CHAPTER 4
Sonic was back in his nest of quilts, eyes half opened and breathing shallow as the pain overtook him again. He was certain the end was coming soon, either it be by Metal or just the strain the agony put on his body. He could tell a few ribs were broken from the chains, the pain spreading over his entire side. He didn't get long to rest, only a few hours. The doctor dragged him from his nest with a sharp yank, causing him to fall onto his side, on a broken bone. Sonic tried to get up, but his strength was gone completely now. He managed to get back onto all fours before collapsing on his other side, completely unconscious.
Two weeks later, the doctor was almost completely in control of the world. He was currently standing at a desk, pouring over a map of the last free place in all the land. Something bumped against his leg and he kicked it away. But a few seconds later, it returned with a soft nudge. He cast a withering look at his prisoner, who continued to softly nudge his leg with his head, like a dog seeking affection. Sonic's quills were drooped, his ears the same. He pressed his forehead to his captor's leg again and glanced up with a pleading look in his dim eyes.
The doctor ignored him and went on with his work.
Sonic curled at his feet, staring at Metal who stood only a few feet away.
The doctor just kicked him away again, earning pitiful whimpers for his effort. He mentally counted down the days Sonic had left before he would let Metal at him…
They were forced to watch. On one condition: They watch, they get set free. Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Rouge and Shadow were standing behind a thick pane of glass, waiting in complete horror.
Tails burst out in tears when Sonic was thrown into the room. His hero was so weak he could barely stand. Every rib was visible through his thin and shedding blue pelt. It looked as though he were fighting to stay upright.
Metal followed him, preparing to end his miserable life.
Sonic eyed his counterpart and seemed to wilt. He knew he would not live. He knew he would not ever run free again. Why fight?
Metal rushed at him, one cold hand wrapping around his neck and lifting him into the air. Sonic went limp, source of oxygen cut off. He managed to claw weakly at the robot's fingers, but there was no way he could escape.
Metal released him, letting him fall in a crumpled heap on the floor. One foot was smashed into his side, shattering his ribs. Sonic didn't have the energy to cry out. He only lay limply, accepting the blows Metal landed on him.
The only sound he made was a long whine, begging for the end. Of course, Metal wasn't that merciful. More blows to his head nearly killed Sonic; he could just make out the blur of yellow that was Tails…
"I'm sorry." Sonic thought to himself. Metal had raised his foot above his head. "I'm sorry, Tails. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. I'm sorry-"
The final strike landed. It came quickly and almost painlessly. Sonic was free again…free to run and never stop.