As they finished, Shadow entered the room. Metal Sonic and Finitevus looked over to him as he made his way towards them.
"Shadow, where is Doctor Magnus?" Metal Sonic asked. Finitevus stood up from his seat as Shadow come up to them.
"The doctor is busy, he's asked me to report here to see if you've found any useful information,"
"No, I did not find any information that would benefit Magnus. Tails left nothing about the android either,"
"That's unfortunate," Shadow replied.
"It seems you are anxious to get your hands on the android," Doctor Finitevus said as he wrapped himself in his cape and walked towards the door. Shadow turned around as he left.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"I'm going to go ask Sonic and his friends if they know anything about that android," He said as he headed out of the room. He went down the hall to stand in front of an elevator, when he got there he noticed that someone was coming up so he waited. When the doors opened Doctor Magnus walked out.
"Nice to see you Doctor Finitevus, where exactly are you going?" Magnus asked. Finitevus got onto the elevator.
"I'm going to have a word with Sonic and his friends. I want to learn more about this Vance character,"
"They know nothing about him, I've already asked them," Magnus said. Finitevus laughed.
"Who said I was going to ask, I find interrogation tactics to be more useful," he said with a smile. Magnus nodded.
"Fine do what you will, tell me anything you learn,"
"As you wish Doctor," Finitevus said. He pressed a button on the elevator and the doors closed, taking him down to the prisoner's chambers. When he arrived in the room, he walked towards the center and raised his hands. Chaos energy hit the floor in a circular motion that slowly raised a pod from the ground. He then opened the pod. A few moments later Shadow stepped out.
"Two visits in one day? Seems like Vance has shaken the Doctor," Shadow said. Finitevus smiled.
"Yes it would appear to be that way, however I have recently come across something that could change things," he said. Shadow yawned.
"So how do you plan on ruining this planet further?" he asked. Finitevus pulled the PDA from his belt and showed it to Shadow.
"This device belonged to Tails, Metal Sonic discovered it when he searched Tails lab. I find odd that in his current situation, he would be so careless as to leave this behind,"
"What's your point, don't tell me you disturbed me only to tell me you're worried about Tails. Didn't think you cared," Shadow said.
"Even in your state you've managed to retain you annoying attitude. No Shadow, I am telling you this because I don't like Magnus as much as you do. I'm telling you I think Tails managed to sneak a plan to Metal Sonic, knowing Metal Sonic would pick it up and he filled it with information about the Metal Sonic's of past,"
"I see, because past Metal Sonic's went bad after given the free will algorithm," Shadow said. Finitevus nodded.
"Metal Sonic came to me with this, which makes me assume that he wants to learn about his past models. Magnus made him weaker than the Shadow clone for a reason. Magnus is no fool, he too knows Metal Sonic's tendency for betrayal. With the Shadow Clone its different, he completely controls the clone, because it doesn't benefit from free will,"
"Metal Sonic however was programmed to only fighting the likes of Sonic. But the free will allows him to change his fighting tactics,"
"Correct Shadow, I think Metal Sonic should be exposed to this information, Tails is relying on Metal Sonic to follow in previous mistakes that the other Metal Sonic's made. He wants Metal Sonic to turn him against Magnus,"
"This seems like a solid plan, but how does Tails know he can trust you?" Shadow asked. Finitevus put the PDA back in his belt.
"I think Tails has had time to mature since everything went crazy, he knows what kind of position I'm in. Magnus is only allowing me to roam free because I have agreed to help him," Finitevus used his chaos energy on the pod and the chains holding Shadow drew him back in. "I am going to relay what I've told you to Sonic and the others. With luck Tails' project will be the key to taking down Magnus,"
"I hope your right Doctor," Shadow said as the pod closed the retracted into the floor. Doctor Finitevus walked to the large door and used chaos energy to open it. He walked into the caged room and headed for the door in front of him. He once again used chaos energy to open the door towards Sonic and the others. When Finitevus looked in he saw that they were all sleeping, except Knuckles. Finitevus smiled and walked over to Knuckles.
"Hello Knuckles, my dear friend,"
"Cut the cute talk with me Doctor, what do you want?" He said. Doctor Finitevus smile faded away.
"Well it seems as if you wish to get directly the point, I'm not sure why. It's not like you're going anywhere anytime soon," Finitevus raised his right hand. "Before I begin, I need to wake all your friends. They'll want to hear this,"
Doctor Finitevus snapped his fingers and a loud explosion of chaos energy shook the room. Everyone woke up startled for a moment before resting their eyes on Finitevus.
"Talk about a wake up doc, haven't you heard of an alarm clock?" Sonic said yawning.
"Two visits from two doctors? Today must be our lucky day," Vector said.
"Silence all of you. I have some very important information that could result in the fall of Doctor Magnus. The chaos surge I sent though the room wasn't just to wake you up, but it shut down all cameras and speakers in this room. I doubt Magnus with his arrogance will check the tapes but I'm not taking any chances," Finitevus said. Sonic nodded.
"Okay doc, what do you have that's so important?" Finitevus showed Sonic the PDA. He eyes widened for a moment.
"I see you recognize this Sonic, yes this is Tails' PDA. He purposely left after Magus and his two subordinates attacked. I've just talked to Shadow and we both think this a message sent from Tails. He allowed Metal Sonic to find it, predicting that Magnus would leave him to do the dirty work. Metal Sonic found and went through it, he has now learned about the previous Metal Sonic reconstructions. With this in his mind Tails predicted that like all the other Metal Sonics before, he would eventually betray Magnus for his own selfish gains."
"Hold on, this is all happening to quick. Can you explain this again," Rouge asked. Finitevus growled.
"No, I am running out of time. Just know that in a few days you will be freed and Magnus will fall," Finitevus said.
"Hang on, I'm following pretty well. But how do we know we can trust Shadow?" Espio asked. Finitevus nodded.
"I had forgotten. You guys are unaware that the Shadow you've been seeing is a clone. True the original did betray you, though after that Magnus betrayed him and made a clone copy of him," Sonic nodded.
"I figured something was wrong, but that's not important. Doc, I think I understand what's going on. This Vance person Magnus asked me about, that must be Tails' project. So we just need to sit tight until Tails makes his move. What will you be doing to help?" Finitevus turned around and walked to the door.
"I'll be working with Metal Sonic, I will give him the power that he thinks he needs to begin his betrayal, when he thinks he's ready I'll come free you," Finitevus opened the door and walked out. He went to the elevator and took it back up to the room he left Metal Sonic and Shadow, when he walked in, Metal Sonic alone sitting in front of a computer.
"Ah Metal Sonic, you're here. Good," Finitevus said as he sat down in a chair. "Let us have a talk,"
A few hours later Metal Sonic was in Magnus's lab working. Doctor Finitevus walked in as he finished building a part. Finitevus walked up to him to see what he was doing.
"Metal Sonic, what exactly is this?" he asked. Metal Sonic pressed a few buttons next to him and brought up a blueprint of what he was making. Finitevus looked upon it for a moment then smiled. "So you're making modifications to the Metal Sonic Troopers, do you plan on using this as your new body?"
"Yes, I will be using far more superior parts. It will also be lighter than my current body, but also tougher," Metal Sonic said as he handed a piece of it to Finitevus. He inspected it and chuckled.
"This marvelous, I see our talk has encouraged you to go with my plan," Finitevus said putting the piece down. Metal Sonic stood up.
"Yes, it did. But there's one thing I want to make clear," Metal Sonic said.
"And what would that be?" As Finitevus finished his sentence Metal Sonic grabbed him by the neck and hoisted him up in the air. Finitevus tried to free himself from Metal Sonic's grip but to no avail. He then gathered some chaos energy around his left hand but Metal Sonic grabbed his wrist and put pressure on it causing him to lose that energy.
"I am also familiar with your data files. I am aware of your desire for self-preservation. You will not betray me. I am not Dimitri, I will not run away. If you betray me I will kill you, do I make myself clear?" Finitevus continued to try to free himself, Metal Sonic became annoyed and slammed him into the ground and held him there. "Doctor, I asked you a question. If you do not answer me I will kill you right now. Doctor Magnus won't miss you much,"
Finitevus slowly nodded his head. Metal Sonic released his grip and brought Finitevus to his feet. They stared at each other for a moment. Finitevus was catching his breath as a voice came over on the intercom.
"Doctor Finitevus, make your way up to our usual location. I wish to have a word with you," said Doctor Magnus. Finitevus paused for a few more seconds before slowly walking out of the lab. Metal Sonic sat back down and continued his work. As Finitevus made his way up to Magnus he clenched his fists very tightly.
"I hope Tails knows what he's doing," he said. The elevator opened and Finitevus walked down a small corridor before coming out to a balcony where Doctor Magnus was standing. Magnus and Finitevus stood side by side as they looked out upon the polluted and destroy wasteland that was Mobius. They stood on the balcony, each looking around on the ground at into the sky. Finitevus glanced up to Magnus for a moment, waiting for him to speak. Magnus however remained silent. They had been standing there for fifteen minutes and the silence was annoying Finitevus. He let out a sigh before he spoke.
"As much as I enjoy looking at a wasteland, I would like to know why you have called me Doctor Magnus," he said. Magnus nodded slowly and turned to face Finitevus.
"You know, when I was created. Doctor Eggman was still alive, and he warned me. Not to take it easy on these Freedom Fighters. I thought capturing their leaders, destroying their world, and even letting them watch their friends fall, would demoralize them. But it has only made them resist me even more. Now, I realize what he meant by not taking it easy on them. I have allowed Tails to create a weapon of unknown power and I have allowed him to escape with it. Eggman did not live for so long by letting things like that just go unchecked," Magnus hung his head and sighed. Finitevus trying not to sound unentertained by his monologue decided to speak.
"Does this lead to a point? I am very interested in what you are planning," Magnus laughed.
"Please Finitevus, do not lie to me. I know you do not care about me or what my plans are. I know all you want is freedom from me, so I am offering you this," Magnus reached into his jacket and presented Finitevus a Warp Ring. Finitevus eyes glowed as he reached out for the ring. His hand then retreated back into his cape.
"No, I do not wish to leave," Magnus looked at Finitevus.
"Why? I am sure you'd want nothing more to return to your own projects," Finitevus laughed.
"Magnus, you have destroyed the great majority of this planet. What in the world do you think I would do with an obliterated planet? It is true I do not like you, but you leave me no other option but to remain here. I don't wish to venture to any other area if that's what you thought I would do. So for now, I am bound to this planet, to watch what you and Tails will do to end the war between each other" Magnus stood there for a moment then put the ring back into his jacket.
"I see. That's very uncharacteristic of you Finitevus. In any case, I sent about two hundred Metal Sonic Troopers about an hour ago to a location I suspect to be the where the remaining Freedom Fighters. I have received word they have found their base. I will send the orders for them to attack. In the meantime I want you to help me finish my project,"
"Why do you need my help?" Finitevus asked.
"The Metal Sonic Troopers aren't powerful enough to stop them, but with the attack they will know I know their location. They will know that the time has come to finish this game, and I will need you to help me prepare. I do not want Metal Sonic's help or the Shadow Clone. I also have a feeling Sonic's embodiment of chaos might come into play," Finitevus crossed his arm. "I know I must sound paranoid, but caution never hurt anyone,"
"Well then you have my support doctor, however I do have a question. When you destroy the rest of the Freedom Fighters, what will you do? Eggman usually kept them around for entertainment," Magnus began to walk back to the elevator.
"If my memory serves me, there is another Sonic in another universe. Scourge if I recall,"
"Yes, last I heard he was in the No Zone, in jail," Finitevus said.
"That might have been true for you years ago, but Scourge has broken out a long time ago. He came back to this universe to cause trouble but Eggman was able to get rid of him and his companion Fiona. Eggman didn't want Scourge ruining his final attack on New Mobotropolis,"
"Well if that's the case, are you thinking of conquering his universe?" Magnus stopped at the door.
"Yes, his universe is the opposite of this one. Fighting an evil Sonic should prove to be entertaining for years,"
"Yes it should," Finitevus nodded his head in agreement.
"Anyways doctor. The invitation for you to leave will be open again after you have helped me. I've done most of the work on the project I just need your powers to help me complete it," Magnus then walked into the elevator and descended back down into the Death Egg, leaving Finitevus alone. A big smile crossed Finitevus's face.
"Thanks for the invitation, but I'd love to stay here and watch your demise," Finitevus laughed as he turned and walked towards the elevator.
At the Freedom Fighters Hidden Base
Tails sat behind the computer screen while Vance and Sally were sparring in the training room. Omega was sitting in the room with Tails watching. Sally caught a punch from Vance and threw him to the ground. He slid on the floor as Sally chased after him. He flipped to his feet and raised his right hand to Sally. She stopped just as a fire ball erupted from Vance's hand. Sally leaned back as the ball went over her, when she raised back up Vance was already in her face. He grabbed her shoulders and tossed her into the air. As she went he raised his hands again and fired multiple small fireballs at her. Sally deflected each one with her blades and came crashing down in front of Vance. Before she could swing at him, Vance hopped into the air and brought his heel down on Sally's head. As he jumped back Sally retracted her blade and used her boosters to tackle Vance to the ground, just before she could land a punch Tails' voice came in over the speaker.
"Okay, guys that's enough. Take a break," Sally stood up over Vance and helped him to his feet.
"Well that was close," he said to himself as she turned around and walked back into the room with Tails NICOLE and Omega.
"Was that acceptable?" Sally asked.
"Yeah, he seems to have made great progress. I think Vance is ready take them on, we'll just have to wait until they make their move,"
"How are you so certain that Metal Sonic will take the bait?" Omega asked. Tails shrugged.
"I'm not certain, this whole plan is nothing but a theory, but it's all we've got so far,"
"What exactly is this plan?" Mecha Sally asked.
"Well as you know past Metal Sonic's have always betrayed or caused Eggman plans to go wrong when they have been given free will. My hope is the same for this Metal Sonic, I'm just adding the fuel,"
"Won't his upgrades cause a problem?" She asked.
"Nope, even though Metal Sonic was built to fight Sonic and has ability to learn new tactics. Vance is someone Metal Sonic has never fought, Vance will make quick work of him," Tails said with a smile. NICOLE stood up and walked over to Tails, she looked through the glass at Vance as he played with a ball of fire.
"Tails, how did you manage to give him the ability to use fire?" She asked.
"Well that took me years to perfect. Using a controlled flow of chaos I manage to force the energy into an energy that resembled the molecular structure of fire. However as you can see, Vance's flames do not look like actual flame, they look like Shadow's chaos energy but red. Even though on the molecular level it resembles fire, it cannot mimic the physical appearance,"
"You said you had been working on it for years?"
"Yes, I started around the time Sonic and Enerjak fought, I developed it as an idea for an upgrade to T-Pup, but I got side tracked after Sally got roboticized,"
"Incredible Tails, how did you learn how to do that?" NICOLE asked.
"I have to give credit to Shadow, he explained how he felt when using the chaos energy and I used my rough knowledge on it on Vance, and it work," Tails looked at Vance who had sat down on the floor. "Sally go check on Vance," Tails said. Sally nodded as she walked over to the door and re-entered the training room.
"Vance, Tails wants me to check on you. Are you okay?" Sally said. Vance nodded.
"Yes I am fine, just thinking," he said. Sally sat down next to him.
"Anything I can assist you with?" She asked. Vance thought for a moment.
"Yes, I want you to finish your story. I want to know the rest," Sally nodded her head.
"If I remember correctly you last question was about Omega's body. The answer is simple. I built him a new one, though it was after the final attack on New Mobotropolis. Eventually we captured Sonic, Knuckles, Vector, Espio, Mighty, and Amy Rose. Eggman locked up everyone except Sonic, he wasted no time in roboticizing Sonic. Once he'd gotten Mecha Sonic he felt as if he had everything won, he wanted to wait to destroy New Mobotropolis, so he allowed them to try to save Sonic. All that came were quickly captured and hauled off to cages that Eggman kept in the very bottom of the Death Egg,"
"What would have been their plan if they even rescued Sonic?"
"From what I've learned, Sonic's Uncle Chuck and Rotor and created a de-roboticizer,"
"That's not what I meant. Sonic was roboticized. Wouldn't he have attacked anyone who trying to get close to him?"
"I see, I'm not sure what they we're thinking but in the event that they did capture Sonic. I strongly believe Eggman would have instructed Sonic to kill them," There was a short pause before Sally spoke again, "Anyways, I'll get back to the story,"
"Okay, sorry for sidetracking you,"
"When Eggman grew tired of their attempts he decided it was finally time to move in on New Mobotropolis," Vance held up a hand.
"Hold on Sally you skipped the whole Shadow clone business, why did Eggman create a clone of Shadow?"
"Oh, I apologize. I got ahead of myself," Sally crossed her arms as she talked. "After Sonic was roboticized, Eggman saw no further use for Shadow and thought he would be a problem later on. So he imprisoned him along with the rest of the New Mobotropolis victims. He built a replica android of Shadow. He programmed it with attitude and emotion. Just to trick the Freedom Fighters. Once that was done he decided to give the Freedom Fighters one more week until we attacked,"
"Eggman seemed a lot more confident then he usually was,"
"Yes, he was very self-assured that he would finally win. With most of the Freedom Fighters strongest members out of the way he felt he could easily take the rest,"
"So what happened during the week, I'm assuming it wasn't a quiet week," Vance said.
"Correct, the week wasn't very quiet. Eggman after a few days got bored. This was when Snivley decided to pitch the idea of reprogramming me with the free will algorithm. At first the doctor was against it, but I explained to him that giving me free will would lessen out chances of failure,"
"And Eggman agreed with you?" Vance asked. Sally nodded.
"Yes, I was a useful source of information and strategy. I hadn't lead Eggman wrong so he figured if I was backing Snivley up that it was a good idea. This however was indeed a mistake. Are you familiar with the battle between Metal Sonic and Shard?"
"Yes, my data says that during the battle Metal Sonic's free will algorithm allowed him to utilize all his memories in order to effectively fight against Shard. With the free will he was able to stop past tactics from working on him and remove any advantages Shard would have had,"
"Yes, well when Eggman installed it to me. He didn't think to remove my memories as a Freedom Fighter. When the free will algorithm was programmed my personality changed from a slave. I became aware what was going on around me and what happened to me before I became roboticized. Though at the time I still didn't have any feelings against what we we're about to do," Sally stopped for a moment as Vance processed what he was being told. He stood up and crossed his arms.
"So what did you do once you had free will? It seems like you would have tried to formulate a plan with the Freedom Fighters," Vance said. Sally got to her feet as well.
"Yes I did want to get a plan together, but I had no reason to leave the Death Egg. So suddenly disappearing would have raised Eggman's suspicions. Instead I started a plan with Tails during the assault,"
"How did you manage to pull that off?" Vance asked.
"I think it would be better if I showed you rather then explain all this," she said as she walked to the door of the training room.
"Where are you going?" he asked. She opened the door and went into the room. Tails, Omega and NICOLE has left the room while she was telling the story. Sally stood near the computer that controlled the training room. She sat down and plugged herself into it.
"I have video of the attack on New Mobotropolis. Eggman decided to build a lot of Camera Bots to record it, I suppose he wanted to watch his victory in his spare time," Sally said. A moment later a projection appeared on the wall behind Vance. He turned around and looked at the projection. It began at a pair of shoes, as the camera raised up Dr. Eggman face soon became visible.