infin-no ZERO stared at himself in the mirror.
he looked like utter shit, his left eye was a scarred mess the same scare jaggadly ran its way Down his neck to his chest.
It culminated In a massive scar in the middle of his chest other scars spider webbing out from the center. The scar in his chest was triangular and deep a visible indentation in the skin.
(Reference)
He winced at the phantom pain he got whenever he looked at it. He quickly turned on the faucet in the sink of his bathroom and began to clean himself up.
All the while he was consumed by thoughts of what he had done, what the RUBY had made him do. Once the ruby was gone it was like a fog had lifted off his brain and he realized the sheer scale of the horrible things he had committed.
He was glad that damm gem was gone.
Once he finished up he quickly made his way into the living room of his shared apartment.
And his eyes were immediately drawn to the other occupant. Gadget had been a thorn in his side for a long time and had eventually contributed to his defeat he was grateful to him for that.
The red furred wolf turned to him with a massive smile.
"Zero! You ready?"
Zero smiled
"Yes I'm ready"
It was hard to belive that gadget Had been the one to save him from his wounds after he had appeared in the local woods after tge shattering.
Zero should have died but he was alive somehow and for a while he wished he had died.
But gadget.. gadget had found him nursed him back to health and shown him nothing but kindness.
He should have hated Zero but he didn't.
gadget grabbed his hand and started to drag him to the door and Zero blushed at the contact.
"If we hurry we can make it to the party on time"
"party" the party celebrating his "reformation"
He personally didn't want to go but gadget insisted and he just couldn't say no to the wolf.
"Hey gadget"
Gadget turns and he grabs him by the cheeks
"Wha?"
Zero pulls him close and nuzzles their noses together causing gadget to turn into a blushing mess
"Thank you"
"Y-your welcome Zero"
"Now let's get to that party"
as Zero walked with the still blushing wolf out the door he realized that for the first time in Years.
Stepping through the portal, you arrive at the hangar built underground of the former Black Arm's stronghold, where the battle was raging just a few minutes ago. The job was done in a hurry, mostly focused on housing the Mech you would be using for the upcoming battle.
Right in the middle of the hangar, standing proud, is the DARC-EGG-ROBOT! One of your first ever designed death machines, now upgraded to reach even greater highs. A part of you was disappointed that you would not be able to debut this against Sonic, but Zavok was as good of a test drive as any, you suppose.
Once you get in the cockpit, you begin activating all the systems. This machine shouldn't be something Zavok can take control of, meaning you will be able to go all out against that Alien without fear of your mech being neutralized.
As you finish the last Check Up and are ready for take off, the communicator of the mech turns on. You stare at the video of a panicked Starline.
"S-Sir, Doctor Eggman! I must insist, no need for you to appear to deal with that Zeti!" He stammers, worried for what? The possibility of you losing? Bah! That fool does not get it.
"You think Zavok stands a chance against me?" You ask as you check the ammo counter of your shoulder cannon, while not as much available as you would prefer, the amount you manage to collect will be enough. "Do you doubt my capabilities that much?" You sneer at him, getting annoyed by his useless rattle.
"That's not it, Doctor!" Starline exclaims with indignation. "But I don't understand the reason for you to show yourself! Let the minions deal with him! They have done a superb job so far, you shouldn't-"
"Risk getting shot like you?" You cut in immediately, your response making the platypus freeze in shock, hitting right in the nail. "If I wasn't ready to risk my life, I would have never built my first mecha." You scoff. "Sage! Open the doors please. Daddy has a Zeti to crush."
"Understood Father!" She says, diligently, like the good daughter she is, helping you crush enemies. "Please…be careful."
"I will Sage…I promise." You say softly, you won't let your daughter spill tears over your demise, that won't happen.
As the gates open and the DARC-EGG-ROBOT begins to rise, you speak to Starline one last time.
"He was right about one thing, you know." You start, not giving him a second to ask. "If I am going to defeat Sonic, it will not be by my minions…it shall be by my own hands, with whatever tools I create." You say as you grin.
"Remember this, there is a right and a wrong way to deal with your nemesis…and I am about to show them the way EGGMAN handles things!" You proclaim as the Mecha rises and stands triumphantly over the battlefield.
You look up to the sky, and right there you see him. Standing atop the Blowfish with 2 of your creations, that pretentious Zeti, with his arms crossed.
Turning on the Microphone of the DARC-EGG, you call out to him. "Zavok! Is this what you wanted? A final epic battle where I personally crush you?!" You see him sneering at you, your words having the desired effect.
"You didn't have to go through all this trouble! You should have just called me! But if you insist!" You make the Mecha's arms rise to the air, as if celebrating. "Behold! The DARC-EGG-ROBOT! The machine of your ultimate defeat! Wahahahahahahaha!"
Just then, your personal music theme starts blaring from the Mech, giving this battlefield the appropriate musical accompaniment it needs.
"EGGGGMMMMAAAAAANNNNN!!!" Zavok shouts as he jumps off the Blowfish and his body begins glowing an intense red, and just before he can hit the ground…
After a flash of light and the earth quaking, what stands before you is a Kiaju Sized Zavok, his size even towering by a head or two of your precious Mech.
"Ohohohohohoho!" You bellow, feeling your blood pump through your veins. "Now this IS a Final Battle!" You tighten your hands across the DARC-EGG's controls.
"Let's do-" Just as you are about to start your epic Showdown…
"Zavoooooooooooook!" A loud and annoying noise could be heard coming from…below you?
Shifting your focus, you are able to see a Cat running across the battlefield toward both of you.
"What in the-Who the hell is that?" You exclaim annoyed for someone daring to interfere with your epic battle!
"That…that is Honey the Cat, Doctor!" Starline informs you. "One of the possible minions i had-"
"Whoever she is, she better don't get in my way!" You exclaim, not particularly caring about this right now.
"If you excuse me… I have a Zeti to kill." You say as you operate the controls, making the DARC-EGG move according to your specifications.
"Let's do this!"
COMBAT TIME!!!
Instead of the usual way of doing battle, we will be trying a new Mechanics for encounters. Made by Crosswire for their quest Bound to Earth! With their permission to use them off course!
Here is the quick breakdown:
While most instances of combat or challenges of martial strength will be covered by simple decisions and rolls through Faction Actions, some important battles will receive special attention. These will take the form of 'Battles'.
During a Battle the players will be able to vote on the individual actions of any relevant controlled characters in that battle. Be it the player character and any accompanying companions in a single team fight, or Hero Units spread across a larger pitched battle.
Each character under the control of the players in a battle has a set number of Action Points (AP) they can spend to make certain decisions in a fight.
Different decisions operate off the character's various stats. With some decisions requiring more actions to take then others.
Instead of trying to meet a set DC, the player's actions are directly pitted against the aims and actions of their enemies.
Once a course of action has been decided on by the players, the battle will proceed and the results will be shown. The battle may take a number of turns and will end once it's reached some type of conclusion.
Failing rolls during a battle doesn't automatically mean defeat, and succeeding your initial batch of rolls doesn't automatically mean victory. Battles can end in a number of ways and the results aren't wholly binary.
List of Actions:
Eggman Actions (2 AP) (5 HP):
(1 AP): Open Fire! :
That Zavok has grown to a giant size and while for someone of lesser genius this would be troublesome, for you this is perfect! A bigger target means your shoots will land more easily!
(Contested Power Roll against Zavok, adds a +10 Bonus, can only be used 4 times)
(1 AP) Rock and Roll! :
Time to set up some proper music for this final battle! Let the jukeboxes fire at full volume!
(Super loud sound waves will be released from the DARC-EGG-ROBOT, making it so any Hero units that acts near it will suffer a -10 malus while the music is on. )
(1 AP) Mock him!
You understand that Zavok goaded you just to appear on the battlefield,but two can play that game! Use your genius and insult him, make him act sloppy and take advantage of it!
(CONTESTED TRICKERY ROLL AGAINST Zavok, if you win, Zavok will suffer a -10 Manus to all his rolls during this turn.)
(1 AP) Engage Him Mano to Spike!
Zavok thinks he can trade punches with your precious creation? Ha! Let's see what he thinks when your spikes fill his body with holes! Get close to him and don't give him a chance to react!
(Contested Combat Roll against Zavok, doesn't use Ammo)
(1 AP) Use Jetpack to keep mobile!
While the DARC-EGG-ROBOT might be slow, with the installed jetpack you and Isara built, it will be easy to reposition and keep your distance on the battlefield.
(Attacks against the DARC-EGG-ROBOT suffer a malus -10 unless the attacker is flying.)
Clove: 2AP (4 HP):
(1 AP): Take to the Air!
Use Death's Flight and gain altitude, you will have more mobility this way and be able to react to any attack coming your way.
(Clove flies and gets into the air, giving a -10 malus to anyone attacking her from the ground.)
(2 AP) Reach out to the new individual.
This cat appeared out of nowhere and seems to head straight towards Zavok? That's dangerous, she will get herself killed! Perhaps you can try and convince her to join your forces?
(Procs a Heart Check, if passed, Honey will listen to suggestions or orders either Clove or Another Hero Unit gives to her)
(2 AP) Try to Restrain Metal Sonic.
With your boots, you will be able to fly letting you catch Metal Sonic. The Doctor was clear how he wants his creation back. Trying to neutralize him without inflicting more damage...will be hard but you can try and come up with something.
(Power roll with Disadvantage against Metal Sonic, if successful, Metal is restrained by Clove)
(1 AP) Hack and Slash Silver Sonic
While an older Model, any super Badnik from Eggman is a threat, better deal with it fast before it causes more trouble.
(Contested Combat Roll against Silver Sonic)
(1 AP) Attack Metal Sonic
Eggman might get angry at you, but Metal Sonic is too much of a risk to try and keep intact, better to destroy him now.
(Contested Combat Roll against Metal Sonic)
(1 AP) Coordinate with the others
The situation is too chaotic to just rush recklessly, better try and regroup with someone to come up with a plan to deal with the Badniks.
(Logistics Check of 60. If passed, Clove gathers with another Hero Unit to plan together their move for next turn)
Conquering Storm 2AP (4 HP):
(1AP): Ninja Art - Smoke Bomb
Use the ancient ninja art of throwing a smoke bomb and disappearing into the fog, blinding foes and looking for the chance to strike.
(Storm throws a smoke bomb, giving all units with a Trickery score lower than her a -10 malus on attack rolls against her and a +10 bonus to her attack rolls this turn.)
(2 AP): Ninja Art - Replacement Jutsu
A chaotic battlefield can be a true danger for a ninja, but they are also masters of deception. What may look to be an open target may just be a clever trap.
(A contested Trickery check is made against a foe that manages to hit an ally. If Storm is successful, the ally is replaced with a small spiked ball. The foe must succeed a DC60 Power check or take one damage.)
(1 AP): Kunai Storm against Silver Sonic
Unleash a barrage of kunai against the Master Robot to deal with the problem before it can truly become one.
(Contested Combat Roll against Silver Sonic)
(1 AP): Ninja Hacking
The Lord has asked for his greatest creation to be brought in, but that will be easier if it is at least partially disassembled. Aim for the hinges and joints, but avoid the essential circuits.
(Contested Combat Roll against Metal Sonic. If this lowers Metal to 0 hp, he is not destroyed and instead has his limbs removed.)
(1 AP): Boast Of Your Lord
Your lord shall not only be the one who wins this day, but he shall be the one to reunite the entire world underneath his banner!
(A Heart check is made with a DC of 60. If it succeeds, Storm and all allies get +10 to their rolls on the following turn.)
(0 AP): Return In Kind
How dare they strike at you! You are no bride of the storm, but The Conquering Storm itself and you will tear apart the lesser creations that have dared to strike you!
(Contested Combat Roll at advantage against a foe that has dealt at least one damage to Storm.)
Piastol 2AP (5 HP):
(1 AP) Attack A Target (Pick a Target)
You'll teach these fools to fear the angel of death, let's see how they like the taste of your scythe!
(Contested Power roll against the target, Piastol will move in close to the enemy to attack)
(1 AP) Cast Wevles on Silver Sonic or Metal Sonic (Pick one)
If your enemies are fast, then you need to hit it with your largest, fastest spell until it goes down. Or stops, whatever gets you paid. (Piastol summons a cutting tornado around one of the robots. Contested power roll, attack will be from a distance.)
(1 AP) Cast Eterni on Zavok
This monster looks tough, but you bet it hasn't been hit in the soul before. Time to fix that. (Piastol fires crystals that slice the body and rattle the soul. Contested power roll. Less effect on robots) (WARNING, NOT AN INSTANT DEATH EFFECT)
(2 AP) Tempest Dance
A whirlwind of death is what you will become, tearing through the foes in front of you to bring an end to this. This is an all or nothing maneuver through
(Contested Power roll with a +10 bonus that deals two damage on a success. Piastol suffers a -10 malus on her next turn.)
(2 AP) Bite and Blade
Command Death hound to lock a foe in place so you can strike them down! (Contested Power roll for Death hound to latch onto an enemy and drain their stamina, allowing piastol to go nuts with a second power roll. Works best on biological opponents)
(1 AP) ...Or Just Bite?
Dragging around a ferlith would slow anyone down, including robots.
(Contested Power roll, piastol commands Death hound to help restrain a robot. Piastol will not use Wevles on a target death hound is biting, but can use eterni on them)
Death Hound: During Combat Encounters Piastol will always have access to one of the following actions for 0 Action Points per turn unless explicitly stated otherwise.
->Incremus (0 AP): Deathhound wreaths another in flame, adding a +10 to another's roll. The other person's buff will last for that round. He cannot target Piastol or himself, because he already does by default.(Choose target of the buff, need to be within range of Deathound)
->Noxi (0 AP): Roll 1d100+10 (1/2 Piastol's mystic) with an opponent's Power as the dc. Pass applies -5?for the round, if crit, the debuff last 2 rounds. Casting noxi within the timespan if another noxi lowers the dc to an opponent's Power by -5. If the new noxi timer is lower than the current noxi timer, use the old noxi timer. Noxi cannot stack.
->Sacremus (0 AP): Deathhound heals an organic Hero Unit for 1 hp. Requires 1 round to recharge.
Canaan Actions 2 AP (3 HP):
(1 AP) Deal with the Boss' Machine.
So Eggman wants to get back his robot? That will be a tough cookie but you think you can manage. Shooting the back of the thing and grounding him will make things easier. Trying to hit them will be hard but you can manage)
(Contested Power roll against Metal Sonic)
(1 AP) Deal With The Weird Silver Robot.
That other robot the red alien brought along is causing a huge mess, you better put a stop on it before things escalate...Them being machines makes it harder than usual to face but nothing you can't handle
(Contested power roll against Silver Sonic)
(2 AP) Reposition Immediately.
Not only are Eggman's big mech and that Zavok guy duking it out in the middle of the field, the other 2 killer robots are on the loose and your ribs still hurt from that skunk's punch. Time to bail and hide.
(Contested Trickery check against Silver Sonic and Metal Sonic, if successful, Canaan will hide and won't be targeted by attacks and she will be able to attack with advantage on following turns as long as she remains hidden)
(1 AP) Climb The DARC-EGG-ROBOT.
Might sound like a stupid idea...but you have to admit it sounds awesome! By climbing it, you will get a better angle to shoot Zavok...But if he lands a good hit on the mech, that might send you flying...
(Power check to climb the DARC-EGG-ROBOT, if successful, gain advantage on the Attack Zavok action. (If Attack The Zeti is picked)
(1 AP) Attack Zavok!
So the guy has grown to jumbo size? Not a big deal, that just means you have a bigger target to shoot at. To get a clear shot you will be hard, with that size, Maria will need a solid hit to make him feel it, but you think you can manage.
(Contested Power Roll against Zavok, if successful, chances of inflicting debuffs on him)
ENEMIES:
Zavok (??? HP)
Silver Sonic (??? HP)
Metal Sonic (2 HP)
Clove is in a interesting position because she has the opportunity to coordinate with Honey and if she listen to her orders the Egg Boss trait will activate for leading troops, in this case a Hero Unit plus Honey can add her stats to Clove in any joint action they partake.
Clove Eggboss trait won't activate nor Honey will add her stats to actions, that's just so you can choose her Action each turn.
Also if you ask, nope, we aren't sharing Honey's sheet yet, you guys will need to recruit her first.
Also voting will be opened now. Will be a bit busy soon and won't be able to open voting when it should have. remmber to vote in plan format, can't pick the same action twice in the same turn and about Deathound's 0 Ap actions, can only pick one of them per turn. Sorry fi we weren't clear before
Fuck it, all this talk got my muse up. Reflections of Metal.
Metal Sonic was irked.
As he was being repaired after a quite close fight.
He couldn't help but think about the situation.
While his creator was entertaining the idea of a a cease fire between The Restoration and G.U.N. he understood it.
He had reviewed the records of the old black arms invasion.
Black Doom did everything he could to play every single one of them like a fiddle while the alien reaped the rewards.
He saw the logic behind the ''alliance'', after the shattering the world was far too chaotic to try the old methods.
They needed to adapt, they needed to evolve if they wanted to survive the coming storm.
At least until his creator had amassed a force strong enough to crush everyone that opposses them.
A force he could very well co- OBEY EGGMAN.
No, the creator knew the best, he just needed to do what he was told and take out the creator enemies.
But if there was a spoken fact about this little truce.
Is that they didn't need to get along.
The creator for sure would never get along with the ones that caused him trouble for so much time.
It was the same for him.
He would never get along with the allies of his loathsome copy.
Especially not him.
He would rust away before he even though of giving that cheap knockoff any other treatment other than sending him to the scrapyard.
''And that should be the last touch up'' Doctor Eggman said as he pulled up his wielding mask.
Metal Sonic just moved the arm that had been removed during the battle, testing his articulations and calibrating his systems.
''Looks like everything is green with your systems Metal, but still this is the 3rd time this month you get into a fight with that robot of the restoration and we are not even done with half of the month'' Doctor Eggman berated his greatest creation.
Metal ignored it, this wouldn't be the last time he got into a fight with that knockoff he was sure of it as he started to go away.
''Metal stand in place'' Eggman said annoyed.
At the order the machine stood there motionless, it was obvious he was pushing his creator patience.
''Look Metal I know you are irked about that robot, I was baffled when he even appeared on the first place, but I want you to listen to me very carefully'' his creator said in a neutral tone.
Metal neutral expression continued, his creator knew him better than anyone, he created him and programmed him after all.
He was made to be the one and only Sonic after all.
So for another version of him to be out there, it was something he couldn't accept, he was the one and only Sonic.
The only reason that he hadn't dismantled that pirate knockoff is because his creator hadn't seen the necessity to approach him yet.
But when the right moment came oh he will enjoy sending that copy of his to rust to the bottom of the ocean.
There can be only one Sonic after all.
''I still don't know what is up with all these other versions of you out there, but I want you to remember that you are the only Metal Sonic in existence, someone I cannot replace'' his creator said in a neutral tone.
He wanted to refute that, especially due to the existence of the other models of the metal series.
And yet.
He couldn't, his programming knew it, no matter how many times they had failed in destroying his loathsome copy or even when he went trough his rebellious phase.
His creator had never truly replaced him, he always came back from him.
''Don't worry about these inferior copies my boy, when the right moment comes, heh we will do what it needs to be done, but for now blegh, we need to play nice with the neighbours'' his creator said those last words with disdain.
He just gave a thumbs up and went away once again.
And yet, Metal couldn't help but to go back to his old memory archive.
He cannot be replaced.
Those words lingered on his mind for a good while.
Looking back at all the moments on which his creator could replace him.
And yet.
Stardust Speedway date: XX-X-XXXX
As Metal Sonic fell to the bottoms of Stardust speedway, his system slowly shutting down, he couldn't help but look up as his creator ran pass the barrier towards his base of operations on Metallic Madness.
He had failed, he lost againts that blue rat.
He was supposed to be the fastest thing alive and yet, here he was falling, shutting down, dying.
His creator had put his trust in him and yet he failed him.
He was a failure he deserved this.
Or at least that was what he though.
When his systems flared back to life he was confused, his system was supposed to never again to flare back online and yet. he was functioning, barely, but he was online.
And then he saw his creator, commanding him to come back to certain coordinates on mobius as little plannet was once again close to it.
So he did, it was a difficult journey, but he did.
Then his creator for some reason proceeded to repair him.
He couldn't understand it, he had failed and yet, his creator proceeded to need of him once again.
So he accepted his new mission.
Death Egg MK2. date: XX-X-XXXX
But things didn't go differently this time either, he once again had challenged his loathsome copy to a race aboard the death egg that held prisoner little planet.
With his new body he would defeat this time his loathsome copy.
And yet story repeated itself once again.
He failed, this time something different happened on the other hand.
As a horde of badniks had loaded him into an escape pod and set coordinates into a hidden base from his creator.
Had his creator told them to sent him here? he never knew the answer.
Atomic destroyer date: XX-X-XXXX
This time his creator had managed to get away with one of the chaos emeralds, so he was tasked to make sure the blue nuisance didn't get to his creator and the echidna he managed to capture.
This time he wasn't playing games anymore, this time he was going to kill his loathsome copy.
Only to once again end up in failure.
Yet his creator once again recovered him and repaired him much to his intrigue.
Carnival Island date: XX-X-XXXX
His creator this time was after something different, the chaos and dark rings were a curious thing, even for Metal Sonic.
They set shop within the island after it appeared from the bottom of the sea after the incident with the master emerald.
His loathsome copy was nowhere in sight so they had pretty much free reign to do what they could.
That was until the Chaotix team reached the island.
Composed by Knuckles the Echidna, Vector the crocodile, Charmy Bee, Espio the chameleon and Mighty the armadillo, they proceeded to cause all kinds of trouble for them across the island.
Metal Sonic decided that enough was enough and confronted the team at the central hub of the island.
Only to be defeated as the defense system he was incorporated in was destroyed.
But his creator did the unthinkable, instead of powering up one of his machines with the last dark ring they had, his creator decided to power up Metal Sonic despite his failure.
At that point Metal Sonic couldn't care anymore, he was holding a power he never had before and he would crush those meddlesome creatures once and for all with his Kai form.
And yet the five mobians had managed to defeat him.
All that power and he lost once again.
Egg Fleet date: XX-X-XXXX
He then finally reached the date of his most rebellious phase.
His creator had taken a long while to complete his greatest update, the bio-data scanner, after thinkering with it for so long and the happening of the Chaos and Ark incident, the system that would let him reach his peak was finally installed within him.
After his defeat at the hands of the Chaotix, he knew that he needed to use whatever means he had access to defeat finally those that had caused him so much trouble over the years.
Even if he needed to betray his creator, he would be the overlord that stood on top of everything.
Taking over the badniks horde with his creator bio-data was easy enough.
Then taking the samples of the twelve individuals that stood againts him trough trickery was even easier.
He had finally reached his apex as both Neo Metal as the Metal Overlord.
And yet.
He once again failed, no matter how many times he tried, he continued failing.
Not only that, but this time he had gone a step futher and betrayed the one that still saw utility in him.
After being recovered once again by his creator Metal Sonic expected to be dismantled there in that instant.
And yet, his creator did no such thing.
''I must say, at first I was beyond furious at what you did Metal, to think you would be so ungrateful after all of what I have done for you, all the resources I spent on you, all the years of bringing you back again and again, only for you to betray my trust'' Eggman words echoed with dissapointment.
''And yet, you weren't programmed for it, you somehow went and grew beyond your programming, you always wanted to reach new heights, to finally crush those that opposed us, to finally prove yourself, you took the opportunity to stand atop of the world unmatched, much like I will do once that pincushion is out of the picture'' Eggman said this time with pride.
''I must say my genius surprises me that you even reached this point, but at the same time, it was you who took the opportunity, you who decided what suited you better, trust me, I will patch that rebellious phase out of you, but if there is something I must say right at this moment about you is only one thing'' Eggman words continued echoing within the memory of the machine.
''I am proud of you'' Eggman last words during that day echoed within him as his software was finally updated.
STOP REPRODUCTION OF ARCHIVE.
Despite all the defeats, despite all the humillations, despite everything that he did.
His creator was proud of him.
He had know after that, that his creator would never replace him.
For his creator there would be only one and only Metal Sonic.
And yet that didn't stop his annoyance at his obviously inferior copies.
Especially the one he meet recently.
Metal couldn't delete that first encounter.
It was when he was raiding another camp of those fools called the empire.
He was having a great time making those soldiers fear him.
But just when he tried to continue his fun.
He appeared.
''You know, don't you think you had enough fun already?'' a mocking voice resounded within Metal auditive sensors.
The voice it sounded so much like his loathsome copy, but yet different, for one reason.
It was a robotic voice.
As Metal Sonic let go of human he had grabbed by the neck, he decided to amuse his curiosity and see who had stopped his mission.
He wasn't prepared to see what stood before him.
It was a black metallic visage and with gold lines based on a hedgehog desing, a green gem of uknown origin embed in his chest and green eyes, but also a cocky smile far too resembling that loathsome copy.
''What's the matter cat got your tongue?, then again I doubt you expected to ever see me again'' the uknown robot said to him with a sense of familiarity Metal didn't understand, he had never seen this model before.
And yet it irked him, that it was so similar not only to his loathsome copy, but that it was also similar to him.
''Well, giving you a chance here, you can go away now to whenever egghead is holed up or you can try to continue this little massacre of you and I sent you directly into the scrapyard, your choice'' the mysterious robot said with a direct threat to Metal.
So what did he do?
He charged a spindash at the robot as soon as possible and launched himself at it.
He didn't expect for the robot to react in kind with his own spindash.
As both spindash clashed, both robots were pushed back from the potency of it, at that point Metal was intrigued about this new unit.
But that curiosity soon turned into unfiltered rage.
''So that is how you want to play eh?, well don't say I didn't warn you, it is time I pay you back for last time imitator'' the uknown unit mocked him.
If Metal could blow a fuse without suffering damage to his internal systems he would have done so, it was a thing to copy his loathsome copy design, it was a thing to stop his mission.
But calling him an imitation?
He didn't care anymore, this unit would be sent to the scrapyard personally by him.
And yet when he took another look to the unit, his appareance had changed a little.
The green gem was a blood red now, one of his arms was transformed into a canon and finally, the former green eyes, had transformed into a very familar blood red eyes.
His eyes.
He was a machine, things like existensial dread was something he wasn't programmed to understand.
And yet he couldn't help but feel as if he was looking into a mirror.
A very twisted mirror.
And yet he didn't care, this unit had insulted him on a level only his loathsome copy had done it.
So his priority right now was to crush him.
As the battle raged on Metal didn't care about what time it was.
Destroying this uknown unit was the only thing he cared for at the moment.
Even when the annoying platypus and his ''sister'' had commanded him to come back to base.
They weren't his creator, so he ignored the order.
He didn't notice when the battle was over, but he didn't care, he was battered up a little, with one of his eyes broken and one arm missing.
But his opponent was also just as badly damaged as him, with one leg missing and his left hand totally crushed.
And yet he couldn't be irked more, because the damn faker was still smiling like his loathsome copy.
''Ha, gotta say the doc didn't really do a good job getting you back up considering some of the stuff you are missing, but man you are still one hell of a fighter to get me down to this state, but still not as good as the original, as I told you once, accept no imitations'' the uknown unit mocked him once again.
At that point Metal wanted to end this charade, to put this fool in the scrapyard and melt his remains.
And yet he couldn't do it, as he felt something tugging him trough that platypus portal.
He didn't get to see the reaction of the uknown unit, but what he did get to see was his creator clearly not very amused by his shenanigans.
Metal couldn't help but clutch his hand into a fist.
That entire month had been a mess in general, not only his creator had to spent valuable resources into fixing his little tirade.
But also someone had managed to hack into the Eggnet despite Sage's defenses.
To say the creator wasn't happy in the least would be putting it lightly.
To everyone surprises, the being that managed to do it was of similar nature to that of her ''sister''
It took a while to discover the identities of the ones that had caused so much trouble for them.
But her ''sister'' was hellbent on getting to know in her own words ''that digital fleabag'' so he decided to help her to investigate the identities of the ones that humillated them.
It didn't take them long to discover that the robot unit and the AI belonged to the restoration.
Probably belonging to an alternate timeline much like the creator Egg bosses did.
But both didn't care, Sage had managed to discover the one that managed to get pass her defenses, one Nicole the Holo-Lynx.
On the other hand Metal had discovered the one that irked him so badly.
Shard the Metal Sonic.
Just the though of the name reviled him to no end.
After that both of them had gotten into scuffles here and there with both of them.
Well in the case of his ''sister'' it was a mix of scuffle with the restoration AI, while developing some curiosity over the unit designated as Shard.
But Metal Sonic didn't care.
Whatever his ''sister'' did was up to her, he won't be questioning it.
But he had added a new directive to his objectives.
And that was to dealt with Shard the Metal Sonic permanently.
He will show that cheap knockoff who truly was the original.
After all just a cheap knockoff would truly imitate his loathsome copy.
And yet he cannot stop thinking on why that cheap knockoff is able to pull off so perfectly an imitation of his loathsome copy.
He wonders just what makes that knockoff so close to Sonic the Hedgehog.
And yet uknown to the murder machine, said cheap knockoff was also thinking on his ''imitator''.
''And done, that should be the last joint Shard, why don't you test it out'' Rotor the Walrus said to the robot on the repair table.
As Shard did just that he could tell the repair was perfectly done.
It may not be the quality of Uncle Chuck, but honestly considering the situation is not something be can really whine about.
''Thanks for the repairs Rotor, I really needed that'' Shard thanked the Walrus for making time to do this.
''Anything for a friend really, but still, you should really stop picking fights with that guy Shard, this is the third time you come to my workshop for repairs this month'' Rotor said to the Metal Sonic.
''Yeah, yeah sorry about that, but that guy just ticks me off to no end'' Shard said annoyed when thinking about his well counterpart.
The last thing Shard remembered was being in the middle of an explosion thanks to a self-destruct detonated by one of Eggman lastest variations of his original visage.
He could feel how his gem was mostly cracked in the explosion, he really though that was the end of it.
But then he heard something shatter, the next thing he knew is that he was back online within the so called restoration.
It took him a while to get used to it, but he wasn't going to really throw away this well third leash at life.
Even if he couldn't do much until recently with the kick off of the black arms from Green Hills, when he was back online and fully functional, they warned him inmediatly about the Zeti and what they could do to machinery.
Yeah he wasn't stupid to gamble with that.
His first real mission was to scout the empire territory nearby.
He never expected to find him, of all the things he could find it had to be him.
Seeing Metal Sonic was not a good surprise for him.
It reminded him too much of what the egghead was capable off.
Of what he once was before.
After all that was his original body frame.
As the Metal Sonic went back to his room and sat on a computer to make a report of his latest battle to Jewel, he still had these last months events in mind.
Many were baffled at how the Doctor had decided to reveal himself once again to the world.
Like the man they knew would have never done what he did in the first place.
Still he cannot deny those were some good dance moves.
And yet the massacre at that camp reminded Shard of what Eggman could accomplish if he wanted.
So he fought what at first he though was his impostor.
But after a little digging with the help of Nicole in the restoration archives and egghead database, well he couldn't really call him an impostor anymore.
''So I heard what happened, are you okay Shard?'' a female voice he knew well talked to him from within the computer screen taking him out of his thinking.
After finding themselves in this crazy new world, Nicole and Shard had done everything possible to help each other and find their friends.
There were a lot of people who was still unnacounted for.
And well Nicole was honestly the only one Shard really knew well apart from Larry, so they had stuck together since finding themselves here.
''Yeah, yeah nothing a little welding and oil couldn't really repair'' he lied, Nicole had tried to have this conversation with him for a while now.
But well opening up wasn't exactly a strenght of his.
''Shard come on, we have been over this already, you can talk to me about this'' Nicole pleaded to his friend.
Shard sighed, he knew this was a lost battle already, he had been bottling up this thing for a while now and honestly at least Nicole could understand what he is going trough.
''You want to know? fine, look I know I have been getting into too many fights with that guy, but it is just that I cannot stand him, I just cannot Nicole, like at first I though that guy was just another model egghead made to replace me in the first place'' Shard explained as he told his friend.
''But then, suddenly a portal appears out of nowhere and drags him to what I suppose is egghead base, next time we encounter each other I see he is all repaired up, thinking that the old doctor went and replaced him, again'' Shard continues his tirade as Nicole looks worried at his friend.
''Then our battles continue, we dissasemble each other time and time again, but then I start noticing things, I start noticing that his frame still has minuscule dents, here and there, that his frame is not entirely new, but repaired, that I realize that I have been fighting the exact same guy time and time again and not just a replacement'' Nicole had known Shard for a while now and knew he had trouble still adapting to his new identity and some of those included some touchy subjects for him, like his own past.
''Then I actually get up to speed with history and discover that this guy isn't just some replacement Eggman made, that my frame wasn't used for some cheap mass production badnik, no I learn that somehow a version of me has lasted with the doctor all these years, that instead of being just a quick and done scheme, he actually stuck with me, can you believe it, me being jealous of being under that madman control still instead of having the freedom I have right now'' Shard just put his hands at the air as if he was giving up.
''Shard, I mean, it is not wrong that you want something like that, I know your relationship between Sonic family and you wasn't really the best, without counting your own history with Robotnik'' Nicole said.
''Understament of the year'' Shard said annoyed.
Nicole couldn't blame him, before being put here, the usual reaction to Shard between the freedom fighters and people in general was that of mistrust, someone that they didn't want around, a tool to be used for the secret freedom fighters and a tool without identity for Robotnik.
Even if his situation here was a lot better due to apparently being a lot more of creations that went rogue againts the doctor.
Problems like that don't dissapear just like that.
For Shard it was like a gut punch that even one version of the doctor kept him around even after events like the metal overlord incident that they read.
At first they couldn't really belive it, the doctor simply didn't care for other people or his creations.
At least the one they knew.
And yet that view changed the more Shard encountered his mirror self in this version of Metal.
A future that could had been him if he didn't had a change of heart
And the barrier was completetly demolished when they met Sage.
While the childlike AI had taken an unusual resentment to the Holo-Lynx.
Shard still had a hard time thinking Eggman could actually care for someone so much to call her daughter.
Much less for him to be called brother, that is something he still was getting used to.
And yet something within him felt warm, he still didn't truly know what to make of Sage, but the idea of actually having a family was one he entertained, at least so the little girl didn't go back crying to daddy asking for a carpet bombing.
Shard knew enough that a pissed off doctor was something not to mess with.
Especially after the beatdown that red guy got at his hands.
Before they could continue talking alarms started blaring off.
''What is that, are we under attack?'' Shard asked inmediatly getting ready to combat whatever threat that was coming their way.
Nicole on the other hand just groaned ''Ugh, it is that brat again, someone opened a contaminated email with another one of her viruses and is infecting the entire system''
''Hah looks like she really got it going for you Nicole'' Shard couldn't help but smile a little at her sister shenaningans.
The little kid had pulled stunts like these before already, sending viruses that downloaded and put on the speakers to everyone to hear the music the doctor had sung to reveal himself to green hills.
Something he found amusing, much to Nicole annoyance, the Holo-Lynx normally had to take the rest of the afternoon to get rid of whatever his little sister sent.
It is not like he can do anything about it and it is surely not the fact that Nicole apparently bullied the kid a little in their encounter on the cyber space.
Well this was Nicole area of expertise either way, as both said their goodbyes to each other.
Shard couldn't help but think back to what was pretty much his mirror.
He was happy of being who he was, he was Shard and nothing could ever change that.
And yet part of him couldn't help but to think back at Metal Sonic.
Despite everything, deep down a part of him still wanted more.
To be part of something else, to be part of a family.
He for sure would never go back to work with that Maniac of egg head.
He would rust before that Even happens.
But he cannot help but to call his alternate self a lucky bastard for the fact he was never treated like recyclabe trash.
Truly this new World was strange isn't it?.
As I said the talk of Metal Sonic and Shard got me inspired.
Those two no doubt would be like water and oil.
Like Metal Sonic would no doubt feel offended that there is one than more versión of him out there.
After all the can only be one true Sonic
Reason of why he hates Shard with all his night, not only he would consider him an inferior version
But he would be beyond irked that somehow a cheap knockoff is so similar to his loathsome copy.
Also some more into Metal backstory, like despite everything Eggman continued upgrading and mantaining him after every single defeat and honestly the events of episode Metal happening just after 3 and Knuckles makes a Lot of sense.
As for Shard is the opossite, poor guy has a Lot of trauma to unload, but he is jealous of Metal because despite everything Even pulling a coup on Eggman, he is still wanted around despite everything, unlike Shard who got throw into the bin as soon as his defeats started acumulating.
Either way it is almost 5 AM so hope You guys enjoy this.
The ambient hum of conversations enveloped the coffee shop, a comforting counterpoint to the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle cadence of a jazz melody playing in the background. Nephtys sat in her usual secluded corner, savoring a rare moment of reprieve.
The soft chime of the bell above the door broke through the tranquility, but Nephtys did not look up, she didn't need to. The deliberate rhythm of the intruder's footsteps and the palpable tension in their movements told her all she needed to know. Someone had entered with purpose. The shadow that stretched over her table confirmed it.
"Nephtys," Rotor's gruff voice cut through the ambient noise, his tone heavy with accusation. "We need to talk."
Nephtys lifted her gaze, her golden eyes calm and unperturbed. She gestured to the seat opposite her. "If you must. Though, I should warn you, you're interrupting a rather pleasant break."
Rotor sat down, his imposing frame leaning forward as he fixed her with a stern look. His arms crossed, and the weight of his suspicion bore down on her like a physical force. "You knew all along, didn't you? About Clove and Cassia. About their return to Eggman."
Nephtys arched an eyebrow, her expression unwavering. "You make bold assumptions, Rotor. I knew them as former colleagues and perhaps friendly acquaintances. Their decisions are their own, I've had no contact with Eggman since the Shattering nor with Clove since she and her sister gone missing."
Rotor's fist struck the table, causing her cup to tremble and rattle against the saucer. "Don't play coy with me! Clove's been spotted leading Badnik forces against the Black Arms, and you're expecting me to believe you had no idea? That you've just conveniently washed your hands of all of it?"
Nephtys regarded him coolly, her voice steady. "Believe what you wish. But you'll find no evidence to support your accusations. Clove's path is her own, and mine is no longer intertwined with the Eggman Empire."
Rotor's frustration was palpable, his face flushing with anger. "Do you think the Restoration trusts you? Surveillance on you has doubled since Eggman's announcement. We know you're hiding something."
Nephtys' lips curved into a faint, sardonic smile. "I'm well aware of the Restoration's scrutiny. But tell me, Rotor, why do you insist I'm still in Eggman's service? What makes you so certain?"
Before he could answer, Nephtys leaned forward, her tone sharp, her words measured. "Do you think serving Eggman was ever a choice? Do you think Clove wanted to watch her sister's life reduced to a bargaining chip? Or that I found fulfillment in enforcing his will? We served because we had no alternatives. Even now, you sit here pointing fingers at a convenient scapegoat while the world struggles under the weight of his renewed ambitions."
Rotor faltered, the weight of her words striking a nerve. But Nephtys pressed on, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "You know, In this moment, you remind me so much of your father."
The color drained from Rotor's face. His chair scraped harshly against the floor as he stood abruptly. Without another word, he turned and left, his departure as sudden as his arrival. The bell above the door chimed once more, marking his swfitly exit.
Nephtys exhaled slowly, her hands trembling slightly as she lifted her cup. Rotor's reaction confirmed her suspicions. She had struck a chord, though not without cost. The Restoration's watchful gaze would persist but perhaps Rotor himself would now keep his distance.
Her thoughts turned to Clove and Cassia, to the quiet conversations they once shared during lunch breaks. Clove's decision to return to Eggman's fold was one Nephtys understood all too well. Eggman's reach was inexorable, his influence a looming specter that spared no one.
She set down her cup and watch the rest of the shop.
She had to act swiftly and decisively. The Restoration's surveillance would not protect her from Eggman's inevitable summons. If she delayed, innocents would pay the price for her hesitation. Returning to his service on her terms was the only way to minimize collateral damage.
Nephtys rose, pulling her cloak tightly around her shoulders and make her way to her apartment and start making plans.
Outside the sky darkened, heavy with the promise of rain. A fitting prelude to the trials that lay ahead. She would meet what was coming head on and endure.
Wonder how our favorite Vulture is doing ever since Eggman's announcement and since Rotor is now confirmed part of the Restoration thanks to a interlude, and I was thinking he may be the one from the Post-SGW version.
Post-SGW!Rotor is more aggressive and pragmatical member of the Freedom Fighters than his Pre-SGW counterpart and more importantly his father is one of the Egg Bosses, more specifically Tundra, and suffice to say he hate him for all the abuse he has to endure on his hands.
Nephtys was being a bit cruel but Rotor did push a button of hers. No she does not know the whole history only that must be something bad for a son and father end up in opposite sides to make a educate guess.
Still Rotor not for a moment would buy Clove and Nepthys amnesty, so he kinda keep a eye on them in a unofficial capacity.
Battle for the Ages: Very Angry Red Man vs 300 IQ Genius-Part 3: His World (Round 1 Results/ Round 2)
The two of you stood there for a moment, as is the time honored tradition in these sorts of things. Your minions tools their positions as they readied themselves for battle against your stolen works of genius as the two towering titans appraised one another.
"Gigantification," you muse, a mocking lilt to your tone. "Funny how so many foes believe that to be the answer when it comes to a fight like this. But in the end, well, the only reason they feel that they have to is because they're so small, they're beneath my notice."
The DARC-EGG-ROBOT unleashed a barrage of missiles at the crimson alien as you laugh in his face, the speaker systems making sure that he can hear every belly laugh.
As they make impact a screen of dust and debris rises, obscuring the Zeti that had taken a full salvo of your genius-
"You talk too much."
You're thrown bodily around the cockpit at the force of the impact, scrambling back up, the camera feeds show that Zavok has changed into the DARC-EGG-ROBOT and both of his claws have gripped onto either side of your mech's head, his maw glowing a worrying orange.
"Oh my gears and starters."
The heat of Zavok's flame breath bleeds through the cockpit as the DARC-EGG-ROBOT screams in protest, awash with flame, metal warping under the savage aliens blast, sensors warning of damage throughout the entire mech.
Hurriedly righting yourself, you activate the rocket boosters, pulling yourself free of the alien menace's grip, but the damage to your mech is clear as day as you land back on the ground.
"That's all you are, Eggman." The Zeti growls as he stomps forward, the ground shaking beneath his steps. "A man in a tin can who loves to talk."
"Now it's time to shut your mouth and DIE!"
'Seems like the boss has the Kaiju completely in hand,' Canaan muses to herself as she leaps back from the strange silver robot launching an extendable arm at her, the force of it blasting apart the rocks she had been using as cover and convincing her she had made the right move to dodge.
Negligently she points Maria at the shoulder of the robot as it retracts and fires, the comforting recoil she so easily maneuvered into momentum, not needing to watch as she hits her mark and instead rolling to take position where she can get a clear shot on the rampaging alien.
She really doesn't have that strong of an opinion on her current boss, though the equipment was of very high quality and he was good enough to let her name her new babies, but you do need to protect the paycheck after all.
Zavok's emotions swirled around him in a tornado, nothing subtle or hidden about the Hate and Anger he felt towards the doctor. Canaan can even see some of it literally mixing in with the flames that dripped from his maw, his hatred almost a physical manifestation.
But while the rage might be empowering him, it just made a target for her shot as she let out a breath and pulled the trigger.
A massive hand covered his eye as Zavok roared in pain, Canaan's shot landing a bullseye on the lens of the Zeti's massive eye.
She allowed herself a smirk and was going to move when another set of emotions flaring briefly drew her attention.
Piastol, scythe spinning through the air as her hound wreathes the two of them in an empowering magic, focuses on the garnet goliath. A glowing silver energy has formed in her hand and even as she brings the scythe to a halt, she thrusts forward.
The light solidifies into a streaking silver missile, the crystal aimed true as it strikes Zavok squarely in the chest, shattering on impact, but the silver light sinking into the titan as he roared in pain.
Well, he felt that one.
Giving the sorceress a quick nod, the two of you rejoin the battle against the mechanical threats.
Hopefully the doctor is one to hand out bonuses for a job well done OR for saving his bacon against a kaiju.
Clove was very glad that Cassia had seen reason and not joined in on this madness. It seemed like she had to take care of another teenager with a deathwish anyway.
Tackling the cat out of the way of an incoming extendo-arm, the two of them rolled through the dust and Clove could feel the smaller woman wrestling to be free of her grip.
"If you run straight into Zavok you'll not only not accomplish anything, you'll be dead!" She yells even as Honey hisses at her.
"I don't care! He took everything I made and burned it all away!" The cat yells, throwing a punch at Clove's kidneys that the Pronghorn barely manages to block.
"No he didn't!" She shakes the spitting mad cat. "You're still here! The world is still here! If you don't get it together he won't have to take anything else from you, you'll throw it in the fire yourself!"
The tears steaming from Honey's face don't stop, but the attempts to hit Clove in the vitals do as her arms go slack.
"I'm not saying don't get your revenge," Clove pulls her to her feet and hands her a small Egg Gun that she had brought as a hold out. "I am saying work with us to make sure it happens. Don't just run in at him, if he took from you, how about you help us take away all of his stolen toys and then put him down for good?"
The cat's hands wrap around the small gun as she looks Clove in the eyes and nods.
"Okay… okay." She nods to herself and looks to the Pronghorn with a fire in her eyes. "What's the plan then?"
As Clove watches Conquering Storm leap from a cloud of smoke and dust, only to bounce off the glowing Black Shield surrounding Metal Sonic she only really has one answer.
"I'll get back to you on that."
She was the Conquering Storm and she would not be denied!
The emperor had assigned her and the lesser subordinates to regain control of his greatest creation and none would stop her, especially not the metallic doppelganger itself!
"Piastol!" You called to the sorceress, only to see the blue light already surrounding her. A vicious grin crosses Storm's face as she draws her kunai.
"The vicious tides of water find you wanting," the mage intones even as the metallic doppelganger tries some of its own stolen magics to no effect. "Be torn and sundered by the waves, Wevles!"
The blades of water strike at the same moment Storm sinks her kunai into the joints of the elbow and leg, the water piercing on the other side as the robot sparks and Metal screeches, its eyes glaring a hateful red at you before the display goes dark and the body crumples to ground.
Storm stands and places a boot on the defeated foe, taking in the rest of the battlefield.
"The silver sonic still stands," she notes, watching as the machine attacks the Egg Boss and the foolish civilian with little effect. "But we may need to focus our efforts on-"
"On the giant alien monster currently kicking the ever loving shit out of the meal ticket?" Piastol interupts her, Storm grating her teeth at the blase tone and impudence. "Yeah we're gonna need to jump in there probably, but I don't intend to get stepped on by a kaiju. You got any ideas?"
Conquering Storm breathes in and centers herself, letting the anger at the mage's arrogance pass. For now.
"I believe I may have an idea…"
Eggman 2AP (2 HP)
(2 AP) "Tactically Advance in the other direction"
You might have…miscalculated a little…well no matter! Your Genius will give you the answer to this conundrum! Just… need to get some space and plan a strategy!
(Eggman uses all the fuel of his jetpack to gain distance and separate from Zavok, forcing the alien to use his round to chase Eggman or not be able to attack him this round).
(1 Ap) Rock and Roll!
There is no retreat! If mocking didn't work, then music shall be the answer! Bust that Zeti's eardrums! Let your beautiful voice be heard!
(All nearby Units that act near the DARC-EGG-ROBOT receive a malus of -10 to their actions.)
(1 AP) Focus Fire on the eye.
Zavok's eye is deeply hurt, most likely that is to the work of one of your minions. You see a chance here! Prioritize that eye and hopefully damage him further!
(Contested power check against Zavok, attacking at a distance, +10 bonus, 3 uses left)
(2 AP) Duke it out!
How dare he! Damaging your robot and mocking you?! That's it! If he doesn't appreciate banter then you will show him what happens when you get serious!
(Contested Power Roll with advantage against Zavok)
(1 Ap) Keep mobile while attacking!
You need to get the initiative back, but at the same time, the mech is too hurt to take more hits like those, use the jetpack to move around the battlefield and attack!
(All enemies get a -10 when attacking the DARC EGG ROBOT during this round)
Clove 2AP (4 HP)
(1 AP) Finish with Silver Sonic.
While assisting Eggman would be the priority, making sure Silver Sonic can not run interference on your plans is more important. Chop that tin can into pieces!
(Contested power roll against Silver Sonic.)
(2 AP) Focus on the other eye.
Seems like the mercenary Canaan had a bright idea, Zavok's eres are a weakness you can exploit. While you can fly there, you will be like a fly to Zavok, making it easy for him to knock you out. You need to be careful.
(Contested Power Roll with disadvantage against Zavok, If successful, cause further malus on him.)
(1 AP) Get airborne!
Right now, on the ground, you are an easy target for Silver Sonic and Zavok, use Death's flight and get some extra mobility.
(All attacks against Clove receive a Malus this turn of -10)
(1 Ap) Coordínate with the others.
You need a plan and fast, before Zavok destroys the Mech and possibly kills Eggman. You can possibly come up with a plan, but will need the assistance of the others.
(Reach out to another Hero unit no next turn to act together for their next action.)
Conquering Storm 2AP (4HP)
(1 AP): Kunai Storm against Silver Sonic
Unleash a barrage of kunai against the Master Robot to deal with the problem and stop it from harrying you or your allies any more than it already has.
(Contested Combat Roll against Silver Sonic)
(2 AP) Ninja Tripwire Technique
The saying "the bigger they are the harder they fall" is true no matter how big the enemy truly is, but this may be stretching the saying to breaking point. However if you can manage to bring the Zeti to the ground, that is quite the advantage.
(Conquering Storm makes a Trickery check contested by a Power check by Zavok. If Storm succeeds, Zavok is brought to the ground, giving all of his attack rolls -10 for the turn and attacks against him +10.)
(1 AP) Scale The Beast
This is not even the largest foe that you have ever fought and you know that to truly deal damage to such a creature, you must be as close as possible. Scale the crimson creature so that you can actually deal damage to it.
(Conquering Storm rolls a contested Trickery check against Zavok. If she succeeds she climbs onto his back and can take the Backstab or Blinding Powder actions. If Zavok takes heavy damage, there is a chance she receives damage as well.]
(1 AP) Backstab
While the hide may be tough, that does not mean you cannot carve into it! The Storm does not down a dragon in a single blow, but a thousand cuts to bleed it dry.
(Contested Power Roll against Zavok which if Storm fails, Zavok manages to dislodge her.)
(1 AP) Blinding Powder
Not one of your usual tricks, but the mercenary had a decent idea. Climb further and unleash a cloud of irritating powder into the undamaged eye of the monstrous creature and blind the raging beast.
(Conquering Storm makes a Trickery check contested by a Power check by Zavok. If she succeeds, Zavok suffers an additional malus due to the powder. If she fails, Zavok manages to dislodge her.
Piastol 2AP (5 HP)
(1 AP) Bring In The Harvest
The reaper comes to collect the harvest, be it machine or alien, the angel of death comes for them all!
(Piastol makes a Contested Power roll against the target, moving in close to the enemy to attack.)
(1 AP) Cast Wevles on Silver Sonic (Pick one)
If your enemies are fast, then you need to hit it with your largest, fastest spell until it goes down. Or stops, whatever gets you paid. (Piastol summons a cutting tornado around one of the robots. Contested power roll, attack will be from a distance.)
(1 AP) Cast Eterni on Zavok
This monster looks tough, but you bet it hasn't been hit in the soul before. Time to fix that. (Piastol fires crystals that slice the body and rattle the soul. Contested power roll. Less effect on robots) (WARNING, NOT AN INSTANT DEATH EFFECT)
(2 AP) Tempest Dance
A whirlwind of death is what you will become, tearing through the foes in front of you to bring an end to this. This is an all or nothing maneuver through.
(Contested Power roll with a +10 bonus that deals two damage on a success. Piastol suffers a -10 malus on her next turn.)
(2 AP) Bite and Blade
Command Death hound to lock a foe in place so you can strike them down!
(Contested Power roll for Death hound to latch onto an enemy and drain their stamina, allowing piastol to go nuts with a second power roll. Works best on biological opponents)
(1 AP) ...Or Just Bite?
Dragging around a ferlith would slow anyone down, including robots.
(Contested Power roll, Piastol commands Death Hound to help restrain a robot. Piastol will not use Wevles on a target death hound is biting, but can use eterni on them)
Death Hound: During Combat Encounters Piastol will always have access to one of the following actions for 0 Action Points per turn unless explicitly stated otherwise.
->Incremus (0 AP): Deathhound wreaths another in flame, adding a +10 to another's roll. The other person's buff will last for that round. He cannot target Piastol or himself, because he already does by default.(Choose target of the buff, need to be within range of Deathound)
->Noxi (0 AP): Roll 1d100+10 (1/2 Piastol's mystic) with an opponent's Power as the dc. Pass applies -5?for the round, if crit, the debuff last 2 rounds. Casting noxi within the timespan if another noxi lowers the dc to an opponent's Power by -5. If the new noxi timer is lower than the current noxi timer, use the old noxi timer. Noxi cannot stack.
->Sacremus (0 AP): Deathhound heals an organic Hero Unit for 1 hp. Requires 1 round to recharge.
Canaan 2AP (3 HP)
(1 Ap) Further punish his eye!
Your shot might have put his eye out of commission for now, but you don't expect it to have done permanent damage. Time to fix that.
(Contested Power Roll against Zavok, if successful, chances to increase the malus and its duration)
(1 AP) Aim for the other eye.
One eye down, one more to go, if the big guy is blind, all that rage and anger won't do anything.
(Contested Power Roll against Zavok, chances to inflict malus to him)
(2 AP) Reposition now!
That big kaiju can easily squash you if not careful. If he stomps you it's guaranteed to make a pancake out of you, better hide fast.
(Contested Trickery Check against Zavok and Silver Sonic, If successful, she won't be targeted by attacks)
(1 AP) Deal with the weird Silver robot.
You ought to put that thing out of comission now so you and the others can focus on Big Red over there, a few more shots should do the trick.
(Contested Power Roll against Silver Sonic)
Honey 2AP (3 HP)
(1 AP) Attack the Sonic look alike!
If you can't hit Zavok, then you will focus on breaking his bot!
(Contested Power Roll against Silver Sonic)
(2 AP) Employ Your Cat instincts!
Right now, making sure you don't get taken out before getting your revenge is the priority, find an opportunity to counterattack soon!
(Honey will stay on guard and If anyone attacks her, she rolls with advantage to counter attack them!)
(1 AP) Distract Zavok!
You know If that big robot goes down you will be in trouble, so let's see if the big guy can get distracted for a bit!
(Contested Heart check against Zavok. If successful, he Rol s with a -10 this turn)
(2 AP) Climb the giant!
Even If what that lady said is true, you still will not rest until Zavok gets what he deserves! Even If you have to climb and scratch his eyeballs out you will!
(Honey does a Trickery Contested Roll against Zavok Power Roll. If successful, Honey takes the Attack Zavok Action with Advantage)
(1 AP) Attack Zavok!
You don't want to throw your life away, but right here, right now, you have a chance to make him Pay for what he did! Time for all those hours of practice to pay off!)
(Contested Power Roll with disadvantage against Zavok)
Open Fire
Eggman: 28 + 35 (Power) + 10 (Missile Bonus) + 10 (Incremus) = 73
Zavok: 100 + ???
Zavok: 99 + ???
Zavok Total = 256
Zavok Natural Critical Success
The DARC-EGG-ROBOT takes THREE damage and is down to two hp.
Clove: Reach Out To The New Individual
Heart check DC 60: 59 + 31 = 90
Success!
Honey is listening to Clove and will be commendable next turn.
Conquering Storm
Ninja Art - Smoke Bomb
No Roll Required
Ninja Hacking
Storm
91 + 22 (Storm's Martial) + 14 (Ninjutsu Specialist) + 10 (Smoke bomb) = 137
Metal
19 + 35 = 54
Critical Success for Storm!
BLACK SHIELD NEGATION
Minor Success for Metal Sonic
No damage either way.
Piastol
Cast Wevles on Metal Sonic
Piastol
45 + 22 (Piastol's Power) + 10 (White Dwarf) + 10 (Death Hound) = 87
Metal
36 + 35 = 71
Piastol Success!
Metal Sonic is down to one hp.
Cast Eterni on Zavok
Piastol
71 + 22 + 10 + 10 = 113
Zavok
??? + ??? = 70
Piastol Success!
Zavok takes one damage and has ??? hp left.
Canaan
Attack Zavok!
Canaan
44 + 28 (Canaan's Power) + 5 (Expert Sharpshooter) + 5 (Synesthesia) + 15 (The Maria) = 97
Zavok
??? + ??? = 50
Canaan Success!
Zavok has -10 to his attack rolls for 1d3 rounds!
1d3 = 3
Deal With The Weird Silver Robot
Canaan
45 + 28 + 5 = 78
Silver Sonic
??? + ??? = 58
Canaan Success!
Silver Sonic takes one damage and has ??? hp left.
Metal Sonic
Attack The Mage
Metal
9 + 35 = 44
Piastol
46 + 42 = 88
Critical Failure!
Attack The Ninja
Metal
3 + 35 = 38
Storm
80 + 36 = 116
Critical Failure!
Storm and Piastol bring Metal to 0hp! Metal is out of the fight!
Silver Sonic
Destroy The Pronghorn
Silver
??? + ??? = 65
Clove
88 + 24 + 10 = 122
Failure!
You rubbed your head. Ugh. This… was a setback. But a completely minor one, in the grand scheme of things! What were you going to do? Lose? To Zavok? Not in a million years!
You glare at the smug alien, who grinned back despite his injuries. Bah. He wouldn't be grinning for long.
"Hey! You ugly Jerk! Down here!"
That voice distracted Zavok as he growled, looking to see that cat from earlier.
You know… now that you got a closer look, this cat seemed familiar-
Shattered Memories Triggers!
DC: 55
Roll: 60
He remembers!
Not again! Memories flood in, memories that feel like they're in the past, but also not? You're in a mech, fighting this mysterious cat and Sonic's posse in an arena…
You were Dr. Robotnik (you would never embrace the name Eggman!!)! You blink. You look around the battlefield
You stare at the giant Kaiju in front of you.
"...Nope." You decide this isn't worth it. The other guy can deal with his if he is so keen to get into a fight with a freaking Kaiju!!!
You were Conquering Storm, proud eggboss of Yurashia, and you have a master plan, as your Lord and Zavok battled, you were able to sneak ahead and began preparing one of the most basic but useful traps there have ever been invented.
The tripwire will need to be sturdy enough to not break against this brute, but you trust in your equipment.
Ahh, he is coming this way, getting ready to engage again with your Lord! Just a few more steps and…
Hey! You ugly Jerk! Down here!" An annoying and shrill voice comes from far away, to the right of Zavok.
It was that cat mobian that rushed foolishly into the battlefield, you would nod at someone showing such warrior spirit…when it was not interfering with your strategy!
"Get back to normal size and fight me!" The cat shouts out as she waves her arms in a "Threatening" manner.
"You dare interfere in this battle?" Zavok growls, his deep voice easily reverberating all over the battlefield, his remaining unhurt eye glaring at her in annoyance. "After I'm done with Eggman, I shall squash you like the bug you are." He threatens the girl, as he resumes his walk, yes, just like-
"I'm not scared of you! You and your lackeys already tried that! they failed!" She shouts back as she points a finger at him. "I heard the stories! You let Eggman walk all over you, then you lose to Sonic like all do!" At that, Zavok stops walking and slowly turns to growl at the Cat, who is unfazed and continues talking.
"You are just bullies! Losers with no fashion style that can't do anything but pick on the people who can't fight back! but when you meet someone who can, you run with your tail between your legs!"
"ENOUGH!" Zavok roars, flames escaping from his mouth. "I did not come here to be mocked by an insignificant creature!" As Zavok looks prepared to unleash more of those flames he used against your lord's mech, you start to panic, you need to get to safety before…
Just then, the voice of your lord resounds from the Mech!
"Dropping your guard now, eh? Take a load of this!"
You return to reality, shaking your head as you wake up from…whatever that was, Zavok having been too distracted to take advantage of your little episode.
Seeing as the guy was more focused with attacking that Honey girl, you couldn't resist!
"Dropping your guard now, eh? Take a load of this!" You shout as you lock the cannon from the DARC-EGG-ROBOT, aiming them at a particular spot.
Your aim rings true and Zavok damaged eye receives a nice payload, courtesy of Isara's ragnite based ammunition, making the Zeti roar in pain as he covers his eye.
Just then, you notice your minions nlt letting this opportunity go unwasted as another energy shot goes towards Zavok's face, but the Zeti is quick to protect his face, understanding that his eyes are your focus now.
But that leaves him completely open for the Pirate hunter to use another of those silver missiles of hers, striking Zavok square in the chest, making him roar once again in pain as he stumbles back, losing his balance as he falls to the ground, making a satisfactory sound.
"Wahahahahaha!" You laugh nice and loud, for everyone to hear. "Who was the one that talks too much Zavok?! Was it me? ¡Was it!?" You mock him, throwing his words back at him.
That will teach him! You're the one and only Eggman! Soon enough you will get your Empire back!
You were Clove the Pronghorn, and as you rushed towards Silver Sonic, you and everyone else heard loud and clear Eggman's laughter. That's so like him, gloat after the tables turn to his favor just like that.
No matter, you had a job to do, and as you quickly evaded the springy arm of the badnik, you dashed towards the Silver imitation of the Hedgehog, and brought down your scythe, separating one of the limbs from it, making it release a cloud of sparks, the damage accumulated being too severe.
But then, the Badnik's visor turn blood red and he looks right at you, as his remaining arm rears for another attack, you prepare to dodge once again-
And it turns out it wasn't needed, as a second later, Silver Sonic's head explodes, and the rest of his metallic body falls uselessly in the ground.
You turn your head to stare at that Mercenary raising that gun that Eggman Made for her and you quickly fly towards her.
"So… how has been your day?" She asks cooly, as she takes a moment to look at you before focusing again, on the clash between Eggman and Zavok.
"Same as always, unfortunately. Stopping teenagers with a deathwish from throwing their lives away, doing the bidding from my evil and crazy boss, nothing new." You cant help but comment as you watch the Mech take step after step towards Zavok, who seems to be reverting back to his original size, whatever he used to grow to Giant form seemed to have run its course.
"I think I can relate to one of those." Canaan replies as she lowers her weapon, but doesnt put it away. "You think this is gonna last much longer?"
"Maybe until Eggman finishes gloating to Zavok, he needs to get that out of his system, knowing him." You say as you cross your arms, even if this Eggman wasn't the monster she worked for before, they shared too many similarities for your liking.
"Figures, at least the Boss will be satisfied for-" You watch as her eyes widen, glowing red, and you are caught off guard as she suddenly throws herself at you, tackling you backwards.
"What are you-" You shout before an explosion appears just right were both of you were standing a second ago.
"I think this might take longer than expected." You hear her comment as you stare up, watching the horde of Buzz Bombers and Fire Breaths descended towards you, appearing out nowhere.
You don't say anything else, brandishing your scythe as you prepare to deal with the new arrivals.
You laugh as you see the sudden development, of course you expected this! Once Zavok showed before that he had developed some sort of stealth technology, it was obvious he was gonna use it again to hide reinforcements. Such an obvious and simple move!
"Is this all that you Zeti can do?" You gloat as you watch Zavok begin crawling away pathetically towards the Blowfish that landed a few steps away from him, your robot easily destroying the waves of Buzz Bombers and Fire Breaths coming towards you. "What was that about being a man on a tin can? You pathetic excuse of a conqueror?!"
Eventually, the ammunition stored in the DARC-EGG-ROBOT is depleted, having laid waste to your badniks, no matter, you will always be able to make thousands of them later!
"It was you who said I wasn't a conqueror, but look at you! Taking over my grand inventions! Squandering my resources against pitiful opponents! Crawling away like a worm!" You sneer as anger starts to creep in your voice. "You Zeti are no warriors! Just parasites that can't help but take and waste stuff from your betters!!!"
You know he can hear you, and that each word you mutter incenses him further and further, but there seems to be a brain still working as he doesn't answer any of your words, instead entering the Blowfish as it takes flight, getting him out from the Battlefield.
"Run away and lick your wounds!" You open the Cockpit as you continue shouting. "Make as many badniks as you want, as many plans as you wish! I'm coming for you! I will take back what is mine, and then I will show you a true conqueror!"
"For I am Eggman! The future ruler of this world! Hahahahahahahaha!" You finish as you back in the glory of complete and overwhelming victory! See that Starline, that's how Eggman does-
As you finish gloating, you feel everything on the battlefield go quiet, inexplicably, unable to come up with an explanation. On the wind, you can barely hear three names.
Smithy Thunk.
Slinger Thunk.
Claire Thunk.
As the wind whispers those names to you, you feel a pain on your chest, you slowly touch your chest, your hand pulling away bloody. and the you collapse into the cockpit of your mech, the protective covering closing again as you fall.
And Everything goes to black.
Qm note.
Raid has ended, congratulations on fending off Zavok's attack! Hope you guys enjoyed the new battle system, please give us a review of how you felt it worked.
And yeah, you have a wolf roaming your lands, expect her to cause a few more issues until you can deal with her.
It's funny how she choose to infiltrate the Black Arms territory as you invaded it right?
You have obtained 250 Metal and the remains of Silver Sonic.
Dont worry about Metal, he will be up and ready for next tuen with his new traits, no need to waste an action fixing him.
And you have unlocked The memories from Eggman from sonic the fighters game.
You have obtained:
Action to build the Death Egg II Unlocked
Action to build the The E-Mech Unlocked
And a machine to create Mirror Fighters Unlocked!
Also Honey will be joining you as long as you promise to kick Zavok in the butt in the following turns as well as fix her shop!
Zavok has reached the damage threshold, Gigantification is over! Zavok is debuffed until he manages to obtain some rest.
Combat Over!
Wait…what's this?
Turn 3 Rivals Report!
Whisper Action: Infiltrate Black Arms-Sorry Eggman Empire Territory
Dc 100/140 (Dc reduced thanks to the current invasion from Clove!)
Result: 76+25(Whisper Trickery)=101
Bare Success!
Whisper has infiltrated your new territory.
Now…
**Whisper to JFK Eggman**: 1d100 (46) + 27(Whisper Power Roll) + 20(???) + 10(???)+ 10(???)
**Total**: 113
**With advantage For successful Deep Infiltration**: 1d100 (73) + 27(Whisper Power) + 20(???) + 10(???) + 10(???)
**Total**: 140
Eggman's Power Roll
**Result**: 1d100 (66) + 18(Eggman Power) + 5 (Egg Gun)
**Total**: 89
Success! Whisper managed to get some payback!!!
Honey The Cat
Power: 14 (Trained in a style of fighting that relies more on speed and trickery, if a foe manages to land a blow against her she isn't the most durable.)
Heart: 22 (Honey does seem to understand what others want, it is what has allowed her to get so far in the fashion world.)
Logistics: 21 (The girl ran a multinational fashion company that did clothing and accessories while at the same time being the lead designer AND networked for the entire company. She at least is willing to put in the time and effort.)
Trickery: 19 (The art of Shadow Sneak allows the girl to be surprisingly slippery, leaving behind after images and moving incredibly quickly.)
Brain: 14 (Well versed in the fashion world and an accomplished business woman, but by no means a researcher or a scientist.)
Mystic: 7 (Was actually entrusted with the guardianship of one of the chaos emeralds in her home world, she knows the touch of mystic power.)
Loyalty: -15
Traits:
Diva Deva: Starting from the ground up and managing to get a queen to be the main model for her line of clothing, Honey knows a thing or two about fashion. (Honey adds +15 to all rolls that involve fashion and clothing design.)
Shadow Sneak: An obscure art of combat, Honey uses incredible bursts of speed and misdirection to take opponents off guard. (Honey adds half her Trickery rounded down to her Power rolls.)
Conflicted: The girl was a fashion magnet and a "hero" in her world, apparently directly opposing me on several occasions. She appears to be having issues getting past that. (Honey's loyalty starts at -15 and receives halved loyalty gain until Eggman can give her a serious fashion related project or her loyalty increases to 30.)
You were Belle the Tinkerer, and you were feeling conflicted.
Despite everything, despite how things began, your time with Dr. Eggman had been… not entirely unpleasant.
It had certainly been interesting at least.
You made new friends. So that was nice. Canaan was a bit reserved, but she seemed to appreciate your promise and you talked sometimes. Clove was usually focused on making sure Cassia was ok, but she seemed to regard you with kindness, with a side of pity. You guess you can't blame her, this was a weird situation.
And then there was your siblings fellow machines.
Orbot and Cubot were the most palpable. They seemed close, but they never made you feel like a third wheel, which you appreciated. They weren't the sharpest tools in the shed, but they were dedicated and Orbot had his moments of insight you had found nice to listen to.
Metal… You liked to think he was less cold than he came off as. You pretended not to for the sake of his pride, but you had caught him playing with the maracas you gave him once or twice. And in general, as much as He scared you, he seemed to not go out of his way to tell you to buzz off, which probably meant something. Maybe that was wishful thinking.
And then… there was Sage.
Sage was quiet for the most part, and that fierce protectiveness of her father made you feel... nostalgic (your heart ached), but she could light up when she talked to them. Belle couldn't help but find her nice to be around, she seemed genuinely interested in having a connection. You… could have fostered that a bit more. You hoped she understood it was nothing personal. You just… had a lot to think about.
Speaking of… maybe you should write all this down instead of just thinking it… Papa would love to hear-
"Sister!" A voice suddenly piped up. You yelped and fell over, surprised.
"Aw sawdust…" you muttered.
"Oh. Apologies. I did not mean to startle you." Sage said. You sigh and get up.
"It's fine, Sage. Does the doctor need something…?" You ask, a tad nervously. It had panned out so far, but you weren't exactly excited to go to another person who might kill you.
"Do not fret, sister. I am instead here to invite you to family game night. I would have made a card, but I lack the ability to do so." Sage explained, smiling. You rubbed your neck.
"I.. thank you, Sage. But I dunno if I can make it…" You start. You're flattered, you really are, but you don't know if you're up for it.
"But… It won't be the same without you. Please come? You are a creation of father too, and that makes us family. We cannot have family game night without everyone present." Sage asked, sounding genuinely sad. You look at the letter you were about to write and sigh.
Maybe this will be an interesting experience to tell papa about…
"Ok. I'll be there." You conceded.
"Excellent! I will tell Cubot to play his best music selection!" Sage beamed and put her hands together excitedly. It was such a a cute display you can't help but smile yourself despite your doubts.
Xxx
"I swear, you must be cheating!"
"Stop being a sore loser, Orbot!"
"I am not trying to be, Cubot, I just doubt the likelihood of you doing this well so many times In a row!"
That was the conversation you were currently listening to. You were currently playing some dice game (Yitzee or something). Everyone (except you, partially because you didn't know this would be the case and partially because you didn't have one to bring anyways) had brought their own game to play. Even Metal had brought something called Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Badniks. You were kinda surprised he came along, though he was standing in the corner rather than joining in.
As Orbot and Cubot continued to bicker, Sage, in a Motobug again currently, looked over at Metal.
"Are you sure you do not wish to participate, brother?* She inquired. Metal just stared.
"Alright. If you change your mind, do let us know." Sage nodded. She sounded a little disappointed, and you gave her a little pat without thinking about it. She made a happy little noise and you smiled.
"I think we should play something else before Orbot blows a gasket." Cubot suggested. Orbot grumbled in uncharacteristic open annoyance.
"Ah, don't worry, Orbot. You'll get him next time." You offered words of cheer. Orbot just hummed a little, though you get the feeling from how he quit grumbling he appreciated it.
"I believe it is time for Eggopoly. Do not feel bad if I win, I even beat Father!" Sage nodded, bringing out a board game.
Xxx
"What!? How!? You HAVE to be cheating, sister!" Sage insisted.
"I'm not!" You insisted right back.
"Who's salty about cheating now?" Orbot quipped, a teasing tone in his voice.
To your surprise, you were absolutely dominating at this Eggopoly game. You didn't want to jump to conclusions, but you get the feeling Eggman let Sage win, because she was honestly kind of bad at it.
"Statistically, it's near impossible for me to land on the jail space as many times as I have!" Sage insisted.
Metal wagged his finger, clearly trying to express his mocking disapproval of Sage.
"Et tu, brute?" She pouted.
"Aw man, we broke her, she's speaking German!" Cubot gasped. That was the straw that broke the camel's back for you to realize how utterly ridiculous this situation was. Despite your best efforts, you broke into giggles. Thankfully, Sage couldn't stay mad at seeing you be so seemingly happy as she joined in, Orbot and Cubot quick to follow. Even Metal tilted his head rather than a harsher gesture, so you chose to believe he was amused too.
"This is crazy… I never expected this to be Where my life went.." You sigh once you all calm down.
"Life rarely goes how you expect it to. Do you think the boss expected to be in this situation?" Orbot pointed out with a little nod.
"... That's pretty insightful, Orbot." You mused with a little smile.
"Father will turn around this disadvantage soon. He is too brilliant to be held back." Sage confidently stated. Orbot and Cubot looked between each other knowingly before voicing their agreement. Even Metal gave a thumbs up.
Belle hid her frown. They all had so much confidence in their father, such strong loyalty and love for him in varying degrees…
She missed her dad.
You were distracted when Sage faked a Motobug body malfunction to try and switch your property cards, which you easily and playfully stopped.
Xxx
After game night, you returned to your room. You looked over to your blank letter. You give a tired little smile as you begin writing.
(Well papa, everything has been.... Weird.
I have some… new friends. We're not as close as one thinks but… I still like them, alot more than I was expecting to.
I think you would like them too, or at least find them neat.
I have been very helpful! Just like you! Though this helping has been... scary, to put it mildly. But I want to be just like you, helping even if there's no benefit, even if it's hard.
And my new boss… he doesn't make it as hard as I expected.
In short, things are weird, like I said earlier.
But maybe.. maybe that's not so bad. You always said weird things are usually just things people didn't take the time to understand. But I am starting to get it. And I guess.. I guess things change, huh?
I love you, papa.
Signed, Belle)
You finish up the letter and tuck it away safely in a box. You would probably write more later.
Just as you are about to rest, there's a knock on the door. When you go to open it, you see a Motobug Zipping away. You look down and see a crudely drawn picture of you, Orbot, Cubot, Sage and Metal holding hands under a rainbow.
…You put that picture in the same box for safekeeping.
(NOTE: Unlike a lot of my personal projects, This Interlude is in a pseudo canon state. Whether it's canon or not is up to the other Co-QMs, so time will tell what happens, but hope you enjoy either way!)
Jailhouse (Yellow and) Blues!
You were Thunderbolt the Chinchilla, and you were pretty upset.
Actually, that was the understatement of the century! Those brutes had no right to hold you here! What, was it now a crime to speak your mind and praise someone worthy of it!? Fascists, the lot of them!
You sulked in the cafeteria, playing with your food. You had just been let out of solitary confinement after another escape attempt. Those fools would be crushed under Lord Eggman's heel, but for now they were getting wise to any attempt to escape you made.
"Hey. You're in my seat." A voice gruffly stated. You growl.
"I don't see your name on it, Smalls."
The large purple cat with an eye scar snorted.
"Really? We're going to do this again? Honestly, it's starting to not even be fun anymore, you little loser."
"You're the loser, you peabrain! When Lord Eggman-!" You began. The tray connecting with your face kind of interrupted your grand speech.
"Eggman this, Eggman that. It's sad really. You keep hyping this guy up. Where is he then, hmmm? I think it's just pathetic you rely on someone who is never coming because you know you can't handle yourself." Smalls tsk'ed in mock pity. You howl and bite at him, but he easily smacked you away with his size advantage.
"You really need to learn your place, small fry." Smalls grinned, his foot on your stomach. A decent crowd has gathered by now, eager to see you get beaten up like the barbarians they were!
"Smalls! Stand down!"
A few agents had shown up and pointed their guns at the cat. He grunted and put up his hands, knowing the drill.
"Yeah yeah, relax. I made my point." Smalls scoffed, walking off.
The agents glared at the crowd, who dispersed in disappointment.
You lay there, just long enough to catch your breathe, hopefully not long enough to look weak.
You must Never let them see you as weak…
"You should quit antagonizing him. I won't be around to save you forever."
"I never asked for your help." You hissed at the man who said that.
The sickly looking, diminutive man adjusted his bowtie (why they let him keep that is beyond you) and gave a wry little smile.
"I could leave you to get pummeled instead of calling the guards, if you prefer."
".... Whatever. Why do you help me anyways?" You grumbled, returning to your food.
"A follower of his greatness is a friend of mine." He shrugged, leaving behind half an apple for you before he skulked off.
"...Thanks, Wormtongue." You mumble.
"Don't mention it, dear." The man said simply, without even stopping. He disappeared into the crowd of prisoners.
"... Overdramatic fool. We're cellmates…"
Xxx
Late at night, you sulk once more, in your cell. Grimer (you believe that is his first name… yeesh, and you thought your parents made their feelings clear with weird names) scribbled away in a notebook, eager to get his ideas out before lights out.
You sigh. You wouldn't give up hope. You would get out of here. And you would stand by Lord Eggman's side! And then you would burn this prison to the GROUND!
You got a twisted smile just thinking about it.
When lights went out, that's when you came to life.
Sure, they caught you pretty quickly when you were chiseling a hole in the wall, but there would be other opportunities. Other ideas.
You just had to be patient, like the brilliant Dr. Eggman would be…
