Metropolis Mayhem (Part 1)
A/N: I just want to thank Michael Ravenscroft for allowing me to use his fight scenes as a template on how I construct my own in this chapter, and all those following after. I highly recommend his stories if you're a fan of Kamen Rider, Amphibia and/or Owl House.
South Island Metropolis
The streets were empty. All the market stools were closed. Every window and door was barred shut. Even the Flickies that usually filled the sky above had gone silent. The sunny weather seemed almost to mock the tension in the air. As Ari, a Ram with light grey wool, dark grey hair and eyebrows, golden eyes and pale yellow horns, gazed out over the city, he found himself almost wishing something would happen; just so he knew whether danger was imminent or not.
South Island Metropolis was situated, somewhat ironically, on the northern coast of the Island. It was called a 'metropolis' because it was the biggest settlement the Island had to offer, even if it was a very small city. It was a beautiful city, though. Trees and shrubbery grew on every street. The houses were built out of white stone with metal reinforcements. Flickies filled the skies above the city with gorgeous formations.
It was essentially a secondary and more overt option for a place of residence or holiday on South Island. It wasn't as well-hidden as Knothole, but then, only those who actually came to the Island could properly see it.
The civilians who lived there, comprised mostly of Mobians, were allies to the Freedom Fighters, but none of them knew exactly where it was in the Great Forest. This was a safety precaution, in case any of them were captured.
Metropolis was watched over by Ari and a Lion named Lionel (yeah, not the most creative name, I know). Neither of them were essentially the mayor or anything, but they were in charge of making sure everything was kept under control.
That morning, Ari had been standing at the window of his watchtower, gazing out over the city. The sun sparkled off the flat rooftops, and a few Flickies passed by. Despite these pleasant signs however, most of the civilians lingered to chat. They just went about their daily business in considerable haste. Some glanced at the sky with worry on their faces.
Ari knew how they felt, what with reports of Badniks being spotted on the Island yesterday. It wasn't a good sign. Robotnik was getting closer.
Just then, his communication hub began to beep, almost causing Ari to jump. Taking a few breaths to calm himself, the Ram stepped up to the console and pressed the 'accept' button. Princess Sally's face appeared on the screen.
"Your Highness." Ari bowed respectively. Sally rolled her eyes, but made no comment on Ari's insistence on etiquette.
'Ari, we have an emergency,' Sally said curtly. 'Robotnik has come to the Island to construct a Chemical Plant that will fuel his Badnik production. It looks like he's planning a full-scale invasion. I need you to lock down the city and activate its camouflage.'
"At once, Princess," Ari saluted. "Will you require any assistance?"
'No, I don't think so,' replied Sally. 'But we'll keep you updated on the situation.'
Ari nodded. As soon as Sally terminated the connection, he turned to Lionel, who had just entered.
"Engage the city's camouflage," he ordered.
"Understood," Lionel acknowledged. "Looks like our worst fears are coming to pass…"
"Not if the Freedom Fighters have anything to say about it," Ari countered boldly. He pressed another button on the console.
A moment later, a loud klaxon rang out over the city. Those few people who were outside looked around in alarm. Ari's voice then echoed over speakers set up across the city.
"Attention, everyone. Robotnik has come to South Island. Retreat into your homes, or else, take shelter in the nearest public building, and bar all doors and windows. Do not come out of your homes until told to do so. This is not a drill."
You could almost hear the sounds of doors and windows being slammed shut and boarded. Anyone outside either sprinted for home, or else dashed into the nearest building that wasn't someone else's home. Inside the buildings, civilians took cover in their basements.
Meanwhile, several drones, built by Lionel and his son Cyrus, hovered into the air over the city, and activated an illusion that covered them and the city. Within seconds, all the buildings in the Metropolis were made to look like large rocks to anyone watching from outside the city, while the drones were invisible.
Ideally, this should throw off potential invaders. But then, Robotnik might not be so easily fooled.
Now, everyone was waiting. They'd heard nothing from Sally or the other Freedom Fighters for several hours. The atmosphere was almost tangible. Inside their basements, people tried not to breathe too loudly, convinced that simply inhaling and exhaling would give them away.
"Anything yet, Lionel?" Ari asked. Lionel was sitting in the console, gazing at radar.
"No, Ari, still nothing," replied Lionel calmly. The Ram had asked the same question repeatedly over the last few hours. Lionel's eyes were starting to tire from gazing at radar for so long.
Ari went back to the communications hub and pressed the 'call' button again. "Your Highness, Princess Sally, do you copy? This is Ari. What is the situation? Where is Robotnik? Is he on his way to the Metropolis? Please answer."
Ari waited. But there was no reply. Ari sighed.
"I should be out there, helping her," he lamented. "Why am I stuck here, waiting for something to happen? Helping the Princess surely would guarantee the people's safety."
"Don't forget about the other Freedom Fighters, Ari," Lionel reminded. "It's not like Sally's alone in this." He chuckled. "You know Sonic will always have her back."
Ari shook his head. "Yes, but they need experienced people as well. And Longclaw isn't with them this time."
Ari trusted the Freedom Fighters' skills and Longclaw's judgment about their aptitudes, but given their youth, he couldn't help wondering whether they were in over their heads. Then again, who could blame him? I mean; most of the Freedom Fighter cells around the world comprised mainly of adults, who could teach youngsters the ropes and mostly keep them safe. With Cat's death and Rosie's Roboticization, the Knothole Freedom Fighters now only had Longclaw to watch over them. And even she had been compromised with her recent injury.
At that moment, radar suddenly began beeping.
"Looks like we've got company," declared Lionel.
"Robotnik?" inquired Ari, though that was pretty much rhetorical. He doubted it could be anyone else.
Over the Metropolis, a group of what looked like Flickies had appeared overhead. Except it wasn't Flickies, but rather bird-like Badniks, known as Balkiries. They flew in circles over the hidden town. Robotnik had dispatched them to perform reconnaissance over the spot where he suspected South Island Metropolis would be.
The Balkiries ran over the area with their built-in heat scanners, aiming to detect lifeforms, which in turn would reveal the exact placement of the buildings.
No detections of life came up from below. But one Balkiry did hit something; something hard and metallic. A moment later, one of the drones fazed into sight and tumbled to earth.
With one of the drones out of commission, the camouflage covering the town began to fail. A few buildings suddenly became visible.
The moment the camouflage fell, a Balkiry swooped down towards the buildings and fired at them. Chunks of brick, glass, wood, and stone were blown off.
"Uh oh," Lionel exclaimed. "Looks like they've found us."
"Well, there's nothing else for it!" Ari decided. "Lionel, program the drones to attack!"
"Right!" Lionel initiated the drones' attack phase.
The other drones instantly dropped their camouflage, and deployed laser cannons. In seconds, a dogfight had begun above South Island Metropolis.
But now, the town was exposed, which was exactly what Robotnik was counting on.
A short distance away, Robotnik and Grimer observed from the Robo-Pod.
"And the illusion falls," Robotnik grinned. "Snively, deploy the Behemoths! Sleet, Dingo, get the containment vessels ready!"
'Copy that, sir,' replied Snively over the radio.
'Right away, sir,' acknowledged Sleet.
Robotnik laughed gleefully. "Ten years, I've searched for this Island. First, this town, and then, we go for the Great Forest; and Knothole! No doubt someone here can tell us where it is!"
"And if they can't, sir?" wondered Grimer, his face practically aglow for the answer.
"Then we simply tear the Great Forest down tree-by-tree until we find it!" Robotnik declared. "The bioenergy in the trees will serve as additional fuel for my factories!"
"Of course, sir!" Grimer rhapsodised.
Back in the watchtower, Ari knew that their drones could only delay the inevitable. With the town visible, it was only a matter of time before more of Robotnik's forces arrived.
Despite his earlier concerns, they needed the Freedom Fighters; and pronto!
Ari ran back to the console and jabbed the 'call' button again. "Princess Sally, this is Ari! Robotnik's forces have found South Island Metropolis! We are now under attack! What is your status?! Please response, over!"
The only response was a rush of static.
"Princess, come in! Do you read me? We need immediate assistance, over!"
Hidden Palace Zone
It seemed hopeless for our heroes. Rubble was already falling like massive hailstones; and neither Longclaw nor Tails were swift enough to evade them. Though Sonic could recover quickly, even that wasn't sufficient for getting him to speed them out of there. Luckily, his blood could still save him and his family from certain death.
As the roof began to cave in around them, Manic Hedgehog closed his eyes. In that split-second, he could feel every bit of earth and rock around him. He felt as if he were one with it.
Manic raised his hands above his head, palms facing up.
"Manic, what are you doing?!" Sonia demanded. "What is this sensation I'm getting?"
Her question was soon answered. The air above Manic's hands rippled. Next moment, rocks falling towards them suddenly began to break apart, the smaller pieces scattering harmlessly away from his siblings, Tails and Longclaw.
Sonic, Sonia and Tails all stared at their brother in amazement. How was he going this? Based on what they sensed from him, Sonic and Sonia guessed it was some kind of connection to the earth.
Longclaw was beaming. She knew that Manic could do… whatever it was, he was doing right now.
Manic was breathing heavily. Sweat trickled down his face. Though this was as natural as breathing right now, he could feel his strength ebbing quickly.
More rocks continued to fall. It seemed the whole cavern was caving in. He had to stop it! But did he have the strength to cease the earth tremors? What if he failed? They'd be buried alive! He'd never see Ferrell again! He'd never get to properly know his brother and sister! He'd never-!
Manic felt hands on his shoulders. He didn't need to open his eyes to know who it was. All at once, his doubts went away. The green Hedgehog felt stronger than ever. He reached out further with his mind into the earth around them.
The tremors got less and less. Any rubble still falling continued to break apart and scatter harmlessly.
Finally, the tremors stopped. And there was silence, except for the steady drip of water and maybe the occasional rustle of any remaining loose rock.
The Hidden Palace ruins were now more deeply buried. In hindsight, this would prove an inconvenience when the Freedom Fighters came back, wanting to examine the place more freely. But for now, our heroes were alive. And it was thanks to Manic.
"Manic, that was… you did… wow!" Sonic gasped.
"That was incredible!" Tails cried.
"I didn't know you had it in you," Sonia rhapsodised.
"Nor… did… I," Manic gasped, swaying where he stood. All at once, his brain felt wrung like a sponge, and his body seemed to gained several kilos. "Guess you never know… what you can do… until you're about to be… buried alive!"
At that moment, all the strength vanished from his legs, and Manic collapsed. Sonic caught him easily.
"Easy, bro," he soothed. "You rest up now."
"Sonic!" Sally's desperate voice echoed across the cavern, over the piles of rubble. "Sonic! Tails! Manic, can any of you hear me? Are you alright?!"
Sonic smirked. "Oh, we're still cookin' and always juicin', Sal!" He turned to Tails and Longclaw. "Reckon you guys could give us a lift?"
"Sure thing, bro," Tails agreed. "Here, hold the Ring, will you?" He held out the Ring that he was still clutching.
For some reason, Sonic's whole attention was drawn to the Ring. It was half as thick as Sonic's fingers, and large enough to fit around the average Mobian head, like a Chun-nanese headband, or an angelic halo. It gleamed gold and shiny in the light emanating from the walls of the caverns.
Sonic remembered that sensation from earlier when he and the others had been walking through the caves; as if something was calling to him. He'd largely ignored when Buttnik had shown up and all, but now that he gave it focus again… it practically blocked all other thought.
This had to be it! This Ring was what Robotnik had come looking for! This was apparently what had drawn the mad tyrant to South Island!
But what on Mobius was it, exactly? And how was it calling to him? It was just a Ring! A large, golden, beautiful-looking Ring, perhaps, but a Ring, nonetheless.
"Mobius calling Sonic! Could you hold the Ring please?"
Sonic shook his head to snap out of his trance. "Oh, right! Sorry, lil buddy!"
Sonic wasn't the only one who had zoned out for a second. Manic and Sonia had also been drawn in by the Ring. Sonia's eyes were wide in awe, wondering how she'd look wearing it. Manic was thinking how much money he could make for himself and his friends with it.
"We're not selling, bro," Sonic affirmed.
Sonic took the Ring in his right hand, while holding up his left for Tails to grab on to. Longclaw, meanwhile, lifted up Manic and Sonia with ease in her clawed feet.
As Tails lifted Sonic up, the blue Hedgehog winced as pain shot through his body; no doubt lingering injuries from his fight with Robotnik. Sonic knew they had to go after him. He just hoped that these injuries wouldn't slow him, although he was sure they probably would.
Funny though, because all at once, the pain seemed to be subsiding. Sonic glanced at the arm holding the Ring. One moment, the peach-coloured fur was scuffed and ruffled, with a few bruises showing underneath. The next, the fur was neatly groomed and the bruises had vanished, as if Sonic had run a sponge over his arm. And the same was true across the rest of his body. Even his gloves, which had been slightly torn, were restored.
At first, Sonic couldn't make heads or tails of this, until he noticed that the Ring he was holding appeared to be glowing. Was… was the Ring healing him?
Sonic was so puzzled by this, that he was caught by surprise when Sally, her eyes full of tears of relief, tackled him in a hug. Tails had just set Sonic down in the mouth of the tunnel that had led them to Hidden Palace.
"Oh, thank Mobius!" she wept.
"Whoa, easy, Sal!" Sonic chortled, patting his lifelong friend on the back. "We're fine, all thanks to Manic here!"
"Don't you tell me to take the thought of you lot dying easy, Sonic Hedgehog!" Sally choked into his shoulder.
"What's life without some risk?" Sonic countered. "How's this any different from all the other times we've risked our lives?"
"Doesn't make the thought of you dying any easier to handle!" Sally sniffed, though her mouth did twitch into a small smile as she wiped her cheeks dry.
"I think she has a point," Sonia noted. "You shouldn't take your life for granted, Sonic. You never know when you might lose it."
Sonic rolled his eyes. Why did these ladies not get it? "That's why I live for today and what risks it may involve. Anyways, we've gotta go after Buttnik! Who knows where he's gone?!"
"For once, I agree with Sonic," Morain spoke up. "We can't afford to dawdle gossiping!"
"Just a moment… erm, Morain, is it?" Longclaw interjected. "What about the Ring?"
"Oh, yes, of course," Tails agreed. Then, he noticed. "Sonic, I could've sworn you looked roughed up back there."
"I was," Sonic confirmed. "But I think the Ring did the trick." He held it up. "I feel as ready to juice and reduce as I do every morn!" He thought for a second. "Sibs, Sal, Rote, come here. I have an idea."
"I think it should just be your brother and sister who share the Ring with you," Errol interjected. "You three are the ones whom we came to help, after all."
Sonic frowned. "Hey, my friends may not have powers like me and my sibs do, but we're in this together. Besides, if any of my friends get hurt, it's my responsibility to help them."
The blue Hedgehog extended the Ring out to Manic, Sonia, Tails, Sally and Rotor. Morain opened her mouth to protest, but Longclaw held up a hand.
"Trust him on this," she advised.
Sonic's siblings and friends all reached out and laid a hand each on the Ring. The Ring glowed once more. All five friends immediately registered a surge of energy through their bodies, as if they'd all taken several energy drinks, something Rosie, Cat and Longclaw had always discouraged. Not that I can blame them; those sorts of drinks only energize you for a short time and too many can wreak havoc on your body - too much caffeine and sugar, you know.
Anyways, Sally and Rotor watched in wonder and amazement as their injuries healed up instantaneously. Sally's stomach no longer felt as if something was pressing into it. Rotor's black eye (yes, he had one - I just forgot to mention it) returned to its original colour. Both knew they'd be much better at fighting now.
Manic and Sonia all at once felt a surge of better understanding about the abilities they had been demonstrating as of late. But that wasn't all: they also found themselves thinking about other capabilities they didn't know they had.
Sonic experienced the latter sensation too. And if he was honest, he wasn't sure what to think of it. What more did he need beyond speed and lightning?
Before he could contemplate the matter any further, however, a familiar sensation swept through his body that made his fur stand in end, his quills bristle, and a sense of dread fill his insides. People were in trouble.
'Princess Sally! Come in! Do you read me? This is Ari, over!'
The rest of the group started at this. Sally glanced down at NICOLE. The voice seemed to be coming from her. Keeping one hand on the Ring, Sally reached down to take the handheld.
"Ari, this is Sally. We read you."
'Princess!' Ari sighed with relief. 'Thank goodness! Robotnik has found South Island Metropolis! We're under attack! Please come and help, ASAP!'
Everyone's eyes widened. Anger reared in Sonic, accompanied by fear. It was just as he sensed. Buttnik dared to attack a town of innocent people, did he? Well, the long, speedy arm of justice would soon give him what for!
Sally had taken her hand off the Ring to clap it over her mouth at Ari's words. "Ari, hold on! We're on our way, copy?"
There was no answer.
"Ari? Ari, respond, over!"
'Lost the signal, Sally,' NICOLE replied.
"What, but you were connected a moment ago!" Sally pointed out.
Tails and Rotor looked at the Ring, pondering for a few moments. Could the Ring's energy have enhanced NICOLE's broadcasting range, allowing her to pick up Ari's signal?
"We've got to haul haunch over there!" Sonic declared. He looked at his friends. "You guys with me?"
"That's a rhetorical question, right?" Rotor answered. "Let's make Robotnik pay for messing on our turf!"
Errol stepped forward, raising his sword. "We're with you as well, Sonic. We may have only met hours ago, but Morain, Hurit and I cast our swords with you in this hour of need." Hurit raised her rapier to show her agreement, and Morain produced her sabre with a gleeful smile on her muzzle. "Plus, we can provide transportation for your friends, since you can't carry all of them."
"I'm with you too, bro!" Manic chimed in. "I can see why Buttnik wanted this Ring now! I feel fit as a Flickie! Let's use it against him!"
Sonic beamed at his brother, before turning to his sister.
"Sonia… sis… I know you still find it hard to believe that Manic and I are your brothers. I couldn't believe it either, when the Oracle told me I had a brother and sister." He glanced briefly at Longclaw. "We'll need to talk about this later, okay?" Longclaw nodded in understanding. "But right now, there are people who need our help. It's our responsibility - my responsibility, especially - to protect them. If we don't act fast…" He took a breath. "More people will suffer the same fate as Lady Windermere. I'm sorry to bring that up, and I'm sorry I wasn't able to help her. I know you hold me accountable, but-"
Sonia placed a hand over Sonic's mouth to silence him. "Sonic Hedgehog, you might be impatient, impulsive and aggravating…"
"Preach," Sally muttered.
Sonic pulled his sister's hand away. "Gee, I wish we had more time for this flattery, sis, but-"
Sonia interrupted again. "But you also have the biggest heart I've ever seen; and felt, frankly. I am still… hesitant about you and Manic being my brothers, yes. Even so, I've never ignored people in need. And I'm not about to start now. Besides, Lady Windermere would want me to help you." She smiled. "I'm with you, Sonic."
Sonic grinned. "Awesome! That's what I like to hear!" Finally, he turned back to Longclaw. "Longclaw, you feel up for fighting?"
Longclaw nodded. "Don't worry, Sonic. I'll be careful out there. I always strive to. You just… erm, what's the term you use? 'Squish them and diminish them?'"
Sonic momentarily felt another pang, but he ignored it, as he chuckled. "It's 'juice 'em and reduce 'em'." He turned to the others. "Okay, guys, let's go kick some Robuttnik butt!"
South Island Metropolis
Inside one of the bunkers, a family of four were gathered. The parents - a Greater Hedgehog Tenrec father and a Hedgehog mother - were sitting at the table set up inside, playing cards with their teenage son, a mostly green Hedgehog with a black face (no racial pun intended) and hair, and icy blue eyes. Meanwhile, his twin sister - also a Greater Hedgehog Tenrec with an identical fur colour scheme and pattern to her brother - placed about feverishly.
Without warning, the door to the bunker burst off its hinges. The girl shrieked. The parents instinctively sprang to their feet and moved in front of their children.
The room shook with massive footfalls. A Robo-12 Behemoth came crashing through the wall. Nearly 10 feet tall, the Behemoth model was mostly grey, with digitigrade-like legs. Its shoulders rose above its low-set head, which had a single optic, flush with its breast. The forearms were gold-coloured and ended in massive pincers that could crush anything with ease.
The Behemoth advanced on the cowering family. Its feet made craters in the floor as it came. The father pushed the twins and his wife back, before he swung at the Behemoth's knee with a metal bat.
The blow didn't faze the Behemoth in the slightest, but it had the intended effect. The mother and the twins were able to make a run of it, through the hole the Behemoth had created.
No sooner had they got outside, however, than they realized that might have been a mistake. The entire town was swarming with Behemoths and SWAT bots. They were busting into houses, dragging out the people and forcing them into prison crafts. Just to give an idea of what they look like, these crafts, or capsules as they were actually called, were about the size of a railway closed van. They had four hatches with a vent between each, yellow and black hazard stripes running around the bottom, and four pedestals with boosters built into them. Once they were loaded up, the capsules would launch, carrying the prisoners back to Mobotropolis; for Roboticization!
The mother and twins made to run for it. But they ran right into another Behemoth, which primed its cannons on them. At the same time, the first Behemoth marched out of the house, carrying the dead body of the father in one claw. The mother screamed in horror, and the twins gasped.
'March-into-the-capsule' droned the Behemoth holding them at gunpoint. 'Or-suffer-the-same-fate.'
"I'm afraid that fate is what awaits you, you walking junk pile!" called a hard voice. The mother, twins and Behemoths all turned to see a blue streak come flying at them. Streaks of lightning flew along behind it. The blue streak slammed into the first Behemoth. This caused it to drop the dead father as it was knocked over.
The second Behemoth, meanwhile, registered who it was. It made to grab the mother and twins and hold them hostage. Before it could do so, however, something came whirling towards it. It hit the Behemoth squarely in the eye, blinding it. Several small and hard objects pelted the Behemoth, tearing into its chassis. A moment later, the Behemoth exploded.
The mother and twins cowered, as bits of metal and circuitry flew everywhere. The other Behemoths, SWAT bots and civilians all looked round at the explosion. They all knew who the blue streak was.
Sure enough, Sonic appeared boldly in front of the family. There was a grim expression on his face, his emerald eyes narrowed. Manic and Sonia appeared on either side of him.
'Priority-one-Hedgehogs!' droned a SWAT bot, pointing at the triplets.
Sonic glanced over his shoulder. "Ashura, Ashley, Mrs Tandraka, get inside, pronto!" He looked briefly at Mr Tandraka's dead body. His expression faltered. "Take him with you."
The Tandrakas obliged. They gathered up the body of the dead father and dashed back into their home. Manic made rubble shift to seal them in.
Sonic's fists were clenched. Sonia's face was set. Manic's teeth were bared. Since touching that Ring back in the caves, they'd felt rejuvenated. Manic and Sonia in particular felt stronger than ever before. Though, if they were honest with themselves, they still weren't wholly sure what they thought of their powers. Still, that was something for later.
Several SWAT bots took aim and opened fire. Sonic, of course, was the first into the fray. He curled into a ball and shot forward. The first lot of SWAT bots were punched straight through their chasses. Another found Sonic's legs wrapped around its neck, before its head was twisted off. He then kicked the head towards two Behemoths advancing on him. It bounced between the two 'bots like a pinball bouncing between bumpers. The 'bots were knocked off their feet. Another SWAT bot took aim at Sonic. He launched himself towards it. He slammed his fist into its faceplate. The head was knocked off and used as another projectile.
Sonia made for the SWAT bots herding the civilians into the capsule. Using acrobatics to avoid the laser fire, she either somersaulted or cartwheeled towards the enemy. As soon as she was close enough, the fuchsia Hedgehog did a high kick at the nearest SWAT bot. Her foot slammed into its chassis. It buckled inward. The 'bot staggered backward, colliding with another. A third 'bot made a grab for Sonia. The girl dodged, grabbed its arm, and lobbed it bodily over her head. It flew into some of its fellows. They broke apart. Behemoths advanced on Sonia. But before any of them could crush her with their pincers, they were suddenly eviscerated by a swarm of flying metal that had come flying from the wreckage of nearby homes.
One of the SWAT bots desperately pressed buttons on the capsule's control console. It was trying to launch the capsule away, despite the fact that it wasn't closed. The boosters on the capsule's legs did ignite. The other SWAT bots and prisoners still outside moved hastily back. Those inside looked terrified and clung to each other.
However, the capsule only lifted a few feet off the ground, before something came spinning through the air towards it. It struck two of the boosters, which disengaged at once.
The SWAT bots turned their lasers on Manic. Of course, it was he who had thrown his drumstick. Before they could fire, however, they were suddenly hit by powerful vibrations. This rattled their circuits significantly. They had not been built to withstand such immense shaking. Sparks flew from between their plating. Manic saw his opening. He leapt between 'bots, kicking them over with ease.
While all this was going on, with its rocket power cut in half, the capsule couldn't stay in the air. Before it could fall back to the ground, however, a plateau rose up to catch it. The capsule was brought gently back down to firm ground. The civilians inside stared in amazement at what they'd just witnessed.
"Everyone cool?" asked Sonic.
"Y-yeah," stammered an Iguana woman. "Th-thank you for saving us, Sonic. And who are these two Hedgehogs?"
Before Sonic could affect an introduction, however, there was a bout of familiar evil laughter.
"Oh, no," Sonic groaned.
Sure enough, it was Robotnik in his Robo-Pod again. Grimer wasn't with him; no doubt he was elsewhere, co-ordinating the capture of citizens.
As Sonic, Manic and Sonia turned to face Robotnik, the three Hedgehogs thought they could sense a strong energy signature emanating from the scientist's craft. In fact, now that they looked, the Triplets could've sworn they saw blue, green and pink energy pulsing inside the Pod's hover rings.
"Well, well, well," Robotnik purred, "guess you learn faster than I expected; and unconventionally, I might add."
"Guess they get it from me, Buttnik!" Sonic replied. "Now call off your walking scrapheaps and surrender!"
"Make that a royal command!" added Sonia.
Robotnik laughed again. "Sorry, 'Your Highness', but I'm afraid you hold no power over me! Need I remind you, I'm in charge in Mobius now? Or are you so 'high and mighty' that you've forgotten who you grew up under? Does the name 'Lady Windermere' ring a bell?"
Sonia's fists clenched so hard, any magnetized metal in the near vicinity crumpled inward.
"Hey, don't you talk to Sonia like that!" Manic warned.
"Or you'll be Spin-Dashed into next week!" Sonic put in.
"You're welcome to try, Hedgehog," Robotnik prompted, "if you fancy a repeat of what happened back in the Hidden Palace."
"How were you able to do all that, anyway?" Sonic demanded.
Robotnik laughed for a third time. All three Hedgehogs were getting sick of that laugh!
"Like I'm going to tell you, because it's your business!"
Sonic had a shrewd idea, but he decided to play along. "Well, then, guess it's none of your business that we used that Ring you left for us!"
For the first time, Robotnik's face creased in a frown. Tapping a few buttons to initiate an energy scan, he saw that the Hedgehogs' levels had increased considerably. "So you managed to establish a mental connection with the Ring, did you? Impressive. Let's see if it'll be enough!"
'Sir!' cried Grimer's voice over the radio. 'The other Freedom Fighters are here, Your Excellency!'
"Keep them busy, Grimer," Robotnik replied. "I've got Hedgehogs to deal with."
He switched a few switches, priming the Pod's lasers and missiles.
Sonic cast a brief glance around. He could both see and sense civilians nearby. While he was itching for a fight, as he always was against Robotnik, he would not have the evil scientist put others in danger or use them as Mobian shields. Enough people had suffered because of his inability to prevent Eggman from finding this Island.
"Alright, Buttnik," Sonic declared, as he grabbed Manic and Sonia's forearms, "You think you can keep up with us, then let's go fast!"
Manic and Sonia braced themselves as Sonic took off with a BOOM!
"You want to play cat and mouse, rodent?" Robotnik purred, donning his goggles. "Very well, then. I'll play!"
And triggering the blue quill's energy, he shot off after the three Hedgehogs.
"Get out of our city!" Ari demanded. He charged at Sleet, his head lowered. The Wolf merely stepped nimbly to the side. He then grabbed at Ari's horns. The momentum swung Ari around. Sleet managed to get his arm around the Ram's neck. The two fell to the ground.
Turning his head to avoid airway constriction, Ari threw several jabs at Sleet over his shoulder, while also trying to bite the Wolf's arm. The latter tactic failed because of Sleet's armour. The former was a bit more effective; Ari did manage to get Sleet a couple of times in the face. But the Wolf was able to shrug off the blows. He drew his Taser and shot Ari in the side. The Ram jerked spasmodically for several moments. Then, he ceased moving.
"Guess that's what happens when a Sheep tries to mess with a Wolf," Sleet taunted, as he hauled the dazed Ram up by the horns.
Following reassurance that help was on the way, Ari had rushed out from the Watchtower to do what he could to keep the invading 'bots at bay. When Robotnik's 'bots had started landing in the city, Ari had barrelled over or gored SWAT bots with his horns and kicked down Behemoths. At first, he'd done well, albeit suffering several burns to his wool and a few bruises. But that was par the course of being a Freedom Fighter.
Unfortunately, Sleet and Dingo had turned up to assist in the rounding up of civilians. Dingo was smashing down walls to drag people, kicking and screaming, to the capsules, while Sleet had handled Ari.
A couple of capsules were loaded, and ready to be launched back to Robotropolis.
"Ready to say goodbye to your people?" Sleet asked mockingly, as he and Dingo made Ari look at the two pods, as they began to take off.
"I… wouldn't be… so smug…" Ari rasped.
"Really, mutton-head?" Dingo chuckled. "And why's that?"
"Because he has help!" declared a familiar female voice.
The two bounty hunters looked round, just in time to see two feet - one booted, the other made of metal - coming towards them at great speed. The booted foot hit Sleet in the face. The metal one nearly broke Dingo's ribs.
Both Canids were knocked away from Ari, landing flat on their backs.
Upon making their way out of the Mystic Caves, the Freedom Fighters had linked back up with Antoine and Bunnie. Sonic had passed the Ring to the Coyote and cyborg Doe, before taking off with Manic and Sonia towards Metropolis, Longclaw right behind them. Like the other Freedom Fighters, Antoine and Bunnie had been instantly healed by the Ring, much to their amazement. Errol had summoned the small aircraft he, Morain and Hurit had arrived on the Island in. Everyone had crowded inside, and with Errol at the controls (despite Tails wanting a try), they'd flown after the Hedgehogs and Longclaw.
Sally and Bunnie quickly bent down to help Ari back to his feet.
"Are you alright, Ari?" Bunnie asked.
"Better now you're here," Ari replied. "But, the capsules…!"
"Errol's got that," Sally replied.
Sure enough, the Vulpine swordsman's ship came soaring over their heads towards the ascending capsules. A hatch opened in its belly. Two cables extended outward. One found its mark, latching onto a capsule and arresting its ascent by hacking the boosters. The other cable, however, missed the second capsule by inches, as it veered suddenly to the left.
"Bother!" Errol snorted. He retracted the second cable and made to launch again. Unfortunately, Balkiries came swooping in at that moment, firing at him. Errol took evasive action. But he had to make sure he didn't shake the capsule too much.
Errol turned his ship towards the ground. Once the capsule was near enough to the ground, he released the cable. Returning to the air, Errol looked around for the second capsule. Alas, it was gone; blasted off back to Robotropolis.
"Oh, no!" Sally shrieked, clutching at her cheeks in despair.
"We're too late!" fumed Rotor, as he and Antoine came hurrying to join her and Bunnie.
"How can you two be okay with aiding Robotnik against your own kind?" Ari demanded of Sleet, as the Canid bounty hunter got up again.
Sleet shrugged. "We have our reasons, but you don't need to know." His eyes then rested on Sally and the others. "So, up for another beating, are we, Freedom Fighters?"
"Not this time, Sleet," Sally declared. "This time, you two are going down for good!"
Dingo sniggered as he got to his feet again. "Oooooooo, we're really scared!" he taunted, pretending to tremble.
"Oh, you will be," Rotor snarled, cracking his knuckles. "You will be!"