A/N:

Pen: Come out, come out, wherever you are!

Sword: *sneaks around behind Pen and jumps him* I got him! I got him!

Good! Hold him while I get the rope! And do the intro!

Sword: What? Oh, uh, hi peoples! Ugh! *hits Pen* Robotnik and all related material belong to Sega! The story and us belong to the author!

Pen: No, they do not! Let me go!

Sword: Enjoy!

Chapter 6- Vengeful Showdown

Robotnik was able to procure a moving truck and load all his important belongings in it. By the time the police arrived to ransack his house, he was long gone with his animals.

However, he did remember to set aside some of his loot in a small bag. He laid the bag on Clarissa's doorstep before turning away for good.

He scouted out a scuzzy, dilapidated store in the city that was long abandoned. It was fit to be condemned, with its bricks falling out, dust-covered windows, and the foul stench of garbage. But it would serve Robotnik's purposes well for the time being. No one would expect to find him here.

He moved his belongings inside the store's basement and cleaned out a space for the animals down there. Then he set to work rebuilding his machine. Over the next several weeks, he ordered parts from all over, tinkering with his machine's design by upgrading it with plenty of armor and weapons. He would constantly redesign and test the machine, wanting it to be perfectly capable of defeating any adversary when he next used it. Like Sonic.

In between waiting for his orders to come in and building, Robotnik further cleaned his "home" and drew up plans for new robots to help him. One was a flying robot that resembled a wasp, which he dubbed "Buzz Bomber", while another was a spiked caterpillar called "Caterkiller". He had thought that last one clever and chuckled to himself the rest of the day about it. He upgraded the Moto Bug with a better shell to protect against attacks and increased speed. "Should help you fly around," he said when finishing the new model in front of Gregory.

Others were created, each keeping with the motif of animals or bugs, like the Ball Hog or the Newtron. He made time to catch other animals as well, whether they were sick, hurt, lost, or feral. Soon, he had a decent army at his disposal, ready to be outfitted with his latest creations.

Gregory's disobedience during his last heist had caused Robotnik to alter the Moto Bug's, and every other robot's, design. While the robots would still be powered by the animals, he would program to robot to follow his commands instead of relying on the animal's free will. It did sacrifice speed, but it beat the alternative.

Yet during his first test of it with a particular green Flicky, he paused before inserting it into a Buzz Bomber. Robotnik looked at the struggling, frightened creature and was reminded of Petey, then Clarissa. He thought of how he had hurt her, destroying his friendship with the pair. Then the echoes of what Sonic and she had called him reared their upsetting heads. Monster. Killer.

He refused to be labeled as such. He would not be labeled as such. Robotnik put away the Flicky and spent the rest of the day adjusting the Buzz Bomber. When he tried to test the robot again, the Flicky put up a stronger fight. It continued to squirm when it was in its cushioned seat until small puffs of gas jetted from either side of the inner chamber. The Flicky's eyes drooped and it lulled in its seat.

Robotnik stroked its feathered head. "Sleep well," he said, shutting the case. The Flicky would now be in a deep sleep, nourished and healthy, yet all the while unaware of any crimes it would be committing. Maybe it would help balance what he had done to Petey. He hoped so.

He switched on the Buzz Bomber and it flapped its wings, emitting a low-pitched buzz. Robotnik ordered it over to him and the robot obeyed. "Now attack that target," he said, pointing at a painted block he had set up. The Buzz Bomber hovered over to the block and halted in mid-air. The tip of the its tail lit up, charging a ball of energy. When the energy was large enough, the robot flung the ball into the block, breaking it into pieces.

"Hm, slight pause for the energy build-up," Robotnik murmured, jotting down some notes. "Nothing I can do about it for now, but I should look into it." He tapped the Buzz Bomber's antennae. "Seems the radio signal is working. Good."

All the other robots were run through similar tests as he checked their functionality, weaponry, and movement. He made subtle tweaks to each one, dragging out his preparation a month longer than he wanted. But that was fine by Robotnik. It meant he would be ready just in time for the Animal Aide unveiling. However, at one point, he created robots to help him build the fighting robots.

"We'll show them what true animal prosthetics are capable of," he said. He chuckled as he worked and thought about Hughes, Dean, and all others cowering before him.

The day of the Animal Aide demonstration was cloudy, with promises of sun later on. Although nobody sensible trusted the weatherman, so they bundled up for rain. The demonstration was set to take place in the city park.

Robotnik had been pleasantly pleased when he found out the demonstration's location. The park was next to city hall and a couple of blocks from the Station Square Bank. He thought he was in prime position to kill several birds with one stone. He would hit the park, rob the bank, and then establish his new society with the heart at city hall. It would almost be too easy.

He had excavated a lot of room in the store's basement to hold his new machine. He admired its towering height as it lay on its back, ready to be deployed. There was no longer hiding his true identity from the public, not when the police knew. So he had painted the machine's covered cockpit with a likeness of his face. The rest of the machine was still a metal gray, but it would do.

Today was a monumental occasion and his created minions were nearby, waiting for their orders. Today, the name Robotnik shall be legendary. He turned to his small cot in the corner where he slept. On the cot was his grandfather's jacket. Robotnik picked it up and slipped his arms into it. Today, I will make you proud, Grandfather. You and the rest of the family.

The jacket was a rather tight fit. Robotnik had trouble zipping it up. He huffed and sucked in his stomach, barely able to close it. Note to self: get this resized, he thought, rubbing his stomach.

At least he had taken his pants into account. He had bought some new black ones for this day. They ended in boots topped with silver accents. Robotnik slipped on the pants, attaching their silver buttons near the waist to his jacket. That should help hold it. Then he slipped on his gloves, his goggles, and tinted glasses. Showtime.

He climbed in his machine and started it up. "Hm, I still haven't given this thing a name yet." He glanced out the cockpit, looking at his other robots. None of their thematic names seemed to match the weight that his machine held. "Maybe the Botnik Bot? No, too silly."

His eyes were drawn to the rebuilt Moto Bug. "How about the Botnik-mobile? No, it doesn't sound right." He continued to stare at it as the machine started up. "The news has continued to call me the Eggman," he said, rubbing his chin. He still hated the name, but if that's who they were expecting, then perhaps the Eggmobile? "The Eggmobile," he said aloud, testing the word.

It did not quite fit. Maybe the escape pod could be called the Eggmobile. But this could be the Eggmobile with added accessories. He looked over the side and nodded. Yes, that would do for now. It certainly did fit the occasion.

The console controls lit up his grin. "Yes, the Eggmobile." He pressed a button and the machine stood up, breaking through the floor of the store. He jumped through the store's roof and landed on the street.

"Jumping is okay," he said. His machine topped the two-story stores lining the streets. Beneath him were people gawking at him like miniature toys.

Robotnik turned to the people below and stepped forward. Then he turned on the Eggmobile's microphone and adjusted it for everyone to hear. "I am Doctor Robotnik, whom you people call 'The Eggman'. I am here to right the wrongs of the world, starting with this city."

They continued to watch him, unsure what to make of the monstrosity. "I suppose a demonstration is in order," he said. Robotnik raised one of the Eggmobile's fists to a building. The fist popped out, crashing into the building and leaving a large hole. Then the fist retracted on a thick pole into its socket. Inside the building, people were backed up to the other side of the wall.

He flipped his microphone back to the channel for his army waiting below. "Robots, move out." There was a great rumble like hundreds of cars were underground. Then the robot army poured out of the store's hole, swarming as upset ants would against a predator.

Immediately, the people on the streets fled for their lives, screaming at the top of their lungs. The robots largely ignored them and accompanied Robotnik as he lumbered down the street. He had traded mobile speed for height and holding weapons. He did not like it, so he had installed boosters in his legs.

He deployed the boosters, which flipped out of compartments behind his shins. They powered up and drove him forward at top speed. He barreled down the street with the whooshing sound of a jet crossed with an off the rails locomotive. His feet tore into the asphalt, kicking it up in front of him like a wave.

As he neared the park with his army, he was amused to already find a small police blockade. He stopped in front of the officers, who stood looking at him, baffled as to what to do. Finally, someone in the blockade raised a megaphone and said, "Shut off your machine and come out with your hands up."

Robotnik nearly laughed. But he humored them and crouched with his hands raised. A few of the cops approached him. When they were close, he jumped into the air and landed on one of the squad cars.

"Open fire!" someone shouted. The police fired on the Eggmobile. But their bullets did little more than graze its surface.

"Stay back, boys," Robotnik said to his army. "I'll handle this." He activated a section on the console. A large, square hatch on the Eggmobile's chest opened up and bouncing, gray orbs tumbled out. They exploded softly in the middle of the blockade, covering the area in a putrid-yellow gas. One by one, the officers were knocked out until the blockade was clear.

"Pleasant dreams," Robotnik said. Then he marched forward, stepping on the rest of the cars.

Within minutes, the park was in sight. The demonstration was already underway, with a packed audience gathered to watch. Dean and Hughes were on a constructed stage, displaying the different functions and applications of the Animal Aide as Tindell sat behind them. There was an assortment of injured animals on the stage. Robotnik was momentarily distracted by the animals with an old yearning to run down there and help them. But he had a job to do and couldn't afford to be stopped by anything.

Soon, he was standing over the demonstration. The audience looked at him, then the robots scuttling to them, and ran. Dean and Hughes tried to escape, but Robotnik dropped a bomb in front of them. This one exploded with a mighty blast, leaving a small crater in the ground.

"Leaving so soon?" Robotnik asked. "But I came all this way to see you. Even wore my best outfit."

"Ivo?" Dean said.

"Ivo?" Hughes asked. He concentrated his brows tightly. His mouth opened into an O. "Ivo Robotnik? W-What do you want?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Robotnik saw Tindell quietly sneaking off. He grabbed the old man and dropped him with the other two. "I just want compensation. The Animal Aide was my idea after all."

"What are you talking about?" Hughes said. He jerked his head at Dean. "Our people came up with it."

"Don't you dare lie to me!" Robotnik shoved his painted face into their frightened ones. His compartment opened, another bomb at the ready. "I know what I built." His hands slowly surrounded them. "I know what you did."

"Okay, okay," Hughes said, gulping. His eyes flicked back and forth between the massive hands and the bomb. "You're right. It was your invention. I'm sorry. We're sorry, aren't we?" He nodded his head emphatically to Dean and Tindell. They joined him and did their best to appear remorseful. "Let's talk about it. Try to work out some kind of deal. Perhaps we can reach an amount to pay?"

Robotnik leaned back and his compartment closed. The trio clutched their chests, slumping into relaxed poses. "That is very good of you. Very good. And it's a start." He picked up the three. "I'll collect the check later. First, I have to make a withdrawal. Then I'm going to expose you three for the scheming, thieving worms you really are when we visit the mayor!" A small slot opened on his shoulder and he dumped the three men inside. "Hold on tight. This can be quite bumpy."

"So can falling." A sudden force collided into Robotnik's back, knocking him forward a few steps. Behind him was Sonic, standing in the middle of the park. Police were surrounding the park, but Robotnik's army was keeping them from getting too close.

"Ah, I was wondering when you would show up," Robotnik said. "I think you'll find this time you're outnumbered." He spread his hand out over his army. A group of robots were approaching Sonic, cutting off any escape. "You may as well give up now, hedgehog."

Sonic rubbed his nose and grinned. "Sorry, but I don't know the meaning of the phrase."

"Then let me explain it to you," Robotnik said, lifting his giant foot. "One!" He tried to step on Sonic, shaking the ground. But the hedgehog was jumping into the trees. "Syllable!" Robotnik swung at the tree, his arm shooting through the trunk. He missed his target, only shattering the trunk. Sonic continued jumping around, dodging the blows. "At! A! Time!"

Robotnik bent over too much, allowing Sonic to kick him in the head. He reeled back, but balanced himself. "Thanks for the English lesson," Sonic said. Then his face darkened and he stood with clenched fists. "Now I'll offer you this chance only once. Leave the city alone for good."

Robotnik laughed. "Not on your life. I'm not going to let this city continue its unfair ways. Not that a lauded 'hero' like you would know." He nodded at his robots that had encircled Sonic. "Hold him down."

Sonic leapt over one of the Moto Bugs, landing on the head of a Buzz Bomber. The robot collapsed under the weight and Sonic curled into a ball, building up speed. He smashed through several robots, breaking them apart. The animals inside woke up and began making noise. Sonic scooped them up and carried them away from the battle before returning for more.

The hedgehog was too fast to keep up with. Robotnik deployed several bombs in a circle around him, expelling their gas. Sonic avoided the gas, whirling around it to make it dissipate. Robotnik expelled the bombs faster, covering the area below. Soon, Sonic slowed down enough for a Caterkiller to catch him with its barbs. Sonic fell over and laid on the ground, coughing hard.

At once, Moto Bugs held their sharp arms to his throat and Buzz Bombers were poised to launch their energy balls at Sonic if he moved. Robotnik grinned and raised his foot. "It's too bad you won't see the better world I'll create. Goodbye, Sonic the Hedgehog!"

Something smacked against his cockpit. Robotnik looked up and saw a flock of Flickys from the group Sonic had saved attacking him. He waved them away. "Shoo, you pests! I'm on your side!" They continued to fly around his head, blocking his view.

He swatted wildly at the birds, finally driving them off. When he did, he saw that Sonic was up and had destroyed more of his robots. In fact, a good third of his army now lay in broken pieces before him. The police were closing in with each destroyed robot and he could hardly keep up with Sonic.

"Get him, you idiots!" he shouted at his robots. But the robots were too slow, even in their combined might. Sonic easily dodged swipes, energy balls, and stabbing lunges from all sides. He smashed through robot shells, emerging from each of the cases with a tiny animal in hand.

After carrying several animals to safety, Sonic raced up Robotnik's leg, running for the head. Robotnik smacked his body, narrowly missing the hedgehog. When Sonic reached the top, he jumped off. Robotnik clapped his hands, trying to catch him in between. But Sonic rushed forward in a ball, escaping the hands. He crashed into Robotnik's cockpit, knocking the doctor back onto one leg.

Before Robotnik could regain his balance, another hit to the torso toppled him. He fell into the corner of a building and collapsed on the street. Warning lights from all angles of the cockpit lit up. Robotnik ignored them, rubbing his aching head. He refused to give up. Not here, not now. Not to some blue rodent!

He roared and grabbed onto the side of another building. He tore a section out of it as he used it to help him stand. Then he zoomed forward with his boosters toward Sonic and unleashed his bombs. Explosion after explosion rocked the park. Trees, grass, and robot parts flew into the air, blocking his vision. But he would destroy the hedgehog if he had to blow up the entire park.

Sonic appeared from the mass of destruction in front of him. Robotnik aimed for him and followed close behind. Sonic led him in circles around the park, never straying into the streets or other sections of the city.

Gunfire struck Robotnik's backside. He growled and briefly turned to the police, shooting his arm at them. But Sonic sliced through the cable and the arm fell off. Robotnik and abandoned the police. To him, their presence was insignificant. Sonic was the true threat.

He was running low on bombs and yet Sonic was still running as fast. He had depleted his boost and was losing his quarry. Robotnik stopped and ran sideways to cut Sonic off. He missed and Sonic dashed past him.

As Robotnik turned, his leg shook several times and buckled beneath him. He checked his console. The display of his Eggmobile said the leg was missing. "Missing? What do you mean 'missing'?!"

He hopped on one leg and looked down. There was his leg, cut off at the knee with wires sticking out and crackling with electricity. Sonic had managed to cut through it. But how?

Robotnik soon had his answer. Sonic rushed at the Eggmobile with blinding speed. He was curled up into a ball, but appeared nearly flattened. His fast spinning had turned his quills into a makeshift buzzsaw that sliced deep into the other leg at the foot. Robotnik toppled sideways, his foot snapping off. He was left to hobble on his two stumps, barely holding himself up.

"Give it up," Sonic said, landing on the ground. "You lost."

This hedgehog had bested him. This hedgehog had kept him from what he deserved, lording over his broken machine in the middle of a destroyed, burning park. It was not fair. He couldn't give up. He wouldn't give up and let this continue. "Curse you! Curse you all!" His compartment opened and the last of his bombs flung through the air. "Curse you, Sonic the Hedgehog!"

The explosions were deafening. Dirt was kicked up all over, obscuring his vision. Everything was fire and debris, with no sign of his army, the police, or Sonic in sight.

When the dust settled and the last of his bombs had been spent, Robotnik looked out over the park. The landscape was little more than several craters culminating into one deep dip. On the sidelines were the police, all training their guns on him. Most of his robots had been destroyed, the animal occupants safe and sound elsewhere.

A few robots roamed aimlessly around. One was a Caterkiller with its head smashed open. Inside was Tesla, meowing for help. Another robot held Copernicus, who barely lifted his head.

But the one that caught Robotnik's eye and gripped his heart with fear was the Moto Bug nearby. Inside was Gregory, who was no longer moving.

"Gregory!" Robotnik pulled himself over to him. He carefully scooped the hedgehog out. "Gregory, can you hear me?"

"Give up and we'll get him some help," Sonic said, dashing up to him.

Robotnik swiped at Sonic and growled. "Get away from me! I'll never give up!" He put Gregory in his cockpit, quickly grabbed Tesla and Copernicus, and detached his cockpit. "This isn't over! I will be back!"

"Oh, no, you don't!" Sonic leaped into the air and hit the bottom of the flying cockpit. It shuddered, its engines faltering for a moment. But Robotnik held the machine together and he zipped away into the sky. Meanwhile, the police and Sonic assisted Hughes, Dean, and Tindell out of the Eggmobile.

Across the sea on the edge of Station Square, Robotnik found a secluded island. It housed an abandoned research station that consisted of one small, grey building. He landed his cockpit, rushed inside with Gregory in his arms, and found a medical room. Within minutes, he had the hedgehog lying on a small table, hooked up to an EKG machine and had administered all the proper medication he could find lying around. Now it was a waiting game.

Shaking his head, Robotnik slumped in a chair. Tesla coiled an affectionate tail around his leg. How could this have happened? How could everything have gone so wrong? All the work he had put in, all the long hours gone in the blink of an eye. His vengeance ruined, the world unchanged, his own life worse than ever. Robotnik felt like he was at the bottom.

Perhaps he should give up his current path. It had nearly cost him Gregory and others. His actions could have killed them.

No, not mine. Robotnik scowled. Sonic did this. Sonic and the city that backs him. They were the cause of all his suffering. He could not bow out now, not when they had hurt him deeply. No, now, more than ever, Robotnik had to be strong in his resolve and continue until he won.

The EKG's beeping picked up in intensity. Robotnik raised his head and ran to the table. Gregory's eyes were open in tiny slits. "Hey there," Robotnik said, rubbing the hedgehog's belly. "Good to see you're doing alright." Seeing that he was alright strengthened Robotnik's drive to continue forward.

Gregory tried to roll over, but Robotnik set him back in his place. "Rest for now. We have a lot of work ahead of us. We will have our revenge and they'll regret the day they crossed me."

A/N: Well, we managed to do it.

Sword: No thanks to him.

Pen: *sits in the corner, tied up and gagged* Mmmf!

Sword: Yeah, yeah.

We hope you enjoyed it. Please, let us know what you think.

Sword: *grins evily* Hey, Pen! En garde!

Pen: Mmf! Mff!