Episode 10

Blitz watched Sonic, Mighty, Amy and Geoff head to the conference room to give a report about the mission. Blitz learned another team lead by the Silver and the Chaotix had secured another hold in Eggman's territory. Victory was assured and territory was slowly gaining traction. He also learned that G.U.N. had been hitting hard with offensive tactics. Thanks to the data Rouge had gained while in the Death Egg. With the way things were going they would be winning this war.

Unfortunately the mood changed. Sonic remained stoic after learning a friend of his was working for Eggman. He said nothing to Amy and wanted everyone present when he presented them the news. On the other hand they gained new Resistance members from South Island and the Pyramid base. Those that wanted to fight join the Resistance. Others stayed behind to reinforce protection on South Island. Geoff's makeshift freedom fighters joined the Resistance. Actually Rotor and Antoine joined them while Bunnie and Honey stayed on South Island to help with the moral. They would come by later. Rotor went to go find the tech geeks, having ideas on how to utilize power of the wisps while Antoine remained ever vigilante for the opportunity to take back the crown.

"Nice shield."

Blitz blinked as Winter approached them. He looked down at the shield he carried in his hand, something he took as a souvenir.

"Like it?" Sora held it up. "It's Blitz's trophy, a reminder of helping Sonic take down Yang."

Winter growled as she grasped her healing shoulder. "Yeah, I hope you got her good."

"Um…" He tilted his head. "Yeah, but I think Sonic knows her."

"Probably a traitor." Winter scoffed.

"Let's not go down that path." Sora muttered as he looked around nervously. "I doubt they want to hear that."

Winter shrugged. "Fine, she might be brainwashed for all we know." She eyed Blitz. "What are you going to do with that?"

The Bloodhound stared thoughtfully at the weapon for a few seconds and then started walking. "I want one."

"Want what?"

"A shield to throw." He grinned. "I can ask the Brain Trust to take a look at it and maybe repurpose it."

"Oh!" Sora eyes sparkled. "You can use that shield for fight and defend. Plus they might give it Wisp abilities."

"Wouldn't that be overkill?" Winter muttered.

"We have overkill for the weaker robots. The Wispons help us give an edge against them and the harder ones we take on" Sora smiled sinisterly. "Blitz can throw a shield in one hand and use gun in the other."

Blitz chuckled. "That would be pretty cool."

"HEY!"

The trio turned to the source of the voice. Barry stood there with an unhappy tone. "I want to talk to you!"

Blitz narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, what?"

-Monitor room-

Amy covered her mouth, tears were flowing down her face. "N-no. Not her. Not Vanilla."

Vector lowered his head. "This is bad. There's no way someone that sweet and loving woman like her would just work for Eggman."

"She may have no choice." Espio spoke. "Cream is missing, the Doctor may have her daughter held hostage and using her to force Vanilla to commit atrocities."

"Vanilla is not the type to do that." Charmy growled fiercely. "That doesn't explain her not recognizing Sonic."

"She may have been brainwashed." Silver spoke. "I wouldn't put it past that madman for breaking her to his will."

"But Cream…" Amy whimpered.

"We… we can only look for her when the opportunity presents itself." Knuckles sighed. "I'm sorry, but our options are limited."

Geoffrey shook his head and looked at Rouge's face on the monitor. "What do you think."

Rouge looked away. "Yin and Yang are high priority targets like the rest of the Enforcers. Both extremely dangerous and have done terrible things." She stared at them with sorrow. "They are the target for termination. My boss does not want to risk trying to bring her or both in."

Sonic slammed his fist on the wall. "Tell you boss I will take full responsibility in bringing her in." Sonic glared darkly at the bat. The unnatural tone and expression caused the group to feel disturbed. "You kill her, I'm making sure you all breathe thr-."

"SONIC!" Knuckles got in his face. "Relax."

"Knuckles." Sonic glared at his friend. Both glared at the other for a full minute before Sonic sighed. "Sorry, I feel responsible for all this."

"Sonic, don't blame yourself for this." Mighty scowled. "Not now, you are not going to be full of pity for this. We'll get her back and knock some sense into her. We can't have you feeling depressed."

Sonic chuckled. "You're right." He crossed his arms. "It's just…" He looked at them. "Tails is missing, Ray is dead, Vanilla and Shadow have turned, and Jet is being used as some political gain. Cream might be used as some form of leverage. I want to finish this war and I don't want things to go south quickly."

The door burst opened revealing a frantic Wave. "Everyone we have situation!"

"Did things go south quickly?" Charmy muttered.

…

-moments before-

Barry sneered at the hound. "I heard you and Sonic fought Yang. How was it?"

"It was a fight." Blitz crossed his arms and growled.

"No, how was it being Sonic's partner?"

Blitz eyes widen and then they narrowed. He did not like where this conversation was moving. He took a step to leave. "I don't have time for this."

"Oh you make time. You make the time." He grabbed the dog's arm. "You did it, you finally did. You got what I wanted."

"I thought you wanted Grace."

"Grace can make up her mind who she wants and I mostly flirted with her to get a good laugh out of you." He snorted smoke from his nose. "To race with Sonic and mowing down Eggman forces. You stole that."

The dog's eyebrow twitched and clenched his fist. "I stole nothing!" Blitz grabbed the bear. "I'm try to help and you're trying to be a dick."

"I'm much better at this."

"I don't care. You can be better at a children's game and I still won't care."

"How did you run with him? We all saw it, you and him were running…. Oh…. Something happened in those ruins. What happened?"

"I told you, nothing."

"Something happened."

"What's going on?"

The group turned to see Sonic and Knuckles standing before him. Knuckles looked peeved while Sonic had a disappointed look with his arms crossed

"Nothing." Barry and Blitz spoke.

"Nothing? You two obviously have a history," Knuckles spoke with authority. "Whatever feelings you have right now need to be buried."

Sonic looked at Knuckles. "Have they always been like this? How long?

"Since Blitz got here a month ago."

Sonic snorted. "Barry I need to talk to you."

Barry grinned.

"No," Sonic spoke. "Wipe that grin off your face. Come on. We need to talk." The hedgehog gestured the bear to follow him. Barry sighed and walked after him.

Blitz watched them leave and growled.

"Alright everyone clear the room." The Guardian shouted. "Now is the time to get back to work or whatever you are doing."

Everyone murmured as they dispersed, leaving Knuckles and Team Blitz. "You okay rookie?"

"Yeah."

"Good, try to not let people egg you on."

"Right." Blitz spoke softly and then looked up. "What's Sonic going to do?"

"He's just going to talk to him and hopefully calm him down."

…

Barry was to on top of the roof of the compound they were staying at. Sonic turned around and gave him a disapproving expression.

"Barry, do you want to win this war?"

Barry eyes widen and nodded nervously. "Y-yeah."

"What's wrong? I know you two have a history, what brought this on?"

Barry lowered his head. "It's… it's been my dream to fight along side of you, to be one of your many allies to be relied on."

"I need you right now. We all do." Barry looked up at the hedgehog whom only gave him a smile. "I'm not playing favorites. Blitz may have some kind of power, but he's not the only I have to place my trust in. Half the time before this I've been fighting Eggman myself. It was just me in the beginning, then I made friends along the way who helped me out in their own way. Whether it was traveling with me or doing a task that I can't handle." Sonic rubbed his chin. "A quote from a manga I like. 'I'll do the things you can't do and you do the things I can't do.'"

"That pirate manga. I like that."

Sonic nodded. "Me too, but I'm asking you this. I can't be everywhere at once in this war. I learned that while I have been handling Eggman or relaxing, my friends and allies had been handling threats I wasn't aware of. Sure, I tangoed with threats that weren't Eggman, almost felt like I was facing the villain of the week at one time, but I wasn't around and they took care of it. Tails fought a bird armada, Knuckles fought a rogue AI with the Chaotix, Rouge forced Amy to go deep undercover. What I'm saying we are team and even if we aren't teaming up often, we're still kicking butt when Eggman isn't an active threat."

Barry nodded. "I see."

Sonic chuckled. "He might not know it, but Blitz is starting to become faster. If you want, take an Extreme Gear and we run for a bit."

Barry smiled. "Yeah, I get it." Honestly, he felt jealous, but the Hero was right. There was no time to get mad at the mutt. Barry was going to continue to prove himself out in the battle field and will become a warrior. First thing first he would need to train with the Cube Wispon.

…

-Two days later-

"This terrain." Omega beeped.

"What do you mean." Inquired Tails

"Team Dark performed a mission when Eggman unleashed Gaia. There was unusual Dark Gaia energy in this location. We and G.U.N. were sent to investigate. There we discovered the Manx Clan and their constant fight against Dark Gaia creatures. The Manx Clan…"

Tails raised a brow. "Manx Clan? Hmm." He narrowed his eyes on where he heard that name

"Tails? What's wrong?" Cream asked

Tails snapped his finger, remembering where he heard it. He looked toward Sonic. "Have you ever ran into someone name-."

"Look out!" shouted Grace.

Tails pressed the brakes on the buggy grinding it to a halt, barely an inch in front of a human girl who leapt out of bushes while not looking where she was going. Once seeing the large craft she started to faint, only to be caught by Young Sonic. The group, minus Omega, jumped out of the vehicle to check on her.

"Anybody know first-aid?" Sonic asked

The girl had ginger hair and freckles on her face. She wore raggedy clothes and worn out shoes.

Cream looked over at the girl and frowned. "She didn't get hit by the buggy, but she looks worn out. Plus…" She pointed to a bruise on her wrist. "That's a bruise."

"INCOMING ENEMIES!" Omega jumped out of the vehicle and put readied himself. "Preparing to slaughter with extreme prejudice."

The group readied themselves as three Shadow Bots stormed out of the forest to attack. Grace gulped and attacked with the rest of group. She raised a claw gauntlet Tails and raced at the Shadowbot. She dodged a few laser beams from the robot and jumped in the air. She curled in a ball, imitating Sonic's spin attack while using her clawed gauntlet to add more damage, and sliced through the laser mount on the robot. She landed on the ground gracefully and looked back at the robot. She gaped as the robot threw a punch at her, only for it stop when Storm appeared and grabbed the arm

"Come on girly, don't freeze when an enemy attacks." The Shadowbot raised its other arm and threw another punch. The bird mobian evade the attack and leapt for and delivered a hammer blow to the face. "Let's go!"

Grace nodded and rushed forward. She spotted Cream flying around the robot as Omega cut loose and delivered heavy damage to the metallic brute. Grace was sure the thing was giddy in response. She then saw Sonic and Tails doing flawless team work as they took down the robot. She looked forward as Storm launched an explosive at it, damaging it even further. Grace dashed, reached for the head and thrust her claw through the visor. She jabbed it again and again before jumping over as it fell over the ground.

Grace froze as she saw the robot started picking itself… until Omega dropped down unleashed more weaponry on it. The downed Shadow bot head exploded, ceasing its function. Satisfied with the destruction, the E-series robot stared at her. She could feel the smugness coming from it somehow

"You did well, but your rookie mistake of not crushing your enemies even further nearly got you killed. Next time you'll die."

Grace groaned. The robot rogue was absolutely giddy with the destruction of anything. Being a member of Team Dark gave it purpose. Fighting in this war gave it purpose to destroy inferior robots and have a challenge.

Sonic sped up to her and patted her on the back. "You did great."

She smiled at the hedgehog and then looked toward the downed girl who was starting to wake up.

"Uh…" She started coming to. "I… where am I?" She looked around the clearing. "I made it, but." She looked around at the group. "Who are you did you get captured?" She then spotted Young Sonic and gasped. "Y-you're! You're alive! They said you died… you're shorter than you look!"

Sonic shrugged. "It's complicated."

"What happened?" Tails approached them. "Where were you running from?"

The girl looked down. "My name is Frances." She started coughing. "I… just escaped from a prison camp."

Omega eyes blinked and scanned the area. He turned his head left. "I detected Eggman robots at 9 o clock. Strength size… minimal."

Tails frowned and stared at the down robots. "A prison camp."

Sonic scowled. "I don't like the sound of that. Trapping animals in robots is one thing, keeping people others in cages is another."

"We're not in cages, it's…" She bit her lip. "It's a village ruled by an Eggman Boss. I was sent there 3 weeks ago with my mom. She's been forced to work the mines. We all have."

"What are you mining?" inquired Cream.

"Chaos Emeralds or something similar. Eggman set up a camp to find a source of energy to help fuel his empire. From what I have been told we haven't found anything."

"There are only seven Chaos Emerald." Tails spoke. "Even Eggman knows that, all he must be looking for something to power his forces."

Cream nodded. "Then there are the Sol Emeralds, but they are in a different realm with Miss Blaze."

Grace walked up to the girl. "Um Frances, have you seen a brown furred Bloodhound by any chance?"

Frances shook her head. "No, no Bloodhounds."

"I see."

"Well… what do we do?" Storm scowled. "I know we're a strong group, but can we free them?"

Omega looked toward the camp. "The prisoners are endangered either way. We destroy the robots and the boss. Eggman will send more and keep digging for whatever nonsense he thinks is there."

"Wait." Sonic snapped his fingers. "This boss thinks there are more Emeralds. They're probably digging more to get under his grace."

Tails rubbed his chin. "We have one Chaos Emerald. Eggman doesn't have the full set. Do you think Eggman will care if we demolish this base?"

"He wants to keep his ruling right?" Storm spoke. "Either way, we can't take them all with us."

Grace's ears faulted. This was sounding like they weren't going to help. They should. "I… we could try."

"Logically," Omega spoke. "We free them, they would be left roaming until Eggman captures them again."

"Or…." Tails smirked. "We get a little creative. I think I have a way to make sure Eggman doesn't know about this and free the villagers."

Sonic looked at the fox positively. "Okay bud, what do you got?"

"First things first, who is the Egg Boss?"

"Drago Wolf."

"Drago Wolf." Omega chuckled. "Insignificant rogue. Once was a member of the Bounty Hunting Squad: The Wolf Pack. He was kicked out for being greedy."

Storm smiled fondly. "They were a cool bunch lead by Lupe. We teamed up a few times."

"My team encountered them once. They were formidable, always doing the right thing. They were once rivals of the Jackal Squad before sending them to jail. Later, the squad broke out two month before the war started and hasn't been seen since."

"So how much of a threat is he?" questioned Grace.

"Minor inconvenience."

"Yeah well," Tails approached the downed Shadowbots. "I think we need to be ready in case he because more of a threat."

….

-Drago's Camp-

"HA HA!" a voice laughed out loud. "You thought you could distract me and everyone long enough for you stupid brat to escape?"

Figure in question was a white bipedal wearing dark blue and black clothing similar to Eggman's attire. He added a cape to his clothing. His left arm was replaced with a white metallic arm. His right eye was a replace with a metallic eye. He glared down at the battered older woman with sinister grin. The woman looked down at the ground.

"Yes…"

"Where would she go?" He leaned at while his grin widen further. The woman didn't bother looking up. She didn't want to see his sinister teeth.

"Help."

"FROM WHAT!" He shouted, then he laughed as she jumped up and fell on her butt. "You crack me up." He stood up and crossed his arm. "Who's going to help? Sonic is long gone. G.U.N. is shambles and that makeshift Resistance is not going to help. The Eggman Empire rules the world and you just send that girl to doom herself. You're lucky I sent them to capture her only and not maim and kill. If she's injured in the process then that's fine." He turned away. "Take her back to the mines. I want results."

A Shadowbot grabbed her by the arm and dragged her away. Drago chuckled and sat down at his chair. "Hmph, these people don't know how good they have it. They could be in space on the Death Egg."

Ching ching.

Drago chuckled and looked to his left. He sneered at the individual in the cage. The figure was physically female. She had raggedy clothes that clashed with her brown fur. On her wrist were power dampening cuffs that seemed to seal whatever abilities she had. An iron mask covered her face, but if one looked closely at the eye sockets, one could see a deadly heated glare. A glare that gave Drago the chills.

"Pipe down you." He stood up and walked toward her. "You were the most troublesome brat before Eggman's lead enforcer camp and tore apart you and your clan." He looked at the wall to see a staff locked in a case. "Those cuffs will keep you from making a mess." He grinned fiercely. "You're my trophy too. As soon as Eggman wins the war I'm going to break you… or at least have that creature come here and break you for me. Wouldn't that be something?"

The girl gave him the double bird.

"You're still feisty, I'll fix that soon."

"Sir!" The Wolf turned to a wolf with armored gear appeared. Next to him was a damage Shadowbot with Frances in "One of the Shadowbots brought back the girl."

"One? What happened to the rest?"

"The bot looked damaged, said it ran into some rogues on the way over here. Took care of them and it was the only one that came back."

Drago snorted. "Huh, those idiots, choosing to raid and pillage instead of serving the Empire. We're the winners here." He leaned in a the girl. "You came back. Good, now go home." He turned to look at the bot. "Heh, you came back as victor. Brought home the spoils. You know what?" He walked up and knocked on the shell. "You deserve a reward. Get recharged, get some metal. Also get mounted rocket launcher. Dismissed. Yahahahaha!"

The Shadowbot turned around and walked away. The visor of the robot flashed a bit before stepping out

…Outside the village…

Team Fox were staring at the portal computer Tails installed on the buggy.

Grace scowled. "He's a pervert."

Cream nodded. "Most definitely."

"How can you tell?" Storm stared at the screen.

"It's just a feeling." Grace mumbled. "I feel dirty."

"Drago Wolf. Just as incompetent as the last time." Omega spoke. "Defense: Weak. Combat Strength. Adequate. 3 Shadow bots, 2 combots, 10 badniks, 30 Eggpawns. 14 squishy guards. Incompetent. Although, a 10 foot tall chain link fence is admirable, but against heavy fire power... weak."

Sonic rubbed his chin. "Great, I can handle the EggPawns. The Shadowbots I don't have any experience with, but if they are like the Hardboiled Heavies then…"

"With strategy and the right tools. Omega go around the camp, search for anything that can be use to sabotage or at least… maybe a strong EMP pulse, but you need to be far away."

"No, I will do something will eliminate most of the threat." The E series unit eyes blinked. "I will do this with style."

"Good, scope out every nook and cranny of that place.'

"What do we with the girl in the iron mask?" questioned Storm

"She's not in any immediate danger." Tails raised a device in his hand. "What we need to do is free the village while not getting us all killed. Get repaired and patrol the rest of the village, follow my plan and we limit the amount of trouble for us."

"Affirmative, once we get more fire power we will surely cause mayhem to the Empire."

Grace giggled, causing Omega to his attention to her.

"What is it?"

"You have grown on me. Before I cringed at your behavior, not I find it endearing."

The robot stared at her. "Perhaps I have been with you far too long. I find you tolerable."

Grace smiled. "Thanks."

"I will not thank you in return."

…Resistance HQ…

Rasp, Blitz, Winter, and Sora were seen eating in the lunch room.

Rasp handed Blitz a schematic. "What do you want on your new weapon?"

"It's a shield."

"You brought it back for a reason."

Rasp held up a red crystal. "The Wisps have been willing let us syphon their energy. Sometimes they even inhabit the weapons we make to give an extra juice. These crystals help keep the weapons charged and always ready. Unlimited ammo until the weapon breaks." A white wisp flew around the group and winked at the group. It then landed on Blitz's head. "These little guys Sonic befriend are a lifesaver." She glanced at Blitz. "So we're working on that shield you got so it can utilize the powers of the Wisps." She sighed. "But we can't mass produce everyone to use shields. We upgraded the Cube Wispon to generate blocks to gravitate around you."

Sora groaned. "I think you're make my brain hurt."

Blitz shrugged. "So… when?"

"Give me us a few more days and you will have the Shield that you can test on in the field and then maybe upgrade it so you can…"

"Are you trying to overwhelm me?" Blitz groaned. "I thought you would take a look at it and polish it."

Rasp lowered her head and adjusted her glasses. A gleam rest on the lens and she donned a mad grin. "Mate, we at the Brain Trust are just crazy to come up with new ways to win this war, nothing short of crazy idea of making armor or weapons that can blast the strongest robot and be enough to go toe to toe with the enforcers." She lifted her head and smiled sweetly. "I just want to cause mayhem."

The Polar Bear groaned. "Sometimes I think you are just insane."

"You cute when you act like maniac." The cardinal stared at her intently.

The crimson hedgehog winked at the bird. "You face tells me the opposite, but that's makes want to experiment on you."

"You can if you want." Sora grinned at the hedgehog.

Winter got up and walked away. "If you are all flirting then I'm leaving."

"Wait what?" The duo snapped out of their thoughts and stared at the pink coat wearing girl with shock and both blushed deeply. "No! We're not flirting."

The Bloodhound laughed. "You two could've fooled me."

Winter turned around and crossed her arms. "Do it at your own time. I think you two killed my muse." She smiled smugly. "Now I can't think of some good lyrics."

"Your face tells the opposite of what you are saying." Rasp gave a deadpanned expression.

Sora chuckled. "I think being around us is giving Winter a more playful side."

The Polar bear rolled her eyes. "I do have a playful side, I just choose when to use it." She turned around to leave only to find Barry standing in front of her. "Oh, Barry."

"Hi." The bear scratched his head. "Um…"

"No, I wont go out with you." She waved him off as she walked by.

The bear felt something caught in his throat as turned around. "I wasn't asking that!" Winter shrugged and walked away. Barry groaned and turned to face the trio. "Um… Blitz."

"Are we going to have a fight?"

"No…" He sighed. "I'm here to tell you I won't get in a fight over petty garbage. We're in this war to fight and free the world."

"… I never asked to get this power."

"I know." He smirked. "It's just, I guess… I was blind before."

"Blind?"

"Nothing." He scowled. "Let's fight together next time."

Blitz gave a confused as he watched the brown bear walk away. The dog turned to Sora and Rasp. "Huh?"

"I think he's saying sorry dude." Sora spoke. "I expected this grudge to last a few more months until he acknowledges you in the final fight."

"No, he's just slowly acknowledging you." Said Rasp. "I think you just need to get him to appreciate you."

"I thought our fight in the ruins was enough."

"Sometimes it takes more than just a mere fight against a common threat for people to get along. Sometimes they need more time together to fully understand each other. Talk, laugh, and play games. Friendships form through many different situations and I'm willing to bet you two will fully get along and he won't be jealous of you."

Blitz stared at the girl and nodded. He looked at the Wire Launcher on his wrist and thought about his best friend whom he hoped was still alive.

…

Blitz stared at the greens in front of him. He looked up at Grace and back at the greens. At Grace. At the Greens. Grace. Greens. Grace. Greens.

"And this is?"

"Your dinner." She said to him as a matter of fact.

He gave her an 'Are you serious look.'

"You promised."

The dog eyes widen and scratched the back of his head. "Um well… it was a spur of the moment."

The Cheetah placed her hands on her hips. "Blitz, you promised that you would have greens in your diet. I asked momma for a properly balanced meal for you. See look? Lettuce, Kale, tomato, onions, olives, avocado. I even at some meat bits and cheese. Look Ranch."

Blitz nodded. "Oh… okay."

"You promised."

Blitz sighed. "You're right…. I did. I owe you for saving my life."

"You saved me too."

"But… you actually encouraged me." He stared at her intently. "I'm not that mad anymore."

"That's was a week ago. You got angry at the kids at school."

"Only because they mocked you. They said I was my fault that you had to find me. The-"

"No." She poked him in the nose. "I'm not listening to them, not all of them are like that. Only ones are the jerks, Steph, Issac and the ilk. Look Barry offered his condolences."

"Just to give his ego a boost."

Grace frowned and leaned forward. "We're friends now. I will stay by you. I promise."

"I don't want you jeopardize anything."

"I already declared myself as your friend. I will make you sure you have a partner to rely on. Now eat your salad or I wll force you to eat."

…

"Grace!"

Grace snapped out of her thoughts by Cream. A memory from long ago and yet she still kept having them. Why? Guilt? No, now is not the time. She looked up at her party assembled before her. All of them were giving her looks.

"You okay?" Sonic asked.

"Yeah, just having a dream."

Tails nodded. He was aware of her drifting off and he knew the cheetah was thinking about her lost friend. She needed to take her mind off of that. Tails needed her head in the game.

"Grace, we're getting ready to attack."

Grace nodded. "How?"

Tails smiled. "It starts now."

…

The Shadowbot, Omega had been controlling, lured the more troublesome Shadowbots to the grid that brought power to the entire camp. 30 Shadowbots, 5 combots, and 10 Heavy Eggpawns. Once it was clear the present threat was there, the Shadowbot and punched the Grid a few times. The grid started to short circuit and caused bone chilling explosion that wiped them out.

…

Drago Wolf was eating a burrito when he heard and felt the explosion along with the power going out. It took a few seconds before the back up generator kicked when he knew something had gone wrong. "What happened?"

One of his followers ran into the room. "Sir, the power generator went off along with most of our forces."

"WHAT?! Well get the rest of them and find them." A comm went off on his arm, forcing to answer it. "WHAT?"

"Sir, six individual stormed the camp and making short work of the remaining Egg Pawns and us."

"What? Six? Six should be more than enough to handle!"

"Sir…five of them are on our most wanted list. E-123 Omega, Cream the Rabbit, Storm the Albatross, Miles 'Tails' Prower… and. And…

"AND?"

"Sonic the Hedgehog."

The jailed figure seemed interested in the names and then looked shocked at hearing about Sonic the Hedgehog.

Drago gaped. "S-S-Sonic? But?" He shook his head and snapped at the voice in the comm. "Are you crazy. Sonic's been dead for months."

"But… it's him. He's blue, fast an- AUGH!"

"Augh? What happened to you?"

There was static over the channel. He growled and rushed toward the button on the wall. He pressed it. "They are going to get it now." He then dropped down the hall. "Time for them to get the howl of the Empire.

…

Grace delivered a spin kick to the soldier in front of her and used her claw to break the lock the of the cage. "You're free!"

Everyone poured out slowly until a loud roar echoed through the camp. Everyone panicked and ran back in.

"Run!" cried out a man. "It's Drago's Luna Lobo!"

Grace raised a brow. "Luna Lobo!"

BOOOOM!

The cheetah whipped around to see a giant for legged large robotic dog robot landed in the middle of the camp. It howled once more before setting it sights on Grace. Attached to the back of the robot was Drago in one of Eggman's Hovercraft with protective glass.

"Well, well. Are you the sixth member? A tasty little girl like you could be just what I'm looking for."

Grace fear turned into disgust and she promptly raised her claw. "Shut up!"

"I like em feisty!"

"Glorious!" Omega dropped down in front of Grace. "A worth opponent!"

"You hunk of crap!" Drago's voice sounded from Luna Lobo. "I'm going to turn you in scrap and send you to Eggman."

"Drago Wolf. You had been a threat… although you are still bottom of the barrel trash."

"DON'T THINK I FORGOTTEN WHAT YOU DID! STORM WHERE ARE YOU? I HAVE A BONE TO PICK WITH YOU TOO!"

"RIGHT HERE!" Storm leapt off the Extreme Gear and shot down toward the roof. The hammer Tails made for him unleashed a rocket from the back. Along with the rock he brought it down and brought down power hit on the metal wolf. The wolf face collided with the ground just as the Albatross rolled off. Storm leapt back and in front of Grace. "HA HOW ABOUT THAT!" The albatross grabbed Grace and ran off just as Omega unleashed fire power.

The Luna Lobo lifted itself off the ground and dodged the assault. It landed on the ground and near portion of the escaped prisoners. The head turned toward them and bared its fangs. "Where do you think you're going?"

Sonic sped toward the robot and curled into ball. He shot on the side of the robot and knocked it off it feet. Sonic landed on the ground and snorted at the bot. "Heh, strong enough to withstand my spin attack. A few more hits and I'll pry it open."

"Right." Tails tossed a few bombs at the bot that exploded on contact. "We need to lure him outside the compound."

"You!" Drago roared from within the bot. Compartments opened up on the side of the robot and it launched missiles at all directions. "TAKE THIS!"

Tails gaped. "Wha? No!"

Sonic growled and sped off. "Try to take out some."

Grace eyes widen as she ran away from the incoming assault. She saw Frances looking around for someone. "Frances!"

"Grace I can't find mom!"

"RUN!" Grace grabbed the girl and sped off before the missiles touched ground. Grace cried out as a missile struck a cage with people inside. The cheetah closed her eyes to avoid see the carnage and to make sure Frances didn't see the burning distorted corpses. She stopped after the barrage stopped and placed Frances on the ground. She looked around the compound and her heart sank as the fire and destruction. She covered her mouth at the burning corpses of the people around her.

"Mom?" Frances uttered at seeing the flames around them.

"I…" Grace turned to the girl who looked ready to cry. "Fr-."

"FRANCES!" The two looked behind to find an older woman limping toward them.

Frances eyes widen with surprise and tears raced down her eyes as she ran toward the woman. Grace watched with glee as the two reunited and embraced each other, but she still couldn't get this needless death and mayhem out of her mind, she started crying.

"You caused this!"

Grace froze and turned around as she heard the wolf roar out from within the bot.

"If you had just given up and surrendered then this wouldn't happen."

Grace was flabbergasted. How could this be their fault? No... was he right. Could they have planned better, maybe could've prevented more casualties.

"Incorrect." Omega's usual enthusiasm of combat was replaced with a cold emotionless tone. "Your lust for fear and pain would've had more bodies. You were always incompetent."

"SHUT UP!"

"Enough." Grace turned toward the younger Sonic and froze at the look on the hedgehog's face. Everyone always described Sonic as a cocky positive drifter that you can rely on. Full of spirit and never worry. He always had a smile that was contagious and someone you can inspire to. According to Tails the past Sonic shared similar characteristics, from his bold attitude to his love of freedom. She stared at the Young Sonic, whom wasn't happy. No, he was angry, no… he wasn't shivering with anger, he wasn't barring teeth. He was just furious. He wasn't ranting and raving. It was controlled, it was calculating, was... terrifying. Her spine shivered as if she felt that anger was aiming at her since she was standing of the fire. It didn't help having the fire in the background made him seem like a demon of vengeance. "Quit talking." Venom came from his voice.

"Or what? You're going to kick my ass and I get to play with you some more… in fact you look different."

"OH I'm kicking your ass…, but this right here. I'm going to make sure you're breathing through a straw."

Grace saw Tails give a simple nod. Tails knew Sonic longer and wasn't intimidated by the threat. He knew Sonic would carry it out. The scary thing about it was this was a younger Sonic that was still growing. If the Sonic from six months ago saw this and held that threat… how much damage could he cause?

"If you want to impress the Egg then come at me." Sonic sped off with Tails close behind. Drago growled and controlled the robotic beast to chase after the duo. Omega and Storm gave chase while leaving Grace behind. She gave saddening sigh and looked around the area. The plan was to have minimum destruction as possible and face off against Drago, whom was said to be incompetent. Now he had giant wolf bot. She looked back at the mother and daughter who were still hugging each. She spotted more people walking about with bleeding and bruised.

"I don't like this." She whimpered.

"GRACE!" Grace spotted Cream and Cheese flying down to meet her. "Miss Grace are you okay?"

"Cream, Cheese." She spoke softly as she watched the pair flew down toward her. "What happened?"

"I went to find the woman with the iron mask. I managed to free her, but as soon as the explosion happened she took off after Drago."

"Drago…" The cheetah narrowed her eyes. "Cream I'll put the fire out, you find supplies to nurse these people. Cream nodded and flew off, leaving Grace to search for water. Grace narrowed her eyes and took off her boots. On her ankles were a pair of ankle weights Tails had made for her. Sonic insisted she get training to quicker than normal. She took them off, put her boots back on and took off. A smile formed on her face as she noticed a quick boost in her speed. It would take some time getting use to, but she would need to move to put the fire out.

…

Sonic jumped from tree to tree as he dodged the eye blast from the robot. He landed on the ground and sped at the robot, dodging a claw swipe and struct the face of the robot. He landed on the ground and sped away. Omega leapt down and unloaded on the robot with a fury of rapid fire. It managed to damage the right side of the robot. Storm flew down and swung down on the robot with another rocket hammer on the same spot where Omega struck. Drago roared in fury as she metallic beast started taking hits. He turned around and swung at the two, but rogues evaded the swipe. Tails rode on his buggy and fired a missile at the wolf. Upon sensing the approaching missile, the Luna Lobo dodged the attack and pounced at the buggy. Tails flew out of the seat just as the buggy was smashed. Tails launched dozens of bombs and fake rings from his person. Once collided it caused an explosion the further damage the robotic beast.

Tails floated toward the ground near sonic. "A few more hits?"

"It feels like the metal has gotten more durable since my time." Sonic smirked. "I like it. More challenging."

"Affirmative." Omega ripped a tree off the ground and slammed it on the metallic wolf. "We destroy it."

"You bastards." The Luna Lobo pounced at the E-123 robot. "I'll destroy you all."

"MANA BEAM!"

A ray of energy shot forward and collided into the torso of the robot while in the air. The beam damaged the beast, knocking it up in the air and landed on its side. Tails blinked and looked back at the source of the beam. He found a female manx in raggedy clothes holding a staff with a blue jewel at the end up of it. She had light brown fur, orange skin and chocolate brown hair tied into a pony tail. Her blue eyes glared at the robot with hatred as she bared her fangs. She twirled her staff and raised it up in the air, summoning a blue energy sphere the size of a boulder. She glanced at the group.

"COMBINE OUR POWER!" Tails turned to robot, quickly noticing the damage underside sparking, and quickly charged a shot with his Arm cannon. "Sonic!"

Sonic shot forward and struck the robot multiple times, damaging it even further. After dealing his part he leapt toward Tails and landed beside him. "Do it to it everyone!

"EVISERATE THE WEAK!" Omega open up his silos and unleashed more ammunition just Tails, Storm and the newcomer unleashed their attacks.

Inside the robot Drago came to and noticed a barrage of missiles, bombs, beams and sphere of energy racing toward him. He gasped and pressed the eject button. He was shot out of the robot just as the attacks hit. Once it hit the robot exploded into pieces as its head flew up in the air.

Drago landed on the ground with a thud and yelped in pain. He picked himself up slowly. He looked back at the group and turned forward and yelped as the head of the robot landed in front of him.

"Damn it!" He turned around and raised his claw. "I aint going down without a fig-." He couldn't finish his sentence when the girl jumped at him and punched him across the face, knocking him out.

Storm blinked. "He went down with one punch?"

Sonic crossed his arms and tapped his foot. "Really? I was expecting more… theatrics with him."

The brown furred manx glared at the downed form of Drago and scoffed. "Do you need him?"

Tails rubbed the back of his head. "Well… just for the time being."

"Lock him up for all I care." She spat at the wolf and turned around. Her icy gaze soften as she gazed at the group. Her eyes landed on Omega. "Team Dark's E-123 Omega. You met my father."

Omega eyes scanned the girl. "Tiara Boobowski, daughter of Gazebo Boobowski. Yes, your father is a powerful warrior that helped us defeat a horde Dark Gaia giant."

"Was." Her eyes lowered. "Was."

"He is deceased?" Omega sounded stunned. "Who was the warrior that gave him a terrific fight?"

Tiara shook her head. "It was Shadow… but.. he was different." She looked up at Omega. "There was something weird and different. He teamed up with strange looking Metal Sonic and that…. Evil demented being." She shivered and looked toward Sonic. "Sonic… it's been awhile."

The hedgehog tilted his head. "Huh? Have we met?"

Tails sighed and stepped forward. "Tiara, this is… complicated. Sonic told me about you. How he helped you out a few years back."

"You're Tails… if it's complicated then tell me everything."

…

After Drago's downfall the group trekked back to the camp where the met up with Grace, Cream, Cheese and the rest of the remaining prisoners. Drago ended up in a cell away from prying eyes. Those who were injured were placed inside facilities and tents. Those who were dead… the group ended up burying each of them. Sonic ended up making individual graces at the edge of the camp with his spin attack while the others gathered up the bodies and buried them all. It made the development quick, but Grace still felt ill helping carrying the bodies to their graves. She also hated the fact she couldn't go back and bury anyone back in her village. After that was done she walked over to barrel and sat down. She took deep breath and sighed.

"You okay?" Cream walked over and sat next to the cheetah. The chao was sitting on her head.

"No…"

Cream frowned. "I hate it too."

"I know."

"I just…. Feel I want to run."

"I know."

"To be at a place where no one will find me, where no would know. Some place where Eggman can't fine us. I don't understand why we couldn't stay with the chao."

"They wanted us.. Tails to solve it."

"And we're just his entourage." Grace whimpered. "I hate Eggman."

"I don't."

"What why?" Grace turned to her quickly.

"Because I am too emotional worried and sadden about my mother." Cream's knees were pulled to her chest as she wrapped her arms around them. "She told me not hate anybody. I still honor that…. No matter how easy it is to hate him. I can't let it become poison in me. I've seen what it does. Eggman hated Sonic enough to do this." The rabbit's raised head to the sky. "Two years ago I was visiting a friend and we ended up encountering someone who hated her and she hated him. It was personal feud two of them had. After they fought I asked her about her hatred and if she could let it go." She looked at the cheetah. "She told me 'I can't let it go even if I want to. I love everyone, but I'm damaged… despite my destiny saying otherwise. No matter what Cream, don't let your heart give in to hate.'"

"Destiny?"

Cream smiled. "Her name is Blaze… you never heard of her, but she's not from this world."

"She's like the Black Arms?"

"No way." Cream giggled. "She's nice, she's a princess. She's from a different dimension that's on sync with our own."

Grace eyes widen. "Then… can't we call her?"

Cream frowned. "I'm afraid not. If she were here then we would've seen her wanted posters. I'm afraid the Resistance don't have any way to contact her."

Grace ears fell. "Oh."

"But… you might like her."

"Maybe…" Grace sighed. "I think I need to sit here until Tails decides what to do."

"I'll stay here too." Cream leaned her head against the cheetah's shoulder. "Can I?"

Grace smiled. "Yes.".

…

Tiara sighed. "Time Travel, dimensions traveling. I'm not surprised."

"You're not?" inquired Storm

"The day the Black Arms arrived, I told myself… 'Don't be surprised anymore'."

"That's one way of putting it."

Tiara glanced around the camp. "This is still a mess no matter how you look at it."

Tails nodded. "We can't take them all with us. We don't have any resources."

Sonic snorted. "Staying here is going to leave them as open targets."

Tiara chuckled. "I doubt Eggman cares. For the past 3 month Drago's been trying to get in his good graces. The only time he contacted him was when Drago wanted permission to go dig for more Chaos Emeralds. Eggman told him to do whatever he wanted and never call him again unless it was something important. After that he seemed to have blocked his calls."

Tails eyes widen. "This is good. This means these people can hold out."

Tiara frowned. "But for how long?"

Tails frowned and glanced around. "The camp is busted, but maybe the cave." He glanced at the cave. "We're going to use this place as a base of sorts."

Tiara raised a brow and smiled. "I see, use it for as base for us. Keep track of Eggman's movements.."

"If he trusts Drago with that." Sonic said.

"Well." Tails chuckled. "I can do what I can, but first let's make this place hospitable and try to be undetected. Round up everyone we need to get started now."

Sonic smiled at the fox. "You're becoming a natural leader Tails."

The fox smirked in his direction. "I had an amazing teacher."

Sonic laughed. "If I'm proud then he would be too."

Tails nodded. "I'm sure he would be." He stood up and faced Tiara. "IS there anything else about your tribe that I should we know about?"

Tiara frowned and crossed her arms. "Well… there is one thing that Sonic nor Team Dark knows. It's about the purpose of the Manx clan… or at least the heir to the Manx clan."

Sonic raised a brow. "What exactly?"

"There is manuscript that tells us that when reality about to crumble the heir to the Manx clan must gather the seven chaotic jewels along with the controller to help neutralize a large scale threat. It's hidden, so I will show you when we get settled."

"Dark Gaia and the Black Arms weren't enough for you clan act?" Inquired Omega.

"I did talk about it, but the elder told it wasn't it. He locked me away during the Black Arms invasion until they were defeated." She sighed. "I'm supposed to help the Controller's Guardian find the chaotic jewels to fend off against the threat. The manuscript showed a picture of a ruby glowing with ominous aura."

"Ominous ruby…" Sonic crossed his arms and pondered.

"Do you know something? Is about the reason you got here?" Tails turned to Sonic.

"I told you all how I got here… Tiara in my… timeline I fought Eggman and his latest project. He got ahold of a gemstone he later labeled the Phantom Ruby. It was bizarre and weird. Even with the Chaos Emeralds I had to be careful on how I dealt with that power. It also gave his normal looking robots new abilities and personalities. No… unique personalities. The final battle had me end up here. I remember the Phantom Ruby and I ending up in a vortex.

Tiara frowned. "Phantom Ruby…" The Manx rubbed her chin. "The creature had something that made my blood boil." She stood up. "I'm coming with you when you secure the safety for the people. Build and create whatever you need here and then we will go."

"But." They all looked at storm. "What about the Controller, the Guardian, and the Chaotic jewels."

Sonic gave a deadpanned look. "Seriously? Controller = Master Emerald. Guardian equals Knucklehead and you can tell the chaotic jewels means?"

Storm stared at them as he gave an 'oh' expression. "The Chaos Emeralds."

Tiara nodded. "I see. Should we find Knucklehead?"

Tails chuckles. "His name is Knuckles, but yeah. He's part of our missions. We'll find him and the Chaos Emeralds."

Tiara smiled. "Good, I will help you bring out the end of this war."

…

-2 days later, Resistance Base—

Rasp had asked Blitz to meet her in one of the training rooms. The Bloodhound had just came back from freeing a small town. No hard bosses or difficult twist and turns. Just fighting back and putting the robots in it place. It was… not as fun.

When he got there Rasp shoved an object in his face. Upon gaining focus he realized it was shield.

"Notice anything different?"

"It's… is it the shield I gave you?"

Rasp gave a wide smile and adjusted her glasses. "This is now you personal shield." She held up a brief case. "In here is a shield harness with a magnet to keep your shield equipped at all times and able to call it back. Plus that slot." She point tapped the middle of a shield and a slot opened up. "Where the power core goes. Wave told me she took out a chip Yang was using to control and track the shield. Now it's used to hold the power of the wisp. As of now the fire core is used and… m

Blitz eyes widen. "You went all out with this, but isn't this too much."

Rasp frowned. "Eggman's forces are getting stronger, even with the Wispons Eggman's robots and allies are unnaturally strong. We need all the help we can get." A red wisp floated by and sat on Rasp's head. She petted the creature as it purred. "Thanks to these guys." The fire wisp flew around the Blood hound and chirped at him. The dog tilted his head in confusion.

"It likes you."

Blitz smiled and nodded at the alien creature. "Thanks."

It chirped and flew away.

"You know I don't see them around."

"They're all out and about. They're here or with G.U.N. They're busy little guys." Rasp gave a chuckle "I got some ideas for Sora and Winter… plus Barry… and others. With Rotor's help I gave Captain Vector his personal Wispdrone that's weaponizes music. Any music he plays turns into projectile notes." She laughed like a maniac. "Charmy… oh you wait and see on the mission you're going on with them."

"Now?"

"In two hours, so get to training. You're teaming up with Mighty and the Chaotix to engage some old rivals in Chu-nan."

"We're going to Chu-nan? I always wanted to go there."

"Only to a place Espio knows, he received a distress signal from his sensei and he requested your team."

"Me?"

"There are rumors of a cheetah running about."

Blitz's eyes widen. "Cheetah? Is it female?"

"We don't know, Espio wants you along."

"Okay,"

"Good, go talk to Captain Amy before leaving. She's in charge."

Blitz blinked? "She is? What about Knuckles?"

Rasp frowned. "Knuckles received a distress call from Captain Silver. Knuckles and Sonic went to investigate."

Blitz narrowed his eyes worriedly. Silver in trouble? What kind of threat caused the Commander to come out to investigate?

…Mystic Forest…

An Eggman base could be seen in the forest. Suddenly two figures flew by and shot up in the sky. Flashes of light erupted around as the two collided once more. An object fell from the dark purple aura of the figure and landed in a patch of grass, unable to be found by an untrained eye. The figure knocked Silver away as he landed in front of Sonic and Knuckles. Silver groaned as he picked himself up. "You made it. You two Knuckles?"

The guardian nodded. "I want to see the face of the one who is causing us so much headache."

Sonic nodded. "Payback for me. Hey! Dark nightlight! Down here!"

The in the air shot down toward the ground and landed 10 feet in front of them. "Ah… Sonic. I heard you escaped."

"Uh huh." Sonic crossed his arms. "We're already acquainted."

"And Knuckles."

"Good, you know mine. Now… who are you?"

The figure chuckled. "My name is something you will remember forever. You cry out in pain for as long as I shall allow. You will feel as if an eternity has passed under my power. Everyone will know the name." His right eye glowed purple as a deep cruel voice echoed in their ears.

"Infinite."

Hey look it Tiara. A character from Sonic game that was supposed to be on the failed Sega Saturn system. I decided to incorporate her in the story and give her a new background. She now has a role to play.

And Infinite makes another appearance.

Drago is from the Archie comics