"Sally. Psst Sally girl. Wake up."
Sally groaned slightly and finally woke up.
"What the? Where am I?" she said.
"Sally! Thank god you're alright." said Bunnie.
"Bunnie?" Sally said as she looked over, "Bunnie! You're alright!"
"Of course ah'm alright." she replied, "I was worried about you."
"Mum! You're ok." said a voice at the other side of the room.
Sally's head jerked over and her eyes widened.
"Miles!" cried Sally, "Oh Miles I've been so worried about you."
"I'm ok mum but Alicia hasn't woken up yet."
"Alicia?!" said Sally quickly her heart skipping a beat.
Miles indicated towards the still unconscious squirrel on the far wall. Sally's heart fell as she saw her. She looked at her feet and gently shook her head.
"It's alright Sally girl. We'll get out of here. Don't worry." said Bunnie before falling silent.
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"Sonic! SONIC!" yelled Knuckles.
"What is it Knuckles?!" cried Sonic wiping a tear from his eye.
"It's Tails. He's missing!"
"What?!"
-----------------------------------------
Tails flicked a switch and a steady hum echoed around the hanger. He pressed another button and the hum changed to a roar. He took hold of the control stick and increased the thrust. The Tornado 2 gently rolled out of the hanger and onto the runway. The plane stopped for a moment.
"Alright faker. It's just going to be you and me. I'll teach you not to under estimate me!"
He increased the thrust and the plane shot down the runway and took off. Soon it was simply a bright spot in the sky.
-----------------------------------------
"Any luck?" asked Sonic as he bumped into Espio in the hall.
Sonic was sweating and looking quite flustered. Espio was looking similar.
"No sign of him." replied Espio, "I've checked the entire upper floors."
"I can't find him either." said Sonic.
"Same here." said Knuckles landing with a thud next to them, "I checked the entire grounds. No sign of him."
"This isn't good. He wouldn't just disappear. Not after what happened to Amy. You don't think he?" said Sonic.
Knuckles and Espio looked at each other and shook their heads.
-----------------------------------------
"Alright faker let's see where you're hiding." said Tails as the Tornado 2 flew over the Aquatic Ruins.
Tails pressed a button and a small panel lit up. A grid appeared on it and a green line swept across the display a few times. A small red light started to flash on the display.
"Got you!" cried Tails as he banked the plane.
-----------------------------------------
A quiet beep echoed around the room. A fox walked up to a console and shut the beeping off.
"So you've come to challenge me?" said the fox, "No problem."
He pressed a button. Outside a small panel opened on the top of the station. Out of it rose a box like object on an adjustable platform. It spun and pointed upwards.
"Now we wait."
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On the wingtips of the Tornado 2 the four laser cannons began to charge.
"Ok then faker. Let's see how you like this!"
The cannons flared and fired.
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The station shook slightly as the shots hit.
"Hmm….the shield is holding. Good. Now it's my turn!"
The fox pressed a button. On the box outside the station, several hole appeared on the surface and a large volley of missiles shot from them.
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"Damn no effect. That thing must have a shield. What the? ARGH!"
The volley of missiles flew past the Tornado 2. Several caught the port wing and another two hit the tail. A set of warning lights lit up in the cockpit. Tails tried in vain to open the cockpit lid but it was jammed. The plane spiralled out of control and hit the ground with a thud. The port wing was ripped away and the fuselage split in two. Tails was throw forwards and hit his head on the console.
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"Scans complete Sonic." said Nicole.
"Any luck Nicole." replied Sonic.
"No Tails bio signs detected within scanning range."
"This isn't good. That scan was the whole of Mobotropolis." said Sonic.
"I think you were right Sonic. He probably has….." said Knuckles before trailing off.
"We have to move quickly." said Sonic.
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Tails groaned as he woke up. At first it was hard for him to see anything and then his eyes adjusted to the light, or rather lack of it. He was in a dark room and had an odd sensation of being in the air. He looked down to see he was suspended above the floor by electric binds around his wrist, ankles and tails. He tried to pull himself free but to no avail.
"Well this is just perfect." he said to himself.
"I couldn't agree more."
Tails spun his head to follow the voice. His glared at the figure standing in the doorway. A fox entered and stopped in front of him.
"You know what. Things have been very easy for me." said the fox with a smile.
"Yeah well don't count your merits just yet!" said Tails with a scowl.
The fox turned to him and raised an eyebrow.
"Oh please. I only have to capture Sonic, Knuckles and Espio and my task will be done. I've dealt with everyone else."
Tails began struggling at his binds. The fox took out a small control box and pressed a button. The binds around his wrists, ankles and tails flared and sent a surge of electricity through his body. Tails screamed but it was oddly muted. The fox pressed another button and the binds died down. Tails' head slumped to his chest and he started breathing heavily.
"I'm sorry. Did that hurt?" said the fox.
Tails slowly raised his head and glared at the fox through half open eyes.
"I'll make you pay for everything you've done."
"I doubt it. My task is nearly done." said the fox turning to leave.
Just then he stopped and turned back. An evil smile spread across his face.
"You know. I was a bit upset about ending your girl's life. I could have had some fun with her."
Tails' eyes flared with anger.
"I'll rip your head off!" he screamed as he tried to pull himself free again.
All he got was another shock. The fox continued.
"Yes. She was very beautiful. A pity she had to go."
"STOP IT!" yelled Tails.
He couldn't take much more of this taunting.
"Amy!" he wailed.
"Ha pathetic. You're even weaker than her!"
Just then there was a bleep. The fox quickly headed for a console in the corner of the room. He pressed a few controls and then growled.
"I see you're friends are here. Good. It make it much easier."
The fox turned and walked out of the room. Tails stared after him.
"Sonic." he said to himself.
-----------------------------------------
"Ok Nicole. Fry this lock!" said Sonic.
"Working."
A second later the door flew open. Sonic, Knuckles and Espio darted inside. They had arrived in the Aquatic Ruins a little while before and with the help of Nicole had located the downed station. They ran down the corridor and finally came to a large room. In it were numerous monitors showing the status of various systems. Sonic darted over to one and set Nicole down on the surface. Knuckles and Espio joined him.
"Nicole. Can you access the main power grid?" asked Sonic.
"You got it Sonic." replied Nicole.
"Alright prepare for full shut down of the primary systems."
"Working."
"Now all we have to do I find Tails and the others." said Sonic turning away from the console.
"You really think it will be that easy?" said a familiar voice.
Sonic spun as a fox entered the room pointing a small gun at them. Sonic clenched his fist and Knuckles and Espio made ready to attack. The fox quickly pressed a button on a small control panel. A large force field shot down around the three of them. Several ceiling mounted guns also shot downwards and aimed at them. Sonic looked around him. The fox shook his head.
"I didn't even have to come after you. You came to me. Oh this is getting better by the seco…."
"Shut down systems activated Sonic." said Nicole.
Suddenly the room went dark and the force field shut down. The fox seemed shocked for a second and Sonic used that second to throw himself at him. The fox was sent flying across the room and hit the opposite wall. Knuckles threw Nicole to him.
-----------------------------------------
Tails was instantly alert as he fell to the floor with a thud. He looked behind him. The electric binds had shut off.
"Sonic." he said quickly as he got up and ran from the room.
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"ARGH!" cried Sally as she fell to the floor.
She started to pick herself up as Bunnie ran over to Miles and Alicia. She helped them up.
"What the ho ha's going on?" she said glancing around.
"I don't know Bunnie but we should move. This might be our only chance." said Sally.
"Too right Sally girl. Let's go kids."
The four of them ran from the room.
-----------------------------------------
The fox quickly picked himself up and stared back at Sonic. He waved the gun at him and spoke.
"Very clever. But not good enough."
He slammed his hand down on another control and a computer voice rang out.
"Secondary power systems activated. All systems online."
The force field suddenly shot up trapping Knuckles and Espio again. The ceiling guns activated and aimed at Sonic.
"You see I have still not lost." said the fox.
"SONIC!" cried Sally as she tore in from another door dragging Alicia with her.
"Sally get down!" cried Sonic as the ceiling guns aimed and fired at her.
Sally dived behind a console pulling Alicia with her. A few seconds later Bunnie shot into the room and followed suit as she pulled herself and Miles clear of the shots.
"So you escaped! No matter." cried the fox aiming his gun at Sonic, "I will kill you all n…."
The fox didn't have time to finish as he was hit by a swirling mass of orange fur. He hit the opposite wall and dropped his gun. Tails uncurled and looked around.
"Thought you could use some help." he said.
"Sally catch." cried Sonic as he threw Nicole across the room.
Sally jumped up and caught Nicole. The fox picked himself up and glared back at Tails.
"You! All ceiling guns, open fi…."
"Nicole activate program theta 12!" cried Sally.
"EMP pulse activated Sally." confirmed Nicole.
A huge pulse of energy shot from Nicole. Every console in the room sparked and exploded. The force field surrounding Knuckles and Espio dropped and they leaped from behind it. The fox couldn't believe what was going on. Just then the computer voice rang out again.
"Secondary power systems failing. Initiating tertiary protocol. Control systems shutting down. Lock down in progress."
Suddenly every door out of the room slammed shut and the fox's body glowed green.
"What? What is happening?!" cried the fox.
The glow suddenly increased and the fox let out a muted cry. Everyone looked on as the glow decreased and the fox fell to the floor.
"What? Where am I?" said the fox in a quiet nervous voice, "Wait I remember…….oh no!"
Tails ran over to the fox and grabbed him, throwing him up and pinning him against a wall.
"Who are you?!" cried Tails at him.
The fox seemed looked like he was about to cry. He was shaking and answered in a rushed and panicky voice.
"I'm you. Well a clone of you. You have to listen to me. We have to get out of here. NOW!" he cried.
"Why should we believe you?" said Tails with a slight growl.
Just then the computer spoke again.
"Tertiary protocol activated. Self-destruct initiated. Five minutes and counting."
"That's why!" wailed the fox.
"Oh god!" cried Sonic.
Tails dropped the fox on the floor who started to whimper.
"Sonic we have to get out of here." said Tails quickly.
"Knuckles. See if you can break the door lock." said Sonic.
"I'm there." said Knuckles as he ran to the door.
He pressed a button on his wrist and a set of metal claws extended over his knuckles. He drew his fist back and punched the door heavily. It buckles slightly but remained closed. He hit it again and this time his fist went through the door. There was a metallic clank and the door moved upwards an inch. Knuckles bent down and pulled the door upwards.
"Self-destruct in four minutes." said the computer.
"Alright everyone lets move." urged Knuckles.
Everyone ran for the door. Suddenly Tails stopped and ran back.
"Tails what are you doing?" cried Knuckles.
"We can't just leave him. I don't know why but I feel something is different about him." answered Tails as he picked up the other fox.
He helped him over to the door before the fox brushed him off.
"Wait. I remember something else." he said.
The fox ran back into the room and over to a console. He brought his fist back and smashed a small glass compartment. Inside where two glowing white vials. He picked them up and ran back to the door.
"Three minutes remaining." said the computer.
Tails pushed the fox through the door as Knuckles darted through himself. The door slammed shut behind them. The three of them ran down the corridor to finds everyone else standing next to another closed door. Knuckles ran to the front and broke it down.
"Two minutes remaining."
"Move it! Move it!" insisted Knuckles as everyone darted through the door.
A few meters down the corridor another door stood in their way. Knuckles made short work of it but time was running out.
"One minute thirty second." said the computer.
They came to the final door. It was much larger and thicker that the last few doors. Knuckles punched it but only dented the door. His metal claws were getting very buckles now. He punched the door again and his metal claw shattered.
"One minute remaining."
"Nicole can you do anything about this door?" cried Sally frantically.
"Negative Sally. Door systems are offline." replied Nicole.
"Hold on." said the fox.
He stepped up to the door and placed his hand on a small panel to the side of the door.
"Emergency over-ride. Confirmation code 0492057." he said quickly.
"Confirmed. Over-ride engaged. Thirty seconds to self-destruct."
There was a clank and the door slid open revealing the outside.
"Come on!" cried the fox as he ran through the open door.
Nobody argued as they ran after him. Tails took off using his tails grabbing Bunnie and Sally as he did who in turn grabbed Miles and Alicia. Sonic revved his feet and shot past Knuckles and Espio grabbing them too. The fox also took off if a bit shakily. He glanced back at the station. Suddenly it exploded sending debris flying all over and creating a huge shockwave. The shockwave knocked the fox and Tails out of the air and they crashed into the marsh. Sonic slowed to a halt near Tails. He helped Sally and the children to their feet. Tails got up and walked over to the fox. He still lay in the mud. Tails bent over and picked him up. He looked at his counterpart and something clicked.
"Thank you." said Tails slowly.
His counterpart looked at him and his nervous look relaxed. He blinked slowly and produced the two vials he had taken from the console.
"Take these. They will help Amy." he said.
Tails suddenly cried out as he was reminded of what had happened. He slowly took the vials.
"What are these?" he asked slowly.
"Let me explain. When you defeated that Sarath clone a year back part of the station was ejected before the station exploded."
Tails suddenly understood.
"You mean that?!" he cried motioning towards the charred remains of the station.
"Yes. When the rest of the station was destroyed, this section initiated its secondary protocol. You see the station can only make one clone of one person. Don't ask why. There's some strange reason. Anyway. When the secondary protocol was engaged the station had enough bio matter to produce two more clone. One primary and one secondary. The plan was to transport the clone to the surface to finish the work. The transport system had gone dead by the time it was needed so the station had to land. That system was also very touchy and the primary tank candidate didn't survive."
Everyone's faces hit the floor.
"So you mean you're the secondary candidate?" asked Tails still staring at him.
"Yes."
"Who was the primary?" asked Sonic.
"You were." said the fox.
"WHAT?!" cried Sonic, "How?"
"When you were all captured last year the station sampled all of your DNA. It selected Sonic and Tails as the most suitable candidates if the primary plan failed."
"So why the sudden change of heart." asked Tails suspiciously.
"The station had to implant the candidates actually personality. If it didn't the clone wouldn't work. Because that would have meant me acting like you it also had to apply some control in the form of a second personality. This second one over rode the original and made me act as I did. When Sally used Nicole to blow out the secondary power grid the station activated the tertiary protocol, which you saw, and disengaged the secondary protocol. That meant the control personality failed and I was back to normal. I still remember what I did though and will never forgive myself for it."
The fox hung his head.
"So what in these vials?" asked Tails.
"Life force. When the station drained yours it stored a little bit from each of you. Have you noticed that you felt slightly weaker since a year back?" said the fox.
"Actually I have." said Sally rather surprised.
"But if this is life force then…….we have to get back to Mobotropolis. NOW!" said Tails.
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Tails ran into the morgue of the palace. Sonic, Sally and his counterpart were close behind. Tails ran over to where Amy body was being kept and pulled it out. A tear slipped from his eye and he looked at her. He slowly took the two vials out and placed one in either of her hands. He quickly pressed a button on each of them and stood back. The vials glowed and then the tops opened. A white mist slowly emerged from each vial. The two clouds merged above her body into an orb. It sat there for a second and then shot straight into her. Amy suddenly gasped and her eyes fluttered slightly. Tails ran to her side. He quickly checked her pulse. It was there. He couldn't believe it. He sunk down on her and started to cry. Sonic, Sally and the fox watched on in the background.