The team Destructix sat alone in the jail.
It was the middle of the night and no one was awake to cause a ruckus. Knothole slept quietly among the surroundings of wood and leaves. Nicole sprang to life at the city's front gates just before Sonic the Hedgehog arrived. He was minimally bruised and a bit winded but ultimately in one piece.
"Welcome back Sonic the Hedgehog." Nicole dryly welcomed him home.
"Evening Nicole." Sonic smiled. The two continued into Knothole with street lamps giving view to the path.
"Should I notify Sally of your arrival? She has been vigilant ever since she and the others arrived here a few hours ago."
"Don't worry. I'll make an entrance of my own."
"Very well then, pleasant dreams Hero of Knothole." Nicole blinked away as Sonic darted for his place. It was a quick trip but he eventually slowed down when Sally came in view. Nicole was alongside her too just before she nodded and blinked away.
"That liar..." Sonic shook his head.
Sally opened her arms as Sonic went in for a hug.
"You're safe." Sally exhaled.
"Ain't I always." Sonic squeezed her a little tighter.
"Sonic I heard the news... We barely escaped Station Square without a huge sacrifice. In the next few weeks they might target us for the so-called crime we committed. Knothole can't go into war with Station Square! It'd be a slaughter!"
"I know, I know. But it won't come to that. We're going to clear Knothole of every charge and make this stupid alliance work."
Sally calmed down a bit. "I called Rosie as soon I got back, our children are okay, they were learning to draw..."
"I miss them already..." Sonic directed his lady inside. "C'mon let's get you some rest."
_Morning arrived and so did the team at Freedom HQ_
King Elias walked in and set down a folder.
He took a seat among the other Knotholans and folded his arms. Knuckles and Julie-Su had gone back to Angel Island some time ago and Rouge was obviously not present along with Bunnie. Antoine, Rotor, Cream, Amy, Tails, Sonic and Sally were present and accounted for.
"I've gone through many solutions with what little information we have and for the most part I believe it is a conspiracy against the Kingdom of Knothole."
The Freedom Fighters didn't like to hear that.
"But the Free World Alliance! I was believing that it is being beneficial for everyone."
"Reasons and explanations will have to come later." Elias held up his hand. "The most recent exploit of Station Square and the United Federation is the attempted capture of our own Sonic the Hedgehog. The bombing was not in our agenda at all and the one who triggered it knew how to set us up. This is why I'm thinking that Station Square hurt itself with a self-inflicted wound and placed the blame on us."
"As much as that makes sense," Sally started, "it wouldn't explain their agreeing in the alliance, no! The suggestion of an alliance."
"I learned that Angel Island wouldn't agree to a summit if Knothole was not included." Elias explained.
"So they give us a false sense of trust and once they get what they want they'll discard us." Tails shook his head. "Can't anyone be up front about themselves anymore?"
"This is diabolical!" Amy said open-mouthed.
Elias just nodded. "Now you see my point of view. I still think the key to all of this is Mammoth Mogul. Not only does he have the money but the status to hide information among his contacts and establishments."
"How is one guy gonna give up all of that?" Cream gestured. "Besides, Mammoth Mogul is the strongest guy I ever heard of, how are we gonna corner someone like that?"
"Teamwork will be one factor, also a surprise attack."
"I thought you said we couldn't even find the guy last time." Rotor stated.
"True but thanks to Rouge she gave us a tip."
Elias turned around, got up and pressed a button for the monitor to come to life.
"Rouge calling Knothole." the bat appeared on the screen.
"This is a recording we received last night." Elias explained.
"Hey guys! I don't know if you guys are busy tomorrow night but I'm having a special guest perform at Club Rouge for a surprise show. I'd love for you guys to be there to party with me. I have a mammoth of drink specials from Mogul Martinis to Immortality shots. Hope to see you guys there! Also bring Sonic! Make sure he looks good too, Sally."
The recording stopped as Sally folded her arms. "Flying rat..."
"I will get Knothole ready for a stand against Station Square." Elias turned off the monitor and faced his team.
"A stand?" Sally nearly lost it. "Surely you're not that-"
"A diplomatic stand!" Elias cut her off. "Military defense from our standpoint would be a complete and utter failure. Should I feel the noose tighten on our necks I will have the citizens evacuate into the Great Forest where Knothole Village used to be. I've already sent a team there to set up Nicole for our eventual arrival."
"Oh..." Sally smiled. "Sounds like things are going smooth in these rough times."
Sally let off another weight from her shoulders. She worried about her brother becoming King but so far after the first few days the jitters were gone. She could see it in his eyes that he was unwavering in his resolve. Knothole City would be safe with King Elias at the reigns.
"Now, Club Rouge is on West Side Island. Sonic, Tails, I understand you two are familiar with that area."
"Yeah we have a history there." Tails summarized.
"Are you kidding me big guy?" Sonic nearly leapt onto the table to explain, "Me and Tails became best buds there, without him we probably wouldn't have… stopped… that one guy."
Everyone gave Sonic an odd look. Nicole appeared in a blink and stared at Sonic.
"What did you say?" Nicole asked.
"I didn't say anything..." Sonic rubbed the underside of his nose.
"That one guy?" Tails rose from his seat. " That one guy! We've been talking about Doctor Robotnik this entire time! How could you lose a memory that large? We've been fighting him our entire lives!"
"Miles!" Sally called him.
Tails sat back down and folded his arms. Sally turned her attention back to her boyfriend.
"Sonic, do you not remember anything about Robotnik?"
Sonic squirmed a bit. "I know he's a bad guy and he... he made all of the robots G.U.N. uses?"
"This is being bad." Antoine rubbed his face.
"Actually no." Nicole chimed in. "Dr. Quack and myself diagnosed his memory loss as extremely temporary."
"How so?" asked Sally.
"He couldn't remember such events or people until something triggered it. A name or a face was generally the catalyst. Having stopped short of a complete mission the first time he never really indulged his memory."
"Bring up a photo of the old tyrant!" King Elias commanded. Nicole was a step ahead as Dr. Robotnik graced the screen. He was seen in his Egg Mobile trying to trounce Sonic, then piloting a huge walking sand robot trying to smash he and Tails, then a spy camera shot of Robotnik sitting on his throne in Robotropolis.
Sonic just shrugged at the pictures. "Nothing."
"We're not going to worry too much about it." Sally moved on. "Sonic knows where he stands and it's with us. That's all that matters."
The others just shrugged.
"I agree." King Elias stated. "The mission at hand remains though. The team will be as it was previously. I want you to get to the event early and scope out every inch of the place and make sure you get Mammoth Mogul to sing better than I could."
"Sweet." Rotor got up. "Another day off."
The Freedom Fighters dismissed and went back to their homes to prepare for the next mission. West Side Island wasn't far away but the journey there was over the ocean. Sonic, Tails, and Amy were fast enough to surface run across but their energy would be sapped for the mission later. Sally and Cream would have to do most of the setup while the others conserve energy. Mammoth Mogul if he turned furious would be a huge ordeal for the five of them to take on. Rouge would assist though, no question about it, but she'd be risking her own self in the process. Station Square didn't like traitors, this impending war with Knothole would prove it. Still Sally set all of these thoughts aside and packed up the Lynx 2.0 and other tech that would aid.
Sonic and Amy met at the rendezvous point first and shared in awkward silence. The city gates were closed now in the event of a G.U.N. raid but Nicole and the King had a few contingency plans to defend. Still, Sonic and Amy were ready for someone else to join this pair. Sonic brushed off his anxiety and faced his ex-girlfriend.
"Amy."
"Sonic."
Another awkward silence.
"Look Amy."
"Ugh Sonic, I don't want to hear it."
"Listen!" Sonic raised his voice. "I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done."
Amy went docile. "Thank me?"
"You made feel comfortable when I didn't know everything yet." Sonic stated. "Without you, I wouldn't be where I am now."
"That still sounds like something a jerk would say."
"That's not what I meant..." Sonic rubbed his head. "Amy you are one of my most cherished friends. Not being able to mess around or joke with you makes me a little sad, like Sally is the only person I can be with. All I wanted from you ever since we broke up was your friendship and I couldn't even have that with you."
Amy was touched.
He still thought of her as a friend after all this time. Amy was the type to hold grudges but after such a candid expression her contempt vanished. She tackled Sonic and hugged him. Her feelings returning for the blue blur.
"So I guess we're cool then?" asked Sonic with a smirk on his face.
"Well ain't this a kick in the teeth." Cream arrived.
"Sonic and I are friends again!" Amy exclaimed.
"You two weren't friends? Man I have been out the loop."
Tails walked up and folded his arms.
"Hey Tails, you wanna join in the friendship too." Sonic smiled.
"Friendship?"
"Yup. Amy and I are back on speaking terms"
Tails snapped a look at the pink hedgehog and just glared at her.
"I thought we had a plan Amy!" Tails spat.
Amy looked at Cream and Sonic. "Can we not do this here?"
"I don't want to hear it..." Tails turned his back, "Women..."
Sally walked up putting on a small backpack.
"Miles! Your next three tails are budding!" Sally examined.
"I know! I'm almost a complete fox now." he smirked. "A few more days and I'll be up to nine."
"That's good then." Sally looked everyone over. "Are we all set?"
The other four nodded.
"Alright. We'll be heading southwest, watch for landmarks, and keep up a suitable speed for long distance traveling. If we need rest then we'll stop. Once we hit the ocean it'll be a nonstop cruise there. Any questions?"
Sally hopped in Sonic's arms as Cream hopped in Tails'. Nicole, coherent in all things, opened the city's gates and appeared to see them off.
"Alright let's go!"
Tails blasted off first with Amy on his six. Sonic smirked and crouched a bit then dropped to a knee. Sally stumbled a bit as Sonic was winded on the ground.
"What's wrong?" Sally worried. "Hyper Sonic?"
Sonic just nodded. The pain going away as quickly as it came. That was the first one in a while. Sonic rose to his feet.
"We still need to figure out what's wrong with you." Sally clasped his shoulders.
"It's my Chaos Energy..." Sonic confessed. "I knew all along."
Sally sighed, her anger being well-controlled amid the situation. "Why tell me now?"
"Because I can handle it, just like I did back then." Sonic stood firm against his girlfriend. "Hyper Sonic uses so much energy the result is this. After the last time I used it I found the Chaos Emeralds again and wasn't able to go Super. It took almost a year before I was fine again."
"Sonic..." Sally tightly gripped his hands. "We rely on you justfor your ability to come through, namely Super Sonic. If you can't be our ace-in-the-hole then what should happen?"
"I'm not the only Hero of Knothole Sal. Ever since I came back everyone's been forgetting about their backbone of the past five years. Tails is your Hero."
Sally nodded. "We'll talk about this later."
"Sure thing princess." Sonic whispered. Sally hopped in his arms and the two shared a mistrusting look.
"Up, over, and gone?"
Sonic blasted off instantly shattering the sound barrier behind him. Sally held on tightly as the three speedsters zoomed through the forest. The quickly toured through the brush and out into the plains. The rolling hills went for miles, which they easily traversed in hours. They got to the beach and settled down for a light rest. The afternoon sun was at its peak with clouds streaming above them. Sonic and company ate a meal on the seaboard while taking in the rays. Amy talked about her suntan while Cream tried to hide in the shade. Tails just sat on the sand facing the southwest, his next mission on his mind. Sally called the team together and immediately they packed up. Cream insisted she fly but was denied from Sally to conserve her energy. The other three saddled up their partners and blasted across the water. The weather was clear on the sea with minimal waves to worry about. Sonic worried about falling in and sinking like an anchor but was constantly reassured Cream would probably save him. They took a straight shot to West Side Island and by the time evening arrived they were rounding the island to come to the Casino Night Zone. The sun was still high with orange coloring the sky. Purple clouds roamed by while Sonic sweetly kissed land.
"Right on schedule." Sally clasped her hands. "Cream, do you think you can get us closer?"
"Sure thing toots." Cream Controlled everyone and lifted them from the ground and flew up through the massive casinos. Sonic and Tails gathered a few memories and viewed some of the trail they followed many years ago. Passing through loops and large vertical casino tables Cream found the strip where many clubs were stationed and then the clear-cut line where Robotropolis had transformed the rest of the island into His playground. Hill Top and Metropolis were but a forgotten memory as the smog covered the large mountain and factories stationed everywhere on it. Cream banked left and quickly approached the ground. Amy and Sally grew fearful as they sped towards it while Sonic grinned in complete thrill. Cream pulled up at the last second and levitated feet above the ground. Cream ceased her Control and the four of them dropped to the ground.
"Easy on the landing kid..." Sonic stood up.
"Whatever, I didn't hear a please or a thank you. I swear I get no respect." Cream walked ahead.
"We made it one piece and that's good enough for me." Amy brushed her black dress off.
"Now how do we get to Rouge's club?" Sonic asked.
"It's a few blocks down the way." Amy pointed. "C'mon!"
Amy lead the way blasting through the streets and weaving between patrons. Casino Night Zone was small in comparison to the huge apparatus of Casinopolis in Station Square. There were many casinos on Mobius but nothing was more familiar than this zone. The Freedom Fighters arrived at the front entrance and pushed in. Immediately Rouge looked up from her clipboard and smirked.
"Well well, it's about time you guys showed." Rouge hugged Amy.
"We'd a been here sooner if Sonic hadn't stopped to change his tampon." Cream was hugged by Rouge.
Tails smiled from Cream's harsh insult.
"Aside from that," Sally interrupted, "How did you get intel about Mammoth's trip here."
"It was an anonymous tip left of on my phone." Rouge lead them further into the club. "Also Mammoth Mogul is obsessed with the performer tonight. Although she refuses to make a single appearance at his locations, I assume he's going to try and make a deal here. Beauty of it is, if I'm suspected I'll say I just thought you guys wanted to see a good show. How was I supposed to know that Station Square's biggest benefactor was going to be present?"
"And with West Side Island in a neutral position we have the freedom to act as we see fit." Sally smiled.
"Only if I can do the same thing." Rouge glared at Sonic, practically undressing him with her eyes.
"So where do we start then?" asked Amy. The club was pretty empty and the bartenders were getting prepared for a huge take tonight. There were equipment managers setting the stage and a few technicians working on the lights up above. Rouge just looked at Amy and shrugged her shoulders.
"I've got work to do." Rouge turned around. "But I'm sure Sally has a plan or two. All I ask is that somebody guard our special guest. She's in the V.I.P. room behind the stage."
Sally nodded. "Alright this works out just like we planned. Amy and Cream I want you two at the airport tailing Mammoth Mogul the minute he gets here. Sonic, Tails and I will remain here getting a perimeter together. Once Mogul enters the club we will blend in. We don't want to interrupt anything that might give away our positions. Once the club is closed Mammoth will make his move and so will we. While you two are gone I will go over a strategy to take down Mammoth. In the meantime, Tails will watch over the guest and Sonic take a look around the city to see if you find any former business partners who know what Mammoth is undertaking here."
The Freedom Fighters broke apart and fanned out to their assignments.
Sonic rubbed the underside of his nose and tapped his foot.
"Pfft! First mission back, ha! You're an old pro Sal." Sally smiled while revealing the Lynx device.
"Don't try to cuddle up to me now." Sally tapped away on her device.
"Aww c'mon Sal, your still mad about that?"
"When the situation involves your health, the stability of Knothole and the potential mass genocide Station Square will impose, yeah! I tend to get a little itchy."
Sonic shrugged. "They've got cortisone for that you know."
Sally grunted and turned her full attention to the Lynx. "Nicole, give me a list of former business partners of Mammoth Mogul in the Casino Night Zone."
A few seconds passed and a list of three names popped up on the screen. Sally pulled out an ear bud and handed it Sonic.
"Hopefully you'll keep it this time?"
"Hopefully."
"The first one is three blocks away in the Galatia Casino, names Ricky."
"Another one with no title or last name... these guys are weird." Sonic kissed Sally and dashed out the club. Sally smiled and settled into strategy mode. Tails on the other hand approached the dressing room and sighed. He hated celebrities, all of them pompous, high and mighty fools except for that one who seemed completely genuine. Tails had seen her many times on his desktop screensaver and admittedly gawked at her beauty but there was no way in the world they would meet. Tails knocked and waited a bit.
"Oh please come in!" her frantic voice called.
Tails stepped in and his eyes went wide.
"Thank you!" she expressed, "I was just about to give up."
A curling iron was stuck in her glorious purple locks. Her rounded ears donned hoop earrings and her face was beautiful without any make-up. Tails was stunned for a few seconds as the woman stepped back in her dressing room.
"Can you help me out?" she smiled.
Tails broke his stare and slowly approached. The girl had a curling iron stuck in her hair and freshly painted nails. Tails untangled the iron and set it on the counter, still stupefied for being in the same room with her.
She looked at him, really took a discerning glance and jumped with joy.
"You're Tails aren't you!" she exclaimed. Her voice was majestic.
The six-tailed fox just nodded then shook his head in disbelief.
"Yeah but, how do you of all people know me! I mean you're Mina Mongoose, the breakout princess of pop!"
Mina blushed a bit. She sat in her chair looking normal as ever with a black tank top, super short brown khakis, and knee high boots.
"Sorry I used to blog about you..."
"That's okay I used to stalk you." she smiled. Tails' eyes went wide. "I used to grow up in Knothole, a long time ago. Ever since you moved to the village I always wanted to know who you were."
"That was a long time ago."
Mina nodded. "A few months later we moved to the budding continents of Station Square."
"And here I thought I was going to have a boring assignment" Tails sat on the couch."
"Assignment?"
"I'm a Freedom Fighter, sworn to protect anyone from the tyranny of Dr. Robotnik."
"Robotnik huh?" Mina said in awe. "That's some serious stuff. I heard he was dead though."
"That's what we think too. But a lot of suspicious things have been going on especially with Mammoth Mogul."
"Mammoth Mogul!"
She hated the guy more than Tails did. She sprang from her chair and posted her hands on her hips. "I hate that guy! He wanted me to perform in one of his sleazy clubs for a low rate! And then after the show he undercut me! Never again I said!"
Tails chuckled a bit. "Well he'll be here tonight."
Mina deflated and dropped in her chair. "No. Way."
"Word is he's going to try and recruit you again."
Mina went pale. "I think I'm going to be sick. Tails you have to stay. Forget all of that Robotnik and oppression mess, you gotta protect me!"
Mina, in her rant, cornered Tails on the couch.
"Okay I'll do it..."
Mina posted her hands on the arm rest and the back of the couch putting Tails in a tight situation.
"Your word is okay but I need something better."
"I promise?"
Mina shook his hand. "Good!"
Tails sighed – a little bossy but what woman isn't. Tails relaxed a bit as Mina sat in her chair and turned towards her mirror.
"This will give us some time to get to know each other."
_Amy and Cream enter Club Rouge meeting with Sonic and Sally_
The club was full of animals all drinking and partying before the headliner took the stage. Mina and Tails were backstage still while the Freedom Fighters were in Rouge's office behind the scenes. Mina was set to perform in a few minutes and the patrons were anxious to hear the Songoose.
"Mammoth Mogul is just outside." Amy explained.
"But before that he stopped to see a guy name Juicy."
"That's one of the guys I investigated earlier." Sonic nodded.
"This is good." Sally smiled.
"There's more toots." Cream started. "Mammoth was carrying a briefcase which never left his hands."
"What's even worse! He was wearing three Chaos Emeralds as rings on his fingers."
Sally's eyes went wide. "That isn't good! Mogul is a master user of Ixian elemental control. He could use your abilities against you in a second. And with three emeralds behind him he's going to be more than a handful."
"What's the plan Sal?"
Sally thought for a minute. "The briefcase."
The others nodded.
"He's so cautious about it sticks out like a sore thumb. If we take the briefcase then we can expose him and pawn it off on that Juicy guy!"
"How will that help us clear Knotholes name?"
"I'm still piecing things together right now, but I can assure you its not money in that case. Mammoth sticks with the times and wires digitally. Whatever he's transporting is hard evidence... probably to blackmail Mina Mongoose."
"We better go warn Tails then, he's got the privilege of being bodyguard tonight." Sonic said.
"Stay hidden Freedom Fighters! Mammoth Mogul should never know we're here until the final seconds."
The Freedom Fighters fanned out from the office as Sally relaxed in the chair thinking over a few things.
"Evening princess." Rouge walked in.
"Good evening Rouge." Sally stood up.
"How's the big mission going?"
"We've hashed out and scripted everything I can think of."
"I want to help."
Sally glared at Rouge. The recent flirtatious with her boyfriend made Sally question the bats allegiance but still she didn't doubt her.
"Okay Rogue, but no more advances to Sonic!"
"Hmm... I will try."
Sally knew that was the best she was going to get. "How close can you get to Mammoth Mogul?"
"Well I'm owner of the club darling, I have to be there in V.I.P. with him and make sure his every whim is fulfilled."
Sally nodded. "I understand West Side Island is neutral territory and all but is this going to affect your standings with Station Square."
"Screw Station Square!" Rouge said calmly. "They've treated me like a low-class prostitute these past years and besides, they've targeted one of the few people I like along with a city I hold dear. I'm a Freedom Fighter from here on."
Sally nodded. "I still don't fully trust you but I will admit you can make this mission happen."
"Tell me where I need to be."
Mina Mongoose graced the stage, her extravagant attire shimmered among the bright lights of the club. Her shimmery camisole waved from the fans and a tight fitting skirt formed over her legs with designed leggings and heels. Tails watched the purple-haired Mongoose turn into another person on the stage. This completely down-to-Mobius girl turned into an icon once the show went on.
And her voice proved it.
Not a flat note was heard and her energy was contagious. Club Rouge was privileged to have her in their presence. Mammoth Mogul watched from the important persons area with lust in his eyes. He viewed Mina as a cash cow bringing in tons of money for his most illustrious venues. He didn't know what he had when he was one of the first to hire her but now he was coming back to make a deal. The Freedom Fighters, the eyes of the crowd, watched Mogul from all angles. The fans and patrons were everywhere hopping and dancing with alcohol in nearly all of their hands.
Mina had sang a few of her hits then slowed it down with a ballad or too then pumped it back up with some of her most successful songs. Mina was singing over her last song, a popular hit encourage the women to take back what's theirs. Tails stood ready as the last note was hit and Mina graced the microphone one last time.
"Goodnight everybody! Love you West Side Isle!"
Mina scampered to the back stage area where Tails met up with her.
"You did amazing!" Tails said dumbfounded. "I never thought I would see a live show much less meet you in person."
"Or be my bodyguard for the night."
Tails shrugged. "Yeah that too."
"Who knows maybe you'll end up being my boyfriend for the night."
Tails paused. Mina gave him a smirk and then kissed him on his cheek. Tails stopped for the mongoose but also for the bat. Rouge stood in the entryway of Mina's dressing room with a knowing smile and folded arms.
"Mammoth Mogul has requested your presence Mina." Rouge winked. "It's time we start the show."
Tails looked at Mina and nodded. She gave a look which translated as 'eww' but she stepped behind Rouge. Mammoth Mogul sat alone in the plush green room with his cane at his side. He stared at oddities of the room for a little bit and then sipped his martini. He was confident about the deal that was about to go down. He glanced over his briefcase and patted its side when the door opened and in came Mina Mongoose.
"Mina!" Mammoth stood up. "What a pleasure it is."
His towering seven foot stature made Mina even sicker.
"Let's get this over with." Mina uttered.
"Rouge I don't recall requesting you to be here."
"My house, my rules." Rouge lounged on the wrap-around couch next to the briefcase. "Besides, someone has to mediate things here. Mina's manager was suddenly caught in 'traffic' and I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't see to Ms. Mongoose's needs."
Mammoth just stared at Rouge. He picked up the case and set it on the other side of him then turned to Mina.
"You gave an astounding performance Mina."
"What do you want Mogul?"
"You won't even hear my rants and reviews of your performance? A shame it is when celebrity magnitude reaches the core of someone like you."
"That's not true! I'm still the same person I've always been!"
Mammoth sipped his martini. "Really? Then why have you not returned to my venues to perform. Young and eager you were to just sing but now you're this big star who simply acquires money?"
"I am not greedy!"
"I never said greedy!"
Mina folded her arms.
"Perform at the Vogue in two months, show a sign of good faith and appease my crowds."
Mina didn't want to hear it but she was coming off as a greedy stuck-up snob.
"Why don't you sponsor an event here at Club Rouge?" the bat chimed in."You can take a share of the profit while I host her. Everyone wins."
Mammoth shot Rouge an evil look.
Mina simply erupted in joy.
"I'm on board with that!" Mina folded her arms and nodded.
Mammoth sighed. "I refuse to-"
The lights went out in the entire district of Casino Night. Pitched darkness flowed over the zone then few inklings of light sprang back on. After about thirty seconds the power returned and the green room was back to normal.
"See even Casino Night agrees." Rouge stood up and headed for the mini-bar. "Since Mina and I have offered a good proposal then we will leave you to think things over. Ten minutes sound about right?"
Mina stood up and started for the door. Rouge followed behind her with a drink in her hand.
"You think you can fool me Rouge the Bat!" Mammoth Mogul stood up, cane flaring to life in his hands. Mina grabbed Rouge and darted out of the green room. Cream readied herself and lifted her hands.
"Go!" she yelled. Mina and Rouge blasted away as Cream crushed the entire room into the size of a basketball. Cream examined her work for a bit and then trailed right after the others.
Rouge wore a smile. "You're fast too?"
Mina just nodded.
Mina appeared outside with Amy and her Piko Piko Hammer. The women formed a perimeter around Mina.
"This way." Amy motioned. Then Mammoth Mogul appeared swirling from nowhere. Cream, Amy, and Rouge stood in defense as Mammoth just floated above them.
"A switch." Mammoth's eyes just glowed, "You think you can deceive me, one of the greatest minds in the universe!"
Rouge stepped forward. "Save yourself! Get out of here!"
Mammoth focused on the bat and floated down to the ground. "You are going to die a horrible death!"
Mammoth lifted his hand and his three Chaos Emerald rings shot from his fingers. Cream caught them and then a cube of crystal wrapped around them. Rouge was then grabbed by the mammoth and forced to stare in his eyes. Rouge plunged into a forced reality. Her pupils dilated and her jaw completely opened. Mammoth dropped her after that and looked down the avenue. The other three were gone, but Mammoth wasn't concerned.. He was more upset about his briefcase though. He knew the location of where he was supposed to be to open the case and he quickly teleported himself there.
Sonic and Sally briefly stopped with the case in their possession. The bright lights and noise of Casino Night Zone gave them a bit of cover.
"Sonic we pulled it off without a hitch!" Sally exclaimed.
"I'm worried about the others though." Sonic turned around.
"Tails is with them." Sally reassured, trying to open the case. "Nicole! Hack into this case!"
A few seconds pass. "Unable to hack."
"I was afraid of this... " Sally put away the Lynx and tucked the case underneath her arm.
"What's goin' on Sal?"
"This is a GPS case, only accessible at a certain location."
The Lynx 2.0 vibrated and Sally retracted the device. "Location determined Sally, the Casino Night entrance into Robotropolis."
"Sounds like we're headed for a good time." Sonic smiled.
Sonic and Sally darted off toward the west through the glitz, glamour, and sparkle of the city. Then the lights started to fade and the people started to dwindle. The clear sky of stars and clouds became filled with pungent pollution and decay. Sonic slid to the main gate where electricity barred the massive gates. Sonic pushed Sally behind him and faced Mammoth Mogul.
"Be careful Sal." Sonic prepared.
"Relieve the case to me, and you won't be seriously injured." Mogul stepped forward.
The briefcase unlocked.
Mammoth Mogul paused.
Sonic paused too.
Sally opened the case quickly and revealed stacks of information.
"Contracts!" Sally exclaimed. "Evidence tying the attack on King Elias to Mammoth Mogul. The Destructix and the Station Square betrayal were all part of your plan!"
Sally slammed the case closed.
"We got you cornered you pachyderm." Sonic folded his arms.
"Forgery! I had nothing to do with the meagerness of petty kings. How dare you sully my great name."
Mammoth built up his attack and then fell to the ground, face planted, sliding right before Sonic and Sally. The couple looked at each other and down to the suited Mammoth. The shot to the back of his head was lethal. An unexpected shot would likely put this huge Mammoth in the hospital for a few days. Sonic heard an unmistakable sound and a memory reel occurred. The images were quick but very, very distinct.
"Sally you need to leave..." Sonic grimly stated.
"Sonic..."
"Sally!"
Sonic turned around and stared into her eyes. "I promised you I would keep you safe! Staying here will make me go back on that promise especially with him here."
Sally nodded and closed the case.
"Go."
Sally kissed Sonic and headed for the way back to Casino Night.
Sonic faced his target and tensed up.
"Metal Sonic." The Blue Blur stated.
The silent robot just faced Sonic mimicking his stance. The metal creation was all blue with black corneas and menacing glowing red pupils. His aerodynamic body was more tuned to speed than Sonic's and the sleek turbine engine in his chest powered him. Metal Sonic let down his arm, blood dripping from his hand, and approached Sonic.
"I thought I destroyed you."
Metal Sonic rubbed the underside of his pointed nose and tapped his foot.
"I did it once and I can do it again." Sonic appeared and slammed into an already in motion Metal. His hard body pushed Sonic back with the high pitch squeal of his engine. Metal then spun and let Sonic dart off into the gates of Robotropolis. Sonic stopped short of the electricity and turned around to find the wind trail Metal Sonic left. Sonic chased after him immediately turning a few corners and going through a few streets. Sonic then stopped dead in his tracks, the wind swirling around him staring down Metal Sonic.
The villainous robots bloody hand grasped Sally's auburn hair.
Sonic was stuck. Metal just stared at his fleshly counterpart. Sonic needed a good strategy if he was going to keep the mother of his children safe. Metal Sonic lifted Sally by the skull and showed her distress to Sonic. She was distraught and in pain from the tight clamp of Metal Sonic's claw. Metal approached slowly keeping Sonic at bay with Sally as his shield.
"I'm only going to say this once, let her go."
Metal tilted his head, as if examining the seriousness of Sonic's words. He released Sally and stepped back.
Sonic instantly grabbed her and Metal quickly clutched Sonic. The robot head butted the hedgehog sending him into the wall. Metal shadowed him and started to raise his hand. Metal punched Sonic repeatedly and added a few kicks to the assault too. Sonic was unconscious by the time Metal got through. Sally was down as well but had the privilege of being in Metal Sonic's grasp yet again. Metal reached in Sally's vest and revealed the Lynx device. Without hesitation, he crushed it and let the pieces fall before the blue hog. Sonic writhed in pain below as Metal approached and kicked Sonic one last time. The hard shell exterior of Metal Sonic always made him a formidable opponent and this time proved no less. Metal clamped a little tighter on Sally's hair and then dragged her down the alley with him.
He was heading west to Robotropolis, the heart of pollution and evil, with Sally as his guest of honor.
We're officially past the halfway point of this Arc and things are finally starting to take form especially with the recent villains appearance. Mwahaha… Check this out next time to find out how Sonic and Sally will fare against the treacherous Metal Sonic.
Also REVIEWS are deeply appreciated. KEEP THEM COMING!
And other unrelated news… I have released my album entitled "Seven Deadly X's" under StarSquadEnterprises on youtube. Rate/Review/Likes are greatly appreciated. Until next time Freedom Fighters