So first off, I wanted to talk about the last chapter a little bit. My initial goal with Trials of War was to create a fleshed out version of Sonic Forces but also trying to keep it as canon as humanly possible. And that is something that has become harder and harder with each chapter. GUN using actual firearms was a gamble that I was debating on for a bit when writing it last chapter but decided to go with it since it fit more thematically with a military organization of their stature than Wispons or weird laser guns or anything like that. I'm still trying to stick to canon and am doing my best at that. Please lemme know if I miss out on that at any moments.

With that said, onto happier stuff. We did it guys! 200 reviews! Heck yeah! I can't thank you all enough for this story, each and every view, follow, favorite and review has made me want to make this story better and better with every chapter and I owe that to each and every one of you. When I started this fic I didn't think much of it, just that I wanted to take my crack at rewriting Forces. I had a story in mind, but didn't think it would get nearly as far as it has now. I mean, we've doubled the reviews of my formerly most popular story and are close to trebling them. Wow. Just thank you all so much for loving this story.

In other news, I also just turned 21 on the 12th, so that's pretty cool too. Had a decent birthday as far as things go and while it was a few days before, I'll take the 200 reviews as an early present because of that, or well late since you guys are reading this now.

With that said, let's get into some high flying antics with Tornado Defense.

Trials of War- A Sonic Forces Rewrite
Chapter 19:
Tornado Defense Act 1

[M1] Deep within the confines of the Death Egg, Doctor Eggman walked the halls with an incredibly eager Doctor Starline in his wake.

"Might I say Doctor, being in the mere presence of a genius such as yourself is the greatest honor I could ever hope to attain. But to become a general of your army? I must say that I am absolutely astonished by your generosity and your faith in me."

"But of course." Eggman smiled. "You have proven yourself to be the very best of the best and I believe that you have what it takes to truly spread the will of the Eggman Empire."

"And I promise to do so with the utmost care. The resistance surely won't know what hit them."

Eggman grinned. "I know you won't. And I can't wait to see the work you produce."

With that, the two continued their trek down the hall.

"So Doctor, you mentioned that I would have a task here on the Death Egg, yes?"

Eggman nodded. "Yes, I want you to take inventory of the prisoners here. Can you do that for me?"

"Of course, Doctor!" Starline smiled. "I'll be happy to do so and report to you in record time."

"That's good to hear. I await your report." Eggman nodded.

With that, the two arrived in the hangar and Eggman stepped into one of the waiting ships. He stuck his head out the entry way and looked at his new general, who gave him the proudest smile that he could muster. "I'm heading back to Metropolis, the others are out and about checking up on things so I'm also going to do some cleaning up in my office. Be good and I'll see you later."

The Platypus waved at him to which he waved back and stepped into the pod and flew off.

With that, Starline turned away, pulled out an electronic clipboard and went to the cells sure to complete a good job. [M1 End]

~Trials of War~

[M2] Infinite preferred to fly at night.

While he did get the amusement of scaring the living daylights out of any unfortunate soul who happened to spot him, he preferred the darkness. It let him focus on his thoughts own thoughts and better communicate with the ruby on his chest.

But it wasn't just the calm and quiet that he enjoyed, there was something about the darkness of the night sky that he really couldn't help but enjoy as well. It drew him in, it comforted him to be all alone in the dark. He supposed that it was because of his near invisibility in the dark and the fact that when he was in a battle, sinking into the darkness was a great way to catch his enemies off guard.

But as far as his current patrol went, nothing really eventful had come up. He flew over territories they had long since conquered or destroyed and that was it. Nothing truly new for the jackal to possibly overcome and for that, he was left bored in a sense.

He wanted some form of action, but couldn't find it.

A village to terrorize, a stray fighter to catch off guard, a weary traveler to shake down, something!

He sighed though, fingering the ruby on his chest and finding slight comfort as it sent a reassuring thrum of power through his body.

Without another word, he continued to fly off. [M2 End]

~Trials of War~

[M3] Elsewhere in the skies, the tornado flew with its three passengers. At the controls was tails, standing on top of the nose of the plane was Sonic with his arms crossed and on the other end was Omega, clutching the tail to make sure he had good hold of the thing.

But for the most part, having gotten over their small scuffle they were in good spirits as they were about to take on one of the biggest threats in the world: The Death Egg.

"Now this is what I call flyin' in style." Sonic smirked as he looked up at the imposing space station still a bit ahead. "How are you doin' back there, Omega?"

"Status: This unit was not built for such high altitudes. We must seek land at once!"

Tails laughed. "We will, Omega. Well, if you call the cold metal of the Death Egg land that is."

"If this vessel will not fall, then it will suffice."

"No promises. I could give you a little push." Sonic snarked.

"I would take you down with me."

"Okay no pushing it is." Sonic laughed.

Tails just shook his head and smiled. "We'll be arriving there shortly, so hang on everyone." [M3 End]

~Trials of War~

[M1] Eyes looked out at him from behind blue force fields as Starline as he walked the many halls of the Death Prison. Some of them looked at him with fear in their eyes, others looked on in anger and others just stared at him, having long since been mentally defeated by their imprisonment.

Starline was absolutely giddy at this, laughing and making a mockery out of those who had looked on in fear and wallowed in depression and shooting his own glares and sneers at the inmates.

If looks could kill though, he would've been absolutely destroyed by the harsh scowl that was sent his way from Lieutenant Topaz. Luckily he was protected by the barriers that she couldn't possibly hope to break through.

But for someone like Starline, he was absolutely was living the dream as he walked down these halls and interacted with his victims. So many under the control of the glorious doctor was absolutely astounding.

Soon, he made his way down the hall to another cell and he was stunned when he saw who occupied it.

"What, you?!" Starline gaped.

The mystery person looked up and gave him a small smile. "I am sorry, do we know each other?"

Starline crossed his arms and looked away. "You do not know me, but I am very aware of you. I have studied the Doctor's exploits for years and among my searches, I also discovered his enemies. The world may not know you, but I do."

The stranger put a finger to their chin in thought and shrugged. "Well, that is interesting."

"Is this not the part where you ask who I am?"

The figure looked at Starline and looked him up and down a moment. "You are with Doctor Eggman, are you not?"

"But of course, I am his greatest admirer and the newest general of his army."

"If you are aligned with him, then you are not much of my concern." They tutted before turning away from him.

Starline frowned at this. "That is no way to treat one of the world's supreme leaders!"

But they already turned back to staring at the wall of their prison cell, they looked entirely calm despite having been behind a force field for an undefined amount of time.

The platypus grit his teeth and glared at them. He wanted to let them have it for disrespecting both him and Eggman.

But they were cool, calm and collected and didn't seem to be bothered by anything in the world. And so he decided to play the same approach.

"You know, you have a point. Why would anyone of your skill and power have any need for someone of my caliber? I am far inferior to the likes of you."

They raised an eyeridge at him.

"However, Doctor Eggman seems to have bested you. That is why you are here and not helping your friends in their silly little resistance." Starline smirked. "Tell me, how does it feel knowing every moment you spend here could be spent helping your friends in their futile attempts to stop the strength and will that is the glorious Eggman Empire?"

They kept their composure, for the most part, but he could see the longing in their eyes at this.

"Yes, it is quite the shame. But that just goes to show you the awesome power the doctor wields that even someone like you could be here. Soon, all of them will be destroyed or rot in here just like you."

At that, the prisoner scowled. "Are you quite finished?"

"I am. It has been a pleasure."

With that, Starline continued on his merry way ready to make the report for the doctor. [M1 End]

~Trials of War~

The trio was nearing their destination, having just made it above the clouds and approaching the atmosphere.

"Just a few more minutes and we'll be there." Tails announced.

"Thank Chaos. I was getting bored up here." Sonic remarked.

"If action is what you wanted then you should have asked, little one." An eerily familiar voice let out, making each and every one of them freeze.

At that, the sound of distortion rang out and Infinite appeared before them, glaring them all down.

"Infinite!?"

"But of course. You three entered my skies without permission from the Doctor. That in and of itself is grounds for execution."

"Your skies?" Sonic laughed. "You better think again, buddy. I don't care if Eggman has control of the world or a backyard, the skies belong to nobody."

"What of the skies that belong to GUN?" Omega asked.

Sonic turned to Omega and raised an eyebrow at Omega who looked at him without even batting an eye.

Infinite snickered. "Seems you are mistaken, young one. Now, how would you like to land, by crashing now or allowing me to have fun with you?"

Sonic smirked and flicked his nose. "That's not gonna happen, right guys?"

"Affirmative!" Omega agreed, turning his arm into the machine gun attachment.

"W-w-we're not sc-sc-ared of you!" Tails stammered.

Infinite smirked. "But you should be. E123 Omega and Miles P'rower, I've defeated both of you before and with ease."

"Yeah, well you haven't fought me yet!" Sonic smirked.

Infinite narrowed his eye at him. "You?" He laughed. "I've never seen you before in my life, but it seems that the Phantom Ruby has some fond memories of you, interesting. Not only are you not in your prime but you're in a place you don't belong. You couldn't defeat the Ruby alone with all of The Chaos Emeralds and you think you can stand against one that wields such power? Please."

Sonic didn't even bat an eye. "Yeah, well that was alone. But I'm here with my friends and we're gonna take you down!"

"You'll try…"

[M4] With that, the Ruby on Infinite's chest with a bright flash of light, the sound of distortion rang out and they got into action.

Sonic opened his eyes and gaped at the sight before him. "What the?"

Long black snake like bodies appeared in the skies by Infinite's side and on their heads, were masks similar to that of Infinite. Infinite hovered calmly in the air as if he were relaxing on some sort of fold out chair on the beach.

"These creatures…" Omega started.

Sonic smirked. "No need to be scared, buddy. We've got this."

"Your sentiments are appreciated but the deduction incorrect." Omega touted. "I am shocked that they share the same visage as their creator and yet appear to be half as ugly."

That elicited a hearty laugh from the hedgehog at the head of the plane.

Infinite growled at this and snapped his fingers.

At this, the snake like beings opened their mouths and massive amounts of red energy began to gather in their maws.

At that, Tails was broken out of his stunned silence and immediately got to the controls. "Brace yourselves!" He barked.

Sonic crouched down on the plan, putting a hand on the hull to steady himself while Omega used one arm to hold onto the plane's rudder.

And with that, they fired massive fiery red beams of death that Tails quickly maneuvered the Tornado to dip down underneath them.

Infinite nodded at the snakes and gestured at them with his head to which they went after them.

Tails grit his teeth as he had to weave around, in between, up above, underneath and all around these things while Infinite simply watched in amusement.

"Progress Levels at bare minimum! We must change strategy!" Omega shouted.

"Tell us something we don't know, buddy." Sonic remarked, he then looked at the fox. "Got any bright ideas, Tails?"

"Uh… uh…" He didn't know what to do. "I- I- I don't know!"

Omega fired at one of the snakes but to no avail, as it seemed to tank each and every one of his bullets.

"Well you better get on somethin' soon. I don't do well with heights!"

"Give into your fear, child. There is no stopping infinite power or have you forgotten what happened all those months ago?"

At that, Tails screwed his eyes shut and tried not to take in the monster's word to heart but they cut deep. Flashes of what had happened to Sonic a lifetime ago rippled through his mind. Seeing him get destroyed by Infinite and the fact that he wasn't able to save him. Sonic had always been one to come through but in that case, he had fallen and all Tails could do was sit there in paralyzed fear, only acting after things had gone down. He wasn't good enough. He hadn't been for years. Always following Sonic and never jumping into the action anymore and when he needed him most he-

"Tails!" Sonic's shrill shriek broke him out of his daze only for him to look wide eyed at one of the snake beings, charging its lasers.

Tails yelped at this and quickly jerked the plane to the left, just barely dodging the blast.

At this point, Tails was hyperventilating trying to keep calm, but at just the mere thought of battling Infinite, he was losing everything. All the memories came flooding back and he couldn't quite get a grip.

But Sonic turned back to him. "Tails, I know you're having a hard time. You've been through a lot and I'm so sorry that I was- or well, won't be there to help you with that. But right now, we're in the middle of a fight and I need you to focus."

"B-b-but I can't!"

"Yes you can!" Sonic shouted. "You're Tails! There's nobody that flies faster and higher than you because it's what your best at. You've been by my side for years, you saved Station Square and you can do anything!"

Tails took in the words and albeit shakily, he took to the controls, doing his best to keep cool. He had a job to do.

Tails furrowed his brow and took off towards Infinite, careful to weave between each of the snakes, slightly banking so that Omega could fire at him.

They struck him to which the jackal grunted in pain.

This warranted cheers from the group which only resulted in a glare from Infinite. At that he got back into the game and his hands began to glow red to which the snakes' bodies gave off a corresponding glow.

He willed them forward so that they were all lined up and ready to fire at them, but Tails was quick jerking the plane upwards so that it was high above him.

At that, Sonic got into a crouching position and jumped right off.

"Sonic!" Tails cried out as he homed into Infinite.

Sonic connected the attack and freefell from where he landed.

Luckily Tails was quick to catch him to which he gave him a thumbsup.

At that, Infinite grew furious, his whole body dissolving into pixels and in its place was a ray of light shaped like his mask. He shot off right for them, leaving a pixelated trail in his wake.

Tails shrieked in fear at this, quick to grab the controls and evade his pursuer.

All the while, the snakelike beings continued to fire on them.

Tails continue to weave and dodge but it was then that he noticed that with the creatures chasing after them, they would occasionally bump into one another. And that's when he got a bright idea.

Tails began to fly in an intricate pattern through the air, making sure to fly up and down and all around and Infinite continued to chase after him.

Sonic and Omega held on for dear life while he did all of this, and in time the creatures only seemed to get closer and closer to them.

But Infinite, was hot on their tail, just nearing the tailend of the plane, he formed back to normally and reached out to them, ready to strike them down.

But to his utter shock, he stopped dead in his tracks, just as the plane flew out of reach.

"Wha-what?!" Infinite shouted, in confusion. He looked back only for his one eye to widen in shock.

His large snake like creatures were tangled in a ball of masks and obsidian skin, and right at the end, it had caught onto Infinite's foot.

The trio cheered at this and used their opening to make it up to the Death Egg.

Infinite on the other hand dispersed his snake creatures and put a hand to his ear.

"Doctor, we have a problem." [M4 End]

~Trials of War~

The trio landed in the Death Egg's hangars and quickly hopped off.

Omega was relieved. "Now that our impending doom of being thousands of feet above the ground has been avoided, we can finally storm the Death Egg."

Sonic grinned. "Aw yeah, this is gonna be way past cool! Tails, nice job on the-"

But he was cut off as Tails tackled him into a hug.

Sonic was a bit surprised at this, but took it in stride. Enveloping his little-big brother in a hug.

"I- I thought I was gonna lose you again, Sonic. I-I'm sorry!"

"Hey, Hey. It's okay, bud. I'm not going anywhere. I promise. I'm sorry for getting a little risky there, but we had to stop him, right?"

"R-right…" Tails shuddered.

At that, Sonic stayed in Tails grasp for a few more seconds before he tried to pull away. But to his shock, Tails continued to hold onto him.

Sonic pulled away to which the fox sheepishly looked away from him. "I- I'm sorry…"

"It's okay. Hey let's just focus on the Death Egg, alright?"

Tails nodded and lead the way down the path with Omega quick to follow after him.

Sonic lagged behind for a moment and frowned, thinking of just what happened with Tails. Sonic had risked his life multiple times since the fox was just a child and here was his little brother who was now older than him even, not wanting to let him go at all. He had definitely been through a lot, but… Sonic didn't really know. He didn't know how to feel about what had just happened.

"Sonic, my databanks tell me that you are the fastest thing alive, even as a child, and yet you are standing there." Omega called out.

Sonic shook off his thoughts and joined them, heading deep into The Death Egg.

[M1] Quickening of Evil - Sonic Forces OST
[M2] Phantom Ruby=Evil Deed – Sonic Forces OST
[M3] Tornado Defense – 1
st Battle – Sonic Unleashed OST
[M4] Battle With Infinite Second Bout – Sonic Forces OST

And we're done with yet another exciting chapter of Trials of War. Short, I know but I wanted to do some Tornado Defense and I definitely wanted them to meet up with Infinite.
Tails fans, don't kill me. I swear you'll like how things turn out but hold on for now.
Originally, Starline's role in this chapter was one that wasn't in the initial plan for this story but I think I'll get more into that in the next couple of chapters. But I wonder who he was talking to?
And yeah, that'll do for this chapter. Next time, we'll be heading into "Liberty or Death! …Egg Part 1" and I am so excited for that one. You're probably wondering why I've already split it up but that was part of the initial plan and you'll see why next chapter.
Next chapter is probably gonna be on the longer end though, so I'll probably be seeing you all in September.
But until then, R&R and let's do some review replies.

DracoFogg:
Haha, thank you. I'm trying to make this both as fleshed out as I possibly can as well as feeling somewhat like actual canon. So I'm glad that you like it that much.

Guest1:
I live for the heartbreak. Omega's such a good boy. Rouge really does need a hug.
Who knows?
Shadow, despite everything still cares for his friends. We've even seen this a few times.
Absolutely intentional and I'm glad you noticed!

AlexandriaPrime:
Hm… I wonder. I can say his reasoning will be a mixed bag.
Well, now we're on the Death Egg and who knows what could happen?

tekina fiction:
You'll just have to wait and see, pal. Thanks for the kind words.

Guest2:
Thank you. Team Dark was really nice to write and it's a shame there isn't more of them in this fic since they're one of the most fun dynamics here.
Thank you.
And I did debate on the use of "damn" in the last chapter, but decided to keep it in. Swearing is kept to a minimum, but I do stand by my choice of words there for the GUN Commander.

Guest3:
You're right. And I'll be getting to that at some point, I do plan to make revisions for this fic one day.

SharpDragonKlaw:
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm… And thank you. Omega was really a joy to write here and so happy to be tackling him as a normal character now.

TGN:
Thanks!
Shadow fights for his own reasons. At this point, I might as well be Aaron Webber pre-Forces saying that. Lmfao. But yeah, we'll find out soon or later.
Who knows what could happen on the Death Egg? I do but I suppose time will tell.
Thank you for being understanding.
Thanks so much!

KelWelPower:
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.
Thank you. Topaz was a bit of a spur of the moment decision, but I'm glad that people are liking her presence. And gotta love our callbacks with Joseph. He very much still is on the Death Egg.
Rouge and Omega will have a reunion someday too. After all, can't have Team Classic join the resistance and not have a reunion between Rouge and Omega. But you're absolutely right on that being a reckless decision and that's an opinion you should keep in mind moving forward. Thank you so much!

Guest3:
Basically, picture Metropolis as a city, right. And then, the fortress surrounds it like uh… hm… okay, say like we have an egg right. Metropolis is the yolk and the EEF is the whites.

Guest4:
Wait, where did you get the impression that Shuffle was canon? I didn't intentionally make a reference to it.

Guest5:
Lyric is mostly a throwaway joke. He still exists within Boom and yeah.
But if that doesn't satisfy you, consider this Modern Lyric.

Guest6:
The Egg Collider is a surprise. ;)
But nah, not like Spiderverse.

Animation Adventures:
Thanks for understanding.
Ahhhhh, I gotcha. And I agree. So much can be done with the rogues and it's such a shame that that potential will likely never be touched on.
Yep. GUN needed to fall. Couldn't start the invasion without getting rid of one of the big fish and without GUN to protect the world, it kind of allowed things to escalate the way things did in 6 months. Like, Sonic was bad enough but without GUN? Oh geez.
Episode Shadow is a bit of a ways off but it will happen. That's a story I've been dying to tell for a while now.
Who knows what could happen? We're gonna be getting back to the Resistance after the Death Egg portion of this arc, so not the next chapter but in 3 of them. If all goes according to plan with my monthly updates, December is our time of return.
Hope you liked this one. Thanks for the continued support.

Oragonking:
I just don't like two worlds in general so we're getting a combined one.