PoC: Looks like I'm back on track. PenFullofChaos-oof!
?: HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT?
PoC: Ouch…Metal? What the hell was that for?
Metal: For almost giving up! You had me worri-err…I mean, angry! You nearly left me hanging with your lousy unfinished work! It made me sa-uh…mad! Yeah, that's right! Really ****ing mad!
PoC: …Thanks Metal. I missed talking with you too.
Metal: THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT! NOW GET OUT THERE AND WRITE BEFORE I BREAK YOUR SCRAWNY NECK!
PoC: Sure, sure, just as soon as you take the caps lock off.
Metal: NO WAY! I-Wait, does this mean you're really back?
PoC: *Sighs* Yes Met. I'm really back.
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Evil
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The minute his feet touched the gravelly earth he could tell something was amiss. The target was supposed to be located in a well-hidden, well-disguised enemy base, with only a lightly-armed unit stationed to guard it.
Assuming that intel was correct, Metal wondered why he was staring down at a veritable army of G.U.N. and A.I.M. soldiers.
The mission was meant to be a quick in-and-out sort of job, but with the situation as it was now, things were going to be much more complicated. On the whole, the mission was still relatively simple, but Metal knew tactics would have to be changed if they hoped to penetrate the base unscathed. Sneaking in was the preferable option, as the target's location had a hefty number of possible entry points which could be taken advantage of. They could perform some very basic recon, and then strike at the point of least resistance.
Having previously downloaded the base's layout, Metal presumed their best bet would be, remarkably, the eastern weapon storage facility. Granted it had a number of volatile, likely flammable, substances, but as long as they didn't discharge their own guns no issues should arise.
With a flash of blatant realization, Metal grudgingly recalled his partner's itchy trigger-finger. He knew, unless he favored the idea of riding a mushroom-cloud, entering a location like that with 72 in tow was tantamount to suicide. Stealth and espionage were most certainly not a part of 72's programming, and that was, of course, what they most desperately needed right now.
Rightly wondering if Eggman ever thinks out these missions in advance, Metal desperately tried to muster up a contingency plan. Time was ticking away mercilessly, and he knew it was only a matter of minutes before those slow-witted humans picked up on their presence. Asking for 72's input was useless. Knowing that loose-nut, Metal guessed he would no doubt suggest storming in through the front, roasting whatever stood in their path. Metal slapped his face at his mind-formed image of ol' fireball rushing in with a barbaric battle-cry.
"He'd draw the entire base's attention, most likely drawing all their 'fire' along with it." he sighed, only to rekindle his mind a second later to add "Not a bad idea…"
It didn't take a bolt of eureka to understand how delightful the random plan was. The base was so full of guards that it would be virtually impossible to sneak in unnoticed, even if Metal did somehow contain the pyromaniac. For sure, there was definitely no way to lift the professor's goods without raising the alarm. So why wait? Why risk getting both of them killed. Besides, 72 always did enjoy playing with fire.
Stepping up to his comrade's side, Metal raised his sharp finger towards the front gate "See those miserable skin-bodies? Don't they look soft and frail to you?" he spoke in a very smooth, goading tone, despite the insane things he was saying.
"Hee! Yes! Mmm… Yes they do…" 72's voice grunted back hungrily. Metal could see 72's index finger caressing his guns trigger affectionately.
Sucking down his pride, Metal struck up more deception "So soft… I bet it would tear easily under my claws, snap below my punches, melt beneath my cannon. Hmm… Maybe with your help, it could even be made to…"
"BURN!" 72 shouted wildly into the open air, momentarily unleashing his flamethrower on the dewy grass. Metal internally grinned upon seeing how riled up his partner was. As an added bonus, this little talk had also begun to attract some suspicion from their human friends. Things were falling into place.
"How about it, 72? Let's charge in and make those humans understand what real firepower is." Metal continued to give false hints of contained excitement "Unless of course you're afraid that my fire might be stronger."
Grabbing his weapon with certifiable madness written on his cold steel mug, the deranged E-72 snatched Metal's arm and charged full-steam ahead "Let's turn this place into a raging inferno!" he cried out gleefully.
Metal was meanwhile coping with the rather sudden, if not personal, invitation he was getting. This certainly wasn't part of his plot, but the clench of his maniacal friend said it was now. He was impressed by how strong 72's grasp was, especially for a cheaply-built lunatic, as no amount of his own strength could pry the pyre-loving fool off. Just as Metal was about to shoot his ally point-blank, he caught sight of the front gate, looking like a death sentence.
"Are you ready for this…friend?" 72 asked his less-than-enthusiastic luggage. Something about his tone bothered the doppelganger. For a split second, 72 sounded so…serene. It was like a sudden shift from night to day: Unnatural and frightening.
Once he saw the cavalry had locked on and was moving in, Metal squirmed even harder to break his partner's hold. A tense second passed as Metal was lifted to meet the dark voids 72 called eyes.
"There is only one fire hotter than mine, and I'm sending you to on a one-way trip to see it." 72 snickered wickedly. Metal was not allowed time to ponder this as he was catapulted violently into the reinforced gates of the base. As his head cracked against the hardened metal wall, his audio sensors could vaguely hear 72's hissing laughter along with the words "See you in Hell, Sonic-clone!"
Hitting the paved ground of the inner complex, Metal could vaguely hear the angry shouts of infantryman swarming around his prone body. His "skin" stung as their bullets ricocheted off his mighty armor. Then nothing… Nothing for what seemed like hours.
The time of silence that passed was soon replaced by the touch of clammy, gloved hands, gradually lifting his heavy frame. To his dismay, his body no longer listened to his commands, leaving him completely defenseless. He was at the mercy of these damn humans.
"I tried to trick him, but I ended up getting tricked instead." Metal, in his bitterness, would've laughed if he could've "Never thought my dirty tactics would get the better of me."
Forgoing his anger for now, Metal fought to keep himself conscious.
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*Egg base: 3-3 Laboratory*
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Sunlight was no doubt shining at this time of day, probably glorifying the countless flowers fields and cute little animals that prance through them. Thank powers above for the choking smell of gear oil stained on fresh blueprints. That and his re-crushable toy offered the great egg all the comforts of home.
But even with all these amenities, the enlarged man found himself with a rare case of depression. Current progress on his latest master plan had now ground to a halt. He didn't have much of a back-up plan in place, considering a key element of it was being retrieved by two of his most defective, untrustworthy robots. Even if they were able to make it back, with the target undamaged, there was no way of knowing how effective it would be.
Who was he fooling? Best case scenario it would end up being another risky experiment that probably bring him more hurt than help, just like that Metal Sonic. Thinking about it, he wondered what had possessed him to copy the epitome of his mass humiliation. Nothing and he meant NOTHING good could've come of it. So what did he do when that failed? He lackadaisically designed a creature based on not one but THREE of his enemies! Oh yes, no way that could go wrong!
"I must think of a better plan…" he moaned, pressing his face on level with his desk. His sagging eyes drooped off lazily, brutally struggling against the effects of lost sleep. Soon the not-so-gentle sound of snoring filled the vacant laboratory.
Masked by his master's wheezing breaths, Orbot softly rolled across the grated floor vents, with his daily report in hand. Bearing the boss's stressors in mind, he snuck lightly up to Eggman's side. He slipped the report under his master's shoulder, while offering a kindly pat on the back with his red-gloved hand.
Checking the time, Orbot crept up to Eggman's ear "Boss…" he whispered in a soothing, seemingly well-intentioned voice "I know you've had a busy day, so I'll save the surprise for later." Orbot shot the clock another look. Using his fingers he counted down "Sixty… Fifty-Nine… Fifty-Eight… Fifty-Seven… Fifty-Six…" he continued until a full minute had passed. Sitting up to an un-grandiose height he saluted and hopped up and down with a loud banging "BOSS! BOSS! BOSS! I'm happy to inform you that the prototype has finished her chore-duties!"
*Snort* "He…shhehe…Wuh-WHAaaaaah!" was Eggman's jumbled response before taking a fatal tip off his seat, thereby striking the back of his skull with a painful crack.
Seemingly unconcerned, Orbot went on with his loud-mouthed report "I know sir, I was surprised too! Her small act of loyalty was so heartfelt and moving, it nearly brought grease to my eyes." he gushed, rubbing away some nonexistent tears. Had he learned anything from their past relationship one would think he'd have been more wary of the now-upright Eggman.
Whether by the master's great sense of mercy or more likely some exceptional luck, there were no immediate repercussions for his stupidity. Eggman didn't seem to be in much pain considering the force of his nasty fall. Nor did he seem enraged. Instead, he blankly hopped back into his chair, and began drawing vehemently. This sudden state alertness caused even the not-so-bright Orbot to cease his own congested ramblings.
"Busy as a bee aren't we doctor?" Orbot dared to ask, but his query passed right over Eggman's bald head. The awe-struck assistant gaped at the sheer amount plans and designs the mad doctor was cranking out. Truthfully, he'd never seen the boss so alive at his work since Metal's reactivation.
"Yes! YES! I have the perfect plot! It's been there, boiling in the back of my ingenious, stupendous, criminal brain! I just needed a good smack of inspiration! And now! Yes, and now Sonic will be the first victim of my terrifying scheme! OOOOH! Ho-ho-ho-ho!" Eggman squealed and roared with laughter, flinging countless piles of paper across the steel floor.
Orbot didn't know whether he should throw a party, or notify the local mental health clinic. Certainly he kept data history on the term 'mad scientist', but he hadn't known, until now, how literal that term was. Clearing his 'throat' Orbot prepped for an 'ergo' speech "You took a hard fall sir. I calculate the impact was equivalent to a line-drive to your occipital lobe, ergo your memory might've been jarred, ergo you might have brain damage, ergo your plan might be delusional, ergo nothing has changed, ergo you can't defeat Sonic."
Outlined ominously by the laboratory's sickly light, Eggman flashed a smile wreathed with cruelty, but no trace of insanity "Oh I won't be defeating him… I'll have a good partner with me this time, but first I need to set up some 'conditioning' tests for my little helper."
Shaking at the master's complete lack of childish behavior, Orbot sealed his lips tight. Whatever that fall had changed, it was definitely not a likable change. It seemed only pure evil was seeping out of the master now.
"Get me my tools!" Eggman thundered "And once you're finished with that, invite our dear little prototype up here." refocusing on his work, Eggman added silently "I'd like it if she and I got more…acquainted."
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End of Chapter Twelve
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This was obviously late, so I won't bore you people with the 'why'. This may have some errors as well. Feel free to point them out.
Serenity: I did, thank you! :) This world NEEDS the blue blur. My childhood would've been pretty dull without him. Why yes, yes he did, but I need another chapter to bring him in. Metal has a tough life, but he's one strong guy. He's doesn't need a break to get by… Dang it! I rhymed, didn't I? XD
DanceDream: Haha, I'm glad :). Yes I just wanted to give her some time to herself, for some quick character expansion (inner thoughts and all that jazz). Heh, the cleaners mean no harm. They're just a bit silly that's all. It's name? Well, take a wild guess XD. As you can see, 72 isn't as dumb as he looks, but he's quite evil. Then again, he and Metal are both pretty wicked at this point. Thanks for your understanding, but I'm getting my bearings at last. Just so you know, I'll be continuing Reason on the thirteenth, if all goes well. I fear I'll stop if I stay in this suspension much longer. Hopefully I can make it in time for Christmas!
Infamousplot: This may not be as pleasing to you. No matter, I thank you still for your good criticism. P.S. I'm not AGAINST you writing me a review. I just figured if it was easier for you to pm, then it makes a doable alternative. I have nothing against your comments showing up on my story (I'm assuming I accidentally gave that impression DX).
Super Shadix 520: And wait you did have to, but I suppose you were prepared. I am glad you are still enjoying this thus far.
nintendo dsi: I'm quite glad. This chapter is not as impressive, but I hope it meets your reading pleasure.
toraneko-chan: My thanks to you. This by no means a fantastic work of mine, still if you appreciate it, then that's all that counts :).
Until next time.
