Sonic H&H Vol 1 - THE RETURN OF PRINCESS SALLY

by Black-Glove

I wrote this story as a reaction to Sally's prolonged stay on the dark side. The story was written to show that there really is light at the end of the tunnel for Sonic and his friends. It is also shows Eggman getting what he deserves for what he did to Sally. I do not know if this story will make it to the actual comic books, but hopefully it will give the creators some ideas.

Hey there! I am Patrick Hackleman!

I have been writing freelance comic book stories and sharing them with friends since Middle School! I get especially stoked when I think about my favorite Movie, TV show, and/or Comic Book characters, and thinking about watching the stories of their adventures from the inside, looking out! I started out by sharing these stories with my closest friends, and by the start of High School, I decided to introduce my stories, to a somewhat larger audience! I, also, plan to bring my stories out in comic book form! I'm pretty new at drawing comics, but I am willing to at least give it a shot! And in keeping the characters' personalities in mind, drawing weapons, and coming up with stories that are at least "Interesting", I guess I wouldn't really be rated as half-bad. Some people were suggested to me by other friends, and other people who are into the same kinda stuff I usually like to read, watch, and study up on, to keep my imagination going, to keep myself up to date with the heroes I like to follow the adventures of*(*the heroes of Yu-Gi-Oh!, Transformers, and of course, Sonic the Hedgehog, just to name a few!). I also really lose self-control inside, when a favorite hero of mine gets in trouble of the kind that they can't get out of without help! When that happens, I like to think out loud to myself, about what I would do to right the wrong in-question, given the right motivation, power, and guts! It especially makes me mad, when a really good friendship seems to be severed, for no really good reason! And as for prejudicial concepts, ever since the 8th Grade, I've been comparing stuff like that, to prob'ly the most evil human being ever allowed into "Actual Reality": ADOLF HITLER! And it really burns me up inside, when a very-well-known hero, or a really good friend of a hero, goes bad, or gets forced onto the Dark Side against his-or her-will! It also really burns me up, when the character in-question's new-found evil streak, lasts longer than one mini-series! When that kinda thing happens, the first thing I like to think about, is me helping the hero get that friend back, and/or pounding the Bad Guys who were responsible for the death, or corruption of the character-in-question, next century! The characters I created to help me express my feelings about such situations, which I ended up calling the TITANIUM CLAN, were based on myself, and a few of my closest friends, some of which already knew about me thinking this way, and as such, it had long-been a dream of mine, to take them on an "inter-dimensional road-trip", to meet the heroes I admired after learning their life-stories, and hopefully, also, to make friends with some of these heroes! There was a friend or two, who I kinda drove out of my life by making these stories a little too freaky and/or fast-paced for them, but hopefully, I will see them again, someday! Same as I hope that Sonic and his friends, help from an outside source or none, will bounce back, and tear that fat bozo Eggman apart! This freelance Sonic story, Dubbed "The Help and Hope saga", is my first attempt to get my ideas out there, with the hopes that at least some fans of the same heroes I'm into, might, at; least kinda like it! I have already distributed 36 printed copies of an earlier version of "The Help and Hope saga", one of which, of course is the original, which I kept for myself! Have fun reading the story!

-Patrick Hackleman

P.S. the print in this story is arranged as follows: bold print, & bold underline print is for when the characters are actually talking; bolditalic print & bold italic underlineprint is for when the characters are thinking; regular underline print is only used to highlight the more notable words in the narrations; and just plain-old regular print is used for everything else!

SONIC the HEDGEHOG: HELP and HOPE from an UNLIKELY SOURCE: the DIRECTOR'S CUT!

By: Patrick Hackleman

WRITER'S NOTE

THIS STORY IS THE RESULT OF CLOSE TO A YEAR OF HARD WORK. I ALMOST ALWAYS HAD FAITH IN SONIC the Hedgehog and his friends, the Freedom Fighters, to get out of any dire situation, no matter how sticky! But, with what's been happening lately*(*Mostly Sonic's true girl friend, Princess Sally, being Roboticized at the end of STH #230, and seemingly dead-locked to the Dark Side after Eggman made those "improvements" on her at the conclusion of STH #232), I lost enough self-control, to want to do something about it! And the first version of this story, the "Help and Hope" saga, was my reaction to it all! Eggman gave the Freedom Fighters a load of headaches and heart-break in recent issues, so I consider the Help and Hope saga, my contribution of Tylenol! When Sally was Roboticized, I feel, that the "Sonic Team" must've thrown quite a few lemons, at those who still follow, and have even close to good memories, of the ABC Saturday Morning cartoon show, "Sonic the Hedgehog", the first version of the Help and Hope saga, and this one, was my own way of making enough lemonade to keep an army in a desert, refreshed for at least a month! It also gave me the opportunity, to introduce some new, never-before-seen characters! Eight such-characters were introduced*(*actually 7 ½ because one of the new characters introduced in this story, is an already-existing character gone Super!): These characters included some guys I was really itching to introduce to any comic distributor, the guys who do Sonic, especially! Sonic was-and still is-one of my favorite super-heroes! It had long-been my dream for quite some time to join him in a fight, and deliver his nemeses, be they Eggman, Robotnik, the Iron Queen, Finitevus, and/or anyone else who caused trouble for Sonic, Knuckles, or both, a major "Hurts Donut"! And so, I came up with characters that could do just that, no matter where, or when, they ended up! The seven characters that were entirely of my own creation, were the dreaded-by-several-evil-forces-all-throughout-time-and-space team of time-bandits: the Mobian counterparts of the TITANIUM CLAN, the NIGHTMARE PIRATES! And believe me, they're a lot more noble and pure-hearted, than their team-name suggests! The Nightmare Pirates were intended for the G,ood Side from the beginning! They consist of five (Later six) actual animals, plus another member, that is actually a computer-generated entity*(*Very similar to what was done in semi-recent history for Nicole)! Although this story takes place long-after this menacing team goes their separate ways, it still shows everyone what even one of this deadly assembly-line of destruction can do! The leader of this feared and notorious group, an egoless and wild-hearted "'coon" of a software pirate, and the reluctant hero, of the Help and Hope saga, ONE-EYED BLACK, just like I did, got his self-control pretty-well shot apart with a machine gun, when he realized what was happening with, and to Sally. He wanted ever-so-much to help Sonic get Sally back, and to help the "Blue Blur" tear Eggman apart! If Sally's robotization was a stomachache, I'm pretty sure that several Sonic fans, would consider this story, as a very hefty serving of Pepto Bismol! I was really torn up inside, to learn that Sally, a leader that I almost equally compare to Optimus Prime, had been forced on to the Dark Side! And I'm pretty sure, that a lot of fans of the ABC version of the Sonic story-line, feel pretty much the same way! While watching "Digimon: Frontier" I watched in horror, as at least two of the good guys lost their powers, and took quite a few episodes to get them back! I know it must've taken Sonic at least 40-something issues to get back together with Sally, and what happens soon afterwards!? Sally ends up ROBOTICIZED—LONG-TERM! And I know that if Sonic ever does get her back, it's probably gonna be several issues, before that happens! And so, I decided to write my own version of the Sonic story, finally introduce at least two of the Nightmare Pirate characters to it, and give Sonic at least something of the happy ending, that I'm pretty sure, that near-all Sonic fans who believe that the ABC version of the story is the best of all versions of the Sonic saga, were hoping that Sonic would have! I saw Sonic and Sally together, and although near-complete opposites, they really had something special going for each other! Even when they were fighting, they still had several loads of respect for each other, and both of them, rarely let the other down! When I saw that Sally was gonna stay on the Dark Side long-term, I had a theory going on inside my head, that the creators of Sonic did that, so Amy Rose would have Sonic all to herself! I am deeply hoping, that that accusation, is not the case! I saw perfectly well, what happened in the opening stages of "Transformers: The Movie" (The one made in 1986, I mean): over half of the Autobots that everyone knew, and respected in the original Transformers series were massacred! Even more disappointing, saddening, and enraging, was the fact that the very leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime himself, was among those lost! True! Optimus would be back by near-the-end of the series, but as far as what I found out, all of the rest of the fallen Autobots stayed terminated! I am deeply hoping, that the loss of Sally, is not a permanent piece of damage! If it is, Sonic could spend the rest of his career as a hero, totally devastated, by the loss of his original true-love! And I really don't think, that any future female companion, be it Mina the Mongoose, or Amy Rose, will ever completely, or permanently, lick wounds like that, to the point where Sonic'll ever completely forget about Sally! What Sonic and Sally had going for each other, I'm pretty sure a lotta Sonic fans, viewed as something very special, as well as something, that can never be completely replaced! And as Sally never appeared in any of the games, even as one of the creatures Sonic frees at the end-stage, the comic book, was the only thing keeping her alive! And if the creators are heartless enough to take that kinda dream of happiness away from Sonic, then I guess a totally happy ending for Sonic, is nowhere in sight! And while they're at it, they might as well also destroy all the characters in the Knuckles saga, that didn't appear in any of the games, either! I'm pretty sure that several dedicated Knuckles fans would be really upset, if they got rid of Julie-Su! To my knowledge, she never appeared in a game, either! And yet, she's the most popular, not to mention for a while the only, main female character in the Knuckles saga! Rouge would definitely not, be a very good, or even very remotely appreciated replacement! Same as Amy Rose will never fully replace Sally! Sure! Sonic may've been a little shy around Sally at times, but Amy Rose gave Sonic as much of the creeps, as everyone knows full-well, Antoine gave Sally, in the ABC version of the Sonic TV Show! And if anyone still even remotely remembers, prob'ly the best story-line ever thought of for Sonic and all the friends he's famous for having, and rescuing from the Big Round Guy's clutches, they would know exactly where I was coming from, when I wrote this very story! This story is actually an improved, and at-least-most-mistakes-corrected-re-work, of probably, one of the most widely distributed Sonic Fan-Fiction stories to-date! It tells of a bright future for Sonic and all of his friends, new and old, that I'm pretty certain, a lot of those who followed Sonic on all of his adventures, starting right when he was first-introduced to America in the early 1990s, really wanted for him! This is the SONIC fan-fiction story, the "HELP AND HOPE" SAGA, re-worked, and even a few new scenes added! ENJOY!

-Patrick Hackleman

SONIC the HEDGEHOG: HELP and HOPE from an UNLIKELY SOURCE: THE DIRECTOR'S CUT!

BOOK #1: THE RETURN OF PRINCESS SALLY

INTRODUCTION

THINGS ARE LOOKING DOWNRIGHT BLEAK FOR THE MAIN HEROES OF THE PLANET MOBIUS, THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS. At this current time, almost all hope seems lost! The "Semi-Evil" sorcerer, IXIS NAUGUS, has overrun the once-peaceful city of NEW MOBOTROPOLIS, and has forced the Royal Council, to accept him, as their new, PRIMARY LEADER. As for the force that once protected this Mobian city-paradise, no thanks, in large part, to what the satanic "Mechano-Mage", the Iron Queen, had made her do, the super-advanced, and super-intelligent computer, NICOLE, has gained a most unfairly sinister reputation, and, except with the Freedom Fighters who worked with her for so long, she has become little-more, than a COMPUTERIZED OUTCAST. The Freedom Fighters' most respected, smartest, and near-fearless leader, PRINCESS SALLY, has been ROBOTICIZED, and dead-locked to the Dark Side! She has now become one of the Freedom Fighters' most feared, hated, and dangerous adversaries, and near-all hope, of ever getting her back to the Freedom Fighters that she once led, seems almost all but lost! BUNNIE had been DE-MECHANIZED through the magic of Ixis Naugus; It HAD been Bunnie's dream, to become a being of 100% flesh-and-blood again, but when it finally happened, it left her unsure of her place amongst the Freedom Fighters, and in the eyes of the Freedom Fighters' enemies, it made Bunnie weak, and no longer a significant threat to them; In short: while the DEED itself, was noble, the TIMING could NOT have been WORSE! Two more Freedom Fighters, their head mechanic, ROTOR, and Bunnie's skittish, but skilled husband, ANTOINE D'COOLETTE, have both been declared OUT OF ACTION. Of the original team, only SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, and his young, but smart and brave friend, TAILS, remain. Some NEW Freedom Fighters, such as Sally's older brother, ELIAS, a young, but fiery hopeful for Sonic's heart, AMY ROSE, and Amy Rose's young, but courageous friend, CREAM, have stepped up to the plate, but Sonic still feels a 10th-degree burn, from losing Sally to their primary nemesis, DR EGGMAN, and no new girl that comes into his life, even one as desperate, and hopeful for his heart as Amy Rose, will ever completely, or permanently, erase Sonic's pain over losing Sally! Equally unfortunate, the Freedom Fighters' closest allies, KNUCKLES THE ECHIDNA and the CHAOTIX, are too focused on re-uniting the BROTHERHOOD, getting their families back from the DARK EGG LEGION, and terminating their own primary nemesis, the creator of the WARP-RING, DR FINITEVUS, to even consider helping their mainland allies. With the Freedom Fighters significantly weakened, and the Chaotix distracted, it seems that the Bad Guys are finally going to get the field-day, that they always dreamed of having! Despite what the current situation looks like, however, there are SEVERAL, all throughout space, and time, who want to lend both teams a helping hand, but fail to. This is not because they are HEARTLESS, but because the majority of them, feel POWERLESS. Sonic, and several of the friends he has left, are ever-vigilant, for SOMEBODY who can pull their fat completely out of the fire, that their nemeses now have all of them trapped in, and will help them send their seemingly unstoppable adversaries back to the sewer that they crawled out of. But many of them have almost completely lost hope, and feel that there is no-one out there, who even hears them scream! But then, without any form of warning, somebody DOES hear the Good Guys' plea for help, and finally decides to answer!

Chapter #1: PREPARATION

When news of Princess Sally's prolonged mechanization reaches a terrifying, but noble rogue in black…

"Black-Glove"*(* the human incarnation of One-Eyed Black) you're a real funny guy, Egg-Breath! You overweight sicko!

("Black-Glove" switches his robotic left arm to "weapon mode"*(*"Black-Glove's" arm, at maximum weapon capacity, carries in it: a triple-barrel pulse cannon, and four short-needle railguns), and, using it at maximum fire-power, fires it at a dart-board, with Eggman's picture on it, completely destroying it!)

"Black-Glove" JUST YOU WAIT!

Carrie*(*the entity generated by the Nightmare Pirates' master computer, the Cardiatron 6000) Black-Glove! You are not thinking of doing what I think you are, are you!?

"Black-Glove" you're reading my mind right, Carrie! Ready the Cross-Mutation Device, and get me the coordinates of the next, nearest, and most convenient portal, that'll take me back, to 33rd Century Mobius! I'm going back to help my old-young friend, Sonic, in a way that I should've helped 'im, a very long time ago! Eggman's goin' straight ta' the Underworld fer this! And I don't care anymore, who takes 'im down, or how! Any way ya' slice it, I know Eggman's gotta be stopped! Before he ruins any more good friendships, like the one that Sonic just started having again with Sally! Also, access File: Inventions, and get me out the blue-prints, of the most advanced, and most capable De-Roboticizer, that I both know how ta' build, and will have the most lasting effects!

Carrien (Now taking on her "Mobian" form) tasks: accepted! Should I alert the others? As you very well remember, "One-Eyed Black", the Freedom Fighters, will never, in a million generations, let you take on Eggman, by yourself!

"Black-Glove" (Now taking on the form of his "Mobian" counterpart, "One-Eyed Black") No! This is something I gotta do alone!

Carrie hear me, One-Eyed Black: I am very well-aware that you do not want any friends' blood on your hands! And, I very well see where you are coming from: You believe, that you are the only one of the Team who cares enough about Sonic and his friends, is driven enough to help them, and is mad enough at Eggman, to pull off the stunt that you plan to pull! Very well! If you will not accept the Team's help, at least take me with you!

One-Eyed Black!?

Carrie I can provide you, with near-flawless maps of each and every single zone, known to exist in the Sonic World! And I repeat my warning, One-Eyed Black: the Freedom Fighters will never let you enter a battle zone, unassisted, even to save the lives, of everyone they care about; that order came straight from Princess Sally herself; and, by some very-likely chance that you do get her back for the Freedom Fighters, a repeat of that order, will be imminent!

One-Eyed Black-groan-well, Carrie, when yer right, yer right! Very well! Permission for your entity to come along with me to Mobius, is granted! Just don't expect a very warm reception, once you and I enter New Mobotropolis! A lot o' folks in that town are still, unfortunately, scared to death of Nicole; and an entity that can actually fight!? I know pretty-well fer a fact, that something like that'll score several bed-weddings!

Carrie I am very well-aware of the unfair reputation, that Nicole has gained, courtesy of the Iron Queen, and, amplified, by Naugus' attempts to gain that city's trust, One-Eyed Black! But do not worry! I will do what I can, to make a good name for myself, and hopefully, restore Nicole's reputation, as well!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking) Carrie, I dunno what I'd do withoutcha!

Carrie If you will not accept the Team's help, One-Eyed Black, I feel, that they should at least know, about what is going on!

One-Eyed Black Contact 'em if ya' want, Carrie! But my decision to do this alone stands!

(Just as Carrie warned her master would happen, none of the rest of the team are very happy campers about their good friend and former leader, going into a far-more-than-deadly danger zone like 33rd Century Mobius, with no-one but Carrie at his side! They have all been well-informed, of what the Iron Queen did to Nicole, and that the unfairly sinister reputation, that Nicole has gained from that ordeal, could easily happen to Carrie! And that if Carrie isn't careful, the people of New Mobotropolis, would have yet-another computer-generated entity to fear, and hate. As One-Eyed Black prepares to leave TCHQ, all five of the rest of the Nightmare Pirates, are heard on the main com-link, saying that One-Eyed Black is wrong, about being the only one who cares enough about what Sonic and Sally had going for each other to help them, and all the while, they are all practically begging for permission, to help their old friend and leader out. When the calls are first-received, however, they are all heard on Carrie's intercom at once, and are deeply garbled; it is very difficult for One-Eyed Black to hear even one of them say a single clear word, but knows why they're calling)

One-Eyed Black ONE AT A TIME, GUYS! Now, make it quick! I got a beach ball ta' pop!

Tim Black! Carrie told us what yer up to: Yer planning to go back to the Sonic dimension to help Sonic get Sally back, and to make sure that Eggman doesn't ruin anyone else's life on that planet, by that clock, or in that dimension! And thatcher plannin' ta' do all that ALONE!

Marc Carrie also told us, that you feel like yer the only one who cares enough, is driven enough, and has the guts, ta' help Sonic in the way thatcher planning to help 'im! I know that you usually have several tons of guilt in yer heart about stuff like this, Black-Glove! But trust me when I say this: WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING TO SONIC AND HIS FRIENDS LATELY, IS NOT YOUR FAULT!

One-Eyed Black that's what you've been telling me since the Ninth Grade, Marc! But you know full-well: words like those'll always go in one ear, and straight out the other! I know that you wanna erase as much guilt from my heart as ya' can, but understand, Marc: Even if those words come from you, yourself, they can never, in a billion lifetimes, erase all of the guilt, that you feel so bad fer me having!

(Marc bows his head in shame)

Maja Still, somebody besides Carrie's gotta whatcher back, Black! You remember what we promised Sally: "NO SOLO BATTLES!" And Sally had reason behind makin' us make that promise, Black! IF YOU FIGHT EGGMAN ALONE, THERE'S ALWAYS A STRONG POSSIBILITY THAT EGGMAN'S GONNA KILL YA' AGAIN, BLACK! OR EVEN WORSE-YET, YOU COULD WIND UP ROBOTICIZED! AND YOU AND I BOTH KNOW, BLACK: EVEN IF YA' CAN COME BACK FROM THE GRAVEYARD, NO FREEDOM FIGHTER WANTS YA' THERE EVEN TEMPORARILY! AND THE CHAOTIX ARE BOUND TA' BE SAME STORY!

Chad both Marc, and Maja got a point, Black! We all know from our own experience with the original Robotnik, FIGHTING A GUY LIKE EGGMAN ALONE IS DOWNRIGHT SUICIDE! AND ALL OF US KNOW IT!

James look, Black! We all know whatcher plannin' ta' do: Yer goin' on a little revenge spree, and you don't wanna bring us into it, 'cause yer 'fraid that we could end up Roboticized, just like Sonic's "real" girl friend, or worse, right!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) I realize that you guys wanna help, but I am not-I repeat, AM NOT-gonna have the slightest drop of Good-Sided blood on my hands, and that's all there is to it! I appreciate that you guys wanna help, but this is something that I gotta do alone!

(Every single one of the Team bows their heads in unspeakable shame, they all know full-well, that when their leader gets like this, there's no stopping him, until one: his enemy is dust, or two: he's sent to the stasis tubes)

Tim alright, Black! We all understand where yer comin' from! But hear me out on this: Shouldja' need us, any of us, just give us the word! And when-or if-you, and/or Carrie ever do call fer help, I promise! I'll one o' the first, if not the first, who answers ya'!

Maja I guess, I can't really blame ya' fer thinking the way that you-OR Sonic fer that matter-are thinking right here n' now, either, Black! If somebody turned somebody that I really cared about into a mindless robotic slave, I'd wanna tear 'im apart, just like you and Sonic, put together, wanna do ta' Eggman! And I know fer a fact, Black, thatcher plannin' a serious "Ouch!" fer that fat sicko! Just do me a favor: Give Eggman a nice big wedgie for me! We'll be rootin' for ya', Black! And if ya' really wanna help Sonic take Eggman out, I say: GO GET 'IM!

Marc Black-Glove! We got just one more thing ta' say ta' you, before ya' send yerself off on yer merry way; all we have are two little words for ya', on what you wanna do ta' Eggman; and these "Two little words" come from the very bottom of all of our hearts:

Marc, James, Maja, Tim, and Chad all at once GET 'IM!

One-Eyed Black (With a few tears of joy in both eyes, and just about ready to switch his teleportation device into Inter-Dimensional-Time-Travel mode)-sniff- Thanks, you guys! I'm really lucky ta' have friends like you! And don't worry 'bout a thing! If I, and/or Carrie ever do get caught n' a jam that we can't get out of on our own, and/or need a little extra re-enforcement and/or fire-power, trust me: I know at least five guys who'll be more than happy, to pull our fat outta the fire!

(With these final words, One-Eyed Black now teleports for 33rd Century Mobius. And the coordinates that One-Eyed Black has chosen, for his entry point, into a reality that he had not been in, for several millennia-his time, but only close-to-a-year-this reality's time, couldn't have possibly put himself, in much more danger! The place that One-Eyed Black has teleported to, lands him right in the blackened, evil heart, of Robotropolis! One-Eyed Black has chosen to make his debut here, so that the first thing that he would do, would be to kidnap Sally from Eggman, and maybe smash apart a few dozen Swat-Bots to scrap along the way while he's at it. Plus, not even the Creators of the Sonic world in the reality where One-Eyed Black originally comes from, were really able pinpoint exactly, where Mecha-Sally could be found. The main reason why One-Eyed Black has chosen such a treacherous place as his entry-point, was so he could smash the answers he needed, out of the local 'Bots! Thing is, none of the 'bots that One-Eyed Black attacks have much of a clue where to look) "Either that," One-Eyed Black thought, "Or they're too afraid o' what'll happen to 'em, personally, when-or if-Eggman ever finds out that I got help, in my mission to kidnap his most valuable Robian, and turn her back into his second-most hated foe!" One way, or the other, the unfortunate 'bot that winds up confronting One-Eyed Black, usually ends up on the scrap-heap, and the 'bots that survive, are scared to spare parts even thinking of who it is that must've attacked its comrades all around it!)

Tech-Bot #187 All-I-saw-was-a-shadow! Then, I-saw-several-other-'bots-all-around-me-self-destruct! Freedom-Fighter-armed-with-Korlonium-Weapons-suspected, and-given-the-viciousness-of-the-attack, it-was-most-likely-HIM!

(Almost all of the 'bots in the immediate area, know exactly who "HE" must be! It is not their arch-nemesis, Sonic the Hedgehog, but considering who they think it could be, they are all really hoping that it was! The only other freedom fighter besides Sonic, who can waste that many 'bots, in one, well-concentrated blow like that, is by-far, the most dangerous-to-both-sides freedom fighter that there is: A freedom fighter who is both caring, and downright compassionate to his friends, but at the same time, is merciless, cold-blooded and homicidal, towards anybody, that this particular freedom fighter calls "THE ENEMY"! It is a freedom fighter who would do anything that didn't involve joining the Dark Side, to defeat his foes! An evil-eyed, egoless, and wild-hearted "'Coon" of a software pirate, who went by the ever-infamous-to-all-of-Robotropolis-name: ONE-EYED BLACK! All of the 'bots in Robotropolis are desperately hoping that it is NOT this most-deadly-on-any-battlefield warrior. If it is not, then, that means that they are still, at least, almost, totally safe from danger from their nemeses, but if it is, then that means that Dr Eggman better have his life-insurance paid up! In preparation for that it might be this deadly and homicidal 'coon, no less than 20 'bots are to escort future victims of the Roboticizer to their fate; all factories are as heavily guarded as they can be made; Lien-Da views these precautions as pure paranoia, but Snively tries several times to get Dr Eggman to build a machine, or weapon, that could easily destroy this deadly time-bandit, but to no avail, and neither one of them are brave enough, or clever enough, to go over their overweight, large-and-in-charge master's head, without the fear of certain destruction upon them both! Although One-Eyed Black, and his men, The NIGHTMARE PIRATES, have not been seen, by Mobian eyes for almost literally years, they are still considered extremely dangerous, and not somebody, that either Eggman, or Freedom Fighter alike, should ever underestimate; Eggman knows this 'Coon's weak spots by heart, but overlooks that this deadly, inter-dimensional time-bandit knows several tons better, than to let his guard down in battle! The Dark Egg Legion suggest that Eggman's army be fitted with extra, and more advanced weaponry, but Eggman throws this plan straight out the Second-Story-Window! Unlike the original Robotnik, Dr Eggman feels confident, that the resources that he has already, will be far more than enough, to take out this "annoying software pirate", before he can even step inside the city-limits! Snively knows, and tells Lien-Da, that if their master stays on this path, they are destined, for certain-and total-destruction!)

Chapter #2: INFILTRATION
(A group of 5 Shadow-Bots, and 8 Swat-Bots, are escorting a group of 13 captives to certain doom at the hands of the most dreaded slave-production machine on the planet, the ROBOTICIZER! They have heard reports of a very dangerous unidentified Freedom Fighter in the area, and they are in an area, where their heat-sensors are useless! All of the 'bots are scared as a flock of geese; as they escort these prisoners to the Roboticizer, there is only one theory, on who this mysterious marauder might be, and most of the 'bots in this group, have a pretty good, and frightening idea on who it might be!)

Swat-Bot #7 According-to-all-sightings, only-one-suspect-follows: O.E.-Black; leader-of-Priority-6, Nightmare-Pirates!

Shadow-Bot #3 Impossible! One-Eyed-Black-has-been-reported-destroyed-on-numerous-occasions! And-after-what-happened-to-Princess-Sally, and-if-HE-knows-what-is-good-for-him, that-ragged-wretch-of-a-'coon-would-not-dare-show-his-mutilated-face-here!

Swat-Bot #4 Do-not-be-so-sure! One-Eyed-Black-was-extremely-clever, crafty, oil-thirsty, devious, ruthless, and-homicidal! And-do-not-forget: One-Eyed-Black-had-his-very-mind-altered; so-as-to-be-incapable-of-becoming-evil! Also, One-Eyed-Black-does-not-think-very-highly, of-those-who-are-evil! He-would, therefore, not-hesitate, to-blast-this-entire-city-apart! And-with-his-Spirit-Vision-abilities, it-is-very-doubtful, that-even-Mecha-Sally, could-fight-him, and-win!

(The Shadow-Bots still dismiss this theory, as pure paranoia, but they soon discover otherwise!)

Shadow-Bot #1 ETA-90-seconds!

(Neither Robotnik's, nor Eggman's creations, are really programmed to show fear, but that does not mean by a long shot, that they are incapable of it! And they might as well be very afraid, when they soon-discover the identity of this "Mysterious marauder" for themselves!)

A mysterious voice HEY YOU! GET YER DARN HANDS OFF THEM!

(A figure unseen by Mobian eyes in literally ages steps out of his cover within the shadows! It is the one Freedom Fighter, that Eggman was desperately hoping, was out of his life for good; a creature that Eggman feared, and hated, just as much as Sonic the Hedgehog himself, if not more: The leader of the long-thought-neutralized NIGHMARE PIRATES! An egoless, and wild-hearted "'coon" of a software pirate, known as: ONE-EYED BLACK!)

One-Eyed Black (Singing along to the theme song from the series "COPS") Bad 'Bots! Bad 'Bots! Whatcha gonna do!?—A-Whatcha gonna do when I come-for-you!?

(Thanks to some clever sharp-shooting from this deadly old rogue, the entire cargo of prisoners manage to break free and flee the scene; if the 'bots wanted "Animal shields" to hide behind, their last best chance for such luck is now at least two blocks out of reach! But still, the 'bots show no fear, and have every intention on adding this fearsome engine of destruction to the once-again ever-growing list of victims of the feared, hated, and cursed slave-making device known as the Roboticizer!)

All Swat-and Shadow-BotsNIGHTMARE PIRATE, PRIORITY 6; NIGHTMARE PIRATE, PRIORITY 6; NIGHTMARE PIRATE, PRIORITY 6; NIGHTMARE PIRATE, PRIORITY 6; NIGHTMARE PIRATE, PRIORITY 6; NIGHTMARE PIRATE, PRIORITY 6; NIGHTMARE PIRATE, PRIORITY 6; NIGHTMARE PIRATE, PRIORITY 6…

One-Eyed Black "Priority 6", huh? Didn't know I still had some popularity 'round here! Gotta admit: I'm touched!

(Even though their hostages are now long gone, the 'bots still feel they have a decided advantage: they greatly out-number, and out-gun, this dangerous software pirate, several dozens to one! Or do they!? Soon, without cause or warning, One-Eyed Black teleports a boomerang made of some kind of crystal into his hand)

One-Eyed Black so, who wants ta' land on the Scrap-Heap FIRST!?

Swat-Bot #8 (Analyzing their new/old adversary's "New toy") Subject: Korlonium-Boomerang; boomerang-made-from-Korlonium-crystal; returns-to-user-every-time; can-decimate-up-to-20-Swat-Bots-with-one-pass!

Swat-Bot #5 No! Not-that-weapon! Anything-but-that-weapon! Please! Blast-us-with-plasma! Blast-us-with-lightning! Blast-us-with-protons! Blast-us-with-the-Phantom-Dagger, if-you-like! But-please! Leave-Korlonium-Crystal-out-of-this! We-beg-you!

One-Eyed Black (Glancing at the small army of 'bots through his right eye) You guys caused that much destruction, that much grief, ruined that many lives, and separated that many friendships, and now yer asking me not to destroy the lotta ya' for it!? Optimus Prime may've fallen fer that trick*(*That was, in fact, the very mistake that cost Optimus his life, during the earlier stages of the 1986 animated Trans Formers movie), but if any of you even think, that I'm gonna leave here, without reducin' at least most o' ya' ta' scrap, I got just three words for ya': YOU-ARE-DREAMING!

Swat-Bot #5 We-will-do-anything! But-please-leave-Korlonium-crystal-out-of-this! What-is-it-you-came-here-for!? We-will-be-obligated-to-help-you! But-please! Put-Korlonium-Weapon-away!

One-Eyed Black (Raising an eyebrow, but still holding up the Korlonium Boomerang)"Anything"!?

Swat-Bot #8 Affirmative! Anything! But-please! Put-Korlonium-Boomerang-down!

One-Eyed Black (Still staring down the 'bots with his ever-dreaded robotic right eye) Well, let's see if you 'bots're truer ta' yer word than yer master! There's really only one thing that I came here for today! Answer this simple question, and I'll at least consider letting you 'bots exist fer another few minutes or so!

Swat-Bot #7 very-well! What-is-your-question?

One-Eyed Black (Lowering the Korlonium Boomerang, but still keeping one eye on it) the question, 'Bots, is sweet n' simple: Where can I find the Robian, known as Mecha-Sally!?

Swat-Bot #2 If-you-want-her, you-will-have-to-go-through-us, and-several-others! Mecha-Sally-is-of-great-importance-to-Lord-Eggman, as-well-as-a-major-asset-to-the-Eggman-Empire's-cause! We-will-never-let-you-turn-her-back-into-our-hated-foe, Princess-Sally!

(The two 'bots guarding the gate nearby join the fight, and all 'bots move inward, hoping to surround and corner the deadly 'coon, but One-Eyed Black stands his ground, appearing to be a lot more smug about being surrounded and cornered than usual, and it is soon discovered why: suddenly, three Swat-Bots and a Shadow-Bot immediately self-destruct! The 'bots turn out to be being attacked from behind, by somebody armed with Korlonium Grenades! The 'bots now, all know, that the notorious leader of the Nightmare Pirates, did NOT come here alone, after all!)

One-Eyed Black Carrie! What kept ya'!? Now, I'll ask ya' one more time nicely, Swat-Butts: Where is Mecha-Sally!?

(The 'bots try to get fix on this mysterious new partner of One-Eyed Black's called "Carrie", but because she is generated by an inter-dimensional source, it is impossible for the 'bots to confirm that she's even there! And someone else besides the six known Nightmare Pirates being armed with Korlonium Weapons, is a very scary thing, even for a robot that was programmed to show no fear whatsoever, to even think about! In the confusion, One-Eyed Black slips among the bewildered 'bots, and destroys 2 more Swat-Bots, and another Shadow-Bot; neither the Swat-Bots, nor the Shadow-Bots were really programmed to show fear, but they might as well be very afraid now!)

One-Eyed Black look at this way, 'Bots: If ya' don't tell me where she is, I'm gonna tear this whole place apart, building, by wretched building, turning each and every last sector of this nightmarish scrap-pile that you call a city, upside-down, and inside-out, until I do find her! That, of course, means, I'm gonna rip each and every last 'bot in this dump that isn't a Robian that comes my way in the meantime, APART! And you guys thought I'd be bad news for ya'? You guys haven't seen anything yet! 'Cause my new, "untraceable sidekick" Carrie's gonna prove way-way-WAY-past worse news for ya', than a dozen, true-ta'-life copies, of the Nightmare Pirate that you all fear and hate the most right next ta' me: my top-spy, AGENT W.! Lemme put it this way, 'Bots: What exactly did Eggman say 'e'd do ta' ya', if you were ta' aid me in kidnapping such a valuable 'bot, like Mecha-Sally has unfortunately proven to be, and assist me, in turning her back into the Freedom Fighter, that Eggman hates just as much, as Sonic the Hedgehog himself!?

Swat-Bot #6 Eggman-would-have-us-all-in-the-Slag-Shop; No-return; except-maybe-as-spare-parts!

One-Eyed Black Well, if ya' don't tell me where she is, I'm either gonna make the lotta ya' "Walk the Plank" into the deepest, darkest, and most powerful patch o' acid known to Sci-Fi Enthusiast, or, just as painful, and far-worse a fate for any 'bot than even the slowest dismantlement, I'm gonna strike each and every last one o' ya' with Korlonium crystal, 'til there's not even filings left! So, what's it gonna be!? Be slag, or be struck!? Either way, yer all gonna be scrapped before I leave here!

(The threat is very intimidating, and almost every 'bot that both Robotnik and Eggman ever created, know that neither of those threats are the least-bit-empty! Still, these 'bots are not programmed to surrender easily! They continue to advance towards One-Eyed Black)

But, as the 'bots get within the 30' mark of the notorious time-bandit…

One-Eyed Black-sigh-They always wanna do this the hard way, don't they!? Very well, 'Bots! Have it your way! KORLONIUM BOOMERANG, GO!

(One-Eyed Black lets loose the Korlonium Boomerang and, sure enough, the remaining Shadow-Bots, and another couple Swat-Bots all self-destruct, and the concussions from the blasts, insure that pretty-well none of the 'bots in this brigade will come out of this fight, without at least some form of damage! After only seconds, the Korlonium Boomerang returns to the dreaded software pirate's hand)

One-Eyed Black any "botty" else come any closer, and the rest o' ya' are GUARANTEED SCRAP! Now, for the last time, before Carrie and I scrap the rest o' ya', and rip all o' yer hollow, evil brains out, and plug 'em into the nearest, and most convenient mind-probe immediately in sight: WHERE IS MECHA-SALLY!?

(All remaining functional 'bots in the brigade, start to back away from One-Eyed Black like a bunch of toddlers trying to avoid being bitten by a rabid dog! The 'bots all look at each other with shock, and uncertainty, and are unsure of which fate to accept; the Slag Shop has always been Robotnik's, and now even Eggman's, creations' least favorite place to wind up, but being viciously attacked with Korlonium weapons, and/or "walking the plank" into acid, are both equally scary prospects, that make the Slag Shop, seem like the safest factory in the city! And besides! They can't really afford to have their beloved city completely dismantled simply looking forONE MEASILY ROBIAN!)

Swat-Bot #4 (Quaking like an aspen, and pointing to its extreme left) Mecha-Sally-is-that-way! About-1.28-kilometers-from-your-current-position! Please! Do-not-tell-Eggman-we-told-you! He-will-have-us-for-spare-parts, if-he-learns-we-pointed-you-the-way, towards-changing-our-master's-most-prized-Robian, back-into-one-of-his-most-hated-foes!

One-Eyed Black (Still glaring at the 'bots through his right eye to make doubly sure that they're telling him the truth) Congratulations, 'Bots! Eggman's entire army just earned themselves the right to exist—FOR NOW!

The 'bots reach for their communication systems to warn Dr Eggman, but…

One-Eyed Black (As he walks in the direction he scared out of the 'bots, and pulling out something that looks like an explosive device out of the vastness of his inner coat-pocket) One more thing, by the way: one syllable of this encounter ta' Eggman, and this Korlonium Bomb, goes into the city's main power-supply! In the Hedgehog's version o' English: you tell Eggman that I'm here, and this entire city IS FILINGS!

(As One-Eyed Black walks off the scene, some of the more gutsy Swat-Bots that are left, try to strike down the raggy old software pirate from behind, but One-Eyed Black knows several tons better, than to leave the scene of a battle, with opponents still standing, and equally better, than to turn his eye completely away from an opponent that he still deems "Dangerous"! And just as the 'Bots prepare to open fire, One-Eyed Black makes an about-face turn on his heel at greased-lightning speed, and back towards the 'bots)

One-Eyed Black BOO!

(All of the remaining 'bots shut down from fright!)

Meanwhile, in New Mobotropolis…

Sonic (Thinking, as he looks at his favorite picture of himself and One-Eyed Black together) 'Black! Didja really haveta' take off like that! I mean, sure! I can totally understandja not wantin' ta' forgive Antoine for what happened back there*(*See STH #40 for full details)! But man! Didja' really have ta' drop completely outta sight like that!? 'Cause, man! We could sure use ya' right about now! I mean, if you were here, you could just teleport right over to where that Death Egg thing is, and save Sal, no problem!

Tails you're thinking about him again, arentcha', Sonic?

Sonic-sigh-You know I am, Big Guy! I mean, we could sure use 'im right about now! 'Cause, if ol' 'Black were here, I'd send 'im after Sal, and 'e'd have 'er back here in just a few Sonic Seconds, ready for us to De-Roboticize 'er!

Rotor don't worry, Sonic! One-Eyed Black or none, we'll get Sal back! You'll see!

Sonic -sniff-Hope yer right, Rote!

Sonic (Thinking) But I still say we could really use ol' 'Black right about now!

(And Sonic may get his wish sooner than he and/or most of his friends may think!)

Meanwhile, at the Main Lab in Robotropolis…

Snively but sir! Why waste all of our time and material on this one Robian!? We have several other 'bots that are much stronger!

Dr Eggman as I've explained several times over, Snively: this "one Robian", was one of the biggest thorns in my side, and now, she's on our side! And I intend to keep it that way! Plus: Let's not forget, Snively: because this "one Robian" was once their "fearless leader", she forces all Freedom Fighters to let down their guard! And the more I upgrade her, the less likely it will be, that her pathetic friends will ever return her to normal!

A mysterious voice that's a nice, sinister strategy, y'got there, Doc! Too bad it's not gonna get carried out 'ny further!

Dr Eggman that…voice! NO! IT CAN'T BE!

(A figure steps out of the shadows; it is the one creature, that Eggman fears and hates just as much as Sonic the Hedgehog himself: ONE-EYED BLACK!)

One-Eyed Black It just might be, Fat-Boy! Sorry! But I don't think she belongs to you! She's needed too badly by 'er "real" friends! She's coming with me!

Dr Eggman (Now at his maximum peak of fury) WE'LL SEE ABOUT THAT, YOU STATE-MORGUE REJECT! Snively! Activate Mecha-Sally!

Snively But Sir….

Dr Eggman NOW, SNIVELY!

It only takes Eggman a few seconds to get Mecha-Sally on line, and when he does…

Mecha-Sally Subject: O.E. Black; Software-Pirate-slash-Freedom-Fighter; Leader-of-Priority-6, Nightmare-Pirates; serious-threat-to-Eggman-Empire's cause; Must-defend-Lord-Eggman-at-all-costs!

One-Eyed Black (showing a great deal disappointment)-groan-Eggman! Seriously! Hiding behind a Robian!? I thought you were made o' metal, not Silly Putty!

Dr Eggman GRRRR…I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S "SILLY PUTTY"! MECHA-SALLY! ATTACK!

Mecha-Sally (Activating her laser-swords and establishing target-lock) Orders: Apprehend-One-Eyed-Black; Orders: accepted! Executing-strategy; One-Eyed-Black, prepare-for-termination!

(Dr Eggman, unknowingly, of course, has walked right into One-Eyed Black's trap! As Mecha-Sally activates her jet-pack, and prepares to move in fast, to strike as hard as she was programmed to strike, she has flown right into the wild-eyed pirate's clutches!)

One-Eyed Black (Speaking very softly to himself as he establishes target-lock*(*One-Eyed Black's eye not only has Spirit Vision, but also a target grid so as to improve his aim!)) wait for it…wait for it…wait for it…GOTCHA!

(The trap that One-Eyed Black has laid has been set! As Mecha-Sally comes within close-range*(*Lessening the likelihood of the old rogue missing his target!), he pulls out a strange-looking gun, and zaps her with it! The "weapon" turns out to be One-Eyed Black's ever-handy "Teleportation Gun"! One second, Mecha-Sally appears to be attacking the old rogue without any significant interference, and the next, One-Eyed Black scores a direct hit with the "weapon" that he has just pulled out, and then, Mecha-Sally vanishes in a flash of flame and lightning, and finally, as the flame goes out as quickly as it appeared, Mecha-Sally is nowhere to be seen!)

Dr Eggman What!? She's gone! Alright, you Conceitless Cutthroat! WHAT DID YOU JUST DO!?

One-Eyed Black (Blowing the smoke away from his "weapon's" barrel, and returning it to his pocket) whew-I just teleported 'er over ta' my place! Right at this very moment, she's being restrained, held in solitary, and is all the while being drained of 'er power! And when she's 99.9% drained, guess who I'm planning ta' turn 'er over to!

Dr Eggman (Kind of knowing who the old pirate is talking about) you can't…you won't….YOU WOULDN'T DARE!

One-Eyed Black-shudder-believe me, Fat-Boy: I would dare! I can! And I definitely WILL! And, here's a lil' further Calling Card for ya', Egg-Breath: next time we meet, don't expect ta' come back ta' the control room, without spending at least a few weeks in the hospital, FIRST!

(With this, One-Eyed Black now teleports back to his base, in Dimensional Gap #54, to supervise the energy-drain of Mecha-Sally, and to make preparations, for what he may need, to bring back her organic counterpart, Princess Sally! But still, Dr Eggman thinks he's safe, at least for now!)

Dr Eggman Heh, Heh, Heh, Heh, Heh! Well, that was only the Princess's body that that blimpless buccaneer just stole from me! And I know very well: the Pirate can only restore a Robian, if its real soul's still in it! And I took the Princess's "real" life-force out of her weeks ago! There is no way that that creepy scarecrow can restore her!

Snively (Thinking) whenever you say "there is no way" that the Pirates can win,-shudder- they usually find a way!-shudder-

(Eggman is overlooking something about this new-old foe: One-Eyed Black can not only teleport just from place to place, but through time and space, as well! But as Mecha-Sally's cellular make-up is analyzed, to make sure that enough of Sally's original life-force, is intact enough to bring her back without too much trouble, Carrie reveals to One-Eyed Black, what they have both dreaded since this rescue mission was first undertaken)

Carrie It is just as we have both feared, from the beginning, One-Eyed Black: Mecha-Sally has gone through numerous, upgrades; all of which were designed, to increase her fire-power, make her more of, a fighter, and to keep her mechanized, and to keep her, on Eggman's side; fortunately, the majority of these upgrades are minor, and will not interfere, very greatly, with our usual methods, of De-Mechanization! Unfortunately, it seems that one of the more extensive upgrades, probably one of the first performed, is that her brain, has been switched out! If we are to restore Princess Sally, we will first need, her original, brain component!

One-Eyed Black (Reloading and calibrating the weapons in his robotic left arm) which means, o' course, you n' I get ta' have a lil' more fun in Robo-Town before we officially announce ta' that whole world that we're back, huh!?

Carrie If your definition of "fun", is trashing half of Robotropolis, searching for Sally's vital components, then, yes! You are correct, One-Eyed Black!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking, with tears streaming down both sides of his face) Eggman! I hope you got plenty o' room in yer junkyard! 'Cause if it really does mean getting Sally back for Sonic, I'll send your whole wretched, no-good, scum-sucking, oil-dripping army there, if I have to!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking as he takes one final look at Sally as she twists, turns, and squirms as her power is gradually drained away) Hand in there, Sally! We'll getcha back to normal! I promise!

(The search is now, on for Sally's original brain-component; this of course, means, that another few dozen of Eggman's troops are going to land on the scrap-heap, but as long as the 'bots he attacks are not Robians, One-Eyed Black does not care about what it takes, to restore the main-squeeze, of the best friend that he had ever made, in this particular plane of existence! Another 9 Shadow-Bots, 57 more Swat-Bots, an additional 6 hover-units, another 15 Com-Bots, and even another Stealth-Bot or two, are almost literally vaporized by the time One-Eyed Black finally gains enough information, to stop blasting Eggman's goons to filings, and start looking for Sally's brain component. All of this starts to take place, just a few seconds, after One-Eyed Black kidnapped Sally's body! After sending at least a hundred more 'bots of various types, strengths, and battle-readiness, One-Eyed Black finally has a pretty good idea where Sally's original brain component might be kept; there was some worry that Eggman might've destroyed it soon after it was extracted, but One-Eyed Black knew how Eggman's brain ticked, about as well as he knew how the original Robotnik's did! Unless it was in front of his enemies, Eggman does not just want to eliminate his enemies, he wants to make them suffer as slowly as possible, and this, of course, meant: that Eggman was very likely to have kept Sally's true vital components around as long as he could and feel safe about the Freedom Fighters not recovering them! One-Eyed Black even gets some help, from a very unlikely source: One of very few creatures of flesh-and-blood, that can willingly, go in and out of Robotropolis at will, without fear of Eggman Roboticizing her: The devious sneak-thief and part-time mercenary: Rouge the Bat! One-Eyed Black knows that Rouge knows Robotropolis like the back of her hand, and that if she is properly tempted, she could be a huge help towards completing, his avowed mission; Best of all, One-Eyed Black knows exactly how to bribe information out of Rouge, and how best to get her undivided attention!)

One-Eyed Black (Whispering so that not even a Mobian bat like Rouge can hear him) Carrie! Activate Bat Radar Disruption Program!

(Rouge almost immediately hears sounds that no species of bat can stand for even single-digit seconds; the sounds Rouge now hears, are from a special computer program, that One-Eyed Black created some time ago, that can disrupt even the most advanced radar system, even that of a Mobian bat! Only the one with the radar that One-Eyed Black targets with this program can hear it! And, the sound-waves generated by this program, cannot be ignored, and are a very unforgettable, and unbearable experience, especially for a bat like Rouge!)

Rouge (with her hands over her ears) AAAAHHHHHH! SOMEBODY TURN THAT RACKETOFF!

(Strange enough to Rouge, her command is obeyed, and the "music" stops! Much to her surprise and shock, however, almost as soon as that "music" stops, a ragged, fierce-looking raccoon, appears out of nowhere, right in front of Rouge!)

One-Eyed Black (Looking through his right eye) I can very well see that I got yer undivided attention, Rouge!

Rouge hey! Back off, Creepy! Unless ya' really do want a knuckle-sandwich!

One-Eyed Black keep up the attitude, Rouge, and I can very easily switch the Bat Radar Disruption Program back on!

Rouge (Giving One-Eyed Black a really big stink-eye) HMPH! So, yer the DJ who played that nasty music, huh?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) Years ago, I created a special computer program that no species of bat could take more than a few seconds! And personally, I think it's great to see that it even works on Mobian bats, like yerself! Gettin'back to the "real" reason why I had it done to you, Rouge: truth-be-told, and strange as this is gonna sound coming from a guy like me, to a gal likeyou, Rouge, I kinda needjer help!

Rouge HMPH! And just what makes ya' think that I'm gonna help a creepy old 'coon with a really bad taste in music!?

One-Eyed Black I know that ya' have a major thing fer jewelry, Rouge!

Rouge HMPH! So what if I do!? What's it to ya', Creepy!?

One-Eyed Black I think I can very well satisfy yer desire fer such, Rouge; should you decide to cooperate!

(One-Eyed Black teleports what appears to be a ruby, the size of Eggman's fist into his hand; Rouge is totally breathless, and filled far-past the brim with desire, for the rock that "Tall, Dark, and Creepy" is holding; but as Rouge reaches for the gem, One-Eyed Black pulls it away)

One-Eyed Black here's the deal, Rouge: I'm planning to free a very important someone, from Eggman's evil control and influence! I already have 'er body, but if I'm gonna restore her to 'er former self, I'm gonna need 'er "real" brain, as well!

Rouge (Still looking away from her ragged conversationist with her nose turned up) HMPH! I take it yer referrin' to that royal brat, Sally, aren'tcha!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) you hit it dead on the nail, Rouge! And if you really want what I'm holding, you'll hear me out! Otherwise, you can sit back, and enjoy music so bad, the "Macarena" would sound like "Danger Zone"!

Rouge and what makes ya' think I'd know where to look, Creepy!?

One-Eyed Black you being someone who can go in and outta Robo-Town at will, without fear of falling into the jaws of Iron Death*(*"Iron Death", of course means being Roboticized), I take it that you prob'ly know this place like the back o' yer hand!

Rouge (Raising an eyebrow) keep talkin', Creepy! I'm listening!

One-Eyed Black Here's the deal, Rouge: You tell me where Eggman keeps all the brain components he stole from every last soul who fell at the hands of Iron Death over the past-few months, and keep this little meeting between you and me, at least 'til I leave town, and this nice, shiny ruby, is all yours!

Rouge (Thinking) this guy's gotta be either totally loco, or 'e's got a lotta guts! Either way, that ruby does look downright tasty!

Rouge so, lemme see if I got this straight, Creepy: All I haveta' do to get that nice, juicy rock offa' ya', is tell ya' where the Detention Center is!? Alright, Creepy! If it really does mean getting that nice shiny ruby 'round my neck, you know I'll do almost anything! Alright, Creepy! You give me the rock, and I'll be more than happy ta' tell ya' where the Detention Center is!

One-Eyed Black (Pulling the gem away one last time) Question answered first, Rouge! After that, this ruby, is all yours!

Rouge Yer in the right building, Creepy! Third corridor, fifth door on the right! Now be a good ol' 'coon, and gimme the rock like ya' promised!

One-Eyed Black (Finally handing Rouge the ruby) Understand, tho', Rouge: One syllable of this encounter ta' Eggman, and that ruby'll vanish! And that "Nasty music" ya' heard right before I appeared before you, will switch back on, and stay on, fer a full hour!

Rouge Alright! Alright! Don't be pushy! And here!

(Rouge tosses One-Eyed Black a key-card)

Rouge ya' might need that if ya' wanna get in there! Happy brain-hunting, Creepy!

(One-Eyed Black nods his head, and turns invisible again, and as Rouge hears his footsteps getting more and more distant, Rouge now knows, that if she wants to hang onto that ruby, and not get her radar scrambled, she had better keep her mouth sewn shut)

Rouge (Thinking, and staring at the huge ruby now in her hand)MMMM…..The old 'coon may be a little creepy n' pushy, but I'll admit this much about 'im: He does pay well!

(Rouge, to everyone's complete shock, surprise, and in some cases, relief, did not point One-Eyed Black into a trap! However, when the door to the Detention Room is opened, One-Eyed Black is in for an even bigger shock! He had underestimated how quickly that Dr Eggman, could Roboticize the worldwide Mobian populace, and was not expecting the Detention Center, to be this vast, or this full!)

One-Eyed Black (Thinking) !? This room is a lot bigger, and more filled, than I thought it was gonna be! According to my sources back home, the Roboticizer has only come inta' active use again a couple o' months ago!

One-Eyed Black Carrie! Scan the room, and gimme the skinny on it!

Carrie Task: accepted! Scan: In progress, One-Eyed Black!

And just a few seconds later….

Carrie Analysis: Complete! As I have feared, and you did not want to accept, One-Eyed Black, Eggman has successfully Roboticized, a very staggering 2,769 Mobians! And he has stolen the brain components away, from every single one of them! Unfortunately, as was very-well seen, Princess Sally, was no exception! This room is, so far, filled, to 79% its maximum capacity, and it is being filled even more, at a most alarming rate! This, as feared from the beginning, will be like looking for a very small needle, in the biggest haystack, that a giant can produce, in a 90-acre farm! In the meantime, I sense, that we are being watched; and in order for the hoped level of surprise to be total, the security system must be disabled, at all sources!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking) then, I guess it's a really good thing that I let you come along, Carrie!

One-Eyed Black alright, Carrie! You know what to do! Disable as much of Eggman's securitry system as ya' can!

Carrie Task: Accepted, One-Eyed Black!

(All of the security systems in the immediate area either shut down, or self-destruct, within less than a minute, but some of the surveillance systems are still on line)

Carrie But, of course, I am not going to hog all the fun, and therefore, I will leave the local surveillance, to you, One-Eyed Black! Also note: There is a camera pointed at us, at this very moment; and unless it is dealt with immediately, it will report our presence here, to Eggman!

One-Eyed Black (Switching his robotic arm to "weapon mode", taking aim at the camera in-question, and singing along to the song "Shiver My Timbers", from the "Muppet Treasure Island" soundtrack) Shiver mah tim-bers, shiver mah sails, DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES!

(The weapons in One-Eyed Black's arm blast the camera pointed at him, to filings! It doesn't take long for Snively to notice that the majority of the local surveillance is down, but both Eggman, and Lien-Da continue to wallow in the delusion that One-Eyed Black could not've possibly moved so quickly, and dismiss the shut-down of the main communication, as the result of a malfunction caused by an overly careless Tech-Bot. Only Snively, who knows the Nightmare Pirates inside, out, and personally, knows far-better than to hope for that kind of luck; the pint-sized deviant thus reports the Robotropolis Security shut-down, almost as soon as he realizes what had just happened!)

Chapter #3: LIBERATION

SnivelySir! The main surveillance system in the Maximum Security Detention Center is down! And I think I know why: Perhaps the Pirate…

Dr Eggman no chance, Snively! Even if that blimpless buccaneer can still teleport, there is no way, that he could've caught onto the Princess's "Brain Damage" this soon, let alone know where to look!

Lien-Da (Showing Snively a very tight fist) Well, Snively? Is our "large n' in charge leader" right about our "Pirate friend", not being this quick!

Snively-gulp-well, actually, Lien-Da,-shudder-I would not put it passed him! The pirate's technology ishighy advanced! It would make probably even your people's technology, look like a Tinker Toys kit!

Lien-Da HMPH! The Doc's right! You really are being seriously paranoid, Snively! Nobody can match the technological might of the Legion! 'Specially not some creepy old 'coon, who says that 'e's actually from the World before Mobius!

Snively (Thinking)if those really are your true feelings, Lien-Da, then you are just as loco, and foolish, as my "real" Uncle!

(Meanwhile, back in the now-unmonitored Detention Center, One-Eyed Black soon discovers, that the brain components housed in this room, are marked for easy reference)

Carrie it is my belief, that Eggman did it this way, so he would know how long ago, the victim in-question had been mechanized, and therefore, would know, which brain component to dispose of, to make room, for more! Fortunately, this will not necessarily have to happen, until this room, is full!

One-Eyed Black Well, I'm definitely not gonna leave anyone ta' rot in here, long enough fer anyone in this plane of existence, or mine, fer that matter, ta' find out! And you know how it is with me and Robians, Carrie! But, the overall mission stays the way it is! Sally is still our primary objective here! But, just so I know, exactly how long is it gonna take Eggman to fill this entire room!?

Carrie unless something is done, and fast, and I am talking faster, than Sonic can cover one entire lap of an average jog-a-thon race-track, at top speed, this room will, unfortunately, be full in another two months, and 19 days! And according to the data, that I have abstracted from Eggman's mainframe, Sally, has been chosen, to be the first one, to go!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking)then, I guess it's a really good thing that we came here when we did!

One-Eyed Black (After checking the first three entire shelves of brains) No luck here, Carrie! But we can't give up! Sally meant too much to Sonic, and you and I have come too far, to just give up on rescuing 'er now! Not without searching this entire scrap-pile of a city FIRST! How're you doing!?

Carrie even I can only work, so fast, One-Eyed Black! I am, unfortunately, no-where nearas fast, as Sonic! However, you are correct! We must not, give up!

And just over an hour, and a few dozen more examined brains later…

Carrie One-Eyed Black! I have found her! 36th brain, row #5, third left-hand shelf from the main door!

One-Eyed Black Great work, Carrie!

Carrie One-Eyed Black! I believe you know the incantation, that will confirm this brain component's, identity!

One-Eyed Black (pulling a small post-it note, from his ever-cavernous inner coat-pocket) I'm all over it, Carrie!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking) now, let's just hope that this lil' "Magic trick" o' mine, works in this plane of existence, as well as it did in the plane of existence where I created it!

One-Eyed Black (Taking a few seconds to clear his throat) EXTRACTED FROM YOUR BODY, YOUR IDENTITY BEEN TAKEN, BEING RISE NOW, AND MAY YOUR SPIRIT AWAKEN!

(One-Eyed Black has just cast, what most other magicians in most other planes of existence, Merlin the Great among them, call One-Eyed Black's "Signature Spell": A special "magic trick" that gets its power, from both magic, AND technology! When any extracted brain, within a 36' radius of the spell-caster, "hears" these words, that brain will automatically act, like it's still in its body, and "alive", at that! Next, the "awakened" brain, generates a holographic entity, of its former self! One-Eyed Black calls this spell, an "excellent way to find out, if he is nearby the brain, of a being that he wants to resurrect"! And sure enough, the brain closest to One-Eyed Black, is, indeed, that of his former reluctant partner-in-evil-stomping, and one of Robotnik's most hated foes, PRINCESS SALLY! A holographic "ghost" of Sally, now appears before One-Eyed Black, seemingly totally bewildered as to what exactly is going on)

Hologram of Sally Where am I!? And who…

(The holographic ghost of Sally, now sees a face, that she never thought or hoped she would ever see again, and is terrified to learn, could've ever possibly returned!)

Hologram of Sally (Seemingly in total shock, looking at her "Former Partner" and then, back at her own two hands) ONE-EYED BLACK?! WHAT'RE YOU DOING HERE!? ANd how…..?

One-Eyed Black the current fate of your soul, is, unfortunately, the fate of all Robians, that come under the control, of the likes of Eggman, Sally! To answer your question as to what I'm "doing here", the answer is sweet, simple, and guaranteed ta' give Eggman a serious wedgie: I'm checkin' yououtta this Roach-Motel! Now c'mon! Your friends need you, and desperately want you back!

(One-Eyed Black extends his hand to the holographic Manifestation of his uneasy and reluctant Former-Partner-In-Evil-Stomping, but the holographic ghost does not accept this opportunity, to leave Eggman without one single fulfilled bounty to mount on his wall, and the holographic specter, does not hesitate, to tell her reluctant former partner why)

Hologram of Sally I am not leaving, One-Eyed Black! Not unless you take the others, with you, as well!

(One-Eyed Black looks in pretty-well all directions, and then realizes, and remembers, that the "Technological Spell" that he just cast, awakens ALL brains within a 36' radius of himself, and now realizes that he did not just re-awaken the soul of his reluctant ally, but ALSO those of 68 other Roboticizer-victims, as well!)

Hologram of one of the other Robians C'mon, 'Black! Take the rest of us with you!

Another one of these holographic ghosts Please, One-Eyed Black! My Grandson needs me! I know it!

Yet-another of these holographic ghosts Please, One-Eyed Black! PLEASE!?

(One-Eyed Black readily sees the situation before him, bows his head, and relents pretty-well instantly)

One-Eyed Black I see, very well, whatcher getting at, Sally! And you are right, of course, my reluctant partner! Ever since the war with Robotnik started, I have sworn, to rescue anyone, andeveryone that I possibly could, who unwillingly came under the evil influence of the Big Round Guy! And, you will not be disappointed, my reluctant partner! Yes! The rest of these re-awakened Robians will be coming with! But, understand, Sally: you are still ear-marked as the main-course! And therefore, you, my uneasy partner, are ta' be brought back, first!

Hologram of Sally (Now showing some relentment of her own) I understand, One-Eyed Black! You came here to rescue me from Eggman, and to get me back to my friends! Including the friend I care about the most, and unfortunately, also, the friend that Eggman has made me torment the most…

One-Eyed Black and the holographic ghost of Sally, both shouting at the same time SONIC!

One-Eyed Black Sally, I know very well that several of yer friends've been waiting over a decade for this, and now, the time has finally come to veto the Nightmare/Acorn Agreement, finally allot the weapons that I should've been issued to yer friends years ago, and hit that fat sicko, Eggman with everything I have, and only ceasing fire, when all of the beings willingly of evil heart all over yer world, either change their evil ways, or are DUST!

Hologram of Sally understand, One-Eyed Black: my father will not be very happy with you, for how you're planning to go about this! But, after all the mistakes that he has made, pairing me up with Patch among them*(*See STH #155 for complete details), I very well see the relevancy, of what you're planning to do! Very well, One-Eyed Black! Do whatever you like to Eggman, but please…

Hologram of Sally (reaching out to her former partner for a hug, and seemingly having several gallons of tears in her eyes)…get me back to my friends first!

One-Eyed Black (Pulling himself away from his uneasy partner's holographic ghost's grip, and switching his Teleportation Gun to Rapid-Fire mode) Consider it done, "Princess"!

(With these final words, One-Eyed Black teleports every single soul that he had just now awakened, Sally, and otherwise- brain-component and all- to the Main-Laboratory, at his "'True' Base-of-Operations", TITANIUM CLAN HEAD QUARTERS, located in Dimensional Gap #54, where not even Eggman's most dangerous weapon, can even touch him, or any of the 69 souls, that've all been promised a reunion, with the ones they care about most! Soon after a quick "Soul-Count", One-Eyed Black now focuses, on finding the bodies, of the rest of these Robians that he has re-awakened the soul of, and he gets some help, from a very unlikely "returned 'tour-guide'"!)

Hologram of Sally-groan-What do you want, Rouge?

Rouge just thoughtcher new "friend" might like to learn a little more inside information!

(In pure disgust, Sally's holographic ghost prepares to hang up, strongly believing that Rouge is leading her "rescuer" into a trap, but One-Eyed Black sees the situation before him differently)

One-Eyed Black Hold the phone, Sally! Let's at least hear what she has to say first!

Hologram of Sally!?

Rouge Yer new friend there might be a little creepy n' pushy, Sally! But I'll admit this much about 'im: he knows when an opportunity presents itself!

Hologram of Sally ONE-EYED BLACK…..

One-Eyed Black Carrie! Activate Spirit Vision sensor, and let us know whether or not Sally's right, about Rouge being up to something!

Carrie activating, One-Eyed Black!

One-Eyed Black go ahead, Rouge! Whadaya got for us!?

Rouge after I learned you were out huntin' fer Robians, I figured: What the heck! Fer givin' me that nice, juicy ruby, I figured I still owed ya'! So, while you were busy pickin' brains, I decided to take advantage of the spare time on my hands, and ear-mark all the Robians for ya'!

Hologram of Sally heh- Is that so!?

Rouge You accusin' me o' lyin', Sally!? It's the truth! And if you don't believe me, why dontcha check that computer that I'm contactin' ol' Creepy through?

One-Eyed Black well, Carrie!?

Carrie Rouge is telling, the truth! About 89% of all of the Robians currently in Robotropolis, have been tagged, with tracking devices! I have just now, gone through the list, of all of the Robians, whose life-essences were re-awakened by, the Brain-Revival Spell! And, a good 51 of them, have been marked! The rest of them, were too far out of Rouge's immediate reach, to tag!

One-Eyed Black Thanks, Rouge! And be sure toi let me, Sally, and/or Carrie if ya' come across any more!

Rouge (Signing off pretty rudely) yeah! Whatever, Creepy!

Hologram of Sally Carrie! I must know! Was Rouge up to something, or wasn't she!?

CarrieSome deception was detected, but according to my sensors, she has no immediate plans, to rat out on One-Eyed Black, to Eggman!

Hologram of one of the other Robians then, what exactly was Rouge up to, Carrie!?

Carrie Rouge is itching, like she spent a full week, in Poison Flower Valley, to tell at least somebody, what One-Eyed Black, is up to! And she knows, that the only way that she can do that, and not get her radar scrambled, is to assist One-Eyed Black, in completing his mission!

Hologram of Sally One-Eyed Black! You be careful out there! According to Carrie, the only reason that Rouge is helping us, is to get you out of the city as quickly as possible so that she can feel free to tell the next being she sees what you're up to!

One-Eyed Black (As he teleports for Robotropolis)HMPH! I shoulda' known that that was her angle! But don't worry 'bout a thing, Sally! Much to Rouge's satisfaction, this shouldn't take too long!

(And it doesn't! Within just ten minutes, over half of the Robians, on the immediate guest-list, are located, and teleported straight for TCHQ!)

One-Eyed Black (Speaking to one of the Robian bodies he came for)…and don't worry 'bout a thing! The Freedom Fighters n' I'll getcha back ta' normal in no-time flat!

(One-Eyed Black now teleports the Robian before him, to TCHQ)

One-Eyed Black (Checking his computerized "Wish-list") 45 down, 24 ta' go!

(While all this is in progress, Rouge has finally gotten to the rest of the Robians, and has reported their coordinates to Titanium Clan Head Quarters)

Hologram of SallyLatest on the situation, One-Eyed Black! Rouge has now officially tagged all Robians in Robotropolis! Carrie will be sending you their coordinates momentarily!

One-Eyed Black (Checking his tracking beacon) Thank-you-Rouge!

Hologram of Sally Carrie is transmitting their coordinates to you now! But I remind you to be careful, One-Eyed Black! Given what's at stake here, nobody besides Eggman, has any real reason to wish you gone! Please, One-Eyed Black! Be careful! We cannot afford to lose you again! EVER!

(In just a little over half-an-hour, One-Eyed Black now, officially, has everything that he went to Robotropolis to get! One-Eyed Black now teleports himself back to TCHQ, and, after a quick roll-call to make sure the he has all of the bodies that belong to these soon-to-be-restored victims of evil corruption, One-Eyed Black immediately sets to work, on his infamous Free-Will Restoration Circuit Cards)

One-Eyed Black Carrie! Hand me another resistor! Three bands red, one green, one purple, and the other, black!

(A resistor matching these specs is handed to One-Eyed Black, but not by the entity who was told to hand it to him!)

One-Eyed Black thanks…Sally!?

Hologram of Sally I must admit, One-Eyed Black! You are doing something truly amazing, here!

One-Eyed Black (Looking down in doubt in himself) Like what!? Blowing up in everyone's face when there was no reason to!?

Hologram of Sally no, One-Eyed Black! I mean: you taking charge; rescuing me, your most uneasy friend, and finally doing with your life, what you should've done with it, a very long time ago!

(One-Eyed Black continues to give Sally's holographic ghost a sideways glance of regret)

Hologram of Sally I mean it, One-Eyed Black! I really do appreciate what you're trying to do here! And when I wake up, One-Eyed Black, I want you to promise me: that you will not let me forget that I said that!

One-Eyed Black (Wiping a few tears of appreciation from his face) -sniff-Thanks, Sally! But you know how I am about stuff like that!

Hologram of Sally (Bowing her head in shame) I know! It seems that you still don't give yourself anycredit, even for deeds that you know could've never been accomplished without your help! And that is exactly what always made me so sad for you, One-Eyed Black!

Carrie I hate to break up this touching scene, you two! But as you very-well remember, Sally: One-Eyed Black has promised, very openly, I might add, that he would get you back, for Sonic! And as of when you refused to go anywhere without the others awakened along with you, Sally, the overall scope of this rescue mission, has 69-dupled!

Hologram of Sally your computer continues to prove just as knowledgeable as my own, One-Eyed Black! Now, yes! Let's get back to work! You have 69 Robians to restore to their former selves!

(The just-now requested resistor, is the final component, for the 12th Free-Will Restoration Circuit Card; all that remains be done now, is to shrink the 1' x 3' circuit panel down to its "Ready-for-use" size!)

One-Eyed Black (Now recalling his solder-gun from this last resistor) Alright, Carrie! That should do it for this one! Now, initiate shrink sequence!

Carrie Initiating, One-Eyed Black!

(The 1' x 3' circuit card is now shrunk down to a ½"x 1 ½"circuit card)

One-Eyed Black (Removing the now-greatly reduced-in-size circuit card from the work-table, and placing it into a special circuit holder that was designed to hold up to 300 such-circuit cards) 12 down, 57 ta' go!

Meanwhile, in Robotropolis…

(With One-Eyed Black out of her hair at last, Rouge FINALLY sums up the guts, to tell Eggman, and the rest of Robo-Town, what their least-favorite pirate is up to!)

Snively (After finally hearing Rouge's long-over-due report) !? Sir! I am afraid I have some very bad news! It seems that the Pirate has infiltrated the Maximum Security Detention Center, and has stolen the brain components of 69 Robians!

Dr Eggman WHAT!? PLEASE TELL ME THAT THE PRINCESS'S BRAIN WASN'T ONE OF THEM!

SnivelyWell-gulp-actually, Sir,-shudder-I am afraid that the Princess's brain was among the ones that the Pirate has taken!

Dr Eggman WHY THAT WRETCHED PIRATE! ROUGE WAS IN THE AREA, WASN'T SHE!? WHY DIDN'T SHE REPORT THIS EARLIER!?

Snively According to Rouge, it was either let the pirate do whatever he wished, or get her radar permanently scrambled! And-shudder-according to the surviving 'bots in the areas that he raided, the Pirate has also kidnapped the bodies, of these 68 other Robians, as well! It now looks like, the Pirate has everything he needs, to restore the Princess, and 68 others, back to creatures of flesh-and-blood!

Dr Eggman GRRRRR…Alright, One-Eyed Black! You want to play rough, then, we'll play rough! Snively!

Snively Yes, Sir!?

Dr Eggman Ready our most dangerous 'bots available! I do believe 'coon season has just opened!

Lien-Da heh-take out somebody from the World before Mobius!? That shouldn't even be a cake-walk!

Snively-shudder-I would not be so sure if I were you, Lien-Da!-shudder-I know the pirate personally! Taking him out-shudder-will not be near-as easy-shudder-as you may think!

(The Nightmare Pirates' base-of-operations within Mobius, Fort Submarine, is found, and raided, but much to Snively's un-surprise, the fortress, is COMPLETELY EMPTY! One-Eyed Black is simply not there, Carrie is nowhere in sight, either, and none of the rescued Robians, are anywhere to be found! All that is found in the entire fortress, is a single, solitary disc)

And when the disc is played, it turns out to have a very disappointing, and insulting message from One-Eyed Black on it:

One-Eyed Black NICE TRY, SUCKAHS!

(Eggman is, at the time, enjoying a good round of motor-oil, expecting the message on the disc, to be a plea for mercy, but when he actually hears the message, he crushes the can in his hand!)

Dr Eggman GRRR….WHY THAT WRETCHED PIRATE! The next time that that scarecrow 'coon dares shows his ragged face, I WANT HIM DEAD!

And when the Bad Guys try to pinpoint where the Pirate is hiding…

Snively-shudder-It is just as I feared, Sir! The Nightmare Pirates are in another dimension! –Shudder-We can't even touch them!

Meanwhile, back at Titanium Clan Head Quarters…

Hologram of one of the other Robians-chuckle-I never would've thought that anyone but Sonic could ever make Eggman that mad!

Hologram of yet-another one of these soon-to-be-restored Robians (Also cracking a very sly grin) I think that you and the Freedom Fighters are going to make an excellent team, One-Eyed Black!

Hologram of Sally I still state my disapproval of you coming back to our world alone, One-Eyed Black! But, at the same time, I understand where you're coming from! And hopefully, someday, and hopefully soon, your friends will follow! And I am also hoping, One-Eyed Black, that Carrie will gain a good enough reputation, to make my people re-examine how they look at my good friend and companion, Nicole, as well!

Carrie (Giving Sally's holographic ghost the traditional salute) Clearing Nicole's name, is among my primary objectives, Sally! And something I must warn you all of, right here, and now: I do not think of the prejudiced, any higher, than One-Eyed Black does! However, fortunately for most, my methods are far-less violent, than One-Eyed Black's!

Yet-another Robian's holographic entity so, what do you do to someone who embraces social discrimination, Carrie!?

Carrie I usually do not do, a great deal physically! Mentally, however, is a far different, story!

Another of these holographic ghosts (Looking somewhat pale, even for a ghost) what does that mean?

One-Eyed Black I've programmed Carrie to be capable of a little trick called "mass-thought-transference"; it's where Carrie uploads pretty much everything she's seen, that'd prove the discriminators in-question wrong, right into their brains!

(While this talk is in progress, One-Eyed Black is now only a few circuits away from completing the final circuit card required to bring all 69 of these victims of Iron Death back)

One-Eyed Black (removing his solder and soldering iron from the 69th, and final, Free-Will-Restoration-Circuit-Card) There! That's the last one! Carrie! Shrink this down to size, and prepare enough food and medical supplies to last you and me about a year while within the boundaries of Mobius!

Hologram of one of the elder Robians!?

One-Eyed Black I guess I shoulda' said something about this, earlier: until all of yer foes are defeated, and dust, and except for a yearly two-week hiatus that I gotta take no matter what world I call "home", I am not planning to leave your world long-term, AGAIN!

(Although One-Eyed Black has everything he needs to make the Free-Will Restoration Circuit Cards, unfortunately, he does not have anywhere near the resources that he needs, to bring anyone back on his own; he realizes, that if so-many, are to be restored as promised, and hoped, he will need the Freedom Fighters' help; he does, however, have the right equipment, to put these Robians' "actual" brain-components back into their still-mechanized bodies)

But, as One-Eyed Black prepares to transfer these tortured and abused souls back into their "true" bodies, his unlikely partner-in-evil-stomping, has one final question to ask her rescuer…

Hologram of Sally One-Eyed Black! Again: I am very grateful for what you're doing here! But, there is still something that I must ask you!

One-Eyed Black fire away, Sally! What's on yer mind!?

Sally I was such an uneasy ally for you, One-Eyed Black! We treated each other no better than Sonic and Knuckles treated each other for the longest time! Why are you going to such lengths just to rescue me!?

One-Eyed BlackLook, Sally: ever since I learned of your existence, which, believe me, was far longer ago than you may realize, and realized how close a friend that Sonic was to you, I wanted nothing short of a happy life together for you both! Even when you two weren't together, you both had several tanker-loads of respect for each other, and as far as I was able ta' find out, Sally, you two must've known each other for a very long time! You were one of Sonic's closest friends as of long-before Robotnik took over! And after that fat creep took over, and disposed of Tig and his crew*(*See STH #143), you and Sonic became partners, and upon reaching your teen-years, you and Sonic became the main-drive of the Freedom Fighters! And I saw numerous times over, how happy you two almost always were together! And when somebody tried to pull you two apart, whether it was through lies, rumors, or even some stupid tradition, that really made my blood boil! Whatever problems you and Sonic were having, Sally, I always had faith that you two would overcome the obstacles between you, and that your happiness would pick up right where it left off! And after I learned that Eggman finally realized his Ancient Walker-awful dream of Roboticizing you and using you against the Freedom Fighters!? That really made my blood boil like I was in the gut of a volcano! And, I'm very certain that in Sonic's mind, no girl, be it Mina, or even Amy Rose for that matter, will ever completely replace you! And after I learned what happened to you, and of the damage that Eggman was inflicting on the remaining Freedom Fighters, I thought to m'self: Enough is enough! Sonic has gotta get Sally back, and Eggman must pay for his part in that piece of damage, which I came back to your world, to make certain, that it would not be long-lasting! You were always Sonic's most prized treasure, Sally! And I really don't think that he was happier being anyone's boy friend but yours!

Sally you really mean that, don't you, One-Eyed Black!

One-Eyed Black "Cross my heart n' hope ta' spit" as the Beaver would say!

Chapter #4: THE BROADCAST

(One-Eyed Black, and the 69 holographic souls that now all share TCHQ with him, unanimously agree, that the time is right, for One-Eyed Black, to tell the Freedom Fighters, their allies, the Chaotix, and the rest of the world, as well, that the leader of the Nightmare Pirates is back in town!)

One-Eyed Black Alright, Carrie! Patch me through to all frequencies available to both the Chaotix, and the Freedom Fighters!

Carrie Accessing, Nicole's main-frame, and Julie-Su's com-link, One-Eyed Black!

(One-Eyed Black's message does not take long, to reach either the Freedom Fighters, or the Chaotix! Every single one of the original members of both groups, recognize One-Eyed Black by sight, even Amy Rose recognizes "The creepy old 'coon in black rags"! The rest of the newbies, however, like Elias, Mina, Cream, and Julie-Su, who never saw this guy before in their whole lives or had any clue even existed, are almost totally clueless, as to whether or not to trust a single word, that this "Creepy old 'coon" is saying)

Julie-Su (Just now picking up One-Eyed Black's transmission with her robotic dreadlock) Knuckles! I think you might wanna hear this!

Knuckles what is it, Girl!? Were you finally able ta get a fix on that white creep, Finitevus!?

Julie-Su (Shaking her head) It's not Finitevus, and it's not Eggman or the Legion, erither! In fact, he says he's an old pal o' Sonic's! Anyway, I think everyone better hear this, and decide for yourselves, on whether or not this guy can be trusted!

(Julie-Su plays as much of the footage as she can, meanwhile, at about the same time, the message also makes it through to Nicole. The Freedom Fighters are all doing their usual routine of wishing that they had Sally back, right here, and right now)

Nicole Incoming transmission, Freedom Fighters!

Bunniewho the hoo-haw could be callin' us!?

Nicole It is an old friend, whom no-one, in this plane-of-existence has seen, for literally, ages, Bunnie!

Sonic (Thinking) No way! Can't be!

(Julie-Su now uses her bionics, to generate a holographic image, of the mysterious stranger; at the same time, Nicole generates a holographic image of the same animal; neither group can really believe their eyes, or ears!)

Sonic and Knuckles (Both at once) ONE-EYED BLACK!?

One-Eyed Black (Addressing both groups at once) Hey, Guys! Long-time-no-see! At least not up close n' personal, anyway!

Knuckles HMPH! Not quite long enough, Pirate! If there's anybody on our side who's worse news ta' me than Athair, it's definitely you, ONE-EYED BLACK! NOW, WADDAYA WANT, OLD MAN!?

Sonic 'Black! Is that really you!?

One-Eyed Black this message, is fer both the Chaotix, and the Freedom Fighters!

Bunnie weah list'nin', Black-Hon! Waddevah y'all got foah us, weah ready foah it!

One-Eyed Black I understand that Sally was Roboticized recently, wasn't she?

Sonic (Looking down, and aside of himself in unspeakable grief) -sigh-sniff-Guess news really does travel pretty quick where you come from, dunn' it, 'Black? Yeah, unfortunately, she was!

Knuckles so, where do you come into this, Pirate!?

One-Eyed Black I know that Sally's Dad's not exactly gonna thank me fer what I'm about ta' do, but see this!?

(One-Eyed Black holds up a sheet of paper, that every living creature on Mobius knows about AND that everyone of good-heart HATES: The Nightmare/Acorn Agreement; a treaty signed many years ago, by King Maximillian Acorn, and One-Eyed Black; That very piece of paper, prevents the Nightmare Pirates, from sharing their advanced, and many ways impressive inventions and ordnance, with even their closest allies; it is a deal, that everyone but Eggman, deeply regrets the Nightmare Pirates ever agreeing to, and all of the Freedom Fighters, Sally included, spent every day of their lives as Freedom Fighters, cursing the day, that the Nightmare Pirates ever agreed to it!)

Sonic Keep that thing away from me, 'Black! It's 'cause o' that stupid piece o' paper that you kept holdin' yerself back!

One-Eyed Black well, you guys, this is what I think o' this stupid document, after standing by helplessly as you and all of your friends n' families suffered needlessly, all 'cause I felt powerless ta' lift a single finger ta' help ya'!

(Before a lot of shocked, astonished, surprised, and in most cases, very pleased eyes, One-Eyed Black rips this ever-dreaded-and-hated treaty into 16 pieces, and throws them all into the air)

One-Eyed Black MULTIPLE PULL!

(Using every single weapon at his immediate disposal, One-Eyed Black reduces every single piece of this ever-dreaded and accursed treaty, until there's nothing but dust-mite sized ashes left!)

Rotor I really hope this means what I think it means, 'Black!

One-Eyed BlackIn case nobody's figured it out by now, all this means: "Yes!" I wanna join back up with you, Freedom Fighters! And this time, I'm holding nothing back but my Time-Machines!

(Knuckles gives a very big gulp)

One-Eyed Black and if anyone o' ya' wants ta' think that I'm kidding well, I got some in-between news fer everyone who might be thinkin' that: I'M NOT! I saw perfectly well, what that overweight creep did ta' Sally! And in case nobody's figured it out by now: Yeah! What happened to Sally, was the very last straw in the entire restaurant! After realizing that Sally was gonna be on the Dark Side long-term, I decided: I'm not gonna take it sitting down any longer! I admit it, Sonic! I was a wimp! I shoulda' blasted that fat sicko to bits when the opportunity first-presented itself! I was holding myself back, as all o' ya' know, because I wanted to save the Big Round Guy, for the true heroes of Mobius: Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles! But now, I've seen the light: Eggman's gotta be stopped, and I don't care 'nymore who takes 'im down, or how! And I know that Sally's mechanization was a major "Ouch" on all creatures of good-heart! Even those of good-heart who only remotely knew Sally, felt a great deal of hurt n' burn, and so did I! Rest assured, Freedom Fighters and Chaotix: Some big fat guy with a big orange mustache, is gonna DIE!

(With this, One-Eyed Black cuts himself off. His broadcast both struck a great deal of hope, into those of good-heart, and a great deal of fear into forces of Evil all over Mobius who were listening to it! And Eggman and his goons have every right to be afraid! When the Nightmare Pirates were around, virtually nothing willingly evil was safe from them! Even ONE of them returning to the battlefield, and this time, holding nothing back, means that whoever he's mad at, is in for a whole bakery's worth of Hurts Donuts! Everyone who was listening to this message, and remembered what One-Eyed Black was like when he gets like this, knows that very soon-much sooner than anyone could imagine, even in any-and all-Freedom Fighter group's wildest dreams of victory-that all enemies of both the Freedom Fighters, and of the Chaotix, are destined for total destruction! And this time, there would be absolutely nothing, that the "Evil Ones" would be able to hide behind! With the contract that had been holding the these treacherous rogues back for so long, lapsed and destroyed before everyone's very eyes, Eggman's absolute, and ultimate destruction is certain!)

(However, Eggman is not the only one, who's afraid of One-Eyed Black at the moment)

Cream that "One-Eyed Black" looksvery scary, Amy! Please tell me we can take him down! Please!?

Amy Rose 'fraid not, Cream! This guy ain't fer takin' down! He's fer gettin' back!

Cream !?

Amy Rose you heard me right, Cream! One-Eyed Black's on our side! And now that 'e's torn up that stupid treaty n' blasted it ta' bits, he's gonna become the hard-hittin' freedom fighter, that we all DREAMED he'd be: the kind o' freedom fighter, that Eggman'd only see, in 'is worst nightmares!

Sonic (Thinking) heh-'Black! Welcome back, Ol' Pal!

Meanwhile, back on Angel Island….

Vector Whoa! Didn't know that that crazy ol' 'coon thought that highly 'bout 'er! In fact, I thought they hated each udder!

Knuckles (Thinking) I guess the sitch between this guy and Sally, wasn't anything unlike what was going on between me n' Sonic! And Sonic and I buried the hatchet, close to no problem! Even though it might be a little late fer those two ta' burry the hatchet, it might not be too late to avenge 'er by tearing Eggman apart!

Julie-Su (Still somewhat clueless as to what's going on) Alright! It's confession time! Who's this "One-Eyed Black" guy!?

Knuckles-groan-I was really hoping that you'd never ask me, or any o' the guys that, Julie-Su! It's like this: One-Eyed Black was the leader of probably the most notorious bunch ever labeled the Good Guys, a fearsome, deadly, and homicidal-to-any-and-all-things-evil bunch known as the Nightmare Pirates! The 'coon we were just talking to, was the leader of those lethal cutthroats: an egoless, and wild-hearted "'Coon" of a software pirate known as One-Eyed Black! He was caring and compassionate to those he called his "friends", which, strange as it sounds, included Athair, but at the same time, was cold-blooded, merciless, homicidal, and in all respencts, downright dangerous to his enemies! And from what I heard from Sonic and 'is friends, the original Robotnik was pretty high-up on the old 'coon's "to-slaughter-and/or-torment-to-no-end" list!

Julie-Su so, what was this guy like!? I mean: why are you guys so afraid of him!?

Knuckles well, Girl, it's not what he could do to someone else that makes 'im so scary to us, it's what 'e did to 'imself that freaks me out the most!

Julie-Su well, what, exactly, did this guy do to himself to make you guys so afraid of him!?

Knuckles From what I heard, that 'coon was so afraid of 'imself, that he had certain parts of his own brain destroyed!

Julie-Su Define "parts of his own brain"!

Espio One-Eyed Black, or "Black-Glove", as he was originally called, had his entire egotistical side, not to mention half the anger, and three quarters of the fear that a normal animal would be capable of, digitally deleted from his own brain's functions!

Julie-Su Whoa! And you're saying that this guy's on our side!?

Espio -groan-some of us kind of wish that he wasn't, Julie-Su! But yes! One-Eyed Black is a being of pure-heart! However, this 'coon was-and apparently still is-extremely dangerous!

Julie-Su well, dangerous or not, any friend o' Sonic's, is a friend o' ours, right!?

Knuckles (Thinking)I really wish it was that simple! But now that this crazy old 'coon's pulling out all the stops, anything goes from here on in!

Knuckles believe me, Girl! I'd love ta' believe that! But if anyone's more dangerous than Enerjak, it's definitely the 'coon that we were just talking to! He's not powered by a Chaos-Emerald, thank the Ancient Walkers, but the technology he wields, would even make that of your former clan, look like a Tinker Toys kit!

Julie-Su-gasp-technology superior to the Legion's!? I didn't think that that was possible!

Charmy well, given that this guy's from another dimension, nothing surprises me 'bout him anymore!

Julie-Su "Another dimension"!?

Espio (Nodding his head) and a whole 'nother time frame, if my clan was shown the truth about him! Whenever even one of the Nightmare Pirates was on the battlefield, it usually meant that all forces whom one of them, all of them, or a portion of them deemed, "a friend", would get out of whatever battle they were fighting side-by-side with alive, but it also meant, that any enemy of whatever force the Nightmare Pirates sided with, would either come out of the battle humiliated almost into considering suicide, too scared of what the Nightmare Pirates could do next to ever enter battle again, would suffer such heavy damage, as to be out of commission for up to a year, at least, or, sometimes, even dead! And now, it seems that the Princess's mechanization, has finally caused their leader, to lose so much self-control, that he no-longer cares who takes our enemies out! If I read the look on One-Eyed Black's face correctly, I'd say that he meant every word that he just said, and is very likely to not leave the battlefield ever again, until he, and everyone helping him stands, and the being that he is fighting falls!

Julie-Su and this guy actually wants to help us!?

Vector don't ferget, 'Su: we had similar feelins' 'bout you when you joined us*(* Julie-Su did, indeed, get off to a pretty rocky start when she first-joined forces with Knuckles in KTE #4)!

Julie-Su (Thinking about all the trouble and hardship that she had to go through when SHE first-joinedthe Chaotix) Come to think of it, I'm kinda' starting to understand where this guy's gotta be coming from! But what exactly is this "One-Eyed Black" guy gonna do to "Help us"!?

Espio my feelings are: that he has probably already made his first move! And my suggestion is: that we raid Dr Eggman's database, and find out for ourselves what our good "friend", the pirate, has been up to lately!

Knuckles alrighty then! Let's see what kinda damage that this no-hot-air 'coon's done so far! Julie-Su! Monitor all airwaves goin' in, and out o' Robotropolis, and let us know whether or not the Pirate's already paid Eggman a visit!

Julie-Su Roger, Knuckles, and… Hold on! I'm getting something already! It's heavily coded, but I can read it! Apparently, this "One-Eyed Black" guy's kidnapped 69 Robians, and all of their brain components from Eggman's detention centers, factories, AND siege lines!–gasp-And get this, you guys: The Princess was one of 'em!

Knuckles get in touch with Sonic immediately! I know he's gonna love ta' hear this!

(The Chaotix contact Sonic at once! And, just like Knuckles kind of knew he would be, Sonic is totally blown away by the news!)

Chapter #5: ANSWERS AND INITIAL ARRIVAL

Sonic NO WAY! 'Black's got Sal!?

Knuckles Yes way, Sonic! And it looks like he also kidnapped 68 other Roboticizer victims along with 'er while 'e was at it!

Sonic heh-best news I heard in a long time, Knux!

Knuckles !? It is!? Why!?

Sonic 'parently, Knuckle-Head, you ain't got the slightest clue 'bout what ol' 'Black does with Robians!

Knuckles (Taking a deep breath and trying to calm himself down) go ahead n' enlighten me, Sonic! What does that creepy, overly-self-tortured 'coon do with "Robians"!?

Sonic he brings 'em back, Knux! He kidnaps 'em from the Big Round Guy; he restores their free-will; he returns 'em to the friends and/or families that may've missed him-or-her; and while all that's goin' on, he sees what 'e can do 'bout returnin' 'em as close back to normal as 'e possibly can! AND I'M TALKIN' PERMANENTLY!

Knuckles !? Yer serious, Sonic!? You really think that that's what that creepy old 'coon's up to!?

Sonic (Nodding his head) wouldn't surprise me in the least, Knux! And if 'Black's got Sal, he's prob'ly lookin' fer a way ta' bring 'er back to us right now as we speak! And there ain't no upgrade that's even gonna slow 'im down!

(Knuckles feels like he just got struck by the full-force of a lightning-storm, he was never, in a million generations, expecting such a feared, menacing, and scary-looking old 'coon like One-Eyed Black, to ever have as pure a heart, as what Sonic just described! It also stirs up a question, that he never thought before of asking anyone, not even Robotnik: The final fate of his Great-Grandmother, Crystal-La)

Knuckles Julie-Su! See if you can hack into the Nightmare Pirates' data-base, I got a few pressing questions fer our "new-old friend", the pirate!

Julie-Su Way-ahead of you, Knuckles! And-WHOA!

Knuckles what's wrong, Girl!?

Julie-Su surprisingly, not that much of a problem at all, Knuckles! The Nightmare Pirates' master computer's actually being several times more cooperative, than I thought it was gonna be! Apparently, its words for memory and intelligence are not at all, unlike that of Nicole! It also knows that I'm with you guys, and as such, it's inviting me right in!

(Just minutes after contact is established, a holographic image, of a white cat with thin, black stripes, and dressed in a black jump-suit, long black gloves, green belt, and a sky-blue, shroud-like cape, appears before the Chaotix)

The hologram Greetings, Chaotix! My name is Carrie! I am the holographic entity, of the Nightmare Pirates' master computer, the Cardiatron 6000!

Vector (Thinking) well, I'll give the pirate this much: he knows how ta' program a good-lookin' entity for 'is computer!

Carrie One-Eyed Black has anticipated for quite some time, that the Chaotix would try to hack into my main-frame and why: Knuckles wishes to know the fate, of his Great-Grandmother, Crystal-La!

Knuckles Alright, "Carrie", I'll give you this much: Ya' catch on quick! And yer right! Sonic has just told me what yer master does with "Robians", and I wanna know, truthfully: was one o' the Robians that the Pirate wound up restoring, my Great-Grandmother Crystal-La!?

Carrie I can very well see, by the look on your face, Knuckles, that if I do not answer you, there could be dire consequences, that I am very certain, that One-Eyed Black would not touch, with a 40' pole!

Knuckles (Nodding his head and showing Carrie a very tight fist) ever since I learned about her from Athair, I found-and just as quickly lost-ANOTHER member of my family, that I never knew even existed! So, now, I'm asking you directly, "Carrie": DID THE PIRATE FIND AND/OR RESTORE MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER CRYSTAL-LA!?

Carrie I hope that you are ready for a little history lesson, on the Nightmare Pirates, Knuckles! You will need to learn it, if you truly want the answers, that you say that you are seeking! Accessing Nightmare Pirate archives!

(Very soon, a holographic image of the treacherous software pirate known as One-Eyed Black, appears before Knuckles! One-Eyed Black had, in fact, been ready for Knuckles to ask this particular question, for a very long time, starting right when Athair brought Knuckles, to watch over the Tribe of Arakkis, which his Great-Grandfather had abandoned his duties as Guardian of Angel Island for so many years ago)

Hologram of One-Eyed Black the answers you seek, Knuckles, will be far easier to obtain, than you were originally prepared for! Your Great-Grandfather was, in fact, the best friend I had here, before I ran into Sonic n' the gang!

Knuckles (Thinking) heh-Even when 'e abandons 'is responsibilities, I guess even Athair's gotta have somebody out there who stays 'is friend through thick n' thin!

Knuckles (Taking a big, deep breath) Alright, Pirate! Lay it on me! How close were you and Athair!?

One-Eyed Black for the most part, a great deal closer, than the Brotherhood may've liked us to be after your Grandfather Saber, personally declared such a bad name fer 'is own father! I would've been far-more than in-full understanding of Saber's reasons fer that, if Athair were evil, but as ya' prob'ly know from yer own experience with 'im, Knuckles, Athair was anything but evil! And therefore, what Saber did to Athair's rep, I deem unforgivable, at best!

(While this conversation is in progress, the three surviving members of the Brotherhood, Specter, Sojourner and Thunderhawk, are listening in on the whole conversation, from their place in hiding, and are not at all happy, about One-Eyed Black telling Knuckles, the echidna who was destined to be the Guardian to end all Guardians, that what his Grandfather Saber always said about Athair, was nothing more than year-old garbage!)

Sojourner Why I oughta'….

Thunderhawk no, Father! One-Eyed Black is right! After we, ourselves, committed selfish acts of our own, we do deserve at least some of the criticism that One-Eyed Black is now administering! Let him speak!

Specter I get what you are saying, my descendant! And you are correct! After we, ourselves, fled Angel Island in its time of ultimate need, we are just as guilty of abandoning our responsibilities, as we have always accused Athair of being! You heard my descendant, my son! Let the raccoon speak!

Knuckles (Showing at least some signs of relentment) so, you and Athair were that close, huh? Had no idea!

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head in full agreement) Believe me, Knuckles! I was! Athair and Saber were the ones who woke me up, don't ferget! And I came to know Crystal-La, almost equally as well! She was one of the first, and best female friends, that I ever made in your plane-of-existence! And I was a very good-and loyal-friend, to both of your Great-Grandparents! After the Tribe and the Nightmare Pirates parted ways, Athair told me, and the others, that we would always have a place of honor, and friendship within the Tribe! I completely denied that trust, and really let Athair down, when the Swat-Bots attacked the Tribe when it was without us! Athair was so upset about losing Crystal-La, that after that fight was over, and lost, Athair tossed away com-link with me! The Ancient Walkers would always be there to tell Athair what I was up to, but the bridge between me and Athair, had been burnt to below the water-level! Much as your Father's side o' yer family, doesn't want anything to do with Athair, Athair, unfortunately, wanted nothing more ta' do with me! I still called Athair a friend, tho', and I vowed to get Crystal-La back fer him! After it was decided what to do about the Robians, as in: restore their free-will, and/or get them out of Iron Death COMPLETELY, your Great-Grandmother, was pretty high up on my Most-Wanted-List! Unfortunately, I was far-too-short-handed, to mount as effective a search for 'er as I would've liked to! I was too focused, on helping Sonic and his friends to, and believe me, Knuckles: my friendship with Sonic, is just as important ta' me, IF not more, than my friendship with Athair! Still, I saw Athair's point perfectly well from the beginning: he needed methe most back there, and I let 'im down!

Knuckles (Making an unbearably tight fist) that was not your fault, n' you know it, Pirate! I know perfectly well how short-handed you always were! And no thanks in large part to Robotnik, you didn't really have that much of an army, at the time that fat creep struck! If Robotnik attacked when you were there, I know fer a fact, that you could've, AND would've, stopped that fat sicko dead n' 'is tracks! I know you were saving Robotnik 'imself fer Sonic, but I know you, Pirate! Helping a friend that close!? I know that you'd almost never turn down the opportunity! Which brings me back ta' my original question, Pirate: DID YOU FIND MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER!?

One-Eyed Black I did! And I restored her free-will! Unfortunately, I was unable to bring 'er back all the way; this was just hours after your business with the Tribe was over; by then, I managed to restore the free-will, of near-every single member of the Tribe, that Athair had lost that day! And to boot, a good-solid 68% of them, were restored to creatures of flesh-and-blood! I contacted Athair, but 'e didn't believe, or listen ta' me. And besides! By that time, Athair had already taken 'is place, among the Ancient Walkers! No peace-offering from me, was ever enough to repair the bridge, that'd been burned that most terrible day, in the entire history, of the Tribe of Arakkis! Those like your friend, Yanar, however, said to me that they were most grateful, that I wanted to, at least part-way, undo the wrong, that I know I could've stopped from happening, had I been there with them! And Gala-Na, Guardian of Albion, did promise me, that she and her council, would do whatever they could, to finish the job of restoration, that I started! But, whether I succeeded, or not, what happened to her and so many others, really made my blood boil, like I was in the middle of a volcano! Crystal-La was one of the most gentle, and kind-hearted creatures, that I ever had the pleasure of meeting, and Robotnik was heartless enough, to take her away, from those she cared about most! If anything started me, on the path of hatred for Robotnik, what happened to yer Great-Grandmother, was a very hefty appetizer!

(Unbeknownst to both conversationists, Athair is listening to this, as well, and this time, though somewhat reluctantly, Athair is a little more open-eared, to his "former" friend than usual! After Athair hears One-Eyed Black's entire two-sense, Athair realizes that maybe, just maybe, he was a little bit hard on his old friend and former protector; Athair now telepathically contacts One-Eyed Black)

Athair (Appearing before a very startled One-Eyed Black) Black-Glove, I have heard everything! And my Great-Grandson is right! I should've realized, from the way that the Brotherhood always treated me, that I should never, have made that same mistake with YOU! I know it may not seem like it, my former ally, but I am eternally grateful, that you were able to re-unite the Tribe, with those that they have lost to that accursed machine known as the Roboticizer, so long ago! I realize now, that what happened back there, was no more your fault than the Tribe's! I am forever in your debt, for bringing Crystal-La back! I may no longer be with her, but I am happy, to see that you at least tried, to correct the mistake of arrogance, that everyone in this world, was guilty of committing! I know that this a little late in coming, but I do forgive you, Black-Glove! And Crystal-La may've been lost, to those accursed Egg-Grapes soon afterwards, but you did succeed in at least part-way bringing her back! And Gala-Na did near-everything, in her council's power, AND in her OWN power, to finish the job of restoration that you had started! Keep in mind, Old Friend: I no-longer blame you for what happened back there! And if you truly do want Eggman's head as badly as you say, then, I am very certain, that the one known as Sonic will most appreciate the help!

(Athair now vanishes from sight; unbeknownst to One-Eyed Black, or even Athair for that matter, Knuckles was listening in on this whole conversation with great interest and curiosity, and was ever-alert to learn at least a little more about what the relationship between Athair, and this mysterious, and gruff-looking figure in black! Knuckles now has, at least some, further respect for his still-not-very-well-appreciated-by-the-rest-of-the-family-Great-Grandfather, and decides to add his own two-sense to hopefully bury the hatchet between both Athair, and One-Eyed Black, even deeper into the ground, and maybe even make Athair look better to Knuckles himself, as well)

Knuckles Pirate! I heard the whole thing! And Athair's right, as usual! What happened to the Tribe back there, was no-more your fault than anyone else's! I say this both for me being that monster Enerjak, and for you not being with the Tribe of Arakkis when the Swat-Bots attacked 'em! I know that not many compliments like that stay in yer head for very long, let alone forever, Pirate, but Athair was a very good friend o' yours, I understand that now! And if Athair's ready ta' forgive ya', keep in mind, Pirate: nobody of pure-heart, has any choice but to follow suit!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking, just after signing off from Knuckles, and with a good many tears in his eyes) Athair! Thanks, Old Friend! But there will always be guilt in my heart, for letting you down back there! But rest assured, Athair…

One-Eyed Black (Thinking and making a very tight left-handed fist)…THAT MISTAKE WILL NOT BE REPEATED!

Chapter #6: RESTORATION

(Just seconds after Athair is done with his message to One-Eyed Black, a holographic image of the old software pirate, once again appears before Sonic and his friends)

One-Eyed Black Freedom Fighters! I have some excellent news for ya'! I admit it! I shoulda' said something about this in my first transmission to you guys! I guess I was just too focused, on what I wanna do, to help you guys bring that fat sicko Eggman down once and fer all ta' bring it up! In my fit o' rage n' hatred for Eggman, I guess I forgot to mention the first chunk of my "peace offering": As you prob'ly know by now, yes! I have Sally! As well as 68 other friends and loved ones, that all of you believed were gone forever! I also have something ta' show you guys that I shoulda' shared with you a very long time ago! Carrie! Show 'em the machine I plan to prepare for them!

Carrie accessing, One-Eyed Black!

(A very detailed set of schematics appears before the Freedom Fighters; Rotor is called in to see what these schematics are of)

Rotor (After examining the blue-prints for only minutes) NO WAY! THESE ARE PLANS FER A DE-ROBOTICIZER!

One-Eyed Black I developed these blue-prints about 500 o' my years ago, translating to about eleven months-past by your world's clock! At first, I didn't really think that such a device'd be necessary, but after Sally fell into the pit of Iron Death, that POV changed dramatically! And because of Sally's mechanization, my desire and vow, to bring back every single victim of that accursed device, known as the Roboticizer that I could, had re-awakened! And, just hours past, I kidnapped 69 Robians, Sally among them, from Eggman, as well as located, and re-installed their original brain components, and drained them of 99.9% of their power, thus making them all too weak to fight, and thus easier ta' deal with, until their restoration is complete! To start off their "journey" towards becoming once again, the friends and loved ones that you all once knew, I developed these circuit cards!

(One-Eyed Black now holds up one of the 69 miniature circuit cards that he made to restore these 69 tortured souls' free-will)

One-Eyed Black once these circuit cards are placed into the brain components of these Robians, they will restore their free-will! But be warned: this method of "spirit revival", does have its fair-share of side-effects!

Tails lay it on us, 'Black! Given your knack for invention, I'm bettin' it can't be that bad! And if ya' say ya' need some help, Rotor and I'll be more than happy ta' lendja a hand!

One-Eyed Black the biggest problem, with restoring a Robian's free-will with the method I'm using, is that once their true personalities are back in control of their bodies, certain personality traits, will be greatly amplified! And this state of "emotion overload" is not likelyto subside right away, even after de-mechanization; it could take anywhere, from a few months, to at least a full decade, for the Robian in-question, to shake off these amped emotions, and return to normal all the way! For example, there are three personality traits in Sally, that I think everybody in your home world had better watch out for, and are the most likely to be amped in her, even after the de-mechanization process is complete! And the three traits that could be amped the most in Sally are: Her compassion for her friends, especially her closest friends; her hatred for 'er enemies; and her guilt, over everything that Eggman made 'er do! All three of these personality traits, are very likely, to be amplified, at least five-fold. The results: Sally will wanna tear anything, and everything having to do with Eggman, APART! She will openly, and gladly, accept the company of any good friend who wants to talk to 'er, and that goes quadruple, for a very close friend of hers, like Sonic has always proven to be; And, finally, she will think that everything that she did as Mecha-Sally, was her fault, and hers alone, and that nobody'll ever forgive 'er for what she did, while she was under that bloated creep's twisted influence; I, therefore, recommend that she not look herself in the mirror, until after she is De-Roboticized; some comfort from 'er friends, and terminating a few dozen bogeymen in the training facilities with unspeakable prejudice, however, might help cut down the time that Sally will need to recover completely! I'm also developing special medicine for her to take, to help keep these amped personality traits under control! Also, if any compliments, and gestures of friendship from anybody that she deems a true friend hit 'er the right way, Sally's recovery time, will be shortened significantly!

Sonic so, one way or the other, Sal'll be back to normal!?

(One-Eyed Black nods his head)

One-Eyed Black thing is, I'll need the equipment that you guys have in New Mobotropolis' Main Lab, if I'm gonna pull this off! I was able to drain these Robians of the majority of their power, making them too weak ta' fight or even generate a good enough homing signal, for Egg-Face to locate them and get them back under 'is command…

Sonic TRUST ME WHEN I SAY THIS, 'BLACK: I AM NOT GONNA LET SAL LIVE LIKE THIS! AND IF WE CAN GET 'ER BACK, DUNN' MATTER IF IT TAKES A CENTURY! AS LONG AS SAL'S BACK, THAT'S ALL I CARE ABOUT!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking) Sally must be very lucky to have a friend like you, Sonic!

(The Royal Council, is alerted about this at once, and they are all very shocked to hear, that One-Eyed Black, the most unlikely freedom fighter on the face of Mobius, is actually looking to help them all the way. Sally's father, Maximilian Acorn, is a little upset, that One-Eyed Black treated "One of the most sacred oaths that kept peace between the Kingdom of Acorn, and Nightmare Lagoon" worse than dirt, but he has also heard, and is quite pleased, that One-Eyed Black was able to sum up the courage, and personally march straight into the heart of Robotropolis, and rescue his daughter, from being an mindless robotic slave of Eggman's forever; and several more of the better-hearted members of the Royal Council, see perfectly well, what One-Eyed Black is trying to do: bring their bravest, wisest, most respected and inspirational friend and leader, Princess Sally, back to them. And the Council unanimously agrees: if One-Eyed Black truly does have the technological know-how that everyone around them claims that he has, then, he could very well be the key to winning this war! Soon afterwards, One-Eyed Black teleports for New Mobotropolis; Carrie appears out of nowhere right beside him just seconds later. After their bad experience with Nicole, it is very difficult for most in the city, to approach Carrie right away, but several more, know how dangerous it is, to cross any of the Nightmare Pirates, and Carrie is viewed as no different, from her six "real" comrades; and everyone in the city has heard that Carrie was programmed to actually fight! But this intense level of fear, is soon replaced by admiration, when, just minutes after One-Eyed Black appears, everyone remembers how much trouble for the ever-dreaded Robotnik, that these notorious, but pure-hearted warriors were! Not to mention, that Carrie has come bearing the blue-prints, of the most advanced De-Roboticizer yet-designed! Tails and Rotor set to work on it immediately! In the meantime, One-Eyed Black and Carrie, had also come with 69 Robians, all of which have had their original brain-components put back into them! The "rescued" Robians are all put in solitary, and are strapped down; seeing all of these creatures in such a state, is both scary, and heart-breaking, for everyone present in Tommy Turtle Memorial Hospital*(* including, and especially, the Freedom Fighters); One-Eyed Black now has Carrie teleport the 69 Free-Will Restoration Circuit Cards, that he had made for these soon-to-be-liberated souls, over to the hospital; and finally, One-Eyed Black now enters Tommy Turtle Memorial Hospital himself, where several of the most talented technicians, and best Robian experts await him!)

Dr Quack One-Eyed Black! To whom do we owe this honor!?

One-Eyed Black unfortunately, that honor belongs entirely ta' me!

Dr Quack I see thatcha' haven't changed a bit, One-Eyed Black! Are ya' sure thatcha' still don't want those "Lost Personality Traits" back?

One-Eyed Black positive! But now is not the time to be worrying 'bout my state o' mind! There are 69 others here, who are far-more in need of help than me!

(Dr Quack and One-Eyed Black now enter the ward where the Robians are being kept; they are all seriously low on power, but, as expected, they are all still struggling like there's no tomorrow. This was the main reason why One-Eyed Black had these 69 tortured souls drained of their power: so that they would be easier, for the medics to handle without too much difficulty; Dr Quack and One-Eyed Black now approach the Robian, that One-Eyed Black himself, vowed would be the first one restored: SALLY!)

One-Eyed Black well, Doc? Is the card compatible!?

Dr Quack I checked Mecha-Sally out from top to bottom, 'Black! And I gotta say: She's prob'ly one o' the most advanced Robians ever brought to us! Eggman really did his homework with this one! And yes! There is room for that circuit card o' yours! I found an empty space in her brain component, my guess is, Eggman designed her this way, so that if needed, he could install extra control circuitry if needed! Anyway, your "Free-Will Restoration Circuit Card" will be a perfect fit in this space!

(Just like Dr Quack said it would be, One-Eyed Black's Free-Will Restoration Circuit Card, by sheer coincidence, is a perfect fit! Mecha-Sally shudders, squirms, and struggles, as the card's energy surges through her; the observing Freedom Fighters are a little upset, about seeing Sally in more pain, than they can usually stand to see her in, but in just single-digit seconds, Mecha-Sally is calm, seemingly settled down, and much to every one of the Freedom Fighters' delight and relief, it does look like Sally's free-will, has been restored!)

(Mecha-Sally closes her eyes tight for a brief moment, but then slowly opens them; Mecha-Sally now looks all around herself, and then, finally, she speaks!)

Mecha-Sally (Still sounding somewhat weak) D….oct…torr Qu…ack!?

One-Eyed Black (now far-more than convinced, and satisfied, that Sally is back in control of herself) Welcome back, and home, Sally! Nurse! Go 'head n' remove the restraints from 'er!

Mecha-Sally One-Eyed Black! I never thought I would ever say this to you, but thank you for rescuing me!

One-Eyed Black Glad ta' finally be able ta' help out, Sally! And I gotta say: Every single one o' your friends here, Sonic especially, are really happy ta' have ya' back!

Mecha-Sally One-Eyed Black, I know that you have an obligation, to rescue all Robians from Robotnik's-and now Eggman's-twisted influence, but why go through such trouble just for me!? –Sob-I know that I am not exactly one of your favorite animals! We have so many differences! You made that perfectly clear, at the conclusion of that incident, in which I nearly condemned, the one Freedom Fighter who always backed me up*(*Mecha-Sally is referring to the events covered in the "Mecha-Madness" saga)!-sob-Why help me after all that!?

One-Eyed Black look, Sally: what you did as this monster that Eggman turnja' into, you did because Eggman programmed you to do it! No other reason! And nobody here's forgotten, Sally, that it was you who saved everyone from the Death Egg Mach-2! As far as I know, Sally, you were the only casualty of that particular assault! And trust me, when I say this, Sally: blaming yerself, fer landing in the pit of Iron Death, is definitely not what any of your friends ever wanted for you! Lemme put it this way, Sally: You and Sonic have known each other since the two of you were each only weeks old, did you, or didn't you!?

Mecha-Sally (Nodding her head) but that still doesn't matter, One-Eyed Black! I still made the mistake, of letting myself get Roboticized! If I had not gone on that mission with Sonic, that would've never happened! I do not deserve this "new chance" that you're giving so freely to me, One-Eyed Black,-sob- I don't even deserve to still exist…

One-Eyed Black hear me, Sally: Ever since you and Sonic walked into each other's lives, Sonic has always been doing favors fer you, and 'e hardly ever let you down! In fact, even when you two weren't together, you two still had tons o' respect fer each other! All o' yer friends've been doing favors fer you ever since the day you were born, Sally! And just like Sonic, they almost NEVER let you down! And now, Sally, it's your turn ta' do a favor fer yer friends! And if you continue to carry on like this, you'll just be letting the whole planet, and all o' yer friends on it, down! Is that really how you wanna repay 'em, Sally!? The Freedom Fighters've always stuck by your side! And it was because of your leadership, that they almost always pulled through! And if you continue to carry on like this, you'll just be letting every single friend who helped you out down! It'll also mean: that Eggman'll win over you indefinitely! Is that really what you want!? Look, Sally: like I told you when I first-woke up yer spirit: I came all this way back here ta' your world, just so I could help Sonic get you back! What you and Sonic had going for each other was almost always something really special, and believe me when I say this, Sally: a friendship like that is NOT very easy to come by! And after I learned that you had been Roboticized long-term, and that my second group of allies, the Brotherhood, refused ta' help you n' yer friends*(*See KTE #29), I had to come back here! I was not gonna let Eggman win, over you or ANY of yer friends—EVER! So again, c'mon, Sally! Yer friends need you! And with you back with the Freedom Fighters, I know that Eggman's gonna crumble like a cookie in soap-water! So waddaya say, Sally? Do you accept the offer to be back on Sonic's payroll, or dontcha!?

Mecha-Sally don't get me wrong, One-Eyed Black! I'm glad that I still have friends that want to stick by me no matter what! But what I did as this—THING—that Eggman turned me into…-sob-I don't think even Sonic would forgive me for any of it!

A mysterious voice that's where yer wrong, Sal!

Sonic 'Black's absolutely right! Whatever you did after Egg-Face turned ya' into a Robian, you did it 'cause Eggman programmed ya' ta' do it! And now that we gotcha back, Sal, we're all gonna make Eggman pay fer doin' it to ya'! And together, we're all gonna make Eggman wish that 'e stayed in that tortured zone that 'e crawled outta' ta' conquer this one!

One-Eyed Black Dr Quack! I think it's safe ta' recharge 'er now! BUT, just enough for her to visit with the rest of 'er friends,and to get 'er in to the De-Roboticizer, under her own power! Speaking of which…

(Tails and Rotor are hard at work on the new De-Roboticizer; fortunately for them, and for the engineers assisting them, almost all of the machines created by One-Eyed Black, are made using conventional circuitry, and Nicole has personally seen to it, that the build team has everything they need; some of the other engineers are a little bit iffy about Nicole helping them, fortunately, the heads of the build-team, Tails and Rotor, both have the brains, and hearts to realize, that Nicole's "malfunctioning", was not Nicole's fault. At about the time Sally's "true-self" is awakened, the De-Roboticizer is nearly complete! The phone in Rotor's workshop rings like mad; and Tails answers it)

Tails Main Laboratory of New Mobotropolis! Tails here!

One-Eyed Black Tails! Great news! Sally's got 'er free-will back! The other Robians are receiving the same treatment on a one-at-a-time basis as we speak! What kinda shape is the De-Roboticizer currently in!?

Tails It's almost ready, 'Black! Just a few more conductors n' resistors ta' add! And if Rotor's calculations are correct, like they usually are, we should have it ready ta' go in about an hour's time! By the way: How is Sally doing!?

One-Eyed Black well, lemme put it this way, Tails: I recommend that she not look at 'erself in the mirror, until after she's de-mechanized!

Rotor There! That's the last circuit! This De-Roboticizer is officially ready ta' rock n' roll! So, 'Black, who're we gonna try this thing out on!?

One-Eyed Black I know you guys aren't really gonna think very highly o' me fer this, but my original plan has not changed: SALLY, is to be brought back FIRST!

(News of the identity of the "Guinea Pig" spreads like wild-fire; as One-Eyed Black and his "test subject" near Rotor's workshop, they are confronted by numerous reporters)

Reporter #2 so, Commander Black! You said that this "De-Roboticizer" will be tried out on the Princess! Any words on that!?

One-Eyed Black when I first re-entered this plane of existence, I vowed that Sally would be brought back first!—NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

(A lot of garbled, and random remarks, both good and bad, are heard in several parts of the crowd; and the reporters continue with their questions)

Reporter #1 so, Commander Black! What happens if this doesn't work!?

One-Eyed Black the only predicted problem that might go wrong with this, is that the De-Roboticizer that I had Tails and Rotor build may not have permanent effects! Should the effects prove only temporary, Sally will revert back to 'er Roboticized state, in 120 hours! However, if she's still a creature of flesh-and-blood more than 30 minutes after that time's up, that will mean that the effects will be permanent! No more comments from me!

(The random, and in some cases, very unfriendly, buzz of talk continues)

Mecha-Sally HEAR ME, EVERYONE! I understand that you are all greatly concerned about me, but a promiseis a promise! And One-Eyed Black promised, to himself, to my friends, and the way I understand it, to several of you, as well, that I would be the first one that he would bring back! I beg you: PLEASE! No more comments or ill-words, until after it is seen, whether or not this will work! If it does, that means denying Dr Eggman, of yet-anothervictory! And if it does not, then, that only means that the De-Roboticizer was not fed enough power, and we'll just have to try again, but with the De-Roboticizer being operated at a greater voltage! No more comments from me, or from One-Eyed Black, until after my fate is decided either way! Now, clear out! One-Eyed Black has a good many to restore to their former selves!

(Mecha-Sally is introduced to the new De-Roboticizer almost as soon as she enters the room where it is being kept; the modifications made to her by Eggman, are nothing short of extreme; fortunately, with the Nightmare Pirates' technology on their side, thess upgrades do not make de-mechanization any bigger a gamble, it only means that the De-Robotization sequence will take longer to complete. As in: a maximum of about 18 minutes; in the meantime, Sally's friends have their own fair-share of questions, for this newly returned and uneasy friend)

Rotor Don't get us wrong, 'Black! We'reall really glad ta' have ya' back! And we really do appreciate whatcher trying to do here…

Antoine oui, oui! wvairy grateful! But, I zought zat yu and ze preencess didno' like each ozier!

Amy Rose (Showing a great deal of suspicion) Yeah! So, why the change o' heart all of a sudden!?

Cream we really do appreciate that you want to get the Princess back for us, One-Eyed Black! But I also heard from my friends here in the Freedom Fighters that you and the Princess did not get along! In fact, I heard a very scary rumor that you accused the Princess of lying to you once!

Tails It's not that we don't appreciate whatcher tryin' ta' do for us, 'Black! It's just that, the million mobium question on everyone's mind is: WHY!?

One-Eyed Black I'll admit it! Sally and I did have our fair-share of differences! I guess the sitch between me n' her, was very similar, to what was going on between Sonic and Knuckles! As in: Sally and I didn't exactly see eye-to-eye, and we really annoyed each other for it! Sally may've been a very uneasy ally fer me, but bottom line: she was an ally, and, she was nowhere near-evil-at least not until Eggman did this ta' her! Not to mention: even though I wouldn't exactly ever call Sally a friend, I do know how much she means, to someone here who is my friend!

Sonic (Thinking) and me n' Knux buried the hatchet, close to no problem! So, I guess now, it's time fer that same thing ta' happen between Sal and 'Black, huh!? Man! Even after I was able ta' bury the hatchet with Knux, never thought that the same thing'd happen between Sal n' 'Black!

One-Eyed Black plus: even though Sally and I took our fair-share of swings at each other, we still respected each other as leaders! And as I got to know her better, I ear-marked Sally, in my mind, as being one of the most capable leaders ever known, and just between you and me, you guys, I view her as going right up there, with one of the most famous, compassionate, and respected leaders of all Time and Space: the great OPTIMUS PRIME himself!

Narrator (Sonic) A lot of us did recognize the name! 'Black told us countless stories about 'im when we were really little! 'Cordin' ta' 'Black, ol' Op, was "The leader, to end all leaders"! And from the way 'Black always talked about 'im, we all well-understood why! 'Cordin' ta' 'Black, ol' Op was the ultimate leader, caring, compassionate, honorable, noble, and self-sacrificin'! And right when we heard about this comparison from 'Black, we went through everything in our heads, both of what we always remembered and admired about Sal, and of what 'Black told us about this "Optimus Prime" guy, and we did notice quite a few similarities! I guess our next big question for 'Black, was totally unavoidable!

Antoine zo! Who-und razair-vhat-eez zis "Opteemus of Pry-am"!?

One-Eyed Black Optimus Prime was the leader, of the most fearsome and powerful group of robotic warriors, that could ever possibly be labeled "The Good Guys", THE AUTOBOTS! Yes! Optimus was a being of metal and wire, but unlike what you guys'd normally ever expect possible in a 'bot, for several centuries in this plane of existence to come, Optimus was a being of pure sentience! He respected all life wherever life was found, and as long as there was a good-hearted, and noble creature there for 'im ta' fight for, Optimus Prime was, for the most part, pretty-well unbeatable! In my home-dimension, he has always been looked upon, as a hero to end all heroes; he still is, and prob'ly always will be! And if you turn yer backs on knowing about 'im now, simply 'cause 'e's a 'bot, don't forget: I do not take very kindly, to such racist-based concepts! In all my stories about the heroes I cherish, do not forget my stories about the villains, that I so greatly despise, including the guy that, as of the Eighth Grade, I would always compare social discrimination to: The most evil World War II overlord in the history of my home time and reality: ADOLF HITLER!

Narrator (Sonic) we all remembered hearin' 'bout that guy, too! 'Cordin' ta' 'Black, there were even some guys back in 'Black's time n' world, who viewed this "Hitler" guy, as bein' even worse in the personality department, than both known Robuttniks put together!

One-Eyed Black Keep in mind, you guys: I am not putting Sally down by comparing her ta' Optimus; I am, in fact, commending her! And if you guys turn yer backs on knowing about Optimus Prime simply 'cause 'e's a 'bot, then, that only means to me, that I didn't do as good a job, at eliminating social discrimination, from the train of intelligent thought as I was hoping to! Keep in mind, you guys: the only type of prejudice that I think should exist, is the extreme type, with which yer s'posed to terminate yer enemies!

Sonic Hey! Hey, 'Black! Say no more! We all get whatcher sayin'! And yer right! Heroes really do come in a wide variety, o' shapes, sizes, n' types, don't they!?

A mysterious voice you always did have the least prejudice of us all, Sonic!

Sally and now, I think I understand where you got it from!

Sonic (Several tears of joy streaming down his face, and giving Sally a pretty-good-sized bear-hug) Great ta' have ya' back, Sal!

Sally (Welcoming Sonic's gesture of friendship, and with several tears of joy welling up in her eyes, as well) Great tobe back, Sonic! At least for now!

One-Eyed Black I hate to break up this happy and long-awaited reunion, but all of you guys know, that I gotta make sure that Sally's back for good! This will, of course mean, putting her in solitary for five days! But I promise: if she's still a creature of flesh-and-blood, thirty minutes after that time's up, then you guys can feel free ta' celebrate, the return of your most influential, and cherished leader, all ya' like!

(Just then, a usually-not-so-welcomed-face enters the room)

Geoffrey St. John Y'sent for me, Mate!?

One-Eyed Black I really hate to do this to Sally so soon after her return, but I gotta make sure that she's back fer good! I know that you work for Naugus, St. John! But I also know, that you still, in some ways, care about Sally, don't you?

Geoffrey St. John (Giving a right-handed salute) trust me when I say this, Mate: I have more respect fer her than fer any other Freedom Fighter here!

One-Eyed Black Well, I know that the Freedom Fighters aren't really gonna thank me fer this, but Sally is to be confined to Rotor's workshop for five days straight! You, St. John, are to keep an eye or two on both her, and the clock for 120 hours! If she's still a creature of flesh-and-blood more than 30 minutes after that time's up, then that'll mean that the experiment was successful, and Sally'll free to walk among her friends once again!

Geoffrey St. John not really somethin' I'm lookin' forward to, Mate, but what happens if she turns back into a robot!?

One-Eyed Black then, we'll just have to run 'er through the De-Roboticizer again, but with it being operated, at a greater voltage, than was used last time!

Geoffrey St. John (Raising an eyebrow) and if that circuit card thatcha put into 'er goes kaput!?

Carrie Probability: negative-21%

Geoffrey St. John (Turning to Carrie) keep in mind, Sheila: yer still not exactly a favorite around here! But, alright! I'll watch 'er! C'mon, Luv! Really hate to do this to ya', but the pirate's right! We gotta make sure thatcher back fer good!

Sally (pulling her hand away from St. John's grasp and turning up her nose) I am not your "Luv" anymore, St. John! The name is "Sally"! LEARN IT!

Geoffrey St. John Commander! Did one of 'er amped personality traits really have to be 'er hatred fer those she called the enemy right-before she was mechanized!?

One-Eyed Black keep in mind, St. John: you laid out yer bed when ya' sided with Naugus, NOW SLEEP IN IT!

Sonic for once, Stinky, you and I are on the exact same page! I'm not really that crazy 'bout Sal not bein' all the way back ta' normal, either! But I'm with 'Black on this one, and you should be, too! Just be happy that Sal's back ta' normal at all!

Geoffrey St. John (Thinking as he escorts Sally to where she will be kept for five days, seeing that Sally isn't really appreciative of his company, understanding why, and bowing his head in unspeakable shame)Naugus, why'd ya' have to try ta' take over the world, Mate!?

Soon after the count-down commences…

Rotor So, 'Black! Where're the rest o' the guys!?

One-Eyed Black 'cept for Carrie, there is no "rest"!

Every Freedom Fighter in the room (Greatly terrified, mortified, and totally caught off-guard) YOU CAME BACK HERE BY YOURSELF!?

Sonic no 'fense, 'Black! But what about whatcha promised Sal when ya' first-joined us!?

One-Eyed Black after what happened to Sally in more recent history, any and all deals and promises that held me back from striking no matter what was at my disposal, have been made officially null and void!

Rotor no 'fense to those feelings, 'Black! But dontcha remember what happened when ya' took on Robotnik by yourself!?

Bunnie Yeah, Sugar-Black! Ah heard thatchy'all were in stayasis fer a good six n' a hayalf yeahs aftah thayat! Arentchy'all at least a lil' bayit worried thayat thayat's gonna hayappen to y'all agayin if y'all ain't cahful!?

One-Eyed Black And that's exactly why I gave Carrie permission ta' come along with me!

Tails no 'fense, 'Black! But a computer-generated entity isn't exactly what a lot of us'd call "back-up"!

One-Eyed Black then, you guys obviously don't know a whole lot about Carrie, do ya?

Rotor (Taking a really big breath) Alright, 'Black! Lay it on us! If we're gonna be workin' with 'er, then, I guess we'd better know all the details about your computer! We're all pretty sure that "Carrie" n' Nicole're gonna make a great team, but what exactly can Carrie do for ya' in a fight!?

One-Eyed Black Carrie is to the Nightmare Pirates, what the Good Green Ranger, was to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers! To put it bluntly: She'd be what I dub: A Back-Up Commando, and I gotta tell you guys: ever since I came back here, Carrie has proven quite the asset! She has guided me, through each, and every zone known to exist in this world! She's single-handedly saved my bacon from Eggman's chronies on numerous occasions! And she even provided me with what I needed, to get the undivided attention, of the creature that was most responsible, for cutting down the time I had ta' spend in Robo-Town: Rouge the Bat!

Tails NO WAY! Rouge helped ya'!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) in way-more ways than one! I made 'er an offer she couldn't turn down! I had Carrie switch on her Bat-Radar-Disruption-Program! No species of bat can stand it, for even single-digit seconds! I also offered Rouge a ruby the size o' Eggman's fist, if she cooperated, and kept quiet about our "little chat"!

Sonic a ruby that size!? Heh-Rouge'll do pretty much anything anyone says fer somethin' like that!

Rotor and ya' did talk ta' Sal 'bout this, right, 'Black!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head)I know that that question was rhetorical, Rotor, but yeah! I did! I clued Sally in on the whole thing, right when I re-awakened her life-essence!

Sonic say, what!?

One-Eyed Black In-between now, and when I last-departed this reality, I picked up a magic trick or two! When Carrie and I finally located Sally's true brain-component, I shouted out my Signature Incantation! It's a little trick I came up with myself! It gets its power from both magic AND technology!

(One-Eyed Black hands Sonic a small post-it)

Sonic (Reading the incantation out loud) "extracted from your body, your identity been taken; being rise now, and may your spirit awaken"!?

One-Eyed Black as you guys can prob'ly guess, that spell awakens the spirit, of any and every dormant brain within a 36' radius o' m'self! That same spell, pretty-well inadvertly, also woke up the life-essences, of the 68 other Robians that I brought ta' town with me! I brought them with, 'cause Sally's holographic spirit, said that it wasn't going anywhere, unless I got them outta there along with 'er, as well! As fer why I complied to that request, well, I think everyone here knows full-well how I am about Robians!

Sonic we all hear ya' on that, 'Black! And, I'm pretty sure that a lotta the kids here, are really gonna lovehavin' all o' those lost loved ones back!

(The five days necessary to find out whether or not One-Eyed Black's De-Roboticizer's effects are permanent go by quickly; at both the Freedom Fighters' and One-Eyed Black's request, Sally is to be fed full meals, and is to be kept as comfortable as possible; and as Geoffrey and Sally are still not on good speaking terms*(*A situation that St. John finds most frustrating, heart-breaking, and very difficult to deal with), some visiting hours are arranged; One-Eyed Black knows, that the comfort from true friends, is the best "medicine" that will ensure Sally of a full recovery!)

And as the time finally draws to a close….

(Time has been up for a good 36 minutes; Sally is still a creature of flesh-and-blood; and St. John reports to One-Eyed Black with the good news.)

Geoffrey St. John well, Mate! Gotta hand it ta' ya'! You did somethin' in less than a week, that we all completely lost hope'd ever happen! Is it OK ta' let 'er out now!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) A-firm-a-tive! And here!

(A small container of pills is teleported to the desk right in front of St. John)

One-Eyed Black If ya' really want Sally's amped personality traits ta' stay under control, tell 'er to take one o' THOSE a day! There should be enough there ta' last 'er 'bout a month!

Geoffrey St. John (Snatching the container of pills in front of him) Right, Mate!

(Sally is most flattered and happy, to learn that she still has friends left, even after everything that went on, courtesy of her Roboticized counterpart)

Sonic Sal, I said it before, and I'll say it again! Great ta' finally have ya' back!

(Knuckles, and the Chaotix, are informed at once that their most cherished ally, is back on the team, and back on the job!)

Knuckles NO WAY! Sonic! You gotta be kiddin' me!

Sonic No joke, Knux! Sal's back ta' stay! And it's all thanks ta' 'Black!

Knuckles Well, message fer the Pirate next time ya' see 'im: Great job! He just got the Freedom Fighters their sharpest edge back!

Sonic (Thinking and reaching behind his shoulder) Yeah! I'm glad she's back, too, Knux!

(The Chaotix all view this comeback, as the return of a very close long-lost friend, which it is! Nicole, who lost the trust of the entire city she tried so hard to create, finally has her best friend, and her primary, and most dedicated cheer-leader back! Over the next week, the 68 other Robians that One-Eyed Black had "Rescued", are restored to creatures of flesh-and-blood, and near-everyone in town, is more than happy to have them back! But the same problems that arose within Sally, now show in these others: Each of these restored loved ones have at least two-to-five personality traits amplified, and the one amped personality trait that they all have in common: A deep-rooted, intense, and near-unquenchable hatred for Eggman! Other amped personality traits of these ex-Roboticizer victims include: their feelings for the ones they care about most; their guilt of falling so willingly into Eggman's clutches; Feeling completely stupid for believing that the threat of the ever-dreaded Roboticizer was gone for good; Their strife to make up for the mistakes they blame themselves for; their courage; their deepest, darkest fears; and in some cases, even their competitiveness. Some in New Mobotropolis are still, however, a little bit iffy, about a creepy-looking, and untrusting software pirate like One-Eyed Black being among them again; they all know what this guy thinks of social discrimination, and about the ancient evil that he compares it to; and now that everyone knows of his Spirit Vision abilities, everyone is dead-afraid, of this seemingly unforgiving warrior revealing their deepest, darkest secrets, without regard, of how many lives he could ruin, by opening his mouth about them; and some are even afraid, of saying the wrong thing, that could make this wild-hearted, homicidal software pirate, lash out at them, and/or worse yet, cause him to leave their dimension long-term again, and once again leave the Freedom Fighters, at a tremendous disadvantage; For better, or for worse, this homicidal-to-the-enemy-software pirate, detects some of these fears, and knows that he must keep his promise, to never leave the friends he has here in the dark, otherwise possibly losing their friendship forever)

One-Eyed Black (Addressing the half-frightened crowd of the entire New Mobotropolis populace) HEAR ME, EVERYONE! I KNOW YER WORRIED ABOUT ME LEAVING THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS VULNERABLE AGAIN, AND PUTTING YOU ALL BACK IN DANGER, BUT I AM NOT ABOUT TA' LET THAT HAPPEN AGAIN! I ADMIT IT TO YOU ALL! I MADE A BIG MISTAKE BY LEAVING YOU, WHEN I SHOULD'VE, INSTEAD, SAID SOMETHING! I KNOW IF I HAD, I COULDA' SAVED ALL O' YOU A GREAT DEAL OF HEADACHES, HEART-BREAK, AS WELL AS COULD'VE SAVED AT LEAST A FEW LIVES, BUT FELT POWERLESS TO! BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU ALL OF THIS, RIGHT NOW: EXCEPT FER AN ANNUAL TWO-WEEK HIATUS, THAT I GOTTA TAKE NO MATTER WHAT DIMENSION I FIND M'SELF IN, I AM NOT LEAVING THIS WORLD'S SIGHT LONG-TERM AGAIN, UNTIL EVERY SINGLE BADDIE THAT THREATENS THOSE OF GOOD-HEART IN THIS TIME, WORLD, AND DIMENSION, IS DEAD, BURIED, AND FOSSILIZED!

(This speech calms some fears, but not all! Ixis Naugus has several dinosaurs'-worth of skeletons in his closet, and he knows, that if One-Eyed Black finds about these secrets and decides to squeal on them, it could cost the "semi-evil" wizard, every ounce of credibility that he has worked so hard to gain! And the spies that Eggman, Finitevus, the Dark Egg Legion, and the Destructix have in the area, are dead-afraid of getting their cover blown! And the guys that are operating these spies, all have a very scary notion on their minds: That if the Pirate is able to bring the Princess back, then, they did not want to know, what else that this "troublesome, hating, and homicidal Maniac in black" could do next! Bottom line: the only beings who should be worried about what else, that this powerful engine of destruction could leave in his wake, are, and should be, those with an evil heart! Eggman tries to come up with energy-barriers for his spy-network to make the old rogue's Spirit Vision capabilities useless, but is no more successful in this venture, than the Robotnik before him! The Dark Egg Legion are so scared to pieces of One-Eyed Black squealing on their spy-network, and recalls every single one of their spies from New Mobotropolis! Snively is the first of Eggman's men to realize this, and while Eggman views the move as cowardous, Snively views it as being smart, and urges Eggman to recall his spy-network, as well, before One-Eyed Black squeals on them and blows their cover, but Eggman vetoes the motion to do so!)

Dr Eggman-snarl-Well, if the Dark Egg Legion is so scared of one measly pirate, then, I have almost no further use for them!

Snively But Sir! Losing the Legion will put us at a tremendous disadvantage!

Dr Eggman You've got to be kidding me, Snively! If the DEL is so scared of one measly pirate squealing on them…

Snively Let's not forget, Sir: that "one measly pirate" not only possesses technology far-beyond even that of the Legion, but he has also proven capable, of restoring even the most heavily altered Robian back to a creature of flesh-and-blood! Therefore, I think it best we keep the Legion at our disposal!

Dr Eggman Snively! I just had my most ingenious idea yet! Yes! Keep the Legion at our disposal! If that creepy cutthroat has the heart to De-Roboticize my Robian army, I think it best we keep the Legion to hide behind!

Snively (Thinking) Now why didn't I think of that, I wonder!?

Lien-Da (Whispering behind her back) Thanks, Snively! I owe ya' big time fer this!

Dr Eggman Keep in mind, Lien-Da: It was my idea to keep you and your pathetic lackeys around…

(Eggman points to the button that detonates all of the explosives in the Legionnaires' prosthetics)

Dr Eggman…And don't you ever forget it!

Chapter #7: REACTIONS OF THE ENEMY AND WEAPONS FOR THE ALLIES

Finally, about a week after the last of the 69 "Captured Robians" are de-mechanized…

Dr Eggman (reading the just-now-de-coded memo from the head of his spy-network in New Mobotropolis)WHAT!? NO! THAT CREEPY PIRATE WAS ABLE TO BING THE PRINCESS, AND THOSE 68 OTHERS BACK!?

Lien-Da (Thinking) I gotta get outta here! That creepy old 'coon's gonna slice-dice-char-n'-poke me 'til I'm black and blue all over! If that stupid, blind excuse fer a cousin o' mine hadn't've taken away our prosthetics, we wouldn't've needed this fat creep's help, my people would be free of his control, and we'd still be on our own side! Curse you, Knuckles! If not fer those explosive devices in the prosthetics that Eggman provided us with, we'd be long-gone, and in the clear by now!

Snively Lien-Da! Are you thinking…?

Lien-Da I most certainly am, Snively! If our large n' in charge leader hadn't've Roboticized the Princess, this old 'coon wouldn't be playing knick-knack on our chests with a sledgehammer!

Snively-shudder-well, I'm with you, Lien-Da! Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do that will effectively stop the Pirate! One-Eyed Black may be operating alone, but now, he has sided with the Freedom Fighters indefinitely!

Lien-Da (Raising an eyebrow) so, in other words?

Snively "In other words": If we do not evacuate the city, and fast-shudder-we are all doomed!

Meanwhile, back in New Mobotropolis…

Sonic (Giving Sally a huge bear-hug, and with several tears of joy welling up in his eyes) I said it before, and I'll say it again: welcome back, Sal!

Sally (Still showing some signs of regret)-sigh-thanks, Sonic! But understand: I'm still not fully convinced that our new-old friend, One-Eyed Black, can be trusted all the way…

Sonic I know thatcha' still don't fully accept 'Black, Sal! Butcha gotta give the ol' 'coon at least some credit! Don't ferget: He's the one who gotcha back for us! You gotta give 'im at least somethin' fer that!

(Sally now, finally, cracks at least something of a smile; and pretty soon, One-Eyed Black enters the room; Sally now feels, that if ever there was a time to thank a guy who usually doesn't give himself any credit whatsoever, even when everyone around him begs him to take it, now would definitely be a good time to at least try!)

Sally I don't say this very often, One-Eyed Black! But Sonic's right! If anyone's to thank for me being back here with my friends, it is definitely you!

One-Eyed Black (Blushing deeply and turning his head a quarter to the side) Thanks, Sally! I was more than happy to oblige! And you're welcome, for me bringing back all of those others, along with you!

Back in Robotropolis…

Dr Eggman (About to sit down in his "Command Chair") Well, any sign of those over-evolved vermin, or for that matter, that wretched pirate!?

Lien-Da not even so-much as a bullet!

(Suddenly, a holographic transmission from the ever-dreaded-all-over-Robo-Town software pirate, is seen and heard, by all of Robotropolis)

One-Eyed Black Greetings, Robotropolis! I hope you guys picked out yer tombstones, 'cause trust me: you're gonna need 'em when the Freedom Fighters and I are done with you!

Dr Eggman (Pretending to shake these words off, but knowing, that with everything his new-old foe is doing, that the just-now issued threat is nowhere-near empty) Y-You don't scare me, you blimpless buccaneer! I can take anything and everything that you, and whoever's helping you can dish out! Be it those pathetic Freedom Fighters, your own wretched fellow Nightmare Pirates, or both of the above!

Snively (Thinking) I knew it! We're doomed!

(And not even Snively has any idea just how doomed! Sonic, and several of his friends agree: at least a small celebration to welcome Sally back to the Freedom Fighters is in order! And to help celebrate Sally's triumphant return, Knuckles decides to pay the Freedom Fighters a visit; at any rate, Knuckles has received yet-another message from One-Eyed Black: Part of the pirate's plan to pay Eggman back for what he did to Sally, involves the Chaotix! Since Knuckles was, and in some ways still is, after all, a very close friend of Sally's, One-Eyed Black said he figured, that Knuckles deserves to get in on at least some of the action! One-Eyed Black also mentioned that, since Julie-Su came from one of the most technologically advanced groups known to "exist", that he could really use her help with a few preparations for the big up-coming assault; Julie-Su very accurately assumes, that their new "friend" needs a fellow technological expert, and that One-Eyed Black assumed that Julie-Su, being the only Dark Legionnaire on the planet that still has her original prosthetics, could be of at least some help to him, in developing some super-advanced ordnance, that One-Eyed Black obviously assumes, only a being who had been around technology near-its-whole-life, would have any clue whatsoever on how and what to help him with. But first thing is first! Knuckles came here primarily, to see his old friend, Sally, back with the Freedom Fighters where she belongs, and flesh-and-blood again)

Knuckles …and there's more good news comin' yer guys' way: All you guys, 'specially you, Sally, are right! The Brotherhood voting against helping you guys ta' begin with, was as stupid a move, as stupid could get! That's why I left Angel Island after I returned from the grave! I saw all the damage that that fat creep was doing, and I wanted ta' help you guys stop 'im from doin' anymore of it! And believe me, you guys: even tho' I'm still kinda' focused on Finitevus right now, I agree with all o' ya' 100%! Before Eggman does what 'e did ta' you ta' anyone else ever again, Sally, the Pirate's absolutely right! That fat sicko Eggman's gotta be stopped!

Bunnie Thayat's all reelee nahce thatcher-all acceptin' all thayat, Knuckles-Hon! But what's thayat got to do with the sitch rahght heah n' nayow!?

Julie-Su It's got everything to do with "the sitch right here n' now", Bunnie! After we learned that the Pirate was bringing the Princess back, we Chaotix got together, and we took a vote!

Vector and by unanimous knock-out, we decided ta' come back to the main-land n' help you guys out!

Tails (Eyes lighting up brighter than the Sun) YOU GUYS MEAN IT!?

Knuckles (Nodding his head) we mean it, Kid! You show us Eggman, and we'll be more than happy ta' help you, and the Pirate tear 'im apart! I promise! If Eggman's got the guts ta' leave 'is city on an invasion mission, he's only gonna be welcome to one thing: MY NIGHTMARE!

(The party takes on a whole new meaning after these words are heard; the Freedom Fighters once again, have the full support of the Chaotix! It now seems a great deal more than certain, that revenge on Eggman for the Robotization of Sally, and for the worldwide massacre, at the hands of the Egg Grapes, is finally within sight! The Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix meet back up with each other, and it very well seems that the friendships that they had forged with each other, had picked up right from where they left off! But in the midst of the excitement of the party, One-Eyed Black and Julie-Su, vanish from everyone's sight, and it isn't until Knuckles needs a dance-partner, does anyone notice either one is missing)

Knuckles HEY, JULIE-SU! THE DANCE IS ABOUT TO START!

Knuckles (Thinking) That's weird! I know that Julie-Su and the Pirate were here just a little bit ago!

Knuckles (Grabbing Vector by the throat) Alright, Vector! What did you do with Julie-Su!?

Vector WHOA! Calm down, Knux! Scout's honor! I didn't lay a finger on 'er!

Antoine by ze vay, haz anyvone been seeink One-Eyes Black!?

Vector I just saw the pirate and 'Su skedaddle just a few minutes ago!

(Soon afterwards, Tails, who had disappeared some time ago, now returns to the party, sweating like crazy from exhaustion)

Sally Tails! Are you alright!?

Tails little bit worn out, Sally! But yeah! I'm fine!

Knuckles (Now realizing that there's a connection between Tails being totally exhausted and Julie-Su and One-Eyed Black's disappearing from the party) You didn't, by any chance, see the Pirate, and/or Julie-Su, by any chance, didja', Kid!?

Tails (Nodding his head) 'Black and 'Su are both hard at work in the city's main lab! They wouldn't say what they were up to, 'Black only said: that when 'e's done, we'd get some extra fire-power, and maybe even some o' the power we lost returned to us outta the deal! Anyway, he said 'e might need 'Su's help, and/or mine, and/or Rotor's help, if 'e needs it!

(Just minutes later, Julie-Su re-appears)

Knuckles Julie-Su! Where the heck were ya', Girl!?

Sally Julie-Su! What is One-Eyed Black doing in the main lab!? He should be out here with the rest of us!

Julie-Su (Wiping a little bit of sweat of exhaustion off her face) Well, lemme put it this way, Princess! When we see what the Pirate's got for all of us, we're all gonna know that 'e meant business, when 'e tore up that contract in front of everybody!

Sally (Thinking)if One-Eyed Black really did destroy probably the biggest mistake that he ever made with us as savagely as everyone around me says he did, it's hard to imagine what One-Eyed Black could possibly come up with, that would enable us to crush Eggman with one, well-executed blow! And, I'm very well-aware, that if One-Eyed Black truly is pulling out all the stops, Eggman could be in far-deeper trouble, than even his most dangerous foe could care to realize!

(After the party is over, the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, together, finally learn what One-Eyed Black is up to: their "newly returned ally" is making new weapons, for use by both the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix! Finally, after spending the rest of the night, wondering about what kind of weapons, that their new-old ally could possibly be devising, our heroes finally get a message from One-Eyed Black: He had just finished work on his allies' new weapons, and that the weapons in-question are now ready for inspection, by the Royal Council, by the Freedom Fighters, and by the Chaotix! All three groups, together, now meet up with One-Eyed Black about these "New weapons" that he had spent literally near-the-whole night working on)

Hamlin Alright, Old Man! You missed a good half o' last night's party in here! And therefore, you had just as much right to be at that party as the Princess herself! You were, after all, a major factor, in us getting her back! You'd better have a really good excuse, for not bein' at the festivities, where ya' belonged!

One-Eyed Black I said I was gonna help the Freedom Fighters! I didn't say even close ta' zilch, about trusting in the Council's decisions! Do not forget, Hamlin: After what almost happened ta' Sonic* (*One-Eyed Black is, of course, referring to the events covered in STH #40), I've lost virtually all trust in even my own set o' rules!

Elias-groan-yeah! I did hear about that! I was kind of hoping, however, that you had finally forgotten about that, and had at least some trust, in the way that things are run now!

One-Eyed Black (Making a huge left-handed fist as he speaks) after you guys voting against saving Freedom HQ from the Freedom Fighters' evil opposites*(*See STH #191)!? I wouldn't trust you guys to watch over BOWLING PINS!

(The whole Council shudders)

Dylan look, 'Black! It's not like we didn't wanna save it! We were just tryin' ta' focus all our energy on stoppin' Eggman! That's all!

One-Eyed Black Voting not ta' save the Freedom Fighters' base-of-operations!? Oh, yeah! I'd say you guys were doin' an excellent job! NOT!

HamlinWHY I OUGHTA'….

Sally THAT IS ENOUGH! I, myself, am not crazy about either of those decisions, either, One-Eyed Black! But what's done is done! Sonic was able to hunt down the one truly responsible for his mechanization! We got Freedom HQ back regardless! And I was a very good sport, about the Law being wrong about both! I admitted to you, in front of the entirety of my friends, One-Eyed Black, that the Law is not perfect, but the injustice you accuse it of!? Everyone here views that as complete OVERKILL! It is true that we have differences in opinion, but unfortunately, right now, we have to set all of that aside, and all work together, if we hope to stop Eggman once and for all! ONLY AFTER THAT WILL WE SETTLE THIS! And one more thing, One-Eyed Black: I am, right now, in total agreement with you, that us turning against each other, would be exactly what our enemies would want! You have always told me to practice what I preach, One-Eyed Black! And now, I strongly encourage everyone else here, including you, One-Eyed Black, to do the same!

Hamlin -groan-Look, Old Man! I understand that you were speakin' yer mind, but everyone here was kinda hopin' that at least some o' that hostility had left you, by now!

One-Eyed Black Bad memories are, unfortunately, very hard for me ta' forget, Hamlin! And just like you, I am very slow in forgiving! Most unfortunately in your case, Sonic's court-marshal, is among the mistakes, that I have not forgiven anyone involved for, or am about to, either!

Penelope (Thinking) the fact that you still don't forgive us for that, is what always scared me about you, One-Eyed Black!

Penelope Look, One-Eyed Black, I understand that you were afraid of being evil, but seriously! Did you really have to destroy a major part of your own brain's inner workings just to calm that fear!?

One-Eyed Black It was either that, or suicide! Like it or not, those were the two most permanent solutions in sight to that particular phobia! And as I was in no hurry ta' die, the ever-aforementioned, and dreaded-by-many alteration, was the only way ta' go in sight! And sorry! Therapy didn't exactly do it for me! See, experience and knowledge may be easy ta' change, but the way your brain works, is not!

Hamlin (Thinking)HMPH! I still say that that alteration was overkill, Old Man!

Elias One-Eyed Black! I must know! Before the alteration, did you still have this much distrust in the Law!?

One-Eyed Black THAT distrust was deeply-rooted, and had been with me ever since I saw all the injustice it brought forth, to so many innocent lives, in a lotta' the worlds I've been to! Unfortunately fer you guys, that includes this one!

Elias well, whatever you saw, One-Eyed Black, at least you were able to differentiate right from wrong, and that, alone, I commend you for! It was your continuing need, and desire, to differentiate good from evil, that resulted in your upgrading your robotic eye with Spirit Vision, was it not!?

(One-Eyed Black nods his head)

Dylan well, that was a pretty good reason, 'Black! But it's still really creepy that you know what everyone around you is thinking! I mean, waddaya do 'bout not spoiling any surprises on your birthday!?

One-Eyed Black Spirit Vision can be de-activated! But except for occasions like my birthday, I don't do it very often!

Knuckles Alright! 'Nuff talk! Whadaya got for us that's gonna up our game, Pirate!?

One-Eyed Black I was beginnin' ta' think you guys'd never ask! First: 'Su! Is everyone on the "guest-list" here!?

Julie-Su I told everyone you told me to, Pirate! And yeah! A lot of 'em are here! Right now, we're only two animals short! And knowing at least one of 'em, he should be here any second now!

(Right on cue, Sonic shows)

Knuckles (Thinking)well, speaka' the Blue Devil!

Sonic sorry I'm late, you guys! Just off runnin' the usual errands, this, that, you guys all know the drill!

Sally-groan-we all know, that as the Top-Freedom Fighter, you have your fair-share of responsibilities, Sonic! I was kind of hoping, however, that this meeting would be your top-priority!

Sonic "new weapons"!? C'mon, Sal! You know I have little use, or need, for "weapons"!

Knuckles Well, given that yer good buddy, the Pirate here, has been slaving over a lab-table for the past-day-n'-a-half without so much as five minutes o' sleep workin' on these things, I woulda' hoped that you'd be, at least, somewhat interested!

Sonic Hey! I'm here, aren't I!?

Julie-Su one more, and the count'll be complete, Pirate!

Sally (Looking all around her) but, all of the key-Freedom Fighters and Chaotix are here now! Who could we possibly be missing!?

One-Eyed Black There is only one missing now! Your newest recruit!

Tails but, 'Black! Cream's our newest recruit! And she's already here!

One-Eyed Black I personally recruited one other! And this newest member of your Team, gained a lot of courage, and skill, just from being around Sonic!

A mysterious voice Sorry I'm late, you guys! Had ta' get past all the press n' media!

Mina the Mongoose I found out pretty-well the hard-way: bein' a famous rock-star isn't all fun n' games!

Sally MINA!?

Julie-Su the Pirate recognized Mina for her spunk, speed, and all the courage that Sonic gave her! All that being the case, the Pirate decided to let her in on the "party", too!

Mina Believe me, you guys! It was a pretty tough choice: either stay just a rock-star and only be heard on the stage and on disc, OR become a part-time Freedom Fighter, and really dish it out ta' Eggman fer everything 'e's done to us, you bein' mechanized and turned against us, included, Princess!

Sonic great ta' finally have ya' aboard, Mina! But don't expect 'ny special treatment!

Mina don't worry, Sonic! Thanks ta' Ash, I'm totally over not bein' together with you!

Julie-Su Alright, Pirate! The whole gang's here now! So, waddaya got for us!?

One-Eyed Black first, I hope everyone here can handle the pain of a Flu-Shot!

Sonic "Flu-Shot"!? C'mon, 'Black! That ain't even peanuts! Now if yer talkin' about a Rabies-Shot, now that's painful!

(One-Eyed Black teleports a small syringe into his hand)

One-Eyed Black well, this shot is gonna go straight to yer heads, literally! So, who's first!?

Knuckles first tell us what that shot's for, Pirate!

One-Eyed Black I take it everyone by now, has heard, of Rotor's free-will preservation devices, the Neuro-Overriders, haven't you!?

Rotor I remember 'em like I invented 'em yesterday, 'Black…Wait a sec! ARE YOU TELLIN' US THAT YOU CAME UP WITH YOUR OWN NEURO-OVERRIDERS!?

Sonic ain't gonna lie ta' ya', Rote! He did! But as with 'Black's other gadgets, his Neuro-Overriders are a huge improvement, on the design o' the device that 'e based 'em on! The Neuro-Overriders that 'Black came up with, are made usin' nano-circuitry, and can be injected right inta' yer skull, makin' 'em pretty well impossible, to remove without shootin' the animal! The "Neuro-Overrider Tattoos" were standard equipment fer 'Black n' all 'is buds, startin' just before the original Robuttnik came ta' town!

Sally and you didn't tell any of us about this because….!?

Sonic believe me, Sal! I was gonna! My plan was: after I woulda' become Mecha-Sonic on purpose, 'Black and I were gonna tell the whole village about 'em! And believe me, Sal, you were pretty high up on my "tell this about to" list! But after my court-marshal, 'Black and I were really afraid to!

Sally (Lifting her hand as if to say "Enough") I understand, Sonic! You were afraid that I would say "no" to that plan, as well, even though I would've known that it was already way-too-late, to save One-Eyed Black and his men from making that particular gamble! I understand that perfectly, Sonic! And back then, I would've said "no", as you and One-Eyed Black were apparently dead-afraid of realizing the hard way; but now, I understand: if One-Eyed Black truly does have a fool-proof plan, to protect, and as I learned right when One-Eyed Black re-awakened my life essence, restore, one's free-will, I guess anything's worth a shot (No pun intended)! You have my utmost, and unconditional cooperation, One-Eyed Black!

One-Eyed Black Let it be known: Sally already has this technology built into 'er; the Neuro-Overrider Tattoos, and the Free-Will Restoration Circuit Cards, are no different in basic schematics! The only major difference is: the Free-Will Restoration Circuit-Cards, were made using conventionalcircuitry; the Neuro-Overrider Tattoos, have the same basic schematics, but are made using nano-circuitry, instead of conventional! So, Sally will not need this little "Booster shot"! But the rest o' you are a different story! So, I repeat my question: Who's first!?

Julie-Su I really doubt that this is gonna be any more painful, than the implants that I received when I was with the Legion! Therefore, the pain you're warning us about'll hurt me the least! So, I'll go first!

One-Eyed Black (addressing the rest of the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix who still aren't quite sure what to think about this, let alone have the guts to go through with it) With these implants, your state-of-mind will be immune to Eggman's influence, even if you should get Roboticized!

(In about two hours, 53 minutes, and 12 seconds, starting with Julie-Su, and ending with Cream, the work of adding the Neuro-Overrider Tattoos to the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix, is complete; One-Eyed Black gives everyone he gave these implants to, about 40 minutes to an hour, to fully recover from the extreme pain, of applying implants of this kind, the likes of which, only Julie-Su is used to! About an hour after everyone's deemed fully recovered, the weapon inspection resumes)

One-Eyed Black Now, finally, getting to the weapons I have for you guys, I'll start with the special weapons FIRST, as in: the weapons that will be wielded, by one of you, and one of you, alone!

(One-Eyed Black now hands a small cartridge-like device to Julie-Su; she examines it with great curiosity, but knows that only One-Eyed Black, and he alone, knows what this cartridge is for, and knows that their "new friend", will readily, and happily, explain what it can do, if she allows him to speak)

The question on Julie-Su's mind that cannot be avoided in asking is…

Julie so, what exactly does this hot little baby do, Pirate!?

One-Eyed Black that is a weapon-booster, 'Su! Specially designed, and developed, for your already-ever-handy proton gun! It will increase its overall fire-power, by a good 800%! Meaning, that once you add that weapon booster to your already-versatile primary weapon, it will be capable of completely destroying, an entire single-file-line of eight Com-Bots with one shot!

Julie-Su (Still looking at her "New Toy" with a great deal of wonder and curiosity) HMMMM….Gotta admit, Pirate! I like!

One-Eyed Black Bunnie! For once, your husband is correct! It was not entirely being half-robotic, that gained you the respect of the other Freedom Fighters, and struck unspeakable fear into Robotnik! It also, had a lot to do, with how you used that power, and the fiery heart that you always had, since the day thatcha' first-took on the forces of that fat sicko named Robotnik! See, it's not the power that makes a great warrior, Bunnie! It's the will! I have seen, starting with the undisputed king of the Power Rangers, Tommy Oliver, that a warrior is a pretty good one, with, or without special powers, once he-or she-realizes that lesson in-full! However, you are also correct, Bunnie! A little bit of extra strength and hitting power, never really hurt anybody but the ones who were on the receiving end of the power-in-question, either! And believe me, Bunnie: I absolutely hate seeing any warrior of good-heart, especially if the warrior in-question, is a good and fiery-hearted fighter like you always were, feel weak and useless! And in view of that, I developed these for you!

(One-Eyed Black presents Bunnie with a strange set of arm-gloves and knee-boots)

One-Eyed Black I know how important being a powerful, hard-hitting freedom fighter is to you, Bunnie! Shortly after learning that you were finally de-mechanized, I decided it might be a good idea, both for you, and for the friends you protect, to get those "powers" back! With these gauntlets n' boots, Bunnie, yer karate kicks will be just as effective, as they were when you were half-robotic; you will, once again, be able to lift numerous times your own weight, with absolute ease, and this time, with both arms; you'll be able to fly again, generate a force-field up to two feet all around you, and I even built some lasers into the gauntlets fer good measures! In short: I'm giving you the chance to get all of your "powers" back, and then some, Bunnie! No mechanization, or Legionization, required!

(Bunnie's eyes light up like strobe-lights! The chance to get all of her hitting power back, and then some, is a chance One-Eyed Black must've known from the start, that Bunnie would never pass up)

Bunnie Sugar-Black! Ah dunno what ayilse ta' say but: THANKS, HON! If Ah dinn't have a hubby already, Ah'd give y'all a nahce big fat smackaroo fer theyis!

One-Eyed Black and as fer you, D'Coolette, yeah! I have something special fer you, as well!

(One-Eyed Black hands Antoine a sword made of some kind of crystal)

Antoine und… Vat, may I ask, ees zo specielle about zis blade?

One-Eyed Black that saber is made from Korlonium Crystal; you even slice a 'bot's foot off with that sword, that 'bot'll be scrap-metal, INSTANTLY! But, at the same time, I know your current sword is important to you, as well, it coming from yer valiant father n' all!

(Antoine's eyes light up like the Sun; He is most appreciative, that his most uneasy friend is entrusting him with such an impressive weapon!)

One-Eyed Black however, don't think fer a second, that I'm doing this out of forgiveness fer what you did to Sonic back there*(*Again, refer to Sonic #40)!

Antoine -sigh-I know! I desairve zat much, I guess!

Antoine (Thinking) -groan-ze Pyr-ratt eez right! I vas souch an eeediot, und so bly-ind! I cannot believe zat I made souch a stooopeed mistake like ZAT!

One-Eyed Black getting to you, Rotor! I know yer position in the Council is important, but I can also very well see, that being a Freedom Fighter, in your mind, is far-more important to you, personally!

Rotor (Blushing a little bit and reaching behind himself)-chuckle-Is it really that obvious? Yeah, 'Black! If I could re-join the Team, it'd be better than all my best birthdays combined!

Hamlin even so, Rotor, you're still needed here! Besides, don't forget about yer thrown back!

(Rotor looks down in shame)

One-Eyed Black don't worry 'bout it! I've already anticipated that problem!

The whole joint-group, including Rotor!?

(One-Eyed Black teleports a small container of pills into his hand, and gives it to Rotor)

One-Eyed Black if you really want yer thrown back ta' go away, Rotor, so that you can officially re-join the Team, just take one of those a night, and call me in the morning each day afterwards! Once that container is empty, your thrown back'll be cured; fer good! But, don't take any more, or less, than what I've already told ya' ta' take; if you do take more, after three days straight of overdose, or underdose, your thrown back will get worse, irreversibly!

(Everyone stares at both One-Eyed Black, and Rotor, in disbelief, shock, and anticipation; One-Eyed Black can very well see with his robotic eye, that some of the more gruff, and less-understanding creatures in this crowd, especially those like Hamlin, do not think or want Rotor to take this kind of risk)

Much to the Council's total shock, but to everyone's complete understanding…

Rotor 'Black, I know it's risky, but if it really does mean that I'll be able ta' re-join the Team, it's a risk I'm willin' ta' take! Anyway, thanks, 'Black! You're a serious life-saver!

(One-Eyed Black closes his eyes, smiles, and nods his head to Rotor, in full acceptance, of the kind words that the original "Mad Scientist" of the Freedom Fighters has just now delivered to him; One-Eyed Black now turns to Amy Rose, to provide her with her share, of what will help her out, in this up-coming, and newly-re-written-slug-fest)

One-Eyed Black Amy Rose, these inserts are for the ends of yer already-ever-dreaded-by-all-of-your-opponents hammer! They are made from Korlonium crystal; so, from here on in, if you hit anything robotic with your already-pretty-infamous-mallet, that target, will be instantly, and literally, DUST!

Amy Rose MMMM…Double whammy, huh!? I like!

One-Eyed Black just do me a favor, Amy: do not use these on Robians!

Amy Rose HMPH! Party-pooper!

One-Eyed Black And finally, as for the regulars, this means: Sally, Rotor, Cream, Vector, Espio, and Charmy, these hot little babies are fer you guys!

(One-Eyed Black points to some very strange-looking hand-weapons on the table closest by, and hands one-each, to Sally, Charmy, Rotor, Vector, Cream, and Espio)

One-Eyed Blackthese hand-weapons are the latest in "Double-Trouble" technology! They are known as the "Double-Trouble X-8" weapons! They were designed specifically with you guys in mind! They team a powerful, rapid-fire Korlonium crystal-powered Laser-Pistol, with a Teleportation Gun! Thing is: unlike most other "Double-and Triple-Trouble" Weapons, only one of the weapons on that gun chassis, is to be used at any given time! The teleportation gun part o' the weapon is for…you guessed it! Teleporting Robians out of harm's way! I've already calibrated them, to teleport anything and everything they target, straight for the main lab here in New Mobotropolis, where Chuck is to fit them with Free-Will Restoration Circuit Cards; after which, they are to be moved immediately, to the De-Roboticizer! The laser-pistol part o' the weapon is, of course, for anything and everything else, that Eggman may throw yer way!

Cream (Looking her "new toy" over, and taking great care to not accidently let it go off, and hurt someone that she really cares about) what you're doing for the Freedom Fighters is very generous, One-Eyed Black!

Cream (Thinking) I'm beginning to think that calling this raccoon creepy was a big mistake! One-Eyed Black is doing so much for the Freedom Fighters! And getting the Princess back for us!? That was probably the best gift of all!

One-Eyed Black all of the laser-weapons that I just-now passed out to you guys, are powered by Korlonium crystal! In other words: You fire at anything that has even the slightest hint of electronics in it with these weapons, and that target, is HISTORY! And last, but definitely not least, I've saved the most powerful weapon/gadgets for last! 'Cause I know, that once the four of you that I'm planning to give these out to, learn how ta' use 'em, they will grant the four in-question, power, beyond yer foes' wildest nightmares! I had to brave the ravages of several zones, and collect 250 power-rings, as well as gain unlimited access to the power of the Master Emerald, just to get these things to work! And I deeply hope that my efforts are appreciated! Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Mina, this is why I invited you four to the party!

(One-Eyed Black hands Sonic, Mina, Knuckles, and Tails, each a belt-worn-device, that seems to have a peculiar looking container, with a small control panel built onto it)

Sonic!? What the heck is this thing!?

Knuckles ALRIGHT, PIRATE! WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE MASTER EMERALD!?

One-Eyed BlackRelax, Knuckles! The Master Emerald didn't go anywhere! I simply hooked it up to these power-belts that I'm now giving out to you, Sonic, Tails, AND Mina!

Sonic (Thinking)and I remember hearin' that the Master Emerald, is actually fourteen Chaos Emeralds rolled inta' one! That means…No way! Couldn't be! Could it!?

Sonic Yo, 'Black! Do these "power-belts" do what I think they're gonna do!?

One-Eyed Black (Looking at Sonic through his right eye) you do seem to have the right idea, Sonic! Knuckles also seems to kinda suspect it, but 'e's a little too mad at me fer putting a curse on the Master Emerald ta' think about it, let alone ask about it!

Knuckles (Trying to calm down, in the hopes that One-Eyed Black will explain himself) Go 'head n' fill me in, Sonic! What's the Pirate up to!?

Sonic think about it, Knux! 'Black collected more than enough power rings for us, and the Master Emerald, as everyone knows n' has found out, is way-past more than enough power, for the four of us ta' go SUPER!

Sally-gasp-One-Eyed Black! Is Sonic right!? You created these power-belts, to enable the four creatures that you're giving them out to, to go Ultra at a moment's notice!?

Mina (Still examining her "new toy" with great curiosity) "Ultra"!? What's that mean?

Sonic I think I know exactly what it means, Mina! 'Black wants us to use this "power-access curse" that 'e put on the Master Emerald, and these rings, to become Super Sonic, Hyper Knuckles, Turbo Tails, and now, Mina, it looks like 'Black thinks you got the stuff, to achieve an ultimate form o' yer own, and become a fourth member o' the Super Team!

Mina (Eyes lighting up like the Sun) 'Black! Is this true!? You really think that I have what it takes to go "Super"!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) as with Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails, you, Mina, have a gift: you are dangerously close next-door, to being as fast as Sonic! And if ya' don't mind me saying so, Mina, that's a pretty big feat 'n itself! So, yer answer is: yes, Mina! I really do think that you got the stuff! I collected 250 power rings; it only takes fifty-a-piece, for a being to go Super, and there are, at present, four of you! That means there's an extra set! And here's what I'm planning ta' do with it: a practice-run, to see if you, Mina, really can achieve an ultimate form! And I've already picked out a name for it…

Later, at Mina's band's trailer…

Ash "Ultra Mina"!?

Mina Killer name, huh!? Anyway, ya' heard me right, Ash! 'Black thinks I got the stuff! And I'm not gonna disappoint 'im!

Ash yeah, but, Mina! I thought Sonic broke up with ya'! Won't joinin' the Freedom Fighters bring that painful memory o' yers back!?

Mina Listen, Ash: Given how close Sonic still is to Sally, I'm bettin' the same thing's gonna, and prob'ly already did, happen ta' Amy! And don't ferget: she seems totally cool with it, and joined the Freedom Fighters, regardless!

Ash I guess ya' got me there, Mina! But still! If you do go through with this, you'll be puttin' yerself in constant danger! You really think that this is really worth that kinda' risk!?

Mina hey, Ash! When I was with Sonic, danger was an every-day thing fer me! Ever since I met 'im, I wanted ta' be a freedom fighter, too! Next ta' bein' a big rock-star, being on thatTeam has been my dream! True! I'm not with Sonic, anymore! But you saw as well as I did, how much that "One-Eyed Black" guy's after Eggman's throat, and after what happened ta' Sally, nobody in this town can really blame 'im! And bein' part o' the team that takes that fat sicko out…

Ash hey, hey! Say no more, Mina! I get the message! –sigh-and, I know that there's no real way that I can stop ya'! And if the Freedom Fighters really do needja that badly, and this "One-Eyed Black" guy truly does think thatcha' got what it takes ta' help out with this, I guess I got no choice but to follow suit! Just promise me that you'll be careful, Mina! I don't wanna lose you—EVER!

Mina don't worry, Ash! I know that you'll always be there in my corner! And I also know, that with Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails there with me, my chance o' not comin' outta this alive, is pretty-well zilcho!

Ash-sigh-well, when yer right, yer right, Mina! And you've never given meany reason ta' doubt you! So, have ya' talked ta' yer folks 'bout this yet?

Mina Not yet, Ash! But I'm planning to!

Ash (Thinking) well, here's hoping thatcher parents are as supportrive as this "One-Eyed Black" guy seems to be, Mina!

(As predicted, a lot of the families, and friends of these heroic creatures known as the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, have mixed feelings about what this "raggy old software pirate in black" is doing for the creatures that most of the world has called their heroes for so long! Everyone of good-heart is very happy for the Freedom Fighters, and exceedingly proud of One-Eyed Black, for getting Princess Sally back for them, a deed that is destined to be remembered about the ragged-but-apparently-good-hearted-warrior for millennia to come! Everyone around the Freedom Fighters does admit, however, that they will have to get used to One-Eyed Black all over again! They have not seen this warrior for a very long time, and several have all but forgotten how best to even talk to him. The Freedom Fighters, however, remember this 'coon of a rogue well, and considering what he has done for them thus far, they, and everyone of good-heart around them, are very happy to have him back, especially considering, that he's no longer holding any of his potential strength or abilities back! Most of the New Mobotropolis populace, though a little uneasy, about having a warrior as scary-looking as One-Eyed Black walking freely amongst them again, are very appreciative to the ragged warrior, for bringing Princess Sally back to them! That, many of the Freedom Fighters dub: "the best deed performed by the ragged warrior to-date!" In addition, everyone across Mobius knows full-well that this ragged rogue is out for Eggman's throat, and won't stop for much to get it! If so much as one 'bot stands in this rogue's way, if it's a Robian, he'll teleport it on its merry way to being restored to a creature of flesh-and-blood, while anything else made of metal would be guaranteed scrap-metal, but whatever the fate of anything made of metal that stands between One-Eyed Black and him terminating Eggman with unspeakable prejudice, it was not going to stop the ragged rogue and all who end up helping him long enough to make much of a difference in the fact that Eggman is destined for total, painful, torturous, and well-deserved destruction at the hands of not only Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails, whose destiny it always was to destroy the big fat dictator, anyway, but also at the hands of a ragged rogue who always admired and cherished any-and all-of the friendships that these three heroes were at least moderately famous for making, having, upholding, and rescuing from certain doom! Everybody on both sides, even Eggman's most loyal follower, knows that Dr Eggman is destined to go down in the type of flames that only the heart of a Hawaiian volcano can provide; Everyone, all across the face of Mobius, is well-aware, that their ragged new-old friend, One-Eyed Black, is planning to welcome Eggman to one thing, and one thing alone: THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS' NIGHTMARE!)

Chapter #8: TROUBLE WITH ALLIES

(Meanwhile, some problems arise, between One-Eyed Black, one Freedom Fighter, and one Chaotic; the Freedom Fighter is Antoine; the Chaotic is Knuckles; Antoine has a whole skeleton to pick with One-Eyed Black, for his negligence, that allowed Patch to fatally poison his father, General D'Coolette! As One-Eyed Black would not forgive Antoine for his huge hand in prosecuting Sonic for a crime that was not exactly the Blue Blur's fault*(*See STH #40), Antoine was not going to forgive One-Eyed Black, for allowing Patch to do the damage that he did anytime soon; As for Knuckles, he is really steamed at One-Eyed Black, for putting a curse on the Master Emerald; another curse, that it was later revealed, required a sacrifice to break. Starting a little bit after the weapons were passed out, Antoine and Knuckles, both decide that the time is right, to settle these scores once and for all! One-Eyed Black, with his robotic right eye, readily sees the rage building up inside both of these young warriors, and knows that the only way to settle this, is to have a "friendly" sparring match with Knuckles, and a no-holds-bar-non-fatal-fencing-match, with Antoine! Antoine wins the coin-toss fair and square, and therefore, he will face One-Eyed Black first! The pirate does, however, put a little bit of a twist, on "Friendly competitions": Each combatant, will be given 4,000 "Life-Points", whoever gets rid of all of their Life-Points first, loses*(* Yup! 'Black got these rules from watching the hit-anime series "Yu-Gi-Oh!"!); it does not matter to One-Eyed Black who wins, he just wants these two to get their rage brought out, and expended. Bunnie, knowing her husband better than most, is hand-picked as this first fight's referee)

Bunnie Alrahght! Y'all know the dree-il! Don't mattah who wins! Sugar-Black just wants y'all to let all ay-out, Antoine! So, don't y'all hurt 'im too bayad! Remembah: Sugar-Black's the one who gave me mah strength bayack!

Antoine (Doing his best to take Bunnie's advice) Oui! I know, Bunn-eee! I know eet vas not entiairly One-Eyes Black's vault, but steel…

Bunnie I know how y'all feel, Antoine! Your-all daddy's dayith was a serious heartbreakah fer me, too, don't ferget! Just remembah: we still need Sugar-Black ta' hayelp us stoahm Robotropolis!

(Antoine draws his original sword, One-Eyed Black draws the Phantom Dagger, and match #1 begins! For the most part, with Antoine totally on Auto-Pilot, almost totally void of fear and self-control, and One-Eyed Black more than ready for anything his opponent dish out, both are more than raring to give this match their all, this match is, for the most part, pretty even. As predicted by all onlookers, it is Antoine who bites the dust, but One-Eyed Black, only has a very measly 15 Life-Points left. The match is viewed by all, combatants, spies, onlookers, and referee alike, as a pretty even, and hard-sought-after "fight"! In the end, One-Eyed Black helps Antoine back to his feet, totally oblivious, to the "victory" that he has just scored. As it turns out, it is One-Eyed Black's way, to treat all who "battle" him in a friendly game such as this one, with utmost respect, and compassion, whether he beats them, or not! Antoine knows that this level of compassion, is at least in part-way, thanks to the pirate's ever-aforementioned alteration.)

Antoine eet takes a tremendous amount of honair to do vat yu do, One-Eyes Black! I can vairy vellsee zat you knew vat you wair doink when you altaired yourself!

One-Eyed Black that's a compliment from you that I really do appreciate, D'Coolette! But I'm still not forgiving you, for what you did to Sonic*(*See 48-pace special "Mecha-Madness", and STH #40)!

Antoine (Thinking and slapping himself in the face) -groan-I might've figiaired as much; I admeet eet: I vas stupeed! Soneec vas right! I should've noticed soonair zat Nack vas ze vun who vas behind zat!

Knuckles Alright, Pirate! Hope yer done playin' around with Antoine, and if you use that same set o' rules with ME, I'm gonna make ya' eat that rule-book next meal-time!

One-Eyed Black (Looking through his right eye) I can very well see thatcher really upset with me, for putting another seal on the Master Emerald, that requires the sacrifice of a life to break! Very well, Knuckles! Waddaya say we raise the stakes a little?

Knuckles (Raising an eyebrow) I'm listening!

One-Eyed Black If you win, I explain myself in-full! But if I win, you are to bother me, about the curse that I placed on the Master Emerald, no more!

Knuckles Sounds like a fair 'nuff trade-off to me, Pirate! But understand: you know how desperate I am fer answers, of whatever question haunts me! So don't expect me ta' go easy on ya'!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking) I know Knuckles seeks answers, and I know he's gonna cream me! But I know full-well, once accepting a challenge from someone like Knuckles, there's no turning back! Besides! I've been meaning to explain m'self to 'im, anyway!

(One-Eyed Black now calls on the Chaotix)

One-Eyed BlackAlright, you guys! We need a referee fer this; the referee chosenmust be the one who knows Knuckles best; someone who can offer him good advice; andsomeone who can make good, and unprejudicial calls! So, who's it gonna be!?

(The Chaotix all back away from Julie-Su and point her way)

Vector hate ta' admit it, but 'Su's definitely the one who knows 'im best! And therefore, it should be the Dark Babe who refs this!

Julie-Su (Giving both Knuckles and One-Eyed Black the traditional salute) for once, Vector's right! And don't worry, you two! I'll do my absolute best to make the fairest calls that I can!

One-Eyed Black That's all that I, and Knuckles, can ever ask o' ya', 'Su!

(The second match gets underway just minutes after One-Eyed Black's fencing match with Antoine is over; the "fight" is actually, a little more even, than Knuckles was expecting it to be. Towards the "end", both combatants are battered like McNuggets, panting in exhaustion, and seemingly giving each other quite a run for their money! Knuckles, although with only 45 Life-Points remaining, comes out the victor, and just as promised, One-Eyed Black explains in-full, his every intention, behind the "curse", that the lethal software pirate put such a tremendous effort, into putting on the Master Emerald)

One-Eyed Black …unlike yer "friend", Dr Finitevus, I had no intention whatsoever, on controlling anybody, or even to turn a single living soul, into anything like that god-like monster that the whole of your people, not to mention the rest of this world, as well now, know, fear, and despise! The "curse" I placed, is only there, to provide you, Sonic, Tails, AND HOPEFULLY, Mina, as well, with the power to achieve your ultimate forms, at a moment's notice! The Master Emerald is the only power-source left in this world, that can do that fer all four of you at once! Only an Evil One, like Finitevus, or Eggman, would have any real reason whatsoever, to break the link between the Master Emerald, and the Chaos Carriers! And I promise! The Evil Ones will hopefully stay the only ones, who'll have any reason whatsoever, to share the fate that claimed yer father!

Knuckles Speakin' o' which, I know that that eye o' yers, enables ya' ta' communicate with the Spirit World, Pirate! I want you ta' contact my dad, and tell 'im for me,-sob-that I'm so sorry!

One-Eyed Black your father has always been with you, Knuckles! He has watched over you, since the very day he entered the Forbidden Zone, and was admitted into the Brotherhood! When your Grandfather, Saber, and several others in the Brotherhood, said that infusing you with all that extra chaos energy upon birth was a bad idea, your father stood up for you! It was only when you left Angel Island to help Sonic against Eggman, did your father lose any faith in you whatsoever! In fact, when you became Enerjak, your father wanted to destroy you! But Sonic and 'Su turned 'im back around! And when 'e learned that the spell that turned you into that monster, could only be broken by way of sacrifice, your father viewed his own life, as a very small price to pay, for both stopping Enerjak, and saving YOU, both with one blow! Your father continued to watch over you, from the sidelines of the Afterlife, and what your father thinks, about you carrying so much guilt, over what you did as Enerjak, was simply this: Seeing you this guilty, Knuckles, is the worst Afterlife torment that he could ever receive! After Sonic n' 'Su turned 'im back around, your father never said, that what happened was your fault! If ya' ask me 'bout it, Knuckles, I'd say: it should be that creep, Finitevus who should pay fer this, not you, not anyone left in your entire family! And if I read ya' right, Knuckles, that should go thirty-duple, for your mother!

Knuckles (Thinking, and making a very tight fist) Finitevus, whether it takes me a month, or the rest o' my life, you will pay fer everything that you've done!

Knuckles (Trying his best to calm himself down) Pirate, I know now thatcher intentions were noble, but the very thought of another curse on the Master Emerald…that requires a sacrifice ta' break…

One-Eyed Black (Still looking at Knuckles through his right eye) I can very-well see, that the fire of guilt, still rages within you, Knuckles! Believe me! I know the feeling! And given my own experience, I can't honestly say that I blame you, fer thinking the way that you do! And, trust me, Knuckles: as of just last week, you are not the ONLY creature, who bears an anvil factory's weight of guilt; Do not forget, Knuckles: The guilt in Sally, over everything that SHE did as MECHA-Sally, is just as powerful, and unquenchable, as the guilt that youfeel, over everything you've done as Enerjak!

(Unbeknownst to Knuckles, his Birth-Mother, Lara-Le, and his Step-Father, Wyn Macher, are both listening in on the whole conversation; when they learned that One-Eyed Black was back in town, they sent their most capable messenger after the dread-software pirate, in the hopes of news that Knuckles had survived Enerjak's last known assault, and if so, whether or not this dreaded, but good-hearted, engine of destruction could bring Knuckles over to Albion to visit them. When they learned that Knuckles was Enerjak, news which they both very openly prayed they would never hear, they requested that One-Eyed Black wear the most inconspicuous listening device at his immediate disposal; they were both desperately hoping to hear, that for once, the old 'coon of a rogue was lying! Much to their dismay, disappointment and horror, they now knew, that as usual, One-Eyed Black was not lying, about a single thing that he told the tightly-knit echidna couple. They did, however, hold back on telling the old rogue their two-sense, until they were absolutely positive, that One-Eyed Black was alone)

Wyn Macher GRRRR…Thanks a lot, Pirate! You just made Lara the most miserable echidna on the planet!

One-Eyed Black Make that fourth most miserable, Wyn! First-most-miserable being Lien-Da, for her being unconditionally dead-locked to Eggman's side, and knowing that she can't double-cross her new, large n' in charge overlord, without losing her own life! Second-most-miserable, being your Step-Son, for being so guilty, over what 'e did as Enerjak, that he can't even look at either one of you! And third-most-miserable, being Julie-Su, for having to see 'er main echidna feel so guilty n' rage-driven! And believe me, you two: Julie-Su, and several of Knuckles' other friends, have tried numerous times to erase that guilt, that so-weighs down Knuckles' heart, but any such words, seem to go in one ear, and straight outta the other!

Lara-Le-choke-sob-Knuckles feels so guilty! Oh, Wyn! I can't stand to see Knuckles like this!

(Lara-Le collapses onto her knees, and bursts into tears)

Lara-Le -sob-Oh, Knuckles! I'm so sorry!

Wyn Macher -sigh-it's alright, Lara!

Wyn Macher if you ever come here, Finitevus, I AM GOING TO KILL YOU FOR TURNING KNUCKLES AGAINST US! THAT'S A PROMISE!

Wyn Macher (Thinking, as he painfully continues to see Lara-Le so torn up inside, over her first son's guilt, and her first husband's death) I was really hoping, that for once, you were lying, One-Eyed Black! But now, I can see that you're just as honest as everyone across the globe takes you for! That kinda honesty, in my mind, is both a blessing, and a curse! I really wanted to believe that for once, you were lying! And that you not bringing Knuckles to us, was just a ruse designed by the Brotherhood to keep Knuckles on Angel Island! But now, I see that, just like Lara always said about you, you tell the truth, no matter what consequences may be in-store for you! And for once, I deeply pity Locke for having to sacrifice himself to the Master Emerald to save the world from the evil force that Finitevus had the heartlessness to unleash upon us! And I promise, Finitevus! If you ever set foot here, I'll rip your evil heart out MYSELF!

Lara-Le (Still on her hands and knees, and still with a monsoon of tears in her eyes) Finitevus, I swear: when you are admitted into the Afterlife, I will be among the council, that condemns you, to an eternity of darkness, for everything that you have done, both to Locke, and to Knuckles!

(One-Eyed Black now provides Lara-Le and Wyn Macher with the rest of the information, that they told him to get for them; even though it was what the two of them put the communicator onto the pirate to hear for themselves, it was still not the news that they wanted; Wyn Macher vows to roast Finitevus' evil, non-existent heart for lunch should the albino devil of an echidna ever dare show his face at Albion, and Lara makes a private prayer to Locke to demand him to continue to watch over Knuckles, and to never let her first son share Locke's fate. One-Eyed Black understands perfectly why Lara is so broken up inside about Locke being, not just kicked out of her life, but is now, out of her first son's life as well)

One-Eyed Black I understand perfectly where yer coming from, Lara! Believe me, I realized a very long time ago: That it's a lot easier on the heart, to just lose the friendship, than to lose the actual friend!

Chapter #9: MEETING WITH THE WIZARD

(As the disappointed, shocked, and dead-petrified-at-the-news echidna couple signs off, Rotor notices One-Eyed Black talking into some kind of communicator, and is in an ally that most New Mobotropolis citizens, don't usually go into very often)

Rotor whatcha doin' in there, 'Black!?

One-Eyed Black (Kind of knowing his cover has been blown Oh…Er…not much, Rotor! It's OK!

Rotor you don't look "OK", 'Black! C'mon! Whatever it is, don't worry! I promise! I won't tell anyone! Now, c'mon, 'Black! You promised: "No more secrets"! You can at least tell me!

(One-Eyed Black looks all around him, just to make sure no-one else has spotted him)

One-Eyed Black-sigh-some family members of Knuckles' were wondering about 'im! They wanted me to bring Knuckles over to Albion for a visit!

Rotor lemme guess: His Mom n' Step-Pop, right?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) Yeah! They were really anxious ta' see Knuckles again! So, when they realized that I was back in town, they sent their most efficient messenger after me, and practically begged me, to bring Knuckles to them to visit!

Rotor so, whadja do, 'Black!?

One-Eyed Black I answered back, but I told them both that I couldn't bring Knuckles to them! And believe me, Rotor, disappointment, would be a grave understatement! I told them the whole story as I knew it, and in their eyes, the news I sent back to them was disappointing, horrifying, and terrifying for them both! They didn't wanna believe me! Wyn Macher had heard his fair-share of stories about me, but was really hoping, that for once I was lying! But Lara-Le, who remembers me, at least somewhat better, knows at least somewhat better, than to have those same hopes! As you, and everyone else around here, know, Rotor: Especially to a friend, I either speak the truth, or I keep my mouth epoxied shut! But Lara, like Wyn, was at least somewhat hopeful, that the story I told them, was just a very elaborate excuse that the Brotherhood made me make up, just to keep her first child away from her, and bound to his duties as Guardian of Angel Island! Ya' see, Rotor: Starting with Knuckles' Great-Grandfather, Athair, and branching out to the rest of Knuckles' surviving family members, I was one o' the best friends that the whole of the Brotherhood had! Combined with his association with the Ancient Walkers, I was one of the primary reasons, why the Brotherhood still called upon Athair every now n' then, when the going really got rough, and when there was no other way out of whatever mess, that the Brotherhood may've gotten into! I was the primary peace-keeper, for both ends of that rope! And I was friends with both of Knuckles' original parents for a very good reason: Even though they didn't always agree with each other, they almost always supported, backed up, and believed in Knuckles, 100%! And to me, at least, Rotor, it takes a lot o' brains, and guts, to do something like that!

Rotor and I'm pretty sure that that's a POV, that every hero, in any dimension ya' go to absolutely loves aboutcha', 'Black!

One-Eyed Black Wyn and Lara had me wear this trans-ceiver so they could hear the truth behind my words for themselves; as you can prob'ly imagine, Rotor: neither Lara, nor Wyn, were very happy campers, about that terrible story I told them being the absolute truth! Lara broke down in a monsoon of tears; she said that she was ALMOST SORRY that she divorced Locke! And as for Wyn, he was really upset with me, that I would dare come to them, with such awful news! Knuckles baby brother, Knecapeon Mace heard this story, as well, and was even more devastated than Wyn, and Lara put together, that his "powerful big brother", was the monster that exiled them all to that Eggman-ravaged ghost town; the monster that he hoped, he would only haveta' see in 'is nightmares! I knew that the three of them, were totally unprepared to hear that Knuckles was the Enerjak that banished them all to Albion, but I knew that they had ta' hear the truth sooner or later, no matter whose mouth it came out of!

Rotor honesty always was one o' yer strongest suits, 'Black! And that's another thing that I'm pretty sure every hero, no matter whatdimension ya' go to, really respects ya' for!

One-Eyed Black The news that Locke is gone, and that Knuckles was Enerjak, I'm very certain, was devastating for both of Knuckles' current parents, and his baby-bro. as well! Please! Do not tell Knuckles that they were listening…

Rotor don't worry 'bout a thing, 'Black! Like I said: I won't tell anyone! Rad-Red's guilt over what 'e did as Enerjak is not a real big secret around here; we almost lost Knuckles back there, don't ferget* (* See STH #s 180-184)! And that was not a good memory fer anyonearound here, least of all, Knuckles! That really tore 'im apart inside, and not even 'Su could make 'im feel better 'bout it, and much like Sally is ta' Sonic, 'Su's Rad-Red's Ace! And if Knux finds out that 'is folks bugged ya', that'll just make 'im feel worse! And not even Egg-Lips wants that! All of us knowKnuckles, 'Black! When he feels that guilty, his rage escalates along with it! And if you told Knuckles that you told his parents about that, He'll just wanna tear anyone who comes near 'im apart! Even if it's 'Su tryin' ta' calm 'im down! Don't worry, 'Black! Yer secret's safe with me! But interrupting yer big update on the info thatcher sending to Knuckles' folks, is not why I came lookin' for ya'! The Council wants ta' talk ta' ya'!

One-Eyed Black if they wanna try ta' change m'mind about the Mecha-Court-Marshal incident again, I just got two words for 'em: FORGET IT!

Rotor WHOA! Calm down, 'Black! Don't worry! The Council knows there's no way they can make ya' feel any better 'bout that! In fact, as of when ya' split, everyone's given up on that! Don't worry! Not even King Max is gonna try that 'nymore! Elias has been clued in on it, when ya' came back! He knows there's no way ta' change it! The Council just wants ta' talk ta' ya' 'bout somethin'! They wouldn't say what! They just said: "That if you agree to what their Co-Leader has in mind, it'll improve 'is rep to the point where maybe-just maybe-even Sonic'd haveta' respect 'im!"

One-Eyed Black by "Co-Leader", you mean the "Semi-Evil Wizard" Ixis Naugus, don't you? What does he want withme!?

Rotor Naugus only said: that "you'd thank 'im in the long run"! And the Council's bein' pretty persistent about it! They sent me ta' give ya' this subpoena, I don't think y'have any other choice but to at least talk to 'em! Sally also sent me here ta' make ya' promise not to slaughter anyone, IF-or more likely WHEN-ya' don't like what they got in mind for ya'!

(Still with some degree of reluctance, One-Eyed Black approaches and enters the Courthouse, where the Council is waiting for him; One-Eyed Black, expecting trouble, has nearly every weapon he can immediately bring to bear, fully armed, and ready as if to decimate a good-sized army. He also, secretly, carries, a very special, and easily concealed, "emergency anti-magic protection", expecting the most trouble to come from Naugus)

One-Eyed Black Alright, you heartless deceivers! I'm here! Now, what is it you want!?

Ixis Naugus -gasp-lower your defenses, Pirate! When you hear-gasp-what I have in mind for you, you will-gasp-finally forgive us, for that-gasp-unfortunate set-back, that, as all of us now know-gasp-would've been a tremendous offensive coup-gasp-for everyone in this world and time!

(One-Eyed Black puts his weapons away, but he hides his "emergency protection" on the back-side of his belt)

One-Eyed Black before I'm lured into another deception, FIRST tell me whatcha got in mind. Only after that, will I even consider leaving here without breaking anything!

Ixis Naugus-gasp-the one known as Bunnie-gasp-thanked me greatly-gasp-for doing this for her! And-gasp-I do believe that you will thank me-gasp-for near-the same thing!

One-Eyed Black I'll ask ya' one more time, nicely, Deceivers: WHAT DO YOU WANT!?

Ixis Naugus -gasp-it is really quite simple, One-Eyed Black!-gasp-I wish to restore your personality, and-gasp-return you to a complete being of flesh-and-blood!

One-Eyed Black really!? Well, I got three words for ya' from the bottom of my heart, that say it all, Ixy!

(One-Eyed Black converts his robotic arm to weapon mode, aims it right at the wand, that Naugus plans to use on him, and using his arm-weapons' full force, reduces the wand, to dust)

One-Eyed Black (Blowing the smoke from his just-now used weapons) and my "three words" are: NOT-GONNA-HAPPEN!

(One-Eyed Black's words stir up mucho-confusion, fear, disbelief, and even a little wonder amongst the Council; Chuck and Rotor are the only ones, who see right off the bat, what this ragged, self-tortured software pirate is getting at with this!)

Ixis Naugus (looking at what remains of his wand, a little curious, and in some ways, even a little frightened at what One-Eyed Black is getting at)-gasp-I do not understand-gasp-One-Eyed Black!-gasp-Don't you want to be a being of pure sentience-gasp-a being completely of flesh-and-blood again!?

One-Eyed Black (re-drawing his dagger) Strange n' scary as this is gonna sound to several, Naugus, I DON'T! True, you were able to de-mechanize Bunnie; something that nobody thought was possible after Nate Morgan upgraded 'er, but I ask all o' you, what did that leave the Freedom Fighters with!?

Ixis Naugus-gasp-what nonsense are you blabbing about, Pirate!?-gasp-my intentions behind de-mechanizing Mrs. D'Coolette-gasp-were noble in every sense of the word!

A mysterious voice Yeah! 'Bout as "noble" as takin' somebody's entire movie collection away just 'cause it had a hand-full o' bad movies in it!

Another mysterious voice Oui! Und yu left Bunn-eee feelink so veak und useless! I weel nevair forgeeve yu for zat, Naugees!

A third mysterious voice and like the Pirate asked: what did that leave the Freedom Fighters with!?

(Three figures step into the room, they turn out to be Sonic, Antoine, and Knuckles)

Sonic We all heard about whatcha got in mind for 'Black, Ixy! So, we decided ta' stop by, and offer you guys some more sides ta' the story, before Naugus does anything funny!

Antoine I Hayate to say zis, but Soneek eez right! Ze pyr-ratt has a great deal of compassion and selflessness, und ve are not goink to let you take zat avay from ous lioke you took avay Bun-eee's confeedence!

Knuckles the deed may've been noble, Wizard, but from what I heard, the timing couldn't've been worse!

Ixis Naugus stay out of this, you three!-gasp-this is not your fight!

Sonic yeah!? Well, we're makin' it "our fight", Ixy! We're not gonna letcha weaken another Freedom Fighter, 'specially not the one that promised ta' help us bring Egg-face down like a ton o' bricks! Besides! Weaken a guy who's scared enough of 'imself as it is? I don't think so!

(The entire Council stares at Elias like one of Eggman's most dangerous 'bots is right behind him)

Elias Let them speak! I feel it's imperative, that we know all sides of this story, before we rush into judge One-Eyed Black's act of refusal! Go ahead, you three!

Knuckles from what I heard, de-mechanizing Bunnie, plus the Robotization of the Princess, left the Freedom Fighters with pretty-well no advantage over Eggman's goon-squad, whatsoever!

One-Eyed Black I performed those alterations on myself on purpose! My brain was altered so I would be incapable of egotistical thoughts, to enable myself to show at least a little more courage, and to not get angered as much as to weaken m'self in battle! Bottom line: I performed that mental alteration, 'cause I did not, in a million generations, wanna become evil! And the aforementioned alteration, was the only permanent solution in sight! But what would youknow about stuff like that, Naugus!? Don't forget what the Freedom Fighters've always thought about YOU! My prosthetics, made me more powerful than ever; and don't ferget, everybody: I was able ta' pack a little extra fire-power, into this new arm o' mine! And as for my Robotic EYE, my best reason for creating this thing for m'self, came at the conclusion of the Mecha-Court-Marshal incident: After betraying Sonic the way I did, you guys could bet yer entire lives'-savings, and walk away from the gambling tables with a dozen times as much money, that I was not very happy, about being deceived into betraying prob'ly the best friend that the whole of the Nightmare Pirates had ever made in this very plane of existence! I felt as rotten as a two-year-old banana for that, and I wanted to make sure, that that mistake, would not be repeated! So I had to upgrade it with Spirit Vision, it was the only way that I would be able ta' keep my promise to the whole of the Freedom Fighters, Sonic included, and never misjudge another living soul, EVER AGAIN! My prosthetics made me stronger, wiser, far-less vulnerable to deception, and after I got them, my fire-power has also been strengthened significantly! I know that the very concept of Spirit Vision, is really scary fer most to even think about, but again, I made that upgrade, to keep a promise, to one o' the best friends that I have here in this plane of existence! And if you take that all that away from me, Naugus, that'll just make me even more miserable, than even you want!

Knuckles not to mention, I heard that if technology were a cemetery, the Pirate here'd prob'ly be the most notorious grave-robber of 'em all!

Sonic 'Black's even stolen the plans o' several of Robuttnik's key-inventions! And yeah! The original Roboticizer, was one of 'em!

Knuckles and knowing the Pirate, if you take away 'is prosthetics, Naugus, chances are: the Pirate can very easily duplicate the Roboticizer, and use it to part-way re-mechanize 'imself!

Antoine und ze Pyre-ratt can vairy eeasilee go back to hees own ty-am, and have zat dreaded altairation done to heemself all ovair again!

Knuckles And I kinda know a lot o' you guys; nobody really wants ta' see an ally, 'specially one who's going out of 'is way to help us guide Eggman on 'is merry way to the cemetery, like the Pirate here, get too weak to be much more use to you guys, than I hear Bunnie was against Mecha-Sally!

Hamlin if the Pirate torturing 'imself is really what's making you guys so scared o' this, then I suggest the Council vote on it; ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF NAUGUS UNDOING THE ALTERATIONS T…..

Sonic Hamlin! That ain't gonna any good n' you know it! Don't forget, you guys: both before and after 'Black found out the truth about the unfairness under which I was Court Marshaled, he's always treated rank worse than dirt! And when he found out what really happened, all that it did, was make that distrust worse! Regardless o' who's in charge, if 'Black hears an order that 'e don't think is the right way ta' go, he ain't gonna listen! And I remind everybody here: Puttin' 'Black in jail, is like lockin' a vampire up in a Blood-Bank! You can take away all 'is weapons, but 'Black's prob'ly always gonna 'ave 'is sarcasm! And the kinda sarcasm that 'Black's capable of, makes anyone and everyone sharin' the cell with 'im, practically beg fer a cell-change in minutes! And when 'Black put 'imself behind bars for betrayin' 'is friendship with me, and fer bein' stupid enough, to believe Antoine's "Lies", 'Black threw a ton o' insults every which-way! Even Sal nearly lost 'er cool, after hearin' just a few words of it! I know everyone deserved what 'Black did back there, but even I had enough o' that sarcasm, to last me a whole millennium! And if you bring back 'is ego, Naugus, that sarcasm's just gonna get worse!

Knuckles I ask ya', High Council: Do you really want this guy ta' be weaker, more unbearable, and even worse ta' be around, than the Princess, I, and several others already deem 'imta' be!?

(The whole Council loses so much color, they make a white sheet, look black as night!)

Elias (trying to show as little fear, towards the words of the current incarnation, of the group that has protected him for the longest time, as possible) we definitely do not want One-Eyed Black to be weaker, or be more difficult to reason with! My Co-Leader! I'll admit that some of the things that One-Eyed Black had done to himself, were-at best-somewhat drastic! However, he did have a good, and complete set of reasons, for why he did them to himself! And I seriously doubt, that anything we can say, or do, is ever going to change One-Eyed Black's mind, about what he's done to himself! One-Eyed Black altered his mind, because he was afraid of becoming evil; He made the Spirit Vision upgrade to his eye, to keep a promise that he made directly, to my sister and her friends! And he chose prosthetics to replace what he had lost in battle so long ago, because he knew they would make him stronger! And, I can very-well see, even without Spirit Vision, that One-Eyed Black has accomplished all of the missions he has laid out for himself to better himself very nicely! No vote will be necessary! Naugus! You are not to lay a single finger, OR claw, on One-Eyed Black! If you do, by the looks on the faces of these four heroic beings, they will each make you wish, that you were still under Mogul's care, and still a mindless, drooling dog at that, and we will, potentially, have to deal with you, no more!

However, as One-Eyed Black, Sonic, Antoine and Knuckles, turn to leave…

Ixis Naugus-gasp-I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS! –gasp-THE PIRATE MUST BE RESTORED!

(Naugus breaks out another wand, and fires it from the hip)

Ixis Naugus THERE! See what I have done, citizens of New Mobotropolis!? I have res….

(As the smoke clears, Naugus is in for the type of shock, that could only come from the biggest, and most intense lightning storm)

Ixis Naugus WHAT!? YOU ARE STILL PART-WAY ROBOTIC!? BUT HOW!? –gasp-MY SPELL SHOULD'VE RESTORED YOU!

Sonic Hate ta' break to ya', Ixy, but you ain't the only master o' magic 'round here 'nymore!

Ixis Naugus Come again, Quickster!?

One-Eyed Black as I rescued Sally's true brain-component, I cast a technological spell on it, that re-awakened her spirit! That was how she was able ta' communicate with me, and make me rescue those other Robians I came to town along with 'er! And just before I walked in the door, I cast another spell…

(One-Eyed Black pulls from his Jacket's back-pocket, what appears to be a deck of trading cards)

One-Eyed Black the very spell that I put on this very set o' cards! A little power-up curse that I like ta' call: DUEL MONSTERS REALITY! It grants every single card in this very deck, the power to bring whatever the card in-question has on it, TO LIFE! Including this one! I'm not gonna hand ya' the card so ya' can tear it up when ya' don't like what's on it! So, I'll just project holographic images of the card for each of ya' instead!

(A holographic copy of the card that this devious engine of destruction is holding, appears before all members of the Council)

Elias "Magic Block; Trap; negates any, and all magic attacks; all the while that this card is in play, you are forever immune to any-and all-spell-casters' effects"!?

Hamlin YOU DIDN'T!

One-Eyed Black I did! I blocked Naugus' magic with this very card! And just fer you, Naugus, I'm keepin' this hot lil' baby activated 28-10!

Dylan but, there's only such a thing as…

Dylan (Now officially as pale as a ghost)-gasp-YOU MEAN YOU'RE GONNA KEEP THAT CARD ACTIVATED FOREVER!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) or until Naugus and the Iron Queen, both buy themselves first-class, one-way tickets, to the Great Beyond! Whichever comes first!

Naugus (Thinking) Why would this wretched 'coon be so ungrateful, as to refuse such a generous gift as renewed life?

One-Eyed Black Word of advice from someone who knows, Naugus: Every gift, no matter how tempting, or promising, has a price! Your price for trying to take over the world, was the Freedom Fighters unanimously voting, to put you almost as high up on their hit-list, as they put Eggman! And I know fer a fact, Naugus: true! You have many followers, but aside from Geoffrey St. John, nobody has the heart to lift a single finger to help you in yer time of ultimate need! Bunnie's price for being de-mechanized, was loss of the power, that she felt that she only had, when she was half-robotic! My price for bettering myself, was the rejection of my very animality, as well as everyone, friend, and foe alike, being dead-afraid of me, not because of what I could do to them, but because they knew of the torture that I would put myself through, just to keep a simple promise! Nicole's price, for being re-programmed into a heartless, unfeeling entity by the Iron Queen, was everybody but the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix, losing total faith in her! And finally, the price Sonic had ta' pay, for letting Eggman escape from New Mobotropolis Prison, well, I think everyone here, knows the price that Sonic had to pay for that!

Dylan-groan-we get the idea, 'Black!

The foursome are now all fully satisfied that they have made their point, and as Sonic leaves with the others…

Sonic And Ixy! Don't ferget: 'Black's after every Bad Guy's throat this time! And if 'Black's mad enough at Eggman for Roboticizin' Sal, to wanna tear the fat-boy limb from limb, who knows what 'e's gonna do to the next evil chump that comes out ta' play! And trust me, Horn-Head: step outta line, and you could very easily replace Egg-Creep as numero uno on ol' 'Black's hit-list! Believe me, Ixy: If 'Black does deem ya' an "Evil One", with the kinda mood he's in, he'll tear ya' APART! And now that 'Black granted that hot little deck of trading cards o' his actual powers, don't think fer even a sonic-second, that anything you pull outta your hat, is gonna make ya' any safer! And if you even touch any o' my friends ever again, I'll take both you and Eggman together—COUNT ON IT!

(With this, the foursome finally leaves the Courthouse)

One-Eyed Black-whew-Thanks fer the help, you guys! You really saved my bacon back there!

Sonic hey 'Black! Just like you, we're not gonna take all the credit!

Antoine Oui, Oui! True! Ve bought yu ty-ame, but eet vas your powairful new deck of cairds zat ve know scared Nog-ees, and heez supportairs wizzin ze council eento re-callink zeir offair!

Knuckles Don't say this very often about either of these guys, Pirate, but they're right! A spell that turns ordinary cards into magic ones!? I can very-well see why Athair was friends with you!

One-Eyed Black thanks fer the vote o' confidence, you guys! But I saw perfectly well, that, true! My "new weapons" here, were the last straw in the restaurant, but actually hearing how others besides the Council themselves felt about it!? That was the real crusher!

Sonic heh-glad ta' help out, 'Black!

(The day after the "Score to settle" fights are over, the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, start trying out their "New toys"! Bunnie puts on her new gloves and boots, right away! To test her newly-re-discovered strength, she picks up the biggest rock she can find; to test her new fire-power, Bunnie blasts a medium-sized pile of scrap-metal, and pretty-well vaporizes it, with just a few shots! Bunnie is really impressed that her new lasers, though small, are this effective! And to test her karate kicks, she kicks loose a rock twice as big as herself! Antoine is really impressed, and really happy, to see his wife so energetic, happy, and powerful again!)

Antoine Mercy buc cou', a million times ovair, One-Eyes Black! I hev nevair seen Bunn-eee so enairgetic and powairful in ages!

One-Eyed Black glad ta' help 'er out, D'Coolette! I've admired Bunnie myself from the minute I first laid eyes on 'er! Which, believe me, is far more long ago, than she's actually been in existence!

Antoine (Really shocked that Bunnie could ever lay claim to such admiration) YOU'RE SAIRIOUS!?

(One-Eyed Black smiles and nods his head)

And at the shooting ranges…

(Sally and Julie-Su, by sheer coincidence, are practicing with their new weapons side by side; both of their significant others are watching, and all four creatures, have a great deal of admiration for each other! Both Girls' aim improves, and both girls are equally impressed and awe-struck, that their "new toys" grant them both such awesome fire-power! As promised by a certain 'coon who never lies, except to trick the enemy into a trap, Sally's new Double-Trouble X-8 Weapon, not only gives Sally something to defend herself with, as well lessens the likelihood of her being captured, but it can also reduce a Dynamic to scrap-metal with just a few shots! Julie-Su's new weapon-booster, makes her already-ever-handy proton gun no less powerful!)

Julie-Su Gotta hand it to you, Pirate! My former peops'd kill for technology like this!

(One-Eyed Black cracks a small smile, looks to his side, and blushes slightly)

Sally I know that you don't usually accept honors, even when you know you deserve them, One-Eyed Black, but even you must admit: being commended for awesome technological know-how, from a former Dark Legionnaire like Julie-Su here, is a most inexcusable honor! And for that, I think that Julie-Su deserves at least some thanks for such a compliment!

One-Eyed Black you're right, Sally! I was just about ta' thank 'er, anyway! So, thanks, 'Su! Sally's right, of course; commendment for technological know-how from somebody from a highly technologically advanced group like the original Dark Legion, is considered a huge honor, and a major confidence boost, for any technological expert it's delivered to!

(Julie-Su looks at One-Eyed Black in disbelief, and even showing some signs of wanting to say a nice, big, fat, juicy "You're welcome!", but is totally speechless, that a "Good Guy" would think so highly, about being commended by the likes of her "Former People", whom, she learned right away after meeting and befriending Knuckles, were never really looked upon by very many as the "Good Guys")

Julie-Su (finally having the stuff to at least let something out of her mouth) you really mean that, dontcha Pirate!?

Knuckles(Thinking) commending the Dark Legion fer their technology!? Heh-never thought the day'd ever come!

Meanwhile…

(Mina and Ash are relaxing with Mina's parents; Mina's parents are, surprisingly to Ash, very appreciative that the new freedom fighter in town, would think so highly of Mina, but are a little concerned, that Mina is taking a risk, in which there's the slightest chance that she could get herself killed, or worse yet, Roboticized)

Mina's Mother (Speaking to Mina) so, you're thinking about becoming a Freedom Fighter again!?

Mina almost as badly as I wanted to be with Sonic, Mom! And Ash here even granted me n' the band a two-month-hiatus, just so I could help Sonic and 'is other friends out! I may've found someone else ta' spend my life with, but my good memories o' Sonic never left me! And the fact that I'm actually needed, plus the fact that One-Eyed Black, who I hear is the most battle-hardened and blood-thirsty warrior on the Good Side in several versions of the world, actually thinks that I have what it takes to achieve an "Ultimate Form", you know very well, Mom: I had ta' say "YES!"!

Mina's Mother (Thinking) Mina looks so happy! I have not seen her like this since her days with Sonic! And One-Eyed Black may be scary-looking, but I hear he has an excellent heart! And he's giving my own child, the chance of a lifetime!

Ash heh-A guy that much after Eggman's throat? and for the reasons that 'e said 'e had? I'd kinda like ta' meet this "One-Eyed Black" guy myself!

Mina You'll definitely getcher chance next week, Ash! That's when 'Black says 'e's gonna test me, to see if I really DO got the stuff!

Mina's Father if only we could get this "One-Eyed Black" here, so we can all see and hear for ourselves, what this "new friend" of the Freedom Fighters is like! I'd also love the chance to get to know him, at least almost as well as your old friend, Sonic does! And any friend of Sonic's, should be a friend ta' everyone around here!

Mina well, we can always write to 'im, you guys! I'm pretty sure that One-Eyed Black shouldn't be too hard fer the Mail Guy ta' track down!

Ash (Thinking) Yeah! A freaky old 'coon dressed in black rags and has a robotic right eye!? That shouldn't be too hard ta' miss!

(One-Eyed Black now runs into Sonic, Knuckles, and Antoine; surprisingly, the threesome are still together, watching their girls practicing with the new gadgets and weapons that One-Eyed Black had provided them)

One-Eyed Black…Anyway, you three! Just wanted to say "Thanks for helping me out back there at the Courthouse!"

(One-Eyed Black teleports three envelopes into his hand, and gives one-each, to Sonic, Knuckles and Antoine)

One-Eyed Black the contents of these envelopes, are just my own personal way of saying "Thanks fer helpin' me out!" I was gonna save these for your next birthdays, but you guys helped me out quite a bit back there! So, I think you three deserve 'em now!

Sonic wunn't really expectin' much in return fer helpin' ya', 'Black, but thanks!

(The three warriors rip open the envelopes, and they all closely examine the contents)

Antoine HMMM…Matinee? Goode for tu? To ze movie of my, and Bun-eee's choice? I vonce again salute yu for your unmatched compassion for zose whu help yu, One-Eyes Black!

Sonic (Showing a slight degree of excitement)HMMM…Coupon for six free Southern Style Chili Dogs at Uncle Chuck's Diner, huh!? Nice! I'll be sure to put this to good use!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking) -chuckle-I know you will, Sonic!

Knuckles …and up to a one month's membership in New Mobotropolis Gym, huh!? Ha!-Looks like Sonic was right aboutcha, Pirate! You really do know how ta' treat yer friends!

(One-Eyed Black looks slightly away from his convesationists and blushes)

One-Eyed Black Thanks, you guys!

Sonic Hey! Don't mention it, my main 'coon in black!

(Sally, Julie-Su and Bunnie have all just-finished target-practice for now, and all decide to spend the one-or-two hours that they have before their next round of training with their men, and Amy Rose, never wanting to be left out of a conversation with Sonic, is not far behind)

Amy Rose (Giving Sonic a group-hug along with Sally) Y'always knew how ta' stick it ta' Eggman, Sonic! And now that we got 'Black back, Eggman ain't gonna stand a chance!

Sally You and One-Eyed Black are both our best hopes, Sonic! And even IF Eggman survives the assault that One-Eyed Black has planned, I'm hoping that Eggman is at least sent to the hospital!

Julie-Su As soon as Eggman's gone, I know that, with the pirate in the Freedom Fighters' corner, Finitevus ain't gonna last long, either!

Bunnie And, ah know that weah gonna wayin theyis no prob'm with you back in our cohner, Sugar-Black!

(One-Eyed Black turns his head a quarter away from his conversationists and blushes deeply)

Chapter #10: CONTRADICTIONS OF FEARS

(Just then, the Mailman comes looking for One-Eyed Black)

Mailman telegram disc for One-Eyed Black!

Sonic Come on! 'Black's only been here fer a few weeks, and 'e's already gettin' fan mail!?

Knuckles letter for you, Pirate!? Who's it from!?

One-Eyed Black according to the return address, this letter came from the Mongoose family!

Sonic heh-"Mongoose", huh? That's gotta be Mina's folks! Aside from Ash, I don't know any other Mongooses around here but them!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking) Knuckles was pretty upset with me, for putting that "curse" on the Master Emerald! I guess now, Mina's folks've been clued in, and now they prob'ly wanna give me their two-sense, as well, huh!?

Sonic well, what's holdin' up the ol' parade, 'Black!? Open it! I'm pretty sure Mina's folks aren't that afraid o' ya'! Knowin' them, they prob'ly just wanna talk to ya'!

Knuckles You heard Big Blue, Pirate! Open it! Like he said: they prob'ly just wanna talk!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking, as he tears open the envelope) Well, here goes! But I better be prepared for any and every unkind word that this disc may have on it!

One-Eyed Black Carrie! Can you play what's on this disc for me?

Carrie I most certainly can, One-Eyed Black!

(One-Eyed Black holds the disc in front of himself and then releases it; it seems to float in mid-air, as if being held by some invisible creature; soon, it begins to spin as if it were being played by some invisible disc-player. Soon, a holographic image of an animal that Sonic had not seen in literally ages, appears before One-Eyed Black!)

Hologram of Mina's mother One-Eyed Black! I extend my deepest thanks, and appreciation to you! I have never seen Mina this excited, this energetic, and this happy, since the day she first-met Sonic! You have made Mina the happiest mongoose in the world! And I do deeply thank and appreciate everything that you're doing just for her! Ash still has his doubts as to your loyalty, but he's very anxious to meet you for himself! I would very much like the chance to get to know you, as well! Anyone who trusts and believes in my daughter enough to grant her such responsibility and power, cannot be near-as-scary in heart as your appearance suggests! Ash just wants to know if there will be any problems with that belt that you gave to Mina, and if so, re-assure us on how unlikely they are to happen! Mina has told us, everything Sonic could tell her about you, and about how great a friend you almost always were to him! And someone that compassionate, and that talented, is definitely worth getting to know! Hopefully you will get this message soon, and when you do, please hurry over here as fast as you can! We would absolutely love to meet you! Sincerely yours, Mrs. Mongoose

Knuckles see, Pirate? Was that really as bad as you were expecting!?

Sonic Rad-Red's right, 'Black! Mina's parents are past-cool people! And if they really wanna meetcha, I really don't think that that's an invite that you should refuse!

One-Eyed Black (Thinking) Sonic's absolutely right about Mina's parents; while I was looking for good pictures of Mina, I ran into at least a little bit about 'er Mom. I knew right off the bat after running into 'er, that Mina's got a really good set o' parents, that I'll bet most kids, would commit a double-homicide for! Mina's parents understand her, back her up, and trust in her judgment 100%! Also, as any good parent would, and should, I know that Mina's Mom, would sooner swallow a hot poker, than see Mina get 'erself killed, or even worse yet, Roboticized! My guess is: that's prob'ly the fear, that's on the Mongoose Family's minds, should Mina officially join the Freedom Fighters; and personally, I also kinda know how Mina's Manager and new boy friend Ash's brain ticks: He undoubtedly has similar feelings for Mina, that her parents have for her. In other words, Ash does believe in her, but would rather sacrifice 'imself to the Roboticizer, than see Mina get Roboticized 'erself! I also know, that if I make one wrong move, Mina's parents, and most definitely Ash, as well, will definitely maim me on the spot! But, then again, starting long-before the loss of my ego, I was, by my own parents' standards, relatively self-destructive! And upon becoming leader of the Nightmare Pirates, the loss of someone else's life, as long as it isn't willingly evil, has always been far more damaging to me, than getting killed, myself! And fortunately, thanks to certain precautions that I undertook just-before I first-visited this plane-of-existence, death is not a permanent thing for me, anyway! What does worry me, is the fact that if I say something that cannot be made up for, even with the most fool-proof precaution, I could lose the opportunity, to gain these supportive and understanding souls as friends, FOREVER!

One-Eyed Black You're right, Sonic! The loss of my own life does not really matter that much to me! What does, is me saying the wrong thing, and losing the friendship and trust, of Mina's parents, and prob'ly also her boy friend, Ash, possibly forever!

Sonic Hey, 'Black! As long as you're honest with 'em, I think that that's pretty much all that they want from ya'! Don't worry 'bout a thing, 'Black! As long as ya' tell 'em whatcha' told us, and I say this even o' Ash: trust me, 'Black! You'll do just fine!

One-Eyed Black well, you almost never gave me any reason ta' doubtcha, Sonic! Thanks! Alright, Carrie! What's the Mongoose family's address!?

(One-Eyed Black knows simply teleporting into the Mongoose family home would be rude, totally unexpected, and a really stupid idea, especially to kick off a potential friendship. So, instead, One-Eyed Black self-elects to teleport to a location about 10 paces outside the Mongoose family home. One-Eyed Black knocks six times, knowing that at least one of Mina's parents, or Ash for that matter, would want to know who it is before they let him in. And sure enough, just seconds after knocking, the door opens; it is Mina's Mother who answers)

Mina's Mother why, One-Eyed Black! This is an unexpected surprise!

One-Eyed Black I got yer message, and just as demanded, I got here as quick as I could!

Mina's Mother we did send you a message, One-Eyed Black! But we were not expecting you so soon! Did you teleport?

(One-Eyed Blacks nods his head)

Mina's Father who is it, Darling!? Well! One-Eyed Black! Here at our very doorstep! This is a most-unexpected treat! It's not every day, that such a close friend of the Freedom Fighter that our own child has always looked up to, pays us a visit so soon after arriving in town! As my good wife has probably told you, Mina's current one-and-only, Ash, is very anxious to meet you!

One-Eyed Black Speaking o' Ash, is he here, right now!?

Mina's Mother Why, yes! After calling that break, he and our daughter have had a great deal more free-time on their hands than they really know what to do with!

Mina's Father and we have you, and you alone, to thank for that, One-Eyed Black! It is because of you, that our Mina was finally able to introduce her Manager and good friend, Ash, to us in-full! And we all deeply appreciate that a major factor in that, has come here to visit us! Won't you come in!?

(One-Eyed Black now enters the Mongoose home, only to immediately look into the eyes of a very suspecting, and very curious, Ash)

Ash so, you're "One-Eyed Black", huh? I always said that Sonic made friends in interesting places! But you!? You're definitely the cream o' the crop o' THAT notion! Gotta say: the fact that Sonic knows the Princess as well as 'e does was very interesting ta' learn; but now, hearin' that 'e knows you!? Now, I'm really impressed by the friends Sonic finds n' makes! Just before ya' showed up here, I've been doin' a lil' research on ya'! And I gotta say, "'Black", I'm really impressed with a lot o' the stuff thatcha' did to Robotnik when ya' weren't holdin' back! According to the records salvaged from the Knothole Archives, you and the Nightmare Pirates were the biggest thorn in that big tub o' lard Robotnik's side in-between the time the O.F.F. were cast into the Void, and when Sonic and his friends came along! And I gotta tell ya': I was really surprised and shocked to learn, that a guy like you, would just give up a title like bein' the top-freedom fighter as easily and willingly, as you did!

One-Eyed Black my job was simply ta' hold the Bad Guys off until the real heroes came to be, andwere ready ta' fight! Fortunately for Sonic's rep, it wasn't really that long a wait!

Ash To me, there's only one explanation fer you feelin' that way: Those rumors thatcha destroyed yer own ego've gotta be true! Nobody in their right mind'd ever give up that kinda title, and not feel at least somewhat left outta the action! Gotta say: Doing what you did must've taken a loada' guts!

One-Eyed Black (Blushing some) Thanks, Ash! Mina must've been very lucky, to've been able ta' hand-pick someone like you, to be in 'er corner!

Ash (reaching behind his back and blushing slightly) I've stuck by Mina through thick n' thin, 'Black! Believe me: It's very gratifying to hear that somebody actually notices that! I'll admit it: I did get some help from Sonic! But not really that much, y'understand! Lookin' back, I can totally understand Sonic leavin' Mina back fer the Princess; if I heard right, those two, though almost complete opposites, have known each other fer a very long time, like you said, 'Black, prob'ly since they were just weeks old! Again, as you personally pointed out: Even when they separated fer a while, you're right, 'Black! Those two did still a loada' respect fer each other, and just like ya' told the Princess right before ya' de-mechanized 'er: A friendship like that, is really, really hard ta' come by!–sigh-I just wish it was like that between me n' Mina!

One-Eyed Black How'd you two meet, anyway?

Ash she was just getting started with her music career; she needed a Manager, and a good friend, that'd stick by 'er no matter what! I guess I was just in the right place at the right time; and me n' Mina joined together like a couple drops o' water! We almost never left each other's side! And if I knew Mina, the same way that Sonic knows the Princess, the bond between me n' Mina'd be stronger still! But I gotta admit, tho': Sonic's the one who showed Mina how ta' control 'er speed, and that's a talent that Sonic gave 'er, that I don't regret Mina having fer a split-second! And speakin' o' understandin' people, I can very well see now, why ya' rejected Naugus' offer to "restore" ya' to the way ya' were, before yer really long list of adventures started! True! You would've been a normal animal just like the rest of us, but then again, just like Naugus seriously weakened Bunnie by de-mechanizin' her, I'm willing to wager my entire life savings, that "restoring" you, woulda' had just as dire a set o' consequences! And I agree with ya, 'Black! Bunnie was de-mechanized at a really bad time! Personally, I agree with ya': Bunnie shoulda' just been de-crystalized, and Naugus shoulda' held off on de-mechanizin' 'er until after Eggman bites the dust! All that, plus the research I did on ya', told me all about what makes yer brain tick, 'Black! According to your top-warrior, Agent L., and yer second-in-command, Mad Marc, both of whom obviously knew ya' better than anyone else, before the alteration, you were dead-afraid o' everything evil thatcha came across in comics, on TV, and in movies, all 'cause you didn't wanna be like 'em! You even rejected help from yer own parents, when they tried ta' make ya' feel better! You never listened ta' anyone's heart but yer own! But, I can totally understand where ya' were comin' from! In yer quest to never become evil, you had, what you referred to as the "evil parts o' ya'", completely, and permanently, destroyed! And if ya' don't mind me sayin' so, 'Black, that had to've taken a great deal o' strength, will, perseverance , AND guts! No Freedom Fighter, not even someone as brave n' self-sacrificin' as the Princess 'erself, would've ever dare tread where you did!

(One-Eyed Black looks at Ash through his right eye, wondering if he really does mean everything that he just said)

Ash I mean it, 'Black! You definitely got the talent, the skill, and the strife, to be just as deadly a freedom fighter, as Amy Rose so openly announced you'd be!

(Mina knew far ahead of the rest that One-Eyed Black was coming to meet her folks! And she was really hoping, that her parents, plus Ash, were prepared enough to actually meet him. And now, it seemed to Mina, that her words of advice, warning, and encouragement, definitely came in handy for all! Mina was standing just around the corner in the main hall-way of their home, making sure that the conversation was going to stay friendly, and preparing to jump into the conversation, when the time is right, and properly introduce "The raggy old software pirate," who proved so troublesome to the forces of evil, and now, was offering her old friend Sonic, the full extent of his talents, to help crush Eggman!)

Ash I know yer there, Mina! It's alright! 'Black's almost cool with us now! We can all very well see now: Sonic knew what 'e was doin' when 'e became friends with this guy!

(Mina finally emerges)

Mina Hey, 'Black! Heard you were comin'! But just like everyone else here, I wasn't expectin' ya' ta' teleport over here!

One-Eyed Black I can very-well see, that that's gonna take some getting used to again! And now that everyone in this world knows o' my Spirit Vision abilities, I guess even Sonic's gotta get used ta' me all over again!

Mina well, either way, I'll bet Sonic's really glad ta' have ya' back, 'Black! Not only did ya' take the biggest mistake ya' ever made with the Freedom Fighters, and totally waste it n' blast it like ya' shoulda' done with it a long time ago, you also got Sally back for Sonic! And if ya' don't mind me sayin' so, 'Black, that's prob'ly the best deed anyone's ever done for the Freedom Fighters in ages! And I know that Sonic, as well as every other freedom fighter on the planet, really appreciates whatcher doin' fer everybody! Including, and especially, giving ME the power, to be just as powerful as HIM! That, I really gotta thank ya' for, 'Black! I mean, the power to make me, a member o' the Super-Team, and it ain't even my birthday! Sonic's absolutely right aboutcha, 'Black: You really do know how ta' treat yer friends!

Ash that reminds me! 'Black! There's something about that "Chaos Carrier" thing thatcha' gave ta' Mina, that really scares me, and both of Mina's parents! We gotta know, 'Black: Are there any side-effects OR catches to that "Power-Belt"? I mean, givin' Mina such an experimental device!? You know very well, 'Black! That is cause fer a major case o' worry! Please! We gotta know: are there any dangers to those "Chaos Carrier" things!?

One-Eyed Black there are some predicted dangers…

Ash I knew it!

One-Eyed Black lemme finish! Like I said: there are some predicted dangers to the Chaos Carriers, but I can almost positively assure anyone and everyone who asks me: they are all very much in Hamlin's eye ta' happen!

Ash Lay it on us, anyway, 'Black! We can take it!

One-Eyed Black according to the stats listed on my computer back home, the most likely danger of the Chaos Carriers, which I'm assuring all o' ya', right here n' now: only has a 3% chance of happening or less, is that Mina could become a mongoose-version of the Chaos-powered monster known, feared, and hated by all, as Enerjak! What I mean by that is: Mina could receive a serious over-dose o' chaos energy, which could corrupt her, into a deadly, Chaos-powered monster, far-beyond anyone's control!

(Ash, and both of Mina's parents, turn white as sheets; they all very well know and remember, what happened when Knuckles became Enerjak: he was near-impossible for any good-hearted warrior, to stop by conventional means, and he had intentions just as bad as Eggman's! One-Eyed Black can very well see, the levels of fear, and anger, in Ash, and both of Mina's parents, rising ever-higher by the split-second, and knows that if he doesn't say something soon, the Super-Team will be short a member, that hasn't even joined them yet!)

One-Eyed Blackbefore you three go ballistic on me, for a side-effect that isn't very likely ta' happen anyway, understand: when Mina learned that I had chosen her for the Super-Team, her eyes lit up like the Sun! As you, yourself, had noted, Mrs. Mongoose: Mina was very excited and happy, that I had given her this chance! Not only will it enable her to really do 'er stuff against Eggman, the guy even his own top-lackeys hate more than anything else in this world, it also grants her a power, that she never before, in a billion generations, ever thought would be hers!

Ash yeah, but, 'Black! If she gains the kinda power, that you, yourself just warned us about, we'll have no choice but ta' destroy 'er…OR WORSE!

One-Eyed Black not true, Ash! I already anticipated the fear that you three are showing me! So, I came up with THIS!

(One-Eyed Black teleports a strange-looking, weapon-type device into his hands)

One-Eyed Black this is the Chaos Transfer Gun; it was based on the first, true-blue, and original Chaos Siphon! If Mina does become Enerjak, one zap o' this, and all of that Chaos energy, will be drained out of 'er system, and sent right back ta' the Master Emerald, where it belongs!

Ash and, Mina?

One-Eyed Black she will be unharmed! She may be ravenously hungry, and in need of a little jump-start from a power ring, but other than that, she'll be fine! But like I said: my computer-partner, Carrie, which, by the way, has just as many words fer memory, similar intelligence, and is almost identical in speed, to the Princess's computer partner, Nicole, has predicted that the just-now-mentioned side-effect, has only a 3% chance of happening, or less!

Mina's Father One-Eyed Black, if we weren't worried about Mina before you told us this, we are definitely terrified, now! We are not going to forget what Nicole did…

One-Eyed Black DON'T ANY OF YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT FEEDING ME THAT GARBAGE! That was not entirely Nicole's fault, and everyone, at least to a small degree, knows it! Think about it: Before the Iron Queen came ta' town, and made everything robotic you had useless, Nicole kept justice, order, peace, and happiness, all throughout New Mobotropolis; I don't know if anyone but the Freedom Fighters noticed, OR cared, but it was only AFTER, the Iron Queen got a-hold of her, did Nicole cause anyone within the city-limitsany pain whatsoever! Fortunately, thanks in large part ta' Sally, you guys got Nicole back on yer side, and Nicole secretly helped the Freedom Fighters, boot the Iron Queen outta town, and inta' the Big House! Lemme put it this way: Did you blame Bunnie, for the Iron Queen taking control of her bionics*(*See STH #203)!?

(Ash, Mina, and both of Mina's parents, feel small as ticks, right now! They all frantically search through their mental scrap-books, searching for at least something they can use, to adequately contradict this ragged figure, and force him to see Nicole the same way that they do, but all four of them come up empty, and bow their heads in shame)

Ash (Trying to regain at least some color) No, we never blamed her! You're right, 'Black! We just all thought that…

One-Eyed Black (Right eye glowing like an A-bomb that just detonated) that Nicole turned on you intentionally, and actually wanted to help the Iron Queen to start out with!? Well, you guys, and everyone else watching this, save the Freedom Fighters, are all in for a Chaos-Emerald-Style Shock: SHE DIDN'T! If anyone's ta blame for Nicole harming any innocent soul back there, it should be the Iron Queen, NOT NICOLE HERSELF! Whatever Nicole did back there, she did under the Iron Queen's influence! The Iron Queen made EVERYTHING robotic you had useless to you! Unfortunately fer this whole city, Nicole was one of them! THAT helping of grief, was the IRON QUEEN'S fault, NOT NICOLE'S! Fortunately fer everyone, the Iron Queen is now locked away, where she can't controlanything, hopefully, EVER AGAIN! So if yer gonna throw eggs at somebody, throw 'em at the Iron Queen, BUT LEAVE NICOLE ALONE! Nicole's "malfunctioning" was not Nicole's fault! That was the Iron Queen CONTROLLING HER! And if you blame Nicole fer THAT, then, you might as well blame Bunnie, and everything else even part-way robotic on this planet where yer at it! And do not forget: I am part-way robotic myself; but I came prepared!

(One-Eyed Black pulls out his already-several-worlds-over-infamous "Magic Block" card)

One-Eyed Black this card not only protects me from Naugus' magic, but from any and EVERY spell-caster, who dares try ta' mess with any part o' me! INCLUDING the Iron Queen! I have already set ta' work, on a special circuit card, that will grant Nicole, the same level of defense, thus, making her THAT much less vulnerable, to "malfunctioning" EVER AGAIN!

(Devastated, is a serious understatement, for all four of One-Eyed Black's conversationists! Mina's Father flops down bottom-first into the chair right behind him, shocked out of his mind; Ash stares at One-Eyed Black in total disbelief, searching desperately for the right words to contradict this engine of destruction, but still comes up empty; Mina's Mother collapses on her hands and knees, and bursts into tears; Mina herself, can barely believe her own ears! Apparently, the Freedom Fighters never thought to bring out such a strong, and graphic defense for Nicole; Mina has always dreaded that someday, they would come down on her about this like so many tons of bricks about this! She was just beginning to feel safe, as of a few days ago, but now, her greatest fear of the Freedom Fighters, is now realized!)

Mina's Mother-choke-sob-I-I-I'm sorry, One-Eyed Black! We had no idea that anyone would ever feel that way! And we had no idea that that's what the Freedom Fighters saw,-sob-that made them protect Nicole with their very lives, even when everyone else lost total faith in her!-sniff- I'm so sorry! And when you see the Freedom Fighters next, tell them for us, that we're so sorry!-sob-

One-Eyed Black I'll certainly spread the word to 'em! And don't worry! Sally will be at least one of the first ones that I tell this to! I'm very certain that she'll be very happy ta' hear it!

Mina-sniff-I'm sorry, too, 'Black!

(One-Eyed Black now prepares to leave the Mongoose home, feeling like he's really not wanted after telling an entire family, especially such a tightly knit, caring, understanding, supportive, and good-hearted family like Mina's, that a major part of their deepest-rooted concepts, was nothing more than prejudistic garbage! And as One-Eyed Black prepares to leave the Mongoose home, which he feels super-guilty of having to come down on like so many fully loaded bankers' safes, and feels that he, had just now, burned at least three bridges before they could even be built, and starts to head out, bowing his head in immeasurable shame)

As One-Eyed Black prepares to leave the home of the family that he so-single-handedly devastated…

Mina 'Black! For everything it's worth, thanks for showing me n' my folks the light! I know it may not look like it, 'Black, but you can stop by any time ya' feel like it! True! You did rip our hearts out by sayin' that what we always believed about Nicole was nuttn' but engine sludge! But at the same time, you single-handedly tried to make Nicole our friend again! And I see a song based on courage like that in the super-near-future!

Ash (Thinking) come ta' think of it, I think Mina's really got something here! A song that talks about courage, perseverance, and truth!? That definitely would be worth singin' about, wouldn't it!?

Mina's Mother (Trying her best to dry her eyes) My Mina is right, One-Eyed Black! And we all know that all that you were showing us was the truth as you saw it! And believe me when I say this, One-Eyed Black: such courage and honesty will earn you a spot as a true hero!

One-Eyed Black (Still with a deep shadow over his eyes) Thanks, Mrs. Mongoose!

And after One-Eyed Black leaves…

Ash Well, Mina! Don't get me wrong! The hiatus is still on! But it looks like we got some songs ta' re-write!

Mina (Wiping the remainder of the tears from her eyes) So, I guess we gotta do our latest album all over again, huh?

Ash (Nodding his head) the albums already on the shelves, are to be recalled immediately! And as soon as the break's over, let's start on our new stuff, how 'bout?

Mina (Finally cracking a smile) sounds good ta' me, Ash!

(Unbeknownst to very many, Eggman's spies had been broadcasting this conversation live all over New Mobotropolis; after what the Iron Queen has done with her, Nicole had gained a most unfair reputation as being a cold-blooded, evil holographic entity who, in reality, didn't really care about anyone of good-heart around her; and by this time, Eggman and several of his henchmen know it! Eggman is very hopeful, that this type of talk about their uneasy protector, would be enough, to expel One-Eyed Black from the Freedom Fighters' sight, and make them vulnerable to surprise and deception again! Equally unfortunate, the people who are afraid of Nicole, include near-three-quarters of the entire city-wide New Mobotropolis populace by now, and Eggman knows it!)

Snively I think I have a plan, Sir! I have just received word that One-Eyed Black, has told an entire family off about the Freedom Fighters' hand-held-world guide and computerized ally, Nicole! I feel, that if enough beings within the boundaries of New Mobotropolis hear about this, we should be able to turn at least half of New Mobotropolis against the pirate, and force him out of the city!

Eggman turn the whole city against the pirate!? That is cruel, despicable, under-handed, uncalled for, and mean! Heh, heh, heh, heh, heh, I LIKE IT!

(Eggman's spies, at least the ones that can communicate with each other without anyone in New Mobotropolis noticing, formulate a plan to coordinate a mob that could very-well force One-Eyed Black out of town, or even better yet, out of the Freedom Fighters' huddle completely)

Chapter #11: PROTECTION OF THE PIRATE

(As he leaves the Mongoose home, One-Eyed Black is well aware that he didn't exactly make any new friends in there, but he is, at the same time, greatly comforted, that he didn't lose any, either! After One-Eyed Black goes beyond the boundaries of the Mongoose home, the holographic entity of Nicole, appears before the ragged pirate)

Nicole I know that you were protecting me, One-Eyed Black! But you really should not have done that! You have kicked over, quite a buzz-bomber's nest! Several in this city, are now dead-afraid of you, and some are even unsure that you should be trusted! It would, in fact, not surprise me, if a mob was not at the very doorstep of your temporary living quarters, right now, extremely mad at you, for everything that you have just now said!

One-Eyed Black I may not be holding my technology back, Nicole, but you know very well: It is still against my own personal code of ethics, to worry 'bout my own skin! I do appreciate the kind words, Nicole, but I'm not going back in time, just ta' save my own bacon!

Nicole it very much saddens me to hear you say that, One-Eyed Black! Very well! I will not force you against your will. Just do not say, that I did not warn you!

(Sure enough, just as Nicole warned One-Eyed Black, over half the city, is camped out in front of the self-tortured old rogue's door, armed with several small fire-arms, 19-21 burning torches, and about 7 or 8 picket signs, all of them saying, that One-Eyed Black is abusing their society's trust, and/or saying that One-Eyed Black should have accepted Naugus' offer to "restore" him!)

Meanwhile…

(Sally is at the Courthouse; apparently, the kind words from Sonic, Knuckles, and others, were not enough to convince her, that her deeds as Mecha-Sally, should go unpunished. She therefore requests, that after this upcoming mission at the side of One-Eyed Black is completed, that she receive the maximum punishment, under the charges of high-treason, and numerous accounts of attempted animal-slaughter; Fortunately, this time, almost all of the Royal Council, even those as cold-hearted as Hamlin, understand, and accept, from experience with their own families, that whatever a Robian does, it does because Robotnik, or Eggman, programmed that animal to do it, and that whatever deed the Robian-in-question did, was Eggman-or Robotnik's fault, not that of the creature that was mechanized. Almost all of them know what it's like, when somebody they really care about is Roboticized, and also take into account, everything that they went through, to get that loved one back! And Elias himself, saw and heard perfectly, what One-Eyed Black, Sonic, and the rest of the Freedom Fighters were saying, all the while his own sister, was that mechanical monster, that Eggman had the heartlessness, to turn her into: What a Robian does at Eggman's command, is Eggman's fault, not that of the creature he mechanized! Sally's new-found overdose of guilt, is no big secret to the Council; they know that what Mecha-Sally did, was not near as much Sally's fault, as Sally herself believes it to be. And, much to Naugus' dismay, there is no law in existence, stating that Robians must be punished, for the wrong-doings that he-or she-was forced into doing, by Robotnik's-or Eggman's-diabolical programming. Naugus is the only one who doesn't see this, and therefore, is the only one to say "Yea!" to punishing Sally, but the rest of the Royal Council, even Hamlin, know several tons better, than to be that heartless)

Elias I am sorry, my Co-Leader! But the Council does not, by a long-shot, rule in your favor, this time! My sister! You will not be punished, now, later, or ever! What One-Eyed Black said as he brought you back, rings 100% true! What you did, you did under Eggman's influence! Therefore, it should be Eggman who should pay for this! NOT YOU!

Meanwhile, back at One-Eyed Black's hostilely populated door…

(As One-Eyed Black calmly, but still cautiously, approaches his temporary home)

Leader of the mob (Who is also one of Eggman's top spies) THERE'S OUR TRAITOR! LET'S GET 'IM!

The entire mob PIRATE GO HOME! PIRATE GO HOME! PIRATE GO HOME! PIRATE GO HOME! PIRATE GO HOME! PIRATE GO HOME…

(In an instant, the mob surrounds, and corners One-Eyed Black; One-Eyed Black is, right now, at least somewhat fearful for his life, but still not much more, than he would be in a fight against an army of 15 Shadow-Bots, 20 Com-Bots, and 50 Swat-Bots. Suddenly, something blue, and fast, makes several passes by the enraged mob, takes away all of the mob's picket signs, and weapons, and then comes right in-between the mob and One-Eyed Black! It is somebody that everyone in the city knows and appreciates, but at this very moment, fears just as much, as the software pirate they're trying to drive away, and have no real good reason, to want to get rid of along with the ragged rogue: SONIC!

Sonic ALRIGHT! THAT'S AS CLOSE AS YER GONNA GET TA' 'BLACK! NOW, BREAK IT UP! NOW!

One of the more gruff members of the mob get lost, Little Boy Blue! This don't concern you! We want the pirate, and we want 'im gone!

Sonic Sorry! Can't letcha do that! You want 'Black, yer gonna haveta' go through ME! And as of just now, you guys ain't got the tools ta' do that!

(The whole mob now notices that Sonic took away all of their weapons, torches and picket signs! This causes them to back away some, but One-Eyed Black can readily see, that Sonic's interference will only slow the mob down, he knows very well, that his good friend and ally, cannot stop them alone. And One-Eyed Black also knows, that bringing out one of his "Card-Warriors" will only make the situation worse)

One-Eyed Black Sonic! You gotta get outta here! If these guys catch you in the cross-fire, you'll get fried fer sure! And I know, Sonic: once you're dead, there's no bringing you back! Don't worry 'bout me…

Sonic look, 'Black: startin' long before ya' finally tore up that stupid contract n' blasted it ta' way-past smithereens, we're in this together, and that means: even if you can come back from the Afterlife, neither me, nor any of the other Freedom Fighters, are gonna letcha go there this time! YOU HEARD ME! BREAK IT UP! 'BLACK'S RIGHT! NICOLE'S "MALFUNCTIONING" WAS THE IRON QUEEN'S DOIN'! IT'S NOT LIKE NICOLE MALFUNCTIONED ON 'ER OWN, LIKE A LOTTA YOU GUYS ALWAYS LOVE TA' ACCUSE 'ER O' DOIN'! 'BLACK WAS TELLIN' MINA N' 'ER FOLKS THE TRUTH! AND IF YOU TAKE OUT 'BLACK NOW, YOU'LL JUST BE DOIN' ALL THE DIRTY WORK FER EGGMAN! DON'T FERGET: 'BLACK CAME ALL THIS WAY BACK HERE, JUST TA' HELP US TAKE THE BIG LUMP O' LARD DOWN! ALSO, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU GUYS NOTICE OR CARE, BUT 'E ALSO GOT SAL BACK FOR US! AND SAL WAS 'BLACK'S MOST UNEASY ALLY! THINK ABOUT IT! IF 'BLACK'S GOT THE GUTS, AND THE HEART, TA' BRING 'IS MOST UNTRUSTED FRIEND BACK, THEN 'E DEFINITELY HAS WAY-MORE OF A HEART, THAN ANY O' YOU GUYS'D CARE TA' REALIZE! REMEMBER: EGGMAN'S THE ONLY ONE IN THIS PLANE OF EXISTENCE AND TIME, WHO REALLY HAS ANY REASON, TA' WISH 'BLACK DEAD! AND IF YOU TAKE 'BLACK OUT, YOU'LL JUST BE DOIN' EGG-CREEP A FAVOR! IF 'BLACK GOES, THEN ALL OUR NEW-FOUND HOPES O' TAKIN' EGGMAN OUT WITH JUST A FEW SWINGS'LL BE LOST ALONG WITH 'IM! THINK ABOUT IT! DO YA' REALLY WANNA GIVE INTA' EGGMAN'S WISHES, AND HAVE THAT FAT-BOZO ROBOTICIZE THE LOTTA' YA' ALL OVER AGAIN!?

(The whole mob now shows at least some signs of regret as to what they're doing; mad as they are at One-Eyed Black, for so willingly defending something that they've always deemed "The Enemy", ever since she turned on them, they still definitely, do not want to give in to Eggman's wishes, either!)

The whole mob (Groaning as they speak) noooooooo

Sonic WELL, THAT'S DEFINITELY WHERE ALL O' YA'RE HEADED! YOU KEEP THIS UP, AND WE'LL BE SHORT O' SOMETHIN' THAT COULD REALLY WIN US THE WAR! YOU TAKE 'BLACK OUT, YOU'LL BE DOIN' EXACTLY WHAT EGGMAN'D WANT! NOW, BREAK IT UP! NOW!

(The mob finally relents, breaks up, and head back to their homes, every single one of them grumbling like viciously beaten Tasmanian-dogs; One-Eyed Black wants to reward Sonic for saving his bacon, but Sonic puts his hand over One-Eyed Black's cavernous inner-coat-pocket, and shakes his head)

Sonic No reward necessary, 'Black! The important thing is thatcher safe! At least fer now! And I promise, 'Black: if they ever do plan on comin' back, rest assured! At least one of us'll be at yer door ta' stop 'em!

One-Eyed Black Thanks, Sonic! You're still the best friend I ever made in this plane of existence so far!

Sonic (Giving off a huge smile and a wink) heh-no prob, 'Black! By the way, just in case we might need a lil' extra back-up next time, let's see those cards o' yers!

One-Eyed Black I'll be more than happy to share the whole deck, with ya', Sonic!

(One-Eyed Black now shows Sonic every card that he has and tells him what each of them can do)

Sonic 'Black! Trust me on this: Now thatcher not holdin' any o' yer power back, the guys in that deck o' yers'll definitely come in handy! Just do me n' the guys a favor, 'Black: Don't put us out of a job, 'K?

One-Eyed Black Why else would I only use the spirits contained in this deck fer dire emergencies, Sonic!?

Sonic Heh-good point, 'Black!

(If anyone in the mob, had any regrets of backing away, knowledge of the powerful creature and warrior spirits that One-Eyed Black's deck of "playing cards" contains, plus the fact that the two heroes' friendship seems almost as strong, as Sonic's friendship with Tails; meaning that Sonic will risk almost anything to help the "ragged old rogue", definitely takes care of them! Even though Eggman decreed "No more bad news", his spies, several of which were among the mob, and coordinating it, have no choice but to report it!)

Chapter #12: CONFRONTATIONS

Snively!? Sir! Report from our spy-network in New Mobotropolis! It seems that the main effort, to drive the Pirate out of the city and thus weaken the Freedom Fighters, has failed!

Eggman !?—BAH!—No matter! It just means I'll have to build a few dozen more Shadow-Bots, a few dozen more Com-Bots, a couple hundred more Swat-Bots, and round up a few hundred more unwilling slaves!

Snively Right away, Sir!

(Snively now departs the War Room, only to end up staring right into the eyes of Lien-Da, who is wondering how the plan to drive One-Eyed Black, out of New Mobotropolis is going)

Snively this is the truth, as I know it, Lien-Da: We're doomed! All we can do now, is wait for the Pirate to make his move, and-shudder-hope that we won't have to spend too long in the hospital afterwards!

Lien-Da If you got an escape plan, I'd love ta' hear it! I'm startin' ta' get just as scared as you!

Snively-gulp-unfortunately, Lien-Da-shudder-there is no plan! Uncle has scrapped every last escape pod for the material to beef up his army! We're sitting ducks!

Lien-Da (Thinking) HYMPH! Now, you got me worried, Snively! That plan ta' kick that "One-Eyed Black" clown outta town, was my army's best hope fer survival! Now that that clown in black's there ta' stay, we're all gonna get scrapped,blasted,diced, and butchered, long before the Freedom Fighters even reach the siege lines!

(Lien-Da now enters the War Room, showing equal parts fear, frustration, and rage, all of which are the most dominant parts, of Lien-Da's personality right now!)

Lien-Da Doc! Whatever slave ya' round up, it better be a really close friend o' theirs! We'll all need it to hide behind, when the "Good Guys" come at us with all guns a-blazin' in our faces!

(With this, Lien-Da now, once again, takes her leave of the War Room, slamming the door shut behind her; she knows: that now that One-Eyed Black is in New Mobotropolis to stay, neither Eggman's army, nor hers, stands the ghost of a chance!)

Meanwhile, in a secluded area of Robotropolis…

(As the reports from Eggman's spies reach Eggman, some of the messages are intercepted, by the agents of the notorious team of baddies, known as the Destructix! Every single member in this bad-to-the-bone team, is totally caught off-guard, that One-Eyed Black, who kept so many things secret from even his closest allies for the longest time, was finally sharing his technology, with both of the groups of the Good Guys they despise the most: the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix! Their co-leader, the female fox that so many freedom fighters thought was their friend, but turned out to be rotten to the core, FIONA, is totally caught off guard, that the Freedom Fighters "captured" this technology, before Eggman! She still cares very little for Eggman*(*About the only part of Fiona that's still good!), but realizes, that if the most dangerous 'coon on the Good Side, is finally sharing his diary with the Freedom Fighters, nothing evil will be safe! And as Fiona has officially made her name amongst the evil ranks, she knows very well: She cannot allow this 'coon to live!)

Fiona I don't care if we haveta' chop 'is head off a thousand times! That old 'coon's gotta be stopped! And unfortunately, we all know there's only lard factory we can turn to!

Sergeant Simeon you mean we gotta go back ta' HIM!? I don't know if yer head's on straight, Boss, but that creep roboticized the lotta' us, the last time we vouched fer HIM!

Scourge -groan-Unfortunately, my girl's right! If this creepy ol' 'coon's gonna be put outta his ultimate misery, we got no choice! We gotta go ta' Eggman! It's the only way ta' stop this loco 'coon from sendin' us all to the cemetery!

(Eggman is ever-alert for any "Good News" that may come from his spy-network, but every time they report in, it's to tell Eggman that the training of the Freedom Fighters is progressing without any significant interruption or equipment sabotage; after the 9th report is fully uploaded, Eggman punches the phone right in the dial! He doesn't want to hear any more "Bad News"! He knows he can't frame any of the Freedom Fighters; after One-Eyed Black took Mecha-Sally away, none of the Freedom Fighters have had much of a reason to pay him a visit! And now that Mecha-Sally is now Princess Sally again, Eggman has a whole mess of trouble to deal with: He's too concerned about saving his own bacon to think of a very workable plan that will tear this new-found-and-unstoppable unity apart. Eggman does throw some ideas this way and that, but every single attempt that Eggman starts on, he knows right away before he even gets them down on the Drawing Board, that it will never succeed in separating the dangerous-to-any-enemy software pirate, and the Freedom Fighters for long!)

Eggman Maybe…NO! NO! NO! NO! Gahhh….THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! –groan-nothing I come up with will be ingenious enough to tear my enemies apart for very long! I need a break… I need some time to think… I need…

A mysterious voice what you "need" is a team o' yer own that'll be immune to those weapons that that creepy old 'coon is so-willingly passing out to our enemies!

Scourge and if ya' really want this freak-show in black outta the way as much as we do, I believe we can help each udder out…fer a price!

Eggman well! Looky here! If it isn't my good old friends, the Destructix!? What brings you losers crawling back here!?

Sergeant Simeon (Grabbing Eggman by the jacket collar) listen, "Pal", We're not really that crazy 'bout this, either! But if we don't do somethin' fast-and yeah! I mean faster than that speedy little blue rat, if ya' catch my drift- that "One-Eyed Black" clown's gonna have all our hides hangin' over 'is fireplace! I remember this guy, and so do the rest of the original-and best-Fearsome Foursome! That crazy scarecrow was an all-out menace to our original "Boss", Mammoth Mogul! When Athair sicked that evil-eyed freak-show on us, he nearly cost every single one of us our lives! It was only Evil-Eye's "promise" to save us fer the "Chosen One", that kept that backwards scarecrow from slaughterin' us, and Mogul! And now that this guy ain't carin' who takes us out 'nymore, he'll most certainly, and gladly, finish the job that the "Chosen One" and 'is "hero" started! And mark my words, "Friend": If you don't pay the piper the right way this time, yer gonna be in Hades regardless o' whether or not it's that creepy pirate and 'is newly re-discovered "friends" that send ya' there! Capeche?

(Sergeant Simeon finally releases Eggman from his powerful grip; Eggman is somewhat strangled, and it takes him almost a full minute to recover)

Eggman (Still kind of choking)-koff-koff- Alright, Destructix! What is it you want!?

Scourge Ohhh…nuttin' much! Just the seven Chaos Emeralds, 1,000 power rings, 2-billion Mobiums, and absolute, unconditional immunity to the Roboticizer!

Eggman WHAT!? FORGET IT! I CAN'T GRANT ANYONE IMMUNITY TO THE ROBOTICIZER! THAT'S TOTALLY AGAINST MY ETHICS, NOT TO MENTION FAR-BEYOND MY TECHNOLOGY! THE CHAOS EMERALDS ARE MINE! 1,000 POWER RINGS!? THAT WOULD TAKE YEARS TO COLLECT! AND I DON'T GIVE ANYONE 2-BILLION MOBIUMS! I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP TAKING DOWN ONE MEASLY PIRATE!

Predator Hawk Oh yeah!? Not even "one measly pirate", teamed up with the Freedom Fighters, each one of them supped up with gadgets invented by the most infamous ordnance expert on Mobius, and all of them armed with Korlonium crystal-powered weapons!?

Lightning Lynx face it, Fat Boy! Yer whole army's gonna be scrapped in minutes!

Fiona Listen, Eggman: Like the others said: We're not too crazy 'bout teamin' up with you, either! And hey! If ya' really want Old Boy Black ta' reduce every single one o' ya' ta' scrap-metal, BIG DEAL! That's totally fine by us! Just means that much less competition fer my man, Scourge here! And if ya' really want a first-class, one-way ticket to the place beneath ya', I'm pretty sure that 'Black'll love ta' give it to ya'! You ticked 'im off big time by roboticizing the Princess, if I heard the rumors right! And if 'Black does succeed in sendin' ya' to the hospital, or better yet, the cemetery, tell 'im I said "Thanks!" C'mon, Team! I can see we're not "needed" here!

(The Destructix turn to leave, apparently going back to their original plan, to take out One-Eyed Black on their own! But, as the Destructix prepare to leave, Eggman realizes, and remembers, how dangerous it is for so many of his troops, and worse yet in his mind, himself, to have even one of the Nightmare Pirates, plus an untouchable holographic entity controlled by the Nightmare Pirates on the battlefield!)

Eggman (Very much afraid for his own hide right now)….WAIT! I'm sure we can work something out! It may take me some research and saving up, but I'm pretty sure I have the resources! And 2-billion mobiums is negotiable! In short: I'll accept your help! But, understand: I'll only pay you, when we destroy One-Eyed Black!

Sergeant Simeon you'd better pay up WHEN the time comes, Fat Boy! 'Cause if you don't, I'll pop your head like a watermelon!

(As the Destructix finally leave Eggman to wallow in his uncertainty as to what he just got himself into, and introduce themselves to the rest of his army; if the evil doctor wasn't scared before, he definitely is now! If he wins this fight, and the Destructix demand he pay-up, it'll mean years of research in a field that Eggman wouldn't normally dare touch with a 100-mile pole; and if he loses, he could be in the hospital for months, or worse yet, probably even DEAD! Eggman well-remembers the look in both of the deadly software pirate's eyes as he took Mecha-Sally away: His right eye was glowing with the brightest red light that Eggman had ever seen in an eye of that type, and his left eye, which is still flesh-and-blood, had a fire in it like the kind you would normally only find in a volcano! And Eggman knows: one way or the other, he's in boiling hot water! And he does not want to see the look on the Destructix's faces when he doesn't pay up, and he knows that no matter how far-away his Bad-Niks may throw them, the Destructix will just keep coming back, and make Eggman wish that One-Eyed Black had terminated the evil doctor with extreme prejudice as the scarecrow 'coon kidnapped Mecha-Sally from him! And as for losing to the likes of One-Eyed Black, well, that's just not something, that Eggman likes to think about happening! Either way, Eggman knows he's in a lake of quicksand a thousand miles wide all around him! He wants the Destructix to fail-and, hopefully better yet, even perish-fighting the Freedom Fighters, only after that will he worry about One-Eyed Black, when next the ragged rogue comes a-pounding at his door; the Dark Egg Legion would've probably withdrawn in terror, from the entire area, if the explosive devices built into their prosthetics didn't prevent them from doing so; and as for Snively, he secretly works out an escape plan, and lets Lien-Da in on it. The whole of Robotropolis prepares for total destruction, even so, a plan finally materializes in Eggman's head)

Eggman it's my most ingenious plan yet! Yes! Let the Destructix get wasted, then, while the Good Guys think the day's won, I'll snatch up the lot of them, and Roboticize them all! And I know exactly what frequency that that wretched One-Eyed Black's neuro-overriders are on! And with a few quick modifications, I make it so my Roboticizers' software can override those blasted tattoos, and then the Freedom Fighters will be mine! It's my most brilliant plan yet!

Lien-Da (Thinking) HMPH! Face it, Eggman! It'll never work! One way or the other, even if we do manage to survive this, we're prob'ly gonna spend the next half-year at least, in the hospital! And if this clown in black really does have technology superior to my people's, Snively's right! Ultimate defeat fer us is certain!

Back in New Mobotropolis…

(Sonic is just on his way back to Freedom HQ from saving One-Eyed Black from the mob; as he passes by the Courthouse, he sees a familiar face, stepping out of the Courthouse, looking even bluer than him; the face belongs to the friend that he just got back, and really hates seeing looking even the slightest bit miserable; Sonic stops dead in his tracks, to ask her what's wrong)

Sonic Sal! You OK!?

(Sally doesn't say a single word, she just bows her head, looks away from Sonic, and keeps walking; Sonic naturally assumes that the Royal Council said some really mean stuff to her, and probably also dealt her a really bad sentence, and might have also told her things, that would make the personality traits that were amplified in her even worse, thus, prolonging the time she needs to make a full recovery; and, Sonic does not feel very good, about Sally being prosecuted after all the trouble that the Freedom Fighters went through to get her back; Sonic rushes into the Courthouse, finds the entire Council there, and unleashes his full fury on them)

Sonic (Grabbing Hamlin by the shirt-collar) Alright! WADDID YOU GUYS SAY TA' SAL!?

Hamlin hands off, Sonic! Unless ya' really wanna be held in content fer assaulting a Councilman!

Sonic NOT GONNA CUT IT, HAMLIN! NOW, WADDID YOU SAY TA' HER!?

Elias It's alright, Sonic! I very well know, respect, AND appreciate all of the effort that you, the Freedom Fighters, and now, One-Eyed Black, have gone through to get my sister back for us! And in view of that, I know equally well, that prosecuting her, for something that was not necessarily her fault to begin with, is definitely not the reward that you, your fellow Freedom Fighters, or One-Eyed Black, for that matter wanted, for bringing her back to us! Do not worry, Sonic! My sister will not be punished now, later, or ever!

Ixis Naugus listen to him, Quickster! I, myself-gasp-, was not crazy, about not punishing your princess-gasp-for the crimes she committed while-gasp-she was at that overweight-low-life's command! But-gasp-I do see the Pirate's point, and yours! You worked long and hard-gasp-to get the Princess back-gasp-did you not!?

Sonic (finally releasing Hamlin) heh-glad ya' finally noticed, Ixy!

Penelope Crazy as this is gonna sound, Sonic, Sally came in here actually wanting to be punished! But I assure ya', Sonic! Almost none of us are heartless enough ta' do that! We all know how long, and hard, thatcha' worked ta' get Sally back! And now, One-Eyed Black shows up, strikes unspeakable fear inta' Eggman, re-joins yer Team, and gets Sally back to us all in a single blow! He succeeded where all of us felt powerless in achieving!

Dylan and given all that, Sonic, a lot of us are really surprised thatcher not jealous o' him!

Sonic If yer gonna compare 'Black ta'that jerk, St. John, I suggest thatcha forget it right here, right now! Look, 'Black's near-the-complete opposite o' that stinkin' creep! St. John has a huge mouth, a monstrous ego, and treats almost every single warrior he thinks is "lesser" than 'imself like dirt! But ol' 'Black? He was so afraid of 'imself, that 'e had 'is own ego DESTROYED! 'Black spent near-'is whole life here refusin' honors! He gave near-everyone around 'im, just as much of a shot at the Bad Guys, as we all felt he deserved! And did 'Black give 'imself any credit for it!? Really close next-door ta' never! I even remember hearin' that 'Black refused the Medal o' Honor! And just now, I realized why ol' 'Black did all that!

Uncle Chuck (Pretty-well awe-struck) you unraveled the biggest mystery of the Nightmare Pirates!? Well, speak up, Sony Boy! We'd love ta' finally hear it!

(After giving the whole Council his entire two-sense, on what he just now learned about their newly-returned friend, Sonic meets back up with Sally, does his best to comfort her, let her know that he still has feelings for her, reminds her that what she did as Mecha-Sally was Eggman's fault, not hers, and that they will always be friends, no matter what! All of this does make Sally crack at least something of a smile, but Sonic knows, and somewhat accepts, that everyone is still light-years away, from making this overdose of guilt that now so-heavily weighs on the heart of his best friend, and one-true-love, completely go away)

Sally I really do appreciate you wanting to be with me, Sonic! –Sob-But what I did as that monster-sob-I don't think even you could forgive me for THAT!

Sonic Sal! Listen ta' yerself! Yer blamin' yerself fer somethin' ya' did while under an evil trance! Look, Sal: What you did, you did it 'cause Egg-Breath programmed ya' ta' do it! NO OTHER REASON! You may not realize or accept this, Sal, but the Freedom Fighters have all been wishin' ya' back since the day you were Roboticized! And now, thanks ta' 'Black, we finally gotcha back! You think that no one's gonna forgive ya', Sal, but yer wrong! We do care 'boutcha, Sal! and we're all way-past glad ta' finally have ya' back! And just like'Black promised when 'e came back here, we're all gonna send Egg-Face back to the rat-hole 'e crawled out of for what 'e did ta' ya'! So, c'mon, Sal! Cheer up! We'll all be here for ya'! And we'll all help getcha back ta' yer old self the rest o' the way!

Sally (Giving Sonic a small kiss on the cheek) Thank you, Sonic, for never losing faith in me!

Sonic-chuckle-Don't mention it, Sal!

One-Eyed Black (Several yards away from both Sonic and Sally, Thinking, and watching them both through his right eye) Sonic, whatcher sayin' ta' Sally right now, is definitely the right "medicine" that she needs the most, to make a full comeback!

(Soon afterwards, strongly at Sally's advice, which seems the soundest since before she was mechanized, a special celebration amongst the Freedom Fighters, is declared in order! Even though Eggman has not been defeated yet, Sally is really impressed with Sonic after hearing how well he handled himself, against the mob that would have cost them One-Eyed Black, had Sonic not interfered when he did. In Sally's eyes, Sonic had stood his ground against near-unconquerable odds, and protected, not just her most uneasy friend One-Eyed Black, but also defended, with this uneasy ally had said about her closest friend and constant companion, Nicole! All Freedom Fighters, old-and new-comers alike, are invited, including One-Eyed Black, but the ragged software pirate declines the invite, stating that Sonic is the real hero, NOT HIM)

One-Eyed Black Sonic defended me,and Nicole, with his very life, and even after I told 'im ta' back down, he still backed me and Nicole up!He's the real hero this day, NOT ME!

Sally be that as it may, One-Eyed Black, it was still you, who turned an entire family's point-of-view around about Nicole! True, Sonic came to your aid, as he would do for almost anyone! But thanks to you, One-Eyed Black, our people have begun to re-examine the circumstances of Nicole's quote-end-quote "Malfunctioning", and thatmakes you, One-Eyed Black, just as much of a hero, as Sonic! It deeply saddens me, Nicole, Sonic, and the restof us, to hear you deny such an honor! But if that's really the way that it's going to go, I won't force you to join us! But, at least get some sleep! You'll need it for when you start testing Mina tomorrow! And understand, One-Eyed Black: I really hope that Mina really can do it! Another member of the Super Team, will make us that much stronger! Do not forget, One-Eyed Black, it was your idea, to add Mina to the Team, and I'm very certain that Mina, has thanked you more than in-full for giving her this chance! But, I can very-well see-without Spirit Vision-that some of that infamous generosity of yours stillexists! Hopefully our up-coming victory, which I have been told by the others, is far more than certain with your help, will enable you to take at least someof the credit, that all of us know, that you far-more-than-justly deserve! Just keep in mind, One-Eyed Black: In every sense of the word, you are a hero!

(With this, Sally walks out of the door leading to One-Eyed Black's temporary living quarters, and slowly closes the door behind her; Sonic, is just now, approaching the area)

Sonic so, is 'Black gonna join us, Sal!?

Sally -sigh-I'm afraid not, Sonic! Apparently, One-Eyed Black still sells himself short as a hero; the hero that both you, and I, know he is, but still doesn't give himself any credit for being!

Sonic (Thinking) Yup! That's definitely 'Black, alright!

(The party is viewed as kind of incomplete without One-Eyed Black there to share it with them, but despite that, everyone seems to have a pretty good time, still, One-Eyed Black is missed)

Tails it was really nice o' ol' 'Black to defend Nicole the way 'e did!-sigh- I just kinda wish that 'e could've accepted the invite!

Sonic -sigh-I guess, it all comes from havin' no ego, and from makin' a ton o' mistakes throughout 'is career as a Freedom Fighter, Big Guy!

Tails (Thinking) I still can't believe that a guy like One-Eyed Black, even after accomplishing something really neat like bringing Sally back to us'd feel so down! I mean, sure! I can totally understand One-Eyed Black not wanting to be prejudiced! And I think it's really neat that 'e does 'is best ta' keep 'is promises! But I gotta admit: I see Hamlin's point! Overkill'd definitely be an understatement, to describe what 'Black'd put 'imself through, just to keep a promise!

Antoine I wondair vhy One-Eyes Black eez feelink zo down! I vould've zought zat 'e vould be 'appy to be back veeth us eef hee's reel-lee been gone, as long as he sez he haz!

Carrie (Appearing out of nowhere) Do not worry about it, Freedom Fighters! For for every good deed that you feel so sad for One-Eyed Black not realizing that he has accomplished, do not forget: even though he still keeps in touch with the other Nightmare Pirates via E-Mail, or Phone, One-Eyed Black still suffers from a serious overdose, of loneliness! Do not forget: by now, the Nightmare Pirates have all gone their separate ways. And One-Eyed Black deeply misses having them around!

Amy Rose So, why didn't 'Black just bring 'is friends with 'im!?

Carrie as I have said, Amy: the Nightmare Pirates had gone their separate ways by now! True! One-Eyed Black is not-and probably will never be-a very big fan of the phrase "They've moved on"! However, he is well-aware that his friends do have new lives now, and at any rate, he did not want them to be in the same kind of danger, that he has now put himself in!

Cream so, why did One-Eyed Black bring you along, Carrie!?

Carrie I faced One-Eyed Black with the fact that Sally made him promise never to engage an Evil Force in this dimension solo, again! And, at any rate, I provided him with highly detailed relief maps of every single zone known to exist in your world! My argument was: same as Sally never goes very many places without Nicole, One-Eyed Black almost never dares go very many places, without me!

Rotor I repeat my statement, Carrie! You n' Nicole're gonna make a great team!

(Even though One-Eyed Black isn't there, there are still many, who have, at least, something to say; and one of those "somebodies", turns out to be Mina's manager, and current main-squeeze, Ash)

Ash I have some great news for the Freedom Fighters! Mina n' the Band'll sing out against Nicole, NO MORE! Every single disc that's still on the shelf that does, is to be recalled immediately! We're already workin' on some new stuff! And it'll be introduced to the public, as soon as the hiatus is over! I'm just as disappointed as all o' you are that 'Black isn't here ta' hear this! Itwas, after all, his words, that showed me n' Mina the truth, about the friends that we were hurting! New, AND old!

Sonic (Thinking)heh-I was kinda wonderin' when you were gonna come around, Ash! And the next time we see 'Black, we're all gonna give 'im a nice big "Thank you" to 'im fer showin' ya' the light!

(Ash wastes no time, whatsoever; all of the unsold discs with even one song that shouts out against Nicole on it, is recalled! Soon afterwards, Ash and Mina personally address, the very large group of disappointed fans. They are also soon surrounded by reporters, each with their own set of questions about this "Sudden change of heart")

Ash I know a lotta you guys're disappointed 'bout not hearin' Mina's latest stuff right away! But it just came to my, and more importantly, Mina's, attention, that our "Crusade" against Nicole, was the wrong path to take! New stuff, however, is being recorded! And it'll be released after our good new friend, One-Eyed Black, lays the "ouch" on Eggman that 'e came all this way ta' help us lay on the fat sicko! In other words, after 'Black's big assault on Eggman, Mina'll have new music for ya' ta' hear!

One of the reporters (Shouting at the top of his lungs just to be heard) SO, WHAT'S THIS "NEW STUFF" GONNA BE!?

Mina we were given numerous alternative suggestions! One-Eyed Black himself, personally gave us his own, personal recipe, fer a good album, with positive messages! The new stuff'll include songs about love, passion, the joy of bein' who ya' are, inspirations to be the best hero ya' can be, and even a ballad here n' there!

Another one the reporters AND WHEN'S ALL THIS GONNA BE OUT!?

Ash we plan ta' start releasin' the new stuff as soon as the hiatus is over! NO MORE COMMENTS!

(Naugus, who earned his reputation by aiding in the unfairly sinister reputation that the Iron Queen had made for Nicole, is one of several "Anti-Entity Crusaders" who have a great deal of objection to the recall, but thanks to One-Eyed Black's Magic-Block card's effects, Naugus is incapable of casting his telepathic spell that had been influencing the populace against Nicole. And to boot, Ash is told of this possession over Mina's singing, and is not the least bit happy about it!)

Ash GRRRRR…So, all that was his fault, huh!? Well, if Naugus really is that heartless, then, I think we shoulda' sung out against HIM, instead!

Nicole Ash! I am begging you! PLEASE! No more songs that shout out against anyone! Mad as I am at Naugus, I feel that no-one deserves his-or her-reputation, to get wrongly tarnished by your friend's singing!

Ash (Thinking) Looks like 'Black and Sally were right aboutcha, Nicole! You have a great heart! And that would also be very-much worth singin' about!

Chapter #13: TRAINING: OPERATION: ULTRA MINA, IS A GO!

(The very next day, all eyes are focused on the speed-way in New Mobotropolis; the big day for proving Mina's "ultimate" worth to the Freedom Fighters, is finally here! Her parents', and Ash's feelings on the situation are: "Better safe than sorry!" Mina's parents have packed a very large supply, of everything Mina really likes to eat, and have the best sniper in the city, equipped with One-Eyed Black's "Chaos Transfer Gun", with instructions, for if Mina is wearing the infamous blue-and-gold Enerjak armor, upon completion of the metamorphosis, that he is to fire it immediately! Ash is chosen to monitor the entire scene, and make sure that nobody interferes, and, to better-enable Ash to perform this job, One-Eyed Black now hands Ash a strange-looking head-set to track the power, that his girl might be packing!)

One-Eyed Black that head-set is called a "Scouter", you'll need it to accurately monitor Mina's power-level!

(While Ash puts on his scouter and tries it out; meanwhile, the final preparations are made; One-Eyed Black also has holo-projectors positioned on various parts of the race-course)

One-Eyed Black these will project holographic images, of some of the deadliest 'bots, that even the bravest freedom fighter, would ever hope not to meet! These holograms will think, and act, just like the real-deal! I do it this way 'cause it lessens the likelihood, of the one being trained, underestimating his-or her-opponents!

Rotor (Taking one-last look at the final planned overall layout) Dontcha think that this might be at least little bit overkill, 'Black!?

One-Eyed Black maybe for a normal, run-o'-the mill Mobian, but if Mina is successful in pulling this off, it won't even be peanuts for 'er!

(The final preparations are made, and Mina gets set to go as fast as she can go!)

Mina's Father well, what does that "Scouter" thing say about how much power Mina has, Ash!?

Ash well, 'cordin' ta' this thing, Mina's active power-level stands at a very steady 400-600, but 'er overall power-level, reads at about 20,985!

Mina's Mother is that good!?

Ash (Checking through some of the Manga that One-Eyed Black provided should they need any answers, that One-Eyed Black himself can't explain very thoroughly on his own) 'cordin' to the stuff 'Black brought in fer us ta' look at just in case we had 'ny questions about it, it's actually pretty good! But, understand, One-Eyed Black! I really hope thatcha' know whatcher doin'!

One-Eyed Black get the Freedom Fighters a powerful new addition to their Team? Set Mina loose to where she can really do some damage ta' Eggman, the guy that everyone around here hates the most!? Don't worry 'bout a thing, Ash! I know exactly what I'm doing!

Ash (Thinking) I sure hope so, 'Black! Fer everyone's sake! Mina's especially!

Ash don't get me wrong, 'Black! I'm kinda relieved that ya' wanna see this actually happen before ya' actually set Mina loose on Eggman, and I know that Mina really appreciates the opportunity to use 'er talents fer the greater good o' the planet! But, man! I still can't believe a guy like you bein' on our side!

One-Eyed Black (Noticing through his infamous "evil eye" exactly what Ash is getting at) even Sonic had some trouble getting used to me at first, Ash! My teleportation abilities took several by surprise, and took at least some time ta' completely get used to! Getting used to the way my brain ticked, I know almost fer a fact, was not easy fer most!

Ash (Thinking) and a guy like this, actually wanting ta' destroy the part of 'im that 'e thought was gonna make 'im "evil"!? Man! I'll agree with the Freedom Fighters on this one! A guy like this is totally unbelievable ta' even meet!

(The fifty power rings needed for Mina to go Ultra, are scattered all over the race-track; And in a little-under-a-minute, Mina has them all!)

Mina YES! That's the last o' the rings! Now…Which button? Let's see, the blue one's obviously fer Sonic, and I know there's only one Rad-Red, the orange button's gotta be fer Tails; So that means…YES! The purple button's gotta be fer me!

(Mina, still moving at high speed, presses the purple button on the control-pad of her Chaos Carrier, and sure enough, the metamorphosis begins! And when the transformation is complete, Mina is not wearing the infamous blue-and-gold Enerjak armor; Mina's parents finally give One-Eyed Black the OK to recall the sniper with the Chaos Transfer Gun; the final result of the transformation: what everyone watching but Eggman's spies, was hoping to see: mucho energy surrounds Mina, and her body is glowing bright purple! All this can only mean one thing: The Chaos Carrier does, indeed, work! And Mina has just been proven capable of going "Ultra"! She is now the fourth member of the Super Team: ULTRA MINA! Ash can barely believe his eyes, as his scouter shows him, as Mina's power-level, shoots up, BIG TIME!)

Ash WHOA! Mina's overall power-level just shot up ta' 122,000! 'Black! You sure this thing's workin' right!?

One-Eyed Black positive! That scouter is fresh outta the box! And I also have a really bad habit o' testing all equipment before I hand it out ta' anyone! Ta' answer yer question in full, and in English: Yes, Ash! I'm a great deal more than certain that it's working right!

Sonic (Not seeming the least bit surprised by any of this) impressed, Ash?

Ash you know I am, Sonic! Believe me! I was totally unprepared fer that "power-belt" ta' actually work! But, I take it, that "Ultra Mina" hasn't even begun ta' show us 'er stuff yet!

Sonic-heh-Trust me, Ash! Anyone trained by ol' 'Black, comes out a way, way, WAY-past better fighter, than even the warrior-in-question's best buds, coulda' ever possibly dreamed that that warrior could become! And 'Black said that 'e even knows a few somebodies, who showed 'im, that the more the intense the trainin', the stronger the warrior-in-question'll be, when he-or she-takes on the real deal! And believe me, Ash: I should know! Couple years back, 'Black put me, Sal, Rote,Tails, and Bunnie, through some of 'is own personal trainin' exercises! True! He was a little rough! But after 'e was done with us, we felt like we take anything robotic on the block!

Ash (Now turning to Sally)so, Princess, just how nasty were the bogeymen that 'Black pit you n' yer four friends against!?

Sally everything that One-Eyed Black trained us against, easily, and significantly, surpassed any-and all-of Robotnik's-and even Eggman's-most dangerous creations in mass, mobility, speed, and/or intelligence! And every single bogey that One-Eyed Black pit me and my friends against, was an extremely tough nut to crack!

Ash (Now of equal parts wonder and shock) How'd you guys do!?

Sonic-heh-we had each n' every last bogey that 'Black put in front of us pounded ta' scrap in minutes! And that was when we were all in our regular forms! In 'er Super form, I'm bettin' Mina'll scrap each n' every last bogey in there, in not much more than a couple o' minutes, EACH, GUARANTEED!

(Ash now turns back to Sally, just to make sure Sonic is not just exaggerating to make Ash relax)

Ash is what Sonic's saying true, Princess!? You had everything that 'Black put n' front o' ya' scrapped in just minutes!?

Sally it's no exaggeration, Ash! One-Eyed Black did put us through some of his training, and it did help us out tremendously in future battles! The only fighting machine that was significantly nastier than what One-Eyed Black pit us against, was Mecha-Sonic!

Ash (Thinking, and turning his attention back to how Mina's doing) well, if Sonic, Sally, Tails, Bunnie and Rotor all went through stuff like that and did as good as Sonic says they did, who knows what Mina's gonna do!

Ash so, 'Black! What exactly are ya' pittin' Mina against!?

One-Eyed Black the kinda stuff that most Freedom Fighters'd only see in their worst nightmares, Ash! But don't worry! This kinda stuff won't even be peanuts fer Ultra Mina!

Carrie Confirmed! Probability of Mina flunking this particular test: negative-400%

(And true to everyone's word, none of Ultra Mina's holographic opponents, dangerous as they may seem, stand the lost soul of a chance! Thanks in large part to Sonic, in T.F. methods of power-level measurement, Mina ranks a "10" in the "Courage" department! And Ultra Mina proves lethal, ruthless, merciless, cold-blooded, and near-unstoppable in a fight! Her first opponents, 15 Shadow-Bots, are all scrap-metal in under a minute! Next up, four Dynamics; which each only take Ultra Mina little more than half-a-minute, to send them packing to the scrap-heap! Next up, is a super-advanced version of the dreaded fighting machine, Silver Sonic; One-Eyed Black had closely studied the blue-prints, and schematics, of every single incarnation, of this deadly 'bot, and merged all of their greatest qualities and strengths, into one, thus creating the deadliest Silver Sonic ever known!)

Rotor WHOA! Gotta say, 'Black: when you go to improve existing weapons n' other devices, you usually do a pretty-danged-good job!

(But not even the "New and improved 'Silver Sonic'" proves even close to a challenge for Ultra Mina! Silver Sonic is scrap-metal in just over a minute-and-a-half! Her next opponent: A 'bot that nobody but Sonic, would ever have the guts to fight, without a really good strategy: the SUPER BOOMER! Although warned of the awesome fire-power that this particular 'bot possesses, Ultra Mina doesn't seem to even twitch!)

Ultra Mina this guy!? C'mon, 'Black! After takin' out the "new n' improved" Silver Sonic so easily, I eat 'bots like this guy, fer breakfast!

Antoine HMMM…I alvays wondaired 'ow she got suoch a large amount of eye-ron in hieair dye-it!

Bunnie She means she ain't afraid of 'im one tahny beit, Sugar-Twan! Ah don't think she really ay-eats 'em!

(Sure enough, the Super Boomer is scrap in less than a minute, and long before the Particle Beam Satellite can even lock onto Ultra Mina! Her next opponent, is a 'bot that even the Nightmare Pirates as a whole dread fighting, without at least some method of adequate protection: the GUNNER!)

Ultra Mina-yawn-the weapons do make it more challenging, but not much more challenging!

(Mina's parents, plus Ash, continue to show great concern for Mina, but they have long-forgotten: Sonic not only showed Mina how to control her speed and gave her courage, but also showed her how to be maneuverable, as well! Using every single agility trick in the book, Ultra Mina dodges the Gunner's awesome fire-power, gets in close, and literally pounds the Gunner to scrap, with her bare hands!)

Ultra Mina (Thinking) heh-If that thing really was the deadliest 'bot ever known, Eggman really is in trouble!

(Much to Ultra Mina's surprise, and at least in some ways, delight, as well, the Gunner is NOT the deadliest 'bot, that One-Eyed Black had lined up for her to face and prove her worth against! Her final, and most dangerous opponent, is the biggest, and nastiest Robian on the block; so nasty, that Robotnik didn't have the guts, or know-how to control him: UNIVERSALAMANDER! Mina has read the reports on this 'bot's two biggest appearances several times over, and knows how dangerous that this "oversized metallic dinosaur" can be; But after wasting so many 'bots, several of which Mina views as far smarter than this "oversized robotic reptile", Ultra Mina feels that she can take anything made of metal, including this guy, Universalamander, the biggest, baddest, most dangerous, and most uncontrollable Robian, to ever emerge from the Roboticizer! The only way that the Freedom Fighters were able to defeat this oversized robotic lizard, was to shrink him down to size, and then crush him like a metallic bug! But Ultra Mina comes up with a strategy all her own! Using her agility again, Ultra Mina moves at lightning speed right at Universalamander, tears right into the mechanical monster's chest, and rips out its corrupted, mechanical heart! Ultra Mina now proceeds, to tear this giant lizard-bot apart the rest of the way! All in all, it ONLY takes Ultra Mina, 5 minutes and 56.71 seconds, to completely scrap Universalamander! The first training exercise for Ultra Mina, is now complete! She has single-handedly terminated every 'bot put in front of her, with unspeakable prejudice! And not in much less, or any more time, than it usually takes Super Sonic to do the same thing! Further tests are now conducted, to further test the full extent, of the raw power, that Ultra Mina wields! Ultra Mina's strength, speed, hitting power, and endurance, are now all put to the most ultimate test, that everyone of good-heart, unanimously feels comfortable with testing her in. These further tests include a quick look at a speed-measurement device to see exactly how fast Ultra Mina can go; Some walls of various thicknesses, and each made of different materials, are set up to further test Ultra Mina for her endurance, and hitting power. When these tests are concluded, it is revealed, that Ultra Mina can Manage a top speed, of 8 MPH under the speed of light at the slowest, and 2 MPH over the speed of light, at the fastest; she can pound her way with absolute ease, through a two-foot-thick brick wall! And her agility, proves to be the best that can ever be expected of her! Right on cue, a full four hours flat after the transformation, Mina returns to normal. Ash wants ever-so-much to rush right out onto the race-track, and congratulate Mina for a job far more well-done, than even the pirate who granted her the chance to achieve such power, predicted she would! However, both One-Eyed Black, and Sonic, recommend that anyone who wants to congratulate Mina, should wait at least a few more minutes, before anyone who wants to congratulate Mina, can feel free to do so)

Sonic …ya' see, Ash: even after the being in-question that goes Super returns ta' normal, he-or she-usually still has a little bit of a power boost, that further jump-starts that being's system! I think what 'Black's tryin' ta' tell ya', Ash: is that Mina should run a few more laps 'round the track, to get at least some o' that extra energy burned offa' her!

Ash 'Black! Is what Sonic's sayin' true? Mina's still a little hyper right now!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) Sonic is the one with the most experience with this form o' power, Ash! And he is correct, that even after the being in-question returns ta' normal, he-or she-still has a little bit of a jump-start! I, therefore feel, that Sonic's advice for Mina to run a few more laps 'round the track, ta' burn off some o' that extra energy, should be taken, before you rush out there! After that, tho', I promise, Ash! You can congratulate Mina, all ya' like!

Ash Alright, you two! Just how many laps 'round the track do ya' recommend!?

Sonic given that Mina's very close next-door ta' bein' as fast as me, I think a hundred laps, give-or-take another twenty, oughta' do it! After that, Ash, you can congratulate 'er all ya' like!

(Just then, Mina's Mother enters the referee cage)

Ash hey, Mrs. Mongoose! What's up!?

Mrs. Mongoose hello, Ash! Is One-Eyed Black still here!?

(Ash turns around, and very happily points One-Eyed Black's way)

Ash he's right there, Mrs. Mongoose! And if ya' still wanna thank 'im fer makin' this all possible fer Mina, I say: Be my guest!

Mrs. Mongoose well, I must hand it to you, One-Eyed Black! Like I said before: you have made Mina the happiest mongoose in the world! I have never seen her so alive—ever! And I have you-and you alone-to thank for that, One-Eyed Black! After everything I have just seen, I can see perfectly why you chose Mina for this! My daughter definitely does "have the stuff" to be just as great a freedom fighter, as Sonic the Hedgehog himself! It is my belief, that any parent, at least in this plane of existence, would be, and should be, most appreciative, to anyone, who grants their child such power, and gives her a chance, like the one that you are now giving Mina! Anyway, thank you again, One-Eyed Black! You have made Mina so happy and alive! And I know, that long after you are gone, Mina will neverforget you! You have fulfilled a dream of Mina's long-forgotten, and one that she never thought, in a thousand lifetimes, would ever come true! Again, One-Eyed Black, I extend my deepest thanks to you! And may the Ancient Walkers have undeserving mercy, on Eggman's soul!

(Mina is now, an official member of the Super-Team, and the three senior members of the Super-Team, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails, are very happy to have her! Even if it isn't herself, Sally is grateful, that there is finally a girl on the Super-Team, and One-Eyed Black understands perfectly why: One-Eyed Black learned eons ago, that having both genders on any team, completes a set, and makes the team-in-question, powerful beyond belief! In addition, One-Eyed Black's most experimental, and untested invention, has just proven its worth, and the device's first test, is deemed a great deal more than a complete success! One-Eyed Black's word, knowledge of technology, and knack for invention, will never be doubted again, by friend, or foe! And the very possibility of being on the receiving end of a knuckle sandwich from the likes of Ultra Mina, is almost enough, to scare Eggman's entire army, into surrendering! Sonic and Ash decide to throw a small get-together, to celebrate Mina's induction into the Super-Team, and this time, One-Eyed Black does come! One-Eyed Black knows, and accepts, that he was a major factor, in making Ultra Mina "reality"! He understands, that it was his selecting her for this, that enabled Mina to realize a dream long-forgotten after losing Sonic, and one that Mina believed, she would never get a chance to fulfill! Mina's parents continue to hail One-Eyed Black as a hero, for making their daughter so happy, and so alive! One-Eyed Black perfectly saw the look of Mina's personality, as she handed him his invite: Mina was really hoping with all of her heart, that the "C.i.B."*(*'Coon in Black) would be able to make it! One-Eyed Black also knew, that Mina went through with that experiment because: She knew commendation by such a valiant warrior would gain her band worldwide recognition, and therefore, she didn't really feel very good about disappointing him; and the promise of being able to achieve an ultimate form, is a huge honor among the Freedom Fighters! And thanks in large part to One-Eyed Black, the honor of being a fourth member of the Super-Team now belongs to Mina! Mina has been told that there is a party, but she is not told what it is for; It is only upon reaching the party that Mina realizes that this party is to celebrate her gaining her Ultra form with such ease, and used it so efficiently! She also sees that her three best men are there: Sonic, Ash, and One-Eyed Black, and is very happy to have met all three of them!)

Mina (Giving One-Eyed Black a massive bear-hug) Gotta hand it to you, and you alone, 'Black! Thanks! Fer everything! Glad ya' could make it!

Ash (Reaching into his pocket)'Black, I was gonna save this fer after ya' killed Eggman! But after how happy ya' made Mina, not to mention everything yer doin' for 'er, I think ya' deserve this right here n' now!

(Ash hands One-Eyed Black a small key-card)

Ash that, is an unlimited back-stage pass! Good fer all o' Mina's concerts! Anytime, anywhere! And that pass is good fer five! Meaning: that you can bring any four friends ya' like along with ya'! And I know Mina'd especially appreciate it, if Sonic's among the guys ya' bring should ya' decide ta' bring the Freedom Fighters along with! It also insures ya' a front-row seat to any and all concerts y'come to! Any o' the four friends ya' bring along with, have that very same right!

One-Eyed Black (Looking the key-card over and putting it in his pocket)thanks, Ash! I'm pretty sure that anyone I bring with, will be most grateful fer such generosity!

Ash Hey! Don't mention it, 'Black! Just do me a favor: If ya' wind up not killin' Eggman this time 'round, at least break a few bones for us! If Eggman winds up not bein' dead, hospitalizin' 'im'll be the next best thing! And just like everyone else here, I perfectly saw the look in yer "real" eye, as ya' told us that Eggman was goin' down! Just like everyone else here in town, I know ya' meant it! And personally, I agree with ya': Roboticizin' the Princess was lower than low! I am not the least-bit surprised, that that's the reason ya' came all this way back here ta' help us! Next concert, any requests, feel free ta' share 'em! I know Mina'll be more than happy ta' play 'em for ya'!

One-Eyed Black (Reaching into his pocket, getting out, and handing Ash, the sheet-music to one of his favorite, and most encouraging songs) "One request" comin' up, Ash! I only wish that the band coulda' played it right here n' now, at this party! That's about the only down side, that I can think of, to you calling that two-month hiatus! This is one o' my favorite songs, mainly 'cause o' how encouraging it is, to any soul of good-heart, that needs the motivation, to be a hero!

Ash (Taking a quick look at the lyrics) sounds like a done deal ta' me, 'Black! My only regret is, that I can't call off the hiatus, and play this song for ya' before yer big assault on Robotropolis! I know fer a fact, that this song'll be most encouraging, to pretty well any and every hero here!

(Ash now hands the sheet-music to Mina)

Ash Mina! Homework! You n' the rest o' the band are to study this song from top ta' bottom!

(After having lost Sally so many times, Sonic knows exactly what must be going through Ash's head. As Mina goes to meet Ash, hoping for a final "Good Luck Out There", she sees something that she always longed for, but didn't think would ever happen: both of "her men" having a friendly conversation together, and parting ways without any body-parts removed from either! Mina pulls Ash aside, and tells Ash, that she is more proud of both him, and Sonic, than she ever was when she first met either!

Sally so, One-Eyed Black! You said you had some more training for us to go through before we take on Eggman! And I must now ask you, One-Eyed Black: Will this training be anywhere near-as intense as what you put Ultra Mina through!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) as far as what your usual limits are, yes, Sally! The training will be far-beyond intense! You guys still have a lot of target practice ta' go through I deem anyone ready for the upcoming assault on Robotropolis! But, I take it, that by now, everyone I've dealt it to so far, knows how ta' use the D-T-X-8 weapon with utmost efficiency!?

Sally (Nodding her head) we all know every bit of that weapon like the backs of our own hands now, One-Eyed Black! Everyone knows full-well, which part of that weapon to use on Robians, and which part of it to use on everything else! And even the worst-shots, can nail any target with either, in 1-out-of-3 shots! Cream, everyone must admit, was a little shaky at first, but just like the rest of us, she has shown great courage, starting when she first-joined the Team! And, strongly at your advice, One-Eyed Black, I have done my best not to underestimate my friends simply because of their age!

Sonic (Thinking) I'm pretty sure that Cream's really gonna love ya' fer sayin' that, Sal!

Julie-Su gotta admit, Pirate! My former peops'd kill for technology like the kind you're capable of! The Weapon-Booster thatcha made for me, sounded pretty impressive when you first gave it to me! But seeing it actually work!? Now that really blew me, and my teammates away! And stuff like the Chaos Carriers!? Not even a guy as smart as Dimitri coulda' come up with anything like 'em! And he was the guy who invented the original Chaos Siphon! Gotta say, Pirate! When it comes to inventing stuff, and improving existing inventions, you must've really done your homework!

(One-Eyed Black turns his head a quarter-turn from Julie-Su and blushes)

One-Eyed Black Thanks, 'Su! I had help from some o' the best! And I'm not just talking about the guys that you came from!

Julie-Su well, whoever was most responsible for you coming up with stuff like this, Pirate, I'd sure like to meet 'em!

Vector gettin' a little homesick, Dark Babe?

Julie-Su Can we talk about this later, Vector!?

One-Eyed Black Lay off 'er, Vector! You know as well as the rest o' the Chaotix: 'Su cannot help that she started out on the Dark Side!

Vector Ahhhh! Details! Details!

Julie-Su thanks for the help, Pirate! Butcha do realize of course, that I coulda' gotten out of it, myself!

Knuckles I hope you're not actively looking for a girl, Pirate! 'Cause I'm warning ya', this one's already taken

One-Eyed Black Don't blow a fuse, Knuckles! I know very well that 'Su's your girl!

Knuckles Pirate! I dunno how ya' found out about what goes on between me, and Julie-Su, but whatever you were shown, you were shown the absolute truth!

Sonic (Thinking) heh-guess my relationship with Sal inn't the only love-life in this time, galaxy, or plane-of-existence that 'Black takes note of afterall, huh!?

(The party, small as it is, is actually a pretty lively one; there's plenty of talking, plenty of dancing, and more than enough refreshments to go around! And Ash even hired the best DJ in New Mobotropolis to play the music! One-Eyed Black is, unfortunately, not all that familiar with most of the Native Mobian numbers, but Ash is able to walk him through most of the songs, and One-Eyed Black even contributes a few of his own CDs to the DJ's already vast selection; the party lasts about 4 hours; stopping right at around 2000 hours. After the party is over, it turns out, that One-Eyed Black is so pleased that his most experimental invention, the Chaos Carrier, actually works, and is so impressed by the progress being made, in making both the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, battle-worthy beyond their nemeses worst nightmares, that the ragged software pirate decides that a break from these training exercises might be nice, and calls for a five-day break from training. And One-Eyed Black has reason behind calling this break: he has begun to notice, that he is very-much wearing everyone in both the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix out, after a full week-and-a-half, of the "most intense training known to animal", and does not have any immediate plans on burning any bridges by going rough on any of these new-old friends, and decides to show both teams that he does practice, at least, some degree of compassion; it also enables these heroic creatures to visit with each other, and keep alive the friendships that One-Eyed Black came all this way back here to help preserve! Reaction to calling the break is a huge "Thanks for not going too rough on us" smile from the Freedom Fighters, and from the Chaotix, and, pretty-well inadvertly, the Bad Guys' reaction is a very releaving "Safe for now" feeling! The break lasts about two weeks, but soon afterwards ends because Sonic is itching for the action that he knew only the big, up-coming assault, which is to be coordinated by his good old-new friend, One-Eyed Black, could provide; Knuckles has similar feelings, and so do a lot of their friends, for a lot of them, at this point, are just as eager as One-Eyed Black, and Sonic combined, to want to rip Eggman's evil, non-existant heart out, and eat it while it was still beating!)

Chapter #14: TRAINING: ENTER, SHADOW!

(Eggman keeps his spy-network in New Mobotropolis functional, and on the job, mainly, because even if bad news is all there is to report, it was still vital towards finding out what to expect from his ever-growing-in-strength enemies, and Eggman is ever-vigilant for weaknesses in the Freedom Fighters, the Chaotix, One-Eyed Black, various combinations of any two of the above, or better-yet in ther twisted scientific genius's mind, ALL OF THE ABOVE, but by now, all of his spies know far-better than to expect that kind of luck. All the same, Eggman's spies continue to monitor both teams and their powerful new ally that binds this union of heroic creatures together, hoping to get lucky, and see at least somebody slip up, show disrespect, suspicion, or better-yet distrust*(*Like what happened in STH #46), but both Sally, and One-Eyed Black know far-better than to give any of their foes such satisfaction! Sally is able to keep her friends from fighting amongst themselves, but with all of that guilt and self-pity weighing her down, Sally still does not feel that she can break up a fight completely, and knows from past-experience, that anything she says will only slow an argument down, but she now understands that nothing she says can make any distrust that any of her friends have completely go away; One-Eyed Black, however, has far-more hostile, and forceful, methods, and Sally is well-aware, that if One-Eyed Black breaks up a fight, it is not very likely to re-surface and become a problem again, and she now understands that when One-Eyed Black breaks up a fight, he forces both ends of the rope to re-examine why they're fighting, and thus, making the fight that much more unlikely to re-commence! Sally now understands that simply calling a fight "Childish" will only slow the argument down; she now knows, that One-Eyed Black calling a fight "Something that the Bad Guys would want" would cancel near-all possibilities of the fight in-question, EVER re-surfacing! One-Eyed Black is, however, very well-aware, that by working together, Sally's compassion, and understanding of her friends, combined with One-Eyed Black's effective methods of breaking up a fight, would insure that no Freedom Fighter, or Chaotic, for that matter, in the immediate area, would ever fight ever fight amongst themselves, ever again!)

Narrator (One-Eyed Black) I was really pleased with all of the progress that the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix were making in the training sessions I set up for them; the training was considered to be the most intense combat-training in the history of the Good Side in this plane of existence, and, for the most part, gotta admit, I didn't go much easier on any of them than Toph went on Aang*(*See the episode of "AVATAR: The Last Air-Bender" known as "Bitter Work" for full details); In other words: the training was pretty rough in a lotta beings' eyes, but it whipped the Good Guys into shape in pretty-much-no-time-flat! Thing is: Unlike Toph, I know how to admit that the methods being used were a least a little bit rougher, than I knew my friends could really expect themselves to handle, and I knew that I was being pretty rough on everybody, and in-view of that, I decided to call for a brief break.

Knuckles (Thinking, and examining his Chaos Carrier) even with these "shiny new toys" 'e so willingly gave out to us, I still don't know 'bout the Pirate! But, then again, the Chaotix had their doubts about Julie-Su, and everyone in the Main Zone knows how I feel 'bout her now! I gained a friend I never thought I'd find in anyone! And all things considered, I'm kinda glad that the Dark Legion showed up when they did! Otherwise, Julie-Su n' I may never've met!

Julie-Su whatcha thinking about, Knuckles!?

Knuckles -sigh-mostly 'bout us, Julie-Su! And about our "New-old friend", the Pirate! You're right, of course, Girl! If Sonic trusts 'im, that should be enough fer everyone here! The million mobium question I still have, tho': is what this crazy ol' 'coon's gonna do, to get that clean shot at Eggman that 'e wants!

Sonic (He and Sally just now coming over to see how Knuckles and his girl are doing) I kinda' get whatcher sayin', Knux! But hey! It'll be cool! Ol' Black cared enough about me, ta' save Robuttnik for me! And even tho' 'Black was holdin' 'imself back before, don't ferget that scary look in BOTH of 'is eyes, as 'e told us that Eggman was goin' down fer Roboticizin' Sal! He's really out fer the Bad Guys' throats this time! And as ya' know, and kinda' understand, Knux: I can't really say I blame 'im one tiny bit!

A mysterious voice that makes at least several of you, doesn't it!?

Sonic, Sally, Knuckles, and Julie-Su SHADOW!

Shadow hello, you four! It's been a while, hasn't it!?

Sonic heh-not quite long enough! Shadow! You picked the wrong time, place, AND guys ta' mess with! You ready, Knux!?

Knuckles heh-This guy? Only taking out Finitevus'd give me more pleasure! Shadow, I hope you packed a good-sized First-Aid Kit, Shadow! 'Cause trust me, yer gonna need—

Sally hold on, you two! Let's try to resolve this calmly! If Shadow was here to pick a fight, you two would both be battered like fish-sticks by now!

Sonic -groan-alright, Sal! You got twenty seconds!

Sally I believe that that'll be several more than I'll need, Sonic! The clock's ticking, Shadow! Now, what do you want!?

Shadow I did not come here to fight yer main-squeezes, Princess! I came here to warn them!

Julie-Su "warn 'em"!? 'Bout what!?

Shadow I have a message for your "New-old friend", the software pirate known as "One-Eyed Black"!

Knuckles (Lowering his fists and staring at Shadow with curiosity) Alright! What kinda message!?

Shadow this "One-Eyed Black" wishes to take Eggman out in one swift blow, doesn't he!?

Julie-Su (Her hand still loosening her gun, in its case) He definitely does beyond a "shadow" of a doubt, Shadow!

Shadow then, he must hear me out! You can contact him, can't you!?

(Sally activates her wrist-communicator)

Sally One-Eyed Black! Please report to Angel Island, immediately! There is someone here who wants to talk to you! It is not Finitevus, or Eggman, but all things considered, it might as well be!

(One-Eyed Black now passes through the warp-ring between New Mobotropolis and Angel Island)

One-Eyed Black (Now realizing, and seeing, who Sally is talking about) Alright, Shadow! What is it you came all this way ta' tell me!?

Shadow just a little something that concerns your plan for taking Eggman out, something you must hear me out on! And if heeded, something that could help you protect the lives, that you obviously do not want to lose, in your quest for vengeance against Eggman! And I know you have Spirit Vision, One-Eyed Black! So, I know that you will very well see that I'm telling you the truth in its purest form!

Sonic (Whispering) Yo, 'Black! Is 'e tellin' the truth, like 'e says 'e is!?

(One-Eyed Black takes a long, hard look at Shadow through his right eye; he can see, very well, that yes! Shadow is telling the truth)

One-Eyed Black I think it's safe ta' trust 'im! At least fer now! He does have a message for me, and it's not from Eggman! Shadow's evil-level does seem to be, at least a little bit lower than usual! At least fer the moment, like he usually likes everyone ta' see, he's on his own side! Go ahead, Shadow! Whatever you came all this way ta' tell me, I know it's gotta be important! Now, I repeat my original question: What is it you came all this way here ta' tell me!?

Shadow first, let me say, "'Black": I know very well why you came back to this plane of existence, and personally, I cannot really say that I blame you! I may not be near as close to the Princess as Sonic always appears to be, but I very well know, and understand: Roboticizing her, must've made Eggman the most hated animal on the planet! If he wasn't already number one on the Freedom Fighters' hit-list, the robotization of the Princess definitely made him so! And I must admit, One-Eyed Black, if you truly do wish for help in taking Eggman out, you have definitely turned to the right animals! In fact, if the Robotization of the Princess really did tick you off that much, I have just three words for you, Pirate: HE'S-ALL-YOURS! But here's where the warning comes in: The Destructix have formed an at least temporary alliance with Eggman! If you do truly wish to take Eggman out, I came here to warn you, One-Eyed Black: that that goal, may be a little harder to reach, than you were originally prepared for! Anyway, I just stopped by to wish you good luck, One-Eyed Black! You will probably need it! But, if you make a deal that's to my satisfaction, I believe I can tip the odds further in the favor, of you and your young "friends"!

Bunnie (Who came to Angel Island along with One-Eyed Black just in case the rough-and-ready pirate might need some back-up) So, does thayat mean y'all wanna help us, Shadow-Hon!?

Shadow that will depend mostly on One-Eyed Black himself! Here is the deal, One-Eyed Black: Yes! I will help you! But only if you can prove yourself worthy of my assistance! I feel a "'friendly' battle" will decide that most nicely! If you win, I will help you, along with the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, as well! But if I win, consider me your "referee" for this slugfest you have in mind for Eggman! I know of the weapons and other devices that you have provided for both the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix, and I very well know, even if I decide to help Eggman, I know that this is a battle, that he has no chance in! Even with the Destructix, I'm guessing that Eggman's chance for victory, is exceedingly slim!

Nicole Confirmed! With all of the training, weapons and other devices that One-Eyed Black has provided for us, probability of Eggman scoring total victory: negative-200%

Shadow however, One-Eyed Black, just to be fair, I will let you choose our battlefield! So what will it be?

One-Eyed Black I know you have close to zilch experience in the "fight" that I have in mind, Shadow, but I feel that, since it presents a new challenge, not to mention it will introduce you to a whole new battlefield that you've never heard of…

Shadow a new game that will improve my skills if properly mastered!? I'm listening!

One-Eyed Black The game I choose, is the ultimate test of skill, luck, and the use of power! And the game I choose, is "Duel Monsters"!

Shadow and what, pray-tell, is "Duel Monsters"?

One-Eyed Black In the plane of existence that I come from, "Duel Monsters" is nothing more than a trading card game, but in the reality that the game comes from, technologically speaking, the cards "come ta' life"! It is one of the most intense, respected, and famous card battling games in several known versions of reality! Carrie! Send over the Nightmare Pirate Duel Monsters dueling platform, and bring my duel-disk over here, and while yer at it, get out a second duel-disk fer Shadow!

Carrie Task: accepted!

Shadow (Taking a long, hard look, at the machine now mounted on his arm*(* namely, his new duel-disk)) this seems to be an awful lot of trouble to go through for a simple card-game!

Julie-Su I'm warning you, Shadow: 'cordin' to the data provided by "Carrie", 'Black's got loads of experience in this under his belt! Trust me! All that considered, don't expect this to be "Easy Street!"

Shadow speaking of our good friend, the Pirate, I have but one request of him: Just like he must, I want this game to be as clean as possible! And that, of course, means, that I request that One-Eyed Black de-activate his Spirit Vision abilities, for the duration of this poker game!

(One-Eyed Black, not being very fond of cheaters himself, sees Shadows point, and it only takes a few seconds to de-activate his Spirit Vision, but puts the de-activation, on an "event timer"; Spirit Vision is to re-activate, as soon as the duel is over! In just a couple of hours, the final preparations are made, and both combatants are far-more than ready to strike!)

One-Eyed Black Alright, Shadow! The stage is finally set! And, here! CATCH!

(One-Eyed Black tosses Shadow a bound deck of cards his way)

One-Eyed Black That deck is similar in power-level to my own; it does, of course, have different creatures and other warriors, traps, and spells in it, but even without Spirit Vision, I'm pretty sure thatcha' get the message!

(One-Eyed Black now turns to the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix)

One-Eyed Black I have chosen Tails, and Julie-Su, as this fight's referees! They will both be provided with scouters, and therefore, will be able to accurately predict, what exactly, might happen, once I, and/or Shadow make our moves!

Julie-Su roger that, Pirate! C'mon, Kid! We got ourselves a Duel Monsters match to ref!

(Julie-Su and Tails, are also given, an easy-to-follow instruction manual on the scouters; One-Eyed Black assures Shadow, and all onlookers, that both referees chosen, should have close to no trouble operating the scouters, even if they only skim through the manual and/or just look at the pictures, but everyone, Freedom Fighter and Chaotic alike, know full-well: both Julie-Su and Tails know way better than that! In just over an hour, both Tails, and Julie-Su, know pretty much everything there is to know about their scouters, that the two of them could possibly cram into their heads)

Tails according to this, 'Su, the "scouters'll" enable us to monitor the overall Power-Level, of anyone and everyone that we're directly looking at! They can even show us how many attack and defense points they have! They can even tell us how much o' that power-level they're actively using!

Julie-Su That so!? Alright! Let's see what these two are packing!

(Tails and Julie-Su, both put on, and activate, their scouters)

Tails well, 'Su?

Julie-Su well, according to this thing, their overall Power-Levels are pretty even; both averaging about 21,000! They both got a lot o' that power held back, tho'! Apparently they're both waiting for just the right moment to strike! In short: if the Pirate picked a more conventional battlefield, I'm pretty sure, that the Pirate, and Shadow, would've beaten the living snot out of one another!

Tails (Looking through the manual one more time, just in case there turns out to be anything, that he and 'Su may have missed) Looks like there's more, 'Su! Apparently, the scouters have Spirit Vision technology built into 'em! That, of course, means: We not only get to monitor their Power-Levels, but we'll also be able to predict their strategies, as well!

Julie-Su Huh! That so? Alright! I'm curious enough! Let's say you and I see what they're thinking, Kid!

(It only takes both referees double-digit seconds to learn everything they need to know about the situation; afterwards, both referees feel, that they should probably fill their friends in on this, as well!)

Knuckles "Spirit Vision"!? So, what exactly do these two have in mind fer each other, Girl!?

Julie-Su well, the Pirate seems pretty confident, especially for a guy without an ego! He has eons of experience in this particular game under his belt, and he also feels that he has a fool-proof strategy!

Knuckles what about Shadow!?

Julie-Su (One eye turned back to her scouter) Shadow also seems pretty confident, but he has no experience in this, whatsoever! He thinks he's got a plan, but he's making a really huge mistake that I've seen several my former peops make time, and again: Shadow is underestimating the Pirate!

Knuckles so, what does that mean, exactly, Girl?

Julie-Su it means, Knuckles: that if Shadow doesn't get his act together, come up with a better-laid-out strategy, and stop underestimating the Pirate, Shadow's gonna get slaughtered!

(The duel kicks off, with the two combatants shuffling each other's decks; Both combatants are reminded not to peek at the decks, THAT is considered "Cheating" in this particular game!)

As the match finally kicks off…

One-Eyed Black you know the customs of pretty much any and every place, time, and dimension, Shadow: GUESTS FIRST!

Shadow heh-and since we'reboth "guests", who do you want to go first, One-Eyed Black!?

One-Eyed Black we'll flip for it! Yer call! Sonic, or Tails!?

Shadow (Thinking)I can see that Sonic has influenced this 'coon in far-more ways than one! I never would've guessed Sonic's friendship with the little fox, would extend to other worlds!

Shadow "Sonic" of course, means "Heads", doesn't it?

(One-Eyed Black nods his head)

Shadow very well! I call "Sonic"!

(The coin in One-Eyed Black's hand is tossed, and sure enough, it lands on "Tails"!)

Shadow Best of luck to you, One-Eyed Black! You are going to need it!

(Just a minute and a half later, the match finally gets underway!)

One-Eyed Black the rules of Duel Monsters clearly states: that whoever goes first, is not allowed to attack right away! And in more ways than one, actually, three in fact, I'm gonna give you that very same handicap! First, I send these three straight to the Graveyard! I also play Big Shield Gaurdna in Defense mode, and finally, I conclude my turn, with the spell card: "Swords of Revealing Light"! This prevents you from attacking me fer a full three turns!

Shadow heh-now yer just prolonging the inevitable! Very well, Pirate! It is your funeral! Do I still get to summon creatures while I wait for your "swords" to disappear!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) you can summon anything ya' like, Shadow! They just can't strike fer three turns!

Julie-Su (Staring into her scouter in disbelief) Whoa! I don't get it! The three cards that the Pirate just threw away were really powerful! Why didn't 'e play 'em!? They woulda' ended the whole thing quicker than I could snap my fingers! I KNOW IT!

Tails I'm pretty sure 'Black knows what 'e's doin', 'Su! He's prob'ly just givin' Shadow a head-start 'cause 'e's new at this!

(By the time the "Swords of Revealing Light" finally expire, One-Eyed Black and Shadow each have three "monsters", and two face-downs on the field; Julie-Su and Tails, can both readily see, that the monsters Shadow drew, are far weaker, than the ones One-Eyed Black drew; it is obvious to all from the beginning: Shadow is underestimating One-Eyed Black! And Shadow's lack of experience, is also viewed as a serious handicap; all onlookers, referee, and audience alike, can now all readily see: One-Eyed Black chose this game, because he knew that Shadow would not stand the ghost of a chance in it! After just the first turn after swords are gone, Shadow's monsters are all history, as are 900, of the 4,000 "Life-Points" allotted to him. Next turn, Shadow is able to dish some of the punishment back out, but not really a whole lot, and One-Eyed Black only loses 200 Life-Points to Shadow's counter-assault; their face-downs turn out to be as follows: One-Eyed Black's two face-downs, are "Time Wizard" and "Dragon Block"! Time Wizard is used to terminate everything that Shadow has on the field with extreme, and inconceivable prejudice! And as for Dragon Block, after that card is played, all Dragon cards are useless! Shadow's two face-downs, turn out to be "Dip" and "Remove Trap"; Remove Trap does terminate the effects of Dragon Block, but Dip is only good, if your opponent has "Toon Monsters" in his deck; and much to Shadow's disappointment, dismay, and frustration, neither combatant has a single "Toon Monster", making the "Dip" card worthless! That's the way it goes for pretty much the whole match: Shadow is able to dish out somepunishment, but whatever Shadow can dish out, One-Eyed Black is able to dish it right back out to him, at least two-fold! After the fifth turn of nothing short of punishment, Shadow finally decides to play some of his stronger card-warriors, but it's a little too late for Shadow to save himself: by now, One-Eyed Black has gotten out, what he refers to as "The Ultimate Trio of the 'Dark' Variety": Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl, and the Magician of Black Chaos! Shadow was kind of hoping to destroy at least one of them, but his best chance to do that, passes, as the seventh turn of the match gets underway)

One-Eyed Black Alright! Now! I send this card packing right fer the Graveyard…

(A card mysteriously appears out of nowhere, in the hand of cards One-Eyed Black is holding)

One-Eyed Black …So I can play this! Sacrifice of the Orichalcos! With this card in play, I get in additional 500 life points at the end-phase of each turn! And for one turn, and one turn only, the monster of my choice, receives 1,000 extra Attack-Points, and 1,000 extra Defense-Points! Even without Spirit Vision, I know yer out to destroy the weakest of my magicians, Shadow! Well, yer gonna be sorely disappointed! Because the just-now-mentioned power-boost, will now go to her!

(1,000 Attack-Points, and 1,000 Defense-Points, are now added to Dark Magician Girl! The "weakest monster" on One-Eyed Black's side of the field, at least for this one turn, is now the "strongest"!

Julie-Su WHOA! The cards that he threw to the "Graveyard" were powerful, but these three almost make up for it!

Tails (Checking his own scouter) Whoa! Yer right, 'Su! And it looks like 'Black wants ta' strike with all three of 'em at once! And when that happens, not only is every monster on Shadow's side o' the field gonna be ancient history, but also, Shadow's gonna down ta' anywhere from 100 life points to zip! And, even without that 500 Life Point boost, One-Eyed Black's still got 1,700 life points left! If Shadow's got anything good in 'is hand, he'd better play it quick!

Tails (Thinking) IF Shadow's got something good, tho', I'm really hopin' that 'e doesn't play it! I agree with a lotta the others! We could really use Shadow!

(As predicted, Shadow's Life-Points drop to 100; Shadow has absolutely nothing guarding him now! But Shadow still has a few cards to play, and at any rate, Shadow did promise to everyone watching, that he was going to give this his all, and keep fighting, until every last "Life-Point" he has, is expended! As One-Eyed Black receives his allowance of 500 extra Life Points, and Shadow now realizes that he's sunk! He now looks at his final hand, looking desperately for at least something he can use; finally, an "Effect Monster" shows up in his last hand) Shadow's final Monster Card: Green-Eyes Black-Dragon! Shadow now reads the card, and realizes that if he plays it, a full 2,700 Attack-Points, split between One-Eyed Black's three magicians, will be gone!)

Shadow (Thinking)Hmmm… a monster that can weaken its opponents!? Interesting! This will definitely slow One-Eyed Black down, but I must face it! There is no way in sight to stop him now! Still, I promised to keep fighting until my "Life-Points" are completely gone! I must go through with this, but I already know-and dread-the outcome!

(Shadow knows that this will only soften the final sting dealt to him by this menacing software pirate; it will not be near-powerful enough to stop it from finishing Shadow off! Shadow knows very well, that his probability for victory, against this "Seemingly unstoppable 'coon of a software pirate", stands at a very solid 0%!)

Shadow (Now totally disenchanted and fully ready for a nice big dish of defeat) I'll admit it, One-Eyed Black! I underestimated you! You are a valiant warrior, and a brilliant strategist! And I know, that not even this card can save this duel for me now! But I promised I would give this "duel" my all, regardless of how bleak things looked for me, or you! I now play: GREEN-EYES BLACK-DRAGON! Now, make your final move, One-Eyed Black! And finish this!

One-Eyed Black Very well, Shadow! But don't ferget: You asked for this directly! My magicians! I know thatcher each gonna lose 900 Attack-Points, but considering the prize we're working towards, and that is very well in sight, that's not even gonna be peanuts! Shadow's Green Eyes may slow you down some, but it will not, in a billion generations, stop you completely! So, one more time, my magicians! Combine your power, AND ATTACK! Destroy Green-Eyes-Black-Dragon, and the rest of Shadow's Life-Points!

(The magicians unleash their full capacity of fury on Green-Eyes Black-Dragon; As predicted, each of One-Eyed Black's Dark Magicians lose 900 Attack-Points, but at the same time, the last small sliver of Shadow's Life-Points, shoots straight to zero, and the Scouter-armed referees, both make their final call:)

Julie-Su (Addressing all observers) THIS MATCH IS NOW OFFICIALLY OVER! BY NEAR-TOTAL-AND-CLEAR-CUT KNOCK OUT, THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH, WITH 2,200 LIFE POINTS REMAINING, IS OUR GOOD FRIEND, THE PIRATE, ONE-EYED BLACK!

(The "Final move" was viewed by several observers, scouter or none, as total overkill, but nobody says anything about those particular feelings; even though the match was very-much one-sided, it also means, that yet-another powerful being, will be joining the fight, alongside the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix! And it also added yet-another reason, for Eggman and everyone working for him, to get a major case of the willies!)

Shadow I must admit, One-Eyed Black! That was an excellent strategy that you used with your cards back there! And you beat the socks off of me fair and square, and you have kept your word that you would teach me a whole new battlefield to explore! I am at your command now, One-Eyed Black! Do with me what you will! I already very well know, what you have in mind! And I will carry out those wishes with honor, and I will do my best, to bring you victory!

Sonic (Extending his hand out to Shadow) never thought the day'd ever come, Shadow, but welcome aboard! At least fer now!

Shadow (Somewhat accepting Sonic's gesture of invitation to the Team) yes! At least for now!

(With Shadow's induction into the assault force that's about to scrap Robotropolis, Shadow now begins his training; he proves just as lethal as Knuckles, and just as fast as Sonic! Having Shadow on the Freedom Fighters' side, even if it is just for this one operation, means a very painful "Ouch!" for any-and every-Bad Guy on Mobius that has the misfortune of taking on the Freedom Fighters, the Chaotix, or even more devastating-yet, BOTH OF THE ABOVE!)

Sonic (Thinking) heh-with ol' Shadow in our corner, at least fer this, there's no way that we can lose!

(One-Eyed Black, and Sally both crack at least something of a smile; Even though she doesn't really care for Shadow, Sally has long-been aware, on how dangerous this ageless hedgehog can be to whoever he ends up fighting! And One-Eyed Black has always viewed Shadow, as being to this dimension, what Warrio is to the Mario Dimension: A deranged version of the main Good Guys, mostly on his own side, and stopping at virtually nothing to achieve his goals; in Shadow's case, to satisfy a most unquenchable desire for revenge! In Shadow's eyes, One-Eyed Black has not really done anything wrong, but Shadow does view the creepy-looking-but-good-hearted software pirate, as just as much out for revenge, as himself. It was for this reason, that Shadow decided that siding with the Freedom Fighters at least for this one operation, might be the best way to approach the situation. One-Eyed Black has noticed this train-of-thought in Shadow, and wastes no time, in telling his "new friends" about the mysterious, and dark-hearted hedgehog's true point-of-view; Sonic, Knuckles and several of the other Freedom Fighters and Chaotix, state that they are not the least-bit surprised that what their good friend, the Pirate, has told them, was Shadow's true angle. And both Sonic, and Knuckles, are both exceedingly wary of Shadow's every move)

One-Eyed Black I'm well aware that Shadow isn't exactly what most'd refer to as one o' the Good Guys, but still: I feel, if he's rubbed the right way, he could be of great value!

Knuckles -groan-well, ya' did beat 'im fair n' square, Pirate! And I think: that as long as Shadow keeps that in mind, we should be fine!

Sonic alright! I'll admit it! Shadow is a hedgehog of 'is word! But still, understand, 'Black: If Shadow offers one helpin' hand ta' Eggman—GONE! Got it!?

One-Eyed Black Understand: I'm just as unfavorable of Shadow as a lotta you guys are! Alright! It's a deal! If Shadow does make even one gesture of help towards Eggman, consider 'im dead-locked in the cross-fire!

(As Shadow is, at least, temporarily inducted into the Freedom Fighters, Eggman's spies are still watching; even though Eggman told them "NO MORE BAD NEWS!", his spies felt that such a powerful menace, like Shadow can be unless properly controlled, joining the Good Guys, must be heard! Eggman is, of course, not a very happy camper when he hears what his spies have to say! However, with One-Eyed Black in New Mobotropolis, training both the Freedom Fighters, AND the Chaotix to tear anything willingly evil apart, Eggman's entire spy-network stationed in New Mobotropolis were very-much afraid that, now that everyone knows about One-Eyed Black's Spirit Vision capabilities, and now that One-Eyed Black has declared all-out, and total war on Dr Eggman, it seems that no evil force on Mobius, least of all, the Big Round Guy himself, would ever feel 100% safe ever again! And every time his spies report in, Eggman, is always seriously paranoid about hearing more about how unstoppable that the biggest thorns in his side have gotten, all because of "One has-been software pirate"!)

Chapter #15: REPORTS TO ENEMY LINES

Eggman WHAT!? I TOLD YOU BOLT-BRAINS "NO MORE BAD NEWS", DIDN'T I!?

Eggman's top spy in New Mobotropolis I-heard-you-perfectly-Doctor! However, I-felt-that-at-least-some-warning-of-this-developement-was-in-order!

Scourge so, our good buddy Shadow's joined the party fer this one little fight, huh?

Eggman SCOURGE! DON'T YOU KNOW IT'S NOT NICE TO STICK YOUR NOSE IN WHERE IT DOESN'T BELONG!?

Scourge Yer really breakin' my heart, Doc! That is, ifI had one! Don't worry 'bout a thing! Shadow joinin' the goon-squad, only means more fun fer me n' the guys!

Eggman SCOURGE! HAVE YOU LOST IT!? ONE BLASTED HEDGEHOG WAS BAD ENOUGH! NOW WE HAVE TWO BLASTED HEDHEHOGS!? AND MIXED TOGETHER WITH THAT CREEPY OLD 'COON OF A PIRATE!? THEY'RE GOING TO BLAST US UNTIL THERE'S NOT EVEN SMOKE OR ASH LEFT!

(Scourge kind of has reason to be confident: Shadow joining the Good Guys, means that One-Eyed Black now has to round up another 50 power rings. This time, however, Sonic, Tails, Shadow and Knuckles all decide to help One-Eyed Black in collecting the rings needed, and getting the rings is a breeze, especially for Sonic and Tails! Another Chaos Carrier is constructed for Shadow; the Super Team is now five strong! Eggman's spies continue to monitor their activity, but know that Eggman will scrap them, if they say anything more about what the Freedom Fighters, the Chaotix, and One-Eyed Black are up to, unless they discover some form of weakness in strategy and/or methods, that the spies know that Eggman can use to his advantage, and each day the spies hope to find that "crippling weakness", they turn up dry, as a millennia-year-old bone! And thus, the spies stop sending in reports on the activity in New Mobotropolis. This silence spikes a little bit of over-confidence in both Eggman, and the Destructix; they all feel that this silence, means there's no more "bad news" to report, and that the new alliance led by five powerful enemies, is beginning to crumble. The Dark Egg Legion, however, being at least a little-bit-better-informed, knows far better than to expect such luck! And the spies do learn, of this overdose of self-confidence in their superiors, but know that they'll be recycled, if they say anything more, that their "Large and in Charge Master", regrets hearing! But still, some spies finally do come forward, they know they'll be totaled, but they can't really afford to let their master walk so-willingly into such a deadly trap unawares, either! Finally, the last preparations for the ever-dreaded up-coming assault on Robotropolis are reported, and even Eggman's trousers lose color! He hears that One-Eyed Black is training Shadow, the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix against 'bots far nastier, than anything Robotnik and Eggman put together, could ever come up with; the 'bots being used in these training sessions, far surpass even their masters' most dangerous creations in mass, mobility, intelligence, fire-power, and/or endurance!)

Even worse for Eggman still…

Sonic So, 'Black! ya said ya' had just the sparrin' partner ta' whip us inta' shape the rest o' the way! 'K if I ask who ya' got n' mind!?

One-Eyed Black the sparring partner that I have in mind fer you guys, is a deadly fighting machine, that neither Robotnik, nor Eggman, could ever permanently get out of their way, even with their deadliest weapon! A machine, that brought nothing but chaos and destruction to the whole of Robotropolis! And to boot, it is a fighting machine, feared by Robotnik, and Freedom Fighter alike! And it can only be activated, when I, literally, put my very soul into it!

Sally (Kind of realizing right away, exactly what "sparring partner", that her uneasy friend has in mind) ONE-EYED BLACK! I KNOW VERY WELL THAT YOU FEEL WE SHOULD BE TESTED BEYOND OUR USUAL LIMITS! BUT SERIOUSLY! IS BRINGING THAT—THING—INTO THIS REALLY THAT NECESSARY!?

Mina what's this "thing" yer so afraid of, Princess?

Ash I think I know exactly what she's so afraid of, Mina! Ever heard 'bout those five, nasty, rogue robotic warriors that nearly blasted Robotropolis to the ground!?

Mina the "Mecha-Pirates"!? Yeah! I remember hearin' about 'em! What about 'em!?

Ash well, if I read the report right, those mechanical monsters, can only be activated, when the Nightmare Pirates put their very souls into 'em…LITERALLY!

Mina hold on just a sec, here! You guys're tellin' me, that that wicked rumor, that the Mecha-Pirates bein' the life essences of the Nightmare Pirates in aluminum siding, was the truth!?

Sally-groan-I'm afraid so, Mina! And now, it looks like One-Eyed Black wants to bring one of them back, to help train us! And, I think I know which one of those indestructible monsters, that One-Eyed Black plans to call forth!

Ash NOT—

Sonic yup! The most deadly n' terrifyin' of 'em all! Their leader: MECHA PIRATE #1: BLACK STEEL! But Ireally don't think that we have that much ta' worry 'bout! Let's not ferget, you guys: The Mecha-Pirates were on our side! Not ta' mention, all of Robuttnik's efforts ta' gain control of 'em, and/or destroy 'em, to the best o' my knowledge, have failed! And those 'bots saved quite a few Freedom Fighters' bacon, don't ferget! I mean, sure! They hurt St. John plenty, but don't ferget: he attacked them first! Not to mention, 'Black and several of 'is buddies were gettin' pretty fed up with "friendly fire" by then! And after bein' shot up as many times as 'Black wound up bein', I'm pretty sure that several o' us, woulda' done the same thing! Listen, you guys: I knowthat this is a huge risk, but after all of the strength, and fire-power that 'Black gave us, I really don't think that an indestructible hunk o' metal, should be enough ta' scare anyone here! Do whatcha have to, 'Black! If you really do think, that Black Steel's the best sparrin' partner thatcha' can find for us, I say: BRING 'IM ON! We're ready fer anything and everything that you can dish out to us! Sal! Fill the newbies in 'bout Black Steel! If he's gonna be our sparrin' partner, then I ain't even gonna let St. John walk inta' the ring unprepared for 'im!

Sally agreed! Nicole! Give us everything you have on the Mecha-Pirates!

Nicole accessing Nightmare Pirate Main Database, Sally!

(Nicole shocks everyone within whispering distance, about how deadly and unstoppable, the Mecha-Pirates proved to be to Robotnik! And the very thought, that these deadly fighting machines, could re-construct themselves even after being completely destroyed, is enough to chill even the bravest Freedom Fighter to the bone!)

Mina heh-If that's really the best you got, 'Black, then Eggman has every right in the world, ta' be scared ta' death of us! Even if this "Black Steel" guy can re-construct 'imself, we should each have 'im pounded ta' scrap in a sonic-second!

Ash (Thinking) Mina's been showing a lot more than 'er fair-share o' guts lately! I just hope she doesn't wind up gettin' 'erself killed, or worse-yet, Roboticized!

Ash Sonic, I'm placing Mina's life in your hands! Please, protect 'er! I don't wanna lose 'er! And I know that you have similar feelings for the Princess, to what I have for Mina! Please! Don't let Mina get 'erself killed!

Sonic heh-don't worry 'bout a thing, Ash! Mina'll do just fine! She sure proved 'er worth pretty well already so far, didn't she!?

Ash You're right, Sonic! She sure did! But still, please, protect 'er! I don't wanna lose 'er—EVER!

Sonic trust me, Ash: I know exactly how ya' feel! You're afraid yer gonna lose Mina if she's not careful! Trust me: I know exactly watcher askin' o' me: you want me to protect Mina at all costs, and you wanna make sure that we don't lose 'er the same way I lost Sal way more times than I woulda' liked to! Don't worry, Ash! I promise! That ain't gonna happen! 'Cause both of our girls, will walk outta this alive, and as fleshies! That 's a promise!

(Some of Eggman's spies report, pretty realistically in fact, that Shadow, the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, are just about ready to give Eggman the fight of his life! The spies also report, that if Eggman isn't careful, the upcoming battle, is very liable, to end in Eggman's ultimate, and total, destruction! These reports, though vital and good to know, are still labeled as "Bad News", which Eggman demanded, that his spies never deliver any more of! He knows that his spies are just doing the job that he, himself, programmed them to do, but Eggman still recalls his entire spy-network, to Robotropolis, for immediate dismantlement! Thing is, now Eggman is totally blind, and deaf, to any new surprises that his most hated enemies have in store for him! The Destructix, the entire Dark Egg Legion, Snively, and Lien-Da, all view this recall as a huge mistake that will cost them greatly! For it means: that anything their "New 'Friend'", the Pirate, comes up with from here on in, will catch Eggman, and everyone else in Robotropolis completely off-guard, and could very possibly end, in the destruction of the whole city, and anything and everything willingly evil, that dwells in it! The Dark Egg Legion briefly considers sending some of their own spies to New Mobotropolis to keep an eye or several, on these seemingly unstoppable nemeses; Unfortunately for Eggman and all of his local commanders, the D.E.L. never receives the go-ahead to do so, and with those explosive devices built into their prosthetics, nobody in the D.E.L. dared cross Eggman, or even briefly consider going over his head! They all know, and remember: that what happened to Lien-Da*(* See STH #211) could very easily happen to the rest of them, as well; their plan to beef Eggman's spy-network back up, goes straight out the second-story window, the minute it's thought of! Every one of Eggman's troops, are almost too afraid to even leave their barracks! They are all scared to death, of what this unstoppable, and tightly-knit enemy union could do to them once they arrive at the siege-lines; they still weren't going to root for the Good Guys, but they didn't necessarily want to get scrapped, either! Bunnie's own Uncle Beauregard, however, is still, in private of course, rooting for his niece; he knows that if Eggman gets wasted, the Legion will be on their own side again, and Beauregard and his niece, Bunnie, would therefore, have a very strong chance of being a family again, and he would finally get a chance to really get to know his new nephew-in-law, Antoine! Beauregard does not care anymore, whether he's accepted by the world around him or not! As long as he had a strong-willed, and courageous fighter in the family, that had far more strength than he ever did, and would stand up for what was right, that's all that Beauregard really cares about anymore; his attitude is: if Bunnie survives, Roboticized, Legionized, or stays a creature of half-way-flesh-and-blood*(* Beauregard has not yet heard, that his niece had been de-mechanized by Naugus), Beauregard will go to his grave happy, even if it is his own niece who ends up putting him there to win this war! Getting back to Eggman, he has 200 Shadow-Bots, 30 Dynamics, and a full 500 more Com-Bots added to his still-vast army; anticipating that One-Eyed Black's life essence will still be in Black Steel when the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix are finally ready to strike, Eggman also sets his best ordnance expert to work on a weapon, that would have the potential, of destroying the Mecha-Pirate leader permanently! Eggman is, of course, no more successful at this than the original Robotnik had been when he was staring down the gun-barrel of this notorious robotic renegade; since the Mecha-Pirates get their re-construction powers through magic, and even though Eggman is now at least almost as technologically advanced as the Legion now, all of his plans for such a weapon goright down the drain! Meanwhile, Dr Finitevus is now very much concerned with saving his own skin. And after learning about the existence of Ultra Mina, Finitevus is afraid to leave his hiding place, even for minutes! Although he has no desire whatsoever to side with Eggman, Finitevus very accurately assumes, that once Eggman, the Destructix, and the D.E.L. are out of the way, that he could very well be next! He then remembers that the Brotherhood had come up with a weapon capable of destroying Enerjak! Finitevus feels that a weapon like that, could very easily take care of all five of these Ultimate Beings, even if they all attacked him at once!)

Finitevus computer, see if you can hack into what's left of Haven's mainframe, and get me the plans for that weapon!

Finitevus' Master Computer I am afraid that that will be near-impossible, Dr. Finitevus! After Dimitri became the primary operator of Haven's primary security system, it could take hours, to months, to get passed all of the program-blocks, that Dimitri has set up! No one but a surviving member of the Brotherhood, can get passed all of the program blocks undetected! Extracting the information desired, could take some time!

Finitevus -groan-do what you can, Computer! I must have that weapon! My survival depends on it!

(Fortunately for all beings of good-heart that Finitevus plans to harm, One-Eyed Black's computer, is listening in on this conversation, and alerts Black Steel)

Soon…

(Black Steel is engaged in a practice battle, involving him, "Against" Shadow, Sonic, Mina, Tails, and Knuckles all at once! Carrie ends up sending the message to Black Steel, just minutes after the exercise is over)

Mecha-Pirate #1: Black Steel You guys are getting pretty good at operating as a team together, and I have a very strong feeling that Eggman…Hold on a sec, you guys! I just received an urgent message from Carrie! And I think you should be the one to hear it, Knuckles!

(Carrie now appears before the assembled crowd)
Carrie Black Steel! Freedom Fighters! Chaotix! Urgent message! Apparently, there is more trouble headed our way! I will give you three guesses, and these three hints, Knuckles: He is pure-white, he is sinister, and his only commendable deed, was the creation of, the Warp-Ring!

Knuckles (Making a couple of very tight fists, and almost forgetting that today's group exercise is over) DR FINITEVUS! Please don't tell me that that white creep's joined the party, too!

Carrie I have good news, AND bad news for you, Knuckles! First, the good news: Finitevus has no desire whatsoever, to team up with Eggman! As you have very well seen for yourselves, however, he does value self-preservation! The bad news: Finitevus is trying to hack into Haven's mainframe, and is now attempting to download the plans, of the weapon capable, of destroying, Enerjak; Finitevus apparently plans to use the weapon, to destroy, the Super Team!

Knuckles (Punching hard against the wall immediately aside of him) if that white creep gets a-hold o' that weapon, we're gonna be in serious trouble! Finitevus is not gonna hesitate to use a weapon like that on us when we next-challenge 'im! Julie-Su! Contact Dimitri immediately! Finitevus must not get 'is filthy mitts on the plans for that weapon!

Julie-Su Already on it, Knuckles!

(Julie-Su wastes no time in establishing a com-link between herself and what remains of Haven; Equally fortunate, Dimitri is always eager to hear the voice of a fellow echidna, especially when that voice, comes from the only member of his disciples who was smart enough, and brave enough, to side with the heroes of Mobius, even when faced with the most life-threatening of challenges! In several surviving echidnas' eyes, Julie-Su has, in fact, been earmarked, as the one Dark Legionnaire, who had the guts to stand up for herself, and follow her heart to its full content! Her fellow Legionnaires continue to label her a "Traitor", and a lot of the rest of the surviving echidna, now banished to Albion, largely because she came from the group that they feared, and hated for so long, have only begun to accept her as one of their own, but on Angel Island, and in New Mobotropolis, Julie-Su has made her mark, as a hero! And, especially to the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, if ever there was a Dark Legionnaire, that would stand up for what was right, Julie-Su was definitely it! Realizing that it's her, Dimitri more than willingly picks up!)

Dimitri What is it, My Child!?

(As soon as communication is established, Julie-Su informs Dimitri that Finitevus is after the weapon that very well could've destroyed Enerjak, and that the weapon, considering what One-Eyed Black had given to Knuckles and three of his closest, yet-reluctant allies, could be extremely dangerous if it falls into Finitevus' hands!)

Julie-Su…And if Finitevus does succeed in getting his filthy mitts on something like that, then Knuckles and the friends that he and I have both here at ground-level AND on Angel Island are all gonna be in serious trouble! And I really don't think anyone else on this planet's gonna be any safer!

Dimitri so, our good "friend" Finitevus wants that weapon for himself, does he?

Julie-Su 'fraid so! And if Finitevus does succeed in constructing it, who knows what kinda damage a creep like Finitevus would do with a weapon like that!

Dimitri Do not worry, My Child! Even if I have to erase the file on that weapon completely, I assure you, Julie-Su: it will not fall into Finitevus' hands!

(With this, Dimitri signs off, kind of rudely, the way Julie-Su sees it, but the news that Dimitri will do what he can to at least slow Finitevus down, is at least, somewhat good news to Knuckles)

Chapter #16: COMPLEION OF TRAINING

Knuckles (Thinking) Dimitri, I'm countin' on ya', this time! Please! Don't screw up! If that file falls into Finitevus' hands, none of us'll be safe!

(The Chaotix now get in touch with Archimedes immediately, and tell him of the situation at-hand)

Archimedes thanks a bunch, Sheila! Had that weapon been thought of and constructed when Dimitri was Enerjak, it might very well've saved us all! But now, with Dimitri incapable o' ever achievin' such power again, and after Knuckles became the identity of that god-like monster, I knew that using that weapon, would be a really bad idea! Anyway, Sheila, thanks for the update! And don't worry! Like Dimitri said: even if the plans of that weapon have to be destroyed, Finitevus'll never get 'is filthy mitts on 'em!

(Meanwhile, Finitevus' computer, by now, is almost 100% successful, in cracking Haven's code, and Finitevus is just a few buttons on the keyboard away from beginning the download process, of the file on the weapon he wants, oh, so very badly! Fortunately, Finitevus' computer's communication with Haven's mainframe is terminated by Dimitri, before the file can be completely downloaded. Only about 64% of the file makes into Finitevus' computer's databanks; the file is, therefore, far too incomplete for Finitevus to use)

Still…

Finitevus Bah! No matter! I've downloaded near-enough! I can figure out the rest later!

Meanwhile…

Knuckles well, Pirate? Was Dimitri able ta' stop 'im, or wasn't 'e!?

Mecha-Pirate #1: Black Steel Finitevus was only able to download about 64% of the file that he wanted from Haven; Your distant grand-uncle Dimitri was able to stop him before the rest could be obtained! And what Finitevus was able to get, is not enough to construct the weapon right away like he was hoping to! It could take Finitevus weeks, to possibly even a decade to figure out enough to adequately duplicate the weapon! And unlike the Destructix, Finitevus is smart enough to know when not to enter a fight; he seems to know very well: If he enters the inferno that One-Eyed Black has lit for Eggman, He will get fried for certain! And if any Bad Guy in this world values self-preservation, it is definitely Dr Finitevus! It is very doubtful that you, or your friends have that much to worry from him for at least a few months, and by then, Eggman will either be in the hospital, OR better yet, DEAD! Finitevus, as you very-well know, Knuckles, is strictly a solo-guy! Not even the threat of all of our powers combined, will be enough to make him change 'is mind there! And again: Even if Finitevus does hurry its production along, the weapon-in-question, will not be ready for use, for at least a few months!

Sonic (Giving his famous wink and thumb-up) heh-and if tryin' ta' get a-hold o' that thing really was the Bad Guys' best shot, THEY'RE IN TROUBLE!

(In-between when Eggman's spies stop listening, and when the Freedom Fighters are ready to strike, even Cream, the youngest and one of the greenest of all of the Freedom Fighters, can nail at least four Swat-Bots, with one shot! Even the more battle-hardened and tested members of both groups of heroes, learn skills that One-Eyed Black*(*His spirit, at this moment, is still in control of Black Steel) tells them all, will help them all out greatly in any-and all-future battles that they may fight! And each of the Freedom Fighters, and each of the Chaotix, learn how to fight as a team as large assix animals! Individually, here are some highlights: Sonic becomes at least a little bit faster, and now, has a lot more faith in even his most uneasy friend! All of this makes Sonic that much more unstoppable; even St. John admits to being at least somewhat impressed! As for Sally, when it comes time for her to train, One-Eyed Black can very well see, that she is still a long way from recovering completely; apparently the kind words from Sonic, Knuckles, and other friends that she holds close to her heart, are still not enough, to bring her completely out of that ever-dreaded-and-notorious whirlwind of guilt; Strong as Sally's guilt is, however, her hatred towards her enemies and her feelings for her friends, are both just as unquenchable! She pulls off acrobatic moves that nobody ever saw her perform before, all the while, kicking, punching, chopping, shooting, and hitting her opponents into near-Oblivion! It is kind of scary for the Freedom Fighters, her closest friends among them, especially, to see Sally so rage-driven, but are far-more than convinced that, now, she can definitely defend and handle herself, and dish out at least some punishment in the process, as well! Even Shadow admits to being at least somewhat impressed with Sally!)

Shadow (Turning to Sonic) I'll admit it, Sonic! Your girl's got some moves! I just hope that her new-found rage doesn't cause her to do anything too foolish!

Sonic Hedgehog's Honor, Shadow! Sal will come outta this alive! And I'm gonna protect 'er with my life this time! I lost 'er a ton o' times before…And I am not gonna lose 'er again!

Tails (Thinking)I'm really glad to see that Sonic and Sally are so close again!-Sigh- I just wish I had that kinda luck with the girls in MY life! Fiona leavin' us for Scourge was a major crusher for everyone who thought that they could call her a friend, especially me! I know that Barbie the Koala likes me, but she's a little too old for me, and I know Mina already has Ash!-sigh-I just hope that I have better luck with my new friend, Cream!

Cream whatcha thinking about, Tails!?

Tails-Sigh-mostly about the friends that I lost, Cream!

Cream I know that Fiona turning bad was really heartbreaking for you, Tails! But don't worry! I'm sure you'll find someone out there that you like just as well!

Tails (Wiping a few tears from his eyes)-sniff-thanks, Cream! You really are a true friend!

(Cream closes her eyes and smiles in full acceptance of Tails' kind words to her. Soon afterwards, it is now time for Tails to show Black Steel what he's made of, and Black Steel is anticipating, and hoping, that Tails is "made" of the strongest and most durable element on any version of the planet! One-Eyed Black has always admired Tails for his strong will, near-unconquerable courage, and for his near-unmatched perseverance! Tails has also picked up a speed trick or two from Sonic by now, and has great technological skill*(* Nobody is ever going to forget, that Tails grew to be just as smart in the ways of technology, and is now also almost as inventive, as Rotor!)! And Tails does not let this good friend of his ace-mentor's down! Tails lays waste up to 10 Com-Bots in a single minute, and proves to have some of the best fighting skills of any Freedom Fighter that came before him, his idol, Sonic, included! And after the session is over, Sonic goes on, and on, about how well his good buddy Tails did in there! Tails accepts the vote of confidence with a huge smile, especially since these kind words are coming from his hero and best friend! Bunnie continues to pull off amazing feats of strength, hitting power, and fire-power with her new gloves and boots! She is able to lift up to 50 times her own weight, without anything in the way of assist! Her lasers can nail a golf ball, from a distance of up to 1,000 yards, her force-shield can withstand up to 20 direct hits from a bazooka-laser, and her karate kicks have never been more lethal! Antoine once again, thanks One-Eyed Black a thousand times over, for making his wife so strong and alive again! It is also revealed, that even without these new accessories, it is discovered that, shortly before One-Eyed Black arrived in New Mobotropolis, Bunnie had been working out several hours each day in the gym, in the hopes of getting at least some of her lost strength back! Even without her new gloves and boots, Bunnie can still bench-press up to twice her own weight without assist! Next up: Julie-Su! Julie-Su now gets a chance to see what her gun can really do with its new power-booster: with just one shot, a full eight, of Eggman's most dangerous, regular-sized 'bots, are history! Julie-Su openly admits that she is really impressed, and that she now agrees with the rumors she has heard from others who know this "'coon of a software pirate" better than she does: that his technology is, indeed, far superior to any Mobian technology yet-devised, that of the original Dark Legion included! Knuckles proves just as good a fighter as Sonic, and is able to tear a Dynamic apart with his bare hands!)

Mecha-Pirate #1: Black Steel (Thinking) Knuckles, if your father was still around, and was watching you right now, I'm very certain that 'e'd be really proud o' you, for becoming such a mighty, and unstoppable fighter! I really don't think, after seeing what I'm seeing, that your father would really care that much, about whether ya' learned these new tricks on Angel Island, or not!

(Archimedes is also watching this, he hears Black Steel's thoughts; and he agrees with this deadly fighting machine 100%)

Archimedes you're absolutely right, my metallic friend! I'm pretty sure that the Brotherhood'll really like, and appreciate, everything yer doing for their newest n' most powerful inheritant! And if the Brotherhood ever does come back, I'll be sure to put in a good word for ya'! I know they'll both be proud o' Knuckles, and deeply appreciative to you, "Black-Glove"!

Back in New Mobotropolis…

Cream Oh, please, Mother! The Freedom Fighters really need me! And I know One-Eyed Black will never let anyone get lost! I promise: I'll do everything the others say!

Vanilla (Cream's mother) -chuckle-Well, One-Eyed Black did promise that no-one would be lost on his watch! And I'm glad that he trusts you as much as he does! Of course you can go with them, Dear! And when-or if-you ever get close enough to that horrible Eggman character, do what you can to help our new friend take him down! Just don't get into too much trouble, and do exactly what your friends tell you!

Cream (Giving Vanilla a huge hug) I promise, Mother! And I won't let you, or anyone else but Eggman down!

Vanilla-giggle- After One-Eyed Black created all those wonderful new toys for the Freedom Fighters to use against that horrible Eggman character, I have complete trust in him, Cream-dear! I am a little worried about you, but I also know that One-Eyed Black will not allow a single life to be lost! And I know he came all this way, just to help your friends!

Cream (Eyes sparkling like a Christmas tree) Thank you, Mother! And I promise: if I do get close enough, I'll pop Eggman right in the kisser! Just for you!

Vanilla (Thinking, smiling, and closing her eyes in pleasure)-chuckle- that's my girl!

Narrator (One-Eyed Black) note for the records on the Sonic Dimension: I knew Mina's Mom was a nice animal, but Cream's Mom!? She leads all other mothers to shame! Vanilla is a very caring, and kind-hearted creature; I know very well, that Vanilla would rather swallow a hot poker, than watch Cream get herself killed, or worse-yet, Roboticized, but Vanilla also knows, that once Cream sets her mind to something, there is pretty-well no way to stop 'er, and the Freedom Fighters obviously noticed this, and it was probably this near-indomitable courage, that landed Cream a place in the Team, pretty-well on the spot! Vanilla will probably always worry about Cream until she's on 'er death-bed, but, just like Mina's parents, Vanilla is very supportive, of any, and every dream of greatness, that her child may have. And it will always put a smile on Vanilla's face, when she learns how big a help on a mission, that Cream was to her new friends, the Freedom Fighters! In short: Vanilla does worry about Cream, but she also has absolute faith in her!

(Cream now exits her home, more than ready for the challenges that await her; just then, Tails shows up)

Tails Hey, Cream! I'm glad I finally found ya'! The final round o' training begins in just a couple hours! And if I heard Black Steel right, it'll be your turn super-soon!

Cream Tails, do you think you could give me a lift to the arena!? It would definitely save some time!

Tails Sure, Cream! I may not be quite-as-fast as Sonic, but I'm sure that I can getcha there in no-time flat!

(Tails grabs Cream by the arm, and uses every bit of speed, that his good friend and favorite mentor, Sonic, has shown him how to accomplish! Tails has Cream over to where she needs to be, in less than two minutes!)

Cream (After she's dropped off by Tails) thank you, Tails! That was a very nice ride! Black Steel, I'm ready for you! Give me your best shot!

Tails (Thinking) Sonic was so happy to get Sally back!-sigh-I just wish I had somebody in my life who would stick by me no matter what!

Sonic (Almost ready to begin his last round of training before the big assault) Yo, Big Guy! What's on yer mind!?

Tails (With several tears in his eyes) -sigh-I was just thinkin' about you and Sally, Sonic! You're really lucky! You have a girl that'll stick by ya' no matter what!—sob—I—I—I just wish, that that coulda' happened for me and Fiona!

Sonic look, Big Guy! I know exactly how ya' feel! Fiona turnin' bad was not a good memory fer anyone here! But, like Cream said: There're plenty o' fish in the sea out there waitin' for ya' ta' find 'em! Don't worry 'bout a thing, Big Guy! I know you'll find someone out there that you'll really like!

Tails (Wiping some tears from his eyes)-sniff-Thanks, Sonic!

Sonic now c'mon, Big Guy! We got just one more round o' trainin' ta' go through! And I agree with both 'Black, and Sal on this one! They prob'ly want us to be as at the top of our game as we can get, before we finally get to take on Eggman fer real!

Tails (Thinking) Sonic's right! I can't let anyone down just 'cause of a broken heart! And now that 'Black gave me the power to go Turbo on a moment's notice, and with all the other cool gadgets that 'e made for us, I know, almost fer certain, that there's no way Eggman's gonna win! And Fiona, if you do get caught in the cross-fire, there's no gettin' ya' out of it this time! And for betraying me, Sonic, and the Freedom Fighters, I'm not gonna hesitate ta' pull the trigger! So, you better watch out, Fiona! 'Cause here we come!

Nicole Incoming transmission!

Sally -sigh-alright!Who is it this time, Nicole? And where's it coming from?

Nicole Place of origin: The Dragon Kingdom; Identity of contactor: Monkey Khan

Sally-sigh-alright, Nicole! Put 'im on!

Monkey Khan Monkey Khan calling New Mobotropolis! Good friend to Monkey Khan, Sally, there!?

Sally-sigh-yeah, I'm here, Ken!

Monkey Khan Sally! Monkey Khan has heard about everything that newly-returned friend, One-Eyed Black, is doing for you and all of your good friends! Monkey Khan heard One-Eyed Black's entire message! And Monkey Khan cannot honestly blame One-Eyed Black for thinking the way One-Eyed Black does! Monkey Khan just calling to wish good friend Sally good luck! One-Eyed Black had bravery, and heart to get Sally back for the Freedom Fighters! Monkey Khan heard numerous rumors about One-Eyed Black, Sally! Monkey Khan told that if anyone besides Sonic is capable of scoring great victory against that fiend, Eggman, it is definitely One-Eyed Black!

Sally (Huge shadow over her eyes) well, that makes several of us, Ken! And I gotta admit, if anyone wants Eggman dead, I'll agree with you, Ken, that it's definitely One-Eyed Black!

Monkey Khan Monkey Khan very certain that One-Eyed Black will bring you absolute victory, Sally! And One-Eyed Black rescued you from being a slave of Eggman forever! So why such a long face!? You should be happy that One-Eyed Black is going to such lengths for you, Sally! Monkey Khan heard that One-Eyed Black single-handedly brought you back, Sally! Monkey Khan feels very sad to see good friend, Sally looking so down! What's wrong!?

(Sally looks down in shame)

Sally it's-it's just too painful for me to say, Ken! But my friends can definitely fill you in!

Sonic -groan-got some bad news for ya', Monkey-Boy! There were some side-effects to the way 'Black brought Sal back!

Monkey Khan "Side-effects"!?

Sonic -groan-'fraid so, Monkey Boy! As in: three of the most dominant parts o' Sal's personality bein' amped!

Monkey Khan lay it on Monkey Khan, Sonic! Monkey Khan certain it can't be that bad!

Sonic the parts o' Sal's personality that were amped the most, were 'er compassion for 'er friends, her hatred fer 'er enemies, and 'er guilt over everything she did as Mecha-Sally!

Monkey Khan Good friend Sally really that miserable, huh? Well, Monkey Khan grateful that One-Eyed Black brought good friend Sally back at all! And now, Monkey Khan just as eager to rip Eggman's evil heart out, as your good friend, One-Eyed Black must be! Tell One-Eyed Black for Monkey Khan: One-Eyed Black has Monkey Khan's full praise and support!

Sonic (Looking kind of hopeful that the extra company might help him and Knuckles cheer Sally up) we could sure use ya', Ken! And I'm pretty sure that with you here, Sal's recovery time might be cut down by quite a bit! And, I gotta admit, Monkey Boy: we could sure use the extra help! So waddaya say!? Join with us fer this, and I promise ya' a good share o' the cake!

Monkey Khan don't get Monkey Khan wrong, Sonic! Monkey Khan would love to help good friend Sally and her friends punch Eggman's lights out! But Monkey Khan afraid Monkey Khan far too far away to help!

Sonic heh-no problemo, Monkey-Boy! Stay right where y'are! 'Black'll teleportcha over here! And you'll be in town in plenty o' time fer the party!

Sonic (Now turning to Black Steel) well, 'Black!?

Mecha-Pirate #1: Black Steel if we're gonna deliver a nice big "Ouch!" to Eggman, we'll probably need all the help we can get! Do as Sonic says, Ken! I'll have ya' over here in single-digit seconds! SMILE!

(True to the Mecha-Pirate leader's word, Monkey Khan is teleported to New Mobotropolis immediately! Upon his arrival, Monkey Khan is clued in on everything that's going on. It does require, however, that One-Eyed Black's spirit remain in the Black Steel shell, for at least another few hours, which is all that it really takes for all of the Freedom Fighters and Chaotix, to declare Monkey Khan ready to give Eggman a very serious dose of well-deserved punishment! After the training of Monkey Khan is complete, One-Eyed Black's consciousness is transferred back into his "real" body)

After fully conscious again, One-Eyed Black has a very vital message for the whole city…

One-Eyed Black as of learning of me training you guys against 'bots far more dangerous than 'is own, Eggman got so fed up with all the "bad news" he was getting, that he recalled his entire spy-network from New-Mobotropolis for dismantlement! The reason I didn't tell you guys this before: to tell ya' the absolute truth: I kinda wanted Eggman ta' hear what we were up to! I knew that if he heard enough "Bad news", he'd recall all his spies from the area, and dismantle 'em, for not delivering any news of weaknesses in us, to make up for all the "Bad news" that he was getting, that you guys're growing ever-stronger by the day! As of when I became Black Steel, Eggman's radar in New Mobotropolis has officially lost the bleeps, the sweeps, and the creeps!

Elias Well, it still would've been nice to know about the situation with Eggman's spies before, when they were still watching, Commander Black! Had we heard from you earlier of this development, we would've been a great deal less paranoid as to any move that our foes were making! In short: a little warning next time, would be nice, Commander!

One-Eyed Black agreed! But keep in mind, you guys: it was because you guys were doing so well in training, that Eggman's spies had nothing but bad news to report to the bad doctor!

Dylan And Eggman got so fed-up with hearing that he was in big trouble, that he recalled his entire spy-network, and scrapped 'em!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) hear me out, Dylan: guys like Eggman like nothing more than to learn about their foes' weaknesses, and by training the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, far beyond their usual limits, I wasn't really giving anyone of evil heart the satisfaction!

Hamlin HMPH!—So, why didn'tcha say anything about this right after all the spies were gone, Old Man!?

One-Eyed Black I was not 100% sure that all of them HAD stopped listening, until just hours ago! As in: about 15 minutes, and 39.64 seconds, before my soul was transferred back into my "real" body! I know that a lot of you are somewhat disappointed in me, that I didn't report this earlier, and I know that I'm really not gonna receive anymore forgiveness for this, than you guys got outta me, for the Mecha-Court-Marshal incident! But at least now, for the time-being, at least, Eggman is no longer watching us, and it will be several weeks, before his spy-network is even close to back up n' running!

Elias Well, I feel that you should be promoted to Colonel for making our enemies so afraid of us, but at the same time, I also feel that we should suspend your title of Commander for not telling us of this development earlier, when we needed to hear it the most! But since the value of both consequences seems to be equal, let's just call it even!

And when One-Eyed Black fills the Freedom Fighters in the rest of the way…

Bunnie so, y'all mean we were doin' so wayill in trainin', that Eggman's 'spahs had nuttn' but bayad news to show ol' Egg-Face, and so, he called 'em all bayack ta' Robo-Tayown n' scrapped 'em all!?

(One-Eyed Black nods his head)

Sallywhen was that recall made, One-Eyed Black!?

One-Eyed Black Eggman recalled the last of 'is spies from New Mobotropolis, about one hour, 12 minutes, and 4.78 seconds after I transferred my consciousness into Black Steel!

Sonic heh-so, in other words, everything we did-and will do-from the 'Bot-smashin' practice onwards, Egg-Breath'll totally unpreparedfor!?

(One-Eyed Black again, nods his head)

Sonic Swwweeeet!

(Soon afterwards, training is finally complete to all observers satisfaction; the ever-anticipated full-scale assault on Robotropolis is nearly at hand!)

Chapter #17: ASSAULT AND RESCUE

(The very next week, the unified heroes prepare for battle! All strategies are kept under wraps until the very last second before they are delivered! The Council, even Naugus this time, unanimously agree, that since this was-and in more than one, still is-One-Eyed Black's plan, that One-Eyed Black will be the most logical choice, to coordinate the entire operation, but, knowing that each and every one of these guys, will listen to her a lot more than they will to him, One-Eyed Black requests, that Sally assist him, for he feels that she knows everybody on both teams like the back of her hand, and thus, will be able to help him coordinate and better communicate with everyone in the entire boarding party! This turns out be true of both Freedom Fighter, and Chaotic alike! The plan is a little complex, but it is something that every warrior in the group, is familiar with, and good at: They are to battle their way through the siege lines, and get as close to the gut of the city as possible, whoever reaches Eggman first, that will be who takes him out! And with the Korlonium weapons that One-Eyed Black has provided all team members without special powers, getting past most of Eggman's troops, should be pretty-well "Easy Street"! Once within the boundaries of the city, Rotor and Julie-Su are to sabotage as many of the primary defense systems as possible, after which, they are to meet back up with the others; Antoine, Cream, Vector, Amy, and Charmy, are to watch everyone's backs, as well as provide Eggman's forces with some additional hurt; Espio is to monitor, and report, on any and all strategies that may come out of Eggman's War Room, just in case Eggman does try to pull anything screwy, that the Good Guys weren't ready for; Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, and Mina form the primary striking unit; If Tails, Sonic, Knuckles, Shadow, and/or Mina, run into any trouble they can't otherwise get out of, that's when they call forth their Ultimate Forms, and tear everything made of metal, that is not a Robian, that comes their way APART! Bunnie and Monkey Khan are to serve as additional back-up, and make sure that their friends' activity, goes uninterrupted; One-Eyed Black and Sally form the spear-head, and coordinate the entire operation; One-Eyed Black also gives strict orders, that anything made of metal that is not a Robian, is to be terminated with the most extreme prejudice imaginable! If any Robians are encountered, they are to be teleported straight to the main lab in New Mobotropolis, where Sonic's Uncle Chuck is to fit them with Free-Will Restoration Circuit-Cards, after which they are to be moved immediately to the De-Roboticizer! Unfortunately, there are now far more Robians than was originally believed; by now, Eggman, just as his main-zone counterpart had done in the first 4 years of his reign of terror, has Roboticized about 237 more Mobians; bringing it up to a total of 2,937 Robians; there are thus, far more hostages for Eggman, the D.E.L., and the Destructix to hide behind than the Good Guys had originally anticipated. One-Eyed Black, now with nothing but vengeance on his mind, and much to his surprise and dismay, is the only one who makes it all the way through to Eggman; the others are either kept pretty-well-occupied, or worse-yet, are captured, while fighting the 'Bots, the Legion, and the Destructix* (*Most of the captures being made by the Destructix)! Everyone was right about Monkey Khan's presence taking the Bad Guys totally off-guard, for neither Eggman, nor Monkey Khan's original creator, Robotnik, could ever, for the life of either mad genius, figure out how to adequately control this first "Failed Experiment". Unfortunately, Monkey Khan is only one, and even worse yet, the Destructix are not the least bit afraid of him; the Destructix, by now, and in large part no thanks to the Iron Queen, know pretty well all of his weaknesses like the backs of their own hands by this point. Most disastrous of all, almost everyone fell right into Eggman's clutches, and a good-half and possibly a few more, of the whole boarding party are captured, and the scariest part of all, while the saboteurs were hacking into Eggman's files, they learned that Eggman had, somehow, refitted his Roboticizers with a special, calibrated frequency, that could terminate the effects of One-Eyed Black's Neuro-Overrider Tattoos! Fortunately, however, Sally is not one of the ones who was captured this time, and is, in fact, the one who reports to all un-captured members of the boarding party, the direness of the situation. Thing is, by the time One-Eyed Black is alerted, he is right in the middle of pounding Eggman into non-existence, and does not hear Sally at first. Fortunately for her overall patience, Sally is able, to get through to Sonic, Shadow, Tails, Knuckles, and Mina. By now, however, all five of them are in their ultimate forms, and their backs totally against the wall, faced with a very large number, of Dynamics, Com-Bots, and Shadow-Bots!)

Super Sonic don't worry, Sal! If you've lasted this long, then the others should be fine, too, right!?

Sally I'm afraid wrong, Sonic! The others are in really big trouble right now! And One-Eyed Black is too focused on destroying Eggman to listen to me, right now!

Hyper Knuckles (Trying to hold off a Dynamic's grip on him) Ugh! Look, Sally! I know that Sonic, and the Pirate, both promised we'd get outta this alive! But, we're a little busy, right now! Besides! Didn't the Pirate inject everyone with those Neuro-Overrider-Tattoos o' his!?

Sally Unfortunately, it has just come to my attention, that Eggman was expecting them! He has upgraded his Roboticizers' software, to the point where even One-Eyed Black's Neuro-Overrider Tattoos are useless!

(Everyone on the Good Side listening, is caught totally off-guard! The news that Eggman has somehow learned how to make that part of One-Eyed Black's technology useless, puts a scare into everyone listening, especially those who've been captured! This news also, throws the Super Team, almost off-guard enough, to get slammed by Sergeant Simeon)

Turbo Tails Keep trying, Sally! I know yer gonna hate ta' hear this, but if we're gonna save the others from ending up like you did after Death Egg Mach-2's destruction or worse, 'Black's our only hope right now! Keep trying! He's bound to pick up sooner or later!

(By this time, One-Eyed Black has Eggman battered like a McNugget; the only part of Eggman's body that isn't bruised all over, is his voice-box, which he's using desperately to beg for mercy, from this seemingly unstoppable, relentless, and dangerous-to-even-talk-to adversary; Sonic, Sally, Shadow, Tails, Mina, and Knuckles, finally wind up screaming at the top of their lungs, just to get this uneasy ally of theirs to finally respond!)

The whole Super Team, plus Sally ONE-EYED BLACK! PICK UP!

One-Eyed Black Make the message quick, you guys! I got an oversized pimple to pop!

Sally ONE-EYED BLACK! FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE, LISTEN TO ME! OVER HALF THE BOARDING PARTY HAS BEEN CAPTURED, AND ARE ABOUT TO BE ROBOTICIZED! YOUR NEURO-OVERRIDER TATTOOS ARE USELESS! YOU MUST TELEPORT TO THE MASTER ROBOTICIZER'S LOCATION IMMEDIATELY! YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN SAVE US NOW!

(One-Eyed Black desperately looks through Eggman's twisted mind, hoping that Sally was fed a lie, designed to scare the Freedom Fighters away from destroying the Big Round Guy, and continues to act on his initial plan of action)

One-Eyed Black Dr Eggman! PREPARE FOR…

Sally ONE-EYED BLACK! YOU MUST TELEPORT TO THE MASTER ROBOTICIZER'S LOCATION NOW! IF YOU DON'T, THEN THAT MEANS THAT ALL OF THAT TRAINING, ALL OF THAT PREAPATION, ALL OF THAT HOPE YOU GAVE US ALL—IT WILL ALL BE FOR NOTHING! I KNOW VERY WELL, ONE-EYED BLACK: THAT KIND OF REP, IS DEFINITELY NOT WHAT YOU WANT, FOR ANY FRIENDSHIP, THAT YOU MAKE IN ANY WORLD THAT YOU GO TO! I WENT ALONG WITH ALL THIS, BECAUSE YOU PROMISED THAT NOBODY WOULD BE LOST! BUT NOW, YOU'RE GOING TO THROW ALL OF THAT AWAY, JUST FOR SOMETHING THAT NEVER YOUR FAULT TO BE BEGIN WITH!? IF THAT REALLY IS WHAT YOU WANT, ONE-EYED BLACK, THEN YOU ARE EVEN MORE HEARTLESS THAN I ALWAYS KNEW YOU WOULD BE!

(One-Eyed Black shudders all over from hearing this from his Uneasy-Partner-In-Evil-Stomping; he takes a long, hard look at Eggman's memory bank, and he can very well see, that Sally is telling the truth; for a few brief seconds, he continues to stare Eggman down)

Super Sonic 'Black! We're beggin' ya': Please! Help my friends! I don't wanna lose any of 'em this time! And I know that you don't wanna lose 'em, either! Please, 'Black! Help 'em!

Dr Eggman (Now seeing that there might be a way out of getting clabbered all the way to the Underworld, after-all) heh-heh-heh-Listen to the hedgehog and prairie dog, One-Eyed Black! You only have two options: One: Destroy me, and have your pitiful, insignificant friends never speak to you again! OR Two: Let me live, and save your pathetic friends! What's it gonna be!?

(One-Eyed Black stands there motionless for a few brief seconds, he doesn't exactly want Eggman to walk away from this alive, but, at the same time, he can't really allow anyone to come under the big bad round guy's influence and have whatever's left of the the Freedom Fighters afterwards hate him forever for it, either! And one of the parts of One-Eyed Black's overall personality that still remains intact, is a very strong dislike for being accused of being any type of evil, being called "heartless" among them, especially if the accusation in-question is made by someone whose judgment, that he knows is very influential to all comrades around her, like Sally's has almost always proven to be! And to One-Eyed Black , regardless of how few friends he makes in any world, knows and understands: Each and every friendship must be upheld, with honor, and respect, and it really tears him up inside, to even think of anyone of pure-heart, calling him "heartless", and knowing that if he doesn't help them, all hope of keeping any friendships alive, in any place, time, or dimension, could very-well be lost forever! And One-Eyed Black knows that friendship is far more important than revenge, especially on a guy that's not really his to kill, anyway)

Finally…

One-Eyed Black (returning the Phantom Dagger to its sheathe -snarl-You got off easy, Fat-Boy! But mark my words: someday, somehow, and hopefully someday soon, somebody's gonna take you down and out…FOR GOOD!

(With this, One-Eyed Black teleports off the scene and straight for the location of the Master Roboticizer, and just in time, too! For at this very moment, Snively is about ready to pull the lever!)

Snively Activating all feed-tubes of the Master Roboticizer in 5—4—3—2…

(Then, suddenly, a face that Snively hoped never to encounter, finally makes it through to the Master Roboticizer's location)

One-Eyed Black I don't think so, Sneeze-ly! NOT TODAY!

Snively !? KEEP AWAY FROM ME, YOU FREAK!

One-Eyed Black if ya' really want me not ta' harm ya', "Despicable You", then I suggest that you steer at least five yards clear o' those controls!

Snively !?

(With this, One-Eyed Black now teleports a deadly weapon into his hand; it is the most powerful carry-on weapon that he has in his vast arsenal: the Double Trouble X-1*(*A rapid-fire, Korlonium Crystal-powered bazooka-laser, teamed with a portable "War of the Worlds" Martian heat-ray!), and fires the heat-ray part of the weapon, right at the controls of the Master Roboticizer! In just single-digit-seconds, the entire control panel, and the table supporting it, becomes a red-hot molten ball of slag!)

Snively is too scared out of his skull to do as One-Eyed Black suggests, and so…

Snively OW! OW! OW! HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT!

One-Eyed Black (Shaking his head in extreme disappointment) that's the biggest problem with the Bad Guys no matter where ya' go: They never listen to good advice!

(One-Eyed Black now fires a conventional hand-gun at the feed tubes of the Master Roboticizer, shattering them, and frees the captured Freedom Fighters and Chaotix within them)

One-Eyed Black C'mon, you guys! Let's get outta here! Eggman may not be dead like I wanted, but at least I saved your guys' bacon from becoming robotic slaves o' the fat sicko! Not to mention, with what I was able ta' do to the Big Round Guy, he should be in the hospital fer a good-long-while! And I think that that should be enough fer today! And don't worry! Be it me, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, or whoever, Eggman will be going down, and in the kind of flames, that only a volcano can provide! And hopefully, that'll happen SOON, BEFORE Eggman does any irreparable damage in the meantime! Now c'mon! Let's get you guys and the others home! Sally! One-Eyed Black here! The boarding party's been rescued, and are now on their way home! I feel I put you guys in enough jeopardy for one mission! Tell the remainder of the Boarding Party to prepare for teleportation! It's time ta' send you guys home!

(One-Eyed Black fires his Teleportation Gun, in such a way, that every single member of the boarding party is hit with it, and is transported straight back to New Mobotropolis)

One-Eyed Black (Thinking, as he teleports off the scene himself) and, fer a while, at least, that's the place that I'm gonna be calling "home", too!

(With this, One-Eyed Black now teleports back to New Mobotropolis himself)

(The welcome-home reception is much better than what One-Eyed Black was anticipating, feeling that the mission was a waste because it didn't end in Eggman's destruction, like he originally wanted it to)

Sally It doesn't matter in the way you're thinking, One-Eyed Black! The important thing, is that we all made it out of that mess alive! And that's definitely, at least, something, to be proud of!

One-Eyed Black (Feeling at least a little bit better, but still showing numerous and obvious signs of extreme disappointment in himself) thanks, Sally!

Chapter #18: AFTERMATH AND JUBILATION

(About a week after everyone's back safe-and-sound in New Mobotropolis, Nicole gives One-Eyed Black the full report, on the damage that he, Shadow, Monkey Khan, the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix had done to Robotropolis before One-Eyed Black teleported everyone for home! As things turned out, even though Eggman still lived, a great deal of damage was done to all their enemies within that hellish city: Several key-factories, including all weapons depots, several power-houses, and a few other structures vital to that wretched city, had been almost literally leveled! The Master Roboticizer had been badly damaged in the final assault/rescue, and would be out of commission for several months! Eggman, Lien-Da, Snively, and almost all Dark Egg Legionnaires actively participating in the fight, plus several of the Destructix, were hospitalized; the least-injured of them, would not be leaving the hospital for at least a month! Almost every single scratch-built 'Bot that Eggman sent into battle that day, had either been seriously damaged, or destroyed! The Death Egg Mach-2 is now, completely out of the picture, and it will take Eggman years to build a new one! Slightly over half of all the Robians in the city, had either regained their free-will, or even better yet, were restored completely! According to Nicole, even though Eggman still lived, it did not seem very likely, that anyone on the whole planet, would have to worry about him for a least a full four-and-a-half months!)

Nicole I am well aware that you are disappointed that Eggman still lives, One-Eyed Black! However, regardless, we have scored, a major victory! Eggman's forces were badly crippled! Several key-structures in the city are, at least for now, out of the picture! And this was all made possible, by you, One-Eyed Black! Without you, I really do not think, that the Freedom Fighters would have ever scored such a victory! In addition, you got Sally back to us all! And I, Elias, Sonic and several others, are eternally grateful to you for that! The entire Council, Naugus included this time, are also eternally grateful to you for your efforts! If there is anything you ask for in return, please name it!

One-Eyed Black come to think of it, I do have one request, Nicole! And it's something that I wanted to do fer a very long time!

(While One-Eyed Black is consulting with Nicole, the Freedom Fighters all agree, that One-Eyed Black should be welcomed into the Freedom Fighters officially, and they pretty well immediately put plans for a surprise party into motion, and they get some unexpected help with the preparations: It is revealed, that Mina's band's hiatus, had been cut short! And Ash had every reason to: he wanted to congratulate the Freedom Fighters' new friend in his own way: With a free, major league, open-house concert! Sonic was in fact, told, just minutes before Shadow went to get their guest of honor, that Mina's band would be more than happy, to provide the party, with all of its music needs!)

Ash it's the least I can do, Sonic! Eggman may still be around, but I know almost fer a fact, that Eggman's wishin' that 'e didn't survive what you n' 'Black put 'im through last week! Plus, it'll be an excellent opportunity ta' play that "request" o' his! I can't think of any better time or place ta' do that, than here at this party thatcher throwin' for 'im!

Sonicheh-Thanks, Ash! I'm pretty sure 'Black'll love ya' for it!

(Shadow is alerted of these plans, and volunteers to get One-Eyed Black, over to this get-together, but is told not to tell "his master for the year" what's going on, until the surprise is sprung!)

(After One-Eyed Black's "little chat" with Nicole is over, One-Eyed Black contacts all of his friends, Nightmare Pirate, and otherwise, and tells them what he's planning to do; his final call, goes out to his good friend and second-in-command, the being known to Mobius as One-Eyed Black's first mate, Mad Marc, known to family and friends, simply as Marc)

Mad Marc so, you're gonna stay in the Sonic Dimension for a while, huh!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head)At least until all of the Freedom Fighters', and Chaotix's foes are defeated for all time*(*Which, One-Eyed Black well-understands could take several years-to-at-least-a-couple-of-decades, given that the enemies of both the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, are many, and widely spread!), yeah! I'm gonna stick around here for a while! I feel, that in the meantime, I could learn quite a bit from Sonic, Knuckles, and all of their friends here, about honor, friendship, and if I play my cards right, I might even learn a few new moves from these guys, as well! In addition, Shadow decided to stick by my side fer 'nother few months or so, and…

Mad Marc Say no more, Black-Glove! I get the message! And trust me on this: there's absolutely nobody, in their right mind, who's gonna stop ya'! Getting the chance to really get to know, and live with Sonic, the way you're planning to, is virtually every SEGA gamers' dream! A lot o' guys from our generation and plane of existence, would kill their entire neighborhood fer a chance like the one you're giving yerself! And if you really did finally prove yerself to Sally, a girl that a lot of us, gave up all hope of you ever gaining as a friend, trust me on this one, Black-Glove: You're making the best call for yourself, that you've made in a very long time! And like Tim said: If you ever need any of us, just give us the word! And hey! Whatever you wanna do ta' Eggman, he deserves!

One-Eyed Black thanks, Marc! Talk to ya' again same time o' day next month, your time!?

Mad Marc Sounds like a done-deal ta' me, Black-Glove! We'll talk some more next month!

(With this, Mad Marc concludes his transmission and signs off; just then, Shadow appears out of nowhere)

Shadow One-Eyed Black; Are you done talking to your old First Mate yet!?

One-Eyed Black (Somewhat caught off-guard, and realizing that someone was eaves-dropping) Oh!... er…yeah, Shadow! I'm done making calls fer this month!

Shadow good, then you had best come with me straight-away! The Freedom Fighters wish to have a word with you!

(Shadow grabs One-Eyed Black by the right arm, and heads at half-speed towards the building right next to where Sonic and Tails bunk up with each other, a structure that One-Eyed Black knows has not been used much for quite some time!)

One-Eyed Black Where's the fire, Shadow!?

Shadow you'll see! And I think you'll find this much to your liking!

(One-Eyed Black and Shadow now enter the building, just as One-Eyed Black closes the door behind him, the lights come on, and One-Eyed Black sees every last one of the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix there!)

All of the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix SURPRISE!

One-Eyed Black (Blushing deeply) I know it's not my birthday! What's the occasion, you guys!?

Sonic while you were talkin' ta' Nicole, we got ta' thinkin'! We all realize, and really appreciate, everything thatcha' did for us this past-month-n'-a-half! Gettin' Sal back for us, especially!

Knuckles gotta admit, Pirate! You did a heck of a job back there! Sally's friends scored against that fat creep big time, and it's all thanks ta' you!

(One-Eyed Black still shows some signs of unsureness, and gives off a very obvious "What's this all about" look)

Tails THIS is a "welcome aboard" party, 'Black! Just like Nicole toldja: We scored big time! Without you, we never would've pounded Eggman as far into the ground as we did last week!

Sally we all know that the mission would've been a total success if you destroyed Eggman, One-Eyed Black! But in saving all of US instead, you've shown to everyone here, including me, that your heart is far purer, than even Sonic claimed it to be! True, Eggman was not destroyed, but gaining you as an ally and most trusted friend by everyone here, is just as big a victory!

Julie-Su the Legion never was much for such celebration for this kind of stuff, Pirate! But you showing all of us, that you have the skill, the heart, AND the will, to always do what's right, I gotta admit: THAT is cause for celebration! And after everything you've done for Sonic and 'is friends, I'm bettin' that they're all really happy, to have such a powerful, and knowledgeable guy like you on their side!

Sonic heh-they're right, 'Black! You did a heck of a job back there! And ya' made all of us more powerful than any of us ever believed possible!

Knuckles Just got one favor ta' ask o' ya', Pirate!

One-Eyed Black I'm all ears, Knuckles!

Knuckles as soon as Eggman, the Destructix, and the D.E.L. are all eliminated as threats, promise me: that that mad-dingo Finitevus'll be next!

One-Eyed Black Knuckles, I can give ya' a written-in-stone guarantee: As soon as Eggman, the D.E.L., and the Destructix are all vanquished, everyone under their tyranny is liberated, as long as Naugus stays in line, and as long as Mogul sticks to 'is retirement plan, yes, Knuckles! Dr Finitevus will be next!

Bunnie Ah also got a lil' ol' favah o' mah own ta' ask o' y'all, Sugar-Black! When y'all get close enough to 'im, promise me that y'all'll make mah Uncle Beauregard see the lahght!

One-Eyed Black I really doubt that that'll be that much of a problem, Bunnie! I know very well that your Uncle does still have feelings for you! It's only Eggman, and your Uncle's strong desire to be where he feels he belongs, that's keeping the two of you apart, right now! I might have to twist, turn, and pull a few strings, but I promise, Bunnie! I'll do what I can!

Bunnie (Shedding several tears of joy and hope, and giving One-Eyed Black the biggest bear-hug that she can manage without her new gauntlets) that y'all're gonna at least trah is all Ah'm askin' foah, Sugar-Black! Just don't hurt 'im too bayad in the attayempt!

Sonic (Giving One-Eyed Black his famous wink and thumbs-up) 'Black! If there's anything we can do ta' repay ya' fer everything ya' did for us, we're all ears!

One-Eyed Black come ta' think of it, Sonic, I do have something in mind! It's gonna require all yer skill, all yer courage, AND all yer knowledge, but if you guys can make it all the way through it, I promise! You'll all come out better fighters, than any one of you, had ever thought possible!

(One-Eyed Black teleports several flyers into his hand, and passes them out)

Julie-Su "The Ultimate Game Masters' Competition"!?

Knuckles you're serious, Pirate!? You really think we have a shot at this!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) DEAD-serious, Knuckles!

Cream what's the "Ultimate Game Masters' Competition"!?

Sonic heh-only the most challenging and rewarding test o' strength, courage, and skill, that heroes like us, can possibly go through, Cream!

Knuckles (still not yet fully recovered from his shock that One-Eyed Black does, indeed believe, that the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix, are even close to ready for this kind of challenge) the Pirate only invites heroes that 'e's really impressed with to this!

Julie-Su and lemme guess: the Pirate views us as some of those heroes!

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) MMM-HMMM! I know that a lot o' you guys got captured last week, but I've seen each, and every last one o' you guys in action numerous times! And I know almost for yer version of a fact, that if you guys got captured, it prob'ly took a load o' 'Bot-Power on Eggman's part ta' do so!

Charmy -giggle-You're right, 'Black! It did take a lot! 'Course Vector was really shakin' in 'is shoes when he got captured!

Vector (Pinching Charmy's mouth shut) ZIP IT, CHARM! THE 'COON DON'T NEED TO KNOW 'BOUT THAT! Well, my main pirate! You want heroes? You definitely came ta' the right customers! Just tell us when n' where ta' meetcha fer this, and we'll be ready for it right when ya' pick us up!

Espio you do realize of course, Vector, that this contest may not be for all! My Clan has gone over the rule-book for the Ultimate Game Masters' Competition several times over; and two of the primary rules, I feel everyone who signs up for this should be aware of: No one inducted into this competition will be gone easy on, even in training; and the other rule that I think everyone should take note of: is that each competitor must spend the first four holdings of the contest that includes them in training! Only upon the competitor in-question's fifth time at the contest, does One-Eyed Black deem that competitor ready for the "real" challenges! And since the "UGMC" occurs every Summer Solstice, this means: each competitor must go through four of our years in training!

Sally and I think I understand why it's done that way: One-Eyed Black apparently wants whoever is signed up for this, to be as at the top of their game as possible for when they "actually" compete! Four years of training will suit everyone just fine, One-Eyed Black! But I think that several of us here, would like at least a little time to decide for themselves whether or not proving ourselves this way, really is for them!

Sonic you kiddin', Sal! Heh-If trainin's just as much fun as the real deal, like it usually IS with ol' 'Black, heh-I think everyone here's game!

Knuckles for once, I'm with ya', Sonic! You got a challenge for us, Pirate!? I SAY: BRING IT ON!

Cream MMM-HMMM, I think it's very nice of you to think about us this way, One-Eyed Black! Count me in, too!

Vector you sure yer Momma's gonna approve o' you doin' this, Cream!?

Cream (Looking somewhat insulted) MY MOTHER ALWAYS TRUSTS ME TO DO THE RIGHT THING! AND BESIDES! ACCORDING TO THE FLYER, NOBODY LEAVES THIS CONTEST DEAD! I'LL BE JUST FINE, MR. VECTOR!

Julie-Su (Reading the flyer from top to bottom) She's right, Vector! According to this, whether or not the hero in-question goes, is the hero's choice, NOT THAT OF WHOEVER'S WATCHING HIM-OR HER-IN ACTION!

(Vector begins to open his mouth to both contradict Julie-Su, and try to prove himself right about Vanilla being "too worried" about Cream to let her compete in this, but Espio cuts him off before he can even say a single word)

Espio she is right, Vector! Another rule that I feel I must bring up with everyone right here and now: after One-Eyed Black gives out his entire two-sense of encouragement, it is the hero's choice whether or not to go through with this, not that of any fan, friend, or family member associated with them! And anyone who does not support the hero for his-or her-courage and/or the decisions that the hero in-question has made that has saved the day, has to stay behind, and are forced to watch the hero in-question from the sidelines of their own homes!

One-Eyed Black (noticing at least some hesitation) for those of you who still aren't sure about this, I'll give each of you a maximum of two more years to decide!

Bunnie "two yeahs"!? Thayat's wayiy too long a wayit, Sugar-Black! Ah think everyone heah's gonna mayake up their mahnds in two days, easy!

One-Eyed Black Alright! One week ta' decide! Final offer!

Bunnie (Shaking One-Eyed Black's hand) Sayounds lahk a done deal ta' us, Sugar-Black!

Sonic Alright, you guys! Nuff talk! Back to the bash! Let's get to the cake!

One-Eyed Black !?

Sonic the Nightmare Pirates all told us how much ya' love devil's food with chocolate frostin'! And believe me, 'Black! We got plenty o' that ta' go 'round! And like we all said, 'Black: This party's fer you! And I really don't wantcha to miss out on yer own victory-bash!

Sonic (Now addressing everybody present) EVERYBODY, LET'S ALL HEAR IT FOR OUR NEWEST, AND SO-FAR MOST POWERFUL SINGLE ALLY!

(Everyone in the room gives a wild cheer)

(The Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix put their hands together like there's no tomorrow! One-Eyed Black finally sees, and accepts, that, YES, indeed, some of the first and best friends that he ever made in an alternate dimension, really do appreciate everything he's done for them! The party turns out to be one of the most happening parties thrown by the Freedom Fighters since the defeat of the original Robotnik! One-Eyed Black does feel greatly honored, but still feels that he's being thanked in far-too big a way, and thus, feels somewhat overwhelmed, but knows that the Freedom Fighters went through all this trouble to throw this party for him, and besides! He did promise not to let a single nother friend in this dimension down ever again, and therefore, feels an obligation, to accept at least a little bit of the honor, that his old-new friends from the Sonic dimension, are bestowing upon him! One-Eyed Black does feel that this party is a little more than One-Eyed Black feels he can usually handle, but, just the same, One-Eyed Black feels an obligation to show at least some gratitude, and does his best to show everybody that he's having a good time, even though the Freedom Fighters notice right away that One-Eyed Black feels he bit off more of a reward than he can expect himself to chew, but knows that if his "real" friends WERE here, they would want the very same thing for One-Eyed Black that he knows that the Freedom Fighters, AND the Chaotix want for him: to realize that the friends that he just made in the dimension that he has just-days-before decided to label "home", and he also knows that if he really is to start on the right foot with the entirety of the Freedom Fighters and with the Chaotix, he had best follow through with what these friends want for him, which is to have a good time with those who have just started to appreciate for the deeds of heroism that One-Eyed Black understands were all made possible, all because he finally decided to step in and help them. And just before the party actually kicks off officially, Sally decides to call One-Eyed Black aside to have a word with him about everything that he has done just for her, and her friends)

Sally When I learned that you saved my friends, instead of finishing off Eggman, One-Eyed Black, you single-handedly proved to me, that you really do have far-more of a heart, than I always took you for having! I just wanted to say "Thank you for all of it!", One-Eyed Black! I can see very clearly now, thaty when Sonic first-wanted to be friends with you, he made one of the wisest calls that he ever made! I know that you probably don't accept this as the truth, One-Eyed Black, but you've shown that you really are a hero! And one that deserves everything that we are now giving you!

(One-Eyed Black turns his head a quarter-away from Sally, and giving her a very obvious "I think you're giving me a little too much credit" look)

Sally I mean it, One-Eyed Black! I heard it all from everyone around me: Sonic always had the heart to always wish me back with him, but you, One-Eyed Black, you had the power to bring me back, and you used it!

Knuckles (Poking his head into the area where One-Eyed Black and Sally are) Hey! Pirate! Everybody's waitin' for ya'! And if you really wanna keep yer promise to us not to let anyone but the Bad Guys down ever again, then I suggest ya' get out there n' thank everybody fer doin' this for ya'!

One-Eyed Black (tears of joy in both eyes, blushing deeply, and cracking a small smile) tell the others that I'll be out there right away!

Sonic (Just as One-Eyed Black smiles at Sonic and passes by by him) heh-Go get 'em, 'Black

Chapter #19: MUSIC AND DANCE

One-Eyed Black I really don't know what else ta' say, you guys! 'Cept fer this: THANKS! I never received this big an honor before—EVER! What yer doing for me right here n' now, is better than my eight best birthdays combined!

(After this speech, everyone decides to take Sonic's advice, and help themselves to the cake! It is not only Devil's Food with chocolate frosting, which, the Freedom Fighters have been aware for quite some time, was one of One-Eyed Black's favorite kind of cakes, but, also, as it turns out, the cake is also in the shape, of what everyone in every known-plane-of-existence knows, is one of One-Eyed Black's all-time favorite symbols: the ever-popular—and famous—"Peace Sign"! And, the cake is enough, to fill everyone's bellies, at least twice over! Some of both gangs were really glad that they skipped supper getting everything ready! As everyone helps themselves to the cake, Ash shows back up; just before the party started, he went to get the band ready! He seems very anxious, and nervous!)

Sonic-groan-Ash, please don't tell us the band's gonna be late!

Ash on the contrary, Sonic! They're actually gonna be a few minutes early! What I am worried about, tho', is that the band didn't get that much of a chance ta' practice on that song that One-Eyed Black wants us ta' sing!

Sonic heh-Don't worry 'bout a thing, Ash! I have faith in Mina, and as her Manager and boy friend, you should too! I'm pretty sure she n' the band'll be able ta' play that song, no prob!

Ash (Thinking)I really wish I had as much faith in my friends, as you've always had in yours, Sonic! If I did, that'd make the bond between me n' Mina even stronger than ever!

Ash you're right, Sonic! I shouldn't worry! Mina's band is the best in New Mobotropolis! And if you have faith in 'er, then, I should, too! The band'll be here in about thirty seconds, but it's gonna take 'em a while ta' get ready!

Sonic-groan-Alright! How long!?

Ash relax, Sonic! This is exactly why they're early! It shouldn't take 'em much more than the time they're ahead o' schedule ta' get ready ta' rock n' roll! But I know with your help, Sonic, that time'll be more than cut in half! So, waddaya say, Sonic!? Can ya' help the band get ready!?

Sonic heh-get the band ready ahead o' schedule? Help Mina out fer old-time's sake? So this party can really heat up really quick!? You know I'll be more than happy ta' help, Ash! Just tell me what the band needs as far as equipment goes n' where ta' put it!

Ash the band's equipment's already here! Mina's pretty fast on 'er own, but I know with two speedsters on the job, the band'll get ready in less than half the time it usually takes, EASY!

(True to Ash's word, the band's equipment has already arrived! Mina has her hands more than full; when Mina hears that Sonic agreed to help the band get ready, Mina accepts the help, with one of the biggest smiles she ever gave Sonic in a long time! With Sonic's help, the band is ready in 56 seconds flat! And a good thing, too! Mina's performance is one of the primary reasons that so many others besides the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix came to this party! After the band's equipment is all in place, it only takes Mina and her crew, another thirty seconds to get ready, as Ash introduces them!)

Ash ALRIGHT, EVERYBODY! YOU READY TA' ROCK!?

The whole crowd YEAH!

Ash WELL, WITHOUT ANY FURTHER ADIEU, HERE SHE IS! MY BEST FRIEND, MINA THE MONGOOSE! THE BEST ROCKER IN ALL OF NEW MOBOTROPOLIS!

(The whole crowd goes wild as Mina takes the stage)

Mina (taking the microphone) thanks, Ash! HELLO, NEW MOBOTROPOLIS!

(The whole crowd goes wild)

Mina ALRIGHT, YOU GUYS! YOU WANNA ROCK!?

The whole crowd YEAH!

Mina YOU WANNA HEAR SOMETHIN' HOT!?

The whole crowd YEAH!

Mina YOU WANNA HEAR SOMETHIN' THAT'LL ENCOURAGE ALL OF US, TO HIT EGGMAN AS HARD NEXT TIME, AS WE ALL HIT 'IM LAST TIME!?

The whole crowd YEAH!

Mina WELL THEN, THIS SONG IS FER EVERY SINGLE ONE O' YA'! THIS IS RE-PERFORMANCE NUMBER! IT WAS FIRST-DONE BY AN EARTH-ARTIST, KNOWN AS STAN BUSH! THIS SONG, ALL OF US FEEL, WILL ENCOURAGE ALL OF US, TO HIT EGGMAN NEXT TIME, AS HARD AS WE HIT 'IM LAST TIME! THE SONG'S CALLED: "NEVER SURRENDER"! READY GUYS!? 1-2-3-4-HIT IT!

(Mina and her band, play a song that has not been heard by Mobian ears, for literally eons! As promised, the song is very encouraging and inspiring, for any and every hero listening to it, including every single Freedom Fighter and Chaotic there at the party! And as promised, the song does drive them, to hit Eggman next time, as hard-if not harder-than they hit him last time! And when the song is over, everyone present, puts their hands together like never before!)

Mina THANK YOU! THANK YA' VERY MUCH! THAT SONG WAS REQUESTED BY OUR GUEST OF HONOR! THE GUY WHO MADE THIS ALL POSSIBLE! AND IT WAS DEDICATED, TO EVERY SINGLE FREEDOM FIGHTER, EVERY SINGLE CHAOTIC, AND EVERY OTHER SINGLE ALLY WHO HELPED 'IM BACK THERE!

(The whole crowd cheers like there's no tomorrow!)

Mina AND NOW, HERE 'E IS! OUR GUEST OF HONOR! THE GUY WHO PUT EGGMAN IN THE HOSPITAL! THE GUY WHO MADE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF 'IS ALLIES, MORE POWERFUL THAN THEY EVER DREAMED POSSIBLE! THE GUY MY GOOD FRIEND, SONIC, HAS SO TRUTHFULLY DECLARED: "OUR NEWEST, AND SO-FAR MOST POWERFUL SINGLE ALLY"! I GIVE YOU—THE MOST INFAMOUS SOFTWARE PIRATE, IN ROBOTROPOLIS HISTORY! THE GUY WHO PUTS THE "BLACK" ON THE JOLLY ROGER: ONE—EYED—BLACK!

(To everyone's surprise and amazement, One-Eyed Black teleports from his place in the crowd, right onto the stage, and takes the microphone)

One-Eyed Black like I told you all earlier: THANKS! This is the biggest victory bash, that anyone'sever thrown for me! But, unlike a lotta you guys think, I don't deserve all the credit! True! I put Eggman in the hospital, where 'e's very likely ta' stay fer months, but it was Sally's words, and Sonic's plea for help, that insured that I would keep my promise to you all, that everyone got outta Robo-Town alive, and still creatures of flesh-and-blood! If not fer them, true! Eggman would've been destroyed, but I ask all of you: At what price? If not for Sonic and Sally, a full 1/3 of everyone here, would've ended up a lot worse, than Sally wound up at the conclusion of the assault on the Death Egg Mach-2! Not to mention: I know that if I didn't help 'em, and finished the job on Eggman, I seriously doubt that any of you, would be thanking me like you are now! Sonic n' Sally made me remember: that friendship, is FAR more important, than even the most tempting desire, for revenge! That even goes, for the revenge I sought, when I first came back to your world! Their words, were what insured, that everyone got out of Robotropolis alive! And do not forget, everyone: It was the Super Team, that did the most damage to Eggman's army last week! By working together, they each destroyed around 500 Swat-Bots, a good 300 Com-Bots, 50-60 Shadow-Bots, at least two Dynamics, and each put 4-7 Dark Egg Legionnaires, and even 1 or 2 of the Destructix in the hospital! Therefore, this victory belongs as much to the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix, as you all feel it belongs to me! It was their teamwork, their perseverance, their will, and their strife, that ultimately won the day for everyone here!

(Sonic, and several of the others, knew right off the bat, long-before the party started, that One-Eyed Black would never take as much of the credit, as so many of them feel he deserves! While One-Eyed Black is talking, Sally asks Ash for the additional microphones, that the Freedom Fighters requested, just in case something, like this unfair denial of his share in this victory would surface)

Sally while it is true that Eggman was not terminated, it was still you, One-Eyed Black, that had a pure-enough heart, to rescue our friends instead of finishing off Eggman; and gaining such a pure-hearted and fierce fighter like the kind you've always proven to be, that is the real victory! Don't you see, One-Eyed Black!? you have all the ear-markings of a true freedom fighter!

Sonic heh-she's right, 'Black! True! Me n' Sal were the ones who helped ya' 'long! But actually havin' the heart and guts to save us all!? Heh-admit it, 'Black: that was all you! Not ta' mention, you, my main pirate, got Sal back for us! And thanks ta' you, Egg-Breath's most vital Roboticizer is outta commission! It'll prob'ly take Egg-Face weeks to months to repair it! And if all that dunn't keep the Council offa' yer back forever, I really don't know what will!

Bunnie Sonic's ayabsolutely rahght, Sugar-Black! True! We dayid most o' the werk, but it was stayill you, who gave ous awll the guts, ayand the powah, ta' pull it awll off!

Tails plus, let's not ferget, 'Black: you're the one who made all these cool new gadgets and weapons for us! Not to mention: Thanks to you, Bunnie's got her strength back, we can now restore any and every Robian that we come across, and, also, thanks to you, Sonic, Knuckles, Mina, and I can all now go Turbo at a moment's notice! And I am not gonna ferget the look of fear in the Destructix' eyes as we took 'em down! Even Scourge was cryin' "Uncle" by the time we were through with 'im! It's not since we took down the original Robotnik*(*Which was accomplished in STH #50), did we ever score this big! Admit it, 'Black! That was all thanks to you!

Sally I know that you're still a little disappointed in yourself that you couldn't've finished Eggman off, One-Eyed Black! But, by saving us instead, you have proven to everybody, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that your heart really IS, indeed, as pure as Sonic always claimed it to be, AND MORE! And that is what made last week's assault such a victory! Having such a fierce, talented, and good-hearted warrior, as you've proven to be just last week, here on our side, is one of the greatest gifts, that the Freedom Fighters could ever receive! You even had the heart to rescue me, your most uneasy ally, from Eggman's evil clutches and influence! Like I said before, One-Eyed Black: In every sense of the word, you are a hero!

(One-Eyed Black now cracks at least something of a smile)

One-Eyed Black my deepest thanks ta' all o' you Freedom Fighters and Chaotix fer all yer support n' kind words! And I promise! Except for a yearly two-week inter-dimensional hiatus, I am not gonna leave you guys long-term again, until every single enemy who threatens you and everything and everyone that you care about, is dead, buried, and FOSSILIZED! Now, that's enough grief, over me not thanking myself, for the way I helped you guys back there! I know, that the whole purpose, behind a party like this one, is fer everyone invited to it, to enjoy themselves! I know you all came to say "thanks" to me, fer helping the Freedom Fighters the way that I did, but I also know the other reason, for a party like this one: And that reason, is ta' have some fun! SO, EVERYBODY! LET'S HAVE SOME!

The whole crowd, plus the band YEAH!

(The applause coming from all directions, sounds like a ground-level thunderstorm!)

(After all this, the party really kicks into overdrive! It turns out to be one of the most lively, and happening parties ever thrown by the Freedom Fighters! Mina and her band, continue to provide the party with all of its music needs, and requests are taken every half-hour! In all, Mina and her band receive, and play, a total of 18 requests! All of them are for a type of rock, that Mina and her band are known for! At Knuckles' request, they even play some heavy metal numbers; when Knuckles is asked why he's requesting music that he normally doesn't listen to, Knuckles gave everyone a very good reason!)

Knuckles I may not be one much for this particular type o' music, but it's the type o' music that Julie-Su likes, and grew up with! And she rarely gets a chance to even hear it anymore! Therefore, I feel, that Mina n' 'er band, can give my girl something, that she hasn't had much of since I've known 'er! And I know very well, that NOT even switching sides, is gonna change one's music preference!

(After hearing all this, Julie-Su runs right up to Knuckles, and gives him a huge hug, and a really good-sized kiss on the cheek)

Julie-Su Thanks, Knuckles! This is another something that I owe ya' for!

(The party goes on all night, and everyone does what they can to stay awake through the whole thing. All of One-Eyed Black's favorite party refreshments are here: enough soda, punch, and cookies, to feed a medium-sized army! And just like the cake, they're enough to satisfy even the biggest appetite! As the party progresses, there's plenty of time, and opportunity, to dance! And at about 9:00 P.M., after everyone had their fill of the cake, almost everyone has a dance-partner! Sonic shares the dance-floor with Sally, Antoine with Bunnie, Charmy with Saphron, and Knuckles with Julie-Su! Tails does feel kind of left out, for he feels that he doesn't have anyone like that in his life)

But, just minutes after the dancing starts…

Cream Tails! You look very lonely! Would you like to dance with me!?

(Tails can hardly believe his luck! A girl almost his age, can fly like he can, super-nice, and has such a sweet disposition, actually wanting to dance with him!)

Tails (Blushing some, and showing off one of the biggest smiles that he ever cracked in a very long time) Sure, Cream! I'd love ta' dance with ya'!

(Tails couldn't bemuch happier! A girl like Cream, actually wanting to dance with him! Everyone of good-heart watching, including, and especially his fellow Freedom Fighters, are really happy for Tails! They all feel, that they have never seen Tails happier, in the 12 years they've known him! As he watches them together, Sonic is really happy, to see that his best friend, Tails, has a possible girl friend again! And unlike Fiona, it doesn't seem very likely to anyone, that Cream is ever going to betray Tails' friendship! Everyone feels, that if Tails does manage to go all the way with Cream, Tails will be well on his way, to being the happiest fox in the world! And every Freedom Fighter, and Chaotic watching them, is almost certain, that that is going to happen, and probably pretty soon at that!)

Sonic (Thinking)heh- kinda figured those two'd get together sooner or later!

(Ash is one of the only wall-flowers at this point; his life-partner, Mina, is on stage singing her heart out! Although Ash is a little lonely, he doesn't feel like dancing; he feels that if Mina sees him dancing with anyone, that will mean to Mina, that Ash is betraying their friendship, so, Ash decides to sit the dance out, and simply picture himself out there dancing with Mina. Sonic does see, however, that Ash is all alone, and the Blue Blur does feel at least a little bad, for Ash choosing to stay out of the action)

Sonic yo, Ash! Dontcha' wanna dance with anyone!?

Ash no thanks, Sonic! My girl's on stage singing her heart out! I'll just sit this one out! Don't worry 'bout me! The fact that Mina's doing such a good job up there, is really all the comfort that I really need right now!

Sonic eh-Suitcherself!

Chapter #20: FUN AND MUSIC

(Sonic and Sally, who had known each other near-their whole lives, both manage to keep up with the other's dance-moves pretty well; Bunnie has only been 100% flesh-and-blood again for a brief time, and is still getting used to being such again, but Antoine does his best to be patient with her; This is one of Cream and Tails' first times on the dance-floor together, and Cream is at this point, still trying to learn the basics of dancing, but Tails remains patient with his new dance-partner, and does his best to walk her through all the basics; Knuckles and Julie-Su may not have known each other as long as Sonic has known Sally, but the way that they dance together, no one would have guessed that! One-Eyed Black chooses to stay a "Wall-Flower"; everyone is trying to gain the old rogue's friendship, One-Eyed Black has, however, earned himself a spot as a most deadly warrior, and anyone who fought him has only begun to understand: that One-Eyed Black is a deadly, fearsome, and destructive force that could cause quite a bit of damage to anyone around him if his opponent is not careful! Still, to several at the party, One-Eyed Black has earned himself a spot as a "Hero among heroes", and although the old 'coon of a rogue looks fierce, and menacing, even off the battlefield, several just don't feel right, about the guest of honor having to sit the night out with nobody to dance with, but still, not many have the guts to approach him, and are near-clueless on how best to talk to him. Unlike Ash, however, there IS somebody, in fact, TWO somebodies, who are more than willing, to share the dance floor with One-Eyed Black! And those two somebodies, are the artificial intelligence beings: the entitiy, generated by Sally's computer: NICOLE, and the entity generated by One-Eyed Black's computer: CARRIE! They both see that the key-factor in last-week's victory is walking around the dance floor all alone, and this makes them both feel extremely rotten inside! The guilt in both entities, finally escalates to the point, where both Carrie, and Nicole, decide to approach One-Eyed Black with the offer, of one or the other dancing with him)

Nicole it deeply saddens both me, and Carrie, to see you so lonesome, One-Eyed Black! Do not forget: this party is in honor, of everything you have done for the Freedom Fighters! You, therefore, deserve at least someone, to dance with!

One-Eyed Black I don't know if anyone's cared to notice, but even after helping everyone out the way I did, I really don't think that anyone, wants to be seen with a wretched, self-tortured, and scary-looking software pirate like me, right now!

Carrie that is not true, One-Eyed Black! And you know it! True, you scared many in this city with your hostility, but after scoring a victory like the that you scored just last week for the Freedom Fighters, everyone of good-heart, is now, more than willing to bury the hatchet in quicksand with you!

One-Eyed Black I deeply appreciate your kind words, you two! But you know my ways, Carrie! I don't go to the girls, I let them come to me, on their own free-will!

Carrie and that, is exactly, what Nicole and I, are doing here!

One-Eyed Black (Somewhat stunned that not one, but two girls, one of his creation, actually want to dance with him)!?

Nicole we may be only holograms, One-Eyed Black, but I know, through Carrie, that you do not care for such a prejudicial, train of thought! The answer, therefore, to your un-asked question, One-Eyed Black, is "Yes! I, Carrie, or both, would be most honored, to share the dance-floor with you!"

(One-Eyed Black takes a long, hard look at both entities through his right eye*(*that's right! One-Eyed Black's Spirit Vision abilities, even works on computer-generated entities!); he can see very well, that both Nicole, and Carrie, are dead-serious! Nicole feels, that she cannot let One-Eyed Black spend the whole dance-session, left out of the action without a partner, especially after One-Eyed Black stood up for her the way he did! And as for Carrie, she has known One-Eyed Black, for literally eons, and feels completely rotten inside, to see her primary master, creator, and friend, look this left out! After realizing that both "Girls'" words ring true, One-Eyed Black thinks about what both "girls" are saying to him, and after about 47.85 seconds of total silence, he finally responds!)

One-Eyed Black alright, you two! Here's the deal: I'll spend the first two hours of the dance with one of you, and the next two hours, I'll spend dancing with the other! That's my offer! Take it, or leave it!

(Nicole and Carrie, give a long, hard look at each other; Nicole respects, and admires, that Carrie knows One-Eyed Black better than even Sonic! Nicole also recognizes, that Carrie, and One-Eyed Black, had gone through unspeakable danger together, and that Carrie is almost as close to One-Eyed Black, as Nicole is to Sally! In return, Carrie recognizes how good a friend, that Nicole had always been to the Freedom Fighters, now One-Eyed Black's primary body of allies; Carrie has also bore witness, to when One-Eyed Black turned the Mongoose family completely around about Nicole, and Carrie can very well see, that Nicole still feels, that that favor, has not yet been repaid! In short: Nicole realizes how close One-Eyed Black and Carrie had always been, probably as close as Nicole is to Sally! And in return, Carrie very well understands, that Nicole still feels she owes One-Eyed Black, for sticking his neck into the galantine for her! After about one-or-two minutes going through each other's thoughts, both entities are finally able to provide an answer, for the ragged software pirate:)

Carrie very well, One-Eyed Black! It is, a deal! Which one of us would you like to dance with, first!?

One-Eyed Black I'm gonna have you two draw for it! Whoever picks the shorter straw, that's who I dance with, first!

(Nicole has first-pick! She chooses the straw closest to One-Eyed Black's left)

As it turns out, through a pure stroke of luck…

One-Eyed Black the other one's longer! Looks like you're first, Nicole!

Carrie take good care of him, Nicole! And both of you: have an excellent time!

Nicole we will do our best to, Carrie! One-Eyed Black! We have a full two hours together! Let's spend them, best we can!

One-Eyed Black (Taking Nicole's hand) Yes! Let's! And Carrie! Don't worry 'bout a thing! You're next!

(Nicoledoes what she can to show One-Eyed Black asgood a time as best that she can! But as they take to the dance floor, there's a small problem: Half the crowd is staring; even after One-Eyed Black turned Mina, her folks, AND Ash around about her, several are still kind of iffy, about Nicole freely walking amongst them again! Several also seem to think, that One-Eyed Black must feel kind of stupid, dancing with just a hologram, and not an "actual" animal! Carrie, being programmed with Spirit Vision, picks up on this unfair judgment right away, and it costs Carrie a great deal of self-control, to see her leader and her current dance-partner for the next two hours being looked upon this way; fortunately for the whole populace of New Mobotropolis, Carrie is far-more subtle in her methods, than her rough-and-ready master! So, instead of slugging everyone containing even an ounce, of this "delusional, unfair, and in several respects, uncalled for" prejudice right in the face, Carrie chooses a less-violent-but-still-drastic, approach to the problem-at-hand: Carrie activates her Telepathic Communication Program, and "uploads" every single evil image, that drove so much self-torture into her master! It is a trick that Carrie feels she must use, if she is to get this unprecedented, and unfair discrimination to stop! With this particular program, Carrie can get any message out, to up to a hundred intelligent beings in a single instant! Everyone who Carrie caught staring at her master and Nicole, now reaches for their heads like they just got an unbearable headache! They know what's going on: the "new" Computer-generated entity, has entered their brains, and is now transmitting images that even Eggman would find absolutely horrifying! And a lot of them, are practically screaming at Sally, to order this torture to stop! Sally does show some concern, but realizes why Carrie is doing this: to make everyone in New Mobotropolis, once again, welcome Nicole into the community, as one of their own! The Freedom Fighters, and, almost at the same time, the Chaotix, all realize what Carrie is doing, and why! Not even the most hostile, and dark-hearted warrior, of either group of heroes, dares to make a move, to answer this plea for this just-punishment for discrimination that was supposed to be gone centuries ago, to stop! In mere minutes, Carrie has uploaded every horrible thing that made her master so afraid of himself, to want to destroy a "vital part of a normal animal's personality" just to make sure that his "evil side" would never surface!)

Carrie (Still in Thought-Transference Mode) …bottom line: anyone who feels, that One-Eyed Black feels embarrassed dancing with Nicole, is totally in the wrong, to think that way! The part of One-Eyed Black, that gives a rat's tail about one's species, origins, rank, religion, OR age, has been null and void, starting long-before, the alteration! After learning of the Nazi war-crimes, One-Eyed Black had-and still has-no remorse for those who embrace prejudice, of any type! You are lucky, that One-Eyed Black does not lash out at the whole crowd of you, accuses you all of justifying the Nazis, and gives you all, the Black Spot! And I know full-well, that an accusation of THAT type, is very dishonorable, even, by Eggman's standards! In short: One-Eyed Black is perfectly happy dancing with Nicole; he does not care if his dance partner is an actual animal, or not!

(After "hearing" Carrie out in full, everyone who was staring now bows their heads in unspeakable shame. Everyone on the face of Mobius, knew that the evil that One-Eyed Black was so frightened of for the longest time had to have been pretty bad, but no-one really expected to find out, that the evil One-Eyed Black was running away from for so long, would turn out to be worse than both Robotniks, and the Iron Queen put together! Everyone felt like they had just been struck by lightning! Nobody could really believe, or accept, that an organization as evil as the Nazis, could possibly exist in any world! Carrie even listed in her "broadcast", why One-Eyed Black so-shunned being called "handsome": One-Eyed Black learned of someone who was both incredibly good-looking, and at the same time, downright nasty! One-Eyed Black swore to never become like this person! It was, in fact, this villain's fault, that One-Eyed Black classifies the word "Handsome" as a synonym for "Snob"! This broadcast answers many questions, about why One-Eyed Black is the way he is; and Carrie also states, that no amount of "constructive criticism" is ever going to make One-Eyed Black take back any of the feelings of fear and hate that plagued him, and started him on the path, towards that infamous-in-any-version-of-the-world mind-alteration, that expelled One-Eyed Black's very animality! One-by-One, everyone stops staring, and One-Eyed Black and Nicole are finally able to enjoy their time together, without one single insult! And for the most part, Nicole turns out to be a pretty good dancer! After achieving her "Holo-Mobian" form, Nicole's database was upgraded with a few tips on how to interact with actual animals, including some dance-moves; it was Sally's belief from the beginning, that these new abilities would enable Nicole, to further enjoy herself at a party of any kind! And One-Eyed Black does do his best to keep up with Nicole)

Nicole your dancing skills are a little bit better, than I had anticipated, and that you gave yourself credit for, One-Eyed Black! That was most enjoyable! But I know that our two hours together, are now up! It is now Carrie's turn, to show you, a good time!

(Even though it is, indeed, Carrie's turn to dance with One-Eyed Black, Carrie knows that, for a full song at least, Nicole and One-Eyed Black did not have a very good time together. Carrie is well-aware, that that prejudicial concept that was on the minds of at least half the folks here, caused a lot of staring, and even a little mental ridicule; And the deal that Nicole and Carrie made with each other, was that both entities, would spend a full-two hours showing One-Eyed Black nothing short of a good time; And since that didn't start to happen, until the second number, Carrie feels that Nicole should spend at least one more number with One-Eyed Black, to complete the two hours of a good time, that Nicole was supposed to show him.)
So when One-Eyed Black turns to Carrie…
Carrie You two enjoy yourselves, for at least one more song! I feel you both deserve at least a little extra time together; Do not forget, you two: Until my mass-broadcast, several were staring at you and denying the both of you, of showing each other, a good time! I therefore feel, that you two deserve a few more minutes together!
Nicole I can very-well see, that One-Eyed Black has programmed you, with a great deal of compassion, Carrie! Such nobility, is extremely rare!

One-Eyed Black well, when yer right, yer right, Carrie! Waddaya say, Nicole? Ready for one more number!?

Nicole (Looking somewhat excited) I would like that very much, One-Eyed Black! And Carrie, thank you! I deeply commend you for your generosity, your nobility, and, your honor!
(Carrie closes her eyes, smiles, and seems to blush some, at Nicole's kind words; the rest of the night goes on without that much of a hitch! After everyone stopped staring at One-Eyed Black and at the two holographic entities he's dancing with, and everyone starts to forget about their usual fears for intelligent computer-generated entities like Carrie and Nicole, and finally started to have a good time, as was all One-Eyed Black really wants for anyone and everyone at any party, who was not working for Eggman! As Mina and her band played their last four songs for the night, Nate Morgan came to the stage, to pass out awards to One-Eyed Black, and every single Freedom Fighter, and Chaotic, who shared a major part in last week's victory! Since Mina is still playing her heart out, Ash receives Mina's award on her behalf, and promises to give it to Mina, as soon as the party is over. Nate Morgan even has a special award for One-Eyed Black!)

Nate Morgan this power ring, goes along the outside edge, of the "Black Hook" symbol on your Phantom Dagger! But mind you, 'Black: this ring isn't just for looks! This ring'll amplify your dagger's already amazing powers, by a good 500%! You can still control any twelve assault vehicles you want, but next time you play that infamous five-second note o' yours, Eggman's gonna be in for a really nasty surprise!

One-Eyed Black (Immediately putting the ring on his dagger) Thanks, Nate! I have a feeling that this'll definitely come in handy in the future!

(Nate smiles and nods his head to One-Eyed Black; he now goes on, to give the rest of the victors their awards; even Shadow cracks a small smile, as he's congratulated for his efforts, and for his hand in this victory)

After the awards are all passed out, and while the party is still going on…

(One-Eyed Black, once again, takes the stage, with a very interesting proposition, that he feels, will makethis party go out with a bang! And, if accepted to an already really happening party, it will not only make those of Good Heart happier and feeling even more invincible than ever, but it will also insure that the Bad Guys are not going to be a major problem for at least months to come! And One-Eyed Black wastes close to no time whatsoever, in telling everyone around him, just what he has in mind!)

Chapter #21: THE KARAOKE CONTEST

One-Eyed Black I know that all o' ya' are still really enjoying Mina's music! Her good friend and Manager, Ash, however, hasn't had anyone ta' dance with all night! But I think I have just the "medicine", to keep the music going, to give Ash at least one dance with Mina, and ta' make Eggman suffer, even more than we've already made 'im! You guys wanna hear what my idea is!?

The whole crowd YEAH!

One-Eyed Black well then, here's my big idea, that'll keep the music playing, give Ash and Mina at least a little well-deserved time together, as well as the perfect "Pain Serum", that'll make Eggman, and anyone and everyone sharing Robotropolis Hospital with 'im, squirm like a worm that'd just been stabbed by a fish-hook, ready to be used as bait for a good-sized fish: A WORLD-WIDE TELEVISED KARAOKE CONTEST! Whoever has the best singing voice, does the best job performing the number he-or she- sings to, and also, as a major treat fer everyone here, whoever can make Eggman and everyone else in Robotropolis Hospital along with 'im the most miserable, WINS! The prize for victory, is to be a King-Sized candy bar, of the victor's choosing! And anyone, Entities, Chaotix, Freedom Fighters, and anyone else who wants to make Eggman's stay in the hospital as miserable as possible, is more than welcome to compete in this!

(Mina and her band did, indeed, come with a Karaoke machine; at the time, they didn't think they'd really need it, but they brought it anyway)

Mina (Thinking, and taking a quick look-over at the karaoke equipment) heh-I kinda figured we brought this stuff for a reason!

(Several of the creatures at the party sign up for the proposed Karaoke Contest; everyone there knows, that if they play and/or sing just the right song, Eggman is liable to stay in the hospital, for at least another full month! The lucky heroes who sign up for the Karaoke contest include: Sonic, Sally, Julie-Su, Amy Rose, Tails, and Carrie; the judges chosen almost decide to disqualify Carrie simply because she's just a hologram, and may use a voice besides her own to win, but then, One-Eyed Black steps in, and reminds the judges and everyone else observing:)

One-Eyed Black If those truly are yer feelings about Carrie joining in on this contest, then I take it you've all forgotten already, what I think about social discrimination! Carrie is totally against cheating; I can promise everyone, right here, right now: Carrie will use the voice she has been programmed to usually use, and nothing more!

(The judges all look down in shame, and finally withdraw their ruling Carrie out of the contest. Everyone involved in the Karaoke Contest, each have their numbers selected, and are ready in mere minutes! And Ash is very appreciative to One-Eyed Black, for getting Mina into his arms)

Ash Thanks a bunch, 'Black! It was gettin' kinda lonely over here!

(Sonic has songs all his own to play, most of them are heavy metal numbers, and all of them written to tell Eggman, that no matter what the Big Round Guy throws at him and his friends, he will never defeat the Freedom Fighters! Sally's songs are all about conquering evil, and are designed to encourage all of her friends, to keep their promise to each other, and to hit whatever evil dictator they were faced with, where it would hurt the most! Julie-Su's songs are mostly heavy-metal techno numbers, all designed to reallt bring down the house! Amy Rose plays some very hot love-songs, that she feels are guaranteed, to win Sonic's heart! Tails plays some of the rock music he heard when he was really little, and finally, Carrie, sings a song, that had long-been forbidden from even hearing within the boundaries of Robotropolis! Sonic's music is lively, hot, fast-paced, and tells all Bad Guys listening to it: that, no matter what Eggman does, he will never defeat the Freedom Fighters! Sally's songs are viewed by all, as being just as much of an inspiration to all heroes listening to it, as her ally claimed Stan Bush to be capable of! Julie-Su's music is happening, lively, hot, and keeps everyone in New Mobotropolis listening to it begging for more! Amy Rose's songs, though somewhat unsuccessful in claiming Sonic's heart for her own, remind everyone in Robotropolis Hospital, just how unbeatable Sonic can be, with just the right teammate at his side! Tails' music, as with Sally's, reminds everyone, of the indomitable spirit of the Freedom Fighters, and again, reminds Eggman and every other Baddie watching this contest, that no matter they throw at them, the Freedom Fighters are a force that cannot be kept down! And finally, as for Carrie, she sings only one song, but it is still enough, to make the cries of pain from everyone in Robotropolis Hospital, be heard all the way to Downunda! This "one song", Carrie knew right from the start, would spell out exactly, what Eggman learned the hard way about the Freedom Fighters: The song that she plays and sings to, describes something that cannot be gotten rid of, no matter what is done! This "one song", puts all the other contestants of this Karaoke Contest to unspeakable shame; it is the most outlawed song in Robotropolis: "The Cat Came Back!"!)

And here's how Carrie sings it:

Carrie Fat ol' Robotnik had troubles of 'is own: he had a tabby cat, that wouldn't leave 'is town! So he killed off all 'er friends, and hoped she would soon be next! But, the cat came back, the very next day! The cat came back! They thought she was a goner, but the cat came back! She just couldn't stay away! Fat ol' Robotnik had troubles of 'is own: he had a tabby cat, that wouldn't leave 'is town! So he tied 'er in a bag, and dumped 'er right out to sea! But, the cat came back, the very next day! The cat came back! They thought she was a goner, but the cat came back! She just couldn't stay away! Fat ol' Robotnik had troubles of 'is own: he had a tabby cat, that wouldn't leave 'is town! So 'e tied 'er to a track, and hoped a train would soon be there! But, the cat came back, the very next day! The cat came back! They thought she was a goner, but the cat came back! She just couldn't stay away! Fat ol' Robotnik had troubles of 'is own: he had a tabby cat, that wouldn't leave 'is town! But the fat guy knew: It couldn't get any worse! But the cat came back, the very next day! The cat came back! They thought she was a goner, but the cat came back! She just couldn't stay away! Oh, the cat came back, the very next day! The cat came back! They thought she was a goner, but the cat came back! She just couldn't stay away! Yes! The cat came back, the very next day! The cat came back! They thought she was a goner, but the cat came back! Sheee juuussssttt Cooouuuullldn't staaaayyyy awaaaayyyy!Meow!

(After Carrie is done singing, the judges examine the footage of the inside of Robotropolis Hospital, to see which of these "stars" laid the most pain on the Bad Guys, and thus, determining the winner: Sonic's music reminded the Bad Guys how unbeatable the Freedom Fighters are, and earned Eggman, and his entire goon-squad, another nine-days of moaning in pain on the hospital bed! Sally's music spoke out a similar message, about of all Freedom Fighters, and earned everyone in Robotropolis Hospital, another full-week there! Julie-Su's music, though it did offer some comfort to the D.E.L., it also earned Eggman a full four days of earache! Amy Rose's music, though it didn't do exactly what it was meant to do, earned each and every one of the Baddies in Robotropolis Hospital, another six straight days there! Tails' music was not much more fun for Eggman and his goons to listen to than Sally's, and earned every Bad Guy who was sent to Robotropolis Hospital, another six-and-a-half days there! And, finally, as for Carrie, she sang a song that most in Robotropolis, prayed every day of their lives never to even HEAR! Even hearing the first verse of it, bought every single wounded Bad Guy, another 8 days in the Hospital! And when Carrie was done singing, she had single-handedly bought every injured Baddie in Robotropolis, another 17 days of unbearable pain! And since the judges are warned against discrimination, by their guest-of-honor himself, they are left with no choice, but to label Carrie the winner! Carrie is not exactly programmed to eat, but is granted the liberty, to choose who would get her reward; And just as everyone predicted, Carrie chooses her good friend, primary cheer-leader, and leader, One-Eyed Black to accept, and enjoy her prize for victory. And One-Eyed Black is given a very wide selection!)

One-Eyed Black (Thinking as he decides on his prize) HMMM! Looks like the candy stores in this world, have a way-wider selection than the ones back home!

(One-Eyed Black chooses a "'Twix' variety pack", andstarts munching on it right away! For the remainder of the party, Mina and her band take a very-long-awaited, and well-deserved break, and are replaced by one of the best DJs in New Mobotropolis!Much as what had been One-Eyed Black's intention, Ashfinally gets to dance with Mina, and couldn't be much happier! Ashlooks One-Eyed Black's way, and gives the old 'coon of a rogue, a very big"Thanks for everything!"smile! As the party finally draws to a close at about 1:45 in the morning, everyone finally goes back to their homes for some very well-deserved rest. Meanwhile, One-Eyed Black receives a message from the Council, concerning one of very few favors that the old pirate had, and will, ask of them: One-Eyed Black wants his "old job" as Nighttime Sentry of the Homes of the Freedom Fighters back! The message stated: that the vote could not be closer; as in: four saying "Yea!", and the other four saying "Nay!"; Elias himself tells One-Eyed Black, that the vote between the Councilmen on this particular matter is a tie, and therefore requests One-Eyed Black's presence, to see if he can get any members of the Council to reconsider their vote, and if not, then at least to cast a "tie-breaking vote" either way. Elias also states, that he knows that there was no way to make One-Eyed Black feel any better, about what happened to Sonic, not once, but twice before*(* Again, refer to the "Mecha-Madness[STH #39-40]" and "End Game[STH #47-50]" sagas for complete details), but still begs One-Eyed Black to come to them peacefully. Elias also strongly argues to the Council, that since the vote is a tie, only One-Eyed Black, can decide whether or not to resume his duties, as Nighttime Sentry of the Freedom Fighters! Just to be fair to everyone, however, and before he casts his own vote, One-Eyed Black asks the Councilmen who voted "Nay!", why their vote was so)

Hamlin look, Pirate! We all know ya' want things to go as close back to the way they were as possible, but we really needja on the front lines! You've proven just as capable in battle as Sonic himself! And we all know, and well-understand, that if you do get yer job as sentry back, you'll be breakin' the promise, that you, yourself made as you came back to this world, not ta' hold yerself back! Is that really what you want fer yerself, Pirate!?

(One-Eyed Black stands there motionless, and deep-in-thought, for at least three quarters of a minute, thinking about what Hamlin had just said to him)

Finally…

One-Eyed Black gotta admit: you got me there, Hamlin! I definitely do not wanna break another promise, that I know I'll be able ta' keep! I made that mistake with Knuckles' own Great-Grandfather, and I am not gonna make that same mistake with anyone else in this world, AGAIN! I know full-well that my place on the front lines is important, but you guys seem to've forgotten, the friendships that I had with several of the Freedom Fighters who were willing ta' gimme a chance in-between missions!

Dylan and you always taught us that friendship is the ultimate power, 'Black! We all get whatcher sayin'! You came back here to re-kindle those old friendships, and yer afraid that putting yerself on the front-lines full-time, is gonna, eventually, terminate those friendships!

Ixis Naugus -gasp-if what Dylan just said truly is your point-of-view, Pirate,-gasp-it is well-understood! I very much know how badly that the Quickster, -gasp-and several of his young friends wanted you back! –gasp-but understand: Now that the full extent of what you can do-gasp-has at last been substantiated, -gasp-we need you more than ever!-gasp-And if you will not accept my offer to restore you,-gasp-the least you can do, is beef up our army-gasp-and provide them, with what you provided the Freedom Fighters, -gasp-and the Chaotix!

One-Eyed Black understand, High Council: The Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix, as one, are just as powerful, and unstoppable in battle, as four authentic copies of the entire army currently at your command, and I think that all of you know it!

Dylanthat may be true, 'Black! But don't forget: It was largely 'cause you had the heart to step up to the plate, that everyone involved in that mission, got outta' Robotropolis alive! I mean, sure! The Princess and Sonic were the ones who convinced ya' ta' save everyone, but you actually having the heart ta' listen to 'em!? Sonic was absolutely right the other night, 'Black! That was ALL YOU!

Penelope my fellow Substitute Freedom Fighters're right, One-Eyed Black! We really do need you! And we all know that deep down inside, you know it!

One-Eyed Black (Showing some signs of wanting to say "thanks for all the just-now delivered kind words") you guys really need me that bad, huh!?

Elias (Nodding his head) we most certainly do, One-Eyed Black! If you really DID come back here to help my sister and her friends, please, help us! Your negotiation skills will be most useful in keeping the peace around here! As Dylan, Hamlin, and Penelope are trying to tell you, One-Eyed Black, is "Yes!" we really do need you, One-Eyed Black! You have given, and done so much for my sister and her friends, and the Council, as a whole, thank, and commend you, for all of it! Further deeds like the one that was accomplished around a week prior to this day, will insure everyone across the globe, that Eggman will be taken down in no-time flat! Just like everyone here knows you want for everyone on the face of this entire planet!

One-Eyed Black (Showing at least some gratitude, that a powerful force of Good, is accepting his offer to help them) Very well, then! How does this sound? I continue with my duties of guarding you guys at night, and each day, I lend the Freedom Fighters my full-support as promised, for a few hours each day there's a huge assignment, before I haveta' hit the hay!?

Elias I can very well see, that you're trying to be fair to everyone, One-Eyed Black! Very well! What you proposed just now, will be the way it shall go from here on in! I do, however, request, that when the Freedom Fighters tackle a really big assignment, I request that you be there, to help them out as much as possible! In the meantime, you have requested a place of permanent residence, within New Mobotropolis, have you not?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) I most certainly have, Elias! IF that's OK with everyone here!

Penelope we've got no problem, whatsoever, with you wanting to live with us, 'Black! Our only complaint in that department: is that we'll haveta' keep watch over you while you sleep! Your defense of Nicole was noble, and it had to have taken a load o' courage, but it also made several in this city really upset with you! Even with your help, and Carrie's, it's gonna take a lotta good deeds on Nicole's part ta' fully restore her rep! If ya' don't mind me sayin' so, 'Black, you kicked over quite a buzz-bomber's nest! But everyone here who still believes in Nicole, fully understand why ya' did it! Not even the Princess herself would dare tread where you did!

Tails' Mother agreed! Your turning Mina's entire family around about Nicole was a very brave thing to do, One-Eyed Black! And all of us saw you approach that mob, cool-headed, and showed almost no fear towards them, whatsoever! As the Princess said in the middle of the other night's party: "In every sense of the word, you are a hero!" I really hope you like your new home, One-Eyed Black! Finding you a suitable home, should you decide to stay, was the leastwe could do, for everything you've done for my son, Miles, and all of his friends!

Chuck (Feeling a little drowsy, and checking his watch) -yawn-Well, it's gettin' pretty late, 'Black, m'boy! The others've already gone ta' bed, I take it! And you should, as well! I know that this is gonna screw up yer usual routine, but you'd better get some sleep, 'Black! You need yer rest, just like the rest of us! And don't worry 'bout a thing! Sonic has already volunteered to be yer bodyguard fer tonight!

One-Eyed Black (Feeling a little sleepy, himself)-yawn-Well, guess yer right, Chuck! Alright! I'm goin' ta' my apartment ta' catch some zees! And when you guys meet up with Sonic next, tell 'im "Thanks fer being so willing to watch my back" for me!

Chuck we'll most certainly tell 'im, 'Black! We'll tell ya' where yer gonna be living as soon as everyone's back on schedule! 'Night!

(It takes a couple of days for everyone to get back onto their usual "Waking routine"; as promised, right before he goes to bed each morning, One-Eyed Black takes a quick peek at any-and-all plans of attack that the Freedom Fighters, the Chaotix, or both have in mind, and adds his own, personal touch to the overall game-plan, to make it even more cost-free, and more fool-proof! Unfortunately, Sally still, does not have much faith in herself; Sally tries her best not to show it, but her guilt over her wrong-doings as Mecha-Sally, is still apparent, and every friend around her knows it! Each and every time they're together, Sonic tries his best, to erase the pain, that has raged in his newly-returned counterpart, from the very day, that Eggman started to use her against them. Sonic even brings Monkey Khan over, to try his luck, at trying to cheer Sally up at least a little bit! Unfortunately, no kind word, from even the closest friend she has, is ever enough, to fully erase every single shred of guilt, that so-rages in their good friend and leader's heart. It's really painful, for Sonic, Knuckles, and Ken to see Sally so down on herself; all anyone can really do, is give Sally the once-taken-daily Mood Control Pills that One-Eyed Black prescribed for her amped emotions, and give her as much support, as they can possibly give her. All this, does part-way succeed; Every time Sonic, Knuckles, Monkey Khan, and/or some other close friend of Sally's comes to comfort her, Sally always welcomes the company, with at least something of a smile! After about four days, everyone's schedule is back to normal, by which time, everyone is able to get up, at at least somewhat close to their usual hours!)

And after Dr Quack happily reports that everyone is back on their usual schedules…

One-Eyed Black Great! Have them all meet me at the main lab in New Mobotropolis at 1400 hours! I'll explain my calling them there, then!

Dr Quack Whatcha got for 'em this time, 'Black!?

One-Eyed Black I'll explain everything once everybody's all together!

(All Freedom Fighters, and Chaotix, make their way to the city's main laboratory to meet up with One-Eyed Black, but none of them are really sure what for; All of them felt beefed up enough, after their new friend passed out their new weapons, which proved so effective, less than a month prior. But upon entering the laboratory, they all see One-Eyed Black with a syringe in his hand, and all of them have wide-open ears, to whatever their newest "Mad Scientist" has in mind)

One-Eyed Black Now that the technology behind my Neuro-Overrider Tattoos has been surpassed, and since I can't remove those implants without killing you first, I felt it wise to come up with a solution to that newly surfaced problem! I spent the last couple nights working on a fool-proof solution, and this Nano-Circuitry is it! With this upgrade, my Neuro-Overrider Tattoos, will once again be effective, against the mind-controlling effects, of Eggman's ever-dreaded Roboticizer! Carrie has already informed me, that this upgrade, will take Eggman several years, prob'ly even another full-decade, to make useless again! So, anyone care ta' go first!?

Sally I feel that application of this upgrade, should go in the exact same order it went in last time! And that, of course means…

Julie-Su I get whatcher saying, Princess! And I'm ready for it, Pirate!

(One-Eyed Black now assures everyone, that the Nano-circuitry upgrade, will cause no more mental damage, than the first injection, just a month-and-a-half ago)

One-Eyed Black (Holding the syringe over the exact same spot the first "Tattoo" was applied) don't worry, 'Su! This won't be any more painful than the last implant!

(True to One-Eyed Black's word, the "'new' injections" go on without that much of a hitch! And Nicole did confirm, that, yes! These upgrades will make Eggman's control over them should any of them be Roboticized null-and-void, once again! And this time, Sally receives this "New Tattoo", as well!)

One-Eyed Black Sally, the circuitry I inserted into yer brain component that restored yer free-will prior to de-Robotization, was near-identical in basic schematics, to the original implants! Since I gotta upgrade everyone's tattoos, I'll haveta' upgrade the Neuro-Overrider technology in you, as well, this time, Sally!

Sally bring it on, "'Black"! I'm ready for it!

(One-Eyed Black now injects Sally with this new nano-circuitry; everyone is given one hour to recover from the pain of the implant application; again, Julie-Su, who had received such implants like these on at least a few occasions while she was part of the original Dark Legion, is the first one to leave the hospital fully recovered from the pain of the new implant. Julie-Su, the one most used to stuff like this, is the first to make a full-enough recovery for her to leave sick-bay; Bunnie is next in line, and either in groups of two, five, or individually, the rest of the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix soon follow. One-Eyed Black next has each and every single one of them report to Tommy Turtle Memorial Hospital for final treatment; after the doctors are all satisfied that these young, but valiant heroes of Mobius, have recovered to the point where the pain from the addition of the implants, One-Eyed Black gives the go-ahead to let both sets of heroes leave the hospital!)

Chapter #23: MEETING WITH THE COUNCIL

Later…

Hamlin YOU UPGRADED THE NEURO-OVERRIDER TATTOOS WITHOUT OUR KNOWLEDGE!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) I only answer to the Freedom Fighters! Not to the government that likes ta' think they're in control of everything around them!

Elias well, if you really had ta' "tattoo" something like that into my sister and her friends, I suppose that keeping them effective was vital! But, I must know: are you certain that it will take Eggman years to learn how to counter your technology again!?

One-Eyed Black (Nodding his head) It took Eggman over a decade ta' learn how ta' counter 'em last time! So, yeah! I'm pretty sure that Carrie was telling me the truth!

Hamlin so, what's the latest on Eggman's new spy-network, Old Man!?

One-Eyed Black thanks to that recall, Eggman still doesn't have even one single spy here watching us! And according to Carrie, construction of new spies, is not likely to commence, until at least one of the local commanders is outta the hospital! The least injured of them being Snively, who, as everyone knows from last-week's report, has 2nd degree burns over his entire body, and there're even some parts of 'is body with 4th degree burns! He is not very likely to be outta the hospital for at least another half-month! As stated in the reports from our own spy-network, it is not very likely, that any significant portion of Eggman's army, is gonna be ready ta' fight again, for at least another month or so ta' come!

Tails' Mother the fact that Eggman got so upset at what he was hearing, to put himself at risk for such a lethal surprise, is another very good reason, why all of us, my son included, are very happy to have you back! Thanks to you, One-Eyed Black, the Princess is now at least almost all the way back to normal! If you were looking to impress those of good-heart all over this planet, One-Eyed Black, I must say: you are doing an excellent job! Thanks to you, we have the Princess back! We will never forget you for that particular deed! And I'm very certain, that all Freedom Fighters, my son Miles, and his good friend Sonic especially, have thanked you far more than in-full for it all! The location of your new home will be shipped to you in one-week's time, at about 1900 hours! At which time, we will contact you via communicator!

One-Eyed Black Sounds like a done deal ta' me, Mrs. Prower!

(For the first time in what he refers to as eons, One-Eyed Black thanks the Council for everything they're doing for him. And as One-Eyed Black leaves the Courthouse, he meets up with his favorite bodyguard, Sonic)

Sonic so, how'd it go in there, 'Black!?

One-Eyed Black prob'ly the best it's ever gone between me and politics fer a very long time, Sonic!

Sonic so, where're ya' gonna be stayin'!?

One-Eyed Black They said they'll tell me in a week! And, personally, Sonic, I'm really hoping that the Council was not lying to me again!

Sonic don't worry 'bout a thing, 'Black! I'm pretty sure that they learned their lesson 'bout steerin' ya' wrong by now! Trust me! If they know what's good for 'em, I'm pretty sure they picked out a real nice place for ya'! And, hey, 'Black! If you ever do want some company in-between missions, and right before you gotta go ta' bed, me n' the Freedom Fighters'll more than happy to oblige!

One-Eyed Black (Cracking a medium-sized smile) thanks, Sonic! I knew I became friends with ya' fer a reason!

Sonic hey! Don't sweat it, 'Black! Now, go n' catch some zees! From what I heard at Freedom HQ, you got a real-big night ahead o' ya'! And I wantcha ta' be as ready for it as you can make yerself!

One-Eyed Black (Admitting to be, at least, somewhat tuckered out)-yawn-Guess yer right, Sonic! Eggman may still be on the Double-C.*(*Critical Condition) list, but yer right! Even the ones who are said to contribute the most to the team, like you guys always tell me I do, need their rest, I guess!

(And Sonic wasn't kidding! Sally has a very important job in mind for their new ally: to destroy the Master Roboticizer the rest of the way, and to liberate as many Robians as possible that may try to block their path! Previous assaults have greatly weakened Robotropolis' defenses! The Swat-Bots are, by now, dead-afraid of One-Eyed Black! And the "Duel Monsters Reality" curse, provides One-Eyed Black with a very wide selection of back-up! Nevertheless, Sally gives strict orders to One-Eyed Black, never to enter Robotropolis, without at least one Freedom Fighter at his side. A very good-solid 200 Robians are teleported to New Mobotropolis for restoration back to creatures of flesh-and-blood, and what remains of the Roboticizer, and all of the 'bots instructed to repair it, are all reduced to scrap-metal, with filings on the side! His partner for this occasion is Bunnie, now with her full-load of confidence back, and is once again a dangerous all-out menace to any 'bot that's working for Eggman that she encounters! Still believing that she has a score to settle with Eggman for treating her like dirt after her de-mechanization at the hands of Naugus, Bunnie rips apart nearly everything made of metal that is not a Robian that crosses her path! The mission is completed in less-than-an-hour, and without much interference! And Bunnie proves that she still has the stuff to really tear any goon of Eggman's that comes her way APART!)

As soon as the mission is over, and both One-Eyed Black and Bunnie are back at Freedom HQ…

Bunnie hooo-weee! Ain't hayad thayat much fun in, Ah don't know hayow long!

One-Eyed Black-chuckle-well, in this case, Bunnie: there's no such thing as "Too much fun"!

Sally (Thinking)-giggle-I can see that some of Sonic's can-do attitude's definitely rubbing off on you, One-Eyed Black!-giggle-

(Upon his and Bunnie's triumphant return, the Freedom Fighters set to work immediately on a fresh batch of One-Eyed Black's Free-Will Restoration Circuit Cards, and waste no time whatsoever, in getting the newly-re-captured Robians back to normal; all this, takes about five days; and that's not even counting the days everyone needs to wait for news on whether or not the de-mechanization of these tortured souls was 100% successful!)

Chapter #24: A NEW HOME AND A NEW BEGINNING

(At precisely 0500 hours, as the last of the ex-Robians leaves solitary, One-Eyed Black arrives at the address, where the Council told him to meet them. The given coordinates lead him to a very sizeable living quarters that, to Carrie's knowledge, even dating back to when New Mobotropolis was first inhabited, has never been occupied; This particular spot, in fact, is right across a dark ally, from where Sonic and Tails bunk up! One-Eyed Black knows pretty well right off the bat, that this must be the place where he'll be staying throughout his new life as a Freedom Fighter! And the very thought, of living this close to-not one-but two-heroes that he's always admired, is enough to put a pretty good-sized smile, on the old rogue's mutilated face. As he enters the building, his thoughts are confirmed! This is the place where One-Eyed Black will be staying, all throughout his career as a Freedom Fighter! And all of the friends that he had made, over the past few months since he kidnapped Sally from Eggman, are there, to officially, welcome this fierce, but noble, software pirate aboard! Elias gives himself the honor, of showing this new friend and powerful new ally, around his new home!)

Elias we picked this spot for you, One-Eyed Black, not only so you could be close-by neighbors, to the two biggest-young heroes in town, but also because it has a very sizeable workshop! Sonic, my sister, and several others that know you personally, have all told me, that you are a very avid model-builder! According to the Nightmare Pirates' records, which we have only very recently obtained thanks to Carrie, you are one of the fastest working, and best, model ship builders back from where you come from! And both Mad Marc, and Agent L., have both stated in those records, how happy you always were, to share your latest and/or best creations with all friends around you! And Mad Marc, and Agent L. have also told me, that if you create a model of something that'd been lost to the pages of known history, you were always guaranteed, to share with all, exactly what made whatever you created so special to you! And I've also been informed, that the plans you draw, of anything you wish to create, given the right information, are quite amazing, and impressive, at worst! I have also been told that your talents in that department, were, in more ways than one, admired by all of whom you shared them with! For whatever you choose to create, you try to learn as much about it, as you can! Your past-comrades have all always said, that you, my piratical friend, are the most ultimate in arts n' crafts, of your entire organization! And I am also deeply hoping, that that was NOT, one of the personality traits, that was deleted from your very mind so long ago!

One-Eyed Black as I've shown my friends, and countless others, Elias: No! That part o' my personality, has not been deleted!

Elias It very much pleases me to hear you say that, One-Eyed Black!

Sonic heh-and yer gonna continue to not be disappointed, Your Majesty! Ol' 'Black here, given the right funds, tools n' resources, can build a working model of an Earth battleship, in less than a year, MAX!

Elias (Showing much wonder) is what Sonic's saying true, One-Eyed Black!? You can really do that!?

One-Eyed Black (Blushing, and nodding his head)if I hurry things along enough, get everything I need, get a good building strategy down, and as long as there's nothing else takin' up my work-table along with it, yes! Sonic's words do ring true!

Elias well then! I would most appreciate it, if you shared your "stuff", with everyone in this fair city! I, myself, would feel most honored, if you would share your knowledge, with anyone, and everyone, who cares to learn about past-events long-forgotten, that I know you, and you, alone, hold the key to! You would serve as an excellent land-bridge, to mysteries of the past, that not even the most talented archivist in this world, would even know where to start!

One-Eyed Black (Still showing a great deal of blush) I don't suppose stories about pirates would be a popular subject, these days, would they!?

Elias as much in our time and world, as they must've been in yours, One-Eyed Black, yes! Stories of pirates, are some of the most cherished of stories! For they hold much adventure! And I am very certain, that even the most biased soul, would love to hear these stories, from an actual pirate! Many in this day and age, feel a "good" pirate, such as yourself, would be brave, heroic, and inspirational to all! And you, One-Eyed Black, with all of your past-deeds on the battlefield, have proven yourself, to have ALL of those qualities! Whether your stories are "real" in this dimension, or not, I am very certain, that several would love to hear them! We have, in fact, reserved a spot for you, as the Lead Expert, on the "better side" of piracy! I am very certain, that several, would love to hear a "yes" to that offer, One-Eyed Black! So waddaya say!?

One-Eyed Black (Happily nodding his head Sounds like a done deal ta' me, Elias! And if you really want a good historian, ta' give everyone his-or her-entire two sense, on the World Before Mobius, whatever answers that I can't provide, I know at least six others, one of which is with me right now, who'll be more than happy ta' fill in the gap for me!

Elias (Thinking)-giggle-looks like the New Mobotropolis School District, has not only found itself a very talented arts n' crafts teacher, but also a very capable naval historian, as well!

Elias (Addressing the crowd) IT SEEMS WE NOT ONLY FOUND OURSELVES A POWERFUL NEW ALLY, BUT ALSO A VERY TALENTED MENTOR, AS WELL!

One-Eyed Black (Blushing deeply) 'preciate the praise, Elias! But understand: In my many wanderings through time and space, I have encountered several masters who are far more capable than I!

Elias and since you can travel to the dimensions where these masters actually "exist", everyone here, will be more than happy to meet them!

One-Eyed Black the Ultimate Game Masters' Competition, which, by the way, is coming up little-less-than-a-month from now, will be an excellent opportunity, for your sister, and all of her friends here, to get that chance! And I've very-well seen, that a pretty good-sized chunk, of their families and other friends, DO seem to understand, back up, and support these young but nonetheless capable warriors, 100%! And that's really all I can ask, from anyone, who cares ta' see their hero, or heroes in action, at the Ultimate Game Masters' Competition!

Sonic speakin' o' which, got some great news for ya', 'Black! Everyone you've invited to that little inter-dimensional shindig o' yours, gave out a very nice, big, fat, juicy, "YES!"

One-Eyed Black (Addressing the crowd) KEEP IN MIND, EVERYONE: FOR THE ULTIMATE GAME MASTERS' COMPETITION, I HAVE TO RETURN TO MY TRUE HOME, DIMENSIONAL GAP #54, TO COORDINATE IT! AS PROMISED, I'LL ONLY BE OUTTA THIS WORLD'S SIGHT, FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, THIS WORLD'S TIME, MAX! THIS HIATUS WILL TAKE PLACE EVERY YEAR, STARTING UPON THE SUMMER SOLSTICE! OTHER THAN THAT, I AM NOT LEAVING THIS WORLD'S SIGHT, UNTIL EGGMAN, THE DARK EGG LEGION, THE DESTRUCTIX, DR FINITEVUS, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO DARES THREATEN YOUR EXISTENCES, ARE DEFEATED FOR ALL TIME! I KNOW THAT THAT'S GONNA TAKE QUITE A WHILE, POSSIBLY EVEN MORE THAN A DECADE THIS WORLD'S TIME, BUT I HAVE FAITH IN SONIC, KNUCKLES, AND ALL OF THEIR FRIENDS; AND NOW, WITH ME BACK IN THEIR CORNER, EGGMAN, AND ANYONE ELSE WHO DARES TO FOLLOW HIM, WILL BE DEAD, BURIED, AND FOSSILIZED, BY THE TIME WE'RE ALL THROUGH WITH 'EM! OVER THE NEXT-HOUR, CARRIE WILL BE DELIVERING EVERY TRINKET, TOOL, BOOK, MATERIAL, AND WHATEVER ELSE I MIGHT NEED TO BE 100% COMFORTABLE HERE! I REALLY DOUBT THAT IT'LL TAKE MUCH MORE THAN AN HOUR AFTER IT'S ALL DELIVERED, BEFORE I'M COMPLETELY MOVED IN HERE!

Sonic heh-don't worry 'bout a thing, 'Black! You need a lil' help gettin' moved in here? Me n' the guys'll be more than happy ta' help ya' out!

One-Eyed Black (Tears of joy in both eyes) Thanks, Sonic!

Elias (Addressing the entire crowd) ONE-EYED BLACK WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST MY SISTER AND HER FRIENDS IN THEIR CRUSADE AGAINST EGGMAN! ONCE EGGMAN, THE DARK EGG LEGION, AND THE DESTRUCTIX, ARE ALL ELIMINATED AS THREATS, ONE-EYED BLACK IS THEN TO PROCEED TO ANGEL ISLAND, TO ASSIST THE GUARDIAN AND HIS FRIENDS, IN TAKING DOWN DR. FINITEVUS! IT IS MY STRONG CONTENTION, THAT IF WE ALL HIT THEM AS HARD AS WE HIT EGGMAN, JUST-OVER-HALF-A-MONTH PRIOR, NO NEMESIS OF OURS WILL EVEN STAND THE GHOST OF A CHANCE!

(The whole crowd cheers wildly)

Sonic (Giving One-Eyed Black his famous wink and thumb-up)'Black! I was thinkin' this when ya' first broadcasted yer big return, and now I'll say it ta' ya' right now, directly: 'Black! Welcome back, Ol' Pal!

Narrator (One-Eyed Black) With Sonic and his friends' help, getting set up in my new place took a lot less time than it usually does! Like I said to Sonic himself, I knew I became friends with 'im fer a reason! As for the others, Shadow decided to be my roommate for the next few weeks; Shadow promised not to get in the way too much, and fer the most part, he didn't! As of when I saved everyone's bacon from getting Roboticized during our big assault on Robotropolis, Sally and I buried the hatchet several yards under, and no handle stickin' outta the ground, either! My saving her from Eggman's influence, and restoring her to a being of flesh-and-blood, was considered by almost everyone in town, as the best deed I ever did for the Freedom Fighters! My technology continues to intrigue Tails, Rotor, and Julie-Su, and since we're talking about three creatures who've spent near-their-whole-lives around technology, I kinda declare their words of praise, as some of the best compliments that I've ever received in literally ages! I have now earned the full trust, and friendship, of the whole of both the Freedom Fighters, and the Chaotix! And having these guys as friends, is the best feeling I ever had, since the day that the Nightmare Pirates, were first-assembled! Speaking of which, I continue to remain in contact with them every month to see what they're up to, and in return, they always seem to be pretty anxious, to hear any war-story that I may have for them, and every once in a while, one, a few, or all of the Freedom Fighters, wonder just as much as I do, how all of them are doing! A further blessing in that department, is that me n' the guys still get together, for the Ultimate Game Masters' Competition! When that happens, both the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix, really get to show my old friends, every bit o' what they're made of! And also, on my birthday, the Freedom Fighters celebrate not just my birthday, but also, since their birthdays being only a couple o' days around mine, Tim and Marc's birthdays are celebrated along with mine! And birthday bashes are usually pretty good-sized around here! And on both occasions, if there's a big mission to undertake, the Nightmare Pirates will always lend the Freedom Fighters, the Chaotix, or both, their full support! I think that the biggest reason, that so many of my new friends here signed up for the UGMC so willingly, was so they'd get a chance ta' meet with my old friends, and ask them questions, that everyone knows, only the Nightmare :Pirates, as a whole, can answer! Julie-Su, Amy Rose, Cream, and Mina, who weren't with either team when I first-was, are always a great deal more than curious, and accept pretty much any-and-every-chance that they can get, to meet "The most feared and notorious freedom fighters ever to clash with Robotnik" with wide-open arms. Just three Mobian days after I got moved in completely, as promised, I broke out another "Magic Block" card, activated it, and turned it over to Nicole. By now, everyone knows how the "Duel Monsters Reality curse" works: only the being who activated the card, has the power to de-activate it! And as I don't really plan on de-activating a "Magic Block" card for quite some time, if ever, this grants a promise that all Freedom Fighters were hoping someday to provide those they protected for a very long time: That Nicole will never fall into the wrong hands ever again! Nicole has thanked me far more than in full for this protection, and it's my hope, and the Freedom Fighters' hope, as well, that this will allow everyone of good-heart in New Mobotropolis, to accept Nicole as their friend again! Sally has very openly thanked me for doing this for Nicole, for she knows, that if this precaution does prove as successful as she has heard, and hopes it will, it could very-well make Nicole, once again, the hero, and friend, not just to the Freedom Fighters, but to all in the city, that Nicole worked so hard to create, for her good friend Sally and everyone she cared about, to call "Home". Why I would even set foot here again, you may ask? I feel I can list several good reasons right here, and right now: To get Sally back for Sonic and the Freedom Fighters; so I could help rebuild the bridges that were so-badly burned to the water-level by Mecha-Sally; to deny Eggman of every single victory that he was hoping to obtain with his evil deeds; to make sure that the bad guys would never win over the overall champions of the forces of good; and finally, to make Eggman pay, for everything that he did in any and every such-attempt to make these heroic creatures' lives miserable! All that considered, I figured that I brought Sally back to the Freedom Fighters for a reason! And now, I know!

THE END

NEXT BOOK: SONIC & KNUCKLES at the ULTIMATE GAME MASTERS' COMPETITION

MORE WORDS FROM THE WRITER

As every Sonic fan reading this story has probably figured, this story was my reaction to what happened to Sonic's #1 Counterpart, Sally, at the conclusion of the comic book Sonic the Hedgehog #230. Originally, I was hoping that Sally'd be back to her old self in just a few issues, but when I saw Egg-Creep about to "Improve" her at the conclusion of Sonic the Hedgehog #232, I was afraid to read anymore; I didn't want to see, or read, anymore about Sonic and his friends getting needlessly slammed by that fat sicko! I still collect the comics, I'm just not gonna read 'em 'til I see Sally back on Sonic's side where she belongs! I decided to write my own Sonic story, that would light Sonic's darkest hour, and show my friends, local comic book enthusiast, and hopefully other Sonic fans, as well, that there is light at the end of the tunnel for Sonic and his friends. When I learned that Sally was gonna stay mechanized for an extended period, that really burned me up inside, and inside, I lost a great deal of self-control, and I wanted, ever-so-much, to rip Eggman's evil heart out, and roast it for breakfast! With the ABC version of the Sonic story ended, and as she never appeared in a game, the comic book was the only thing keeping Sally alive! I had a theory going on in my head that the creators wanted to get rid of Sally, just so Amy Rose'd have Sonic all to herself! Even worse still: I have a very strong fear that the creators are planning to slaughter the heroes from the ABC version of Sonic, just to make way for the SONIC X characters! I don't know whether or not anyone remembers or cares, but when the creators of "Transformers" decided that it might be cute to slaughter all of the really good characters from the first two seasons of the Transformers series, and, unfortunately for most Transformers fans, Optimus Prime was among the casualties, it was really heart-breaking for several die-hard fans of that particular series*(*Believe me, I should know! I was one of those fans!). Optimus came back near-the end of the third season, but the movie was still a major heart-shatterer, and I was really devastated to see Optimus perish! I always had hope that the Good Guys'd always pull through, even though it usually took them quite some time to do so, and sometimes, the heroes, unfortunately, didn't always follow through the way that I was hoping they would. I always had great faith, and hope, that Sonic and Sally would get back together, and I still have hope that, someday, somehow, in the "actual" comics, even though it may take some doing, and a great deal of luck and effort, Sonic and Sally will find the way back to each other, the way that I'm pretty sure that several Sonic fans, especially the closest followers of the ABC version of the story, always pictured, and wanted, for them both! And even if they don't, at least I've created a world where they did! As I wrote the first version of this story, ideas surged through my head on how each of the characters' brains ticked, how best to make the Bad Guys' lives absolutely miserable, and also how best to describe each and every situation, and scene covered in the story. During the editing process, I even ran into some blank spaces that had to be filled with at least something; Hopefully, what I came up with to fill in the gaps doesn't bore the reader too much! When I first-submitted this story to , they did complain about there being too much bold and underline, and not enough italic, and I think there was also something about them complaining about how I described when the characters were speaking. The thing about the stories that I like to write about this kinda stuff, is that I lay it out, comic-book script style; the bold, and underline print, extreme as it is, is just my way of showing which parts of the story are important. Just to spice things up a little, here're some additional pieces of information, that might help paint a better picture of the story you just now finished, and might make the story more enjoyable for the reader:

HELP AND HOPE SOUNDTRACK
Even though it sounds a little over-optimistic to think about making this story into a movie or TV series, I still feel that a recipe for a good soundtrack might be nice to list, to make the story more enjoyable to read! These are just some ideas that I had, on what might make a good soundtrack for this story. I hand-picked these songs from music I like to listen to, and these are just my ideas, but if you, the reader, have your own ideas for what would make a good "Help and Hope" soundtrack, that's good to! So, here it is! My own, personal recipe, for a good "Help and Hope" soundtrack!:
The songs that I'm about to list, are to be mentioned as follows:
"Name of song" Artist (Album that the song can be found on); reason why this particular song was chosen

"ABC 'Sonic the Hedgehog' theme" Artist unknown (Song might have to be recorded right off the TV); the perfect theme song for any Sonic the Hedgehog story

"Stir It Up" Patti LaBelle (Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack); almost perfectly describes how One-Eyed Black felt when he saw that Sonic and his

friends were in trouble

"Nightmare" Song has not yet made it to stage (Album not recorded); designed to be a pretty good theme song for the more graphic fight scenes

"Never Surrender" Stan Bush (Call to Action); perfectly describes the drive, and the need to be the best hero that you can be

"What Makes You Beautiful" One Direction (Album unknown); probably the best song out there that describes how all of Sally's closest friends feel about her

"Opposites Attract" Paula Abdul (Forever Your Girl); an excellent love theme for Sonic and Sally

"The Impression That I Get" Mighty Mighty Bosstones (Let's Face It); perfectly describes how One-Eyed Black feels about getting mixed up in any situation that he feels he doesn't belong in

"Private Conversation" Lyle Lovett (The Road to Ensenada: Bonus Track); Describes how Sally feels about Sonic being with another girl

"Head Over Feet" Alanis Morissette (Jagged Little Pill); perfectly describes how Sally feels when visiting with One-Eyed Black

Any and all "'Sonic the Hedgehog' game" music Artists unknown (Album unknown); I think the reasons are pretty obvious!

"Satisfaction" Laura Branigan (Self Control); the perfect song to describe how Sally feels about any, and all heroes that she knows personally, and/or sees in action

"Brave Hearts" Artist unknown (Ernest Goes To Camp soundtrack) always a good song to play when a project that is being undertaken by a very large group is being shown

"Every Once In A While" BlackHawk (Greatest Hits) Describes how Sonic feels about Sally

LYRICS TO "NIGHTMARE" (MAIN ONE-EYED BLACK/SWAT-BOT BATTLE THEME)

As many music enthusiasts will see, the song "Nightmare" is a new song that I made up myself! I intended it as a heavy metal number to play during the more graphic battle scenes! It describes a heated, and all-around-bitter fight; it may be a little graphic and cold-blooded for several to listen to, and/or read, but, then again, so was "Instruments of Destruction" by N.R.G., the song played during the Autobot Shuttle Massacre that kicked off the infamous 1986 film "Transformers: the Movie"! Anyway, here are the lyrics to "Nightmare"!:

Destruction's the only thing in sight; The Slaughter will be over soon;
There's only a dim, and distant light! Not everyone does their Killing solely at Noon!

The punishment's more than you can bear; The punishment's more than you can bear;
WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE! WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE!

Nightmares are the only thing you see;
No place for happiness or glee! Lyrics by: Patrick Hackleman

The punishment's more than you can bear;
WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE! Not performed, recorded, or produced*(*At least not yet, anyway!)

There's no way out in sight to see;
The graveyard's the safest place to be! Type of music: Intended as hjeavy-metal number

The punishment's more than you can bear;
WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE!

There's no difference between good or bad;
The wasted chance was the only chance you had!

The punishment's more than you can bear;
WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE!

The strong is the only one who'll win;
Nothing you see will make you grin!

The punishment's more than you can bear;
WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE!

RECOMMENDED VOICES FOR THE CHARACTERS
Again, it is well-understood that making the Help and Hope Saga into a TV series or movie sounds a little over-optimistic, but just in case, here's how the writer envisions the voices of the characters featured in the Help and Hope Saga:

They are listed as follows:
Name of Character: description of voice intended for the character and/or why he-or she-is the best choice for the job
One-Eyed Black: One-Eyed Black is to have a very rough, and whispery voice; in other words, he'd kinda sound like Micheal J. Fox, and Clint Eastwood, talking at the same time

Dr Eggman: kinda the same way he sounded in the TV series "Sonic X"; the same voice-actor who did him in that particular saga, is recommended

Snively: If he's still around, his original voice-actor, from the ABC series, "Sonic the Hedgehog", is the only recommended choice

Sonic: Either of Sonic's voice-actors, be it the ever-famous Jaleel White, or even the guy who did Sonic's voice in "Sonic X", would be pretty good choices for Sonic's voice; while conceiving this story, however, the voice Jaleel White gave this character, was the one I pictured him having the most

Sally: The voice-actor who did her in the ABC cartoon show would be a pretty good choice, but she might be kind of hard to get to*(*personally, I think, that the main reason why Sally didn't talk in "Sonic X-Mas Blast", was because her original voice-actor was either difficult to reach, or probably couldn't be paid enough [which had been the problem with Robin Williams going the voice of Genie in the "Aladdin" Saga]), but since Sally has basically a normal, teenage-girl's voice, I feel that anybody as young as Sally, or can easily do the voice of a teenage girl, would do the trick for her

Bunnie: her original voice actor or, if she's easy enough to get a-hold of, Dolly Parton, or anyone who can readily the voice of a screechy-sounding cowgirl, I feel, wound be excellent for Bunnie

Mina: originally, I was going to suggest the voice actor who did Toph (from Avatar: the Last Air-Bender) for this character, but I found out later on, that that voice actor died recently, but I guess the of any young-sounding female voice would be good for her, but if an actual rocker does her voice, that would be pretty neat!

Amy Rose: I think her original voice actor from "Sonic X" would be perfect from for this character*(*Even though, now, she may be a little hard to reach)

Carrie: Carrie's voice isn't the teensiest bit unlike the of the on-board computer that was announcing how close Mega Maid was to destruction*(*Yeah! And mean from the famous the spoof movie "Space Balls"!), In fact, that voice actor, is considered the best person for the job, if she's easy enough to get to, and can be paid enough!

Cream: I think her original voice actor, if she can be paid enough, and is easy enough to get a hold of, would be perfect! She sure did a good job in "Sonic X", didn't she!?

Nicole: I think that the best choice for her ideal voice-actor, if she's still around and willing to do the job, would be her original voice-actor from the ABC series "Sonic the Hedgehog"

Julie-Su: I usually picture her voice as being a female version of that of Fonzie*(*the hero, and best-known character, in the famous 1970s TV series, "Happy Days"), but I gotta admit: a voice like that done for Meg from the Disney animated movie "HERCULES", might be nice for this character, as well!

Penelope: I usually picture this character as sounding a lot like Sally, and the same recommended voice actor for Sally, I recommend for this character

Hamlin: If he's easy enough to get to, and if he's still around, I think that the guy who played the Ducks' primary goalee*(*From the movie series: "The Mighty Ducks"), I think would be perfect for this character!

Geoffrey St. John: I've always pictured this character as a normal tough-guy's voice with a really thick Australian accent; I think that Paul Hogan, or any other guy who can do that kind of voice with ease, would do just fine for this character!

Ixis Naugus: I think that his original voice-actor would be perfect; here's hoping 'e's easy to find, still around, and can be paid enough to do the job!

Tails: I think that anyone who can effectively, play the role of a Kid-Hero, can do Tails, EASILY!

The other Robians: Randomly selected voices will determine what the characters will sound like

Vanilla: The same voice-actor who did her in "Sonic X." would be perfect, let's just hope she's easy to find, and still around!

Elias: Prince for a Prince, I think that the voice-actor who did the voice of the Norasion Prince Aika*(*From the Jettix anime series "Oban: Star Racers") would definitely be the guy for the job!

Antoine: any idiot who can do somebody with a thick French accent could probably do this guy's voice!

Swat-Bots and other Eggman/Robotnik creations: I think the guys who did them in the ABC series and the guys who did them in "Sonic Underground" would be good, at least for starters!

Vector: I think the guy who did his voice in "Sonic X" would do just fine, don't you!?

Espio: The guy who did his voice in "Sonic X" I think would make an excellent choice, at least for starters!

Charmy: his original voice-actor from "Sonic X", or maybe even the guy who does the voice of the Honey-Nut Bee from the Honey-Nut Cheerio commercials would do nicely for this character

Dylan: I think the same voice-actor chosen for Tails could probably do this character's voice, as well

Tails' Mom: I think either the same voice-actor chosen for Sally, or for Nicole, would do quite nicely for this character, as well

Sonic's Uncle Chuck: the guy who did his voice in the ABC TV show did a pretty good job, and if he's still around, I'd recommend that voice-actor to do Chuck again, ANY DAY O' THE DECADE!

Mad Marc: his voice would sound a lot like Generation-1 Wheeljack from the original Transformers TV series, but maybe not with so much of a "New York accent"; in other words, kinda like Stretch from the movie "Casper", except maybe a little deeper

Maja (aka Agent W.): this character's voice would sound a lot like that of Smallfoot*(*From the 1980s animated series, "the Go-Bots"). In fact, if that very same voice-actor is still around, and easy enough to get a-hold of, I'd recommend that voice-actor for Agent W. any day of the month!

James (aka Agent V.): I think that one of the guys who did the voices of the Nameless Pharaoh, Seto Kaiba*(*both from the hit-Anime series "Yu-Gi-Oh!"), or even one of the guys who did the voice of Wolverine* (*From the many installments of "X-MEN"), IF they're still around, and easy enough to get a-hold of, might do the trick for this character

Tim (aka Agent L.): for this character's voice-actor, I'd recommend Jack Nicholson, or somebody who sounds a lot like Jack Nicholson

Chad (aka Agent C.): I think that the guy who does the voice of Bulkhead*(*from the series "Transformers: Prime"), the guy who did the voice of Broadway* (*from the series "Gargoyles"), or maybe even whoever's chosen for Hamlin might be good

Ash: when I thought of how this character's voice would sound like, I wound up picturing him sounding something like either Bill or Ted*(*from the movie "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure")

Mina's Mother: Either the voice-actor chosen for Tails' Mom, for Sally, for Carrie, or for Nicole might be good for this character, as well

Mina's Father: I think a regular, elderly-sounding man's voice might do the job just fine

The Reporters: whoever can be scrounged up who can do the voices of forcefully curious news-paper reporters

Dr Quack: I think that this character would sound like either Howard the Duck, Donald Duck, Daffy Duck, or whatever duck voice is deemed worthy of the job, a normal guy's voice might do the trick, as well!

Lara-Le: if she's still around, and easy enough to get a-hold of, I think the person who did the voice of Charlotte*(*from the movie "Charlotte's Web") would be perfect for this character; if not, the same person recommended for Tails' Mom's voice would make an excellent back-up

Wyn Macher: I think the guy who played Fletcher's Ex-Wife's new main-flame Jerry*(*From the movie "Liar Liar"), would be the guy to at least talk to about doing this particular character's voice

Knecapeon "Knee-caps" Mace: I think the same guy chosen for either Tails, or even Charmy might do the trick for this character

Dr Finitevus: I think either Patrick Stewart or Christopher Lloyd might be the best choices for this character; if both of the above are too hard to get a-hold of, then, I'd recommend anyone who can do the voice of a creepy, weirded-out scientist*(*Which is exactly what Finitevus is!)

Archimedes: I think that a guy who can do the voice of a mortal oracle with an Australian accent* (*which is, kind of, how I've pictured Archimedes as sounding like, as of late), might do the job nicely

Athair: I think that the guy who did his voice when he appeared in "Sonic Underground", would do quite nicely, here's hoping he's still up for grabs

Specter: Something like Athair's voice, but maybe a little echoer sounding

Sojourner: Again, same as Athair, but maybe a little weaker sounding

Thunderhawk: a lot like his grandson, Athair, but maybe a little deeper and older sounding

Dimitri: something like Specter's voice, but maybe a little more electronic sounding

Lien-Da: I think that the lady who played that witch of an financier Carrigan*(*From the movie "Casper") would be perfect for this character

Mail delivery guy: I think the guy who played the main human character in the movie "See Spot Run" might be good to think about, at least for starters

Eggman's under-cover agents: whoever can be scrounged up that'd be good for playing the part of a really effective undercover agent*(* preferably from a "007" movie) might be good, at least to consider

MPs: I'm pretty sure that your average, every-day, run-o'-the-mill muscle-man would do a pretty good job as voice-actors for these guys

Rouge: the person who did her voice in "Sonic X", did a pretty good job doing this character's voice in that series, didn't she?

Fiona: Anybody who sounds like someone who's innocent on the outside, yet total death-cap dust on the inside would do just fine for her

Sergeant Simeon: I think that the guy who did the voice of Motormaster*(*from the original "Transformers" series), might be perfect for this character

Scourge: something like Sonic's voice, but probably with a lot thicker of a gangster accent

Predator Hawk: Something like Howard the Duck*(*Of course, I mean from the movie!), might be good, at least for starters

Lightning Lynx: I think that the guy who did the voice of Bubsy might do the trick, IF he's still around

Flying Frog: I think somebody who did one of the evil toad-men from the series "Buckey-O'-Hare and the Toad Wars" might be good for this guy

Finitevus' computer: anyone who can do the voice of your typical computer, could definitely do wonders in this case, as well!

Shadow the Hedgehog: I think the guy who did this character's voice in the series "Sonic X" did a pretty good job, don't you!? Here's hoping that he's easy enough to get to

Nate Morgan: I think Bill Cosby, or somebody who sounds like him, would do a pretty good job

HELP AND HOPE SURVEY: PART I

Now that you've finished reading the story, I'd like to know from you, the reader, what you thought of it, and therefore, I have some questions to ask those who've read the story in-full! My only request: is that you fill out the survey as completely and as honestly as you can! Your answers will go a long way in me keeping records on the stories I write. Be warned, tho': some of the questions covered in this survey are repeats to the questions asked in the survey of the probably already viewed and answered survey included in the first versions of this story; if you already answered these questions and don't feel like repeating yourself, just leave them blank.

First Question:
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being a great story in all senses of the word, and 1 being a complete waste of space on the computer) where would you say this story ranks*(*If 5 or lower, please share your tips with me on how I can make the story better)?

Next Question:
What did you like most about it*(*And don't worry! You can circle, fill in, mark off, whatever, more than one if it's too close to call!)? (A) The Bad Guys really got their butts kicked; (B) Sonic got his original, and true girl friend back; (C) Some new characters*(*Namely, One-Eyed Black, Carrie, and Ultra Mina) were introduced to the Sonic World; (D) Some good catch-phrases were used, and/or introduced; (E) These new characters had purer hearts than their looks and team-name suggested; (F) A new way to restore the free-will, of those lost to the Roboticizer was unveiled; (G) The Good Guys got the cooler gadgets this time; (H) Some new weapons were introduced; (I)Something else you liked about it*(*Please describe if "I" is filled in, please describe what else you liked about the story, and don't worry! If it's too close to call between one of these choices or more, you can fill in more than one!)

Next Question:
What did you think about One-Eyed Black comparing Sally to Optimus Prime*(*and, by the way, I'm talking about similarities in personality, and leadership skills, NOT in the type of creature they are!)?

Next Question:
What did you think of the weapons and "power-up gadgets" that One-Eyed Black built for the Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix?

Next Question:
What did you think about One-Eyed Black's "Korlonium Weapons"?

Next Question:
What did you think of the catch-phrases used in the story?

Examples follow:
"I thought you were made of metal, not Silly Putty!"
"Battered like a McNugget"
"Last straw in the entire restaurant"
"Even those whon only remotely knew Sally felt a great deal of hurt n' burn and so did I! Rest assured Freedom Fighters and Chaotix: Some big fat guy with a big orange mustache is gonna DIE!"
"HEY YOU, GET YER DARN HANDS OFF THEM!"
"I wouldn't trust you guys to watch over bowling pins!"
"A whole bakery's worth of Hurts Donuts"
"Terminate with _prejudice*(*with the words "Extreme", "Immeasurable", "Unbelievable", "Unspeakable", "Unbearable", "Unthinkable", "Inconceivable", "Unprecedented", and "Incredibly horrifying" being used interchangeably in the blank space)

Final Question:
If somebody did something really nasty to a friend of yours, and you felt that you, and only you, had the power to make it all right again, what would you do?

*These questions were asked by Patrick Hackleman, Author of the "Help and Hope" saga; please answer them as best, and as honestly as you can.

FINAL WORDS FROM THE WRITER OF THE HELP AND HOPE saga

I hope you liked my story! I really put my heart and soul into it! As previously stated, I wrote it in reaction to what happened to Sally in recent issues of the Sonic the Hedgehog comics. Even before I realized how much she meant to Sonic, I always took a liking to her! And, when I did find out how much she meant to Sonic, I wanted nothing short of a happy ending for them both! Sally was also the first character that I used the term "Attack Director" to describe. Sally was also the one who "told" me when the Sonic story*(*Or, at least the ABC TV show version of the story) was set for; it was said about her that she was five years old when Robotnik took over and started his reign of enslavement and terror, and that she would not "Come of Age*(*Which, I later discovered, meant turning 18), for another two years. It was thanks to her that I was able to get a good feel for the story's "Futuristic" atmosphere. I am not, in the least bit saying that the story might become 100% true, I'm just saying that it's good to know the time-line in that particular story! Thanks in large part to Sally, I found out that the ABC version of the Sonic story, was set for the year 3235*(*I, later discovered that this was based on the calendar thought up for this particular story), I also assumed that Mobius was a whole 'nother planet, and it may very well've been in the Sonic TV shows, but after reading STH #124, I realized that, in the comic at least, and probably even in the ABC TV show, as well*(*That story being the closest televised match to the comic book version of the Sonic story), that Mobius was Earth in a very distant "Future"! In other words, Sally was the one who provided me the information that I needed, to chronilize Sonic's world! And after realizing how close that she was to Sonic, Sally was the character I paid attention to the most*(*Right after Sonic, Tails, and Robotnik, of course!); Sure! She was a little overprotective of Tails, and wasn't into taking the "Unnecessary risks" that her counterpart, Sonic, is notoriously famous for taking, but I later came to respect her as a girl who could keep her head even in the stickiest situation that anyone else around her would freak out over, I also learned that she was a total computer-wizard, and could fix just about anything with electronics in it! And when I read STH #60, and learned that King Max wanted Sally to marry Antoine, the Freedom Fighter that spent a great deal of his life getting the goat of a lot of the other Freedom Fighters around him, including Sally, and when I leaned that Max was so against Sally making her own calls, that he threatened to disown her, I wanted ever-so-much to tell Max off for such a snobbish act! And when Sally was forced to marry Patch in STH #155, well, lemme put it this way: When I saw Sally say "yes" to that, the damage control crew weren't last in line, THEY WERE ON VACATION! And Sally winding up Roboticized at the conclusion of STH #230!? And after I read STH #232, and saw Sally about to be "Improved" by Eggman!? That was the very last straw, in the entire restaurant! Until I saw Eggman about "improve" Sally, I had faith, that somehow, the Freedom Fighters were gonna make another one of their world-famous come-backs, and give Eggman such a headache, that all of the headaches that Rita Repulsa ever got from the original Power Rangers put together, would seem like a one-second brain-freeze! But after STH #232, I saw the light: Eggman's gotta be stopped, regardless of who takes 'im down, and before that fat creep ruins anymore close friendships like Sonic just started having again with Sally! And, personally, when Eggman is admitted into the Underworld, I want 'im cast into the deepest, darkest, hottest, and most unforgiving pit! Personally, I equally compare Sally being on the Dark Side, to when Optimus Prime reverted to his original identity of Orion Pax, and sided with the Decepticons*(*See finale of season 1 of the HUB series "Transformers: Prime" for full details)! Here's hoping Sally will make it back to the Freedom Fighters, and send that lard-bucket Eggman back to the deep, dark sewer he crawled out of!
Hope you liked my story so far! And hey! If you, the reader, have any ideas that might make this story better, feel free to share 'em!

Writer of the "Help and Hope" saga-Patrick Hackleman

E-Mail: blackglove54