Author Notes - Here I am, the author notes!! And here ya'll GO, another chapter of MBMH!! (By the by, in case ya wonderin why this has been uploaded again; I kinda had trouble doin so yesterday, eventually sendin an email to the support guy!! I got a response later, sayin there wuz a corruption in the database and that I should upload it again!! Anyway, sorry for any confusion!!)
Ever wonder how it mighta been, had they ever created a SatAM Sonic game?? Ya'll have seen the never produced proto-type video over on Youtube, right?? Ya know, the one that woulda played like a cross between "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Metal Gear Solid"?? Saddest phrase in any human language; what might have been!! Know what I reckon woulda been to die for, a game that wuz a cross between "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Shining Force"!! Seriously, the way SF games show ya party members dukin it out with evildoers?? Jus picture Bunnie upper-cuttin or karate-kickin a SWATbot while that victorious theme from the show plays, tell me ya wouldn't ascend to Nirvana in that moment!!
Thass enough for now, hope ya'll enjoy this!!
Chapter Nineteen
The Mouth Of Madness; To End Many Things
The sound of footsteps, growing louder with each second...it had also grown familiar, over those hellish months.
Snively faced the doorway, lowering that ink smeared clipboard – in the flicker of defective lighting, that face resembled a ghoul mask. Callow youth was long gone, punished by the school of life – beaten into a shape beyond recognition, of another nature was this beast. At those newly arrived, eyes now stared unnervingly – ill nature saturating every particle, the very air seemed nervous. Six SWATbots had entered, walking shadows of oppression – sandwiched between literally heartless captors, three Mobians now waited.
A coarse faced turtle was the leftmost captive, fear in those beady eyes of his – he peered over that scuffed beak, a shell full of nerves. At farthest right of this troup, an ermine forced himself not to gag – ringed by patches of night black, his eyes burned with defiant hate. Human dwelt not long upon mismatched pair, eye roving to the very middle – only then did it stop dead, captivated by the one who stood there.
A vixen towered over the others, falling just short of their mechanical wardens – vermillion painted silk her pelt was, fire shining in the darkness. An elegant gown she was clad in, trailing across the floor so cold – cut low was that bodice, trimmed with frilly lace. Long gloves encased graceful arms, whiter than the moon – she lowered both to those sides, escort party relinquishing their hold. No face could compare to hers, surely a tireless labour of pure love – those eyes were of blue so deep, an unwary soul might drown in them.
The paths of their respective gazes crossing, the human did indeed experience trouble breathing...
"So glad you have come to assist me..." Snively broke eye contact with such abruptness, an electric shock might have been delivered – his lips twisting into a sneer, gnomish gaoler broke the dead silence. Dying just a little bit more inside, he drawled the speech made to every newcomer – though routine once had provided comfort, it now served only to bring tedium. "...in Hell's Kitchen!"
It also shared the fate of spiders fallen into a bath, drowned fast by jeers which now came flooding that murky place...for having been repeated so many times, this ritual had also paled upon The Subjects.
"Always love an audience, don't ya?!!"
"Ski-slope nosed little freak!!!!"
"Why don't ya turn and face us, look hard at what ya've done?!!"
Snively did not so much as turn, though rattling bars assaulted scrawny back – he had no desire to acknowledge the cages, far less so any of those incarcerated. Though a monthly exposure to them was unavoidable, he loathed the sight of those faces – in each chunk of twisted flesh, that new depth of depravity was reflected.
Reacting instinctively to this uproar, the captive trio looked around...their faces growing aghast, horrors abound taken in.
Turtle swallowed heavily, ermine bared fangs – even more than ever, cornered animals they resembled. As for the vixen, no fear that face betrayed – her paws reached out, resting upon grey claw and white shoulder. Reptile and mammal fought back panic, soothed by the comfort she brought – the heart of this group, lady fox certainly seemed.
"You want to look after them, eh?" Snively raised both eyebrows, irked by this moving scene. "So very touching, that your maternal edge was not dulled by a month in the cell block!"
"My friends are called Hyssop and Pahana." the vixen responded to insidious mockery, drawing turtle and ermine closer still - like a song riding the wind, that voice was gentle and sweet. "As for me, I am..."
"You are Subject 40." Snively cut short this introduction, his voice like a scalpel – he could not afford to listen, let that professional detachment slip away. Even as he spoke, the SWATbots closed in – for the vixen they reached, acting upon his next words. "Please remove all non essential clothing before proceeding any farther, all you shall need here are the barest necessities."
Hyssop and Pahana went sprawling, shoved by elbows of metal...
The vixen was lifted from metal floor, wrists seized in vice like grips. She merely gazed ahead, enduring this ordeal in silence – beautiful material shredded to pieces, her gown was stripped away. That corset was next to go, laces popping until it came loose.
Snively could not look away, jaw slackened by their revelation – broad hips and ample bosom, the most exquisite hourglass figure. The human had to grin, pale eyes roving over every inch – voyeuristic exploration was then concluded, that face coming back into view. The vixen gazed back in silence, quite aware of his fascination – his dismayed expression could be seen, reflected in those pools of perfection.
In that sleazy appreciation, human had not been alone...long deprived of female contact, those caged were applauding lecherously.
"Hellooo, foxy mama!!!!"
"Hey babe, wanna be roomies?!!"
"Cute tail, wait til ya get a loada mine!!!!"
Hyssop gave a choked sob, his head vanishing into that shell...he had no desire to witness this, the utter humiliation of such a wonderful person. It had been the most terrifying period of his life, unable to do anything more than wait to be roboticized...the scraps afforded by their captors proving frugal, he had been ravaged by pangs of constant hunger. Yet the vixen had given up her own, determined she would not let the turtle suffer...
Pahana gnashed those fangs, fighting to contain anguish...he knew the memories would always remain, memories of being locked in everlasting night. Yet in a way, his best they were...the vixen had been there for him, bandaging wounds dealt by their captors. For the first time in his life, there had been someone who cared...
Snively could not so much as gasp, neck feeling as though in some snare – he turned only with immense effort, pulling at one of those drawers. 'Whatever she just did...I will not suffer again!' Out into the faint light, his clammy hand drew them – three bracelets of blue plastic, each with a white label.
"Whatever you were called and wherever you came from, you are now Subject 41 and you are now Subject 42 of this research facility - that such is your new capacity, these will serve to remind you." Upon the desk was each placed, daubed then with a felt marker – from writing tiny as it was impeccable, those eyes now lifted to glitter ominously. Upon quaking turtle and glaring ermine, they fixed like manacles of cold steel – human gestured with that marker, resembling the most sinister wizard. "Their removal would prove a futile gesture, to say nothing of a punishable infraction – I trust we have an understanding."
"Stop this, you must." Before turtle or ermine could muster a response, the vixen had done so without hesitation – calm and crisp was her manner, the purest essence of rationality. "Let them go, all of them. No need is there for unwilling slaves, not when one would gladly serve their purposes." That voice was so very steady, she might not have been cruelly restrained - full of ardency beyond possible misunderstanding, it would have swayed The Grim Reaper. "In place of them all, allow me to remain alone."
Snively did not answer immediately, capable only of staring – so still was the marker, time itself might have been frozen. Since the establishment of this place, come and gone had many – some had cried and begged, whereas others cursed and threatened. Out of that number so vast, none had pledged to suffer for all – with the coming of a vixen, this record had been broken.
Silence descended over the cages, each prisoner drinking this up...awe swept over them all, understanding of that incredibly selfless offer. Seeing the nightmarish agonies inflicted here, this vixen would take their places...gladly would this be done, a sacrifice none had ever witnessed. Nor would they on this night, for their salvation was cruelly denied...
"My dear lady...your sweet reason has rolled back my heart of stone, a fete of which none other can boast." Snively gave a drawn out whistle, getting up from that desk – like the scrawniest weathervane, he began now to turn. "In recognition of your caring nature...you instead shall be Subject 42." Dragging along the chair, that little man moved – limp in that other hand, something the colour of rotten flesh. "While the rest fulfil their duties, consider yourself free to offer commiseration...as their discomfort shall precede your own, you may look upon this as a learning experience."
The vixen dangled in space like one sentenced to crucifixion, breaths deep revealing a struggle to overcome deeper fear. She did not thrash or plead, merely watching that pale hand reach out - the bracelet opened like a maw of plastic, clasping then around her wrist. Like the ball gown had been seconds ago, freedom was ripped away in that moment.
Snively turned with an expression of satisfaction, having mastered the situation once more – spindly arms crossed over that chest, he issued the final command. "Gentlemen...show our guests to their quarters." He relished the words now hissed, seeing them obeyed even more so – a mere facade this was, masking the emptiness which yawned inside.
Sitting down once more, he retrieved the pen...the progress report required full attention, being not even halfway done. Attention the report did not receive, restless mind unable to concentrate...to sneak a secret glance, he could not resist the temptation. Into view the cage came, occupied once more by a Subject...
Penned within miniature cell, the vixen hugged furry knees – she gazed down at the floor, as though miles from this awful place. Perfectly composed was that face, not a crack made by fear - infinite patience in those eyes, she might have been awaiting something. Even from this distance, clear it was to see - a free spirit she was, one no bars could hold.
'Just like they who came before...I say she lives, she lives to serve me.' Snively clenched that fist, nearly crushing his pen - to assert his power, the vixen would be conquered. 'I say she dies, she dies as I please...just like they yet to come.'
That had been the plan...yet plans often went awry.
Snively gave the deepest flinch, an icy chill racing up that spine – realising water dripped upon that head, he parted those lips in a snarl. What deed of mine has offended fair fortune, that fate should deal me blow after blow? The sudden wrenching of his guts, thus this question was rewarded – yet the true answer, that tortured soul well knew.
"What should we do with the boo-hoo baby, ahahahahahaaaaa!!!! Good one, Aunt Sally, reeeeal gooood!!!!" From the cell directly opposite, it again came pealing – from shrill to deep, demented laughter randomly swung. Upon verge of total lunacy, the other prisoner teetered – one last push in the right direction, such was all it would take. Like sour milk churned into rotten cheese, it slowly became desperate pleading – these words devolved into hysterical babble, its final culmination a harrowing scream. "Sally...turn on the light, I'm scared!!!! Bunnie...I didn't mean it, forgive me!!!! Sonic...Soniiiiiic!!!!"
Silence there then was...broken by another giggle.
Snively made to plug both ears, nausea churning deep from within – the little man surprised himself, allowing those hands instead to fall. Worse than the profound sickness, he could feel something else now – burning in the back of his brain, a fire there now was kindled. Descent into madness he now heeded, each sound fanning those flames – as they were slowly devoured, his mental defences began to collapse. No sardonic response could he muster, though not for lack of trying – that mind a barren wasteland, no refuge could he find. Wallowing in perpetual bitterness had kept them at bay, memories of that suffering he had inflicted upon The Subjects – anguish now right in his face, such was not as easily ignored.
"Unless we change our ways, this planet is headed for complete destruction..." As that inferno engulfed his heart, words echoed back from long ago – those which had gone disregarded, which might have saved him. Symbolising things he had left behind, uttered by a person far better – yearning for that simpler time, his body now physically ached. "…mark my words!"
Cassandra...I should have listened to you. But that's the thing...about good advice. People never listen...until it's too late.
Snively wished it had been different, that life lived thus far...for his betrayal of an entire kingdom, the reward had been punishment enough. Yet there it had not ended...others having paid for his wickedness. In general, the Mobian People...more specifically, the vixen...most immediately, her son. They with sweet liberty, she with life itself, Tails...
...he's paying with much more. So bloody much more, by god...
The sound of footsteps, growing louder with each second...yet no longer in memory, the little man realised.
Snively brought up that face, eyes sharper now than glass – so short a while before, he would have been funked. At this precise moment, his eyebrow merely lifted – if nothing else whatsoever, this would serve to entertain. Like a monster round the corner, into view it came looming – without end it seemed, like that first rebel starship. One person could it be, no other possessed such circumference – up sat the prisoner, keen on this family reunion.
"None round these parts, I'm sorry to say! If you are that desperate, why not try the beach?"
Doctor Robotnik caught those words of mockery, halting with all the natural grace a tank possessed – swinging around like that very war machine, he let loose a baleful glare. "I beg your microscopic pardon?" his eyes were like black holes, explosive rage beyond far surpassing infinite supernovas – precisely when it would go off, a simple matter of time.
"Fish, none are available here." Snively wore a malignant grin, relishing this glorious opportunity – Zero had paid another cell call, snickering over the latest installment of shapeshifting theater. "Oceanographically speaking, sticking your head in a rock pool would prove more fruitful."
Doctor Robotnik lurched for rusty bars, nose squashing against them – for the briefest moment, he resembled some captured primate. "There was a time you feared me like a god." his voice was like oozing tar, each word a spark threatening ignition – the company of one equally miserable, this wretched soul lusted for.
Snively scoffed this attempted intimidation, only just reigning in derisive laughter – it seemed like a ludicrous dream, that he ever feared one so pathetic. "There was a time you promised we would rule Mobius together." alive with malice were his eyes, berries chock full of poison – as magnets were the human men, drawn toward yet repulsed by each other.
Doctor Robotnik curled that lip, unable to bear what he saw. "You have changed...no longer the cringing maggot, desperate to prolong your existence. You actually seek the crushing boot...an escape from your miserable life." This new side of his nephew, it enforced how different things now were.
"Oh please! When next you actually take a bath, try looking in the jumbo sized mirror! You're the one who's changed, filled with naught save bluster! Like an elementary student entering high school, terrified of the new world he finds himself in! It has happened after so many blasted years, Julian Kintobor now lives in fear of a bully nastier than he!" Snively spoke with deliberation, forming each word exquisitely. He had thought it would be delightful, inflicting the sting of bitter humiliation. Yet for some reason inexplicable, satisfaction did not come.
Doctor Robotnik whirled away, shoulders rising and falling in vexation – the duration of several minutes, he spent regaining composure. His voice spoke again, changed to a drastic extent – like metal itself granted power of speech, cold as ice and hard as marble. "Fool. You never were anything more a stepping stone, one in a position to swiften my rise to ascendancy. I was generous enough in leaving your neck intact, rather than stretching it for good measure."
With a squeal of complaint, that rusted door swung open...
Tails lifted that swaying head, peering through a squinted eye. He wore an expression of unreality, torn between pure horror and childish delight - like the seasons being fast forwarded, they came and went swiftly. Confusion briefly surfaced thereon, narrowed eye studying these surroundings – so far as that wandering mind could discern, his own hut this could have been. But then it could with an equal measure of likelihood be the padded cell, there being room for debate if there was any real difference between either.
"The Supreme Sorcerer is waiiiitiiiing, Master Kitsune!" Doctor Robotnik made an extravagant gesture, dipping into a mock bow - those pupils glowed ominously, filling the cell with blood. "Consider yourself vastly privileged, you are invited to supper! Provided you shall not give trouble, I am instructed to add!"
"When the main course is waiting for me, I'm not going to fill up on some appetizer!" Tails surrendered to an uncontrollable giggle, face contorting into a grin – the grip of madness was so tight, no fear could touch him. Drool gleamed upon his chin, reflecting the glare cast upon it – like a song was that voice, one sung out of tune. "You know what, you're not so big without The Roboticizer! Ahahahahahaaaa, that rhymed!"
"The insanity defence won't save you..." Doctor Robotnik strove not to backhand the fox, teeth clenching as they had in the basketball court – chunky hand became their successor, closing around those tails. To eye level was lifted the cub, great jaws parting in reception – it was like knock out gas, the breath which now hit. "...instead you will look into the mouth of madness."
Even the most righteous may falter before temptation...they who would corrupt us for their own purpose count upon it. Snively watched them go, downfallen tyrant swinging woozy fox – nobody left to mock, his sneer faded now. He could feel it descend, the crushing weight of loneliness. With no other at hand, inward turned his thoughts – yet rather than before, that mind was upon now. Myself, I fell years ago...Julian, I couldn't begin to guess.
What about you, Tails? Do you fall with us? Or do you stand tall like her?
The banquet hall was immense, providing more space than many outside locations – in evenings long since past, the light of chandeliers had shone within. Yet with every regime, many things are changed – gone were comfort and warmth, having fallen victim to time. Fastened to cobwebbed walls by rusted brackets, flaming torches drove back the shadows - having lain empty for so many years, it now more resembled a crypt. Central in this place, a long dinner table – laid upon moth eaten cloth, silver platters and china plates. Specially cooked by a roboticized peacock chef, the most tantalising delicacies were now served up - many figures were seated in ornate chairs, each with cares and concerns of their own.
Seated at the head of the table... Ixis Naugus smiled in great benevolence, sickly light reflected in those eyes. It was going much better than hoped, the first banquet he ever had thrown. Hither and thither flitted his gaze so watchful, alighting upon each of the handpicked guests. ...most befitting the head of the house!
SWATbots brandished knives and forks, the shiniest units yet in existence – present company taken into consideration, anything less would have been insulting. Before each was a plate, stacked with helpings of naught whatever – to mouths which weren't there, similarly non existent food was lifted. Solemnly as children at play, the robotic soldiers performed this charade – to generate an atmosphere, had they been solely invited.
Lieutenant Omega alone did not partake, ignoring the plate of air – at the figure seated directly opposite, crimson eye gleamed like a blood ruby. (If he thinks I'll let slide his stealing of my laser light, my analysis is that he's nuts and bolts!) Zero seemed oblivious to naked antagonism, bent upon devouring the food before him – he attacked everything with the ferocity of some barbarian warrior, gluttony such as would have shamed a certain hedgehog.
Doctor Robotnik stood a short way off, brawny arms folded over that chest – his stomach groaned in longing, shut out from nearby delights. Yet toward one responsible for past betrayal, the sorcerer was nothing if not compassionate - grey gloved finger and thumb flicking peas at his head, the human could scarcely complain of not receiving aught to eat.
Naugus banished that wretch from mind, returning to the point with a cackle – the table so very long, that gaze traversed across. And there he is...my guest of honour! Past less than lively diners, beyond diner ravenous enough for everyone – finally to journey's end, the last seat of all.
Tails sat in that chair, five cushions stacked beneath him – under a water pump, he had been run. No longer did his mind wander, subdued by the icy chill – so numb was the fox, as though drugged he seemed. Into a fairy-tale he might have been sucked, some peasant boy invited to dine with monsters – eyes of blue remained upon the table, for fear he should next be devoured.
Reflecting further upon the situation, it actually was that unreal – this hell had once been a castle, the home of a beautiful princess. Sally ate in this room...when she was a little girl. Well...littler than when she brought me to Knothole. A princess driven out long ago by evil, a force which perverted the realm around it – that force was now a servant, existing in fear of a greater evil. The fork beside steaming plate, nervous gaze chanced upon – he noticed a detailed pattern, engraved upon the same. Gee, what bloody luxury...ours are carved from wood! Incredible detail for such a mundane thing, he had never imagined anything like it – bare paw reached out, curiosity spurring the movement.
A split second later, it was yanked back...for like a curse, familiar pain came searing.
"I feel your pain, lad."
Tails looked up instinctively, powerless to stop himself. "...w-w-what?" his voice was a fly, struggling in a treacle pot.
Naugus readily met startled eyes, breathing a sigh of compassion – having long watched the fox, he had witnessed sudden flinch. "For it you have suffered greatly, that which raises you above the common. No cruelty is there of which the ignorant are incapable, they see anything beyond their limited comprehension as something to fear. Behind you is that sickness, my son." devoid of subtle condescension was that manner, unlike how it had been with the princess – not a grandfather to a grandson, one enlightened soul engaging another enlightened soul.
"Sally wasn't...cruel to me. Sally was...there for me." Tails felt a spark of loyalty rekindling, contesting assertions he once might have agreed with. 'My son'...? Sally wanted to be my mother...Naugus is trying to be my father? The strength of his own argument sinking in, those eyes descended like an evening sun. "She just didn't understand...and I didn't help. She pointed that out...but I didn't listen."
"I humbly beg your indulgence, fearing you misconstrue my design – to sway you against Her Highness, I wish naught at all." Naugus shook that head, solitary hand rising in placation – his voice now changed, turning to patience itself. "Great is my regard for her, regret for our present alienation equally so – just as destiny led you here, doubtless she also shall enter the fold." the high ground now taken, sorcerer pressed his advantage – keen were narrowed eyes, fixated upon downcast cub. "The day we all sit at this table, my old bones know it shall come to pass – I may impart this also, that day may dawn soon."
"You're wasting your time and breath...she wants nothing more to do with me." Tails looked up with effort, mental fatigue creeping in once more – they all had agendas, everyone he seemed to meet. So...that's how it is! He doesn't want to sway me...he wants me to sway Sally! Unable he was to aid the sorcerer, though irony did not go unrecognised – while painfully underestimated by supposed friends, the fox was now honoured by an enemy. "She said it herself...right before I made tracks."
Tails expected silence to fall, ended by the snarl of disappointment – flames to engulf the whole table, reducing his body to ash. Wouldn't be the first time he turned the heat up on me...as a comradely joke, of course. He could see this doom so clearly, it might have been a memory - yet in the following moment, confounded was this expectation.
"I state again with utmost conviction, misguided not malign is your dear princess – that her affection for you is indeed great, her words and deeds proved during our recent encounter." Naugus assumed the most concerned expression, rather than that of a foiled schemer – compassion radiated from those eyes, not fire and brimstone blazing. The soul of that fox, they seemed to find without difficulty - voice gentler than ever it had been, a man to man talk now gave the sorcerer. "And remember it she shall, when ire no longer veils her sight – broken shall it soon be, the cycle of chaos."
"Yeah..." Tails could only stare back, face like that of a statue – a statue crumbling into dust, eroded by complete despair. 'The cycle of chaos'? The heck's he talking about? Though sleek fur gleamed in flickering torchlight, that heart under scrutiny was like ash – nothing made the faintest bit of sense anymore, no more than a chalk drawing blurred by rain. "...right."
"Hearken to what I say, hearken well - since people first received the gift of free will, our world has been on a journey to complete destruction. Should undeniable evidence of this truth be your desire, look upon the realm in which stands my keep – a monument to one of inordinate foolishness, to those whom let it occur no less." Naugus leaned across the table, sumptuous repast apparently now forgotten. That manner one of mesmerising intensity, light seemed to dim around him. The only two people still living, he and the fox might have been. "Power lacking wisdom leads to calamity, yet wisdom lacking power is entirely impotent – the first shall bring utter ruin, the second watching in helplessness. The power of eons and the wisdom of ages, the keys to safeguarding this world lie in my hand – soon shall the door be unlocked, for I know where it lies. With their emissary standing beside me, The Goddesses shall favour this undertaking – in peace may the people dwell forevermore, blessed with the gift of enlightenment."
Tails felt so overwhelmed, his head shaken in disbelief – he sat with a complete lunatic, gone right over the edge. "You're...bloody obsessed." Or on that singular hand, perhaps crazy like a fox – given those actions recent, the cub could hardly judge.
"Striving to right wrongs...is that not the obsession of you Freedom Fighters? Reaching out for perfection...is that not the obsession of all whom draw breath?" Naugus failed to keep that expression straight, much glee derived from such a declaration – emphasised by snorting laughter, he drove home its folly. "You are difficult indeed to convince, O Kitsune...worry not, I shall do so yet! Around you shall come to my way of thinking...as shall every other wayward soul!" his hand now waved, restaurant patron flagging down waiter – in greatest of moods, very much seemed the sorcerer. "Oh Doctor...do pour my friend a glass of wine! We must drink, he and I...ah yes, drink to the coming of great things!"
"...I'm like, a kid." Tails could only stammer, positive those ears now lied – nowhere near an alcoholic drink, his mouth ever had gone. Sitting with everyone at village bonfires, he had often wondered about the taste – yet never had this curiosity been satiated, for a certain squirrel would have gone ballistic. "I can't..."
"And wine not, my friend?" Naugus gave another snigger, elated by this pun – to clearly intrigued fox, a wink was given. "If you do not tell Her Highness, then I most certainly shall not!"
Doctor Robotnik fetched the wine, like a good dog – in mustering semblance of civility, he only just succeeded. "Your first experience with volatile hydroxyl compounds made from hydrocarbons by distillation, O Kitsune." The nadir of his existence, catering to some brat - crimson liquid poured from decanter, placed then before that fox.
Tails gazed into the wine, fire lit behind those eyes – as though reflected in that liquid, he could see the possibilities. The gift of enlightenment...could it be the power to bring back the dead? My mother could come back...but I never knew her, is that really what I want? Or maybe it could be...the power to change the past? Sally could be my mother for real...but would that make me happy either, wouldn't she still treat me like a baby? His mind swirling with selfish thoughts, gloved paw reached out – a simple tilt later, first drink was downed.
The fox could not stifle a gasp, crimson liquid setting his windpipe ablaze. Woah...guess I know why The Wolf Pack calls this stuff fire water! To coughing though he was reduced, pain deep within seemed diminished.
Naugus had no choice beyond laughter, such a scream were those reddening cheeks – into that fang trimmed mouth, he crammed a drumstick. "Oh my! Of fox fire, I had heard! Yet simply ridiculous is...?!!" his remark was never completed, that voice devolving into gurgling – like some halloween decoration, grotesquely bulged those eyes.
Doctor Robotnik spun back, like a jellyfish tangoing – as though in some dream, he beheld this sight. His face seemed to inflate, pumped full of fiendish glee – after months spent in prayer, finally it was happening. Zero likewise glanced over, meat dangling from his mouth – to himself were they kept, whatever thoughts now passed. Lieutenant Omega already had risen, his eye like a spotlight – he ran toward retching sorcerer, feet pounding upon dusty floor.
(I could try switching him off and on again, though given the fundamental difference between organics and mechanics...something tells me, it may not be such a stellar notion.)
Tails stared across the dinner table, stupefied by wine and what he saw – before his eyes so round, choking to death was Ixis Naugus. It was something none could have imagined, that one such as he should thus perish – neglecting to shut his mouth whilst eating, barely two months after escape from The Void. The fox need only kick back, enjoy this show at leisure – over that long dead vixen, the sorcerer would soon be leering.
Doctor Robotnik all but laughed, gloved fingers pressing together – the taste of glorious freedom, he was already savouring. Oh yes...ohhh yes...ohhh yesss!!!! At last...the old goat...is finished!!!! His ecstasy was so great, verging upon the point of orgasm – until it came darting past, orange fur in motion.
"Your hands are too big, they'll never...!" Tails was seated no longer, having leapt onto the table – spurred by the whips of desperation, like a lunatic he ran. I can't let this happen...I need him to make everything right...he has to live! Like a missile was his body, dodging and weaving between plates – that gaping mouth, a hideous target. "Get out of the way, let me...!"
"Well..." Zero gave a drawl, his food stepped in. "...thass appetisin."
"You little cretin, stop!!!!" Doctor Robotnik surged in pursuit, desperate to keep this from happening – like some behemoth condemned by norse gods to eternal imprisonment, his desire for freedom was so terrible it shook the heavens. He yearned to watch death claim that old fool, rendering those past months little more than a bad dream – greatly detrimental it would prove, the survival of same fool. "Stop, I order...?!!"
A yelp of dismay, enraged roar turned to. From beneath the table, a leg came swinging. As critical mass shook banquet hall floor, Zero caught the bottle of wine.
...the light now fades, such an extraordinary thing. Naugus was slumped over the table, reduced to a quivering husk – like a saw pitted with rust, his breath or lack of the same. Like a river choked by reeds, naught flowed in those lungs – gravy soaked that beard, making it appear blood stained. A shape came flying toward him, the nature of it unclear – eyes rolling into back of head, to darkness all was lost. Having endured the passage of centuries, could I at last be...?
Sally once read me a story...about a brave princess who went into a scary cottage to rescue an orphan cub from a wicked witch. Now look at me... Tails wriggled between those jaws, battling not to vomit – climbing over leathery old tongue, fox cub went into the breach. Face coated in drool, he reached that throat – his gaze found it there, down in reeking darkness. Jammed between fleshy walls, the bone of literal contention - gloveless paw reached down, tugging upon greasy blockage. ...a loony cub disowned by a princess, crawling into a mouth to save a sorcerer from a drumstick. 'Irony' isn't the word...way more like 'sick'.
Without any kind of warning, free popped the bone...as fox shot backward, wrenched by some external force.
Tails kicked out wildly, seeking the ground in panic – brutal grip constricting that windpipe, his own turn came to choke. I...wish I could see you one more time...Sally. Tell you...how sorry...I am. Paralysing coldness went lancing right through him, a monstrous visage filling every inch of view – that of death itself, without pity or mercy.
"Much indeed you have cost me, O Kitsune!" Doctor Robotnik took an unsteady breath, features twisted by neanderthal rage – like fiery coals burned those eyes, blind hatred which once inflicted suffering upon countless people. "I may have lost the chance to regain power yet will not lose the chance for vengeance!"
A tumour of metal, that distant city was...the danger it posed, a horror surpassing belief.
The awakened one stood upon a lofty ridge, solitary trace of light against a dark horizon...it would occur there, something no other could anticipate. By figure in purple, it had been anticipated – an age long slumber had ended, so disaster could be prevented. Like a hewn tree, the plunge was now taken – violently lashed by the air, robed body fell like a stone. Moving with fluid precision in the face of certain death, those arms fanned out as though to embrace it - as they established contact instead with wind, the ground below seemed reluctant to rise further. Heading right for the city, prepared to end many things...like a spear of judgment, the awakened one now glided.
In order to preserve tomorrow...it must be defended today.
End Of Chapter
Author Notes - Yep, Tails was thinkin o the story Sally's doppelganger couldn't get tru durin "Sonic and Sally"!! Know what'd be cool, if someone wrote a story ABOUT Sally reading it to Tails!! Perhaps with the cub imagining them both in the lead roles, a Mobian fairy-tale!!
Speakin o bedtime stories, I had to lose a line o dialogue!! While under the belief Naugus intended to subvert him, Tails wuz originally gonna say "You're just going to have to find yourself another Gollum"!! It took me a while to remember, Gollum's betrayal happens not in "The Hobbit" but "The Lord Of The Rings"!! It would kinda strain credulity that Bunnie finished the former and got so far in the latter over one week, I figured!! So regrettably, the line had to go!!
Wowza, am I bushed!! Hope ya'll enjoyed this, as I always say...
Teenage Mutant Ninja Toilets!!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Toilets!!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Toilets!!
Heroes In Enamel!!
Dual Flush Power!!
....................wait, lemme try that again!! Keep On Freedom Fightin!!