Disclaimer - I do not own sonic or any other characters. They are property of SEGA and anything sonic the hedgehog affiliated with it.
Hey! I'm back! Before you get started there are a few things I need to mention. One is I have spruced this entire story up. I've been away for too long but I've been busy :) I wanted to give a shout out to Heartless demon wolf for the criticism of a previous chapter. Thank you for the criticism, I've tried to improve. The second thing you will notice about this new chapter and the whole story is I have fixed up all of Bunnie's dialogue, and other dialogue. I changed all her accent dialogue to new words I made up cause I couldn't find any, and I think all her accent words are much better now. The pronunciation of the new words I guess make since when you read them lol; you'll see.
And the third thing you will notice about this latest chapter, and the rest of the story is the whole story now and this new chapter is like 98% grammatically error free. That's right there are almost zero spelling mistakes from now on. No joking here. I've been busy improving all my stories. There is one more thing that I've been up too but I haven't got to that yet. But please leave any criticism if you have any and enjoy!
Bunnie's eyes remained wide as she looked away from the guys and back at the computer screen on the nearby counter. Her eyebrows drew together in worry, and she didn't blink. Her mind went blank as she tried to come to some kind of reasoning for such an unwarranted call, but nothing came to mind. She stared at her uncle for a few moments longer before Sally broke the silence; everyone looked at her keeping their frowns.
"It's probably better if you talk to him alone Bunnie. Maybe if he thinks you're alone he'll respond different than if we're around." Sally said with a stern look.
But Dr. Quack interjected as they all silently nodded heading for the doors of the room "No kidding, who's to say he doesn't have someone on his end listening in."
Bunnie nodded at them all still looking astonished and Rotor glanced back at her as they closed the doors to the lab; he held a serious expression "Just press the enter button to accept the call."
Bunnie nodded again with her wide eyes as they closed the doors to the lab; the doors made a click. And their serious expressions only made her feel even tenser. So she turned her head back towards the computer screen swallowing a lump in her throat as her shocked expression faded. Her brows remained wrinkled in worry, but an upset expression came over her face. She had a feeling this could bite her in the butt…
She then walked over to the computer screen knowing she was thinking what everyone else was thinking. That whatever this was it was certainly their enemy trying to trick or trap them. Bunnie scanned the keyboard of the computer and found the enter key and pressed it; on the bottom left of the screen it showed it was starting to connect. Bunnie kept her upset expression as the computer connected and Beauregard blinked his eyes as the computer connected, and he could finally see her.
He held a light frown as he spoke; he raised an eyebrow at her "Bunnie? Niece? What luck, I was looken tah speak with you. I don't have much time."
"Uncle Beauregard…" she muttered with her upset face.
He pulled down on the tip of his hat with a frown "Are you alone? I need to speak with you?"
And Bunnie's mouth pinched together looking suspicious. She figured she'd play along because she wasn't sure if he was lying; because as far as she and everyone was concerned he was their enemy. And her brows knotted looking even more upset whispering to play along "Wat are yiah doin calling here?"
Beauregard spoke in a serious tone "I wanted to say goodbye to you in person…"
But even though her upset face softened a bit she still looked upset "I know what yiah've been doing…"
Beauregard didn't look too deterred about her comment though; he continued frowning "Yes…I am a Grandmaster of the Dark Legion now. But that is besides the point. I'm maken this call in private; I'm putting myself in danger making this call. All I ask is you hear me out…"
And Bunnie's upset face softened again, as worry consumed her face. She knew despite her better judgment, she was being much more lenient on him even though he was their enemy. She had a soft spot for him because he was her family…
"My friends will be back any minute…" she said in a rushed tone.
Beauregard nodded "There are some thangs happening with my chapter…and I won't be coming back…" he paused "…I was hoping I could meet with you in person so I could say my last goodbyes…"
Bunnie remained silent looking at the computer screen with a worried expression. It need not be said there was nothing she could do or would even want to do to help him as they were currently in a conflict with each other. That and even though there were some issues between her uncle and herself, she felt slightly sympathetic if his fate was sealed. And if what he was saying was true she also did not feel bad for him because he was their enemy actively plotting against her.
And to his request she wasn't quite sure what to say; she spoke as her brows remained wrinkled in worry "Yiah want me to come meet yiah while we're fighten?" she said in a skeptical tone.
And Beauregard looked slightly angered "…This may be the last time I see you…I can put my differences aside for a minute…"
Bunnie looked torn as she paused for a moment again. Her mind raced as she wondered how much of it was a trap. And if she rejected it now it would be over. She was also wondering just like the guys if he was trying to get some information out of them. At the same time it was a personal matter for her…
He was the last remaining family member she knew of…
And her face remained torn, but she quickly thought of a solution. She wanted to go despite her suspicions, so she decided she'd accept and talk to the guys to see what they should do "…Auhum not sure about thet…where are yiah?"
"I'm at an outpost in tha Great Desert near Sand Blast City. We can talk here in private; there is also something I need to talk to you about." he responded as he frowned at her through the screen.
"Auhum gonna have to think about this…" she said as her frown returned.
"Well if yiah change your mind, I'll be around; come round the rear. And it has to be tomorrow…I'll be gone by then…" Beauregard nodded at her.
Bunnie nodded silently at him, and he did the same as the line suddenly went dead. Bunnie's frown deepened as she looked at the computer screen filling with black and white static. She looked for a button to turn the computer off because she didn't know how, and she didn't know if it was still connected. She also didn't know if she could still be heard so she instead reached behind the computer and pulled the plug from it. Once the power drained, and the computer shut off she turned around.
"Tha coast is clear y'all!" she spoke at the closed doors of the lab.
And they opened the doors still holding their frowns as Dr. Quack, Sonic, and Sally went over to Bunnie. Tails and Rotor went over to Nicole on the counter in the back of the room and had Nicole trace the calls signal.
Sonic scratched his head raising an eyebrow in confusion "What was that all about? Was he serious?"
Bunnie's eyes downcast to the floor slowly shaking her head and Sally crossed her arms with a curious face "This has to be some sort of deceit. He can't actually think you would fall for that. Right Bunnie?"
But as Bunnnie lifted her head Sonic, Sally, and Dr. Quack blinked in surprised seeing Bunnie's serious expression. The sharp look in her narrowed eyes said otherwise; Sally donned an upset face "You can't be serious Bunnie…"
Bunnie's lips stayed curled down into a frown "Auhum dead serious…"
"You're seriously considering going into enemy territory alone? That fellow has probably sent out attacks against the Knothole…" Dr. Quack said as even his eyes narrowed in frustration.
But Bunnie darted her eyes away from them turning sideways away from them all "…Look…y'all don't know him like I do…I get thet…"
"I think all we need to know is that he's working with Lien-Da…" Sonic said with a disapproving stare.
Sally and Dr. Quack silently nodded in agreement with Sonic, and Bunnie nodded with them. But she turned to explain her reasoning as she glanced at them with her brows narrowed in frustration "…Some stuff happened with my uncle in tha past…with all my blood in tha past….and even though we got problems we've always been tolerable of one another…" she paused turning her head away from them again "…I know I aint seen him in a while…but whatevva this is, maybe he just wants to talk…if thets even tha truth…" she added.
"Probably not…" Sonic said with a frown.
"I think we can all agree on that." Sally said with a skeptical face.
Sonic and Dr. Quack nodded in agreement as Tails and Rotor joined them. Bunnie then turned back to face them all with her frown "…I'm with y'all too but…I need to know…he's tha last one…"
"I'm of the advisory that this is probably not a good idea Bunnie." Rotor said with an upset face.
"I don't trust him neither...but this is a personal matter. I'll talk to him real quick and get out…" Bunnie said with her narrowed brows.
Sonic silently shook his head while the others didn't look convinced either. But after a few moments, seeing the unrest on Bunnie's features Sally sighed closing her eyes. She shook her head but reopened them with a stern look "…I don't like the sound of this Bunnie…but maybe we could make a plan…"
"Precautionary measures like trips into Robotropolis?" Tails said with a curious face.
"That sounds good. We could make sure you stay safe Bunnie if this trip of yours is short." Rotor said looking skeptically at her.
"I'll make it quick…ah promise…" she said in a determined tone.
Sally's mouth was pinched into a frown "Sonic?" she looked to him "Could you go get Amy and Antoine? We need everyone here…"
Sonic nodded but his deep frown remained on his face as he turned to leave the lab. Dr. Quack accompanied him as he had patients he needed to attend to. And Bunnie, Tails, Sally, Rotor, and Nicole cut in occasionally as they gathered around their metal circle shaped planning table. The plans they began to come up with were intricate, and the Freedom Fighters were literally on Bunnie's tail every step of the way…
The next day…
Contrast to the decent weather the previous day, this morning the Knothole was faced with darkness. The darkened skies and cool weather left an ominous feeling around the Knothole. Most people were already indoors since there was sure to be rain soon. A big storm was brewing indicated by the less than favorable weather this day. The dark gray cloudy skies and cool air certainly didn't lend to the nervous tension the Freedom Fighters felt in their HQ this morning; the ones that were present anyway. Bunnie had just stepped through the front door with Nicole in her hand. Bunnie held a small smile as she headed straight towards the lab looking around for anyone.
It looked to be empty until she spotted Sally and Tails in their lab in the back by their computer. And Sally greeted her turning away from the computer with a smile "Good morning Bunnie."
Bunnie smiled back at her as she walked over to Sally and Bunnie then handed Nicole to Tails. Tails took Nicole in a jovial tone and ran over to Nicole's assembly in the back of the room "We've been waiting on you Bunnie."
Bunnie turned her head in their direction as her smile lessened "So'ry I took so long, an thanks for tha help Nicole."
"You are welcome Bunnie." Nicole responded to her from her counter as Tails hooked her back up to her assembly.
Sally smirked at her as a look of slight irritation came over Bunnie's face "What were you and Nicole doing exactly?"
Bunnie's brows narrowed into irritation as she scratched her head with her hat on; she wasn't looking at her "Oh nothen to important…" she trailed off scratching her head even harder "An I think I stopped being tired not long afta I left HQ…"
"Well it seems your downtime when you push yourself is far shorter than in the past Bunnie. And your energy lasts much longer considering how fast you recovered." Sally looked at Bunnie as the irritation on her face grew.
Sally then giggled as soon Bunnie ripped her hat from her head to reveal her messy light orange hair. It was full on knots and tangled together like she had been trying to style it. Bunnie sighed as relief washed over her face as she scratched the right spot on her head. Sally raised an eyebrow with an amused expression "Your hair is getting long Bunnie…I know you said you were growing it out…"
Once fully satisfied she put her hat back on smiling at Sally "Bad hair day…no pun intended..." she paused seeing Sally's amusement "For yiah information its reaching my shoulders knaa."
Sally nodded giggling again "I can see…" Sally looked at her hair nearly touching her shoulders now "…Its going to look great once you fix that…up there…"
Bunnie rolled her eyes playfully at her "Watch it knaa…"
Sally's amusement slowly faded through, and she donned a sympathetic face "…Are you ready to go?"
Bunnie's face became serious as her brows furrowed into determination "I'll be fine…"
Sally looked her in the eyes for a few moments longer before she looked back at the computer screen in front of her. She typed as she spoke with hesitance "Be careful…"
Bunnie nodded silently keeping her determined face as she looked at Sally type into the computer. Because even though the guys weren't on board with her plan, they respected her space. They all knew how personal her family business was to her so they were respectful enough to let her try her plan within reason. So it remained quiet in the lab as they waited for everyone to show up before she was sent off.
Because there were a dozen precautions in place in case something should go wrong. First Tails, Rotor, and Nicole quickly built a two way communicator for her cybernetics, so they would be in contact with her the whole way. They also had other communication devices, so they all would know what was going on the whole time.
Because second most importantly, the Freedom Fighters themselves were heading out after her. More so Sonic, Amy, and Antoine. They were going to trek a certain distance to be closer to her if something went wrong. With Sonic of course being the one who was going to be farthest out and closest to her because he could move the fastest. There were many other precautions, but those two were the ones they were relying on the most. Because even during their talks yesterday Bunnie even admitted she had a bad feeling about this…
It was still early morning by the time the rest of the Freedom Fighters showed up. Bunnie had just activated her boosters and took off into flight, waving down at the guys at the entrance of their HQ as she flew away. As she went higher into the sky, she saw Sonic, Antoine, and Amy head down the path of their HQ towards the Knothole. Tails, Sally, and Rotor went back into the HQ. She held a frown on her face as she flew over a large section of trees then over the whole of the Knothole. Antoine, Amy, and Sonic were trekking out after her now that she was leaving. She could see just a few people still about down below; the grey clouds and the dark gloominess of the day remained as she flew.
They had refueled her boosters, found out where Beauregard's outpost was at, and went over their plans again before she took off. And the feeling of apprehension was present the whole time. The main reason they all felt uncomfortable was the fact that they were currently fighting against the Dark Legion. And Beauregard was at this time their enemy…
Bunnie flew over the whole of the Knothole and over many trees, moving over one direction of the forest the Knothole was surrounded by. This high up she could see everything. To her right in the distance, she could see lightning flashing over the darkened city of Robotropolis. Behind herself and in her immediate vicinity, there was forest as far as her eyes could see. And straight ahead of her, coming up was a lot of open plains. It was going to take her a half an hour to fly to the Great Desert. Her lips remained curved down, and she held a deep frown on her face. A building nervous sensation build up in her stomach the farther she got away from the Knothole…
She didn't trust her uncle one bit because of his affiliation…but she didn't have any family left...she heard what happened to the rest of her family…
She hoped she wasn't making a rash decision…she hoped her insecurities, and loneliness weren't part of a driving force for this decision she just made…
But in the back of her mind, she knew the answer…
She did feel lonely as of late…lost because of the guilt she felt from recent actions…
A part of her wanted to see her last remaining family hoping she'd find a connection somewhere…
Because she'd been feeling a deep remorse as of late from her actions….and she was willfully overlooking it because it was hard to face…
So Bunnie flew through the cool afternoon air for about a half an hour, flying out of sight of the forest of the Knothole and Robotropolis. The gloominess of the day was broken up as she entered the desert region; the clouds were broken up. And the impending storm back near the Knothole was not nearly as present. Though it was still white and gray out as the sun tried to inch through the partly cloudy skies. She kept in contact with the guys too, calling them every ten minutes or so. And they were ready and awaiting her.
She began spotting familiar canyons they had taken part in battles in over the years. And she searched around for a good while until she spotted Sand Blast City still comfortably snuggled into the crevasse of the many cannons in the Great Desert. But as she turned direction flying towards the city, she noticed something was amiss. She could see the city and her supposed uncle's outpost; which resembled a fairly small military base a small distance away from the city.
Her eyes narrowed keeping her frown as she flew faster towards the outpost. As she neared closer she could see there was some kind of conflict going on…
Her uncle hadn't told her that…
And she guessed that the Dark Legion was in this region to take over the oil and take over Sand Blast City. This was definitely the reason her uncle was here, and the people of the city looked to be doing an assault on her uncle's outpost today. She was also starting to get in seeing distance, so she swerved to the left to go around the back side to her uncle's outpost. She lifted her cybernetic arm to call the guys; she held a deep frown "Come in, anybody listenen?"
She looked down below as Sally responded "Everything ok Bunnie? Everyone's on line listening."
Bunnnie flew a little lower as she neared closer to the backside of her uncles outpost "Auhum fine…but something don't feel right…" she muttered seeing the Dark Legion fight the people of Sand Blast City below.
"Did you see your uncle yet?" Amy asked in a serious tone.
Bunnie watched the ensuing conflict on the front side of the base as she approached from behind; she squinted her eyes slowly shaking her head "Not yet, but thets not what I'm talking bout. Thares combat going on here…"
"A battle?" Sally said with surprise "That doesn't sound right…"
"Maybe you should pull out…" Antoine responded.
Bunnie looked down at her wrist thinking for a moment, but before she could respond, she looked back down at the battle. She didn't see where it was shot from, but in the front side of the outpost something was shot into the air. It catapulted into the middle of the battlefield, and Bunnie blinked her eyes in confusion.
"What is thet?" she said aloud and the guys could still hear her on the communicator.
"What is what Bunnie?" Sally responded.
But seconds later a large area of effect EMP went off sending out a big electromagnetic pulse. So big it even covered the outpost and reached her. Bunnie's eyes widened in panic as she tried to turn in fly away, but it was too fast. The giant wall of electromagnetic energy reached her in a matter of seconds and disabled her cybernetics; shutting off her boosters and scrambling her communicator. She quickly began plummeting towards the ground because she was still pretty high up. And she yelled in fear clenching her eyes shut, and holding her arms up to shield her face as she fell towards the ground. The guys had heard her, and their voices started to become garbled as she neared the ground.
"Bunnie! Bunnie!" they all yelled through her communicator.
But she didn't hear anything as she hit the ground, and it all became black…
Sometime later Bunnie felt herself regain consciousness…
Her eyes slowly opened, and her head was throbbing; she realized she was laying on a cot, and she grabbed her throbbing head and sat up. Quickly inspecting the room she now seemed to be in. She gritted her teeth, and she held a frown seeing the dingy and bare concrete walls around herself. She knew she was probably in her uncle's outpost because when she was flying she could see the outpost was made of concrete.
There were two doors in the room, one to her left near the wall her cot sat next to, and one on the other side of the room. It was also semi dark in the room, with the only light visible coming from the door to her left, of the pale white light from outside. She could still hear the fighting going on outside, and the noise looked to be coming from the door on the opposite of her. She figured that was the front side of the outpost.
The room she was in was fairly small and there were a few cots lined up and down the wall next to hers. And her eyes narrowed because even that seemed a bit strange, because there was nothing else in the room. Just dingy bare floors, walls, and the few cots…
She let go of her head as the throbbing lessened a bit and noticed her hat was lying near her legs. She groaned a bit as she turned herself and sat on the edge of the cot. She looked around the room wondering what had happened. The fall made everything on her hurt; she still felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. And whoever shot off that EMP…she knew something was not right for sure now…
She then placed her hat on her lap and lifted her cybernetic arm to call the guys. She pressed on her arm, but she found her communicator was no longer working. Figuring that electrical blast must had fried it. And just as she was about to get up and leave she heard footsteps coming from the opposite side of the room. She turned her head and her adrenaline began to pump but she calmed down when her uncle opened the door. Beauregard swiftly opened the door and closed it behind himself. But when he saw she was awake a smile came across his face and despite her distrustfulness of him, an uncontrollable smile came across Bunnie'ss face as well.
And she let her guard down because it actually felt good to see family…
Bunnie then ran over to him with her hat in hand, and he extended his arms. Bunnie flung her arms around his waist and squeezed him, and he hugged her back "Uncle Beauregard!" she said in a happy tone.
And Beauregard chuckled patting her back "It's good to see you niece."
After a few moments Bunnie released him, smiling up at him "Same to yiah…" Bunnie paused and her face became slightly confused as she stared at his cybernetic arm "Yiah got implants…"
Beauregard's smile dissolved, and he nodded with a blank expression "Its mandatory…"
Bunnie then donned a skeptical face narrowing and looking him dead in the eyes "Why didn't yiah tell me it was gonna be hot here? An who fired thet EMP? And how did yiah know I was here, and to come get me off tha dirt?"
It was obvious by her glare that she was accusing him, but Beauregard put his cane down and leaned on it with both hands. He frowned slightly at her "The Sandblasters. Didn't think they were gonna strike again before we left, but they did. An you don't think we got radars here? I saw you coming, and when the Sandblasters fired off that EMP I immediately had my people go get you…."
Bunnie's skeptical face remained as her mouth pinched up at him…she didn't fully believe him…
But her face softened into a light frown as he spoke again; his expression became stoic "How have you been faring niece…I mean without the other thangs going on…"
Bunnie then put her hat back on her head to conceal her messy hair; she made sure to give him no more information than he already knew. She continued to frown at him "…Antoine and I have been going through a rough patch…"
Beauregard raised an eyebrow at her looking upset know, and his tone held slight distaste "You're still with that D'Coolette?"
Bunnie's frown deepened because even though she, and Antoine were no longer together, his disrespect for the north was still rude; considering she was part of the north now. Even after all these years that had passed he still had not let go. And she changed the conversation "Where are you going?"
Beauregard continued leaning on his cane staring at her with his light frown "Jus know it's far away…"
And by this point, Bunnie's distrust was cemented as she frowned at him…she just had a feeling in her churning gut that something was wrong…
She was also ready to leave now too, so she got straight to the point; old stuff was starting to pop up already. Her tone was snappy "I need to get goin. Yiah said you wanted to tell me somethin?"
Beauregard then stood fully up and adjusted his long brown trench jacket looking at her; his brow narrowed "Theres some thangs I wanted to offer to you before I left…maybe even an extension…"
Bunnie raised an eyebrow keeping her upset face "What are yiah getting at?"
Beauregard turned slightly away from her "I know some information…and what's about to be carried out soon against the Knothole will not be good…"
And Bunnie was confused by the whole interaction. They had both withheld information from each other since they started talking. It was hard to tell if the information he hid from her was the truth, and if what he was willingly telling her was a lie. And Bunnie's eyes narrowed glaring at her uncle; it was apparent their enemies knew nothing about Nicole. Because if the Dark Legion and Eggman thought they were going to roll over the Knothole they had another thing coming.
"I think we'll be fine…" Bunnie stated in an upset tone.
Beauregard turned and looked back at her donning an equally upset face putting his cane under his arm "If you are or not, I have an offer for you. An maybe even yiah little friends. Another option…"
Bunnie's brows were furrowed together as she glared at him, and he continued locking eyes with her putting his cane back on the floor "I have an opening for you …if thangs don't go down right for you and maybe your friends…"
And immediately Bunnie's eyes widened in shock as she realized what he was saying. Then her brows knotted as anger came over her face and her tone was full of disgust "Yiah want me to defect! Yiah called me out here for this?"
Beauregard's upset expression didn't falter though "Not want, it's your choice."
Bunnie turned her back to him throwing a hand in the air. The anger on her face remained and her reposne dripped with sarcasm "Like thet's some kind of choice…"
Then anger came over Beauregard's face "I went to great lengths to arrange this. My superiors know nothing of this private meeting. I don't think you understand how much danger I put myself in to do this?"
But Bunnie began walking towards the other door of the room "Yiah can keep it…" she slowly shook her head "I aint like thet…like them…"
Beauregard struck his cane on the floor echoing in the small room, and then he pointed at her as she headed for the back door. He held his angered expression "I don't think you remember whose side you were on, what side yuer family was on..."
And his words made Bunnie stop in her tracks, and her head lowered just feet away from the door. Her fist balled at her side, and her uncle could not see the anger on her face. It remained quiet for a moment, still hearing the faint racket of the ensuing battle on the outpost.
And she kept her back turned as he spoke again "You still hail from the Southern Baronies no matter where you go…"
Bunnie then twirled around with her angered expression glaring at her uncle; he shot back at her with his own upset face. She lifted a finger pointing accusingly at him "I know who my fam was! They were bad people! An thets why I left!" she lowered her cybernetic hand.
But Beauregard now had a grumpy look "Your parents perished proudly fighting for the Overland. If we were successful we might have struck a major blow to tha North."
Bunnie blinked her eyes rapidly feeling herself getting worked up, and her angry face remained raising her voice "Ma and Pa were not traitors!"
Beauregard scoffed raising a single eyebrow at her "Oh but the rest of your kin was? All your cousins, sisters, grandfathers? Our whole, but yuer parents weren't? Are you going to continue to deny and ignore it? That's what your parents were doing, and it was a righteous cause."
Bunnie growled at Beauregard as he continued with his upset expression "We were all working towards one cause…"
"Tha lot of yiah were all in on it trying to destroy tha North." Bunnie said keeping her fist balled at her side and her expression angry.
"From where I stand we were frighten back against our oppressors." Beauregard said indignantly "You grew up in tha South; we learned yiah. But then you just up an ran away when it was time for your part…"
Bunnie spoke through gritted teeth "I went away so my mind wouldn't be twisted no more."
"So where did you run off to? Straight to the north didn't yiah?" he said with accusing eyes.
Bunnie had enough though, and she pulled down on the tip of her hat with her angered face "Yiah don wasted my time, I'm leavin…" she paused narrowing her eyes at him one last time "…Yiah aint changed one bit…"
Beauregard's nostrils flared "An you been changing ever since you were a youngen…"
But just after Beauregard spoke those words there was some ruckus heard from behind the door he was standing at. Bunnie and Beauregard looked at the door as the ruckus grew louder and soon a Legionnaire flew through the door. Beauregard stepped back as a second later Sonic spin dashed into Beauregard knocking him down. Bunnie's eyes widened in surprise as Sonic uncurled, standing up a few feet away from Beauregard looking at her with a serious expression.
"Are you ok?" he asked with haste.
Bunnie nodded as a frown came over her face "I was just leavin…"
Beauregard looked angry as he attempted to get up, and the Legionnaire he knocked down got up as well, and Sonic spoke with a frown "Let's get out of here…"
Bunnie watched as Sonic looked to Beauregard, and looked ready to dash and knock him down again. And he did as he went to knock Beauregard, the Legionnaire, and more Legionnaires running towards the door. But Sonic looked surprised as Bunnie violently shoved him, pushing him away from Beauregard.
Sonic almost stumbled off his feet moving a good distance away from Beauregard and the large group of Legionnaire's that had just entered the room. But when he regained his footing he looked over at Bunnie with wide eyes; almost not believing her behavior yet again.
Then his brows knotted into irritation glaring at Bunnie and her deep frown as she lowered her arms; she looked a bit torn as well. They locked eyes with one another as the Legionnaires raised their weapons, and Beauregard patted himself down. Sonic knew it was her family, and he wondered if he had gone too far attacking her uncle. But he was even more so their enemy right now and what just happened was really fishy.
Sonic huffed at Bunnie, not sure if what he had done was right and stood down. But it didn't change the look of annoyance on his face. Then Bunnie and Sonic looked over at Beauregard and his Legionnaires with their weapons drawn.
Beauregard kept his upset face looking at the two placing his cane under one of his arms. Then with a wave of his hand he signaled for his Legionnaires to lower their weapons, and they did. Sonic looked slightly confused but Bunnie caught his eye silently looking at him. She cocked her head to the back door of the room and slowly began backing up. Sonic immediately jogged from where he was over to her, and they made their way to the backdoor.
Once there the door was opened effortlessly, it didn't seem to be locked and a rush of pale grey and white light from the day rushed in. Sonic went through it first; it led back to the outside. And Bunnie backed out of the door with her eyes narrowed at her uncle. He squinted his eyes at her as she disappeared through the door leaving it open. And as Bunnie and Sonic went to meet up with Amy and Antoine, they both felt a sense of dread. Something about that whole meeting wasn't right…
And Sonic, Amy, and Antoine all got into a disagreement with Bunnie all the way back to the Knothole…
An hour or two later Bunnie, Sonic, Antoine, and Amy returned to the Knothole…
It was way pass after noon and getting into the evening when they reach their HQ. The dark and gray gloomy clouds hung over the Knothole, and it was storming hard. The rain was heavy, and the people of the Knothole were inside avoiding getting wet. And Bunnie, Sonic, Antoine, and Amy were drenched, but it looked like the heavy rains would finally pass in a few hours from what everyone could tell. Tails, Rotor, Sally, and Nicole were in the common room hearing commotion approach the front door as they donned confused expressions. Tails, Rotor, and Sally turned their heads towards the front door as it opened; Sally was standing the farthest away from the front door with Nicole in her hand. Bunnie was the first to walk through from the pouring rain, followed by Sonic, Amy then Antoine.
Sonic and Bunnie were still arguing, and they went back and forth for a minute as Antoine closed the door. Amy and Antoine held frowns as Bunnie took off her dripping hat and swatted the water off of it and put it back on. Her brows were furrowed in slight anger "I don't believe him neither."
Sonic had irritation on his face "I think it was a trap."
Bunnie's lips pinched, and she spoke in a frustrated tone as her voice descended "He said tha Sandblasters they were fighten fired thet EMP…" she paused looking around at everyone.
And everyone including Sonic gave her disapproving frowns, as she knew, they knew, she knew better than that "How long was I out?" she questioned aloud as her angered face softened into a frown.
"We started a timer when your communications went out. It took Sonic about twenty minutes to get to you." Rotor said scratching his head with a frown.
Bunnie rubbed her chin squinting her eyes as Sonic spoke, and his face softened into a frown "They could have done something while you were out. You should get checked out."
Bunnie locked eyes with Sonic again "They would have needed to move quick to do something like thet…" she paused looking down at the floor away from everyone for a moment "I can get Dr. Quack and Rotor to check me out today…"
And it remained quiet around the common room, and Bunnie kept her eyes away from everyone's frowns. It was hard to look them in the eyes because she knew they could see despite what'd happened, she was still sort of defending her uncle.
But soon the silence was broken as Sally spoke up with a serious expression "We should definitely do that Bunnie as a precautionary measure. We all need to talk about it all. But before we get to that we actually have some good news."
Antoine, Amy, Sonic, and Bunnie lost their frowns and donned curious faces. Tails, Rotor, and Sally smirked again too. Sally held Nicole up "Nicole has an announcement."
Everyone looked at Nicole in Sally's hand speaking in a neutral tone "I have completed the Master Nanite."
Amy, Sonic, Antoine, and Bunnie blinked their eyes in surprise, and Amy spok with disbelief "You're kidding…"
But Tails shook his head with a big smile "I saw it."
Nicole continued speaking "I have made more progress while you were away as well. After the Master Nanite was completed I attempted to create nanites as a test, and I was able to create one hundred thousand nanites."
Sonic now had a weak smile on his face "No way, I gotta see this. Where are they?"
"They are contained in a cylindrical glass jar in our laboratory for the time being." Nicole stated.
"I would like to see them." Antoine said with a curious look.
Rotor began walking towards the lab as everyone began to "You can see them through the glass with a microscope."
"How are you supposed to move these things again Nicole?" Sally asked with a curious face as she turned to walk into the lab; she was the first into the lab.
Nicole responded promptly as everyone shuffled into the lab; Bunnie was last to enter the lab as they all walked to a back counter in the lab "Once the required threshold of nanites has been reached, they will need to be moved to a specified location to continue production. The Master Nanite is vital to…"
But suddenly, Nicole stopped talking when Bunnie neared and was in a short radius of her. And everyone surrounding the back counter looked confused, looking around at one another. The sudden stark silence jolted everyone out of their thoughts because they had been listening to Nicole talk.
Then everyone looked at Sally with confused expressions as she lifted Nicole up, and Sally raised an eyebrow in curiosity "Nicole?"
But Nicole remained silent and Sally tapped on her screen "Nicole? Are you ok?"
Nicole remained silent still, and everyone began to look worried when Nicole spoke moments later "What is that?" she stated.
Then everyone's faces filled with confusion and worry at Nicole's words; she usually didn't speak in such a way. And for her to be speaking in a way that was unconventional for her only added to the confusion.
"What are you talking about Nicole?" Rotor asked her with confusion.
Nicole remained silent again and this time everyone waited for her to speak donning slight frowns. It remained quiet for a minute or so hearing the constant downpour of rain outside against their HQ.
Then Nicole spoke again "Bunnie…please come here…" her tone remained neutral but they all still understood the assertiveness of her statement.
And immediately after Nicole spoke her words, Bunnie and Sonic looked to each other and locked eyes. Sonic frowned and Bunnie's eyes became wide. Everyone else looked around at one another looking surprised too because they had never really heard Nicole speak so authoritatively.
Bunnie's brows then wrinkled in worry, and she stepped in front of Sally as she held Nicole up closer to her. By this point everyone's faces contorted into upset expressions as Nicole spoke "Scanning…"
Less than a minute of scanning Nicole spoke again "I have detected a faint wireless signal coming from Bunnie's person…the signal is not originating from a faraway source…" but Nicole paused.
Rotor rubbed his chin "Then that means whatever the signal is it's not being controlled remotely."
"So they're not using whatever it is to control something here?" Sally said in a questioning tone.
"That's a pretty safe bet." Rotor responded crossing his arms.
"They're not doing anything then." Tails stated with a determined face.
Rotor nodded silently at him as they all waited for Nicole, and she confirmed what they didn't want to hear speaking in her usual neutral tone "…I am detecting a foreign device on Bunnies person…it is emitting a signal…"
There was a small gasp from one of the Freedom Fighters and Sally's brows knotted into a serious expression glancing around at everyone "Someone go get Dr. Quack!"
"Amy, let's go." Sonic said with a frown looking over at her.
"Right." Amy responded with her own frown.
They both left without another word, and the front door could be heard slamming shut as they ran out it. With a worried expression Bunnie quickly began taking off her hat and jacket. Rotor quickly moved to an operating table; Bunnie tossed her hat and jacket on a nearby counter. Rotor turned on a bright white light near the tables with a serious face, and he rolled over a few light blue operating curtain racks. He positioned them around her operating table, out of view from the others as Bunnies metal legs clanked against the table as she sat down.
Rotor began gathering his tools while Nicole, Tails, Sally, and Antoine used the computer in the lab. Tails and Nicole began checking on Robotropolis to see if any activity had changed; all activity looked normal though. With this new information they just discovered it still seemed like the obvious action to take.
And by the time Rotor had took off the casing of Bunnie's arm and one of her legs, Sonic, and Amy returned with Dr. Quack. With a stern expression he quickly wiped his wet face and joined Rotor behind the light blue operating curtains. And a few minutes later Rotor retrieved Nicole from the others because they needed her help. Rotor relayed to them all that he, and Dr. Quack found something in her cybernetic arm…
And Sally, Sonic, Antoine, Tails, and Amy waited by their round metallic discussion table for an excruciating ten minutes or so. Every now and then, they would glance over at the operating curtains with their frowns. Only hearing them faintly discuss what they were doing before they suddenly stopped. They could see the silhouettes of Dr. Quack, Rotor, Bunnie, and Nicole through the light blue curtains. And Dr. Quack just slowly shook his head…
Sally, Sonic, Antoine, Tails, and Amy stared at the curtain when Rotor and Dr. Quack came from behind the curtains with Nicole. The guys quickly moved to them with Sally speaking first "Well?" she questioned with her serious face.
Dr. Quack sighed wiping his forehead "…We have a problem…"
Rotor held Nicole up as she spoke; everyone looked at her "There is an unknown foreign device in Bunnie's arm transmitting an outgoing signal."
"A signal? What is it transmitting something?" Sally asked with a serious look.
"I do not have the visual aid, but the device is doing a geographical scan. It need not be said it is probably of the Knothole." Nicole finished.
Rotor and Dr. Quack held deep frowns as they clearly already knew what that meant. But Sonic, Amy, Antoine, Tails, and Sally's eyes widened in shock again as they just realized what that meant. The horrible realization that their enemies might have a full map of the Knothole now…
But Rotor interjected in the silence "They don't have maps of everything yet. The device is still scanning."
And Sonic asked the obvious question "So then you just need to get it out of her to stop it?"
And Nicole responded to him "Yes. We can disable the device if we can remove it from Bunnie."
"If?" Tails raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Everyone donned slight confusion too, and Sally looked at Rotor and Dr. Quack with her stern look awaiting their response. Dr. Quack glanced back at the operating curtains then back at everyone with his frown "From the way the device currently has been integrated into Bunnie, removing it would cause great harm or…" he paused as everyone knew what he was saying, and he finished with caution in his tone "…kill her…"
Then everyone's faces filled with slight anger as the battle they had with their enemies never seemed to end. Then Bunnie could be heard as she hopped off her operating table and walked from behind the curtains. She held her organic hand over her exposed cybernetic arm to shield some of her exposed arm. Her face was consumed with worry as she stood near the curtains looking at everyone. They briefly glanced at her but soon everyone slowly looked to Sonic…
His brows knotted, and he held a determined expression…and they all immediately all knew what he was thinking…what he was about to do…what he was going to say next…
But before he spoke Sally balled her fist looking at Rotor and Dr. Quack with an angry face "How much has the device scanned?"
"We won't be able to know for sure until we get it out of her…and we need Nicole's assistance as we're unfamiliar with the device…" Dr. Quack said slowly shaking his head.
It was silent again for a few moments before Sonic spoke breaking the silence with a determined tone "They're coming…"
And Sally was the first to open her mouth to protest Sonic, but quickly she shut it as she looked at him. Her mind and everyone else's minds began to run with the implications of it all. It was immediately apparent that the maps could give their enemies more precise ways to attack them instead of blindly wasting resources as they had. They could raid all their bunkers, see what they kept secret, getting maps of their HQ would be devastating.
Sally whirled her head around towards Tails, "Did we detect any activity in Robotropolis?"
Tails shook his head with a frown "It was normal as far as we could see…"
Everyone was thinking the same thing though; Sally narrowed her eyes "Check it again…"
Tails nodded and he, Rotor, and Nicole went over to the computer while everyone spoke about actions they could take. Because if they needed to go to Robotropolis today they would be in a precarious situation. They weren't prepared, and they were still recovering from Eggman's last attack.
But less than a minute later Tails, and Rotor stepped back from the computer with wide eyes. They interrupted everyone's conversation and they all glanced over at them as Rotor stuttered "Their moving in…"
Everyone blinked their eyes quickly moving over to the computer to see what was on the computer. The computer showed a radar and there were blips everywhere…
"What's going on?" Amy asked them with an angered expression.
Tails and Rotor stuttered so Nicole spoke "There is a large increase in activity coming from Robotropolis. Much larger than the last few months. It seems Eggman, and the Dark Legion are mounting an attack with the information they could retrieve from the device implanted into Bunnie."
"I need to go…" Sonic stated suddenly with a serious expression.
Everyone looked at Sonic but knew they could not argue with him this time. They definitely had to do something this time. And they all felt torn about Sonic suggesting going to Robotropolis in a moment's notice.
"Yiah can't go in daytime again…their probably waiten for us this time…" Bunnie said with a worried face over near the operating curtains.
Sonic all but seemed to ignore her though as he looked away from her and glanced over at Tails "Come on tails...let's get going..."
Everyone's eyes widened in surprise again, and Tails looked shocked stuttering "Go?"
Sonic nodded with his serious expression "You're going on your first mission..."
Sally frowned but held a stern look in her eyes "Sonic…"
Rotor sighed out in a deep huff "I usually don't agree with something so reckless, but I agree with Sonic this time. We have to take some heat off us so we can get that thing out of Bunnie."
"If they're coming now we need to evacuate." Antoine said as he donned a serious expression.
Sally rubbed her head "We need to have some sort of plan…"
"Well it's obvious that Bunnie won't be able to help until we get this device out of her." Dr. Quack said crossing his arms.
"And since Nicole has to stay behind I need help. I'm sure there someway Nicole can help Tails and I once where in the city." Sonic said in a determined tone.
"Yeah, we can arrange that…" Rotor said with a frown.
Sally nodded hesitantly "I guess we'll be defending…" she paused glancing around at everyone with a stern look "…I'm sure you all know by now this isn't a normal attack…considering what the Baron did I think we can all agree the Legion is playing a big part in this…"
Everyone nodded in agreement and Amy slowly shook her head "And I'm betting all that stuff on the Radar wasn't just Eggman's forces and the Dark legion forces that are already in the city…"
Sally nodded silently "Agreed. Let's get moving then, were already behind the curve." she pointed at Antoine and Amy "You two go start the alert around the Knothole and begin evacuation. Since there already probably on their way the citizens need to go into hiding immediately."
Antoine nodded with determination "I will go to Castle Acorn and alert the Royal military. We might need zis reinforcements."
Amy looked at Sonic and Tails with a frown "Be careful…"
"We'll see you when we get back." he said with his serious expression.
Amy and Antoine then turned to leaving, but Antoine caught a quick glance at Bunnie. She saw him, and her worried expression remained on her face as he left from sight. Bunnie also looked over at Sonic, Tails, Sally, and Nicole go around there planning table. Sonic had briefly glanced at her, and they locked eyes for a moment.
And time froze in that moment as Dr. Quack and Rotor had begun to walk back over to her operating table. The sharp look in his eyes made her feel an even colder cold sweat wash over her. Her brows remained wrinkled together with worry on her face. She felt mortified because of all her recent mistakes…and she knew her mind would be plagued with many thoughts if they made it through this alive…
But she was broken out of her thoughts as Dr. Quack and Rotor hurried her back onto the operating table. Sonic had already looked away from her speaking to Tails as she walked back behind the operating curtain. She couldn't erase the worry from her face as Rotor asked her to lie down. She complied, and the bright white light blinded her eyes as Rotor and Dr. Quack put on operating mask. Her eyes closed, and she let out a heavy sigh as she could hear Rotor and Dr. Quack pick up tools. She hoped she didn't run into her uncle anytime soon…because she now saw how he'd changed…and she was changing too…and she might hurt him…
Two or more so hours later…
It was getting on into the evening, and the Freedom Fighters had made out their plans. The skies were still dark and filled with gray clouds, but it had stopped raining. And any rain clouds that had been present earlier were gone. The ground was slick, and muddy, and it was still light out for the time being. And while it was still light out the people of the Knothole took the opportunity to get into hiding. The Knothole was a bustle of panicked citizens yet again as they ran every which way after the alert horn was sounded through the village; running into the surrounding forest to their hidden bunkers.
In the Freedom Fighters HQ Rotor, Nicole, and Dr. Quack were frivolously working to remove the scanning device from Bunnies arm. After they finished their plans, Sally, Antoine, and Amy had went out in the Knothole to help evacuate, and Sonic and Tails had already headed off to Robotropolis. But though Rotor, Nicole, and Dr. Quack had been working on Bunnie for about an hour, they were still having complications.
Bunnie held a worried expression, remaining silent as she laid down on her operating table; looking up at the three as they operated on her. Dr. Quack wiped his head as he removed a tool from Bunnie's arm "I think that's as deep as we're going to get…"
Rotor glanced over at him "It seems so. That attachment looks to be the trigger that could hurt Bunnie. "
"My analysis is coming to the same conclusions. Severing that attachment would cause great harm to Bunnie's nervous system. Maybe even potentially killing her. It could still be removed with our current tools, but it would take much time. Not to mention there is still a risk of harming Bunnie in this method." Nicole stated as Rotor picked her up.
"I suppose it's no coincidence that, that attachment is what we need to cut so we can remove the device. Are you sure that will happen if you try and hack it Nicole?" Dr. Quack said in a sarcastic tone.
"Yes. Upon our further analysis it seems any interference with the device would cause harm to Bunnie too. If I were to shut it down while it is still on Bunnie's person it would cause the same harmful effects as if it were removed." Nicole stated.
Rotor chuckled weakly "They knew what they were doing." Rotor then looked down at Nicole in his hand raising an eyebrow "Any suggestions Nicole?"
Dr. Quack and Bunnie glanced up at her as she spoke "I think I may have one. It is still possible to sever the connection between the device and Bunnie and not cause her any severe harm. The incision is too small to make with conventional tools though, but with the help of the newly created nanites it may be possible." she stated in a neutral tone.
Rotor's eyes widened "But they're so tiny…how are we going to move them…"
And Nicole told him "I will move them. It will take a short amount of time, but once I move the nanites into position I will control them. They will eat away at the base of the trigger rendering it harmless."
Rotor nodded his head and placed Nicole down on the operating table. He looked at Dr. Quack silently and seriously, and they both went to retrieve the glass vial of Nicole's nanites. All the while, Bunnie laid her head back down on the operating table with her worried face. Feeling a bit of relief from Nicole's words, but at the same time her stomach was in knots.
Because of this situation they were currently in, they had no options. But only hope Tails, Nicole, and Sonic alone would be enough to make Eggman and the Dark Legion reel again. Because the activity in Robotropolis tripled an hour ago…
They were coming hard this time…and if Sonic, Tails, and Nicole didn't succeed the Knothole would surely be destroyed because it didn't look like they would be pulling back this time…
In fact it looked like their enemies were pulling out all the stops…
Nicole along with Sonic, and Tails needed to do enough damage to make their enemies pull back. Because there were so many of them detected they knew a large force was marching to decimate them today…
Just then Rotor and Dr. Quack returned with the glass vial full of nanites, though they were so tiny it didn't look like there was anything in it. Rotor picked Nicole up but before anyone could speak Nicole spoke aloud suddenly "Initiating wattage reconfiguration…"
Then moments later Tails voice came through Nicole's speakers and a large explosion could be heard in the background. Tails spoke in a serious tone "Nicole? Sonic and I just leveled one of Eggman's new electric power generators. Your overload worked great."
Dr. Quack, Rotor, and Bunnie smirked a bit hearing Tail's voice as Nicole responded "Excellent work. You still have twelve more terminals to reach."
"We're heading to the next one right now. I think the whole city is chasing us." Tails responded.
"Once you gain access to the next terminal, send the encryption, and I will overload the station. You and Sonic will be able to continue moving because our time is running short. Eggman and his forces are nearing the Knothole." she stated.
"Alright, were moving." Tails finished, and the line went dead.
Rotor's face then became serious again; his light blue medical mask moved as he spoke "Now then, where were we…"
Nicole spoke to Dr. Quack "Lower the vial horizontally onto Bunnie's arm. I require a certain amount of nanites to be on contact."
Dr. Quack did so silently, carefully tilting the jar onto Bunnie's exposed arm. And Bunnie remained perfectly still hoping that Nicole's plan would work. She stared up into the bright white light with a worried face knowing that if she got up from this table today she was going to fight tooth and nail to correct this mistake she made. Because from where she was laying right now it all looked pretty grim. And she knew without Sonic all their plans would have fell apart today…
Without him taking the heat off everyone else they surely would not succeed…Tails couldn't go to Robotropolis alone…and she would be dead again today…
She couldn't help but let her mind wander on Sonic again as they operated on her. Because he once again was a big part of her life even after the way she had ignored him. How she had taken him for granted. He had always been one of her closest friends. They always had a deep trust and caring between one another even despite recent happenings. And they had always been close in that way. And she was starting to see a lot more of him in her mind lately….
Meanwhile in Robotropolis…
Dark clouds still covered the city, and it had stopped raining a short time ago. In a Legionnaire area of the city, many Legionnaires were running through the metal streets of the city towards the multiple explosions that just went off at one of their recently restored power stations. In a shiny new building in the area, surrounded by many transport air and land vehicles, the powers that be were well aware of what was going on. But they still had other pressing matters they were carrying out other than capturing their intruders.
In the shiny new building, Lien-Da and her Legionnaires were busy coordinating their latest attack against the Knothole. This like many legion buildings had no windows, but this particular building had a small group of satellites sitting atop it. The entire one floor of the new building was covered in computer servers and one giant computer console. Bright lights covered the room, and the same white sterile, white colored paint covered the walls and floors. Five Legionnaires sat in front of one huge computer screen directing the Dark legion around the globe in their various devious endeavors. Lien-Da had a headset on her head, speaking into a microphone with an arrogant smirk directing her co Grandmasters personally.
She was waiting for a response as she looked up at the big computer screen from behind her Legionnaires. The computer screen was black with green blips covering the screen showing their forces, and the people of the Knothole they were trying to capture. Then the screen switched to a view of a Legionnaire in another part of Mobius asking for assistance. One of the Legionnaires on the computer responded as the screen switched back.
And just as it did one of the Grandmasters responded to Lien-Da "Were ready to breach on your orders." the voice of Beauregard responded.
Lien-Da grinned "Excellent. You are clear to attack…" she spoke in a calm tone "I have other matters to attend to, so if you need assistance keep in touch with our operators."
"Yes Grandmaster…" frustration was present in his voice.
Lien-Da then ripped her headset from her head and spoke aloud to her Legionnaires on the computer "Contact all available Legionnaires in the city. We are about to initiate takeover of Robotropolis in ten minutes time. I want everyone ready once we gain control over Eggman's systems."
"Yes Grandmaster!" the Legionnaires responded collectively.
Lien-Da kept her arrogant expression as she tossed her headset onto the floor and turned for the exit. She spoke again as she walked to the exit of the building "And make sure this building stays in lockdown after I leave. I am the only one who can access the door panel of this building."
The Legionnaires responded the same as the electric door of the building opened for Lien-Da, then locked shut automatically as it closed. A few Legionnaires were waiting outside for her, and they quietly saluted her as she stepped down the small flight of stairs of the building. With a devious grin Lien-Da and her Legionnaires began walking to one of the many transport vehicles in the surrounding area ready to go to a secret place. And once their Lien-Da was going to be directing all of her available forces in the city. Because of the non-intrusive control devices they'd ben planting all around the city, Eggman's technology would be completely under her control. And Eggman would be completely powerless…
Elsewhere in Robotropolis…
The same type of conniving scheme was going on atop the large control tower building that loomed over the city. Eggman stood in front of his large oval shaped window of his control center with a malevolent smile; his arms behind his back. He wasn't the only one present in his control center though; Snively sat in the chair in front of the large computer console in the middle of the room. He was currently preparing for their hostile takeover of the Dark Legion. And as far as from what Eggman could tell, the Dark Legion in Robotropolis seemed to be completely unaware of the other ways he had modified his army of Swatbots.
The barely visible light of this dark rainy day illuminated off of Eggman's black spectacles as he looked down on the city below. He held a big smile as gleeful thoughts ran through his mind. Yes he had modified his Swatbots to fire the legions jamming device when they started their alliance. But he also had…tinkered…with all of the new technology they had built into the city to make it more efficient…
Eggman chuckled under his breath wondering if Lien-Da, and her legion would even be prepared when he locked them out of all the technology they built here. Because the Swatbots had jamming devices personally modified by him that would jam their cybernetics. And they could fight back…that was true…
But they were outnumbered…and he was sure he could overrun them…
He knew Lien-Da had considered this fact at least once…
What he was guessing was that she didn't know that it was actually true. And in minutes time he was going to direct thousands of Swatbots on them. And once they were all disabled he was going to subjugate them even further. With bombs planted in them he would control their bodies…control them…and his empire would grow into the Dark Egg Legion…
He would then gain the secrets of their technology and take the world with ease…
Eggman continued to look out the window as he spoke aloud "Snively? How goes the pest control?"
Snively held a worried expression as he typed into the computer "…Sonic and his friends have destroyed eleven of the twelve new power generator stations…" he paused leaning over to see Eggman still staring out the window "…Our power consumption has dropped back to previous levels in the last few months sir…"
Snively cowered a bit as he could hear Eggman grumble under his breath a bit But his tone was genial as he spoke "It's no matter; I expected that blue rodent would cause some damage. Let's just hope the Dark Legion does a considerable amount of damage to the Knothole then. We have much more important things to gain in this chaos…"
Snively sweated and nodded even though Eggman kept his back turned "…Yes sir…"
Snively went back to typing as Eggman spoke again; he leaned back over to listen as he typed "Oh and send out E-22. It'll give those animals a little trouble while we're working."
Snively gulped and leaned back over to the twenty monitors "I am initiating E-22 to sector eight sir…"
Eggman remained silent after Snively spoke, but there was now anger on his face at the news of what Sonic and pals had done yet again. It was a slight setback, but if he took control of the Dark Legion, the Knothole and the Kingdom of Acorn would be wiped off the face of Mobius in a short amount of time…
Down in the streets of Robotropolis Sonic and Tails were in the last new power station they needed to destroy. Tails was working on the computer console while Sonic kept the Legionnaires and Swatbots out while he worked. Sonic was just outside the door of the building keeping them busy just as Tails sent the last return signal to Nicole. His brows were knotted with determination on his face as he waited for Nicole; he had on Sonic's brown backpack carrying physical hacking tools he used to get a signal to Nicole.
He glanced over at the one door where they came in seeing Sonic run pass the door yet again. Sonic and he had been hit by quite a few lasers, and they stung, but they bet Eggman was steamed to find out what they had done in return.
And then Tails whirled his head back around as Nicole spoke to him "Initiating wattage reconfiguration…"
Tails spoke in a serious tone, "Did we do enough Nicole?"
And Nicole responded a few moments later "You have two minutes to leave that area. And I am detecting a significant drop in power consumption in Robotropolis. It most likely has garnered the attention of Eggman and the Dark Legion."
Tails nodded "Are they still attacking the Knothole?"
"Yes. They have not pulled back yet. It seems more still must be done." Nicole responded.
Tails sighed, and he frowned "We need to get into that Legionnaire building then…"
"That particular building is padlocked. I can bypass the door systems in five minutes time." Nicole stated back to him before she spoke to Rotor in the background.
"Right. We gotta get out of here soon; I don't think we can hold out much longer..." but just as Tails finished speaking he noticed something out of the corner of his eye.
To his left the other door to the room opened and four Swatbots and a Legionnaire rushed in and began firing at him.
"I gotta go Nicole, we'll be there." he said with a serious expression.
"Yes." Nicole stated as the line went dead.
Tails immediately dashed from his spot, using his speed he flew into the air dodging their weapon fire. But he landed nearer to them, and then spin dashed into two Swatbots. One Swatbots side was torn into, deactivating it. And the others arms and legs were busted making it harmless.
Tails was moving too fast for the other two Swatbots and Legionnaire. Tails dashed towards the Legionnaire as the Swatbots fired at him. But the Swatbots didn't take care to aim away from the Legionnaire and fired at the Legionnaire. The Legionnaire was hit quite a few times as they fell to the ground and Tails finished off the last two Swatbots. They both pointed there arm lasers at him, firing wildly as he ran around them. But soon Tails flew up, and spin dashed into one of the Swatbots heads crushing it. It flailed around until it fell to the ground, then Tails spin dashed into the other Swatbots arms crippling them. Its weapons were useless, but it still tried to attack him. Tails easily dodged the bot and spin dashed into its back knocking it hard onto the floor. It fell face first and crushed its face as it deactivated.
Tails then wasted no time as he ran back to the entrance where Sonic was. This building was going to explode soon. When he reached the entrance he spotted Sonic attacking a group of Legionnaires, and all around himself were Swatbots. Without hesitation they began raising their arm lasers and Tails grinned sheepishly as he suddenly took off into the air dodging their laser fire. He then flew quickly over to Sonic, dodging the laser fire from the Legionnaires who saw him, and the Swatbots firing from behind him. He rushed into the Legionnaires shoving them and Sonic took the split second opportunity and knocked even more of them down. They were all down on the ground as Sonic and Tails began to run in the opposite direction.
But they both noticed all around them there were more forces coming down every street in every direction. Large groups of Swatbots coming down one street towards them, and large groups of Legionnaires down another. They both held frowns as they looked at one another briefly, while still trying to dodge the Swatbots laser fire as they ran towards them, and the Legionnaires that were getting up off the ground.
Soon though a loud high pitched buzzing noise filled the area; coming from the building they just came out of. Tails and Sonic's eyes widened as they continued running in any direction. They ran around the corner of the block they were on, still confronted by Swatbots and Legionnaires in front of them firing at them. But then an ear splitting and deafening explosion rocked the area as the power station blew up.
The explosion was accompanied by something just as big as Tails and Sonic stopped in their tracks. The Legionnaires and Swatbots behind and in front of them stopped firing too as they heard the same faint noise getting louder. The sound was the thump of something giant walking. Everyone in the immediate vicinity looked around in confusion when suddenly a giant robot ripped through a nearby building.
It stopped just some feet behind Tails and Sonic, and another explosion went off from the power station rocking the area again; debris from the explosion fell from the air. The robot was big as a small truck, it was mostly red, and it was egg shaped with a big smile painted on its face. The robot stood fully up locking onto Tails and Sonic.
Tails looked up shocked but Sonic narrowed his eyes as the Legionnaires and Swatbots began firing at them again. The giant robot raised its gigantic arm and swung at Sonic and Tails who dodged. Sonic ran in a circular motion though, and as he rounded back he sped up significantly and spin dashed into the robot.
He connected with it making a large dent in its hull, and causing some damage as it sparked a bit. The force of his attack also made it fall back towards the Legionnaires and Swatbots behind him. The momentary distraction gave Tails and Sonic a chance to speed up, and they barreled through the forces that were in front of them. They were both hit a few times by a few lasers, and boy did they sting. But once through the small barricade, they were out of range, running at fast speeds making it hard for their enemies to keep up with them.
Tails ran next to Sonic with a serious face pulling a map out of Sonic's backpack "Nicole is opening a door for us at a Legionnaire building….there still attacking the Knothole..."
Sonic looked around nodding "Were are we headed?"
He and Tails stopped at an intersection; no one was around because they had out ran the Swatbots and Legionnaires. Tails shook his head looking slightly sheepish "I think it's back in the direction we just came…" he rubbed the back of his head glancing at Sonic.
Sonic's face softened then he smirked a bit "I'll race you."
Tails chuckled as he put the map back in Sonic's backpack, and they began running back in the direction they came from. And from the looks of it the big guys and all the Legionnaires were waiting for them as they ran back into laser fire. But they did feel slightly worried that something else was going on. As they had seen no sight of Eggman or Lien-Da, and with all the damage they had caused, they wondered why they hadn't pulled back yet…
Back at the Knothole all chaos was breaking lose…
A royal military guard had just run out of the Freedom Fighters HQ lab. He'd just informed Rotor, Dr. Quack, Nicole, and Bunnie of what was happening as their enemies attacked. And behind the operating curtain, Bunnie laid on her operating table with her worried expression. Staring up into the bright operating light, trying not to move a muscle as Nicole worked on her. Dr. Quack and Rotor conversed with one another about what they just heard, and Bunnie could hear the new hesitation in their voices.
And since she was trying not to move she could not see much with the bright operating lights in her eyes. She could sort of make out their movements though, and Rotor was holding Nicole as he spoke to Dr. Quack "They're attacking specific parts of the village…" he paused.
"There not coming all in at once?" Dr. Quack responded twirling his hand.
There was a short pause from what Bunnie could see and hear with her head down remaining perfectly still. But she was sure she was thinking what they were thinking "They have some maps already…" Rotor uttered.
And Nicole spoke interjecting into the conversation "The nanites have eroded through nearly all of the base of the device. I will be done momentarily." she paused "You have arrived…I am bypassing the door now…"
After Nicole spoke Rotor, and Dr. Quack remained silent. It need not be said that Nicole had to hurry and remove the device from her. Because it seemed their enemies were starting to get maps from the scans the device was doing. And Bunnie felt guilt as she stayed still on the operating table. Her mind had gone blank in the stressful situation only hoping for the best. And her brows remained wrinkled in worry hoping Tails and Sonic did something soon because she didn't want to die on this operating table…
Back in Robotropolis Sonic and Tails had just entered the designated Legionnaire building. Nicole just hacked the door and they made quick work of five Legionnaires working on a large computer console. They just barely made it away from the hundreds of Swatbots and Legionnaires chasing them through the streets of the city. And the giant robot Eggman had sent out made it even harder to find this building. And Tails and Sonic were sure they would know where they had run off to in a matter of minutes.
They both had laser burns all over their fur, and dirt covered their bodies. Sonic just dragged the last knocked out Legionnaire onto a pile of their buddies observing the room as Tails worked on the computer console. All the computers in the room made him suspect they had come into something big "Where are we?" Sonic said with a frown walking back over to Tails.
Tails was under and inside an open panel of the computer console hooking up some wires. All his hacking tools were in a pile on the floor, and he pulled himself up as he got done hooking up the wires.
He held a serious expression as he began typing into the computer "I think it's just an outpost for the Dark Legion while there in the city. So they can maybe keep contact with whatever else they've got going on."
"So what's this last thing we're doing?" Sonic asked him curiously.
Tails eyes stayed focused on the computer "I'm physically hacking their networks so Nicole can get pass the blocks. That's what we've been doing to destroy the generators. Nicole can get full access to the Dark Legion's networks so we can do some serious damage."
Sonic then smirked a bit "Let's hope she can do more than we have."
Tails nodded seriously "No kidding…" he paused "…I'm in!" he paused again as Sonic stepped closer to the computer "…I'm sending Nicole the return code now…"
And they both waited silently for a minute or so waiting for Nicole's response. Because by now they were sure they had the whole city breathing down their neck, and they were probably getting tired of them slipping away from their grasp…
And at the same time Eggman was getting ready to start his master plan…
Up in his control tower, he held a malevolent smile on his face, staring out his window with his back turned to Snively, and his arms behind his back. He spoke aloud in a witty tone "Snively! Get ready to initiate operation Dead Drone!"
Snively typed feverishly in the computer console in a nervous tone "Yes sir!"
And on the twenty monitors in front of Snively was video of nothing but Swatbots. And after he typed a few commands into the computer, the Swatbots in the city began to raise their arm lasers. And from what Snively could see on the screens the Legionnaires looked completely unaware as they search the city for Sonic and Tails. Because soon the Swatbots were going to start firing there specially designed Legionnaire jamming devices, and the city would be full of disabled Legionnaires …
And at the same time in a secret location in Robotropolis…
Lien-Da was in a darkened room, with only a single light above her and a laptop in front of her on a desk. A few Legionnaires guarded the door behind her and, with a big grin on her face she watched a timer countdown on the laptop screen.
Then she typed a command into her keyboard, and video showed up of many Legionnaires. Around cameras all around the city, the cameras showed her Legionnaires still searching for Sonic and Tails with Eggmans Swatbots. Then she spoke aloud to the computer with a big smile "All remaining personnel, ready your weapons. Soon I will give you the order, so be ready."
She could see all her Legionnaires nod with the implanted ear piece in their heads. As the cameras switched one by one, they all had seemed to acknowledge and hear her. And they all began raising their weapons slightly with all the Swatbots around them…
Then Lien-Da switched back to the countdown screen on her laptop. In less than thirty seconds there non-intrusive control devices that they planted all around the city would activate. Disabling and shutting down all of Eggman's technology; leaving him powerless as they destroyed him and the Knothole. Once it completed she could start directing her Legionnaires for her hostile takeover of Robotropolis, then the world…
Back at the Knothole Nicole just received Tail's signal…
Rotor looked down in his hand at Nicole as she suddenly spoke in the silent room; Dr. Quack did so too "Tails?"
"We're in!" Tails spoke in a hasty tone.
"I see." Nicole stated "…I have access to the Dark Legion's networks. I will begin decrypting to disrupt…" Nicole stopped short for a moment "…Wait…there is something more…"
"Huh? What do you mean Nicole?" Rotor asked raising an eyebrow.
"More than what we've already done?" Sonic's voice was heard through Nicole.
"Yes." Nicole stated "…There seems to also be a backdoor into Eggman's networks as well…"
Dr. Quack's eyes widened "You're kidding..."
Then Bunnie spoke up "Well however yiah got in, mess both of them up quick…" she said in a worried tone.
Rotor nodded as he narrowed his eyes looking down at Nicole "My sentiments exactly. I don't know how Eggman recently got a back door, but we could disrupt Eggman too."
"I am already working on it." Nicole stated as many numbers and programs began popping up on her screen.
"What luck." Tails responded.
"What does that mean?" Sonic said with confusion.
"It means Nicole is going to brick all their tech." Tails said in an excited tone.
"Exactly, I am going to modify all available configurations on the Dark Legions networks and in Robotropolis. And since I have access to Robotropolis I will do a few other things as well..." Nicole stated in a neutral tone.
"…I think we have company…" Sonic stated in a serious tone.
"Once I have completed this process we will lose communication. I would advise you to leave as soon as I'm done." Nicole spoke to the two.
"We'll do our best to get out in one piece…" Tails responded in a serious tone.
"You two be careful…" Dr. Quack spoke aloud.
"Get the ointment ready Doc." Sonic spoke back.
Dr. Quack, Rotor, and Bunnie smirked; but Nicole spoke again "And Bunnie? The nanites are about to break through. We do not know what effects the device will have once it severs from you. Since the device is attached to your nervous system, I surmise you will feel something. So be prepared mentally and physically to experience some level of pain."
Dr. Quack nodded silently as he went and grabbed more medical tools. And Rotor sat Nicole down looking seriously at Bunnie "We need to be prepared to stabilize you if something goes wrong…"
Bunnie remained silent and still with her worried expression; dreading and anticipating the incoming pain. She had many scrapes with death…and unfortunately the pain hurt, and was extreme every time…
Back in Robotropolis…
In Eggman's control tower he still stood in front of his window with his arms behind his back. He held a big smile as he began to countdown "Five…four…"
Snively typed feverishly as all the Swatbots on the screens in front of him began to slowly turn. Their arms began to raise at all the Legionnaires around themselves…
And in Lien-Da's secret darkened room…
She had just directed all Legionnaires in the city to get ready to fire on her orders. The Legionnaires on her screen began to point their weapons at all the Swatbots around themselves. She counted down on the timer on her laptop with an arrogant grin "Three…two…"
Back at the Knothole…
Nicole successfully finished hacking the Dark Legions and Eggman's networks. Knocking them offline and accomplishing other task while she was in "Saving changes…." she stated aloud from Bunnie's operating table.
And suddenly a large high pitch squeal went through Nicole's speakers as their enemy's networks went down. Dr. Quack and Rotor stopped what they were doing and shielded their ears; Bunnie on the other hand clenched her eyes shut…
And back at the Legionnaire building…
Sonic and Tails lost contact with Nicole, and a loud squealing noise surrounded the area they were in. They both shielded their ears clenching their eyes shut as they heard more explosions go off outside the building they were in….
Up in Eggman's control tower…
The power began to flicker, and Eggman donned an angry face. He whirled around in his spot and glared at Snively hearing the loud squealing noise "What the heck is going on?" he yelled angrily.
Snively held wide eyes as he typed "…Sir…I think someone has taken control of our networks…"
And back in Lien-Da's secret darkened room…
She growled with an angry expression slamming her fist onto the table in front of her; the loud squealing noise only made her more irritated "Hello? Somebody respond darnet!" she screamed at her laptop as her table rocked.
The Legionnaires behind her squirmed as she turned around in her seat glaring at them "You two go find out why our network is down!"
They nodded fervently and stumbled out the only door of the room….
And back at the Knothole as the noise died down it finally happened…
Rotor and Dr. Quack lowered their hands from their ears, and their eyes widened in shock as they looked at Bunnie. There was a faint snapping sound, and the small black square device in Bunnie's arm broke away from where it was attached. And Bunnie's eyes widened in shock too; but from pain; as she bared her gritted teeth. Her back arched up slightly as she felt a searing pain, akin of whiplash throughout her entire body as all her muscles tensed up uncontrollably…
The pain lasted for a few moments as she settled back down and Dr. Quack and Rotor quickly moved to help her "Are you ok Bunnie?" Rotor asked donning a serious face again.
Bunnie's body twitched, and she clenched her eyes shut as Dr. Quack and Rotor quickly wrapped a strap around her organic arm. The strap was attached to an electronic device that showed her pulse "It's coming down…" Dr. Quack looked at Rotor seriously "We still need to shave what's left out of there."
Rotor nodded as he picked up Nicole "Nicole, we need to analyze what's left in Bunnie's arm. Is she ok?"
"We will see..." Nicole stated as Rotor hovered her over Bunnies exposed arm "Scanning…"
Dr. Quack then picked up a scalpel as Nicole finished "It seems the affected area now has no effect on Bunnie's person. The intricate sever from the nanites removed the base of the device. And the base of the device itself, which was the trigger of the harm has been destroyed."
"So it would be safe for me to shave what's left down?" Dr. Quack questioned.
"Yes." Nicole stated simply.
But as Nicole spoke Bunnie opened her eyes as she felt the pain of whatever that device was intended to do calm down. And she held a fearful expression as Dr. Quack lowered his scalpel down into her arm. He then began scraping, and Bunnie blinked her eyes looking curious as she felt nothing.
She slightly lifted her head, and Rotor spoke to her "Bunnie are you alright?" he asked again.
Bunnie nodded slowly as her curious face turned into a frown "Yiah…I'm feeling ok…"
"Just lie down for a moment longer Bunnie, and we can put your casing back on." Dr. Quack wiped his fore head as he worked in her arm.
Bunnie complied laying her head back down with a deep frown. Knowing now that she wasn't dead again anger began to well up in her. And as soon as Dr. Quack was finished, she was going to go help the others…she only hoped there were some people left to help….
And back in Robotropolis…
Tails had packed up his hacking tools in Sonic's backpack, and put it back over his shoulders onto his back. The power in this building was faltering and flickering, and they didn't want to get stuck inside. So they headed for the door of the Legionnaire building. But as the door opened, and they stepped outside they were surrounded by Legionnaires and Swatbots but some of their weapons seemed to be jammed. The sky was still darkened both because of the passing rain, and because it was starting to get dark out.
The Legionnaires and Swatbots weapons that weren't jammed began raising their weapons to fire at them. Sonic and Tails grinned at the sight and were about to barrel through them to get out of the city. But they were once again stopped by the giant robot Eggman had sent out. It came barreling down a nearby street, and something seemed to be wrong with it. It was taking no care as it ran straight for them, knocking Legionnaires and Swatbots out of the way.
And Sonic and Tails were just about to run and dodge it, but another explosion went off in a nearby building. It startled them, and the giant robot reached them and swatted them both.
"Ahhhh!" they both yelled in pain as they flew into an old building that hadn't been updated in this area of the city.
They crashed through the old weak roof and Sonic flew all the way to the floor. Tails landed on an old scaffolding up above. The building was filled with what looked like many drums full of liquids, and the giant robot could be heard stomping towards the building.
Sonic groaned as he got up "Oh man that hurt!" he slowly shook his head glancing up at Tails "You ok?"
Tails groaned as well shaking his head "….I think I bruised something…"
"Me too…" Sonic called up to him.
But the robot was getting closer, and they both looked for an exit and Sonic pointed to the holes in the roof they fell from "Get up on the roof! I got an idea!"
Tails nodded holding his side "Right!"
Tails then flew up through one of the holes in the roof and Sonic began dashing up the rusty staircases. By that time the giant robot, Swatbots, and Legionnaires had rushed into the building firing their weapons again. Sonic was fast enough to dodge the weapon fire and evade the giant robot as it began climbing the walls of the building.
In no time Sonic busted through a hatch on the upper scaffoldings and onto the roof. Tails was waiting, and he ran with him as the giant robot punched a hole in the weak roof and began climbing through. There didn't seem to be anywhere to run until Tails understood where Sonic was going.
There were no nearby buildings for them to hop to, and the open area below them was starting to get filled up with Legionnaires and Swatbots firing at them. But there was a building that was a large gap from where they were now; it was a whole street over. And Tails looked at Sonic with a weak smirk knowing what he wanted to attempt; Sonic grinned back at him with a nod.
And as the giant robot began fully pulling itself through the hole it made the weak roof began to shake. Sonic and Tails got a running start and ran towards the building far opposite of them. The giant robot behind them lunged at them as they jumped off the roof just barely missing them. It fell face forward falling through the weak roof, and the whole roof collapsed. Tails began flying and grabbed ahold of Sonic's hand gliding all the way to the building far away from them. The many Legionnaires and Swatbots did fire at them, and some of the shots connected. But Sonic and Tails just about landed when the building they just jumped from exploded. The shockwave disrupted Tails flight and he and Sonic fell onto the roof of the building they were aiming for.
Sonic landed on his back groaning in pain; he grabbed ahold of his shoulder as he stood. Tails grimaced with a frown holding his side as he stood. They both walked over to the edge of the building seeing many of the Legionnaires and Swatbots dispersed. But to their left were more forces coming.
And without any hesitation, they ran to the side of this building and jumped down so they were out of sight. They were in between two buildings, and they ran from the direction they came from. They peeked around before they dashed off. There were a smaller amount of forces coming this way. So they took off without warning, running at fast speeds pass the Swatbots and Legionnaires who didn't have time to respond. As their shots missed and they ran faster because they were currently deep in the city. They were happy to get out, but knew they still might need help back at the Knothole. There was still some work to be done, even after they blew up half the city. Even after they just carried out one of their most devastating counter attacks outgunned and outnumbered…
Back at the Knothole…
Rotor and Dr. Quack had just finished doing their final checkups on Bunnie and put the casing back on her arm. Now that the device was finally removed from her, they were attempting to disable it. Rotor and Nicole stayed in the Freedom Fighters HQ to do that, while Dr. Quack, and she went out into the chaos of the Knothole. She quickly put her jacket and hat back on to conceal her messy hair and made her way outside the minute they were done.
It was getting dark out but there was plenty of lighting around the village from all the fires. Dr. Quack had went off to help those who might need medical attention. And she was currently flying over the chaos below getting ready to land. At first, she thought the citizens were still being captured by Legionnaires, but it seemed to be the opposite. The citizens below her were running away, and the Legionnaires were retreating too. It seemed she had missed all the action, but there was still some left as she got ready to land.
Near an exit of the village a large group of Legionnaires were running to their vehicles, and trying to capture some citizens. But they were in a tussle with a few of the guys, Amy, Antoine, and a large group of royal military guards. But as she got ready to land she noticed they were fighting with Dark Legion Grand Masters…
Razorklaw was slashing at Amy, and she angrily swung her hammer back at him. And Antoine and a group of royal guards just wrestled away some citizens from the grasp of Beauregard and his Legionnaires. And with a big smile, Mordred readied to attack some cowering citizens on the ground.
But Bunnie landed right near him on the muddy ground and punched at him with her cybernetic arm. Mordred looked unfazed as he dodged hopping away from her attack, and he lunged his fangs at her. Bunnie held and angered expression as she fully put her cybernetic arm out as he charged forward. And Mordred gasped with wide eyes as she got a clasp on his neck. He tried to break free from her grasp, but she slammed him onto the ground; making the mud on the ground splash onto herself.
Bunnie growled as she held his neck tight and dragged him a few inches and tossed him violently into Razorklaw. Razorklaw wasn't paying attention as he attacked Amy and Mordred went crashing into him knocking him off his feet.
This only made him angrier though as he pushed Mordred off himself, and went to attack Bunnie. But Amy caught him off guard and hit him and Mordred with her hammer. They both flew a few feet sliding into the muddy ground as Bunnie, and she went to keep up the heat.
Amy and she kept their eyes on the Grandmasters as they stood with angered expressions, and Amy questioned her "Bunnie, you're alright…"
"I aint going in tha ground today…" Bunnie said with narrowed eyes.
Beauregard and his Legionnaires were losing too as Antoine freed another citizen and the Legionnaires began backing up. They held their weapons up as they backed away empty handed. And a large black vehicle backed up towards the Grandmasters and their Legionnaires. The rescued citizens stayed near Bunnie, Amy, Antoine and the Royal guards as they began climbing into the back of the large pickup truck.
And as the other nearby trucks began to drive away, Beauregard caught sight of Bunnie glaring at him; all of them did. She remained silent with an angered expression; her fist balled at what he'd done. And they locked eyes as the truck began to pull away…he narrowed his eyes at her as well…he had betrayed her…
"The offa still stands!" Beauregard yelled to her as the truck began to drive away into the darkened forest.
And Bunnie stared at their fleeing enemies with her brows narrowed in anger. But mostly because of the betrayal of her uncle….the only blood relative she knew was left…but she was starting to feel he wasn't family anymore…
And the others around her began to move to the disorder that could still be heard through the Knothole. But Bunnie stood in her spot until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned her head to see it was Antoine, and he held a frown as he lowered his hand. Bunnie silently nodded at him as he turned, and she did so too. Amy and the others were waiting for her as she began jogging with them all. There were people who sounded like they still needed help, and they had to put all the fires out around them. But for the most part it seemed most of the attack against the Knothole had been staved when Nicole knocked out their communications. Bunnie could only imagine it might have sent them into disarray. And she found out all the details about an hour later, about what had happened while she was being operated on…
And back in Robotropolis…
All around the city since the networks had gone down, the Swatbots and Legionnaires began lowering their weapons. The Swatbots began returning to various parts of the city, and the Legionnaires began to regroup in their area of the city. The darkened skies still hung over the city and Eggman, and Lien-Da were furious and did not know what had happened. However, because of the Knothole's attack making Eggman and the Dark Legion pull back, no one was really aware of how close they'd all come to an all-out war this day…
A few hours later at the Knothole…
Nighttime had already come, and all the chaos had been extinguished. But even after all the craziness of the day there was some good news to be heard. First and foremost, they had accounted for all the damages and losses. And though much was damaged in the attack, they had actually sustained no losses in the form of citizens. It was quite unbelievable that everyone was accounted for, even though many were hurt. The Legionnaires were more interested in capturing them all alive, and they did not use lethal force which seemed strange to everyone.
It was something the Freedom Fighters had up on their list of discussions. The Knothole had sustained heavy damage though, and they were going to need time to rebuild what had been destroyed. The other good news was from Nicole. She had successfully disabled the scanning device they found in Bunnie. So their enemies didn't have full geographical maps of the Knothole. From what Nicole had gathered, the device had only got done with forty percent of the scan. And the maps they had attained where only partial parts of the front side of the village; they hadn't got any sensitive information. All their bunkers, resource storage, the Freedom Fighters HQ, etc. were still safe and unknown.
And because of such good news in the face of such a harsh battle, there was a small celebration in the middle of the village. For those who were not hurt at least; and the ones that were hurt were even still happy to hear such good news
There was some music, singing and dancing in the middle of the village; a few torches were lit to give some light. Bunnie sat on the outskirts of the fun though, sitting on a log not too far away. With her legs crossed and her hands on her lap, she held a saddened expression as her brows remained wrinkled with worry the last few hours. She watched the guys interact with one another unmoving. Sally, Antoine, and Rotor were discussing something, while Tails, Sonic, and Amy where laughing together about something.
Sonic and Tails were wrapped in bandages; one around Tails waist; and one around Sonic's shoulder. They still looked pretty banged up as well; the laser burns all over their bodies were clear and visible. They had to clean themselves back up when they returned. It was certain it would take a few days for them to heal up because how much they'd gotten hurt was questionable. Dr. Quack said they'd bruised a lot but luckily hadn't broken anything yet.
Bunnie then took in a slow breath, wincing a bit because it still hurt to breathe. Dr. Quack had checked on her again as well. She shifted uncomfortably on her log as her whole body still ached. The fall she'd taken had affected her breathing and Dr. Quack determined the inflammation in her would go away in a few days hopefully. Because that fall hurt…
Bunnie coughed a bit as she sighed and her eyes downcast onto the muddy ground; her feet were covered in mud. Her head stayed dipped for a moment, feeling a bit of relief after hearing what happened. There was a major power outage and drop in energy consumption in Robotropolis they detected. So they knew they were safe for a while again for some time…
She was glad the Freedom Fighters had double checked too because Nicole's disruption had sent Eggman and the Dark Legion into disarray. Because they only found out after her disruption, she hadn't only taken down their communications, but she'd done other things. Because there was a sudden backdoor into Eggman's networks she also took control of various things in the city. Changing operating settings to cause remote physical damage to various technologies in the city.
And while she was connected, she'd even stolen some information from them both; another thing the Freedom Fighters had for a new topic of discussion. Bunnie lifted her eyes with a blank stare watching as Antoine spoke happily to Sonic about something for a moment, before Rotor chuckled at him, and Antoine looked annoyed at Rotor. She kept her glum expression, sitting straight up with her hands on her lap…
Tails and Sonic mentioned to them all how many explosions had went off after Nicole hacked their enemies while they were in the city. Bunnie then watched as a few citizens came up to Tails and Sonic and praised them. The citizens even lifted Tails up into the air and carried him around…the guys chuckled at the occurrence…
The guys of course didn't inform anyone outside the Freedom Fighters that it was partially her fault for the attack to protect her. Her face remained saddened as she looked around the circle, and all the festivities seemed to drown out around her. She watched Antoine for a while wondering how he was doing. They hadn't spoke much since they split, and even now he didn't seem to pay her much attention. And she didn't like to admit it, but she missed the attention…especially when she felt so down right now….
Then slowly her eyes drifted towards Sonic again…
Her face became slightly stoic as she watched him. He was speaking with Sally now, and Sally leaned over and whispered something into his ear; Sonic looked slightly sheepish rubbing the back of his head. Her gaze hung on him for a while before her eyes downcast to the ground again.
Her thoughts finally drifted to her uncle and his betrayal…
She felt bad about how she'd argued with Sonic all the way back to the Knothole. She felt bad that she hadn't listened to all of her friends more. She had made another misstep with Sonic…
The way she had acted and defended her uncle at his outpost made her feel shameful; even more so because of her uncles betrayal. Because she thought, she knew him better than that…to go that low…and she began to realize after his betrayal he had changed…
He was not her family anymore…
The meaning of the word family changed when an individual treated another bad. And she was starting to see more than ever her friends were her real family. The guys had always been there for her…especially Sonic…
Her arrogance defending her backstabbing uncle today had stemmed from recent loneliness in her life. As lately she had been alone and lost in the world again…she should have listened to her friends…
And she would spit on her last remaining family if she ever saw him again…
Bunnie took in a labored sigh as she kept her head low and kept her saddened expression. The guys knew a good amount about all the nonsense with her family past. What she wasn't sure of was if they knew exactly why she ran from her home. When she realized what her family was she just couldn't stay…
And she had lived alone for a time; staying on the border of the North and South. Because she didn't have anywhere to go. She didn't know what she was going to do, whose side to go to. At the time, she didn't want to go back south because of what she learned of her family, and she was afraid to go north because of her ties. And there were tensions between northerners at the time…and they did reject people from the Southern Baronies…
The ones she encountered were distrustful of her…
Regardless of that though, it was a time in her life where she had escaped. She enjoyed the solitude farming on her farm away from her family and all the conflicts going on around her. She had fond memories on her old farm, and it was a big reason she liked farming. Her family were farmers too…
Bunnie then lifted her head again but this time she held a determined expression. There was going to be a lot on her mind the next few days, but she knew at least for the moment she had to take care of something. Otherwise, she was not going to be able to sleep tonight…
Bunnie then finally stood from her log, and she walked over to the guys through the small crowds of people. When she reached them they noticed her, holding their smiles for a moment. But they quickly noticed Bunnie was not smiling, and she walked directly towards Sonic. She used her cybernetic arm to grab and held his unhurt arm firmly; grabbing his attention no less.
The guys all looked confused and Sonic blinked his eyes as he looked at Bunnie; he could see her narrowed and determined eyes under her hat "I need to talk to yiah…"
Everyone heard her words, the citizens near them remained oblivious and Sonic donned a frown remaining silent as he nodded his head. Bunnie didn't let go though as she pulled him away from the others, and they remained silent donning slight frowns themselves. They all knew it was about the argument about Beauregard they had been earlier. So their frowns softened as they went back to talking, if anything Bunnie apologizing would make everything go smoother with everyone.
And just a little seeing distance away from the middle of the village over by some burnt trees, Bunnie released Sonics arm. This area by the threshold of the village and the forest was darkened and Sonic kept his frown glancing behind himself; he could see everyone. Then he turned back around to look at Bunnie, who had turned her back to him. She remained silent with her head slightly dipped and Sonic broke the silence figuring he knew what she wanted to talk about.
"…What did you want to talk about?" he questioned even though it was obvious.
And Bunnie coughed again taking in a slow breath as it was obvious "Yiah know darn well what I dragged yiah ovva here for. I'm so'ry…" she said in a softened tone, and she turned around to face him.
Sonic pinched his mouth but nodded silently as she continued with her worried expression returning again "I meant what I said…and I just wanted to let you know I didn't do it purposely…I made anotha mistake ok? And I'm doing my best right knaa…"
And she had expected Sonic to forgive her in most standard of apologies, but instead he did something she wasn't expecting. He didn't judge her "We'll try and do better next time Bunnie…the future is created right now in the present moment…so let's just leave this behind us all…."
And Bunnie's worried face became curious and a bit confused as Sonic stared at her with a frown "We got plenty more chances to die tomorrow…" he then yawned and his frown softened as he looked tired.
Bunnie's curious face remained, "Aight then"…" she blinked her eyes, but she took another breath and coughed harder "Ack!" she expelled as she clenched her eyes; breathing hurt a bit still.
Sonic frowned again wiping his eyes as Bunnie looked back at him. Her expression became neutral "Tell everyone I'm hitting tha sack early…I need to lay down…"
Sonic nodded once more as he turned to go back to the middle of the village "Night. I'm going to go get a snack…"
"Night…" she responded as she watched him walk away.
Her face became curious again as she stood in her spot a few moments longer. When she finally ambled off to her partially damage hut her mind wandered on Sonic again…
She wasn't exactly sure if what he said was forgiveness, but it sure felt like her actions were let go. And it felt good to not have that extra weight on her shoulders as she attempted to sleep this night. It seemed her friendship with Sonic had stayed strong yet again. Even in the worst of situations it came off so easy to deal with one another, they didn't grind against one another no matter what was happening. Their agreeable chemistry stayed constant. And the final thing she noticed this night was they had always been unconditional with each other…
I told you it'd be epic! I hoped you enjoyed reading cause I know I've been away from this story for a while. But now that a disaster on an epic scale was diverted the Freedom Fighters need to redouble their efforts on getting a new home. What will Eggman plan next? What will Lien-Da scheme too? What will the Freedom Fighters do next? What is Antoine up to? How is Sonic doing? What is happening with Bunnie? She's seen something she'd never seen before, and as she becomes more aware how will she continue to change? How else will her past haunt her? Find out next time!
And on a side note, I know this story has had large gaps in between updating but it is nearing its conclusion as well. I'm sorry if anyone finds that disappointing, in every story I've done people say that lol. But I think there will be a few more chapters before the end of this story nears. I'm thinking maybe 5 to 6 more chapters; maybe. One more thing, there is a major twist coming in the next chapter. Huge plot point and very significant to the entire story. Now see, I teased you real good didn't I? Hehe, next chapter is gonna be awesome. Later.