Issue #3: Meet the Chaotix
To say that Spider-Man's been having an eventful week would be an understatement. First the Green Goblin returned, then he traveled to another world, and now his new hedgehog friend has revealed that he has a group of allies to fight his robot doppelganger. All he wanted to do was go home, send Osborn to jail, and sleep. But it looked like that wasn't happening anytime soon.
Vector, Charmy, and Espio glanced to the spandex-wearing hero, "This your new friend, Sonic?" asked Vector.
The blue hedgehog shrugged, "He is. Spidey, meet Charmy, Vector, and Espio. I called them over to help us find the Chaos Emeralds."
"...Huh." was all Peter said.
"We would'a come here sooner, but Charmy took forever." Vector apologized. The bee smiled sheepishly at the retort.
Spider-Man said, "It's quite alright. At the very least, you showed up just in time to help us stop this speedy tin can."
"Yeah! Let's kick some butt!" Charmy cheered.
Metal Sonic hunched down and activated his turbine. Spidey's Spider-Sense was tingling, not that he needed it to tell the robot was planning to strike. Espio threw a shuriken at the robot, but it bounced off Metal. Metal Sonic lashed out at Spider-Man and ripped the torso of his costume. "Great. I just got this stitched together too." he moaned in disappointment. Metal Sonic boosted back and tripped Spider-Man before he could even react. He pinned Peter onto the floor and tried to slash his mask.
He would've ripped the mask even more had Charmy not zoomed in and whack Metal Sonic with his stinger. "Booyah!" the bee shouted, allowing Vector to headbutt the robot away.
"Thanks for the save, little bee dude." Peter thanked.
Standing up, Peter managed to feel his skin instead of the usual material his suit was made of, realizing that Metal tore through his mask more than he expected. "You alright, Peter?" Tails asked, preparing his arm cannon.
"Yeah. I'm guessing Metal was programmed to target me because Osborn is that petty." Spider-Man said.
Sonic quipped, "Then I guess we'll kick his butt twice as hard."
Coming back to strike, Metal Sonic lunged after Sonic, but the hedgehog performed a backflip and drove his knee directly onto Metal's chin. Spider-Man shot a web-ball at the robot and got his attention. Metal Sonic boosted towards Peter, but was blasted back by Tails with a charged shot from his cannon. The webslinger noticed the robot's state and grabbed him with a strand of webbing, yanking him in the direction of Vector.
Said crocodile reared his fist back and punched Metal Sonic, launching him across Green Hill. "Nice punch, Vec!" Peter complimented. 'Complimenting a talking crocodile. What has my life become?' he also mused in his head.
Sonic dashed towards the robot, who got his bearings and slid on the grass to recover. "So, Metal. Any last words before we send you to the scrap pile with your robotic brethren?" Peter asked.
Static came out of Metal Sonic and the robot reared his head up. "Greetings pesky heroes!"
Spider-Man scowled under his mask and growled a name, "Osborn..."
Indeed. It was the Green Goblin's voice coming from Metal Sonic. "Ah, I see you lot met the Spider already. Quite annoying isn't he?"
"Well we just kinda met him so it's too early to judge. You are getting on my nerves though. Then again, that might be due to all the evil I can sense in your voice alone." Sonic admitted.
"I see you're a comedian like him, rodent. I might have to shut you up as well." Osborn threatened.
Tails said, "What are you doing in our world anyway? We don't even know you!"
The Green Goblin chided him, "Ah ah ah, fox boy. That would be spoiling the surprise. Let's just say, I have my ways. I know all about you so-called heroes of Mobius, especially you, Sonic the Hedgehog."
Sonic smirked, "So you're a wannabe addition to my rogues gallery? Sorry to say, but I already have an arch-nemesis. Although he isn't here right now, so I guess I'll have to settle for kicking your butt back to your world."
"As if you could accomplish that. I have tormented Spider-Man's existence for years, and I could do the same to you! Just know that once I reforge the Tablet of Order and Chaos, both worlds will bow down to the Green Goblin!" Osborn boasted proudly. Peter could just hear his ego. "Come now, Metal Sonic. You should be repaired for when you next do battle with the heroes."
Metal Sonic nodded and activated his jets. "Oh no you don't!" Spider-Man shouted, shooting a webline at Metal. The robot created his forcefield and deflected it. The other heroes tried to strike, but ended up with the same result. Sonic was the last to bounce back and he landed on his face, spitting grass out of his mouth.
"Great. He got away." Peter muttered.
"Sorry, guys." Vector apologized. He knelt down, noticing something glimmering in the grass. "Huh. On the bright side, we got our hands on the Chaos Emerald he was lookin' for."
"It wasn't entirely a bust after all then." Peter assured as he gazed at the tears on his gloves and his mask which he removed. "The only real loss here is my costume. It's gonna take a while to stitch up."
Tails spoke up, "We can probably make you a new suit once we get back to the workshop. I have some material I can lend you."
Peter nodded, "That'd be cool. Thanks, Tails."
Espio folded his arms and changed the topic, "So, that was the Green Goblin you warned us about?" he asked Sonic.
"I'm assuming so based on Spidey's reaction." Sonic answered.
Spider-Man spoke up, "It was. He's one of the most vile criminals I have ever met, and even that's an understatement. For the sake of simplicity, let's just say that it's personal with us. He knows who I am under the mask and will have no qualms messing me up mentally as much as he does physically. I'm sorry that he's decided to drag your world into our fight. I don't know how he knows so much."
Sonic nodded, "It's fine, Spidey. Like we told you, this isn't our first fight with some crazy madman and this won't be our last."
"Yep. If there's evil afoot, you can count on the Chaotix to lend a hand. Even if this is... slightly above our payroll." Vector assured.
Spider-Man took another glance at his ruined mask and then back at the detectives, saying, "You remind me of some heroes for hire I know. Thanks for the assist."
"It is no trouble at all, Spider-Man." Espio replied.
Putting his hands behind his quills, Sonic asked, "So, you guys are up for finding another emerald before wrapping it up for the day? We're currently ahead of Goblin, and Green Hill's looking a lot more like Sunset Hill, so we're losing daylight."
Everybody nodded and Tails said, "My handheld's detecting Chaos Energy at Station Square, so we should head there right now."
Sonic gave a thumbs up, "Awesome stuff, bro. Let's get the Tornado ready then."
Station Square...
Spider-Man was in pure disbelief at the fact that Sonic, Tails, and the Chaotix weren't met with weird glances by the humans in the city as they walked. This world just kept getting weirder for him, and he was unsure of he'd ever fully figure it out. "So... you guys are just normal here?"
"Yeah. It came as a surprise to everyone when we discovered other humans besides Eggman, but eventually we just started co-existing after having a few adventures involving these cities." Tails explained.
Peter quipped, "Honestly, I think the only reason we would be getting weird glances is because of my messed up costume. Does your world have any masked vigilantes like me?"
Espio shook his head, "None we are aware of. We're mostly public figures, although we tend to keep to ourselves unless Eggman or another threat endangering the world appears."
"We're superheroes like you!" Charmy added.
Vector scratched his head, "Well, fer the most part. We still have to live paycheck by paycheck and worry about rent."
With a chuckle, Peter replied, "Trust me, I can relate to that a little too well."
Sonic nudged Peter's elbow, "Really? I figured a hero like yourself would be living the big time and never have to worry about that."
"I'm not the billionaire superhero, that title goes to Tony Stark. I'm just a guy who tries to balance a normal life and what I do under the mask." Peter elaborated.
"Ah well, nothing wrong with that either." Sonic told him.
"The emerald should be close by. But I'm detecting another reading."Tails told the heroes.
Peter rubbed his head, Vector asking, "Got a headache?"
With a sigh, Spider-Man answered, "No. I have a sixth sense that can detect danger. I'm feeling it now."
"Then we should wary of what's ahead. For all we know, Metal Sonic is awaiting our arrival." Espio warned.
The six wandered into an alleyway following Tails. Spider-Man's Spider-Sense tingled even more right as multiple egg-shaped figures stepped out of the shadows, the Chaos Emerald in one of their hands. Tails gasped, "Egg-Robos? How?"
Spider-Man leaped at the ambush, "I'm guessing Osborn managed to reach your enemy's arsenal of toys. This Eggman guy puts Ock's robots to shame, I'll admit that."
One of the Egg-Robos attempted to shoot Spider-Man, but his agility proved to be faster as he leaned his body to the side, dodging the laser. Peter gripped at the metal being and used his adhesive powers to tear off its head with ease. He threw it on the ground when he landed. "That was morbid. Luckily he isn't sentient..." he quipped.
Charmy tried to fight but was tackled back by another robot. The Egg-Robos flew out into the street and were now causing mayhem. The civilians were in a panic at the sudden attack, thinking that Eggman returned yet again. Without even thinking, Sonic and Spider-Man jumped into action and started to hold off the robots. The hedgehog used his Homing Attack to smack one of the egg-shaped robots as Spider-Man blinded another with his gossamer. Sonic kicked one of the Egg-Robos and managed to nab the Chaos Emerald.
"Got it!" Sonic shouted.
Spider-Man gave a thumbs up and shot a web-line at one of the flying Egg-Robos, yanking him onto the ground as hard as he could. "Alright. Now we should focus on protecting the people."
Espio slid on the floor and covered someone, "Working on it, Spider-Man."
"Who decided the new guy should be leader?" Vector asked.
Tails shot his Energy Ball Blaster at an Egg-Robo and destroyed it with a single sphere. "Do you have any better ideas, Vector?"
Cracking his knuckles, Vector smirked, "Him and I had the same idea." he said while punching an Egg-Robo in the head.
Charmy curled into a ball and struck a robot. Another aimed his blaster at a human. Spider-Man swiftly leaped in their direction and webbed up their gun. Sonic saw this and took down the robot while Peter told the civilian to escape. The webslinger watched the hedgehog touch the floor, "You're really deadset on keeping everyone safe." Sonic noticed.
Spider-Man saw someone stumble and trip as they tried to escape an Egg-Robo. He web-zipped towards them and stood in-between him and the robot trying to harm him. Peter immediately tackled the robot and turned his head, gesturing for the man to leave. He punched right through the robot and destroyed it in a single hit. "You have no idea..." whispered Peter.
With a swift kick, Espio stunned one of the robots and moved back, Tails flying in and smacking the Egg-Robo with his namesakes. He saw a woman running away from the danger, but the second to last Egg-Robo charged after them. Sonic caught this act and Spin-Dashed right through him. Sonic saluted the woman and gave her a chance to leave the street. "That leaves one more for the picking."
Vector, Charmy and Espio readied to strike together. They used Thunder Shoot and destroyed the remaining Egg-Robo in seconds. Peter smiled, "You guys make a good team."
"Thanks, kid." Vector replied.
Station Square looked pretty clean all things considered, minus a few cracks in the streets and sidewalk. Granted, the attack was smaller than usual, and Peter grew used to constant alien invasions that tore his home city apart. He'd take this victory. He exhaled, "Now what? We already have three emeralds."
"We should rest. The last thing we should do is face anything like Metal Sonic while exhausted." Tails suggested.
"True. We've been busy today, a small overnight break wouldn't hurt. I need to be in top shape if we're gonna be moving." Sonic agreed.
Peter yawned, "And I should get to upgrading my suit. I don't want to be walking around in ripped spandex while I'm stranded here."
Espio said, "I can understand that."
Sonic faced the Chaotix, "So how many rings are you asking for, guys? I know your services aren't free. We can take it from here."
"Consider this one free of charge. It's fate of the world business." Vector assured the hedgehog.
Espio nudged Vector's shoulder. "We're not going to pay rent like this."
Charmy smiled, "Aw come on, Espio! They're friends, and Spider-Man is pretty cool. Not as cool as Shadow though."
"Uh... thanks?" Peter replied.
Sonic said, "Well don't be surprised if you find a tip in the mail. It's the least I can do."
"Alright then. See ya next time, guys." Vector waved the heroes off and the Chaotix were on their way back to their small rental home, leaving Sonic, Tails, and Peter to ponder their next move.
"Let's head back so Peter could clean-" Sonic suggested.
"Sonic! Tails! Spider-Man!"
The voice of an elder woman was suddenly heard in the trio's heads. Peter instantly recognized the voice and called out, "Madame Web?"
"You know her?"
A faint projection of Madame Web suddenly materialized next to the heroes, catching them off guard. Sonic and Tails were in awe at the strange web behind the psychic, noticing images of various Spiders from across the multiverse. Madame Web raised a hand, "I have come to you with grave news." she said.
Peter shrugged, "Of course. You never show up to just say hi. What's the prophecy this time?"
"You shattered the Tablet of Order and Chaos. Again..."
With another shrug, Spider-Man said, "Yeah. You really should keep a better job of hiding that thing."
Madame Web sighed at the hero's attitude, "I am unsure as to how it is no longer in limbo where I kept it, but its recent shattering has set forth a series of events that will lead to the end of all."
Sonic added, "If it's about Osborn, we know about him and plan to kick his sorry green butt. You have nothing to worry about with us on the frontlines, Web."
Shaking her head, Web replied, "It is not just Norman Osborn. Tikal has come to me with a grave warning that something more dire is on the horizon. We are unsure of what it is, but we wish to warn you to prevent it."
"...Tikal?" Tails asked.
Madame Web answered, "Yes, Tails. She has reached me through the Master Emerald. Both it and the Web of Life have given me a weak connection to this world to communicate with you."
"Web of Life? Prophecy? You guys are starting to lose me here." Sonic groaned.
"I do not have much more time to explain. For now, you must stop Osborn and return to Earth, where we will speak once more." Madame Web said before vanishing.
Sonic, Tails and Spider-Man blinked, and Sonic broke the silence, "That was weird."
"No kidding. She has a habit of doing that." Peter replied. "Let's just head to the workshop before I lose my mind."
Scrap Brain...
Metal Sonic returned to the base Green Goblin was in. Osborn removed his mask and greeted the fast blue robot. "Metal Sonic... did you complete your new primary objective?"
As ordered, Metal Sonic revealed the Chaos Emerald that he collected in the Chemical Plant. "Excellent work. While those heroes were busy in Station Square, we got the upper hand right under their noses."
Osborn gazed to the computer, "And I finally pinpointed the locations of the remaining Chaos Emeralds as well as the fragment in this world. I shall wait so Parker can witness the beginning of his end..."
He looked to the capsules and enacted the next phase of his plan in his head. It would go well, he was sure of it.