quite trust with them for being left alone yet they were being monitored.
Nephthsy since she's a pessimist immediately connected the dots and now is quietly waiting for the day when Eggman come to recruit her.
The Ghosts of Gallia (Canon thanks to Mystery Box Reward)
So in the name of the newest update I put forth this omake, sorry if for the hush state since I was excited when I done this:
The Ghosts of Gallia
G.U.N. Field Report
Agent: Rouge the Bat
Mission: Reconnaissance and Intel Acquisition - Imperial Worker Camp
Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Report Summary
Objective: Infiltrate recently built Imperial Worker Camp on Green Hill Zone to retrieve schematics and gather intelligence on camp operations and Imperial directives.
Findings
Camp Layout and Operations
As expected, the Empire employs a standard blueprint for its worker camps. The design is rigid, unimaginative, and painfully predictable, a testament to their reliance on efficiency over ingenuity, every schematic I've encountered thus far has featured the same uninspired architecture:
A single, fortified perimeter.
Central barracks for guards and overseers.
A heavily monitored processing center for laborers.
A command building with minimal encryption on communications (thank you for making my job easy).
This uniformity makes infiltration laughably simple. Once you've seen one camp, you've seen them all. The schematics I retrieved confirm this pattern, which will undoubtedly benefit future operations.
Wanted Posters: The Nameless
During my infiltration, I observed an unsettling development: the Empire's obsessive focus on a group referred to as the Nameless:
Poster Content: Posters featuring detailed pictures of each member, stamped with bold warnings: WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE. The imagery is outdated by modern standards but effective. The posters demand immediate action, promising reward upon any information about this group and harsh punishment if anyone collaborate with them, and their presence is mandatory in every city, town, and village under Imperial control.
Officer Protocols: Imperial officers are required to memorize the names and faces of these so-called Nameless as part of standard operational protocol. Training manuals even include hypothetical scenarios for encounters, though from what I've overheard, most soldiers would rather avoid them altogether.
Rumors and Superstition: This is where things get… interesting, among the rank and file, there's a pervasive belief that the Nameless are not mere rebels but ghost, stories circulate that these are the vengeful dead of a fallen nation called Gallia, rising to punish the Empire for its transgressions. One soldier whispered that the Nameless don't bleed like ordinary men, another claimed their leader can bring down even the most fortified base in the world in a mere hour and so on. Superstition runs deep, and fear is a powerful tool, one that these Nameless seem to wield with precision.
3. General Observations
The morale of the Empire's soldiers, at least those stationed in these camps, is low. Fear of rebellion, whispers of the Nameless, and the ever-present threat of Black Arms incursion and badniks assault have stretched their nerves to the breaking point. Additionally, the rigidity of their command structure and over-reliance on standardization leaves them vulnerable. Their inability to adapt to unconventional tactics or unknown variables is glaringly apparent.
Personal Note
I'd be lying if I said I didn't find the idea of these ghost soldiers intriguing, a group so effective that they've managed to terrify an entire army into believing they're spirits? Now that's a legend worth investigating.
Perhaps G.U.N. should consider reaching out to these Nameless while they may be fugitives in the Empire's eyes, anyone who fights back against oppression, and does so this effectively, deserves a closer look.
However my job is done for now. I'll file the schematics with HQ and wait for my next assignment, if the Empire keeps leaving their doors unlocked like this, I may need to start charging them for my services.
End Report
(Line Break)
Obs: For those unaware with Valkrya Chronicles, the Nameless are Gallia special forces/penal unit that every member has done something unforgivable for the Gallian military but are too useful to be executed or expelled so they are all drop in this unit where they names are erased from official records and are forced to taken the most dangerous and suicidal of missions where they are expected to die while also are treated like dirt by the rest of the military and never once given credit for they success.
Once the Empire has conquered Gallia they manage to come across they personal files and some of they mission reports, once they given a one hard look at them decided to brand them all enemies of the state and spread they wanted poster to anywhere that have something resembling civilization, however the Nameless decided to wage a guerrilla campaign against the Empire on they lonesome since it's not like they can even pretend to have a civilian life now and they are doing so successful and combined with the wanted status, they infamy has grow so much they become a urban legend among the rank and file of the Imperial Army.
The Nameless however find the situation deeply ironic, Gallia pretend to ignore them to the point it even erase they names but for the Imperials they get they name backs only to become the most wanted people in the Empire.
You don't get it! Why went you go to sleep you see memories of this…mockery?
These scenes that happened but so different of what you remember? And since when you were married? Or Sonic and Rouge were weed adicts?! Why did you piss in the moon?!
I offer my attempt at this idea. I hope you all enjoy.
Snap!
You have twenty-three hours before the piss drrrrroplets hit the fucking Earth, now get out of my fucking sight before I piss on you too.
Doctor Eggman woke with a start. Another one of those dreams had happened. Ever since the Shattering and all those other Eggmen's memories had started invading his brain, his sleep had been filled with dreams of his other selves, losing to Sonic and his friends again and again and again. It was starting to get annoying, until the strange dreams had started.
They had started... not normally, but they had been more tame in the beginning. A version of himself who had found Shadow and used the Eclipse Cannon to threaten the planet, much like he remembered it happening, but this Eggman had a wife he missed. Strange, yes, but not completely unthinkable. This Dream Eggman, for lack of a better name, had threatened the planet by stealing the stock of every corporation while also firing the Eclipse Cannon at the moon, which Eggman didn't entirely understand, but he'd assumed that it was just the strange logic of dreams mixing in with genuine memories of another Eggman. But then there was the other version of that Eggman's life he'd been seeing.
Somehow, that version of Eggman had gone through the events with the ARK and so on twice, and the second time had been far, far worse for the man. His wife seduced by Shadow and Rouge, his nudes posted online, his... anatomy revealed to be completely monstrous, and more besides. At the end of it all, he was just a broken man left alone in the empty void of space. If it wasn't for the sheer absurdity of it all, Eggman would almost feel sorry for his other self. He didn't, of course, because Doctor Eggman felt sorry for no one but himself, but it was as close as he'd gotten in a long time. The next he time saw Shadow, Eggman would have to do something special to the little rat. No one could insult Eggman, any Eggman, like that and get away with it.
But in the mean time, there was work to do. Eggman needed to forget the idea of the Chaos Emeralds being made of marijuana or... bodily fluids before the thought made him vomit. Did he have a memory-erasing machine lying around anywhere...?
It's been enlightening to me to learn about these so-called alternate versions of me what clove my newest recruit/former employee used to work for one version of me. Naturally, I would assume that different versions of me would have much a greater control of the world. As evidence as she calls herself an eggboss. I will praise the name after all it came from me from my genius, intellect and great naming prowess.
But as she told me about the circumstances of why she joined up with me does bother me. She tells me the reason why was because her sister was sick with something. And from what she told me so far it clearly resembles the very same thing that affected my cousins life, Maria's life……………. What caused my grandfather to make those choices back then.
[Long silence for good while]
Back on the topic it seems like she came to meet to help her sister well that version of me. Naturally, it was the smart choice. After all I am a genius, so curing a disease would have been child play well for me. But somehow that version couldn't even figure out what even wrong with her. He just gave the sick girl cybernetics to slow down the disease. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a bleeding heart. The fact version of me couldn't figure out a simple disease is…well.
That just bothers me greatly. A version of me who couldn't figure out how to cure disease. A disease we could not figure out. I am genius that have taken over ancient beings. A genius with cybernetics and of other fields of study. But for some reason that a version of me could not figure out what was that simple biological disease and how to cure it. That makes me very disappointed.
Clearly from what I can see and what clove has told me. There are inferior versions of me…. There are inferior versions of me. I have them in my these inferior versions. I don't know what, but it bothers me very greatly. Believe me I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart. I'm doing this so that I can prove to myself and clove that I am a superior version of that lesser Eggman.
But besides that these memories from what I've gotten from somehow meeting Agent Stone I got a flash of inspiration these egg drones. I don't know how I have these blueprints in my mind, but somehow I do. These design of the egg drones are quite genius to be able to search for items where I don't have to send regular badniks instead or personally myself.
It also comes to my attention with these new design blueprints. I have memories of dancing. Well for a better or worse term I believe my body now has the capability to perform more lucrative dance moves. I'm not complaining of after all, I am the master of dance besides being a genius.
It also concerns me a bit that I might also somehow get those inferior versions of me memories. I won't complain about any glorious machine I made, but who knows what kind of personality they had. I believe I would still be myself, but I would have their memories.
Does that also mean that blasted hedgehog in his friends are the same predicament like me? If that's true, then I might be dealing with a much more annoying hedgehog and company. Great now I'm in a bad mood. Well it's time to fix it by doing what I usually do to get out of these bad moods.
It doesn't help my bad mood to learn that idiotic ziti and his allies have lost a part of my empire to that new upstart. Really they my machines and they still lost. Clearly it seems I underestimated that empire and overestimated the zeti. I need to update my data. Maybe send metal at one work camps to get some of my good mood back
Focus on my work but I promise this one thing I will show that I am capable of curing a disease that I am the superior eggman. That my actions and words are more than hot air. Eggman out.
Well, this is my attempt of doing an egg memo. Hope you like it. .
Sailor's Isle returned to relative normalcy surprisingly quickly after the Shattering. One of the perks of being an independent island was that the residents simply talked amongst themselves and came to a conclusion. Blue Rogues would act as Blue Rogues, fighting oppression, helping fellow sailors, and living wild and free.
In the interest of upholding that way of life, Captain Dyne and his crew finished construction on the Albatross II. Based on the design of his old Albatross, she was a medium-sized Airship, with 3 masts adorned with wide white sails, 2 sets of wings near the bottom for maneuverability, and 5 cannons on each side. Small enough to fit inside the secret base on Sailor's Isle, large enough to go toe to toe with Valuan Empire airships. For her maiden voyage, they sailed in a wide arc, poking around the massive landmasses that now surrounded them and starting to redraw their maps. Despite the change in scenery, everything felt like it was going back to normal... except for one thing.
His son wasn't here to see it.
As if picking up on his melancholic mood, the rest of the crew quickly cleared out, though his Vice Captain was kind enough to invite him to the pub when he was done 'thinking,' to celebrate getting his wings back. Dyne brushed them all off and stared at the crow's nest atop the highest mast. The one his son usually occupied.
Vyse could be anywhere by now, literally anywhere. Could the Shattering have sent him to some strange faraway land? Was he okay, was Aika still with him, did he have a ship or was he stranded? The crow's nest, of course, had no answers to give him. "When did I get so old?"
"I'd say your first mistake was getting married and having a kid." Said the teasing voice of Gilder The Unfettered. Dyne had been so caught up in his ruminations that he didn't notice the younger man's approach. "But I imagine nearly getting axed by Valua lost you a few years too. I thought I was the only one who could pull a disappearing act on Valua, so color me impressed, Dyne of the Blue Storm."
"I'm surprised that you found us so quickly Guilder. Figured it would be weeks before another Blue Rogue showed up." Dyne greeted. "Out of curiosity, how did you find us?"
"Luck mostly. We figured the floating islands were more likely to be from 'our' corner of the globe, so we've been bouncing between those for a while. I spied Pirate Isle through my spyglass, and here we are. Sorry to trouble you but the boys and I have been going stir crazy on the ship. Also... Things have changed. A lot. So I wanted to talk, Blue Rogue to Blue Rogue." The silly tilt left Gilder's voice. He sounded about as lost as Dyne felt.
Dyne sighed. Gilder may have been a bit of a laid-back and lackadaisical man, hence his title as 'The Unfettered,' but he was a good man at heart. "Sorry to disappoint, but I don't know much more than you. We've started drawing a new map and poking around nearby landmasses. Some settlements seem fine, others seem like Valua all over again. Once we know what we're dealing with it will likely be business as usual."
Gilder hummed. "Well, I see no reason not to 'liberate' the valuables of tyrants. But I guess we should know who we're dealing with first. Oh, while we're at it. This is a little out of date but I thought you'd like to see it." Gilder reached into one of his pockets and produced a rolled-up paper, which he presented to Dyne.
It was a list of Valuan's most wanted. Beside each pirate's name was a number of skulls, representing how dangerous they were to Valua and the weight of their bounty. At the very top, 'Gilder the Unfettered'☠️☠️☠️☠️. A single step below that, 'Dyne of the Blue Storm' ☠️☠️☠️.
"I was a bit worried when you vanished from the wanted list," Gilder admitted. "When I saw you back near the top the boys and I had a party in your honor, to celebrate."
"Why do I get the feeling that if I died, you'd have a party to honor my memory?" Dyne shot back dryly. Gilder chuckled but didn't deny the accusation. Below himself and Gilder were more of the usual suspects, Calamity Clara, Zivilyn Bane... And then Dyne saw it. Right below the 2 skull bounties and at the very top of the 1 Skull bounties
'Vyse The Determined' ☠️
A profound sense of pride mixed with sadness warred in Dyne's chest. The hand holding the paper shook so badly that Gilder quickly snatched it back "What's wrong Dyne? I thought you'd be proud."
"I am proud. My boy has grown into a fine young man. He has loyal friends, a stubborn streak a mile wide, all the skills he needs to be a sterling swashbuckler, and his own bounty. But I can't help but worry about him, and feel like he's left me behind. All those milestones and accomplishments I wanted to be there for are happening continents away, and there's nothing I can do but miss them."
"Hey, you said it yourself Dyne. He has all the skills he needs to succeed. The skills that you taught him. Vyse wouldn't know how to handle a ship if you hadn't let him handle the wheel from time to time. Even if he's a young man now, he's still your son. Maybe you won't get to see all his victories and triumphs, but that just means he'll have to tell you about them himself." Gilder winked. "Preferably over a nice glass of Loqua."
Dyne sighed again, feeling slightly calmer. "Gilder, may I ask you a favor? If Vyse is ever in trouble and you have the opportunity. Can I ask you to help him?"
"I'll help him. But not because you asked me. I'll help him because I'm a Blue Rogue, and we help our fellow Rogues out whenever we can. That goes for you to too Mr 'Blue Storm'"
"I'll try to keep that in mind, Unfettered." The two captains shared a chuckle together.
"Well, that's enough emotional crap for one day. Got any good stories to share? I heard through the grapevine you've got a new ship."
"The Albatross II. Same design as my old bird, but with a few upgrades. We stole a military-grade engine off a Valuan vessel. But that's not all. We found a smuggler with a Magic Cannon...-"
The rest of the night would be spent in the bar, sharing stories and drinking deeply from mugs of Loqua. The worries about Vyse were forgotten, as a warm feeling settled in Dyne's chest.
'Son, wherever you are. I want you to know I'm proud of you.' Despite being a relatively minor character I love Dyne dearly because he's a JRPG dad who doesn't die, and on top of that his introduction is gunning down an enemy soldier about to attack Vyse with a hell of a one-liner. "I think you miscounted, there's only 4 of you." One of many reasons I love the heck out of Skies of Arcadia
Thanks for responding and now onto the breach. Life or Death, what is your choice?.
Doctor Eggman was no bleeding heart, far from it.
If one asked his opinion his heart was as cold as the very own machines he made.
So him being in the makeshift medical wing of his current base was something he normally wouldn't do unless it was to treat his own wounds.
Yet he wasn't there for that, no he was there for reasons that involved future planning with certain minion of his.
After all he needed to disclose the treatments of Cassia treatment with her sister Clove.
Not out of any goodness of his heart of course.
But due to logical thinking.
A step in the wrong direction in this situation after all would mean the difference between life and death.
As the doctor finally reached the door, he opened the door and entered the room that at the moment was holding the pair of Proghorns.
Of couse he wasn't alone either, Metal Sonic was there to make sure Clove wouldn't get rowdy if his ''suggestion'' wasn't of her liking.
He could manhandle those fools themselves if he wanted, he had the strenght, but he needed to be careful, he still hasn't had time to really study his counterpart cybernetics, but if the man was anything like him, then a shobby job was something he wouldn't be expecting.
(Bah emotions, they are just so illogical) the doctor though to himself.
Cassia of course was still sleeping, considering their study of the disease and how advanced it was, it was only thanks to the cybernetics on the Proghorn that she managed to last this long and even then he knew time was running out for said Proghorrn as the grim reaper was slowly but surely approaching his destination.
Of course unless he did something.
Clove on the other hand stood there, collected and calm as she finally noticed Eggman.
''Good afternoon doctor to what do we owe the visit?'' Clove said in a neutral tone, clearly trying not to show her true emotions to the doctor.
The doctor adjusted his glasses and finally started talking to his minion ''The motive of my visit is merely work related, after all we need to discuss the treatment of your sister illness'' the doctor went strraight and directly into the point, clearly forcing his speech to remain as professional as possible.
Clove was taken aback inmediatly by this, (Did he really already come up with a solution?!), how couldn't she? after years and years of hearing that nothing could be done for her sister, after selling themselves to the very own devil in front of her with a promise that her sister would be cured, only for it to be nothing more than a vile lie.
Clover couldn't believe it, that the very own devil in front of her had already found a cure.
In anyone else a spark of hope would have lighted up, but for Clove the Proghorn that wasn't the case, no she knew better.
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
The devil had already tricked her once, who's to say it wouldn't try the same once more.
After Clove finally recovered himself, she finally questioned the doctor ''If you found a cure, why tell me this? I doubt you would care about what any of us has to say'' the Proghorn asked and stated a fact.
One that the Doctor agreed with '' Oh yeah, if I had any say on this I would just do whatever the hell I wanted and be done with it, luckily for you and your sister miss Proghorn we are under certain cirscunstances that don't allow me to be my usual self, unless certain cirscunstances happen'' Eggman admited on a mocking tone that hid well his annoyance.
After all the doctor word was pretty much law and fact for anyone that worked under him, going againts it was a guaranteed way to well, Clove didn't want to finish that though.
''You see Clove, thanks to the research we have done this month, I have found two ways to save your sister life and I must say just sister is lucky to have you, if it wasn't for that said options would be reduced to just one at the moment'' Eggman said to the proghorn.
Clove ears couldn't believe it, Eggman was actively giving her the key to saving her sister once and for all, even thinking those words seemed like nothing more than an impossible dream.
And yet she didn't fully trust the doctor, with the devil there was always a catch after all.
''What are the cures?'' Clove finally asked, her voice almost breaking.
''The first method involves gene teraphy and it is the method I mentioned that your sister is lucky to have you, due to your shared DNA, I am able to rewritte your sister DNA using yours as a base without dangerous risks like her body rejecting the changes, it will take a long time, but I will be able to identify the mutated strands of DNA and completely remodel them so they are closer to those of yours, this process by the end will see your sister fully recovered by the end of it'' Eggman honestly told Clove.
Clove still found it hard to believe, Eggman, the devil they had sold their soul to was actually doing his part of the deal.
Her sister would finally be able to live her life as she saw fit without having to worry about her sickness anymore.
They could finally be together without having to worry about Cassia just going to sleep one day and neve waking up anymore.
And yet if that was a definitive cure, why was the docto offering a second? Clove asked to herself as she finally asked ''What is the second?''.
''A full body prothestic, not too dissimilar of her cybernetics, but instead of full integration, well it would hardly be counted as a partial one even, during our study I was able to identify and understand what is causing your sister deterioration and spread across her body, it would be more like an armor that stops the process of the illness as it contains and supends the parts that are being affecting with the illness, it is the quickest method for your sister to be up and running once again, but keep in mind, this neither will cure her totally nor will she able to leave the confines of the unit unless I permit it'' Eggman told her about the second cure.
No it was not a cure, it was a prison, the same one the bastard gave them back then with the cybernetics, the same promise they had made with the madman in exchange of more time.
Clove knew it was too good to be true and still the question remained why was he telling her all this?
There was hope still on the other hand, a tiny bit of hope that the doctor would actually go for the gene teraphy.
A hope that was crushed when words escaped from Eggman mouth.
''And it is the option I myself I am willing of going foward'' Eggman said.
At that point Clove went feral and jumped as fast as she could at the doctor.
She didn't care if he was her sister only choice, she wouldn't let that madman subject her poor sister to the same mistake twice.
Sadly for her Metal Sonic was a lot more quicker than her and once again she found herself on the same situation that when they had met once again.
Clove could only watch as the favorite attack dog of the doctor held her in place.
While the man only watched her with annoyance.
''And this is why I tend to work only with machines'' The doctor muttered to himself as he adjusted his glasses once more.
As the doctor once again took breath and started talking ''Now I hope you let me finish what I am saying you damn Proghorrn, I may have gone out of my way to get you back into my fray, but that doesn't mean you and your sister can't be replaced if you decide to choose poorly'' Eggman said as the shadows hid his face only leaving those blue glasses of his reflecting the light as he looked at Metal Sonic who perfectly understood the message of his creator.
Clove also understood said message as her blood ran cold as she watched the very sharp claws of said machine get a lot more closer to her neck with intent of slashing.
''P-P-Please continue Doctor'' Clove said as she pleaded to the devil once more.
Eggman just stood there with a stoic face and finally talked once more ''Let her go Metal she finally is starting to understand what will be her reward if that actitude of hers ever flare up''
Metal followed the command of his creator as she let go of the Proghorn.
''Listen well Clove the Proghorn, just because I choose one option it won't mean the other will be locked off, the suspension unit is more of a way to make sure your sister is able to stand the coming storm at difference from the gene teraphy, if you may have noticed, my resources are clearly lacking and time is something that we don't have in our favor'' Eggman started explaning to the Proghorn.
Clove didn't knew if to believe the man or not, it wouldn't be the first time after all, to keep them chained and miserable in his empire.
Clove wanted to burst into tears, just what would be so important that her sister couldn't be saved ''If you have a way to cure her then why not do it right now, why are you putting her in that?'' the Proghorrn asked.
''Metal show her'' The doctor said to the murder machine.
Clove was scared, was this really going to be her grave as she saw the murder machine getting closer.
But instead of any damage, the machine started showing her footage.
Footage of what everyone called a Zeti, the red one being called Zavok if she remembers corrrectly, fighting alongside the Badniks that were taken over.
While her knowledge of the Zeti was something scarce, same couldn't be said for what they were fighting.
After all even in her world the Black arms had made quite the mess back then before they were destroyed.
She wasn't expecting who was leading them on the other hand.
''Is that?'' Clove asked baffled at the footage.
''Indeed, that is the ultimate life form Shadow The Hedgehog leading the black arms'' Eggman confirmed the question of the Proghorn.
Clove couldn't believe it, the same Hedgehog that destroyed those monsters now was working with them.
Just what the hell was wrong with this world.
And yet, why was this relevant for the situation at hand? the Proghorn asked herself.
''W-w-what does this has to do with us?'' Clove asked terrified.
If Eggman was showing her this it was for a reason.
None of them were good in the Proghorn head.
''Remember when I said we were running out of time? I don't mean it only for your sister, but for all of us, that damn edgelord rat is searching fo an specific item, one I don't doubt you are familiar with'' Eggman said as he bringed out a little box.
Said little box containing one of the most powerful items in existence.
''A Chaos Emerald'' The Proghorn covered her mouth in shock at the radiance of the blue jewel.
''Indeed one of the most powerful items in existence, capable of doing inimaginable damage in either good or wrong hands, I don't suppose I need to tell you why it is a bad idea to let said item to fall on the hands of Black Doom'' The doctor stated.
''You don't think he-'' Clove tried to ask before doctor interrupted her.
''Oh yeah, Black Doom would be the greatest fool in existence if he didn't get those damn tentacles of him on the very own weapon that was his downfall in the first place a weapon that is capable of putting in checkmate every single faction due to it is destructive force, the reason of why I won't let that damn alien get a hold of this Chaos Emerald'' Eggman said to the Proghorn.
She could finally see the logic of the doctor, if that alien really had access to the Eclipse Cannon installed on the ARK, then keeping the Chaos Emeralds out of his hands was a top priority.
Not only for her sister and own survival, but for the survival of the entire planet.
''Please tell me do you have a plan to buy us more time?'' the Proghorn pleaded once more with the Doctor.
''Of course I do, who do you take me for, I have the perfect tool to sent that damn rodent on a wild goose chase before he is able to find us, right now we have the adventage of no one knowing we are back in the game, with that I plan to make a fake blue chaos emerald to sent that fool as far away as possible, maybe even sic him on those fools of the empire, it is the reason of why I am refusing to start with the gene teraphy yet, doing so would just be a death sentence for your sister if that blasted Hedgehog find us'' The doctor said.
''So the only reason you are telling me all this is to be on board with whatever scheme you have'' Clove stated to the doctor.
''You finally catch on, yes, the coming month well, we will be lacking on hands due to certain plans of mine, so I need for the rest to double their efforts, I need that Fake Emerald ready for yesteday in worst case scenario and said effort also includes your sister, the reason I am telling you all of this is so that not only you know yourself that there will be no other choice at the moment, but also to get your sister on board once she is up, as I said time is something we are lacking'' Eggman stated to the proghorn as he gave her his back and started to go for the door of the room.
For as much as Clove wanted to deny it Eggman was right, if they even gave one false step, it was game over for everyone involved.
All of their progress and sacrifices would have been for nothing if the Black Arms were to get their way.
Clove still had the will to live, as long as her sister made it trough, the gene teraphy no doubt would leave her siste still in a weakened condition.
The armor at least would let them escape if worst came to worst.
As Clove approached her sister bed, she took her hand and started crying on the bed.
Saying over and over again the words I'm sorry.
The crying interrupted by a question of the doctor who was still on the room ''Remember the words I told you when I took you back in Clove the Proghorn?''
Clove looked up from the bed and saw the back of the doctor remembering his words '' You aren't curing her because of some altruism or because some variant from a far flung universe couldn't, but simply because-'' Clove couldn't finish as the doctor interrupted her again.
''I can, do not mistake me for whatever fool you may think I am, once I have my eyes set on a goal I will accomplish it, the research for a cure of this blasted disease is already within my hands, whenever you choose to wait or not, it is up to you'' Doctor Eggman said to the Proghorn.
''Of course to make this more of an ultimatum I will let you give me the suggestion of what you think is the best once the time comes, whenever I listen or not eh we will see, but after our little talk I doubt you see any other alternative'' Eggman told Clove.
''It is her life in your hands Clove the Proghorn, you better choose wisely'' with that Eggman finally went out of the room alongside Metal Sonic.
Clove just stood there, thinking of the choice she was given.
She hated that man with all of her soul, not because she was swindling her right now, but because the devil for once was right.
If they choose poorly, their lives were pretty much finished.
Eggman would have his answer once the time came.
The only thing she can hope for now is that she chose right by trusting the devil once more.
Well a little omake I had in the works on a conversation that Eggman honestly would have with Clove, considering the recent events, well he is forcing her to not be picky, the sheer ammout of stuff that can go wrong on the rival reports for turn 2 is a lot and Eggman is giving her nothing but pure and cold hard logic about the descicion coming for turn 3 on the cure of her sister.
The old man, he wasn't really but everyone called him that, hummed as he lit his cigarette on one of the nearby fires.
Life in an Imperial work camp was…bearable, if only barely so. The Imps didn't think much of their kind but no one really cared about the Darcsens so it was hardly anything new. Even the actually new world hadn't changed anything.
People showed up. People beat them and killed them. Demeaning them if anyone was lucky enough to be spared and sent off to work and likely die.
Nothing new really. Unfortunately.
Still the talking animals were a surprise.
Though again it didn't really change anything, he'd know being a Darcsen and all. The…Mobians were just different shaped people, same as him, same as anyone.
The Imps treated them like dirt too, same as him, same as anyone unfortunate enough to be under their boot.
He winced as the guards beat one of raccoon mobian. Okay not quite the same, the Mobians were a decent bit more durable than they were. There probably would have been a fatality among them if they weren't.
Anyway new world or not new people or not things didn't really change.
They were put to work, usually under harsh conditions with less than they actually need. Especially food, they didn't need it to work after all, and it was more than 'demons' needed anyway.
Frankly they'd all given up on anything better long ago, and dedicated all they had to surviving and enduring. He'd say they did a decent enough job.
Which meant when for all intents and purposes an actual demon showed up they were able to get out of it's way.
The old man exhaled a cloud of smoke from the outskirts of the camp as it burned. The flames were rather cheerly he thought, very much aware of the irony of 'demons' being saved by a demon.
Well they weren't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, they were free for what little that was worth, so now they had to work out what to do next.
The Imperial territory was right out for obvious reasons, and they weren't exactly in Kansas so they conferred with the Mobians.
Apparently the situation wasn't great on their end either, what with aliens not only existing but invading, and a bunch of colored brutes wrecking havoc with an army of robots.
According to the…animals seems impolite…eh, Mobians there were friendly factions out there…right behind and through the territory of the hostile robot army. Yeah that didn't seem like it would go well.
Course that didn't leave them many options, but there was one thing…
"So who was our 'Savior'?"
…Well then.
Dr. Eggman huh? The would-be conqueror of the world…who actually did conquer the world apparently if briefly. He was certainly powerful, and considering the state of things he had to be close by for 'Metal Sonic' to come here.
Hmm…
The Mobians feared him, and from everything they said he definitely wasn't a good person…but that kind of man doesn't care who you are. As long as you serve him you could expect…not much but someone capable of taking over the world doesn't throw people aside for no reason.
A good idea? Definitely not, but he's a better option than any of the others and for us Darcsens?
Well being mildly useful minions is an improvement to being 'demons' even if they are serving one. Though with the world as it was one was probably going to end up on top anyway.
So hey, why not work for someone who would treat them better than they ever have been.
He saved them after all…even if it was unintentional it's better than they gotten from the rest of the world.
They'll take a sure bet over something that probably won't work out.
—
AN: Meet the recently freed Darcsens everyone. They've got a bad hand and have long since gotten used to it. They probably could do pretty well with GUN or the restoration…but they can't quite believe that, and their behind an army of enemies anyway.
They'll take what they can get. In this case Eggman.
It's tough being a Darcsen in Empire controlled territories. Their kind are constantly abused and persecuted by the Emperials ruling the area. Even in this brand new world nothing has changed. Many of the darcsen run to other lands hoping to receive better treatment there…whether they find that or not is up to the air.
Write an Omake of the darcsen's conditions under the empire, as well as they running to other territories and how they react/are received under a different king.
Reward: +/- 10 to the next action the Empire does or +10 to an Empire related action.
"What is this?" You glared irritably at what was supposed to be one of your latest efforts in tinkering.
You been having some good results lately and thought to it be an excellent time to tinker now that the preliminary research for that cure was out of the way.
You unfortunately lack the time to actually make something truly useful but you might has well makes some headway and get some enjoyment out of it. Or at least that was the way it was suppose to be.
It was an an ugly thing, having taken a regular plastic bowl as a base and worked around it with what useless scrap you have. It resembles a turtle with functions and programming that makes you itch.
You scowled, during the whole process your mind wandered to that recent visit to the village and that uncomfortable conversation with Belle.
While your mind repeated that memory, it seems your hands weren't as idle, leading this failure.
Turning it over in you hands, you were strongly tempted to tear it apart but eventually gave up and dropped it on the floor.
With a small thud, the robot fell to the ground intact and in seconds it's internals started whirring as it turned on for the first time.
It's head and feet poked out of its plastic shell and with a only small glance at you, started to stumble it's way out of the room toward it's mission.
You kept scowling as it went, it's construction was quite flimsy by your standards, unlike a true badnik it won't survive a direct hit from anything dangerous. A stomp from you could be enough to damage it. There's simply no way it can survive the journey on its own from here.
It was only that it was pointless to recycle and held nothing useful was why you let it continue nothing more.
The little turtle-bot marched on, slowly moving past bemused stares from the base inhabitants to reaching the outside and into the war-torned zone.
It moved slowly past ruins, factories, and wonders as the days turned into nights. It learned to hide in it's shell from danger as many overlook a plastic bowl.
It hid as reprogrammed badniks crossed paths and when empire soldiers with their tanks scouted around it.
It had to stop hiding at one point when a battle erupted around and the impact of an explosion knocked it into a bush. It learned to like bushes.
Eventually it's battered body reach it's destination, a abandoned village with a large windmill.
With some effort it managed to push the door, shedding some light into the now empty home. It explored the home noting the general layout, scanning for any structural damage, and when all results were negative it went to work.
With a small pop, two delicate mechanical limbs rose from it's shell, the hands attached grabbed a broom and began cleaning. It started with the floors, then with a duster the shelves until the house was completely spotless.
Satisfied at having complete it's mission for the time being, it ambled toward the workshop for rest and some much needed maintence.
The house would remain clean and repaired until the day it's inhabitants return.
Thought it was depressing to leave the house with all those good memories to rot so this eventually came to mind.
…After my last defeat, I apparently lost my memory.
The exact chain of events escapes me but I ended up in some nameless little village in Green Hills. They took me in, even knowing who I was, and apparently treated me kindly.
I took on the name Mr. Tinker, and became the village's handyman. Hmph, even without my memory I was still a genius what little there was rattling around in that head of mine was more than enough to handle any problems the little backwater had.
…And apparently there was enough to create Belle.
A wooden robot almost like a puppet if not for that will of hers. She's…kind, naive, but just as stubborn as I if in a different direction. It's almost like she's…no isn't worth thinking about.
…Maria would have liked her.
…
I found her when I returned to my-his old workshop. Starline had managed to bring me back from whatever that was but apparently bits of 'Mr. Tinker' still linger.
…I don't have an opinion on that as of yet.
When I found Belle she returned with me back to the base, she isn't…entirely on board with my plans but hasn't stopped me either. Perhaps she hopes to convince me to…
Naive.
Foolish.
And yet…
…
Tch. I have more important things to do than think about this.
