Sonic Element
Episode 014
"Cursed Knowledge, Good Intentions"
The mind of a great man is often used for evil. Weapons of mass destruction, men playing God with living beings. Worst of all, they don't realize the monsters they created until its too late.
Location: Station Square, Eurish
Big Richards arrived back at one of his establishments that were under construction. Although it hadn't been fully built yet, it was a business location already to exchange illegal cargo. Being the all great entrepreneur he was, he had to stay on top of it all and make a personal appearance to earn trust of his customers.
Walking to his office he took out the ring of keys from his pocket and unlocked the door, just as he was going to open it his ear twitched at a branch breaking, turning around he saw Olivia Gears standing. She didn't have the usual smile on her face, but an evil grin. Her eyes were a bright yellow.
"Olivia? What are you doing here?" Big lowered his keys.
"To kill you, Mr. Richards..." Honey snickered, through the body and lips of Gears.
"What the-" Big snarled, Honey dashing forward, using her Ixis magic and Quiel to send a surge through his body, knocking him down to the ground and she stomped on his head, crushing his skull.
"Enough... I think he's dead... you can see the brains seeping out," Geoffrey stood from a distance with his arms crossed.
"Good..." Honey snarled, "that is what happens when you fuck with me!"
"He didn't do anything to you!" Gears cried.
"Master's order is good as any..." Honey shouted at Gears.
"Not to offend you, Honey, but when you talk to Gears it makes you sound like a crazy woman talking to herself..." Geoffrey pointed out.
Honey looked down to Big's body, he was stabbed fifteen times, and his skull had been split open.
"And you went over board with the big guy..." Geoffrey added.
"...C'mon lets go..." Honey stomped off, "we have other business..."
Geoffrey approached the body, holding his breath in at the nasty sight as he made a scrunched up face. Placing a small metal cross on his chest he whispered, "sorry mate..."
"Are you talking to the dead again?! I thought I told you not to do that... its creepy..." Honey called out, Geoffrey ran up to her and walked at her pace.
"Just paying my respects... I have morals..." Geoffrey huffed.
Location: Unknown
Time: 9:43 A.M.
Sir Charles woken up at his desk again, no doubt it giving him back problems over the years. Also wear and tear on his eyes by staying up late and working on an invention. He stretched awake and let out a yawn catching a glimpse over at his clock above his desk. Falling asleep on a metal desk wasn't that comfortable, but Chuck couldn't argue that his boys allowed him to sleep in a little.
"They must be up to something..."
Chuck thought to himself, his boys were troublesome after all. Getting up from his old leather chair he walked out of his work shop and into the kitchen, to see the two boy he had been raising for the past ten years, Shard... his biological robot son, and Ben Muttski... a successful experiment in evolving a Mobini dog into full Mobian dog.
The cursed mind of Chuck made him question his ethics. Shard and Muttski had been making a special breakfast, why was it so special you ask? Muttski was setting up decorations, while Shard was writing something in syrup on a pancake cake.
"Oh hey, pops! Happy Birthday!" Shard grinned.
"Yeah-yeah- happy birthday, Chuck!" Muttski yipped, although evolved, he still had the personality of a puppy running up to Chuck and giving him a hug.
A grim reminder that he was getting older and older, the grey in his mustache fully taken over and the color change in his fur coat into a bluish grey.
"Thanks boys..." Chuck musters a light smile, "so wotcha got? A pancake-cake?"
"I know having too much sweets at your age isn't advisable- but heck you're getting old so why not enjoy it while you can?" Shard grinned.
"..." Charles expression flattened.
"Oh come on, Shard! He's no that old!" Muttski scolded, "sure he's got grey... and needs glasses to see..."
"Not. Helping. Muttski," Charles groaned, as Muttski pushed his shoulders down to sit in the chair.
Shard smiled and put a pink cone-hat on Chuck's head, "chill gramps! You still got a few good forty years on ya'..."
"But Shard, he's fifty..." Muttski whispered, "or was it forty-five?"
"Give or take a few," Shard shrugged.
"Do you boys have a death wish?" Charles spoke up.
"Of course not!" Muttski smiled, "now await- for we have got you a present!"
"A present? Really?" his mood brightened a little.
"I took the liberty to learn a new skill that is pointless to a robot..." Shard explained, walking over to a huge board that was covered by a white sheet across the kitchen.
"Video Games is not a skill set, Shard..." Chuck crossed his arms.
"Yes it is- but that's not what this is..." Shard stood to the side and pulled the sheet off.
Underneath the white sheet was a master piece, constructed of old trash, gizmos, and springs. Illustrating the once glorious city of Mobotropolis, where Chuck had grown up as a kid.
"I helped pick the trash," Muttski smiled, admiring the masterpiece as well.
[
Chuck stood from his seat and walked over to the board, his mouth a gaped it turned into a smile. Hugging both Shard and Muttski he smiled, "this is wonderful, boys, thank you..."
"No problem, you had to put up with us," Shard smiled.
"Now c'mon let's eat!" Muttski yipped.
"I'll get my lovely canister of oil," Shard chuckled.
Location: Harlem, Pacific
Time: 10 years ago
"Patient is stable...physical structure is unstable..." Colline said aloud into her tape recorder, standing over the incapacitated Fallont, who suffered chemical burns. "Patient received chemical burns to left side of head... fortunately not causing damage to the brain. Left chest fleshed away by burns, cardiac arrest followed due to the organ damage of the chemical burn... left arm also received damage, no sign of a recovery to the muscles in the arm, only bone structure remains. Right leg, lower quadrant was fully flushed in chemical substance... no sign of recovery to muscles..." Colline sighed, putting down her tape recorder at the metal table, she went over to her desk to examine the chemical substance sample.
"Chemical substance can only be contained in titanium... any flesh would iradicate on contact. Substance is black, silky. It moves around on its own, possible gene in the chemical to help spread damage... could be fungus." "Its not a fungus..." a voice said from the door way.
Colline jumped, turning to see a middle aged human, it was Ivo Robotnik.
"Sorry for startling you..." Ivo apologized.
"Just because I agreed to help Fallont doesn't mean I tolerate Dr. Robotnik..." Colline snarled, "your boss is the one who did this to him in the first place..." "Lord Robotnik got too carried away with the Black Oil, I must admit... but I am no enemy to you, Dr. Colline..." Ivo explained, "I understand you studied under Dr. Amanda..." "How do you know her?" Colline raised a brow.
"I was her partner for years... even her husband," Ivo explained.
"Please forgive me for my brashness..." Colline rubbed her temples.
"That substance does permanent damage... I suggest you dispose of it, and just focuss on his recovery..." "This is a grade A lethal weapon you have here, Doctor..." Colline closed the small canister with the substance, "you have yet perfected it to be tamed..." "How is the patient?" Ivo quickly changed the subject.
"You're a robot doctor and chemist from what I learned..." Colline walked up to Fallont who was on breathing support, "I could use something to help, Fallont..." "From the looks of it you'll have to amputate his limbs..." Dr. Robotnik nodded.
"I also understand you have something new in the works with the robotacizer..." Colline crossed her arms, it was the moment of bargaining, "a substance that doesn't turn flesh into robotics... but replaces damaged or lost parts of a robot..." "You want to use it to build onto an organic host?" Dr. Robotnik raised a brow, "I'm not sure that's plausible." Colline looked down at Fallont, gently touching the bandages on his face, "this was once a noble man, Doctor" Ivo scowled, and turned away "What's so noble on turning on your beliefs?"
"Hypocrite much, Doctor?" she rolled her eyes, "if you wish to please your boss you will let me do it..." He paused and looked back at Fallont then to Colline, "fine, I'll have my work bot send it up..."
Ivo walked away, feeling defeated once again. His resources were about to be used for no good once again. At least time it was by someone who was mentored by Amanda. Having some faith that this Colline woman was someone just as brilliant- and was level headed to use his resources right.
Colline smiled in satisfaction, turning to Fallont she whispered to him, "don't worry... I'll help you Fallont... you'll be good as new..."
Location: Groovy Train
Time: Present, 3235
Lunch hour had just rolled in, various honest living Mobians came into the restaurant to sit and enjoy a meal before heading back to their work. Colline determined to leave her welcomed stay with Miffy and Pyjamas, to hopefully find what she's been hoping for years to find. Miffy poured coffee into a to-go cup for Colline and tossed a pack of cigarettes next to it, "are you sure you want to go that far?"
"Its about time I caught up with her to get some information..." Colline pulled the pack off the counter and stuffed it into her jacket, "will Felicia be alright here?"
"You mean will she be smart and not run after Ivory again? I cannot promise that... I'll try my best though," Miffy shrugged, "but please write to us to let us know how you're doing... and you're more than welcome to stay here if you pass on by..."
"Will do, thank you Miffy... I appreciate it..." Colline shook hands with the elder poodle, and then turned away. Walking out to start her own path.
Colline made her way to the overseas traveling company, these days it was hard to catch a ride to another country in a chopper, with all of Dr. Robotnik's forces wanting to run everything. It took negotiating between Mobians and Mythians* to allow Dragons to help with transport with a cost.
*Mythians are Mobians creatures that represent mythical creatures, (e.c. dragons, centaurs, fairies, mermaids.)
With the last of her money, Colline splurged to hire a ride to bring her to Central Square, Eurish, country to humans. Since the war, Colline figured, we're all on the same side just about...
"Colline Lacey..." handing over her ticket the man looked at her, "is something the matter?"
"Well..." the man cleared his throat, "you only paid for the lowest quality service..."
"Well," Colline scoffed imitating the man, "either way I expect to get flown across the ocean to Eurish..."
"Yes... of course... just... bless your journey..." the man stamped the ticket and pushed it back.
Taking back her ticket she walked through the door and onto the dirt runway where a teal young female dragon was being prepared for flight with a riding saddle.
"Now just remember dragon- you head east..." the man strapping the saddle said, "and try not to be stupid..."
"Now I don't think that's a way to speak to a lady..." Colline called out walking over with her strapped bag over shoulder.
"Just a dragon, miss... almost done..." the man called back out waving his hand away.
"A fire breathing dragon," the dragon muttered.
The man frowned, tightening the last strap he put out his lit cigar on her, making her snarl. Colline huffed, great another ass hole... Walking up promptly to the man she knee kicked him into the chest and twisted his arm to his back, "apologize to... sorry miss didn't catch your name..." Colline smiled at the female dragon who was astonished.
"Dulcy... ma'am..." the dragon said, still astonished.
"Apologize to miss Dulcy... NOW!" Colline shouted at the man.
"Damn- sorry! Sorry! Damn!" the man whined.
Colline let him go, letting him run off, "the nerve of some..."
"Don't sweat over it... some people are just screwed in the head..." Dulcy shrugged.
Colline placed her bag on the back of Dulcy behind where she was going to sit and strapped it in place, "are you the only dragon?"
"I'm from out of town, I come here when someone wants a ride," Dulcy explained, "this town isn't really used to Dragons... they have a bad history with my kind..."
"Some rogue dragon no doubt..." Colline nodded, "you're a pretty young dragon..."
"Sixteen, ma'am," Dulcy nodded.
"And where are you from?" Colline made conversation, getting on her back and strapping herself on.
"Well... originally born in Mobotropolis- but since the war I bounce around allot... I'm a Freedom Fighter Agent..." Dulcy got down on all four's and spread out her wings.
"Ready?" Dulcy asked.
"Yes!" Colline smiled, pulling down her goggles.
"Okay hold on tight this is going to be a rough take off!" Dulcy smiled, shortly after galloping to a lift off, shifting her wings she gained air and flew high up in the air, adding in from loops and spins for fun.
Once Dulcy was now gliding above the clouds, where the sky had turned pink with a tint of orange, Colline made some chit chat to get by the ride.
"So... you work with the Freedom Fighters?" Colline asked, honestly impressed.
"Yup- but you know with being an agent I get pulled around a lot to help out other divisions... my personal favorite is the Princess's division..." Dulcy smiled, "best friends I could ever have..."
"I'm afraid I've been under the rock for a few years... the Princess's division?" Colline raised a brow.
"Y'know... Knothole Freedom Fighters... the guys sticking it to Dr. Robotnik..." Dulcy explained.
"Princess Sally started a rebellion group?" Colline, still surprised.
Location: Knothole
Time: Morning
"Well it's stupid to just sit here, Sal!" Sonic threw up his hands in frustration, the others looked back and forth at the two leaders as they argued plan of action for their most recent crisis.
"Snively is having a joy ride, Sonic," Sally protested, "he's also gained new weapons and we should observe his actions thoroughly before running into it blind..."
"We already got the gist, Sal... its just the matter of time we waste here twiddling our thumbs..." Sonic motioned toward the others, "c'mon guys you with me?"
"Nope- not getting into ya'lls debate..." Bunnie refused.
"Notion three-b, section A, in a case of a disagreement of two co-leaders... other members are not allowed to weigh in their opinion... it is to be debated with one another..." Rotor recited the rule out loud from memory.
"Well we're at a stand still..." Sonic huffed.
Sally let out a sigh and took a calm breath, "alright... how about this then: we go to Robotropolis... but instead of doing a direct attack of any sort... we scout the area and get a sample of whatever Snively is playing with..."
"Fine..." Sonic muttered, "do I get to lead this field mission?"
"How about I tag along on this one... I don't think you can truly handle being sneaky..." Sally smirked.
"Is that a challenge?" Sonic smiled.
"Nope, I know you can't think on your own just yet..." Sally chuckles, outside of the door a loud thump gave away the little fox. Sonic swung the door open to see his little brother, Tails listening in on the conversation about the crisis.
"Tails what are you doing? You should be with Rosie," Sonic crossed his arms.
Tails dusted off his two tails and stood up, "w-well I heard that something happened... and I... I wanted to help..."
"So you spied?" Sally crossed her arms with that usual smart smirk she gets.
"W-well yeah..." Tails rubbed his arm, "I know I'm still pretty young... but... I'm ten... and uh... that's how old you guys were when you started out..."
"He has a point, Sal..." Sonic shrugged.
"You were doing against Rosie's knowledge of course... but then heck I guess if you haven't we wouldn't have stopped Dr. Robotnik's plans that week..." Sally admitted, "well Tails... its not like I pushed you out long enough... I think you're ready if you're already spying..."
"Really?" Tails' ear perked up, "you really think so?"
"You need work on sneaking... but... I'm pretty sure Sonic will love to train you..." Sally smiled.
"Train?" Sonic raised a brow.
"Well I can't just take him in- he's a rookie... you want him to join right, Sonic?" Sally shrugged.
"Well yeah- of course."
"Then you get the honor, I couldn't think of anyone else more qualified..." Sally nodded, "we'll meet back tonight for planning of tomorrow night's scouting... Sonic I expect you to cover basic training with Tails..."
"Sure Sal..." Sonic rolled his eyes, "c'mon bro..."
"Thanks, Aunt Sally!" Tails gave a hug to Sally before leaving.
"You've been training since you could walk, dear... its just the matter of passing the requirements..." Sally smiled, "which I have the utmost confidence you can do..."
"Wait- you're handing me the duty to approve him?" Sonic stopped in his tracks and turned to Sally.
"Leaders can do that, Sonic..." Sally rolled her eyes, "like I said... he's been training for a long time... just make sure he can do what it is expected on a scouting mission..."
Sonic let out a moan, "always trying to place a leader ship card on me..."
"You wanted to be treated more like a leader- there you go..." Sally giggled, "you two have fun..."
"Will do, Aunt Sally!" Tails smiled, "c'mon Sonic- lets race!"
Sonic sighed and smiled, "alright bro, to the edge of the Great Forest..."
As the two ran off, Bunnie laughed, "oh sugar if you two like each 'ther then just go out."
Sally scoffed, "Bunnie- how silly of you to think I myself can be attracted to something so brash..."
Nicole's screen lit up, "but Sally what about your journal entry twenty-six-"
"NICOLE!" Sally scowled, "we talked about keeping those files private."
Bunnie and Rotor shared a laugh, Antoine was too busy reading a book on tactics to catch on, but added in a fake laugh as he read on.
"Sugar, wotcha' reading there?" Bunnie leaned over Antoine's shoulder to look at the book.
"A very... very interesting book on war tactics, written by the best of the King's Army, twenty years ago..." Antoine explained.
"I assume you found that at Kirby's library," Sally asked, walking over, Antoine handed the book over, "oh... I remember this... my father had me read this as one of my lessons..."
"Isn't that the one with all the soldier's input?" Rotor asked.
"After the war Sir Charles had the soldiers of the Great War write entries on war tactics... to better help out future generations in combat. He had gotten this idea from an older book from fifty years ago, doing similar entries that molded great tacticians over the years..." Sally explained, "I'm glad Jeremiah was able to salvage this..."
"I saw more like that back at the library..." said Antoine.
"I should pay a visit to Jeremiah... hopefully I can find some more..." Sally handed the book back to Antoine.
"Mind if I tag along?" Rotor asked.
"Sure, you two coming along?" Sally grabbed Nicole from her table.
"Nah, Sugar ah am go do my morning routines..." Bunnie walked to the gym in the basement.
"I will just be reading, merci," Antoine waved off, his nose into the book.
Sally and Rotor reached library which held thousands upon thousands of books that had been salvaged by Knothole's prime writer and historian, Jeremiah Dane, grandson to the late Kirby Dane. Jeremiah, had followed down the path of his grandfather as a story teller and historian, although he wasn't a fighter like Kirby- he was very well educated.
The library was usually empty, as Jeremiah would sit at his desk reading a book everyday- sometimes six books in a whole day.
Sally opened the door, the bell above it rang, "Jeremiah, how are you today?" Sally called out as her and Rotor walked in, knowing he probably had his nose in another book.
"I'm doing fine, Princess!" Jeremiah called out, "another fine piece of literature restored..."
"Another lymeric?" Sally called out, looking around for the source of his voice.
Jeremiah walked out and shook his head, "actually... actual ancient history... although I'm pretty sure its more mythical than history..."
"Doesn't look like something I've ever read..." Sally looked at the cover of the old book.
"This was an old tale told to Echidnas, not once has it ever seeped into outside cultures... until my grandfather had visited Angel Island for history notations..."
"Was he successful?" Sally asked.
"The ancient history depicted has been divided amongst Echidnas, some say its history... some say its fantasy..." Jeremiah shrugged, "I'm sure you've heard of the Master Emerald, the one artifact the Echidnas keep guard of?"
"Yeah..." Sally nodded, "what's the story?"
"Well... as it is known by all... the Master Emerald holds power, of which the first guardian of it was Chaos, God of Destruction. Its divided of the origin of the Chao..." Jeremiah explained.
"History gets mixed up often... ancient history being divided like that causes a division of religion," Sally nodded.
"I have managed to salvage this book, into a new copy. You're more than welcome to read it if you want," Jeremiah offered.
"Maybe later, I have something else in mind... is there a section for tactics..." Sally asked.
"Yes- I have finished that section this morning- Antoine found a great read..." Jeremiah walked over to a section of the library, with Sally and Rotor following.
"I have read every single book... but I have never brought myself to join your forces, Princess," Jeremiah addmitted, looking at the section with a frown.
"Not everyone is a fighter, Jeremiah... you have a more important job here... documenting history, salvaging all sorts of books for everyone to read and learn from... it may not seem much to anyone else... but it means a lot to us..." Sally patted Jeremiah on the back.
"Heck I would have never learned my tribe's history without the books you found for me," Rotor smiled, "I learned a lot about my culture... since I was too young to learn it in my time back home..."
"And the salvaging of my father's journal you made it your personal duty to get to me helped me become the person I am today..." Sally smiled brightly.
"I suppose that's true, Princess... but its not just books that form great people... but its the confidence within the soul that truly makes the brave..." Jeremiah recited the very quote his grandfather, "I may have read every book... but I have not learn every lesson..."
"One day at a time, Jeremiah, we all learn our footing in the world by shifting our feet through life's lessons..." Sally assured.
"Thank you, Princess... I must get back to my work... I have many ancient scrolls to shift through..." Jeremiah walked away, "help yourself to the books..."
Once Jeremiah was out of sight Sally and Rotor began to look through the books.
"Anything in particular we're looking for?" Rotor asked.
"Anything written by the men of Mobotropolis..." Sally said, "Sonic's been in a bad mood..."
"You don't think its about that do you?" Rotor raised a brow in concern.
"It was so long ago... but still very fresh in his mind. I lost my mother and brother that day... but for Sonic he lost both his parents..." Sally sighed, "he needs something to cheer up... remember something good..."
"That explains his eagerness to go to Robotropolis..." said Rotor, opening a book.
"Before you came to Mobotropolis, ten years ago... things were on edge with the King and Sir Charles. Sunny Hedgehog, Sir Charles wife had been accused of committing treason," Sally explained.
"Uncle Chuck was married?" Rotor tried not to laugh.
"Sonic was too young to remember, when I was young I would look at my father's files. I found information on her and I read about her in my father's journals. She grew up with humans, my father saw that as a threat, his suspicions were confirmed nearly sixteen years ago when Sunny had disappeared during a battle. It was showed by documentation that she had joined G.U.N., around that time..."
"Do they know what happened to her?" Rotor asked.
"Not until now..." Sally sighed, "I received reports from my resources of seeing her show up on the grid again..."
"Does Uncle Chuck know?"
"No... he shouldn't... we don't know her motives at the moment... and honestly we don't know if she can be trusted..." Sally frowned, "my father placed blame on Sunny Hedgehog when my mother and brother were killed, he changed after that day... he tried to find answers- but only caused pain..."
"...When your dad called my dad back to Mobotropolis under the concern of security my parents had been going though a divorce. I decided to get my education furthered by going along with my father. At the time I didn't realize I was leaving across the continent- my mother being alone..." Rotor closed a book, "I still wonder if she is doing all right..."
"Your father was a great man..." Sally smiled.
"Do you know why I joined the Freedom Fighters?" Rotor asked.
"Honestly... I never knew your personal reason," Sally admitted.
"My father," Rotor explained, "he was caught by Dr. Robotnik during the attack. He wanted information regarding the new machine he invented with Uncle Chuck- my father refused to give up the secrets... he was tortured for fifteen hours straight... but he still refused. He fought up until the moment Robotnik killed him. His bravery and sacrifice made me think about what I can do... I may be able to make things... and analyze things- but when you can rise to the occasion and fight along your friends... that's the bravery my father taught me..."
Sally had some tears in here eyes, "one day, Rotor... I promise we'll get back at Dr. Robotnik..."
"Heh- thanks... I- I found something!" Rotor smiled, opening an old book, "not exactly history- but the academy book, of all cadets that graduated... the same academy and class that Sonic's parents... and even my father attended..."
"That's great," Sally smiled, looking at the page that showed Jules and Bernadette in their uniforms.
"Sonic doesn't have any photos of them... we can replicate this and give it to him..." Sally smiled, "I'll go grab the carbon copier..."
"I'll keep looking while you do," Rotor placed the book to the side and looked through some more books.
Location: Robotropolis (formerly known as Mobotropolis)
Dr. Ivo Robotnik's Lab
Ivo Robotnik, now much older, and more ill tempered had a heavy work order while Dr. Robotnik was away in Harlem. Finishing up on blue prints he looked over his shoulder to see someone standing in the shadows.
"Where you seen?" Ivo asked.
"Not by his men... but I'm afraid outsiders had spot me on my way..." Sunny stepped out, with a tote bag on her side.
"I guess that's not much of an concern..." Ivo rolled his eyes, "its not like they can possibly be a spy for Robotnik or anything..."
"Sounds like someone hasn't had their nap..." Sunny walked over to the desk and placed her tote bag down.
"You're being reckless..." Ivo huffed, "you're lucky I even let you come here..."
"Don't get an attitude with me, Ivo..." Sunny said firmly, "I come bearing gifts for you..."
"Its not my birthday," Ivo grunted, "be concise I don't have all day..."
"He needs to get that stick out of his ass..." another voice came from the shadows.
"You brought her along?" Ivo snarled.
"Its been getting harder to get in... I needed protection..." Sunny shrugged, "Ebony you should come out... and meet Ivo..."
"I thought I told you I didn't want to..." Ivo glared at Sunny.
"She wants answers..." Sunny sighed, "just tell her what you did with the remains..."
"I can't you don't understand-" Ivo paused when Ebony had walked up. He looked at her, he had the same face as Maria. Although her skin was more tan than Maria, she had the same facial structure. Her hair was a sleek black with red highlights, he huffed at the fact he knew where that came from. Ebony's eyes were a piercing crimson, her glare was lighter than usual. A young woman, not looking a day over thirty. Not something to be expected of a forty five year old. Sunny as well looking young as ever.
"Well?" Ebony huffed, "are you going to tell me or what?"
"First... you have to understand... I didn't know it was him when I was ordered to do this..." Ivo hung his head.
"... What did you do?!" Ebony was no angry.
"Easy, Ebony!" Sunny pulled her human sister back.
"Whoever remained salvageable, had their brains transferred into... the E-3 series..." Ivo explained.
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Ebony shouted.
"But the first mission we put him on- he refused- there was a mistake in the process- unfortuantly... so Dr. Robotnik had him destroyed... E-123 Omega was destroyed on the spot... I'm sorry," Ivo apologized.
"HIS NAME WAS TONY YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" Ebony grabbed Ivo by the neck and strangled him with all her might.
"Ebony! Stop it- we need to get more information- remember!?" Sunny yanked Ebony back once again, although Sunny was very thin she still had leverage.
Ebony let go, she knew Sunny was right. Ivo rubbed his neck, "what exactly would that be?"
"Ivo... as you can see... we haven't aged in quite some time... I need to know more" Sunny let out a breath, holding Ebony back.
"Your genetics are still a mystery... given them..." Ivo sighed, "have you told her anything about them?"
"We need answers about our parents..." Sunny, the yellow hedgehog sighed, "only you have the real answers... Amanda... nor Shepard could give them to us..."
"Probably some freaking experiment gone wrong, Sunny..." Ebony snarled, "by a Robotnik no doubt..."
"Is she always this angry?" Ivo asked, getting up from his chair and walking over to his main computer until.
"She hasn't smoked in a week..." Sunny patted Ebony on the back and whispered, "c'mon will you chill?"
"Well- as you figured out- you two are sisters," Ivo turned on the monitor.
"Yup- experiment..." Ebony crossed her arms, "knew it."
"I wish I could say that- honestly..." Ivo shrugged, the screen bleeped on, showing Maria Robotnik, a blond haired teenager girl. And then an ebony hedgehog teenage boy.
"Oh fuck..." Ebony's arms dropped.
"These are you parents..." Ivo turned to the two, "your mother, Maria... was my sister. She had the rare disease known as N.I.D.S.- it deteriorates your muscles and bones... soon enough killing you. My mother had passed away from the same disease. My grandfather, Gerald, had done research to find the cure for Maria..."
"How did he get to the research facility?" Sunny asked making a notion towards the picture of Shadow.
"He was born there... Gerald got involved with an alien race known as Black Arms..."
"Great, we're freaks..." Ebony rolled her eyes.
"Shadow, your... father... was made to be the ultimate life-form... Gerald hoped to get a cure from Shadow's blood... but... once it was given to a patient it would start to destroy the virus- but then the blood would circulate out of the system... and the virus would flare up again..."
"So... how did... two totally different species..." Sunny raised a brow.
"Experiments... knew it..." Ebony repeated herself.
"It wasn't that- will you shut it?!" Sunny snarled, "Ivo- please cut to the chase..."
"I'm afraid I don't have the answers you seek... as you know I wasn't there doing that time period," Ivo apologize, "I wish I could answer all of your questions- but what was on that drive I gave you years ago was all I knew..."
"And they are dead...?" Sunny asked.
"Yes," Ivo nodded, "they are long dead..."
"So we came here to find out we're Robotniks... this just keeps getting better and better..." Ebony sighed, "eh uncle crazy doctor... you got any smokes?"
Ivo groaned, "Grinder... please give a pack to Ebony..."
"Not much is different, Ebony... I grew up as a Robotnik," Sunny put on her green cameo hat
A robot in a corner bleeped his eyes open and huffed out smoke, "but this is my last pack!"
"A smoking robot?" Sunny lectured Ivo, "are you really that bored?"
"Not my fault I let them build their own persona..." Ivo shrugged, "she's family, Grinder..."
"Fine," Grinder used his conveyor belt feet to go over to Ebony to hand her a cigarette, using his hand he lit it up.
"Thank you..." Ebony smiled, drawing back her cigarette she sighed in relief, "ahhh... the taste of cancer is the best..."
"You came here on other business?" Ivo turned in his swivel chair.
Sunny nodded slowly and pulled out a photo from her tote-bag, "she graduated the police academy last month..." Ivo paused, as Sunny placed the frame in his hand he looked at his daughter that he never got a chance to meet.
Topaz, she had her mother's hair color, cut in a pixie-do. She had his piercing blue eyes and brave salute.
"She's all grown up..." Ivo whispered to himself, just loud enough for Sunny and Ebony to hear.
"One hell of an agent..." Ebony chuckled, "you should be proud..."
"I am..." Ivo smiled lightly, a faint tear swelling in his eyes underneath his black round shades.
Location: Station Square, Eurish; Airport Strip
"Here we are..." Dulcy leveled herself so Colline could get off her back, "beautiful isn't it? They call it Emerald Coast because the sea glimmers... like a sea of diamonds- wait- why didn't they just call it diamond coast?"
"No clue, Dulcy..." Colline shrugged, un-strapping her bag, she handed Dulcy a bag of rings.
"Oh thank you," Dulcy smiled, "remember to give a shout when you come back west."
"Will do, Dulcy, thank you for the ride..." Colline nodded.
A G.U.N. Soldier approached Colline, "Ma'am... we are required to bring you..."
"Yeah... I know... just don't touch me..." Colline huffed following the man inside. Dulcy waved good-bye and flew off back east to her home. Although Colline felt highly uncomfortable being in Eurish, she knew she could easily find a friendly face.
"We got another..." the man huffed, as they approached a female agent.
"Don't give an attitude, Sykes," the woman snapped.
"I was fighting these damn furies fifteen years ago, kiddo..." the man snarled.
"I don't care if-" the woman paused looking at Colline, "...doctor Lacey?"
Colline was just looking down at her watch, hoping their bickering would pass soon, looking up it took her a moment, "yes?"
"Sykes, I got this..." the woman sent the older man away and walked in with Colline.
"My... apologizes... I don't think I know you..." Colline raised a brow.
"Its been ten years, Dr. Lacey..." the woman laughed, Colline realized.
"Little Topaz! My have you grown into a young woman!" Colline squealed, "an officer no less!"
Topaz laughed, "so what brings you here? The lovely security of no Robotnik?"
"Ha! You make me laugh..." Colline snickered, "hasn't he been banging on your front door?"
"Yeah, but its funny that people think they would be safe here..." Topaz shrugged.
"I'm actually here to see your mother..." said Colline, "she left while we were doing research..."
"Oh I see..." Topaz nodded, "I can bring you right to her place... she moved to the mountains a while back to do her research in peace..."
Location: Red Canyon, Eurish
The life of a retired doctor was pretty great, having free time to take up hobbies. Well, Amanda Brenn could have enjoyed that if she weren't so focused on more research, the one that her and Ivo had been working on since they met. The cure for N.I.D.S. was still needed, and over the years they hadn't figured it out. Partly being that Ivo was no longer around to do the research, and account of Amanda focusing on medical tendencies for years.
Being retired, she did manage to pick up a small hobby to do when she came to a standstill in research. Playing her piano and singing helped her vent, and would help her to have an impiety on her work. The usual songs she would play would be from her albums, her favorite being White Ember.
Playing the piano with a soft flow, she was lost into the music as her home phone rang in the back round. "Hey mom, I'm heading up... I hope you don't mind I'm bringing an old friend..." the messaging system played back.
Her home phone rang again, interrupting her flow. Huffing she put on her glasses and got up from her bench walking up to her phone, picking up the receiver, "hello?"
"Dr. Brenn?" a young doctor's voice said.
"She's speaking..." Amanda leaned up against the wall.
"I know you're retired... but we heard you worked on Mobians..."
"I'm retired..."
"Yes... we understand... its just we have a patient... male mobian, feline, late twenties... severely injured..." the young doctor explained.
Amanda sighs, "I'll be right in... but please take in account I live an hour away..."
"Yes- certainly- thank you so much..." the doctor sounded relieved and grateful.
After Topaz's shift had ended, and Colline had received her passport for her visit they made their way to up the mountains in her car to see Amanda Brenn.
"What have you been up to all these years?" Topaz asked, driving the curvy roads. Colline sitting in the passenger seat, holding a cup of coffee with two hands.
"Well... a lot has happened after you guys left... we got invaded by Robotnik... Jack went crazy and betrayed us..."
"Damn..." Topaz gasped, "I thought he was bad but I didn't know he was that bad..."
"But I got out of there... went traveling..." Colline went on, "decided to visit Harlem... wasn't fun considering Robotnik came the next day and screwed up everything... was held captive as a doctor up until last week..."
"Wait... Harlem... that's a Robotnik city..." Topaz paused, "you were working for Robotnik?!"
"Its not like I signed up, Topaz..." Colline explained, "I didn't do anything to help him really..."
"Uh-huh..." Topaz rolled his eyes, "I guess not since your a mobian doctor..."
"I helped his grand master..."
"His grand master?!" Topaz scoffed, "Colline I don't know what's worst..."
"You make it sound bad..." Colline shrugged.
"Ah I give up..." Topaz huffed.
"There is something you should know, Topaz..." Colline placed her empty cup to the side, "its about your father..."
"...What about him?" Topaz looked over.
"...He's still alive..."
HHHHHONKKKKK! The sound of the tractor trailer's horn blared, to signal that it had lost track on the slippery roads, and was directly in their lane driving head on. Gripping on the steering weal, she tried pulling out of the way. The attempt was lost, as the sharp turn was to no avail against the ice on the turn. Truck colliding directly into the passenger side. Behind the truck was a smaller car, with a familiar doctor, Amanda Brenn. Seeing the accident ahead, she slammed on her breaks, only to skid along the ice, colliding downhill along with the accident.
Not too far down the road, Rouge sat on a motorcycle, stopping her bike slowly. Seeing the whole crash in development. Sitting on her stationed bike, she took off her helmet in disbelief.
"Holy fucking shit..."
TBC
Next time, (yes I'm seriously doing this starting now...)
Sonic Element
Episode 015
"Say Something,"
Marshal confronts the robotacized Bernadette, and reflects back on the past.