The Freedom Fighters crouched behind a small partition on a narrow walkway situated high within the depths of the mine. Their hiding spot became strategically chosen. But the situation was far from easy. Swat-Bots stood guard near a towering door that led to a nearby building.
Charles broke the silence with a whispered plan. "Okay, Sally, this couldn't be any simpler. You know what this place is, right?"
Sally turned her attention to him. "The control center?" she confirmed, seeking clarification.
Charles nodded, his voice barely audible. "Exactly. Merely work your way to sneak inside with Sonic and sabotage the main power circuits. Retrieve the Chaos Emeralds that are locked away in Robotnik's deadly machine. Once you take it down, come back and join the rest of us."
Confident and ever-ready, Sonic stood up, his resolve shining through. "You got it!" he declared, his voice filled with unwavering determination.
Sally mirrored his enthusiasm, her gaze unwavering. "Okay!" she affirmed, her determination matching Sonic's.
But a sudden shift in Charles' demeanor interrupted their exchange. He held his head in pain, his expression contorted. Concerned, Sonic approached him. "Uncle Chuck, are you feeling okay?" he asked, worry lacing his voice.
Sally, too, knelt beside the elderly hedgehog, her face filled with concern. "Professor?!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine worry.
Charles reassured them, his voice strained but resolute. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Time is of the essence. But before you go..." He extended his hand, revealing the purple Chaos Emerald that had kept him under control. "Take this."
Sonic's eyes widened, his head shaking in disbelief. "What?" he stuttered, taken aback by the gesture.
Sally furrowed her brow, perplexed by the situation. "But what about you? That Chaos Emerald is the only thing preventing you from reverting to your robotized state." she inquired, her concern evident in her voice.
Charles wore an earnest expression, his plea filled with sincerity. "I know, but I possess just enough Chaos Energy to withstand Robotnik's power. Please, take it. You'll need it when facing that madman. I have faith in both of you."
Sonic and Sally exchanged glances, their unspoken agreement evident. They would address their concerns later. Sonic eagerly accepted the purple gemstone from the older hedgehog's outstretched hand without hesitation.
"Good luck and, above all, don't die," Charles urged, his gaze fixed on the two mobians as they dashed away. He then turned to Bunnie and Rotor, determination etched on his face. "Let's make our way over there and bring down that crane, kiddies."
Charles led Bunnie and Rotor through the intricate network of tunnels, making their way to the bottom of the mine. Meanwhile, Sonic and Sally dashed along the narrow walkway. Sonic took the lead, employing his signature speed and agility to divert the attention of the Swat-Bots guarding the area.
"Hey, lead-heads!" Sonic deftly hurled pebbles at one of the military Badniks, taunting them with a mischievous smirk.
The Swat-Bot, enraged by Sonic's provocation, prepared to fire its laser at the speedy hedgehog. However, before it had a chance to attack, Sally swiftly acted. She notched an arrow in her bow and released, striking the military Badnik's vulnerable spot. The Swat-Bot teetered on the edge of the walkway before ultimately toppling into the depths of the mine. As more Swat-Bots closed in on Sonic, he initiated a spin attack, each rotation knocking the military Badniks off balance and sending them hurtling into the abyss.
"Way past cool, Sal!" Sonic exclaimed, extending his hand for a celebratory high-five. However, to his surprise, Sally merely rolled her eyes and brushed past him, heading toward the door, leaving Sonic hanging. "Huh?"
But then the door inched open, and a chilling silence gripped the air, broken only by the urgent blare of Sally's alarm. Sonic's instincts kicked into overdrive, and he yanked Sally into the shadows, their bodies pressed against the cool, unforgiving wall.
As the ominous hum of machinery grew louder, the door opened further, revealing the menacing silhouette of a Swat-Bot emerging from the dimly lit corridor. Invisible to their mechanical adversary, they watched with bated breath as the Swat-Bot patrolled the path ahead, inches away from discovering them.
Suddenly, Sally's bow sprung, and an arrow sailed through the air with deadly precision, slicing through the silence.
The Swat-Bot's head jerked back as the shaft struck its target, causing it to stumble and falter. Its mechanical movements became erratic and then collapsed with a resounding thud. Relief washed over them both, and Sally let out a sigh before she lowered her bow. Sonic couldn't help but grin at her precise shot. He zipped over to the fallen Swat-Bot and retrieved the spare arrow.
The blue hedgehog extended it toward Sally with a flourish. "For you, madam."
Sally snatched the arrow out of Sonic's hand, her response curt. "Thanks," she muttered, her tone laced with an unexpected edge.
Confusion washed over Sonic as he followed Sally through the door. "Yo, Sal. What's up with you? That Swat-Butt would've been a pain if I hadn't stepped in to save you the trouble."
"We need to stay focused right now," Sally murmured as they took cover behind a sturdy column within the control center. "The stakes are high, and if we make a mistake, things could become extremely dangerous."
Though, Sonic didn't seem convinced. "Well, you're focusing on your mood after I found my way back with you guys."
"Without the other Chaos Emeralds?" Sally frowned further, looking back at him.
"Are you kidding me?" Sonic's tone turned almost stern as he grabbed Sally's shoulder, not allowing her to interject. "Look, I already said I was sorry! I'll admit, I should have stayed put, but Robotnik had already found us out."
"Perhaps that's true, but it's still too risky for someone to go alone without knowing what could happen."
"Come on, Sally, you know nobody can keep up with my speed," Sonic protested. "And this time will be different and easy. I'll dash in, grab the Chaos Emeralds, and dash out. Eggman won't even realize I was there."
"But that's the thing, Sonic." Sally's voice held concern as she spoke. "It's the rushing part that worries me."
"What do you mean?" Sonic inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"Your speed is great and all, Sonic, but what would you have to fall back on if it ever became a hindrance?"
"My speed? A hindrance?" Sonic couldn't help but laugh at that. "Oh, Sal, you must be joking."
"I'm not!" Sally jabbed at the blue hedgehog's chest, his blinking eyes reflecting her mixed emotions. "I never wanted you to risk yourself like this. Robotnik has the remaining Emeralds with him, and he might hurt you. There is no telling what he could be planning."
"Hey, I am still here, aren't I? We still have the other Emerald left from Butt-Nik's flabby mitts," Sonic said, transforming his initial shock into deep seriousness. "Honestly, I don't think my speed will ever be a problem. And if somehow it ever did, while there's no chance of that happening, we still have a fighting chance with each other to fall back on. Don't try to worry all about it, okay?"
The princess remained uncertain and was inclined to voice her disagreement. "But Sonic-!"
"Sally, where's it say you can't avoid something by going toward it and crossing it?" Sonic interrupted.
"The dictionary?" Sally retorted.
"Never heard of it," Sonic implored, grasping her hands firmly. "The point is that Uncle Chuck is counting on us. And we can't beat the doc while you're moping about our choices. We only got two: either let Eggman win or kick his sorry butt into the polluted clouds he created. Are you with me?"
As Sally absorbed Sonic's words, her distressed expression gradually eased. Sonic's bold and frantic demeanor demonstrated his willingness to aid anyone in need, even if it meant being somewhat reckless. Unable to endure more turmoil from past events, Sally's countenance transformed into determination. Enough was enough. The time came for her to step up as the leader her people needed, now more than ever.
Sally's heart pounded, and she let out a sigh. "Alright, but we need to proceed with caution. No cockiness this time, Sonic."
"Maybe I'll keep that one somewhere in mind, Sal," he replied, leaping forward to take the lead, with Sally beside him. "But right now, we got a bad egg to fry."
Sonic and Sally sought refuge on the opposite side of the corridor, concealing themselves behind a pillar. A door at the far end of the hall began to close, but they managed to slip through just before it shut completely.
"How are we supposed to see through this?!" Antoine exclaimed in frustration as Tails maneuvered through the airship anchorage, carrying both Antoine and T-Pup.
"Just hold on tight!" Tails shouted back, trying to reassure the trembling coyote.
Relentless, thick raindrops pelted their faces without respite. They narrowed their eyes and shook their head, attempting to ward off the deluge, but the rain swiftly saturated their face. As they ascended to the higher levels of the Scrap Brain Factory, the thick smoke billowing from the exhaust ports posed another challenge to Tails and Antoine.
Breathing became arduous, and their vision also became severely impaired. Their eyes stung from the haze, yet they pressed forward, only to be obstructed by a tangled network of electrical conduits. Tails and Antoine couldn't help but marvel at their surroundings. Dr. Robotnik had taken meticulous measures to ensure the success of his plan on South Island.
It almost seemed the deranged scientist had anticipated such inhospitable conditions, considering his pollution had caused most of it. The lightning rods he had strategically placed harnessed the volatile power from the skies, redirecting it into his security systems. The result was a web of electric barriers, crackling with energy, designed to repel intruders.
Lightning bolts crackled above them and across the darkened sky, startling both Tails and Antoine. Even T-Pup flinched, taken aback by the sudden display of nature's fury. Gripped by fear, they instinctively clung to each other, voices melding into a chorus of frightened cries. As the lightning receded, they released their grip, realizing their momentary lapse in composure.
"Je suis désolé," Antoine said, bowing as he addressed the young fox.
However, Tails appeared confused by the brown coyote's unfamiliar language. "Huh?"
"O-Oh, I mean sorry," Antoine said, raising his hands nervously. "The language I speak is from my birthplace, Eurish. Oui! Oui! But are you alright, Tails?"
"I...! Uh...!" Tails blushed, gazing downward in embarrassment. "Well, I'm just a little scared of lightning, that's all."
"O-Oh," stammered Antoine, his timid eyes darting for anything unusual. "L-Lightning can be frightening, oui! B-But it should not be worth screaming over!"
The fear of thunderstorms became very deep in Tails, even though he was a genius at a young age. But it ran further than that. Not only did it come from being a homeless outcast, but also from the trauma of wearing that shock collar. Each thunder crack and lightning flash triggered a painful memory, causing Tails to yelp and instinctively clutch his scorched and electrocuted neck. Sensing his distress, T-Pup whined and offered comfort by rubbing against Tails' leg.
A few seconds later, a thought occurred to the young fox, and he turned to the swordsman, seeking an explanation. "But why did you grab onto me like that, Antoine? You seemed scared of the lightning, just like me."
"Moi? N-Nonsense!" the sweating coyote huffed, attempting to maintain his arrogant demeanor. "The clinging bit is accurate, I suppose. But I am certainly not the scaredy-cat. A bit accident-prone, perhaps. As a squire for my princess and a member of the Royal Guard serving the Acornia menage, I simply wanted to ensure your safety-!"
Before he could finish his sentence, another bright flash of light and a booming noise startled Tails and Antoine, causing them to shout even louder and fall on their butts. When the sky returned to calmness, they slowly picked themselves up. Antoine appeared ashamed, feeling that he should have been the one to reassure Tails about the lightning. Admitting his fear might not have been much help.
Tails looked at Antoine and smiled slightly, understanding his new friend's feelings. "It's okay, Antoine," Tails said reassuringly. "We all get scared sometimes. That lightning was pretty intense, after all."
Antoine looked surprised by Tails' response. "You... you are not angry with me for being scared?" he stammered.
"Of course not," Tails replied, patting Antoine on the back. "Maybe we can keep each other calm until we find a way onto Robotnik's blimp?"
Antoine nervously nodded as T-Pup yipped in agreement. "Oui, that is a good idea. Now, if we are all ready, off we go! Hopefully, not to our doom..."
"Great!" Tails took to the air, motioning for Antoine and T-Pup to follow him. "Come on, Antoine!"
"EEK!" Antoine stumbled momentarily but quickly recovered, racing after the young genius. "W-Wait for me!"
As the two mobians, alongside T-Pup, pressed forward, the relentless security systems sprung into action, transforming the area into a chaotic battleground. Cannons roared to life, guns blazed, lasers shot through the air, and bombs threatened to shake everything apart. But they were not about to back down.
Orbinauts descended upon them from all directions, a formidable force under their creator's command. One of the Orbinauts targeted Tails, launching its spikes with deadly precision. However, the young fox's agile reflexes saved him as he gracefully dodged the assault and swiftly disabled the robot.
Just when they thought they had gained momentum, a sudden explosion shook the ground beneath their feet. Everything trembled, and Antoine's eyes widened with terror. Tails acted swiftly, knowing they couldn't afford any missteps. He scooped up the frightened coyote in his arms and took to the skies, narrowly evading the crumbling debris below. Retreating was not an option now; they had to press on.
As if the situation wasn't challenging enough, a lightning bolt struck a nearby rod, triggering a reaction of electrical discharges. The area became a blinding storm of flashing lights, disorienting and dangerous. Still carrying Antoine, Tails felt the searing pain of the electricity on his arm, causing him to wince in agony. Despite his injury, he held on tightly to Antoine, determined not to let go.
The young fox's focus was tested even further as a barrage of turrets unleashed fury upon them. Cannonballs whizzed past, and the trio had to navigate with precision and skill to avoid being hit. Tails weaved through the barrage, his heart pounding with adrenaline as he flew onward.
Their situation was becoming increasingly dire. The ground was no longer safe, and the air was filled with dangerous projectiles. Yet, Tails remained resolute. The young fox had to find a way through this treacherous obstacle course.
"W-What do we do now?" Antoine rattled his teeth in fear, his voice trembling with anxiety.
Tails took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He turned to see a jet-propelled floating platform nearby, seemingly their best option for moving forward. "Guess we got to give this thing a chance," he said, his voice determined.
Antoine's eyes widened in disbelief. "Y-You can not be serious!" he protested, fear evident in every fiber of his being.
Ignoring the brow coyote's doubts, Tails propelled onto the platform as it moved forward, carrying them through the treacherous environment. But just as they gained momentum, another lightning strike hit the rods nearby, engulfing the area in another blinding flash of electricity. The danger was relentless, and the young fox knew they couldn't afford any mistakes.
Struggling to maintain balance on the unstable platform, they pressed onward, navigating through the chaos. Tails kept a watchful eye for the next opportunity to move forward safely. As the platform finally stopped, he saw another one hovering ahead, possibly their only chance to progress.
With a shared determination, the trio took a leap of faith and jumped onto the next platform, hoping it would lead them closer to their goal. The precarious journey continued as they moved from one platform to another, the constant threat of peril making each step more nerve-wracking than the last.
Finally, they found themselves on the outer casing of a massive airship that loomed above them. The sight of it was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Undeterred, they ran across the outside of the blimp, searching for any sign of an entrance.
"Keep your eyes peeled, Antoine! There's got to be a way in!" Tails called out, urging his companion to stay vigilant.
Although still frightened, Antoine did his best to assist in the search. His eyes darted around, scanning the surface of the airship for any opening that could serve as their entry point. The sounds of cannons and explosions resonated in the background, a constant reminder of the imminent danger they were in currently.
Descending down a rocky wall within the dark mine, Rotor, Bunnie, and Charles continued their perilous journey. They carefully climbed until they reached the relatively stable ground.
"I'll go first," the robotic hedgehog volunteered, his determination evident as he leaped down another wall to reach more solid footing.
"Careful, Chuck!" Bunnie warned him, where her concern for their friend was evident as he safely landed. Without hesitation, she and Rotor followed suit, joining him nearby.
"What's next, Professor Parlouzer?" Rotor inquired, eager to press on despite the trembling ground causing Bunnie to gasp.
"What the hay is that?!" Bunnie exclaimed, startled by the rumbling beneath her feet.
Ever the knowledgeable one, Charles answered her with a grave expression, "You're about to meet one of Robotnik's powerful Badniks."
As they glanced down, they saw a large opening in the wall beside them, and from it emerged a colossal tyrannosaurus-based Badnik, its jaws and claw-like front legs intimidatingly displayed.
"Man, that is one serious bot!" Rotor commented, filled with wonder by the mechanical beast's size and power.
"It's called an Egg-Rex, a deadly plant-devouring machine. If we do not stop this, Robotnik will use it to tear through the Great Forest and eradicate Knothole," Charles informed them, a hint of urgency in his voice.
"We're not lettin' that happen," Bunnie declared with a firm resolve, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.
"But I wish that dude was on our side," Rotor added wistfully, imagining how helpful such a formidable machine could be if it fought for his team's cause.
"That's our plan, Rotor! But first, we got to get to its controls inside. Just follow me," Uncle Chuck instructed, taking the lead as he leaped onto the back of the Egg-Rex.
Although Bunnie and Rotor exchanged skeptical glances, they trusted Charles and quickly followed suit, landing on the back of the giant Badnik. However, before they could progress further, the Egg-Rex abruptly halted and roared. The Egg-Rex slams its head into the ground.
The impact caught the trio off guard, causing them to slide down the Egg-Rex's neck and onto the end of its head. As they struggled to regain their balance, the Egg-Rex lifted its head and slammed it down again, sending Charles tumbling off.
As Bunnie and Rotor clung tightly to the Egg-Rex's head, the robotized hedgehog peered up at them. "See you both inside!" he exclaimed.
Without hesitation, the monstrous Egg-Rex opened its massive mouth and swiftly engulfed Charles, leaving his comrades shocked and alarmed.
"Oh my stars, do we have to do that?!" Bunnie confessed to Rotor, her nerves getting the better of her.
Rotor, however, remained resolute. "Let's go! We've got a mission to accomplish."
Hanging onto the back of the tyrannosaurus-based Badnik's mouth, Bunnie and Rotor looked down anxiously as Charles' voice echoed for them to proceed. "Let's go, you two!"
They summoned their courage and entered the gaping maw with no other option. But as they made their way inside, the Egg-Rex threatened to close its mouth, potentially trapping them within. Rotor and Bunnie frantically tried to keep it open, but the massive Badnik began flailing around, attempting to dislodge them. They held on tightly, yelping in alarm as they clung to the back of the mouth.
"Bunnie, can't you jam its jaws open?!" Rotor called out, trying to find a solution amidst the chaos.
"I'll sure give it a try, Sugar!" Bunnie responded, her determination unwavering. With her robotized arm and legs, she wedged herself between the joints of the jaw and pushed upward with all her strength.
Struggling to maintain her grip, Bunnie gritted her teeth, urging the jaw to stay put. "Come on, move!" she muttered under her breath. Finally, to her relief, the jaw got stuck in place.
"Alright, Bunnie!" Rotor cheered, impressed by her quick thinking and bravery. "Now, let's find the professor and end this!"
With renewed determination, Rotor grabbed Bunnie's arm and charged down the throat. They ran into the mechanical body of the fearsome Egg-Rex, hoping to find Charles inside so they could continue their mission.
In the control center of the indoor factory, Sonic and Sally pressed forward, reaching the end of another corridor. This section of the factory seemed familiar to Sonic. But it was in a different area from where he had been before. As they reached the end of the hallway, they faced another challenge. An enormous overhead gap with no visible way to reach the ledge above.
Calmly, Sally turned her attention to Sonic, silently communicating her plan. With a nod, she granted Sonic permission to use his incredible speed and agility to overcome the obstacle. A mischievous smirk spread across Sonic's face as he effortlessly scooped up the princess in his arms. He leaped and then executed a skillful wall kick with a burst of energy, propelling them high enough to reach the ledge above.
"Better hang on, Sal," Sonic said as he carried Sally to a set of springs nearby. They bounced on the springs, soaring into the air, their destination set on a hole above, where sunlight poured into the chamber.
After a thrilling twenty-second journey, they emerged from the pit, landing on a wide corridor. They surveyed their surroundings. The duo saw a seemingly infinite drop behind them and enclosed walls surrounding all other paths.
Sonic and Sally walked forward, heading toward the slightly elevated chamber ahead. The sound of metal on metal was the only noise that accompanied their movements. It was apparent that the sinister mind behind the factory wanted them to go in a specific direction. And with no alternatives provided by Nicole, they had no choice but to proceed.
As they continued, an eerie silence enveloped the area. No faint hum of machinery, no signs of life, just an unsettling stillness that sent shivers down their spines.
The duo climbed a set of steps, effortlessly taking them in only two strides. The base in this area was noticeably different from the previous one. The shade of grey was darker, and the metal seemed hushed as Sonic and Sally stepped over it cautiously.
"Sal, wait!" Sonic's unease was palpable as they paused in the chamber, sensing something was off.
"What is it?" Sally looked around, still not spotting any signs of life, though the emptiness of the vents in the room caught her attention.
"I do not like this one bit," Sonic took a step back, his instincts warning him that trouble was imminent.
His apprehension was justified as a sudden collection of tones filled the air, causing Sonic and Sally to jump in surprise. They spun around quickly, expecting an ambush. But there was nothing to be seen.
"Yo, Robotnik! We know you are here! Show yourself!" Sonic called out defiantly, daring their adversary to reveal himself.
In response to Sonic's challenge, a pink force field materialized behind and ahead of the duo, sealing them within the chamber. The ground beneath them rumbled ominously. And before they knew it, the base began to transform.
Sonic and Sally instinctively leaped forward, avoiding the ascending section of the floor, which swiftly rose and revealed a large steel pillar at its core. The pillar was hollow, and inside, they could see a great deal of glass, and behind that glass stood the shadowy figure of Dr. Robotnik, wearing his trademark nasty grin.
"Ah, greetings!" The maniacal doctor cackled, materializing in front of Sonic and Sally, where the crusher awaited them. "I've been eagerly anticipating this moment. What do you think of my Egg-Pistons?"
"Wow...!" Sonic responded calmly, though he was taken aback by Dr. Robotnik's new machine. "Not very impressed, to be honest. You could come up with better names, Eggman."
"Address me properly as Dr. Robotnik, you pesky hedgehog!" the portly dictator retorted, then turned his attention to Sally with a sly grin. "And you, princess! Proud to be allied with such a deceitful companion?"
Seeing Sonic flinch at the remark, Sally was determined not to let the mad doctor off the hook. "Sonic has been nothing but heroic during his time saving my team! I'm proud to have him by my side, unlike bowing to a monstrous tyrant like you, Robotnik! You're the one who destroyed my family and kingdom, not Sonic!"
"Everything I did was necessary for Robotropolis!" Dr. Robotnik fired back at the princess, smirking. "Unfortunately for you, this will be your final resting place."
"Not a chance!" Sonic retorted, clenching his fist as he and Sally prepared to attack. "I've been ready to take you down since we met, Egghead! You're the one who should be scared, as we're about to shut down your gizmo-thingy!"
To their surprise, Dr. Robotnik chuckled in response to Sonic's banter. "Ohohoho, please! We're not as different as you might think."
Sonic relaxed slightly. "What are you talking about?"
"You see, we both possess unique qualities that make us incredibly persistent individuals. We refuse to change our ways for anything or anyone. Some might consider it admirable, though others label it a toxic trait."
Considering this for a moment, Sonic couldn't help but sneer. "Sure, we both might be persistent, but the difference is that your persistence is fueled by evil, while mine is not. You take good mobians and turn them into mindless drones. You even did that to Uncle Chuck! Now that I'm part of the Freedom Fighters, you can be sure of a total beatdown every time."
"Ah, Professor Charles Parlouzer!" Dr. Robotnik spoke smugly, stroking his mustache, and his pince-nez sunglasses glinted. "He played a crucial role in my rise to power. The Robotizer wouldn't have been possible without his brilliant mind."
Sonic instinctively took a cautious step back, his quills standing on end, while Sally mirrored his puzzlement, her brow furrowing in confusion. The words of the mad scientist echoed in their minds, leaving them both bewildered and uncertain about what he meant. The blue hedgehog's initial sneer, fueled by his usual confidence, gradually softened, replaced by a shaky, strained smile that betrayed his bewilderment.
"W-What are you talking about, Eggman?" Sonic's voice quivered with disbelief and anger, causing his entire body to tremble. Sally's eyes widened in shock, unable to fathom the truth behind Dr. Robotnik's words. "My uncle would never have anything to do with something like that!"
"Oh my, I let that slip! Secret revealed!" Dr. Robotnik's sinister laughter filled the room as he looked down at Sonic with a cruel, triumphant smile.
"Answer us, Robotnik!" Sally's voice trembled with a mix of fear and determination.
"It seems you don't know much about your dear old uncle than you thought you did, eh? Since there's no point in hiding it any longer, I shall tell you!" The rotund doctor paused for a moment before turning his attention back to the astonished duo. "Before I took over the Kingdom of Acornia, not only did I repurpose the Robotizer, but Charles was also its creator."
The room fell into an eerie silence as the weight of Dr. Robotnik's revelation hung heavily in the air. Sonic's mind raced, desperately trying to reconcile the image of his beloved uncle with the idea that he might have played a role in creating the very device their enemy was using to control and robotize innocent mobians.
Sally, on the other hand, struggled to accept this new reality. Her memories of her professor were of a kind, caring man who had always been there for her. The thought that he might have had a dark secret like this was almost too much to bear.
Sonic's previously confident demeanor crumbled, and he took another step back, trying to distance himself from the harsh truth. "W-What? No, that's not true!"
"Lies," Sally's voice quivered as she dropped to her knees, her world collapsing. "It's all lies! I haven't heard anything about that!"
"Hahaha! I am afraid it's true, my dear princess," Dr. Robotnik's laughter echoed through the room, interrupted by a slight cough before he noticed Sonic's blank expression. "I suppose this is the same consequence of the error created many years ago: my existence! Such idiocy must run in the family, wouldn't you say, Sonny-Boy?"
Sonic's eyes narrowed, his silence intensifying the stare he fixed on the mad scientist. His usual sarcasm and witty remarks were replaced with a focused determination.
"What? No sarcasm? No cheesy one-liner jokes? Or did my words finally turn you into a mute rodent?" Dr. Robotnik mocked, finding amusement in the blue hedgehog's uncharacteristic seriousness. "Whether you believe me or not, I will bring my empire to the world, here and now! Even if I have to take your heads as trophies! I will continue to show you mobian scum that I, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, am superior to you all!"
"Will you shut up already?!" Sonic's outburst caught the mad scientist slightly off guard.
"Come again?" Dr. Robotnik's expression turned into one of disdain.
"Every word that has come out of your mouth makes me want to puke," Sonic snarled, his gaze unwavering. "Not only do you want to rule our world and start a war for the pettiest reasons, but you also insulted all those who have suffered. You're not leaving without me getting at least one good hit in your face, Eggman!"
"Ohohoho! How quaint of you!" Dr. Robotnik chuckled, raising his gloved fist. "It's been fun and rather annoying. But our time together has come to an end."
Sally, back on her feet and with her bow prepared, positioned herself for the impending showdown. Her determination matched Sonic's as she kept her eyes on the grinning tyrant before them. Excited by her resolve, Sonic readied himself to face Dr. Robotnik head-on. The duo charged toward the mad doctor, dodging and weaving through his Egg-Pistons, determined to take him down once and for all.
Chaos ensued at the bottom of the mine as the Egg-Rex went on a rampage due to its stuck jaws. It flailed around, smashing boulders and causing destruction all around it. Rotor, Bunnie, and Charles found themselves inside the control panel of the tyrannosaurus-based Badnik, desperately trying to regain control of the out-of-control robot.
"Man, this bot's blitzed out, Professor Parlouzer!" Rotor exclaimed, trying to understand the Egg-Rex's mechanisms.
"Let's hope he doesn't clear his throat," Charles joked, gripping a switch.
"Well, that hope is felt," Rotor murmured to himself.
"Amen to that," Bunnie added.
Charles attempted to pull the switch, but it proved too heavy for him in his robotized state. He lacked upper body strength, unlike Bunnie. Rotor also joined in, but their combined efforts still weren't enough.
"Let me give you two a hand there," Bunnie stepped forward and successfully pulled the switch. "There 'ya go."
The Egg-Rex eventually shut down and deactivated after this process, with its head hitting the ground. "Thanks, Bunnie," Charles expressed his gratitude.
"That was some awesome strength," Rotor complimented her.
"Aw, it's nothin', Rotor!" Bunnie blushed, her cheeks turning bright red.
"Now, let's figure out how to control this baby," Charles returned to the control panel, searching through the Egg-Rex's systems.
"Control it to do what?" Rotor asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, what exactly are we havin' it do?" Bunnie inquired, equally confused.
"To chop suey those cables!" Charles pointed outside and pulled a computer-like device from one of the panels. "Yes! The control board. Now, let's see if the Egg-Rex will work for us-!"
But before Charles could activate it, a massive tremor shook the surroundings, catching them off guard.
"What's that?!" Bunnie asked, alarmed.
"The cranes!" Charles realized, urgency in his voice, as he and Rotor hurriedly returned to the control board. "We've got to work fast!"
Outside, the Swat-Bots were busy extracting the energy crystal from the ground using cranes, and many others were guarding the crane machinery under the watchful eye of the Commando-Bot. The Commando-Bot, noticing the Egg-Rex's sudden movement, signaled some Swat-Bots to inspect the tyrannosaurus-based Badnik for any issues. Charles and Rotor examined a portable panel with various buttons inside the Egg-Rex and started pressing them.
"Maybe a few of these should get this bot working in no time, Professor Parlouzer," Rotor remarked, giving the robotized hedgehog a mischievous smirk.
"Good job, Rotor. Now let's get this Egg-Rex cranking," Charles said, glancing back at the determined half-cyborg rabbit. "Hit it, Bunnie!"
As Bunnie pulled the switch back up, reactivating the Egg-Rex, the Commando-Bot watched in surprise as it stood up and charged toward the energy crystal. Two other Swat-Bots beside the Egg-Rex managed to run away, narrowly escaping its path. However, the Egg-Rex collided with a mine cart along the way, creating further chaos.
"Haha! It looks like this Egg-Rex's working for us now!" Charles declared triumphantly to Rotor and Bunnie, both smiling with determination.
"Alright!" The two mobians gave each other a high-five, proud of their achievement and ready to take control of the situation. The Egg-Rex, now under their command, charged forward to confront the Swat-Bots and stop Dr. Robotnik's cranes.
Tails, Antoine, and T-Pup assessed their options for gaining entry into the blimp. They knew they couldn't risk damaging the blimp and causing a catastrophic crash on South Island, so they decided to find another way inside. Spotting a ladder leading to the blimp's interior, the trio wasted no time and began their ascent. Their hearts pounded with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
Fueled by his admiration for Sonic, Tails channeled his idol's agility and resourcefulness, moving swiftly up the ladder with ease. On the other hand, Antoine struggled to keep up with the young fox's speed, his nervousness getting the best of him. Thankfully, T-Pup activated his helicopter mode and effortlessly soared alongside them, making the ascent a little less daunting.
The blimp's defenses were no joke. As they climbed higher, they encountered menacing cannons, rotating propeller blades, and the present danger of plummeting thousands of feet to their doom. It was a nerve-wracking experience, and they had to be vigilant to avoid the Bomb-Bots that relentlessly targeted them.
Finally reaching the apex of the blimp, the trio cautiously climbed outside of the rubbery balloon that held the zeppelin aloft. Their destination was ahead, but they couldn't afford to let their guard down, as danger still lurked behind them. A terrifying wall of deadly spikes began hurtling toward them, and they gasped in shock, spurred into action to escape the approaching menace.
With adrenaline coursing through their veins, Tails, Antoine, and T-Pup dashed toward the nose of the giant blimp, desperately seeking a means of escape. In a daring move, they leaped off the edge and caught hold of a sturdy metallic chain dangling from the airship. Working in sync, the duo spiraled down in a corkscrew-like maneuver, skillfully navigating the chain's descent. However, the acrobatic feat didn't go as planned, and they crashed into each other when they reached the lower level.
"O-Ouch," Tails murmured, wincing from the lingering ache after Antoine's accidental collision. T-Pup scurried over and assisted Tails, ensuring he was back on his feet alongside the embarrassed coyote.
"I-I am so sorry for that," Antoine said, extending his arm to check on Tails, who offered a reassuring wave, indicating that he held no grudge against him.
"It's okay, Antoine," Tails replied gently though he instinctively tried to hide a streaked mark on his neck, arousing Antoine's suspicion. "I'm fine."
"Tails?" Antoine frowned, concerned about the young fox's behavior as he fiddled with his clothing. "You do not look alright. Are you sure you are okay? You can tell me if you want-!"
"I'm telling you, I'm fine! Are we going to continue, or are we standing around to DIE?" Tails pleaded, his tone showing a noticeable edge.
Antoine's eyes widened in surprise; this was quite unlike Tails' usual demeanor. The young fox glared at the skittish coyote. However, an unsettling feeling gnawed at Tails from within, causing his pupils to shrink into pinpricks as a wave of guilt washed over him. The words he had used to lash out at Antoine felt eerily similar to the hurtful taunts he had endured from his bullies. Tails felt sick to his stomach, realizing the harshness of his words and the unintended hurt he may have caused.
Feeling the weight of the situation, Antoine attempted to apologize once more. "I am sorry. I never meant-!"
"N-No," Tails hiccuped, his glare softening into a mixture of frustration and shame as T-Pup comforted him. "I'm sorry for scaring you. It's just my fault, Antoine. You never meant for any of it."
"Non! Non! O-of course not!" The words tumbled out of the brown coyote's mouth as he desperately tried to reassure the fox boy. "Why would you think this is your fault? Does it have something to do with me asking if you are hurt?"
Tails waited to compose himself before realizing Antoine was referring to the electrocution incident. He touched his neck, relieved to find it dry, though the memory of the pain was still fresh in his mind. Antoine's expression turned serious as the brown coyote noticed the visible aftermath of the electrocution. He felt a surge of dread, wondering how Tails had endured so much pain in silence.
"H-hey, Tails, it is okay. It is all going to be okay," Antoine stammered, trying to comfort the young fox. "Does it still...?"
The swordsman wanted to know if Tails was still in pain, to which the fox boy replied in a quiet, hoarse voice, "N-Not like it used to."
Tails went on to explain the horrifying ordeal he had endured. Dr. Robotnik had fitted him with a shock collar as a means of control, a cruel constraint for any disobedience. He had been subjected to hours of agonizing electric shocks until he managed to free himself with the help of Charles. Antoine's heart filled with sympathy and anger, vowing to seek justice for Tails and ensure that Robotnik paid for his sadistic actions.
As Tails continued to share his painful experience, Antoine's determination to help the young fox grew stronger. He couldn't bear to see someone so innocent and brave suffer in silence. He knew that if the princess were present, she would have done everything to protect Tails. So, Antoine took it upon himself to be that protector.
"Sacre bleu! That is so terrible! I assure you that tyrant will not get away with his crimes," Antoine declared, his anger seething beneath his words. He wanted nothing more than to see Dr. Robotnik punished for his cruelty. Then, with a slight poke to Tails' chest, he added, "But you should have told the princess about this. If we all knew about this, then we would stop to help you immediately. A good soldier never leaves a man behind. Oui?"
Tails looked down at T-Pup, finding comfort in the little robot's presence. He knew Antoine was right, and in such dire times, they needed to stick together and support each other. "…Okay," Tails agreed, realizing that keeping silent was not the best course of action.
"Merci," Antoine nodded, grateful that Tails trusted him enough to share this painful secret. "And if you are going to dress your wounds, I shall help you."
As Tails watched Antoine deftly attend to his wounded arm, he couldn't help but feel conflicted. He appreciated the kindness and concern shown by his friend. But then again, he couldn't shake the feeling of being pitied. Tails was no stranger to adversity. The fox boy had learned to take care of himself when facing Dr. Robotnik's cruelty or Snively's punishments. Whenever Tails wasn't allowed to leave during the exhausting work at their base, he had no choice but to care for himself.
The wound stung as Antoine cleaned it with rubbing alcohol, but Tails endured the pain without flinching. He knew the injury needed proper care, especially in their dangerous situation. As Antoine reached into his jacket to find some bandages, it seemed typical of Antoine to be prepared, even amid danger.
Yet, deep down, Tails didn't want to be seen as helpless or incapable, even if he had been caught off guard this time. As the bandages wrapped around his arm, he forced a small smile, trying to hide his inner turmoil. Antoine's intentions were good, and Tails knew that, but being treated with such compassion made him feel weak and unable to handle himself.
"Thanks, Antoine," Tails said, his voice appreciative but tinged with a hint of discomfort. "I'll be okay, really. I can handle it."
"Je vous en prie," Antoine replied gently. "Let us keep moving, and we will watch out for each other, oui?"
Tails nodded, appreciating the compromise. The dangerous territory they were in required them to stay on the move, and the last thing they both wanted was to suffer further injuries or slow themselves down.
"The coast seems clear," Tails assessed, scanning the area to ensure they were not being followed by more of Dr. Robotnik's robots. "It's almost as if the doctor's inviting us into this flying fortress."
"Oui! But how much farther? Because I think this is not safe," Antoine's voice trembled, constantly glancing over his shoulder to watch for any signs of danger.
"I don't know, but you are right about one thing. Those cannons and turrets can become tricky to pass through," Tails acknowledged, glancing back at Antoine and T-Pup. "But if Robotnik is in there, we will take him down. Right?"
T-Pup yipped in agreement, and before Antoine could voice any more concerns, Tails interrupted firmly, "Now is our chance, so let's go!"
With resolve in his eyes, Tails led the way, and Antoine, alongside T-Pup, followed closely behind. The trio skillfully maneuvered through the blimp's defenses, narrowly avoiding cannon fire as they zoomed toward their target. They finally made it inside by slipping through a hidden air vent, finding themselves in an electric chamber deep within the bowels of the airship.
They tumbled into a sloped hallway, surprisingly encountering no guards inside. Ahead of them, a metallic door beckoned, its neon arrows pointing toward the crane's operation room. Despite the eerie silence, they pressed on, feeling a sense of urgency in their mission to confront Dr. Robotnik.
Suddenly, as they entered what appeared to be a weaponized electric current room, the door behind them slammed shut, startling them. It was a trap, and they got caught inside. The floor beneath them sprang to life with sparks of flames, forcing them to leap away from the dangerous trap.
Amid their predicament, they noticed a glass case with Dr. Robotnik's right-hand man observing the trio. Snively looked different, with only a few hairs left on his half-bald head. In the center of the room stood a portable crane encircled by electric barriers to prevent unauthorized access. A small group of menacing Swat-Bots also lay in wait for the trio.
"It looks like we walked right into Snively's welcoming committee," Antoine muttered, his grip tightening on his sword.
"You're too late, cretins," Snively gloated from the safety of the glass cylinder. "I've already extracted most of the energy crystal into this glorious airship. It will keep it going for decades, granting me enough power to claim my rightful place as ruler of Mobius instead of that fat fool! Are you prepared to burn?!"
As Tails glanced at Snively's half-bald head, a tiny smirk crept onto his face, finding the sight somewhat amusing. However, he quickly realized that Snively did not appreciate the attention.
"What are you grinning at, you little brat?" Snively snapped, his irritation evident.
Not wanting to escalate the situation further, Tails quickly composed himself. "Oh, nothing," the fox boy replied casually, though the mischievous twinkle in his eyes hinted otherwise.
Sensing the tension, Antoine tried to shift the focus away from the awkward moment. "Now then, Snively, we have come to vanquish Robotnik and his crooked schemes," he declared, brandishing his sword with a heroic stance. "And you will not stop us!"
"You little fool! In mere minutes, this brilliant plan will come to fruition." Snively scowled, clearly unimpressed by Antoine's bravado. "Of course, you couldn't begin to understand the complexities, the intricate planning, the sheer genius that goes into such a grand endeavor."
Tails couldn't help but scoff at Snively's arrogance. "Genius? You? Ha! Everything hinges on Robotnik draining away all of South Island's ecosystem. Must be worth getting a bad hair day for it. I congratulate you, Sloppily." he retorted with a jeering tone.
"STOP IT! This is my moment!" Snively's voice erupted, his gaze burning with the intensity of a raging inferno directed at the young fox. "You think you're clever, do you? Well, I'll have the last laugh when you and your filthy rodent-kind are extinct!"
Ever the optimist, Antoine tried to diffuse the tension. "Well, surely we will be safe up here," he said, gesturing to their elevated position in the blimp.
Snively's anger didn't subside, and he continued his tirade. "Safe? Sure, you would! Unfortunately, there's nowhere you can hide from the might of Dr. Julian Snively! I'll crush you and your little parade once and for all! Get them, Swat-Bots! And make sure that the traitorous freak gets his just rewards!"
As Snively issued his command, the Swat-Bots sprang into action. Their cold, mechanical eyes locked onto the trio. They were ready to carry out Snively's orders without hesitation. While Antoine couldn't help but feel puzzled by what Snively said about Tails, there was no time for explanations or questions in this battle.
Tails could feel the weight of his past choices pressing down on him, but he stood his ground. He knew he had to face the consequences of his actions and prove that he was no longer the same scared fox boy who once served the Robotnik Empire.
As Tails locked eyes with Antoine, they both acknowledged the gravity of the situation. T-Pup growled fiercely, ready to defend Tails and Antoine. The stakes were undeniably high, but retreat was not an option. The imperative was clear that they had to stop Robotnik. And that meant confronting Snively and stopping the crane too.
Antoine's voice rang out defiantly, pointing his sword onward, "For Knothole!"
TO BE CONTINUED...
