A/N: Time for chapter 16. Last time you've read, Kor finally had his eyes fixed, and with that said and done, the Freedom Fighters can put their focus back on Eggman. However, it won't be easy, given how much time Eggman had between attacks.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Sega except my OC.
"So is there anything else about these eyes I should know?" Kor asked Nicole shortly after being discharged from the hospital. Everyone else went to the Royal Army HQ for an important meeting, except for Klaus. He had departed for Station Square.
"I added two different views that would allow you to see in darkness as well as heat signatures." Nicole stated.
"So night vision and thermal vision?" The engineer asked.
"Yes. Given your personality, I thought it might be helpful to you." The A.I. smiled. "Of course, Rotor asked me if that was a bit much, but I didn't think so."
"Well I'll tell you it can come in handy if we ever need to pull off a night mission or in fog." Kor said.
"Oh, and your lens can enlongate to allow you to see far away objects." Nicole noted.
"You sure I might need something like that?" The engineer asked. He wasn't much of a long range shooter.
Nicole just shrugged."You could double as a scout sometimes."
"True. I'm gonna go back to my house for a minute, then go meet the others to discuss our plan of attack."
"Alright. Take care Kor." Nicole said before dissapating.
-Meanwhile: Eggdome, New Megaopolis-
Snively Robotnik was sitting in his office, currently chatting with someone on a private line through his computer. Despite the loss of the crucial communications tower, the Eggdome had a system called the Egg Network that could still reach the other continents. "Ah Regina dear. How have things been going in the Dragon Kingdom?"
"The Four Houses have willingly submitted to our rule. Unfortunately I had to make an example of the Yagyu bride so they would follow without question, but at least they know their place now. Also, a certain pest has been driven out as well. How are things with your so called 'uncle'?" The woman known as 'Regina' asked.
"His past defeats have been gnawing at his psyche for awhile now. It's only a matter of time before he loses himself to his own insanity." Snively said.
Before he could press any further, Eggman called him via intercom."Colin! Come to the lab at once!"
Snively sighed. "Coming uncle...sorry deary but the fat one needs me...I'll be in touch." He said before closing the comm. line.
For those who didn't know, Regina was known as Regina Ferrum, or the Iron Queen. She was orginally a Sub-Boss in the Dragon kingdom working for Eggman, until she had the means to make her own army. She, along with the Iron King, formed a large scale force called the Iron Dominion. This group consisted of four previously warring clans that had submitted to the dominion's rule, and later helped wipe out the Freedom Fighter groups in the Dragon Kingdom. Other Freedom Fighters have yet to know about this, but the Iron Dominion will become a huge threat in the near future.
"Hmm, Uncle Robotnik hasn't called me by my birth name for a long time. He must be losing his grip faster than I anticipated...Oh well, at least Regina may be able to put her plan into action much sooner." Snively thought to himself with a grin as he walked into the lab.
"Snively! Get behind the blast shield! I need you to monitor the readings of my newest creation." Eggman said. The evil dictator himself was sitting in a large bird like contraption that closely resembled a phoenix. Snively couldn't helpbut chuckle.
"And just what is that thing supposed to be uncle? A new talking bird of yours? Maybe we should give it that saying 'Does Polly want a-'" He was cut off a large flame attack was blasted at the shield. Snively screamed as the flames licked the face of the shield, yet he could still feel the instense heat the robot's burners gave out.
"Now that you've stopped your incessant rambling, what are the readings like?" Eggman asked.
"T-there well above your expectations s-sir!"
Eggman smiled evilly. "Excellent. The Egg Phoenix is now ready..."
-New Mobotropolis: Royal Army HQ-
While Eggman was preparing his latest weapon, both the Freedom FIghters and Chaotix were discussing their battle strategy.
"Ok everyone, the day is near. Now that we don't have any more issues to deal with, it's time to take the fight back to Eggman!" Sally exclaimed, prompting the others to cheer. "However, it won't be easy. Since Scourge distracted us Eggman had time to build up some defenses, and he still has the part of the Dark Legion under his command..."
"We can handle the Legion. Although they can be formidable in numbers, with us together they shouldn't be too much trouble." Knuckles said. Although he was still upset about fighting his own kind, he knew he had no choice in the matter. Maybe Eggman's defeat would help them see the error of their ways.
"Well that's one thing, but what about those extra arms he probably has?" Sonic asked.
"Well, that's where Kor comes in." Sally said, causing Kor to raise an eyebrow. "Anything that could be deadly to us can be handled by your robot correct?"
"OH. Yeah, it should be able to handle it. Hornet can pick out targets from a distance before firing. Given that Eggman probably has some AA stashed around I'll have it take those out first." Kor said.
"You better not have it fire on the Dark Legion buddy..." Knuckles said darkly.
"Don't worry pardner. I won't have it kill them, I know how you guys are on that issue. At most I'll have it fire warning shots just to push them back." Kor said assuringly.
"Right. Once the Dark Legion is subdued, we'll push into the Eggdome and take down Eggman once and for all!" Sally finished, causing everyone else to cheer once more.
Afterwards, all of them began making necessary preparations for the mission. Sally and Sonic went to consult the Council to begin the mission, which was unanimously approved, Antoine was sharpening his sword while Bunnie was checking her cybernetics, and Tails was at his house gathering some stuff. Shortly after the Council's vote, Rotor was prepping a transportation vehicle. With the Chaotix, Mighty and Knuckles were sparring against each other, Ray was watching them, Espio was meditating, Julie-Su was chatting with Saffron and Charmy was bugging Vector with unimportant questions. Even Nicole was getting herself ready. She was going to broadcast the mission to the whole city via jumbo-trons in the city's arean through her PDA.
Kor himself headed straight for the airport to tell his Hornet the good news. He felt rather sorry for the poor thing. Ever since he and Nicole built the drone, it had seen little combat to the point its existence was called into question. Kor remembers back when the Council asked him about the robot's purpose at this point since most of the badnik army was destroyed thanks to Enerjak. However, Kor assured them it could still provide close support and even as a transport since it was big enough, but he knew the gunship wanted to shit fire at something for a long time, as it was built for. Maybe now this would be the time it could prove itself.
"Good news Killer! You finally get to shoot at something!" The robot nearly hit the ceiling as it jumped for joy. "Easy there pardner. Just gotta load up your weapons and make sure everythin's still workin' properly. I don't like the fact you had to sit in here all the time but there wasn't much use for you...til now that is." Kor grinned.
Getting more weapons wasn't an issue, as Kor made a dispenser capable of producing them well before Scourge came to town. Said dispenser was also used to maintain the sentry batteries around the city. After he finished loading the drone, he strapped on a pair of black goggles and a black glove that fit his organic hand. He then walked over to another table that he had hidden from site so no one would notice it upon entry. Sitting on it was a rocket launcher that back in its day was known as a Direct Hit. It fired rather fast rockets but lacked sufficient splash damage. You had to be within 3 feet of the rocket to feel the splash. However, since Kor had newer eyes this wouldn't be a problem.
Course, now one would wonder how an engineer would even wield a weapon like that, but Kor had asked Soldier to show him how to use it a year ago. One simple trip to the Mann Co. store was all it took to acquire one. The red fox lifted it up and mounted it on his shoulder. It was a little heavy but not too much to be unusable.
"The others are gonna flip when they see me with this, but one way or another, we're gonna end this damn war." He said before stowing it away. He then strapped on his old toolbelt before heading out.
Minutes later, the drone lifted itself into the air with Kor riding on its head. It flew to the outside wall where everyone else was waiting. "So you guys ready?!" Kor yelled over the noise.
"You bet! Let's go crack that Egghead!" Sonic said and sped off.
Most of the others rode in the large off-road vehicle that Rotor was currently driving while those who could fly soared along side it. The heroes were confident that this time, they could finally beat Eggman and bring him to justice, and no shred of doubt was found in their minds.
-Half an hour later-
The Hornet flew low over the forest to avoid being spotted by radar. Even though most of New Megaopolis was destroyed during Enerjak's rampage, the Eggdome still boasted strong defenses. Kor jumped off while Tails caught him.
"We're close to the city. I hope that drone will be ok." Tails said.
"Don't worry, it was built to take some hits. Plus, it's going to open up a path for us." Kor replied.
The gunship flew closer to the city, its radar constantly scanning for threats. It soon picked up anti-air placements and some hidden automatic guns near the Eggdome. Everyone watches as it hovers for moment, locking up the targets, before opening fire with its missiles.
The missiles strike various positions, causing others to fire at the robot itself. It dodges before getting close to fire its rockets and gun. While it's preoccupied with this, the heroes charge through the ruined city. They then notice Dark Egg Legion troops approaching.
"Freedom Fighters! Clear them out!" Sally orders.
Both sides clash, the D.E.L. firing their weapons at the Freedom Fighters yet they manage to subdue a good number of the battalion.
Lien-Da is watching the battle from her hoverpod. She grins that the heroes have stopped advancing but she's also keeping an eye on the drone blasting at the defenses. "Get the anti-air lasers ready, and shoot that nuisance down." She ordered to a few soldiers.
"Ma'am, the Freedom Fighters are pinned over that ridge." A legionnaire tells her.
"Good. If we can keep them back that'll make them think twice before-" Lien-Da lost her train of thought as she looks back on the field. To her shock, she sees that the Chaotix have flanked the attacking troops and are currently forcing them back.
"Oh great...the Chaotix were enough trouble, but with both them and the Freedom Fighters we won't stand a chance..." The cyborg says to herself. "All soldiers within the Eggdome, we need backup. Repeat: we need backup-" She gets cut off as her hoverpod suddenly explodes from under her.
Sonic uncurls feet away from her as Lien-Da lands roughly on the ground. "Sorry to cut your call short but we don't need any more trouble from you guys."
The echinda glares at the hedgehog. "You'll pay for this you blue menace!" She says, uncurling her whip before cracking it at the blue blur.
"Ow! Geez watch where you swing that! You could really hurt someone." Sonic says as he dodges more lashes from the whip.
As Lien-Da readies another strike, her whip is suddenly cut in half. "A lady such az yourself should not be handling such a tool." Antoine says, sword at the ready.
"You Freedom Fighters will get what's coming to you. Just you wait...for now I'll relent." Lien-Da says before retreating with other legionnaires while still calling for support.
"I doubt she can back up what she says. At this point she's just spouting hot air." Sonic says with a smirk. "Oui." Antoine agrees.
Elsewhere among the ruins, Sally is watching the progress of the battle when Charmy flies up to her. "Ms. Sally! All of our enemies are running away!"
"Alright. That should give us time for the next part of our plan." She then gets a call from Tails. "Hey Aunt Sally. I finished earlier than expected. What should I do now?"
"Go and meet with the others. I'll be right there." Sally told him.
Next, Kor called her. "Hey Sal. Hornet's taken a little damage but it cleaned up whatever automatic defenses were around. Also some of them legionnaires tried shooting it down but it sent them screamin'. Want me to let it continue chasin' 'em?"
"No. Let them go and fall back for now." Sally ordered.
"Alright." Kor says before ending the call. After that, Sally and Charmy head a section of the ruins where the others are waiting.
However, the Dark Egg Legion wasn't finished yet. Lien-Da has the troops surround the heroes from several positions among the ruins. "You think you've won this battle, but it isn't over yet! All troops! On my mark!" The legionnaires ready their guns. "Fire!" She exclaimes. However, just as they do, they realize none of their weapons are working. "What?! What's going on?!"
"Did you think we would let ourselves be surrounded without a plan? We've had some neutralizing mines laid out across this area, so your weapons are now ineffective. With that said, are you willing to surrender or do we need to convince you?" Sally says to Lien-Da.
Just then, a ball of fire erupts from the top of the Eggdome. "What the hell is that?..." Kor asks.
"Wish I knew Kor. Wish I knew.." Bunnie says.
The fire disappears to reveal Eggman's newest creation: The Egg Phoenix. "You know what they say Freedom Fighters?", says Eggman, who is piloting the mech, "If you can't take the heat, then get out of the kitchen!"
It dives down at everyone, sending a violent torrent of fire. This causes everyone to scatter, including the D.E.L. who is in full retreat again. "How do we stop something that big?!" Charmy screams.
The heroes try to meet together to formulate a plan, but the fire bird keeps spraying fire everywhere. The intense heat causes some of the metal in the area to begin melting.
"I know I've heard of pyrotechnics but this is ridiculous!" Sonic shouts.
"Don't worry I'll distract it. Hornet! Shoot down that flying turkey!" Kor shouts.
The gunship complies and fires a few missiles at the bird. Unfortunately, Eggman just burns the missiles down when they get close. He then sends a torrent of flame at the robot. It dodges to the side and retaliates with its main gun. As the two bots spit fire at each other, this gives the others time to formulate a plan.
"Ok so anyone got a plan? Not sure if my robot can stand getting burned..." Kor tells them.
"I'm thinking of one...that's it! Tails, do you still have some neutralizing mines left?" Sally asks the kit.
"Just a few."
"That should be enough. Now here's the plan..." Said the princess.
A few minutes pass and Eggman is growing steadily infuriated. While he managed to block the gunship's rockets and missiles, the bullets were eating into the phoenix's armor. "That blasted insect will make a nice addition to my wall..." He says before shooting another burst of flame.
This hits the drone, the heat making the paint begin to peel off and causing it to nearly overheat. The gunship then retreats, not wanting to take another attack. Smiling to himself, Eggman than focuses back on the heroes. "Where are you Freedom Nuisances?! I promise this will only hurt A LOT!" He laughs into the mic.
Suddenly, Sonic runs out into the middle of the open. "Nice fireworks Eggman, but your Egg Sparkler hasn't hit me yet!"
"Grrr! I'll show you rodent!" The doctor dives toward the hedgehog, who gets tossed up into the air by Vector, with Knuckles, Tails, and Bunnie tossing him higher.
Kor's robot then swoops in, to which Sonic grabs one of its legs and it carries him higher. At this point Eggman is following them in a straight vertical climb. "Hey Egghead! You know what happens when a plane flys in a straight climb for too long?" Sonic taunts him.
Eggman then realizes his mistake, but before he can correct it, the phoenix stalls. As it plummets to the ground, Eggman desparately tries to pull the nose up. Unfortunately for him, when he gets close enough Ray, Charmy, and Saffron plant a few neutralizing mines onto the plane, to which Tails activates them. The bird becomes completely unresponsive, causing it to make a rough landing on its belly.
An enraged Eggman floats away from the wreckage in his egg pod, just as the plane explodes. "Mark my words Sonic! You will pay for this!" He yells, retreating to the Eggdome.
Sonic regroups with the others as the Hornet lands near the group. "Chalk up another loss for ol' eggy. Nice plan Sal."
"Thanks." She smiles.
"So what do we do now? Seems to be getting late." Vector says.
"Well, given that our enemies have retreated and I doubt they'd make an attack any time soon with the mines laid, seems like a good idea to camp out for the night." Sally said.
Knuckles shrugs. "Fine by me, but I think I'll keep watch incase they try to attack us in our sleep."
"You sure you can handle something like that Knuckles?" Kor asked.
"I've guarded the Master Emerald for weeks at a time without sleep. I can handle one night shift." The guardian replied. The others gave voices of approval before going about to set up camp. Hopefully, the night would go on without any problems.
A/N: And that's chapter 16. The heroes have successfully invaded the Eggman Empire and are ever closer to defeating Eggman. Will the heroes actually prevail this time? Or will it just be another tug-o-war power struggle? Knowing that Eggman has his back to the wall, no doubt he'll do what he can to prevent his defeat.
Also, I thought of a song for the gunship when it's attacking foes and found one that would suit it well. It's called South America Action from the game Apache Air Assault. I would post the link but for some reason whenever I save it the first half of the link disappears.