Chapter XI:
Metal Sonic, Supreme Overlord!
Eggman was relieved when the burly crocodile caught the marauding honeybee. Stinger, punches, and kicks all blended into a vicious onslaught that the doctor could never have expected out of such a small fighter.
"Then, who was it?"
Vector's intimidating form stood over the doctor, his teeth glistening with the questions.
"Who locked you up here for trying to conquer the world?"
Eggman knew he was referring to his pleas of mercy that halted the bee. He made it known that he was not the "real enemy here."
The fact that he, he himself, the very victim of betrayal, could barely articulate the shameful truth was proof of something entirely foreboding. Flexing his fingers, like a child reaching for its soothing rattle, Eggman spoke.
"It was…"
The ominous clouds wrapped the high-flying flagship in a cold and unsettling blanket. Thunder rumbled and threatened to split the skies. Bolts of lighting raced across the sky, the chances for electrocution were excellent.
Sonic had lost Amy and was working his way down the main deck of the whale shark's back. The peculiar weather was attracting a small crowd to this exact spot. Tails and Knuckles, as well as the whole of teams Dark and Rose quickly joined Sonic.
M.A.G.O.G. looked down upon the specks below. They were so small, so removed from him. He had achieved an immense power, and a new and greater purpose.
Now?
Now.
M.A.G.O.G. thrust his hand into the air and cast a bolt, not down to the peons below, but up, to the Heavens themselves. His assault had begun.
Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Rouge, Shadow, Omega, Amy, Cream, Cheese, Chocola, and Big were confounded to take in what they saw. A small, black figure, atop the central command posts communications array spoke malevolently to them.
It proclaimed, "All living things kneel before your Master!"
With that, a bolt of incomprehensible energies flashed into the clouds above.
All was still for a moment.
An even greater bolt of lightning shot back down! The command center was obliterated! But, this was not the end of it.
An unfathomable aura of pure power emanated from the tiny speck, hovering within the airborne debris. Like a great hurricane, the wires, framework, and panels of the former bridge began to twirl in the air. One by one, they began to interconnect. Slowly but surely a new framework was being constructed. It then took the form of a gigantic skeleton. From there, nerves, joints, and sinew were added.
It was awesome…
Some, like Sonic, assumed an apprehensive posture, likening to a fighting stance. Cream, demonstrated the underlying feelings that were running through all minds presently: fear. The terrified child clung to her much larger teammate, burying her face into his fur, to blot out this horrific… beast.
The last thing to attach to the gargantuan before them was the head. An amorphous blob stretched out, growing in length and sharper in points. In a few moments, a vicious, snarling mouth and eyes were visible. The elongated skull fleshed itself out. Finally, it attached to its new neck.
Within the great beast, unseen by the audience below, great streams and rivers of quicksilver began to flow, as blood. With them, were carried the powers of those that stood before the monstrous creature. Also, among the accumulated strengths were the seeds of deistic potency.
Egg pawn 5713, like all of its counterparts, was ready to throw itself at any and all threats to the Eggman Empire. A ruthless enforcer, it had nothing to fear from any mere mortal.
At this critical moment, faced with an awesome, terrible, creature beyond any restraint, something began to register amongst the thousands of 0s and 1s that constituted its thinking process. Why though? It was an irrational emotion, useless to a drone. Still it pervaded 5713's every microchip. It began to take trembling steps backwards.
Left, right, then left, fell with uncertain taps on the deck. It bumped into another egg pawn, 7733. Tearing its eyes away from M.A.G.O.G., 5713 looked into its mirror image. An egg pawn, supposedly brave to the point of self-sacrifice, was now out of its CPU with mortal terror. The two machines looked upon one another, then the beast above them, and then…
They fled.
Other egg pawns, which had occupied other posts aboard ship, began to follow the lead of their comrades.
With but a fearsome glance, M.A.G.O.G. had accomplished what furious punches, lighting fast attacks, and aerial assaults had entirely failed at: forcing a complete rout of an entire egg pawn column. The wave of red soldiers washed across the deck, and like a mighty river confronted with sharp stones, they parted around Teams Sonic, Dark, and Rose. The, supposedly, mindless machines wouldn't bother with anything that stood between them and escape.
Let them run! They're of no use to me now. I have all the power I will ever need within my grasp!
Not even the appearance of their supreme commander, who showed up at the last moment, behind the Chaotix, could slow them. Nor did Eggman bother to rally his troops. He looked with marked concern at the beast that had grown to such dimensions that it was beyond all control.
The would be tyrant beheld his creation gone amok and stated for all to hear, "Metal Sonic has finally transformed!"
Few understood the portent of these words. Sonic knew all too well, however, what this meant. In shock he looked to the Goliath before him now, "So that's Metal Sonic?"
"It's useless," Eggman shrieked as the last of the egg pawns scurried to sustain their own existence. Beholding the dimensions of his creation gone awry, Eggman gave a dire assessment of the situation, "Metal Sonic has combined your data with the power of Chaos and is super-strong!"
Realizing the futility of the situation, Eggman lamented, "We can't defeat it." He then seized his head between his hands and groaned at their hopeless condition, "If only we had the seven Chaos Emeralds!"
The mention of those excellent gems seemed to spark a wave of surprise and a lack of comprehension amongst the twelve anthropomorphic adventurers standing before the human doctor. One by one, several of them reached into pockets, behind belts, inside gloves, and even within the confines of their shoes. Pulling their hands back out, they produced a rainbow of colorful stones. The dark storm clouds surrounding them heightened the glow of the baubles, causing each of them to light up like its own little sun, emitting rays of hope, however thin.
Eggman was dumbfounded for a moment. Apparently, the hiding places he had chosen weren't the best after all, a true blessing in disguise. He fumbled with his words.
"What's this? But how?"
Coming to himself, the doctor then offered a grim warning, "Even with the Emeralds' power, our chances for victory are slim. It would take a miracle!"
Eggman was right. However, he forgot that there were persons who lived to play that role. That selfsame person spoke out.
"Just leave that to me doc."
No matter how much he smiled, or the amount of nonchalance he put into twirling the blue emerald like a familiar toy, Sonic still knew he was up "against it." So did Amy, who objected, "Sonic, no!"
She was drowned out, however, by an unlikely voice, "I'm going with you too!"
Sonic was thunderstruck by his confidence. He had truly grown up during the time he and his partner had been together. Still, Sonic was startled, and touched, by his forthright plan of action.
"Tails?"
Before he could further question his best friends' decision, he was struck from another side, "You can count me in too."
"Knuckles?"
Was this the very same echidna that, time after time, found it easier to fight him instead of Eggman? Apparently, he too realized the consequences should their efforts fail. Yet, this wasn't the most astounding announcement either.
"Okay guys," Shadow coolly stated, speaking for the remaining group, "we'll buy you some time; that way you can use your super powers."
Sonic cast uneasy glances to all those around him. Team Rose showed its commitment by stepping forward, unflinchingly. The Chaotix gave the universal "thumbs up" approval of the plan.
Thus, twelve people, from various walks of life, took it upon themselves to save the world from the greatest of evils…
Brimming with more confidence than in any other time in his life Sonic gave a short, but powerful rallying speech, "Okay then. Let's get ready to do this. We'll show that creep the real superpower of teamwork!"
Moving quickly, the three decoy teams made their way to the remaining supports of the destroyed command center. The only ace in the hole for any of them was the fact that Eggman shared that Metal hadn't completed its transformation. There were still weak points that they might be able to take advantage of.
Upon getting close enough to M.A.G.O.G., and with the illusion of perspective shattered, they realized the true size of the behemoth. Still, they were beyond the point of turning back.
Team Rose made their move first. Spying out a large Plexiglas cover over the right hip, they knew that that could be the only chink in its armor. Amy struck first.
"Heeyah!"
The war cry of the small hedgehog pierced the air as she swung her Piko-Piko hammer in mid jump. Amy was more than discouraged when she hit the cover and produced no effects. At best, she bounced off like a paper-wad.
On the opposite side, Team Chaotix arrived in their position and commenced their attack. Or, at least, Charmy did anyway. Seeing a yellow Plexiglas cover over the left hip, the brash insect slammed his stinger into the opponent. Only to, like Amy's effort, bounce off in a futile gesture.
A more formidable team, and warrior, Shadow's Team Dark began their assault on M.A.G.O.G's abdomen. However, they quickly ran into complications as well. Even Shadow's precision homing attacks were useless.
"What's wrong," Charmy asked in a frustrated temper, "Why can't we do anything to him?"
The bee's sentiments were shared by all and the whole of Teams Rose and Dark were just as frustrated by their ineffectual assaults. From his viewpoint, Omega had a unique perspective on the battle. Studying their attacks, as if he were a masterful chess player, Omega recognized a fatal flaw.
"Initial attacks have failed due to superior defensive capabilities," Omega judged. "Scanners reveal that color of targeted areas coordinates with special mechanisms. Colors indicate attackers' abilities: Sonic blue for speed, Tails yellow for flight, and Knuckles red for power."
"Then what are we supposed to do?" Amy's question was foremost in everyone's mind.
Omega calmly explained, "Use combined assaults. Use alternating attacks to damage the target."
In retaliation for this M.A.G.O.G. bellowed, "I'll tear you to pieces!"
Before he could make good of that declaration, M.A.G.O.G. felt an unpleasant stinging sensation that shot electrical impulses from his side.
What is this?
Pain is good. It is a marvelous defensive reaction.
M.A.G.O.G. looked down to see Big scooping Amy and Cream up for another attack. Now would have been the perfect time to utilize a copied ability from Omega. The towering beast raised his enormous pincer claw, leveling an attached flamethrower at the novice heroes. Still, credit was due to them.
Amy, Cream & Cheese, and Big still possessed reflexes fast enough to avoid the fiery blasts. Cream was especially invaluable, as she airlifted her friends out of harm's way. Spared a fate of premature cremation, Team Rose feigned a retreat. Before M.A.G.O.G. could pursue the faltering youths, another assault to his other flank sent another surge of searing electrical impulses. The blow was small, yet infuriatingly annoying.
Roaring from the blunt trauma, M.A.G.O.G. turned to see Vector preparing to lob his remaining teammate, Espio at the vulnerable point.
"Get away!"
Chaos power claws sliced the air as M.A.G.O.G. pointed his massive digits at the new threat. The fingers detached and flew through the air at dangerous speeds. Faster than Vector could comprehend, one of the missiles impacted at his feet! A swirling wind latched onto him, as if it were a dread octopus, and swallowed him up, into a crystalline trap. Espio's smaller size threatened him with being grasped in the shimmering cell as well, but quicker reflexes spared him a similar fate. Likewise, Charmy dodged the projectiles with superior aerodynamic skills.
Unfortunately, Vector was hit and required immediate assistance. Begrudgingly, the Chaotix surrendered the initiative. Good fortune smiled on them so that were blessed with superior numbers.
Intending to deal a devastating assault to the Chaotix, M.A.G.O.G. rallied to strike again. This was delayed, however, by another frustrating agony in his chest. M.A.G.O.G. glared at Rouge, flapping her sturdy wings, her ally dangling from her feet, while Omega dashed to rejoin the formation. Roaring again, in fury and pain, M.A.G.O.G. tensed his back, casing the hundreds of copied hedgehog spines to stand rigid. Instantly, they were torn from his back by rocket boosters and sent hurtling through the air. The jagged rockets sought out Team Dark with a maligned determination.
Rouge was driven to a surprise impulse and flew to higher elevations while Shadow released her boot, falling to the ground below. The whole of Team Dark was forced into take individual evasive actions to escape impalement. More in tune to the movement of his latest attackers, M.A.G.O.G. managed to follow this attack with a fearsome blast from his flamethrower. The threat of his power was making itself out to be the same disaster that Eggman had wailed about earlier. The saving grace of multiple teams came in handy when M.A.G.O.G. suffered another blow to his right. Fighting his temper as well as the nine combatants, M.A.G.O.G. diverted his attention to this original threat. In the midst of this, a dangerous routine was taking shape.
M.A.G.O.G. was forced to redirect his attacks into three different axes of attack. This certainly played into the hands of the Chaotix and Teams Rose and Dark rather nicely, but they were fighting a losing battle. Though as persistent as mosquitoes, the stings and blows they were making were weak. Worse, each fighter could only summon up his or her natural strengths in battle. M.A.G.OG. could rely on his strengths, as well as those possessed by the very people attacking him! Youthful energy, or even experienced cunning, could not sustain them for this long, in conditions that demanded so much. Even adrenaline was beginning to lose its edge. Omega had the best chance of maintaining himself for an extended period of time, with another robot. But, one person, or machine, could not do it alone.
Would you ask a Chihuahua to overcome a Great Dane?
The most sapping factor was that the need to regroup and reform formations was becoming more and more desperate. Just as each team made actual progress, the quicksilver immunities flowing in the beast's veins would simply reconfigure the weak point to a more invulnerable combination. Thusly, the team formation was altered in an increasingly frenzied pace. During the fevered melee, as Big, Charmy, and Shadow were delivering their best attacks, the focuses of their attacks seemed to blend their colors together. In an instant, the red, blue, and yellow panels flashed with a bright green! Within moments, the terrifying reality had set in: the beast was invulnerable.
M.A.G.O.G., no longer swatting at his assailants, reared back and hurled defiance into the air like a volcano, his very voice rattling the ship. His thunderous voice drowned out the crackling lightning, "This victory will soon turn into despair!"
Bellowing against the howling winds, M.A.G.O.G. demonstrated the talents he had stolen from Rouge, Tails, Charmy, and Cream. His broad backside splintered open, revealing long, flat, tendrils. Combining these obtuse appendages, the great beast crafted rough, skeletal, wings. Just as these impressive wings took form, M.A.G.O.G. ripped himself free of the couplings that had connected him to the flagship. With a tumultuous and violent tearing, the roaring creature, wrested itself free, reborn to seize the world in his claws.
As for the nine who could only provide a short-lived delaying action, they stood where they were, like abandoned pets, and watched as M.A.G.O.G. soared into the heavens, ready for conquest.
Shadow did not have an emerald. He sorely wished that he did have at least one, to activate Chaos Control, or something, anything. Sonic need them all, though, and there wasn't a single one to spare. During the battle, M.A.G.O.G. had boasted that, "Not even the Ultimate Life-form can stop me!"
Watching M.A.G.O.G. flying away, completely unhindered by his best efforts, Shadow could taste the bile in his throat. The impudent machine was right, and Shadow was right. He hated to admit it, but he knew it. Lowering his eyes, the dark warrior looked down to the only hope for them, yea for the entire world: a trio of willing saviors.
"Sacrificial lambs," he mumbled. He had reached a point that even he was unsure of his sincerity, or his cynicism. Shadow only hoped that, now that he had accepted his life, their sacrifice would not be a vain thing. This caused a swelling in Shadow's heart. The boost of emotion drove him to roar encouragement to them down below, "Sonic! We're counting on you!"
Never before did victory seem so far away, nor as desperately sought out.
Each new battle to save the world had become more and more franticly fought. At the same time, the thrill always became more and more enjoyable. Each one, as numerous as the quills along his spine, made each and every one of their follicles stand up, electrified by sheer challenge of it all. The feeling was a familiar one, a feeling of moving at break neck speed, even when standing still. This time would be different, however.
His friends, Tails and Knuckles, though veteran combatants now, would be with him, there, at the final fight. They too would share in the sublime adrenaline, ambrosia of sorts, which would only flow to those in this situation. They would sample that nectar; they would be there for the one, the one that determined the future, for themselves, and everyone around them.
A tinge of worry, anxiety, drove Sonic to look to his friends. Would they falter? Worse, would they lose faith in him? Worst, would he fail them? The latter was a terrifying prospect that ratcheted Sonic's nerves around his spinal cord. He had to look. The only thing he saw was the same nervous energy, impetuousness, which drove Sonic to doing whatever it would take to save the world, and his friends. Seeing his sparkling energy mirrored in their eyes, Sonic became more stalwart. He extended a stern fist.
Without hesitation, Tails clasped Sonic's hand within his own grip. Their hands were joined by Knuckles's who squeezed tightly, not intending to intimidate, rather, in honest support of the crusade that would smite the beast that would wage war on all creation. Knuckles knew Angel Island would be a drop in the bucket when compared to the entirety of the world, yea universe.
As they nodded in approval of their irreversible triumvirate, the seven emeralds floated in mid-air, their cosmic energies being embraced by the strong wills in their presence. The gems span around and around, their light blending into an impressive halo. The swirling mass of light brought day into the night. The warming effects of the emeralds chased away the cold rain that had begun to fall. Feeling the full force of the emeralds coursing through his chest, Sonic flung himself into his duties and metamorphosed into Super Sonic! The surge of awesome lights expanded, sweeping Tails and Knuckles off their feet, bathing them in the energy that caressed them. Focusing on his friends, Sonic molded this power into pulsing spheres that completely encased them. The sight of his friends, armed and ready to follow him into combat, swelled his soul.
Hindrances of doubt disappeared with the dimming of the emeralds.
Everyone watched as the magnificent streaks of gold took flight, quick to pursue the beast. All shared the same comment, the same wish. From the most enthralled admirer, to the staunchest of enemies, the words in their hearts and minds were, "Good luck."
His powerful wings effortlessly propelled him through the sky, darkened by his own will. M.A.G.O.G. swam along, completely absorbed by the level of greatness he had attained, by his own designs. Power, the very thread that bound the universe, was tied to his massive claw, at his mercy.
Should he flatten a city, or two, with some cataclysmic disaster? Perhaps if he passed through the space-time continuum, to the secret places of the world's leaders, he could take them all hostage? Or, should he just systematically decimate every fragment of armed resistance, starting at the most powerful nations and working his way down, slowly strangling the will to fight out of the world?
Reflecting on his options, Metal Sonic, the Metal Overlord, M.A.G.O.G., knew that his attack had to intelligent enough to cow the more intellectual minds of resistance. Yet, it also required a savagery that would break the wills of brutes to fight back. Progress could only be achieved by a resolute application of a specific method. But, there were so many strategies to choose from!
During this personal debate, M.A.G.O.G. sensed something. From a distance brilliant spark was kindled and it rapidly spread into a great flame. It was something, an intrusive presence that threatened to be the most annoying combatant of them all. Redirecting his course, M.A.G.O.G. began to fly in reverse. M.A.G.O.G. now had the perfect chance to get what he always sought after.
Priority One… Hedgehog Elimination…
He couldn't say when it had happened. Maybe it was when Metal realized that he should control the doctor's robot kingdom. Then again, it could have been when Metal cracked open the egg. Or, just maybe, it happened when Sonic defeated him the first in combat. Regardless of when it happened, M.A.G.O.G. knew that this object, of hedgehog elimination, was no longer the will of another. It was no longer a plan calculated by Eggman. It was his wish, his desire! Sonic had to be destroyed for his sake, Metal Sonic's sake, and his alone! Sonic's demise would take the terrible blight from off his face, and wipe away the dark marks of past failure!
M.A.G.O.G. spoke in a gargantuan tone that was less than cordial, "Long time no see, Sonic, my loathsome copy!"
Sonic ignored the smear tactic, and instead led a fast moving charge toward the beast. In turn, M.A.G.O.G. offered his first counter. As the trail of gold hurtled toward M.A.G.O.G., he drew himself up into an awesome stance, gathering energy. With mere thoughts, M.A.G.O.G. effortlessly created waves of energy bursts that washed towards his attackers.
You know that won't stop them? Utilizing the Chaos Emeralds, Team Sonic is practically invincible.
Perhaps, but they're racing against the clock. Sonic's super form is not permanent. If I can wear him down, I can destroy him. It's attrition tactics, the ultimate justification of robotic supremacy!
It was perfectly logical. Sonic's strength was like that of a comet, or hurricane: awesome to behold, but indefinite and quick to pass, whereas, M.A.G.O.G. was an eternal fount of powers. How could anyone, even E-666, argue against it?
Team Sonic easily dodged the energy wave attack, but could not continue the charge. M.A.G.O.G. seized on the opportunity. As the beast changed flight patterns and came against Team Sonic's right flank, he spoke.
"Sonic," he called to his rival, "I was created for the sole purpose of destroying you."
M.A.G.O.G. interrupted his lecturing long enough to dive beneath the clouds, out of Team Sonic's sight. Then, before they could pursue, the beast reappeared. As he rose from the clouds, the beast hoisted an entire troop transport, plucked from the very Egg Fleet below. Clutching the war ship, in a menacing nature, M.A.G.O.G. resumed his speech, with considerably more vehemence than before.
"But, I can never seem to defeat you! That is why I changed my own body with my own hands!"
Defying his past, and denying his Creator, Metal, M.A.G.O.G. flung the war ship at the trio, determined to forestall, drain, and crush his personal enemy. Even with Sonic at the point, the heroes weren't agile enough to avoid the blundering weapon that sliced a tremendous swath through the clouds. M.A.G.O.G. looked to a victory that would be short, but richly satisfying.
A shrieking, terrible, noise pierced the air that drowned out the rumbling thunder. A splintering sound preceded a great explosion through the ship's hull. Emerging from the belching flames and fast flying slivers of the war ship's armor, Knuckles, supported by Sonic and Tails, made it evident that they refused to be brushed aside. Despite his spot in the lead position, Knuckles gave way to Sonic to respond to this enemy, one that Sonic had been waging a fierce rivalry with since before he and Sonic had met.
"Humph!"
Sonic's snorting came out more as a snarl as he fired back at the beast, "You actually thought you could defeat me, by transforming yourself into a monster?"
"But, that was the past."
M.A.G.O.G. hinted at a personal history, a tale clouded by Eggman, made narrow and limited. Now, he was free of these blinders, bridle, and saddle. Now, he was wild, empowered, and answered to no one else. Now…
"Now, you're nothing but a speck of dust to me!"
Extending his hand, bristling with claws, M.A.G.O.G. loosened his long fingers, transforming them into deadly projectiles. The covering fire proved more effective than initially hoped for, as it caused Team Sonic to lose cohesion. Sonic managed to avoid being hit, as did Knuckles. Tails's judgment, unfortunately, failed him as one claw found its mark. The resulting explosion encased the ill fortuned youth in snare of crystal, similar to the one that trapped Vector, completely immobilizing him. It is unknown as to what kept the fox from tumbling to the earth below. Perhaps, the Chaos Emeralds had imparted enough power to keep him airborne, regardless of the circumstance. Perhaps, M.A.G.O.G. willed it, so he could crush the enemy in one clenching of the fist.
Whatever the reason for Tails's mid-air suspension, the fight wasn't over, and the fox was being left behind in the running battle. Without instructions between them, Sonic dashed toward Metal, as Knuckles went to Tails's aid.
Pushing forward, Sonic closed in on M.A.G.O.G., who had changed course once again. Sonic intended to divert M.A.G.O.G. from Knuckles. Although, as he came closer and closer to the beast, Sonic began thinking of another option: attack. This blinded determination was rolled back by a wave of energy that bowled Super Sonic backwards! Sonic was soon sent crashing into the recently freed Tails and his hard-hitting rescuer.
The calamitous wreck caused Knuckles to falter, "Man, he's tough!'
Tails, too, felt rattled, and began to lose heart, "Is he invincible?"
Grasping their fleeting spirits tightly, Sonic defied demoralization and rallied his friends on, "It's not over yet! Let's show him what we're made of!"
An incredulous temper flew into M.A.G.O.G. as he overheard this disgusting sentiment. How could Sonic spew such nonsense? Couldn't he see the futility of his position? That he was on the verge of defeat? M.A.G.O.G could easily detect the vanishing energies slipping out of Sonic's body. Super Sonic would not, could not, last. And yet, Sonic makes speeches to the contrary! Apparently, Sonic was less evolved, more inferior, than Metal had ever considered. Apparently, he needed a brutish answer to brutish stupidity.
"Chaos Control!"
Before any could react, M.A.G.O.G. vanished from before their eyes. Furtively seeking him out, Team Sonic could feel despair welling up in their hearts. In the twinkling of a star, M.A.G.O.G. reentered the fight, right alongside Team Sonic's right flank!
"He used time…" Knuckles gaped.
"…And stopped it!" Tails exclaimed.
Even Sonic was forced to appreciate M.A.G.O.G. and his stolen powers.
"So," he mused, "he can use Chaos Control."
The battles with Chaos and the Bio-Lizard were difficult, but they were battles fought without supporting others. At least when Sonic fought the Bio-Lizard, Shadow had absorbed his own power. This time, against M.A.G.O.G., supporting Tails and Knuckles, Sonic could feel the emeralds' power burning away faster than normal. Super Sonic had reached his peak, and was beginning to wane. There wasn't going to be next time if he failed. If he, they, didn't do something soon, they'd never get the chance again.
As if smelling blood, M.A.G.O.G. roared, "See me as I am, no longer afraid of anything!"
A barrage of missiles, launched from the beast's back, reinforced the bold statement.
More responsive to M.A.G.O.G., this time, Tails clasped hands with his friends and quickly removed them from the line of fire. As a second volley flew towards them, Sonic and Knuckles detached and flew into the missiles, shattering them with Chaos Emerald power. This surprised M.A.G.O.G., for the first time. The beast redirected his course once more.
Covering his maneuver with more claw launched missiles, M.A.G.O.G resumed his backwards flight. Watching Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, M.A.G.O.G. got what he expected: the claw missiles had pushed the would-be-heroes back, forcing them to regroup. As if playing into his hands, Sonic shoved the unit back into a charge. Seeing this, he would blast them one more time, draining their strength. Then, clutching their mortal bodies, he would destroy them.
Sonic couldn't, he wouldn't, let it end like this! He, and more importantly his friends, had pushed too hard, gotten too far, to accept defeat now! Sonic resolved that a charge was all that they had power enough to accomplish, successfully.
"I shall become the ultimate overlord," M.A.G.O.G. roared in a taunting revelry, "ruling as the world's most supreme being!"
M.A.G.O.G. launched another energy attack. A few more moments, and Super Sonic would be gone and Team Sonic would be left to him, M.A.G.O.G., and his non-existent mercies.
As the last of his powers, and his adrenaline, shot into his system, like a bracingly cold gust of wind, Sonic could feel something else. The sensation washed over him, as a warm breeze that opened his senses. The gust of air filled his lungs, like sails, and drove him onward. Aware of all that was around him, Sonic took his eyes off the energy waves that were hurtling towards him and his friends. The warm feeling that filled his heart was magnified when he looked, and saw that Tails was pushing on his shoulder with one hand, and bracing against Sonic's back with his other arm. A further glance revealed that Knuckles was adding own might to the, true, team effort. In the midst of this, combination of their shields, along with the fading powers of Super Sonic, revitalized the flagging hero. Quick to seize the initiative, Sonic sped up the charge, headlong into the beast's swirling power. He began a Super Sonic spin!
M.A.G.O.G. watched intently, waiting for the desired effect. His field of vision was covered by his own awesome attack, rendering sensors ineffective. But, he knew, he knew, Sonic was on the other side of those pulses of raw energy. Suddenly, he was proved correct and made furious at the same time.
Amazingly, and exasperatingly, enough, the enemies, enemy, he expected to be reduced to a more manageable state were, instead, barreling through the energy bolts and straight towards him! Instantly, the world seemed to stand still; the clouds didn't move, even when pressured by great winds, the rain seemed to become ice in mid-air. M.A.G.O.G. could see it happening, and made an effort to prevent it. He attempted to raise his arms, but they seemed to be stalled by deep tar pits, preventing from even swatting at flies!
Watching the golden disc of light, in this slowed time frame, M.A.G.O.G. looked to see Sonic's face. A dread, eerie, feeling flared across his mind, beholding something awesome terrible. There, in the ball of golden light, he saw the faces of three. Each was stern, judgmental. A sudden, cringing, terror forced M.A.G.O.G., Metal, to regret, dearly, all of his transgressions.
SKRASH!
The world caught back up to M.A.G.O.G. as the electrical discharges of pain clenched on every inch of the great beast's being! He roared with the excruciating pains that wracked his body! The noise was like unto a lion that had been mortally stricken in the heart! Deep within the exposed chest, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles separated and ricocheted through the vitals of the creature they had delivered the smiting blow to! M.A.G.O.G. convulsed and flailed out of control; desperately reaching for enemies he could not see and was powerless to stop!
Tails shattered a hip and burst forth, into the skies. From a shoulder, Knuckles ruptured untold mechanical innards. Finally, from the throat, Sonic flew from the great gash he created, the image of victory!
The deep wounds were nothing when compared to the ones inflicted on vital core reactors, cooling stations, and electrical storage units. The quicksilver anti-bodies worked feverishly to patch up the wounds and stabilize the beast's condition, but the very parts and pieces they worked so hard to repair conspired against their owner. Instead, as more and more quicksilver was expended to repair the situation, a mock hemorrhaging took place that reduced M.A.G.O.G. to a severely weakened hemophiliac!
The beast, which was, instead, fatally wounded, clawed at the heavens. He issued forth a great death moan as he clutched at his throat.
"Why?" He bellowed, seeking an answer that no one could provide. "I had it all!"
Too weak to fly under his own power, M.A.G.O.G. began to stiffen and lose altitude. He lamented all the more and bellowed forth his most factual opinions.
"I am the ultimate overlord, Metal Sonic! I am the real Sonic!"
No one could believe him, and no one would help him. Who would help him? Didn't he say he needed no one? Such a person never needs help. Now, the clouds he created began to slip over him, as a death shroud.
Thus ends a campaign that began with Mars masterfully wielding his thunderbolts, and finished with a baby, barely able to hold a rattle.
Continued…