Sonic the Hedgehog: The Chaos Project

Premiere Event

Crisis of Chaos Part 2

Written by ChaosProjectAuthor

The dawn of Earth's demise—December 31st, 6:00 AM, 0 years B.E.

Eggman's Hidden Base, Location Unknown

Eggman and Blacklight stroll across a raised metal walkway, in a dim hangar bay of some sort. "So, Blacklight, was the demonstration to your liking?"

"Eh, it was alright. I was expecting more." Eggman gives a sudden concerned, surprised look. "Chill out, I'm just kidding." He relaxes, and they resume walking. "With that much power, I'll be happy to lead your forces. Which, I believe, is why you've brought me down here?"

"Indeed it is. I believe we've walked far enough for a good view." They stop, and Eggman pulls out a small device. He presses a button, and the sound of three massive and powerful light sources can be heard powering on as the room lights up. "Feast your eyes, on my three greatest creations!"

Blacklight gasps in awe at the newly-illuminated machines. He has to look all the way from one side of the hangar to the other to get a good look at them all. "I recognize the middle one…are the other two also important?"

"I see that you've been doing your research on Shadow. The other two…well, I suppose it's not important. But if you'll look closely, you'll see that there is also an army at their…feet. The largest army I've ever created!" Just as he says, the floor of the massive hangar is covered wall-to-wall with Egg Pawns, Badniks, and other small robots. The larger ones still cannot be seen.

"With this much power, the world will be m–" he cuts himself off. "The world will be ours."

—–—

The Laboratory, Outside the Mystic Ruins

Miles "Tails" Prower lies asleep in bed. Outside, the first light of sunrise can barely be seen. A door can be heard opening and closing again. A hand reaches out and begins shaking Tails' shoulder. "Hey, Tails! Wake up!"

Tails turns over and moves his shoulder out of the way, muttering, "Five more minutes…you know I don't need to go to school…"

Sonic takes a step back and thinks for a moment. He smirks. "Tails, the Tornado's on fire!"

Tails perks upright and leaps out of bed. "What!? How!? Why didn't the fire safety systems work!? I've gotta–"

"Tails, there's no fire. I need your help."

"Okay, uh…" He looks out the window and notes the early hour. Scratching his head, he continues, "…what's going on?"

"We think Eggman's up to something. We need to find him, and stop him before he can ruin anything."

"And that can't have waited until morning?"

"Not this time."

"Alright…just follow me." Tails shuffles over to a wall, and pulls down a lever. In the center of the room, a piece of the floor begins to slide backwards, revealing a descending stairway. He starts heading down the stairs, and again motions for Sonic to follow.

The lower floor is quite large, but dimly-lit. Tails pulls another lever, and a series of overhead lights power on, revealing a laboratory filled with all sorts of machines, computers, and spare parts. Tails walks right up to one of the the computers, while Sonic takes a look around, impressed. He gives a whistle. "Looks like you've made some upgrades since last time I was down here."

"Yeah. Things've been getting pretty dangerous lately, so I've gotten a lot more dedicated to my work here." He seems to be mostly awake now. "So, we're looking for Eggman…" As Tails works, a series of files and images come up on the screen. "I can tell that he's been covering his tracks recently. He's doing something that he doesn't want us to know about, but I suppose that isn't that unusual. But…I do have one major clue." Another file comes up, a picture of a large aircraft. "I was able to hack into the security systems at Eggmanland, now under new ownership as you know, late last night. All I managed to retrieve was this image of an Eggman-style aircraft parked there. And it's gone now."

"Do you think you can track it?"

"It's nothing on the level of the Egg Carrier, but it's big enough that it should be noticeable on a scanner if you know what you're looking for. In fact, it hardly seems big enough to run any serious plan. I think it's pretty likely that it's just a means of transportation to his real base. But either way, it will lead us to him."

"No…it's not his whole base. You're right." He goes deep into thought as Tails continues working.

"Sonic? I thought I should tell you…all of the Chaos Emeralds are accounted for. There's your one, and I can confirm that Eggman has at least four, but I'm pretty sure he has a fifth too. And then Blacklight has the seventh. If we ever need more…there's not much we can do…except for–" The computer beeps loudly. "That's it! We've got a location. Let's see here…yep, it's moving slowly, pretty close to Station Square. We can get there right around when it'll be over the harbor." He points towards a door on the other side of the room. "Shall we?"

Sonic runs into the next room, and Tails follows. Inside, a long runway stretches into the distance, and at the start is what can only be the Tornado. However, its appearance is quite different. It's slightly larger in size, fitting multiple seats. Regardless of this, Sonic hops onto one of the wings, which are now angled slightly backwards, with a separate engine underneath the inside of each one. The front is more pointed in shape, and no longer has a propeller. Tails climbs into the front seat. Both seem to be quite familiar with this new design.

Tails is about to start up the engines, but he stops. "Sonic…is there something you aren't telling me?"

"Not telling you? Why would I hide anything? Eggman is up to something, and we have to stop him. Just like always."

"Alright…" Tails rubs his eyes one last time, and puts on a pair of goggles.

Sonic reaches up and taps the communicator in his ear. "Shadow, Chaos, this is Sonic. I've located Eggman, and I'm in pursuit." The engines of the Tornado roar. The voice of Chaos calls back, "Understood."

Tails looks up and notices Sonic's radio. He pulls out one of his own, and attaches it to his ear. He shouts over the engine, "What frequency are you on!?"

"Channel 25!"

"Got it!" He adjusts it to match. "Now we can stay in touch if we get separated!"

"Alright! Let's get this show on the road!" Tails nods and presses a button. Far in front of them, a hatch opens, revealing the blinding orange glare of sunrise. Taking the controls firmly, the plane begins to roll forward, picking up speed as it does. By the time it reaches the end of the runway, the Tornado moves at an incredible velocity, and lifts off the ground entirely just before exiting the open hatch, shooting straight out of the cliff on which the laboratory was built, and revealing the open sea below.

—–—

Blacklight's Hidden Base, Eggmanland

Shadow the Hedgehog appears to be staring at a collage of digital screens spread across the large wall in front of him. A set of footsteps can be heard approaching from behind him. Their source speaks, "My, my. Eggmanland seems to be quite a popular place these days. Maybe I should open a theme park! Oh, wait…"

Shadow steps away from the wall to face the approaching Blacklight. He points back to the screens. "I wish I could say that I'm surprised. But for you…I should've guessed."

"Speaking of Eggmanland, I've been thinking that I should probably change the name, since I own it and all. I was thinking something sweet and simple, maybe…'Blacklitia'. But I'm not that vain. Do you have any suggestions?"

Neither seems to be listening very intently to the other. Shadow now points specifically at the screen showing himself meditating several hours ago. "Since you've been spying on me, I assume you know why I'm here. So let's not waste any more time. What are you planning?"

"No? Nothing at all? I grow irritated at your lack of creativity. This is the second time, you know. Though, I suppose that turned out pretty well for me last time. I've changed my mind, I don't want your help anymore. But I'll be sure to tell you when I–"
"If you're trying to test my patience, it's working."

"Oh, Shadow, always in a rush, always something to do. Just like that blue friend of yours, uh… What was his name again? Speedy or something." Shadow glares at him. "Right, you wanted to know…something."

"Your plan. And you should make it quick."

"Oh, is that all?" He gives a big smile. "I've been meaning to talk to you about that. You see, there's a big change coming. The world's about to be under new management, and I'll be the one responsible. Consider this a formal invitation. Join me, and together we can rule the world, the two most powerful beings alive, side-by-side."

"We've been through this before. I'll never join you. I made a promise…" Meanwhile, the radio in his ear buzzes. "Shadow, Chaos, this is Sonic. I've located Eggman, and I'm in pursuit." The voice of Chaos responds, "Understood." Shadow ignores them.

Blacklight continues, "That's because you haven't heard my latest offer yet. I need you to think for just a moment. Mere hours ago, I destroyed a small mountain with the flick of a finger. And that was just a test. Imagine having that kind of power. Forget being godlike, you would be a god. You could save and purify all of humanity in a matter of minutes, make a better future for all of them, just like you promised. Or, you could wait here, and let your precious Westopolis City be destroyed."

"What!?"

"Oh! Oh, I forgot to tell you! My bad. You see, there may or may not have been a massive robot let loose on the city a couple of minutes ago. Several cities, in fact. Maybe."

"Da–" Shadow immediately stops the profane outburst and resumes a more calm demeanor. "You're despicable. One of these days, you'll get what's coming to you." He lifts his Chaos Emerald.

"Hey, before you leave, you should call me later." He taps just below his ear, indicating the communicator that Shadow is wearing. "The offer stands for as long as one of us hasn't killed the other."

Shadow pays him no further heed. "Chaos Control!"

Blacklight stands there in silence for a few more moments. "I really hate that guy."

—–—

Temple of the Lost World, Mystic Ruins

Chaos sits down in the core of ruined Temple of the Lost World, constructed by the Echidna race so long ago. His fur is white once more. "The Controller was correct. Chaos Energy indeed flows abundantly here." He takes a meditative stance. "Lords of Chaos…guide my Mind's Eye…teach me of that which has yet to come…" All around him, the world seems to swirl away into nothingness. The vision gives way to an intense torrent of Darkness Energy, encompassing all. And then a chorus of countless synchronized voices sound in his head, "The Darkness is coming…" For a moment, his fur turns a light turquoise blue, then returns to white. "I am aware. But for the sake of Balance, I must know more." The vision seems to focus around a particular point, forming a clear city skyline as it grows sharper. The city is completely flooded. "This is the past, is it not?" The voices respond, "No…" The scene again changes, showing yet another city, this one in utter ruins, with collapsed skyscrapers, upturned roads, and bottomless fissures, the sky colored an eerie red. "Another image of the future." "Yes…but the point of origin, from which the future will most certainly diverge…will be here…" Once more the vision fades and reforms, into a post-apocalyptic city of the future, complete with ruined technology and wrecked tire-less cars. His fur now seems to fringe on a green color. "Grand Metropolis City. The fate of the world will be decided at Grand Metropolis City." "Chaos…the future is not yet written…but some things are unavoidable… The Darkness will come…it can no longer be stopped…" Chaos nods. "I understand. But what must I do to allow restoration of Balance as quickly as possible?" "When the time comes…you will return to us…permanently… It must be done for the survival of the Controller, as well as the Outlier…" He seems surprised. "The Outlier? He is truly so important?" "Your judgement was sound…your training has placed his significance in the Universal Scheme higher than any might have guessed…he will be vital to the restoration of Balance… And something else…you mustn't tell the Controller…or the Outlier." Now he seems confused. "I can't tell them? Why not?" "Given the chance to save you…they will…unless they remain unsure…" He remains silent for a moment. His fur begins to turn purple. "Thank you, wise ones. I am certain that your knowledge shall save this world." "No…it is you who shall save your world… We understand your grown fondness…but we await your return… With your bravery, we will be complete once more…"

The vision is torn away, and Chaos solemnly opens his eyes, his fur a dark blue. A single tear drops to the floor. His radio buzzes, "Shadow, Chaos, this is Sonic. I've located Eggman, and I'm in pursuit." Chaos, taking a moment to regain his composure and return to his white fur, responds, "Understood."

He sits in silence for another moment. Without activating his radio, he says slowly, "Sonic…I'm sorry that I could not complete your training. I have failed you. I only hope that you can see it in your heart…to forgive me for deceiving you." He waits for another moment, but then does tap the communicator. "This is Chaos. I have determined that Grand Metropolis City will be a location of extreme importance. I need both of you to meet me there as soon as possible."

—–—

Tails shouts, "Sorry Chaos, but that's going to be a bit of a problem!" He send the Tornado into a swift outwards spiral, out of the way of a series of laser blasts. Dark, foreboding clouds conceal the sky all around. "Miles!? What's wrong, where's Sonic?"

Sonic lands in a crouch back onto the wing. A flaming wreck of a robot falls out of the sky behind him, and explodes just after it passes the level of the plane. The shockwave does no more than ruffle his spikes. "I'm fine. Tails has his own radio. But we're a bit occupied."

Tails does another barrel roll out of the way of more fire, and then fires back a few lasers of his own. Three more flaming wrecks fall out of the sky. Tails cheers, "Got 'em!"

"Great job, Tails! But don't get cocky!" Over the radio, Shadow comments, "I'm busy as well. How much time do we have?" Chaos responds to both of them, "Take as much time as you think you need. Just get here immediately afterward. It's important." Sonic and Shadow say at the same time, "Understood." Sonic turns back to Tails. "They've stopped firing. How close are we?"

"We'll breach the top of the cloud layer in a minute. We should be able to see it as soon as we're up there. So…maybe we already beat all the robots? He didn't have many since he wasn't expecting to be attacked?"

Sonic shakes his head. "I've got a bad feeling about this…" The clouds grow lighter all around them.

"Almost there…almost there…" All at once, the mist around them gives way to open sky, revealing a horde of E-2000 Transforming Robots surrounding them on all sides, their massive laser cannons all trained on them. "It's a trap! Luckily, I came prepared! Sonic, cover your ears! Particle Beam Cannon, fire!" As Sonic follows his instruction, the plane begins releasing a series of massive blue energy shockwaves, decimating the powerful robots around them.

Sonic seems impressed. "Nice weapon."

"I…may have borrowed some G.U.N. technology." Then, all of the lights in Tails' cockpit begin to flicker out. "Uh-oh!" He starts frantically working at the controls, but there doesn't seem to be any response. Just ahead of and slightly below them lies the same ship seen on the earlier security footage. "The cannon took up too much energy! Brace yourself for a rough landing!" He yanks up on the control yoke, keeping the Tornado's angle as straight as possible for the descent. Within moments, it lies just a few feet above Eggman's ship. He tries one last time at the controls, to no avail. The plane shudders violently as it begins to skid across the top of the ship. It finally comes to a stop a short distance from the front.

Sonic, unharmed, hops out to take a look. The bottom half of the plane has been ripped to shreds. A trail of singed metal was created in their wake. Sonic gives a low whistle.

Tails has gotten out as well. He says nothing, but hangs his head in sorrow.

"Don't worry. I'm sure we can fix it up later. But right now, we've got an egg to crack!"

"Right!"

—–—

Eggman stands alone in a small hangar. He appears to be impatient. Behind him sits an odd machine, long in shape. Three spike structures come out of the top towards the back. Long cables stick out of the far back. It hardly even looks like it's meant to stand up on its own.

Sonic bursts through the roof and lands on the floor right in front of Eggman. "Give it up, Eggman. It's over." Tails flutters in after him.

"Over? Well, I suppose we can agree on something then. You've been so busy chasing me, I'm sure you haven't even realized what's going on."

Tails demands, "What are you talking about!?"

"Oh, my poor Tails. I thought you were smarter than this. You can't even recognize a diversion when you see one? As we speak, every major city in the world is under attack. Well, every city except for one." He points straight downwards. "The invasion has already begun. But I would like to cut you a deal, Sonic." He pulls out a small device. "Surrender yourself and your one measly Chaos Emerald to me, and I will enter the code to deactivate every last robot I control. And the fine citizens of Station Square will never have to meet my friend here." He pats the large machine behind him. "And I'm not talking for now. I'm talking for good. No more robots. Ever. And all you have to do is stay here for a few days, maybe a week or two, and then you'll be free to return to your friends. Just think about the millions, maybe billions of people who won't get hurt if you make the right decision. It's an offer you can't refuse." Sonic stares curiously at the strange machine, as if recognizing it somehow. Eggman looks in the same direction. "You know, I am quite fond of this one."

"And why is that?"

"Hmm… Well, to begin with, I couldn't have possibly made it without the help of my grandfather. It's almost as if this connects us. But, more importantly, it plays off of your weakness. And I didn't even have to come up with it! But enough chatter. We were having a discussion."

Sonic says nothing for a moment. Tails shouts, "Come on, Sonic! You can't actually be thinking about this, can you?"

"Stay out of it, fox! This is between Sonic and I." He turns back to Sonic. "Well then? What is your answer?"

Sonic remains silent a moment more. "…I don't know what it is that you're planning. I don't know what you want me for. What I do know is that you've never once kept your word to me. If you expect me to bargain with you after making a reputation like that…then you really are as dumb as you look! Tails, grab that remote!" As Tails makes a grab for the device that Eggman holds, Sonic runs around the strange machine, looking for some sort of weak point.

Before Tails can ever reach his goal, Eggman says, "Very well then," and presses a single key. The floor instantly parts open beneath the machine, and it plummets back towards earth.

Sonic shouts "No!" Without hesitation, he dives straight into the opening after it.

"Sonic!" Tails dives out after him.

Eggman shakes his head in disapproval, and presses another button to close the hatch. He takes out a communicator. "Orbot, Cubot, set our course back to base. The Hedgehog has been taken care of." A voice responds briefly, "Yes, Sir."

To be Continued…