A/N: Time for chapter 22. Last time, the heroes took custody of Eggman and managed to thwart the Dominion from trying to take over the city, for now. But, as I stated last chapter, things will get serious. And I'm gonna enjoy writing this one.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Sega and Archie except my OC.
The days after the Dominion's first real defeat had been a little hectic. The Iron King single-handedly attacked Fort Acorn, a fortress just outside of Robotropolis. The fort was built to protect the dome containing the radiation inside the bombed-out city. This dome converted the toxic waste into a usable source, which served as a major power supply for New Mobotropolis via land lines. The Iron King hoped to destroy both to cause major energy problems to the city. However, Sonic and Ken managed to trick the ox into destroying a non-important conduit, leaving the dome intact.
Despite this, much of Fort Acorn was in shambles. The forces there under the command of Tails' Father, Amadeus, along with the general himself suffered heavy damage to their ranks and sustained various injuries. For the time being, they were relocated to the city until the fort could be prepared. But this wasn't the only occurance happening with the heroes.
Long story short, Kor got tons of flak from the Council and a few others about how lethal his new project was. Despite his claims, it was considered "too dangerous to use and an unnecessary asset", as the Council put it. But the engineer wasn't about to give in, especially since he put too much time into making it. In his defense, he countered that it would be used against future threats, also adding that there may be more enemies out there willing to take over Eggman's place if the Iron Dominion was anything to go by. Also, in the event the heroes might be overwelmed it could effectively turn the tide. The Council took this into consideration and decided to allow Kor to continue with his project, but he would need to make some adjustments to it. Also, someone was entrusted to watch over him so he didn't deviate from their deal.
-King Fredrick Airbase-
"I really, really hate this deal guys..." Kor said bitterly as he drew over his blueprint of the turret.
"You've said that 15 times now. Although I know you had good intentions, didn't you think 40mm guns was a bit...excessive?" Rotor said, studying the turret.
"I was thinking more of it being a tad bit overkill." Tails said. The young fox was working on his plane, the Tornado. However, unlike the one he and Sonic used before, Tails built this one entirely by himself.
"Yes and yes...but I believed it would be necessary. Just about anyone would run in fear if they saw these big guns, wouldn't even have to fire a shot. But I also wanted it to be an anti-air sentry as well..." The red fox said.
"Well Kor, at least you still get to do some home decor for your sentry." Sonic said.
"Hah hah...not the way I wanted it to be..."
"Aw chin up man. At least the Council let you continue to work on it. They could've easily shut it down." Sonic pointed out. Kor just frowned at him.
Sonic sweatdropped. "Ok not the best choice of words, but look at it this way: you could use the time to make improvements to it. Just try not to overdo it."
"I guess..." The engineer sighed as he continued to scribble. "Hmm...how does 25 sound?"
Rotor tapped his chin in thought. "Decreased size improves muzzle velocity while still being viable to damage aircraft...sounds good enough."
"Good, cause I wasn't planning on going any lower." Kor stated with a smirk.
As the two tech-wizards started remodelling thee sentry, Sonic strung up a conversation with his best friend. "Isn't that the same Tornado we used to find Knuckles when he became Enerjak?"
"It looks like it right? In reality, this one was built entirely by myself!" The fox smiled with pride.
"All by yourself?" Sonic asked, to which Tails nodded. "That's very impressive little bro, but what happened to the one Nicole built?"
"Oh, she just recycled the nanites."
"Heh, thought she might..." Sonic said, his mind going elsewhere.
"You ok Sonic? You look alittle distant..." Tails asked the blue hero.
"Yeah, just thinking about Sally."
"You and Aunt Sally seem to be growing closer than before. Isn't that a good thing?"
"Well, we were, but not so much right now..." Sonic told him. "Care to explain?" The kit asked.
While they were talking about Sonic and Sally's relationship, Kor and Rotor finished rebuilding the turret. It was in its level 3 phase, sporting 4 25mm bofors with a 4 tubed rocket battery that pops up from the main housing. "She's a beaut ain't she Rot?"
"Fully agree Kor, fully agree. So how does it function by the way?"
"It has a small electric generator that drives the computer and most of its functions. However, as of late I added something else to it." Kor stated. He opened up the sentry's main housing and revealing a power ring attached to the generator. "A ring huh? It's nice, but what is it used for?" Rotor asked.
"Well, since Ken was influenced by the Queen due to him having a cybernetic brain, it turns out he can resist her with a power ring head-band he uses as his crown. So, based on that, I figured it might work for my machines as well. I mean let's face it, who wants to have this thing pointed at them?" Kor gestured to the turret.
"I see your point. Hopefully, it does work. If not..." Rotor paused.
"Well, if it comes to that, I got a fail-safe that'll destroy it with the press of a button. However...I have yet to put some rings into the hornet. Being as big as it is, it'll need a few..." Kor explained.
"Well, you should have plenty of time to do that. At least the Dominion isn't staging another attack."
Right at that moment, both conversations were interrupted by an alarm sounding throughout the city. "What's going on now?" Sonic said to himself.
"Those are the enemy proximity alert alarms..." Kor said. Nicole partialy formed in front of the group. "Nicole? What's happening?"
"It's the Iron Dominion! They've amassed all of their forces outside the city. It seems they're staging a full-scale invasion!"
"They sure seem pretty confident if they aren't trying to hide..." Rotor said thoughtfully.
"Did you tell Sally and Ken about this?" Sonic asked.
"Already did. I'm also raising the shield..." Nicole stated.
Kor groaned in annoyance. "I'm getting sick of these guys...I'll see you guys later. I'm going up to the wall."
"What do you plan to do?" Rotor asked as the others looked on. "I'm gonna give them a 'warm welcome'..." The fox said, strapping his black steampunk-like goggles to his head, then grabbing his wrench and PDA.
-Outside the City-
The main force of the Iron Dominion, comprised of the Dark Egg Legion and Yagyu Ninjas, line the wall surrounding the city, eager to break and cause harm to those inside. Snively helps the Regina out of her egg mobile, though Jun shows disgust at this. "I'd watch how you treat him Regina. It is insulting to have our subordinates being too familiar with their leaders..."
"Relax Jun. Snively knows his place." Regina said. "Apparently you have yet to learn yours Iron Queen." Nicole suddenly spoke.
She projected herself outside the city in front of all her enemies. "You may have had us on the defensive for awhile now, but incase you forgot, our walls and shield are practically impenetrable. I suggest you vacate the area or we WILL use force..." She said.
"As Nicole stated, y'all have been gettin' on my nerves all week..." Kor spoke from atop the wall. "And to enforce her point..." The engineer pressed a button on his PDA. Immediately, 3 sections of the wall opened up to reveal the hidden sentries stowed inside of them. Machine guns and rocket launchers faced the Dominion, already unnerving some of the soldiers. "So, what will it be Iron Dominion? Either leave now, or become a red mist pasted into the ground." Kor said with a smirk.
While some of thier forces considered retreating, Regina could only laugh. "Hah! If you think your little toys will be of any use, you are sadly mistaken. Did you forget that I am a masterful technomage? I can exert my will over anything that has an electrical pulse, be it machine or...your friend here." She boasted with a grin.
Nicole and Kor soon realized what that meant. "Wait. You don't mean...ah hell! Nicole you need to leave now!" Kor shouted.
Before any of them could react, Regina's staff glowed as she began to exert her will over the A.I. Nicole screamed in terror as she felt herself changing for the worse. "What's...what's happening?!"
"Foolish girl, I'm merely exerting my will over yours. You're under my control now!" The Iron Queen boasted.
Nicole screamed as she fell under the Queen's control, resulting in her form being reconfigured. Kor could only watch in horror as this happened. When it was finished, Nicole was now wearing a black and purple dress similar to the one she always wore, but she now had a large red belt around her midsection, purple gloves, and her hair was now tied in a bun. To top is all off, she showed little emotion on her face. All that was left was a stone cold stare. "Iron Nicole is online, your majesty. Awaiting your command."
"Excellent! Be a dear and open up the city for us. Oh, and get rid of that rat on the wall for opposing us." Regina said, casting a glance towards Kor.
The shield around the city dissapated, and Iron Nicole turned one of the sentries closest to Kor towards him. The engineer's shock was then replaced with rage. "You won't get away with this Iron Queen! I swear on my mother I'll get you for this!" Kor yelled.
"Such thoughtful last words. However, if you survive, you'll make a nice addition to the legion." Snively said. The rocket battery fired at him, blasting the fox from his position and into a nearby tree. Although he wasn't dead, pain wrapped his body like a boa constrictor. "I was afraid of this happenin'..." The engineer coughed.
He looked up and saw the Dark Legion and Yagyu ninjas entering the city. Then, next thing he knew, he was swept away by a gust of wind. That wind, was Sonic. "You ok buddy?"
"Barely..."
"What happened?" Tails said, flying above them.
"Queen...took control of Nicole...the whole city's comprimised..."
"Great...let's get you to a doctor while we try to fight them off." Sonic said.
However, Kor shook his head. "No...just bring me to my personal hangar...got a dispenser always runnin'..."
"Alright Kor, if you say so..." The hedgehog said before the 3 went to the airbase.
However, half way there, a large iron dome suddenly closes above the city. All is dark until spotlights activate from the very top. Suddenly, they hear Iron Nicole's voice through the PA system. "Attention citizens of New Mobotropolis. For continuing to defy the Queen's rule, you are all under arrest. Any resistance will be met with severe punishment."
At this point, everyone in the city begins to panic. Citizens are shuffling everyone like ants driven into a frenzy. The heroes attempt to calm them but to no avail. With Kor still injured, Sonic can't focus on two things at once. "Tails! Take Kor to the airfield! I'm gonna find Sally in this mess!"
The fox nods before taking the engineer from his brother. Sonic rushes through the crowd and finds Sally along with Bunnie, Antoine, and Vector. Ken arrives at the same time he does. "I tried to get into the castle but everything has been sealed shut." The monkey claimed. Suddenly, the group is attacked by legionnaires and ninjas.
"Got any plans Sal? A little hard to fight in this blinding light!" Sonic said as he strikes down a legionnaire.
Tails suddenly flies in and attacks a Yagyu ninja. "Kor is safe. He's healing himself right now. Any ideas?"
"Our main issue here is that we lack any kind of control. With everyone in a panic and our enemies everywhere...maybe if we can free Nicole from the Iron Queen, she should be able to regain control of the city!" Sally said.
"Sounds like a plan. Question is: how? How are we supposed to free an A.I.?" Ken asked. He is momentarily assaulted by a ninja, who is promptly batted away.
"We should be able to access the city's mainframe from Freedom H.Q." Tails suggested.
"Sounds like a plan. Now lets get out of here before-" Sonic is cut off as the Iron King smahes the ground between the group, scattering them. "This guy must've taken classes on bad timing..." The hedgehog muttered.
Jun mocks Sally, who was dazed on the ground. "Spare yourself further embarrassment princess, and bow to your king!"
Sally only glares at the ox. "I wouldn't bow to Eggman, so what makes you think I will to you?"
"On that note, why don't you take a knee yourself?!" Ken says as he attacks the Iron King. Enraged, Jun swings his massive hammer at the monkey, who dodges and counters. "You 3 go! I'll keep him busy!"
"You sure you can handle this Ken?" Sonic asks.
"As much as I entrust you'll keep the princess safe." The cyborg replied. Sonic pauses for a moment before nodding. "Alright, good luck man."
Elsewhere, Vector and Mighty were evacuating as many citizens as they could through a warp ring to Angel Island. Bunnie and Antoine were covering them. Although Antoine insisted she should leave due to the Queen, Bunnie refused to leave her husband's side. Vector asked if they were sure they wanted to stay behind, to which they agreed. However, before the married couple could re-engage their foes, they're suddenly grabbed by the ground itself. "Despite the warning I have given you, you refuse to cooperate. You have forced me to take matters into my own hands..." Iron Nicole stated.
All around the city, people are now being grabbed by anything composed of nanites, which is pretty much the entire city. Trees, buildings, the ground, even parts of the wall were reforming into giant hands and catching anyone in reach. As Sonic, Tails, and Sally reach the airfield, Sonic runs into Kor's hangar. "Dude! Come on! We're getting out of here!"
"Just a sec Sonic! I'm packin' anything I can so these jerks don't get their paws on it!" Kor yelled. He was fully healed, his scratches having healed though there was a noticable scar on his side. Kor packed his new turret and dispenser into a toolbox before leading Hornet outside to take off.
The others get on the Tornado as Tails starts it up. "Hurry Tails! She'll notice us any second!" Sally yelled.
"Trying!" The kit yelled back.
The plane started up and rolled down the runway, only for the runway itself to grab it. Another nanite hand tries to grab Hornet as it takes off but it fires its main cannon to destroy it. Sonic leaps off the plane, spin-dashing through the nanite hand holding the plane, then rebounds off another that attempted to capture him. He lands back on the wing as the aircraft takes to the air.
"Nice moves Sonic, but now we need to find a way out of here..." Sally said, looking at the dome for any opening.
"If we can't find one we'll just make one!" Kor stated, following them on the gunship's head. Ken then catches up to the group on his magic cloud.
"What happened to the Iron Dork?" Sonic asked.
"I believe her name was Amy?"
"Ah, I see." Sonic said in amusement.
"I don't see any other way...Kor! Make an opening!" Sally yelled.
The engineer nods and taps the drone. Hornet unloads a missile into the side of the dome, creating a large enough hole for it and the Tornado to fly through. They make it out just before the newly-made entrance closes.
Everyone stares back at the place they once called home. None of them expected the city to fall so easily. None of them even considered Nicole to be susceptable to the Queen's magic. They had never felt so humiliated and embarrassed, particularly Kor.
Ken notices and floats near the drone. "You ok?"
"Do I look ok? I got shot at by my best friend, we've been evicted from our home, and all of our friends are probably being held hostage right now...me and Nicole spent months making that city to what it was today...after I installed those sentry batteries, and with Nicole providing the shield, I thought we had a safe city, a place all of us could feel protected...but despite all that, it fell in minutes! I've built sentry nests that lasts for hours longer than what just happened back there!..." The engineer said through gritted teeth.
"I should've just opened fire on them all...why did we even think to give them a chance to run? They'd just come back...yeah there would've been TONS of bodies piled up but at least we would have kept our home...and Nicole wouldn't be under the control of that fucking bitch..." Kor said the last part bitterly.
The others look sullenly at him before Sally speaks out. "Kor, we'll find a way to break her free of the Queen's control. I promise you on that. Once we do, we'll figure out a way to get our city back. First, we need to get to Freedom HQ. Hopefully there will be something there that could allow us to reach her..."
"I hope your right Sally. I really hope...if this plan fails, we've lost completely..." Kor stated, staring at the ground passing below them.
A/N: And that wraps up this chapter. Really enjoyed writing this one, and giving Kor abit of a BSOD moment along with a violent outburst. I'm likely to give him another one soon, but with more say, "shooting someone's brains out" fashion. Ah well, hope everyone enjoys this one.