Damaged Heart part 13

"Your Own Worst Enemy"

"So guys come this way often?" Sonic said as he was rocketing through the streets at supersonic speed. Sonic was revving his feet in a circular motion just to stay ahead of his pursers. Sonic made a sharp turn down a corner with a land vehicle still right on his tail. The vehicle, which looked like a giant armored truck, was gunning for Sonic for one reason or another. Currently it was showing its weapons on all sides of it sporting missiles, concussion lasers, rocket nets, and grappling hooks. The truck was armored to the teeth, and it was keen on catching Sonic. Sonic didn't hesitate as he moved down the empty night streets happy that he had a clear lane, and for the strict curfew.

"Return what you stole or else!" commanded a voice from the truck.

"Stole! Ugh, I would never steal sir," Sonic held up a small liquid capsule. "But I just saw this super experimental glowing stuff lying around, so I figured I'd put up some posters, get the word out about this stuff. Ya know, so the owner can claim it,"

Sonic was sent on a mission to retrieve a special liquid that the Pigmask have in high supply, and George being the curious type wanted a sample. So, Sonic went out to get a sample from one of the many hidden labs the Pigmask owned through the city. However, Sonic seemed to be having a hard time of ditching his pursuers. Sonic glanced around the night time area trying to figure out a clean getaway. His best bet would obviously be the tunnels, but he needed to lose these guys before he did that. Then Sonic got a pretty clever idea.

"Alright boys, let's play a little game I like to call Crazy Taxi!" Sonic sprinted off to the side and then took a sharp left on an intersection. The truck followed drifting through the corner. It drove fast as it tried to regain distance on Sonic. Sonic looked back to see the truck charge one of the many lasers on the side, so Sonic skid to a halt then performed a back flip over the entire truck as it went by. Sonic then landed on the ground as the truck went by. Sonic then performed a spin dash to bash into the back of the truck jerking it forward a bit. The truck hit the brakes then swerved. "Crazy driver, where'd you get your license from huh? A cereal box!"

The truck responded with missiles, so Sonic responded by bounding from one missile to the next. Sonic then kicked the last missile back at the truck creating an explosion. Sonic then turned tail to run just as the truck burst from the smoke and was on his trail again. Sonic huffed then focused on the path ahead of him.

"Where's a cop with a speedometer when ya need one!"

Sonic jumped to get into the air, but he was nailed in the back with one of the lasers. Sonic lost all of his momentum then began to plummet to the ground. The truck immediately sped to his location for a chance to run him over. The driver grits his teeth beneath his mask as he's prepared to feel the feeling of the truck rolling over something. However, when he felt the location of where the hedgehog was supposed to be, he was severely disappointed with the lack of a bump. The driver turned to the passenger in the truck with a tilted head, and the passenger just shrugged. They both decided their best bet would be to take a look. The truck came to a stop then they both climbed out. They used the light of the streets to see their way around, but noticed the lack of a road killed hedgehog. They both were absolutely stumped at the lack of a body, remains, not even a speck of fur. Nothing! This confused them thoroughly.

But what they didn't know was Sonic's ability to phase through solid matter by vibrating his molecules. An exhausting measure, but very effective. Sonic was currently trying to catch his breath below ground as he was crouched on the ground. Sonic stood to his feet then quickly jogged his way back to the general area of George's house. Sonic tried to go through all that had happened that night and was a little peeved off that he was only able to grab a small sample of…whatever this stuff was. The whole grab and go thing was up his alley though. Sonic approached the general area of where George's house was. Sonic began to slow down then stopped to rest for a moment.

"Whew…that really got me tired. I must be only a couple miles from HQ though. I'd better-huh?" Sonic quickly turned his head upon picking up on a sound. Being that he should be the only thing in these tunnels he was a little concerned about sounds that were not caused by him. "Hello?" Sonic questioned out into the darkness while putting on his headset. Sonic was beginning to get nervous. He wasn't too bad in the dark, but he's no ninja or Lucario. Sonic stared in the darkness still barley hearing anything. He was beginning to think he was just simply losing what little sanity he had, and was going to turn and leave. Sonic pressed a button on his headset to establish a connection with HQ. "This is Hedgehog, connecting back to base, Hedgehog to base, do you read me?"

"Sonic, why are you talking like that?" Had came George's reply.

"Oh, I thought I should be in commando mode. Oh well, I'm on my way back with that little trinket you wanted me to pick up. I hope you cleaned your room while I was out,"

"That depends did you pick up the milk?" George replied snidely.

"Ha-ha, you're learning. See humor isn't above you. I ought to go into business with this stuff I bet I could make a-hmmm,"

"Sonic, something wrong?"

"…Oh nothing, I just think I got my first customer. Don't wait up George, I may be a little late tonight," Sonic said turning to see a pair of red glaring eyes. "So, I'm guessing there's some secret treasure hidden in these tunnels, but you don't want anyone to find it. So, you're going try and scare everyone away so you can get it all for yourself," There was no response from the owner of the red eyes. "You might as well give up, I got your number!"

"Sonic, maybe you got the wrong idea about this," George suggested.

"Shoot let's take bets on this, my money's on old man Jenkins!" Sonic exclaimed leaping toward the eyes, but using his night vision screen he was able to at least make out a body. Sonic performed a spin attack toward the attacker. The mystery person crossed their arms as Sonic slammed into it. Sonic bounced off with a clang. "Okay, maybe old man Jenkins has learned a trick or two,"

"That sounded metallic. Sonic maybe you should run, the sensors on your headset tells me your running low on energy. It's probably be best you come back,"

Sonic however was already in the heat of battle. Sonic swung his leg at the robotic contraption, but he missed. It then returned with a roundhouse kick of its own nailing Sonic in the head. Sonic quickly caught himself then bounced off the ground just as the robotic being slammed into the concrete tunnel floor. Sonic could tell it broke apart the floor, so this implied it was pretty strong and well built. Sonic dived to side just as it came down with an axe kick. Sonic rolled then performed a spin dash. The robotic fighter, tilted it's torso out of the way avoiding Sonic's attack. Sonic quickly uncurled to get his feet under him quite surprised he missed. Sonic was obviously a little put off with the fighting ability of this robot, granted he was quite exhausted but still. Sonic attempted to catch his breath for a moment, but was decked in the back of the head by a metal fist. Sonic hit the ground, and then one of his quills was grabbed. Sonic was then slammed into a wall. It then grabbed the strap of Sonic's backpack then slammed it's knee into Sonic's gut. It then finally threw Sonic to the ground.

"Okay…this is…a tough customer…" Sonic groaned from his place on the ground. Sonic heard it's approach again, but wouldn't allow it the satisfaction of kicking him while he's down. Sonic bounced up and aimed for the robots head then shot off in a spin attack. He was aiming for the robot's head, but it seemed he overshot it. "Whoa, this one is pretty short," The robot jumped up to deliver an uppercut into Sonic's jaw, and then threw him back down to the ground. Sonic fell to the ground but he caught himself on his hands then swung his legs. He finally felt his legs connect with a metallic body. "Don't let my lack of squeals fool you George…I am in incredible amounts of pain…"

"Expect Ness in a couple of seconds,"

And true to his words Sonic heard a loud amount of clangs and then the slamming of something hard into a wall. Then he heard normal footfalls going towards him. Sonic began to rise to his hands and knees struggling to get to his feet. Sonic felt hands touch his side, and he then began to feel his energy returning to him. As the process continued Sonic found it easier to get to his feet.

"You okay Sonic?" asked the familiar voice of Ness. Sonic sighed. "Not so much fun being on the butt end of a butt whopping huh,"

"No, it is not, so let's go and not speak of this again,"

"We'd better hurry, I don't think I even knocked a few screws loose," Ness said pulling Sonic. Ness activated his PK Warp then they both disappeared in the blink of an eye. This left the robot to simply sit and brood.

"I'm serious-ow, that thing was tough- ouch careful. It dodged all my fast shots, and it was short!" Sonic exclaimed as one of George's robots began to bandage up some of the bruises the battle left.

"I told you not to go alone, but you insisted," Lucas said trying to show he didn't pity the hedgehog.

"Did you get what I needed?" George asked. Sonic reached into the side of his backpack. Lucky the little scuffle in the tunnels didn't break it, but it was cracked a bit. "Lucky, the case is reinforced with safety glass,"

"Too bad my face isn't,"

"Well it'll heal. Now George, what is this substance?" Lucario asked.

"This stuff…is a sick project King P has going on. It's a special fluid that gets into the cerebral cortex and basically rearranges the working of the mind. It reacts to certain special electronic charges, and it must be given the right signal to perform the certain task. I don't believe it's perfected, hence so many tests. I heard one poor soul got into this stuff once…" George said holding up the liquid. Lucas stared at the liquid in George's hand.

"So basically its mind control," Ness said.

"Basically,"

"Wow, that is sick," Lucas stepped forward to stare at the liquid in George's hand. George was a little surprised with his closeness.

"This liquid…." Images of things began to play in his mind. He got the image of smashed glass, then alarms, then heavy breathing, and pain a burning pain that was indescribable. "That's it!" Lucas exclaimed backing up with wide eyes.

"What is it?" George asked alarmed then looking at the vial.

"Lucas calm down," Ness said trying to help Lucas stay on his feet.

"There is some sort of connection between Lucas and this substance," Lucario said.

"What is that stuff Lucas?" Ness asked.

"That was the stuff I woke up covered in. Maybe, that's what caused my memory lost!" Lucas approached George with a pleading face. "George, I beg you please do all you can to find out about that stuff, it's really important to me,"

George was surprised with Lucas's pleading then smiled. "I'm your friend remember you don't have to beg and plea for me to help you. I can tell this stuff is really important to you. I'll look into it," That's all Lucas needed to hear.

"Thank you," Lucas said sighing.

"I have a question though," Lucario began. "What did you find out about the metal Sonic had acquired a while back?"

"And those guns we got held up in that truck…where is that truck anyway?" Sonic asked.

"Still back at the old hideout and about the metal…I found out some pretty crazy things about it," George sat the vial of the substance then opened up a case that had a piece of the special metal. The metal was an electric blue colored that had such a shiny coat that George could see himself. "Ya see. This metal has qualities of great aptitude, and seems to have the ability siphon energy,"

"In English please," Ness said.

"Basically, it's really strong, and absorbs energy,"

"Really?" everyone asked.

"Yes, for example, Ness blasts this with a shot of PSI," George said holding up a block of the metal.

"You sure?"

"Yeah go ahead let it rip,"

"Okay then," Ness pointed his hand at the metal. He decided not to try anything too intense. "PK Laser!" Red PSI energy began to gather in his palm with a sphere like form. Ness then shot it out at the metal, but was shocked to see his attack hit it then fade out of existence. "What the-!" Ness exclaimed as the metal was completely unharmed, but it was clearly still charged with Ness's energy. Sonic let out a loud whistle.

"That's…incredible…" Lucas gasped.

"You can only imagine if King P made a weapon out of this stuff," George said and suddenly everyone's faces down casted at the very thought of such a happening.

"George holds it up again," Lucario instructed. George did as he was told then Lucario then launched an aura sphere at it. The Aura Sphere was sucked into the metal just as Ness's attack was. "I was afraid of that. It would seem that it can siphon energies other then PSI,"

"Lucario let me give it a try," Sonic said. Sonic was going to hit it with a physical attack, so as to not hurt George Sonic had Lucario hold it. Sonic then launched himself at the small slab of metal with a triple sonic spin. Lucario held strong as Sonic slammed into it. However, there was a monstrous knock back that threw Sonic across the room and against a wall. "Okay…this might be a problem," Sonic said standing up with assistance from Ness and Lucas.

"Now, what should we do about this? I'm sure King P has shipments of this stuff, and for something like this to exist is pretty scary," Ness said.

"There's no way anyone on this world, maybe even the next can step up to anything made by that metal," Lucas said fearing showing in his eyes.

"Well the best we can do about this is to tell Araboo, and maybe he could get us some Intel," George said.

"I'm betting Kumatora might have a spy or two waiting around," Ness said looking at Lucas who was still quite shaken with what they just found out.

"Let me take a closer look at this stuff," Sonic said taking the metal from Lucario. Sonic felt that the thing was still sturdy and it still had it's shine. However, the charge it had formally had been diminished, probably the reason for such a powerful knock back.

"Sonic what are you doing?" Lucario asked. Sonic then tapped his head with the metal. Then tapped certain spots at where his bruises were.

"Aha, it is the same!" Sonic exclaimed.

"What's the same?"

"I think, the robot that ambushed me was made of this metal," Everyone gasped. They were already afraid of the chance of a weapon being made of this metal existing, and it would seem their fears are becoming reality.

"A-Are you sure?" George asked. He would think Araboo would inform him of something like this. However, he will admit he has not heard from him in quite some time. Araboo was indeed the one who informed him of the hidden labs, but his message was a little disturbing.

"Yeah, pretty sure, it feels like the same stuff, and it's light and strong. This would explain it being able to dodge my attacks so easily,"

"This is a serious problem. We need to figure this out,"

"But, if you don't mind I'd like to grab a bite to eat before it gets too late," Ness said.

"Are you going out?" Lucario asked.

"Yep,"

"Then I shall go with you," Lucario said.

"Lucario I don't need a babysitter," Ness groaned.

"True, but you do need someone who can watch you and make sure you do nothing idiotic,"

"That's a babysitter,"

"I tried to shape it up for you, but you didn't want to take it,"

Ness huffed then walked upstairs to change clothes and Lucario followed. Sonic wasn't in the best of conditions right now, and Lucas was a little shaken up. Lucario took it upon himself to see that Ness simply got something to eat then came right back. Lucario grabbed a trench coat and hat then turned to Ness who had on a different colored variation of what he usually wears. Then stepped out onto the streets, but they seemed to have forgotten the strict curfew. No one was to be out at this hour, but they however did not fret. Being with the resistance had its advantages. They knew just the spot where they could pick something up to eat, and be totally unseen. Lucario carried Ness so the trip would be quick and Ness wouldn't get any ideas. Lucario quickly scaled a building top in no time flat then began moving from one rooftop to the other with great acrobatic precision. Every movement was like poetry being written or the wind blowing through the breeze. Lucario hadn't been out all day, so he also took this as an opportunity to stretch his legs.

"The Steak Shop should be right there Lucario," Ness said pointing. Lucario rolled his eyes at the boy's obsession with that food but none the less he flipped over a building then cling to a wall using his metal claw. He allowed Ness to drop down to the ground quietly. Ness took a brief look around then moved toward the shop.

"Don't waste time Ness, just get it and go," Lucario said.

Ness nodded then walked into the shop just as Lucario positioned himself on the rooftop. Lucario used his Aura Vision too scout around for any potential threats. He had to admit, it was quite quiet tonight. He would think this place would be crawling with Pigmask, but the streets were so empty he and Ness could've made a two person parade and no Pigmask would around. He wasn't experienced with situations like these, but his senses were acute enough to realize something was off. If Sonic just a few hours ago stole something that was supposedly of great importance, then why wouldn't they be out trying to locate him? Lucario's eyes snapped when realization hit him. Lucario stood up to go get Ness, but it seemed like realization didn't just hit Lucario. It hit Ness too, especially as he went flying through the shop window. It was not long before another person stepped out the window. Lucario gasped.

"It's a robot…" Lucario muttered.

Ness growled looking up at the bot as it approached him. It was not long until it was standing over him staring him down. Ness's eyes widened when he realized just who exactly this robot was. "N-No way…"

The robot indeed was a robot version of him. It had his red hat, his blue and yellow stripped shirt, his denim shorts, and red sneakers. It seemed to have skin the same shade as his, but it was obviously a robot from the look in it's eyes. Ness assumed the skin was only a cover up.

"Subject indentified," it said with his voice even mixed with a metallic sound. "Well, it's quite a pleasure to 'beat' my lonesome copy,"

Ness grits his teeth. This thing even has some form of his personality. This is sick beyond belief. "How dare you call me a copy!"

"Well I am an improved version of the original, my creator said so,"

"Well prepared to be proven wrong!" Ness shot up to his feet then swung his fist at the robot. It dodged perfectly by tilting it's head. Ness then quickly turned for a spinning roundhouse the robot dodged by performing a low duck. Ness then swung his opposite leg for a vertical kick, but the robot was quick as he jumped to the side. Ness then tried a hook punch but the robot jerked his head back away from Ness's attack. Ness went for a spinning backhand, but again the robot dodged by ducking and then slamming his elbow into Ness's gut.

"Funny, my data reports you being a very fast and physical fighter up close. Yet, your attacks are as slow as a slug, and I bet grannys everywhere would mock those things you call punches,"

"Then how about this, PK Laser!" Ness charged up his hand with intense PSI energy. The energy gathered in his hand as a sphere then condensed to shoot out as a narrow beam. The beam slammed into the robot's stomach, but it held strong even went so far as to smile.

"Right back at ya," The robot allowed the energy to flow through it's body before condensing it into it's hands. "PK Wave!" It said throwing down it's hands and unleashing a PK Wave attack that was in the shape of a crescent. The attack imploding in Ness's face throwing him across the ground. Ness went rolling then staggered to his feet. "Wow, surprised that attack could get that strong aren't you? Yeah, you're easier then that Hedgehog for sure,"

Ness charged again then swung his fist for a strong haymaker. The robot leaned back just out of the arch of the attack. The robot kicked forward landing a solid blow in Ness's side. Ness coughed harshly at the strong attack. The robot leaped forward for a superman punch. The punch threw Ness to the ground, but not just slam into it he went sliding. The robot then jumped up then slammed its heel on Ness's side.

"Wow, all this data was needed just to take you on, pretty sad on your part. All these expectations, and you fall pretty short," it said.

Ness growled in pain at the fact he was no match for this person. The robot raised it's hand then was about to bring it down. However, a bone staff made of aura stopped his attack. The robot turned it's head, and quickly backed away before he was struck.

"Now you deal with me," Lucario said.

"Surprised it took you so long. Got tired of seeing your friend get beat up?"

Lucario knew he could not waste time on this robot. Ness was hurt pretty bad, and it clearly outmatched Ness in every way. Lucario assumed Ness would get into the swing of things eventually, but he realized the robot was giving Ness a chance to get his bearings. The fight would've been much more intense if Ness was able to at least gain some ground. Lucario knew he had to keep Ness safe.

"Alright you imposter, let's see what you have?" Lucario challenged charging forward to meet the robot head on.