In the Machine
by Kellie Fay
Disclaimer: Sonic, Shadow, Metal Sonic, and all connected characters belong to Sega, and 4 Kids, and whoever else owns the games and Sonic X. I was inspired to write this character perspective after I saw "Rise of the Whisps" online. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 1 Seeking
[Grouping: Organic
Species: Human
Designation: Creator Doctor Eggman
Observations:
Blood Pressure: 80/50
Heart rate: 110 bpm
Internal Body Temperature 38.8⁰ Celsius
Respiration: rapid, and labored
Conclusion: illness
Possible cause: insect bite acquired during recent confrontation with inferior organic unit Sonic the Hedgehog.
Possible course of action:
Inferior AI units designations: Deco, Boco, Orbot, and Cubebot, programmed for servitude; will care for creator. This unit's participation not required.
This superior AI unit able to utilize mainframe of Creator Doctor Eggman. Research cause of organic malfunction and possible treatments.
Data input: if Creator Doctor Eggman ceases operation, this superior unit will be able to complete primary function; eliminate inferior organic unit Sonic the Hedgehog without distractions or delay.
Subroutine input: Primary Program requires protection and care for Creator Doctor Eggman.]
"Is something wrong Metal?" Orbot asked. The inferior unit held in his hands some more soup for Creator Doctor Eggman.
In a simple efficient data stream Metal Sonic reminded Orbot of his primary program subroutine.
"I'm worried about the Doctor too," Orbot confessed, "I'm sure he must have had a plan if a Fever Beetle ever bit him, but he never discussed it with me. You have more access to his data library than the rest of us do. Why don't you look to see if you can find out if Doctor Eggman developed a treatment for Fever Beetles?"
Metal Sonic considered Orbot's input. It did allow him to fulfill the primary program subroutine. Metal gave the inferior unit a nod then moved to Doctor Eggman's central computer and attached the data link.
No data on Fever Beetles, unsatisfactory. Metal increased his search parameters to include treatments for other toxins. Unfortunately, Creator Doctor Eggman's research focused more on robots than healing.
Increasing his search parameters to simply 'healing' Metal did find three references to a Chalice of Healing.
[Irrelevant local legends have no scientific evidence to verify claims]
Unfortunately, there were no other leads for Metal Sonic to follow. Since he had no other directives, Metal went back and thoroughly read the data on the Chalice of Life.
[Conclusion: still irrelevant without verifying data.
Memory file from prototype MechaSonic: bias relief of SuperSonic prior to inferior organic unit Sonic the hedgehog utilizing said ability. Auxiliary memory bank data input: local legend Chaos verified. Legend of Dark Gaia verified. Time Eater: unknown creature discovered and documented.
Possibility of accuracy of legend of Chalice of Life increased to 43.2 %
Computing possible course of action.
Do nothing. Doctor Creator will either recover or cease to function.
Investigate legend of Chalice of Life to verify claims. Locate and acquire for Creator Doctor Eggman.
Computing possibility of Success 45.08 %
Alternative input: there is no current mission parameters to fulfill. If option two fails no change, if option two successful…]
Metal Sonic disconnected the data link and joined the other AI units in Doctor Eggman's quarters. Cubebot could be seen cleaning the Doctors laundry, and Deco and Boco appeared to be performing maintenance on Bokun. Normally the Doctor would only work on the AI units, but with the Doctor sick this pair knew the little messenger bot's schematics as well as the Doctor.
Just then Orbot came in with the dirty dishes. Metal sent an electronic inquiry on Doctor Eggman's status.
Orbot released the electric equivalent of a sigh. "He is still very sick. I can't seem to find anything to bring his fever down."
Deco looked up from his work and looked sternly at Metal Sonic. "You better not be thinking about another robot rebellion," he warned.
With a metallic grunt Metal reminded them that after his last attempt to take over, Doctor Eggman disabled many of his independent subroutines.
Boco closed Bokun's maintenance hatch and matched his counterpart's stern stance. "And you deserved it too. We won't let you hurt Doctor Eggman again."
[Inferior unit Boco in error. Creator Doctor Eggman received no injuries during this unit's coup. This unit simply imprisoned him to keep him from interfering.] Metal reminded them.
"It was still wrong, Metal," Deco explained, "and Sonic stopped you anyway."
Metal shrugged. [Subsequent AI servant units primary program parameters require unwavering loyalty to Creator Doctor Eggman. Reaction expected. This Unit is following Primary Program Subroutine; protect Creator Doctor Eggman. Query all AI units, search memory banks for The Chalice of Life alternative designation The Chaos Chalice of Life.]
"You are looking for that old legend?" BOCO asked confused. "We need a cure, not fairy tales, and magic."
In his high-pitched data stream Metal answered. "[Mainframe of Creator Doctor Eggman contains no data on curing the bite of Fever Beatles. Mainframe does contain information on The Chaos Chalice of Life. Only available lead at the moment.]
Bokun, his maintenance now completed, immediately began to bounce about excited. "The Chalice of life is a real thing!" The little messenger bot looked at Orbot, and Cubebot. Shadow told you about it when he asked about Dark Gaia!"
Orbot and Cubebot began to fidget uncomfortably.
"Why did Shadow ask about Dark Gaia, and when did this happen? It was not in your daily logs," Boco asked the two newer models.
Looking even more unsettled Orbot explained. "Shadow said that he would personally disassemble me if I told anyone. I don't think he knew Bokun was eavesdropping, and yes, he reminded me that the Spirits of Chaos do exist, and there is a Chaos Chalice of Life. He's seen it, and he's seen it work."
Legend of Chalice of Life confirmed. Probability of success recalculated to 78.47%
[Inferior AI unit Orbot identify location,] he ordered.
Again, Orbot reacted uneasily. "Believe me I asked, but he wouldn't tell me. He has been helping Sonic quite a bit though."
"If Sonic found The Chalice of Life, he wouldn't keep it. He would give it to his friends who know magic to keep it safe." Deco said thoughtfully.
"Or he would put it back where it belonged," Orbot added.
[Memory file YAF2014 on Legend of Chalice of Life. Location Temple of the Seven Spirits of Chaos coordinates.] Metal informed the others.
"It may be a good place to start looking," Boco told him, "Even if you do not find the chalice you may find out where it is now, and the temple may have information on Fever Beatles."
Metal Sonic shrugged. [Probability of finding data on Fever Beatles 32.37 %. Probability of finding Chalice 78.47%.]
"I know you hate just sitting around the fortress doing nothing. Why don't you just check the temple out anyway. You might find something," Orbot suggested.
"Alone?" Deco asked suspiciously
[Query: AI Unit Deco will accompany this unit to search for The Chalice of Life?]
Deco let out a high-pitched electronic squeak. "Oh no, Metal. I think you would do much better without me slowing you down."
[This unit concurs,] Metal Sonic sent back smoothly. He left the group, went to the armory to make sure he had a full complement of fuel and ammunition, and headed for the coordinates of the temple that reportedly held The Chalice of Life.
…
Metal Sonic emerged from the temple dissatisfied. He learned a great deal about the legend of The Spirits of Chaos, but the chamber that according to the hieroglyphics should have held the Chalice was empty.
[Chalice existence confirmed by Inferior Organic Unit Shadow the Hedgehog. Standing orders concerning Inferior Organic Unit Shadow the Hedgehog: Capture with minimum damage. Do not deactivate.]
Metal Sonic began to compute the calculations on locating and finding Shadow when he heard a propeller airplane.
He looked up and saw a small red biplane with a pair of foxes inside.
[ Vehicle identification Tornado version II owned by Inferior Organic Unit Sonic the Hedgehog often flown by Second Inferior Organic Unit Miles Prower, aka Tails. No standing orders concerning Inferior Organic Unit Tails. Primary value as hostage and lure for Inferior Organic Unit Sonic the Hedgehog.
Probability of Tails having information on the Chalice of Life 84.27%
Conclusion: Stealth pursuit with option to capture for interrogation.]
Metal Sonic made sure to hang back just out of the Tornado's sensor range. Physically the fox kit did not pose a threat, but past data proved that Tails was on par with his creator. In the past Tails succeeded in compromising Metal Sonic several times. Metal calculated that following and waiting for the most opportune time to strike was the proper course of action.
Metal Sonic observed the Tornado landing in a meadow just outside a small mining village. Metal guessed that the plane might be malfunctioning. When the Fox kit got out of the plane and opened the engine hatch that confirmed it. The second fox, actually not a fox, but a three tailed kitsune, Metal noted, hopped down out of the plane.
The unfamiliar kitsune cleared his throat and asked, "can I be of assistance your- "
Tails cut him off, "I've told you before Hikaru, don't call me that. As far as anyone is concerned, he is dead. I'm just a common fox with a weird second tail."
The kitsune laughed. "You are far from a common anything my P- my friend, and I could use my magic to- "
With a sigh Tails interrupted again. "I know Katrina appreciated your help locating the kitsune plotting against her and her father, and so do I, but I'd rather keep magic out of the Tornado. No offense, but if something magical affected your spell I wouldn't be able to fix it."
Now for some reason. The strange kitsune looked sad. "Too true my friend."
For a moment Tails looked sad too, but then he shook off the frown and smiled. "Besides this isn't a big deal. One of the belts is broken, and another is starting to wear, and since I have to replace them, I might as well clean the carburetor. There is a village not far from here. I can get the parts easily, and I know a family that will let us stay with them overnight. I can have the plane ready by mid-morning. I'm sorry I can't get you home any faster."
The three tailed only grinned. "It was very generous of you to offer to fly me to Central City, and I do not mind postponing the reunion with my loving sister."
Now the fox kit looked worried. "Your sister is okay though now, right?"
The older fox nodded. "The moment my parents felt the darkness they moved us far from Crystal City, but since we did not know the threat, my sister is still cautious, and suspicious of other species. She also worried about me being corrupted by the less cultured."
Tails chuckled. "Do I count in that?"
Now the three tailed looked at Tails in mock offense. "Do you not think I told my sister the truth after the High Kubi banished the darkness? She knows of your heroic sacrifice. However, she will keep your secret and probably treat you as common when others are present."
Still fiddling with the plane engine Tails asked, "did you ever tell her about Shadow?"
Hakaru laughed. "I did tell her he is a user of Chaos energy, and he was blessed by Lady Cobbler, but sadly I do not know much more about him. I know he bodyguards your friend Sonic, but I do not know why."
Tails answered while removing the offending parts from the engine. With a chuckle he said, "mostly because he knows helping Sonic now means not rescuing him later with more trouble, especially with Princess Katrina's last suitor. We all knew it was a trap, but we knew that it wouldn't stop Sonic. There," The fox kit had three parts in his hands. "I just need to grab my Miles Electric and then we can go."
He rotated his two tails and flew up into the cockpit of the plane. He grabbed his data pad that immediately began to beep and flash.
"Miles is there something wrong?" The three tailed asked.
Tails frowned at the device. "That's funny," he said, "it's detecting high grade rocket fuel exhaust around here, but the people who live here don't have anything that would require that type of fuel."
"A passing air ship perhaps?" The three tailed suggested.
Metal Sonic reduced his power output instantly. He knew how intelligent this organic unit could be. It would do him no good to be detected.
In the meantime, the fox kit rose into the air. He looked around scanning with his device. Lowering himself back down next to his friend, he said, "It's not much. Maybe you're right. After we get to the village, I'll run a full diagnostic on it. Come on."
With that the fox kit and his companion headed towards the thatched and paneled roofs of the town.
Making sure to keep his power to a base minimum to avoid detection, Metal Sonic followed behind.
…..
Used to Shadow teleporting. Amy only looked up when he appeared next to the Chaos lamp in her living room. "One of these days I'll teach you to knock, Shadow, she said teasingly.
"And one of these days I'll teach you that I am not your personal errand boy," Shadow snapped back.
Amy could tell though that at least this time Shadow didn't really mind helping her. Keeping her teasing tone she told him, "You were the one who dropped by and asked if I needed anything. If you didn't want to help you shouldn't have offered."
"If this stuff will get Sonic back on his feet, it will be worth it," Shadow said with a grunt. He handed Amy a bag of herbs, and a small, sealed jug of some unidentifiable liquid. Tochi couldn't tell Shadow what was in the potion. She still struggled with common tongue especially when it came to the names of plants that she knew thousands of years ago before Chaos changed the lands and the Master Emerald lifted Angel Island into the sky.
"Thank you, Shadow," Amy said sincerely, "I do appreciate you going to get it. Tochi is sure that this will bring down Sonic's fever?"
"Tochi said that it will reduce his fever, and aches. It will also allow him to get some rest. Unfortunately, she said the only thing that will cure him is time. Has he been giving you any trouble?"
Amy smiled. "Aside of a lot of complaining and trying to get up, not really. He almost passed out trying to sneak past me."
"Fool," Shadow said both annoyed and amused.
From the couch Shadow and Amy heard Sonic complain. "You know I can hear you both talking about me!"
"And you are still a fool," Shadow answered calmly approaching the couch. Sonic looked awful; his quills looked less blue, and more green, without their normal luster, and flipped over to one side. Dark circles under his half-closed eyes, and he shivered under the blankets.
"You are a fool for going after Eggman without backup, you're a fool for walking right into a trap when you knew it was a trap, and you are a fool three times for disturbing the nest and allowing the Fever Beatles to attack you."
"I didn't attack the nest. I know better than to mess with Fever Beetles. Eggman fired on the nest," Sonic snapped, then with a weary chuckle added, "the only thing that makes this whole mess worth it is knowing that they went after Old Egghead way more than they did me, and he's going to be sicker than me for way longer."
Shadow merely grunted and shrugged at that. While he didn't like Doctor Eggman, he still felt a little bit responsible for him. The grandson of his creator, professor Gerald Robotnick, Shadow felt a slight kinship to the human. He tried to keep him from harming the locals, but at the same time kept tabs on him, just in case.
"These Fever Beetles, are they lethal?" He asked Amy.
Amy shook her head no, "not any more than any other fever. If your healthy, your fine, but if you have other issues you need to be tended well."
"What, you worried about Eggman?" Sonic asked.
Shadow shrugged. "He is far older than you, and does not possess an accelerated metabolism," Shadow stated bluntly, not giving any other details. To his surprise Sonic simply accepted the flat statement. Shadow took advantage of that to turn the conversation back to Sonic. "And he does not have friends who know ancient home remedies. Tochi said that this would make you feel better." Shadow handed Sonic the bottle. Sonic looked at it dubiously.
Shadow seeing Sonic's reluctance added, "Knuckles told Tochi about your distaste for most herbal remedies. She said it was an easy recipe to doctor for your personal tastes."
Sonic gave Shadow a suspicious look, but he drank down the medicine. "Not bad," he admitted. Amy came up to place a cold compress on his head.
"Are you going to look in on Eggman?" Sonic asked.
Shadow realized that talking to Sonic would give the medicine time to work, so he gave a litany of reasons on why he chose to keep an eye on Doctor Eggman. He kept his voice calm and soothing, hoping Sonic would fall asleep.
Sonic tried to pay attention, but Shadow saw Sonic's eyes lose their focus, droop, then close. Shadow kept up the story telling for a few more minutes until Amy said, "he's asleep Shadow. You can stop now."
Amy guided Shadow a few feet away from Sonic then asked, "did you know that stuff would put Sonic to sleep?"
Shadow couldn't help but smirk. "Tochi did say it would make Sonic stay put. She didn't tell me how strong a sedative she added."
Amy grinned. "I think Knuckles told Tochi how restless a patient Sonic is. I don't mind. If Sonic is sleeping, he's healing."
Shadow grunted a wordless assent but chose not to leave the house. Instead, he went to the woodpile and selected a perfect piece for carving. He sat down on a chair near the hearth, pulled out his knife, and began carving.
"Shadow? Asked Amy.
Still carving Shadow said, "Cream told me that I might want to stay close to you and Sonic while he was ill. Since we both know she has had accurate premonitions in the past, I thought it prudent to take her suggestion under advisement."
Amy looked a little surprised. "Oh," she said, then after a moment of thought added, "in that case can I get you anything?"
"Something to drink would be nice," Shadow answered. He didn't want to impose on Amy, he just wanted to be nearby."
"Tea?" Amy suggested. Shadow nodded and continued carving.
The first few hours passed peacefully Shadow decided to carve a Flicky. Amy cleaned and worked on her mending. Sonic slept peacefully, but suddenly started groaning in his sleep.
Shadow, keeping Cream's warning in his mind put his carving aside, and moved closer to the couch where Sonic slept.
Sonic moaned, and shivered still asleep, but Shadow, adept at reading body language knew that Sonic felt neither cold, nor fear. Sonic trembled in anticipation.
It's like Sonic is trying to move, but he is frozen somehow. I wonder what he is dreaming.
Shadow debated trying to read Sonic, but hesitated. The first time he tried to read Sonic his blue counterpart's hunger overwhelmed him.
Amy drew closer a worried frown etched in her features. "Don'tread him Shadow," she warned moving next to him. "Something is upsetting him, but for some reason I can't read him. It's like a part of him is far away."
"Don't force it," Shadow countered, "whatever he is experiencing could easily overwhelm you."
Amy clearly wasn't happy with the order, but she nodded anyway.
Sonic twitched a few more seconds then his eyes shot open, he, abruptly sat up, and tried to get off the couch. "No!" He shouted.
Shadow surprised at Sonic's insistence pushed him firmly down on the couch. "Sonic, it was just a dream. You're safe."
Sonic still struggled in Shadow's grasp. "No, you don't understand! He's there! He was looking in my parents' house! If he figures out who they are he'll kill them!" Sonic struggled in Shadow's grasp. "I gotta save them!"
"Sonic it was a dream. We are in Green Hills!" Shadow gave Sonic a little shake to bring him to his senses, but Sonic still fought to free himself.
"I saw him Shadow! I saw him the way I see you and Amy. I can't let that factory reject copy hurt my parents!"
Hoping to get Sonic to be reasonable Shadow said still firmly holding Sonic down, "I promise, I will check on your family, but you need to lay still. You are in no condition to go running halfway across the planet!"
Sonic would not be dissuaded. "I gotta stop him!"
Shadow resorted to one of Rouge's tricks. He placed both hands on either side of Sonic's neck and pressed firmly. "No!" Sonic exclaimed, then his eyes rolled up in his head and he passed out.
Shadow frowned down at the unconscious hedgehog. Was this the reason Cream told him to stay close? Did Sonic have some worry dream, or did he actually see something?
Amy frowned when Shadow forced Sonic to pass out, but she didn't interfere. "I don't know if Sonic dreamed that or not, but he believed what he saw."
Shadow sighed. "Fine, I will go and check on your families. I will probably be back in an hour." Reaching for the power in the red Chaos Emerald tucked within his quills Shadow teleported away.
Amy sighed and checked Sonic's temperature. He still felt too warm. She replaced the cold compress and simply stared at Sonic lying prone on the couch. Something In Amy's gut told her that Shadow would not be back in an hour.