Author's Note: Writer's block having hit me with this story again, I deeply apologize for the delay. But I'm back and we're onto the second-final part of the Boom-Verse of the Multiverse Adventure Arc!
On the other note, I have tried to make this into the final part of the Boom-Verse in general, but the reasons for why I was forced to do this will be revealed at the end of this chapter as the parts I wanted to write will only cause this to become far too long. My deepest apologies over that.
Here we go!
Summary of Story 14-Part 7: Learning of Boom-Sonic's kidnapping by a mysterious figure who also has both versions of Eggman hostage, Sonic and his friends now race against time to rescue his counterpart before it's too late!
I don't own Sonic the Hedgehog. All rights belong to Sega. I only own the OCs.
Alternate-Sonic's Multiverse Adventure-P7: Double Trouble-P2.
*Where the last part left off*
Just when things couldn't get any worse, with having been kidnapped a short time ago before defeating the counterpart of his rivalry friend Shadow the Hedgehog, and happily reunited with Tails and Boom-Tails, now Sonic and his friends have just learned that Boom-Sonic is in the clutches of a mysterious new enemy who also has Eggman, his counterpart and robots held hostage.
On top of that, the blue-armed hedgehog and his long-time enemy have strangely been shrunk down to size by the very same new villain who has tricked Boom-Shadow, who right now was seething in anger.
"That conniving, back-stabbing, utterly manipulative, arrogant, double-crossing-UGH!" Boom-Shadow roared in pure anger, unleashing a sudden flurry of Chaos Spears which had Sonic and the two fox cubs cry out in alarm before the blue hedgehog scooped up Tails and Boom-Tails out of the way, dodging frantically.
"Hey, what's going on now!?" Boom-Sonic cried out, hearing the commution and his eyes widening in panic.
"Uh, let's just say that crazy-Emo-Hog here met with the same guy and is pretty much on a-WHOA!" Sonic yelped, narrowly ducking just in time while hovering over the quivering and frightened fox kits who covered their heads with their arms. "...Chaotic rampage right now."
*With Boom-Sonic*
Silence beheld the blue hedgehog trapped in the jar as he listened in on the situation, the background sounds of Boom-Shadow's rage clear as day and a sense of dread engulfing him for the fears and concerns of Boom-Tails' safety as well as Tails' and Sonic's.
"...Yeah, that's a pretty fitting description." Boom-Sonic sighed, understanding and tiredly. He glanced over to his right at the corner of his eye, noticing the trembling Boom-Eggman, Boom-Orbot and Boom-Cubot now trying to get as far away as possible.
"Worse part is from what we just heard, Shadow didn't even want to join this guy and I have a theory that he planned on giving Shadow the information on our counterparts to get rid of Speed-Ace so that the hooded figure would kidnap you." Boom-Tails commented, managing to lower his arm to show his face to his big brother.
"Heard that part, pal. Had a feeling it would happen since he hates teaming up with anybody." The sport-taped hedgehog shrugged almost nonchalantly.
"He's going to destroy us all...1000% percent guaranteed!" Boom-Eggman squeaked, gulping as he could just imagine what Boom-Shadow would do the moment the black hedgehog arrived at his base.
*With Sonic's group*
"We'll head over to Egg-Butt's base to save you! After we've dealt with Shadow. Be there as soon as we can!" Sonic, deciding that time was already wasted enough as it is, vowed to his alternate-self.
"Think you can drop in Chili Dogs and Pizzazz while you're at it?" Boom-Sonic requested half-sarcastically, prompting a chuckle from the hero of Mobius and the two yellow young inventors.
Sonic then grinned mischievously, his trademark wink followed up. "And for our mysterious Creep-Riding Hood, an Extra Large Clobbering with ancovies and supreme peppers!"
"Now that's more like it!"
With a promise to get to the base soon, Boom-Tails and Boom-Sonic hung up before the former, Tails and Sonic hesitantly glanced up with apprehension seeping up while Boom-Shadow continued to wreck anything possible in a fit of rage.
"Man, Shads never acted like this in our world. At least not that I remember." Sonic couldn't believe the stark construct of Boom-Shadow's ongoing rage and uncontrolled emotions.
"According to Rouge, Shadow usually mopes by himself without resulting to violence..." Tails trailed off, shrugging sheepishly. "At least...that's what I heard anyway."
"If this keeps up, he's going to blow Bygone Island up for sure!" Boom-Tails exclaimed, worriedly.
"Guess there's only one way to solve all of this. We can't let him keep up with this!" Sonic knew it was a huge gamble and a risky move to try and get the crazy ebony hedgehog to stop, but he wasn't going to let Boom-Shadow take away any innocent lives.
Boom-Shadow by then began to punch rapidly at a random boulder so fast and hard that it would've made all versions of both Sonic and Knuckles jealous, unintentionally carving it into a sculpture of himself gazing skyward with his usual stotic frown in perfect detail.
"Hey, hold up, Shadow. Time-out here," Sonic spoke up, holding up a hand before his rival's counterpart could cause anymore damage. "You keep that up, you're gonna exhaust yourself...Or blow yourself up to kingdom come."
Seething in anger, Boom-Shadow responded with a death glare that would melt people into goo in the biggest terror of their lives. "This is all your fault...!"
Normally the cobalt speedster would protest, but given the situation that was happening and while he couldn't voice out that Prism-Sonic was the one responsible, he knew that because he was Sonic the Hedgehog, he felt responsible for his other counterpart's actions.
"...Can't really argue there. If I had been more careful in stopping Eggman before we all ended up in this world, none of this would've happened." The blue hedgehog conceaded, exhaling in remorse.
It was half a lie, because Sonic deeply wished they had all come up with a better plan to prevent Eggman from going after the Paradox Prism, then Shadow wouldn't be trapped in another dimension in the first place.
"What? No snarky annoying one-liners? No sarcastic comments? Or yelling or protests? You're not exactly a perky type of Sonic." Admittedly, though, Boom-Shadow had to very grudgely admit that Boom-Sonic's counterpart was stronger than the other annoying blue hero, and he didn't even taunt him at all.
Sonic shrugged with a sad smile. "I used to be like that, until I made a total mess once upon a time, five months ago. It...was pretty much a wake up call I needed to get how way too overconfident I was. Been tryin' to be more careful and maaaaabye a teeny bit more mature. Still workin' on that part, though."
"...I admit that you are a little bit more mature than the other blue idiot is, and far stronger than him." Boom-Shadow grunted, looking away in disgust to even say it.
"Dude, every reality is different. Similar, yeah, but still different, besides the appearances and all," Sonic chuckled lightly, turning to the rather impressive statue. "Pretty cool sculpture, by the way."
Confusion entching his face, Boom-Shadow glanced to take notice of the statue he unintentionally created, blinking in surprise. "Huh...Far better than the useless wardrobe that is pathetically put together."
"We worked hard on that one." Boom-Tails grumbled softly, looking away looking a bit cross.
"Anyway, I get that you're furious with that guy-whoever he is, but what do you mean by he used you without your acknowledgement? Can ya' please tell us what's going on?" Sonic continued, worry creeping up more visibly that his mask failed to hide it entirely.
Silence followed like a void threatening to swallow any who would get too close. The only sound that was made was the drift of the wind echoing around them, neither of the heroes knowing whether Boom-Shadow would speak or not.
"Hmph...Fine, If you wish to know, this is going to sound absurd. The night before, I met the figure who somehow knew you and your friends arrived from an alternate reality. He attempted to convince me to join him to take out both you and Sonic of this world. I simply refused, because I join no one. I will take on that blue idiot on my own turf." The black hedgehog eventually responded.
"Shadow also tried to destroy the universe by having both Eggman and Lord Eggman together and cause the anomaly. Wanting revenge which doesn't make any sense why." Boom-Tails added.
"I can understand Eggman, but the whole universe? Not sure I like the sound of that." Tails murmured worriedly.
Remembering the previous conversation before his best friend/little brother arrived, the cobalt teen felt his heart sink with a shiver running down his spine. This was just like how Shadow was before he changed sides to help save Mobius. Only this version of the Ultimate Lifeform remained that way...lacking the Black Arms and corrupted GUN agents.
"What surprises me is that you being here isn't causing the anomaly. Care to explain that?" Boom-Shadow questioned.
Sonic was hesitant, not sure if he should tell him or not, while both of Tails shared an uneasy glance before turning to the blue hedgehog. If this version of Shadow was told by the mysterious figure who theoretically saw them earlier, then things were about to get worse. If they told him the truth, then Boom-Shadow may run amok across the Mulitverse in his crazed attempts to destroy it since he clearly hates everything. But if they didn't, the cobalt hedgehog could be accused for being the one causing this mess and then Boom-Sonic may have his life completely ruined and Boom-Eggman could use it to his advantage to take over Bygone Island.
'What'm I gonna do? It's too big of a risk if I said something or not. Eris warned me to not let anybody evil use the Paradox Prism Shard...and I...I already blew it!' The cobalt speedster squeezed his eyes shut before an idea formed.
He didn't have to explan everything. Just give his former enemy's evil counterpart bit of an idea without revealing what he knew. The blue hedgehog glanced at Tails and Boom-Tails, a reassurance in his eyes telling them to leave this to him and to trust in what he is about to say.
"Let's just say, there's more than one way in traversing through the multiverse," He eventually began, careful with his choice of words. "If you believe in the whole Multiverse stuff, then...we were trying to stop our Egghead before we ended up here and trying to save said Multiverse from another danger."
"And why should I believe you?" The black hedgehog growled darkly.
"Has my other self proven to you to be a liar? I wouldn't lie about anything like this. Believe it or not, it's only machines made to cross the multiverse that causes the worlds to collapse. How we got here is super top secret, which I can't tell ya' and neither would Tails or the rest of our friends. Sorry in advance."
Alright, so Sonic made a point. Thinking back of the times when Boom-Eggman attempted to destroy Boom-Sonic, the evil scientist mainly rely on his creations instead of getting into the fight himself.
"Fine, you made your point," Boom-Shadow conceded. "But not all of it. What's in it for me?"
"My point being, is that you shouldn't take your anger out on the world, when most didn't do anything to you at all. In the end, it makes you evil and a bully." Sonic nodded, his expression softening into a plead, hope for his rival's counterpart to understand rising in his chest.
Another moment of pause filling the air like a chill, neither the heroes or the insane black and red hedgehog saying anything at first. None of them certain what to do. It was then that the hero of Mobius had another, risky idea that he knew was terribly a high-stake grim reality of the situation. One that he didn't like, but their mysterious enemy had a crystal powerful enough to shrink people, and has plans for Boom-Sonic. Meaning that they were running on short, precious time and they needed all the help they could get.
"Look, I know you don't want to help us, but we have no idea who this hooded creep is," Sonic began his offer, hesitant and the sense of dread gripping him. "Tell you what: My friends and I go rescue Blue Leader and both of Eggheads-not that they need much of help-and you can have dibs on getting your revenge on the other guy. Whaddya say?"
Boom-Shadow, as much as it irked him to even consider accepting the offer from the fifteen year old, thought deeply. While he refused to join forces with anyone, especially his rivals and enemies, Sonic didn't ask him to join up to rescue Boom-Sonic, but gave him the choice to take out his revenge against the hooded figure. A distraction no less, but at the same time it did give both of them what they intended on doing. Perhaps, just this once, he could agree to the terms of a truce. Sonic "Speed-Ace" the Hedgehog has proven to be far stronger and a bit more mature than the blue-armed idiot who looked to goof off far too much.
"Is he seriously asking Shadow to join our side?" Sticks questioned, suspiciously, her arms crossed in a distrusting manner. Boom-Amy shared her thoughts, skeptism as clear as crystal on her face.
"Not necessary," Rouge knowingly responded, causing Boom-Team Sonic to glance at the albino bat, a sly smirk creeping her features. "Shadow won't be helping us as a team member, but more for a bit of a distraction while he gets the enjoyment in taking out the guy who tricked him in the first place, we rescue Blue Leader at the same time."
"Oh! So it's a non-truce teamwork! That's like in the Colony-Droids movie with Comedy Chip teaming up with the bad guy to take out Zilla-Scales!" Boom-Knuckles excitedly remarked, smirking.
This only made Knuckles facepalm himself in irritation, wishing for this nightmare to end. 'What does it have to be this way?'
The aura of hesitancy and growing uncertainty filled the air once more, neither Sonic, even as he held the look of determination proving to be the testament in his emerald pupils, or his friends knowing whether Boom-Shadow would actually agree to this or not. The cobalt teen half-expected the bitter hedgehog to promptly refuse and leave for his own, desires of extracting his revenge on their newest yet common enemy, whose goal for Boom-Sonic remained leaking the mist of darkness threatening the very plains of this realm.
In truth, the blue hedgehog was scared, never in his life would having to face the wrath of his rival twice, both versions of him. The grim reality hanging over him that there could be more versions of Shadow the Hedgehog that was bitter and evil, never changing sides. Or worse, Sonic himself being even more reckless and uncaring, the heartbreaking reminder of not just Boom-Sonic's overly-cocky attitude far different than his own, but also the horrible accidental actions Prism-Sonic had committed, destroying his own reality for the creation of the Shatterverse, threatening the very fabric of the Mulitverse itself.
Without restoring the Paradox Prism and retrieving the discarded missing shards, no alternate timeline would ever truly be safe. This was the mission, the deepening quest to preserve the freedom, peace and harmony of all dimensions, that hung like a couple of giant boulders solely onto the shoulders of Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends and allies, their ever-lasting bond strengthened by their new resolve to set things right, to partially help one of his counterparts to correct his mistake, and rescue one of their own, needing to be freed from the confinements of a realm he did not belong.
Finally, the fleeting feeling of eternity in everybody's minds-not to mention Boom-Knuckles slowly falling asleep, his snores now echoing in the gentle breeze right until Sticks bumped her elbow into his ribs, jolting him back to awareness while being startled, Boom-Shadow opened his mouth to speak his answer.
"Agreed," The black hedgehog accepted, firmly holding a tight-ish grip on Sonic's extended gloved hand, the testiment of a shaded truce formed between them. "No one touches the figure but me. Stay out of my way."
"Works for me." Sonic sighed, the fleeting since of relief re-establishing the growing confidence and optimism radiating through his benevolent soul and heart, the two hedgehogs standing. He addressed all of his friends and allies, the stark reminder that their mission has changed. "C'mon! Let's head over to Dr. Egg-Head's base!"
"But how can we get there? I don't think Yellow Sky's plane's going to fit all of us." Sun pointed out, worriedly with a shrug.
"I have built a spare plane that needs to be tested anyway. Miles can borrow mine while I use Cyclone." Boom-Tails reassured.
"The Cyclone? You sure name your planes after the weather patterns, don't you?" Boom-Knuckles chuckled, as though he found his friend's choices of naming his flying vessels amusing.
"Better than both versions of Eggman naming their pieces of junk." Knuckles pointed out, his hand held up in a nonchalant wave.
"I can teleport there ahead of you. Your planes are too slow." Boom-Shadow scoffed.
'I'm still surprised he can teleport without using a Chaos Emerald.' Sonic thought to himself, but restrained himself from voicing it aloud. The black hedgehog had been offended enough and had a temper worse than his, Shadow's and Knuckles' combined.
"Well, if it's okay with you, maybe you can teleport us and Yellow Sky's plane to Egghead's base?" The azure hero suggested, wariness tinged with a mixed linger of hope and caution.
"I am NOT a teleporter transport system...!"
"Okay, okay! Just asking!" Sonic's hands almost immediately flew up, the gesture of surrender visible, a sweat drop sleeking down the side of his head. "Would it kill ya' to just calm down a little? I know you wanna get back at the creep-whoever he is-but being constantly angry isn't the answer here."
"Hmph!" Another scoff came as a response, his sharp gaze swifty to his right, Boom-Shadow gritted his teeth before he released an exasperated sigh. "Fine, I'll do it. But-you are all making your own way back, one plane or not."
He knew that he wasn't going to hear the end of this, especially not from Boom-Sonic once they rescued him.
Sonic released a relieved sigh, his hand slowly moving to rest on his chest, his heart's rate beating like drums against his gloved fingertips. That had been a real close one, and unlike Shadow, this Ultimate Lifeform held one heck of a grudge against the world. While he knew it wasn't his business, he had a sneaking suspicion it wasn't as different as the terrible tragedy that occurred by the corrupted GUN five decades earlier. Near him, Knuckles and Rouge's eyes met in an uncertain glance, while Boom-Knuckles and Sticks cast each other a nervous expression, the rest of their friends hoped and prayed with all their hearts that they can succeed on this mission.
Without Boom-Shadow killing them.
*Back with Boom-Sonic*
The continuous wait for his friends began to drive Boom-Sonic into what he felt was a nervous breakdown. Stress, tension, anxiety and fear bubbled up like an overused bubble formula for bath tubs, or bleach incorrectly put into a washing machine that would cause a stained coloured shirt or dress to turn completely white, overflowing an entire room.
Boom-Sonic just couldn't believe his luck. First the whole Paradox Prism messed causes his own alternate-counterpart and his group to get involved in finding the shards due to a Prism-Sonic's mistakes, then Boom-Shadow just up and kidnapped Sonic with every intention on killing him, and now on top of everything else, some random hooded guy shows up, shrinks him to the size of an action figure or even a thumb and puts him into a jar like a collectable insect...
With Boom-Eggman, Boom-Orbot and Boom-Cubot having suffered the same fate before him on top of everything else.
"This is seriously the worst day of my whole life!" The blue armed hedgehog groaned, leaning against the glass of the jar prison he was stuck in, irritation taking over his facial appearance as always. This is even worse than the time he and Boom-Eggman were both stuck in the Temple of Doom!
"Welcome to my world, blue pineapple," Boom-Eggman grumbled sarcastically, slumping with his arms crossed, his slipper-covered foot tapping with agitation following, the annoying sound combined onto the glass floor enough to drive anyone crazy. "This is worse than when I transformed into that purple cute fuzzy cereal mascot! Or the time my package was never delivered, or even when your little fox friend made a fool of himself in that romantic train wreck-!"
"Okay, okay! We get the idea, Egghead!" Boom-Sonic snapped impatiently, his hands flying up in hopeful attempts to get the evil scientist to shut up, glaring heatedly at his arch-nemesis. "You don't have to keep on ranting about it!"
"I didn't get it, and I was enjoying the back-story!" Boom-Cubot remarked, pouting, causing his robotic friend who facepalm himself, exasperated.
"Well, shouldn't your friends be arriving to rescue us by now!? I don't wanna spend the rest of my life as a living doll!" Boom-Eggman argued, clenching his fists that made a slight, squeezing sound in the increasing tightness of his anger.
The blue-armed hedgehog mirrored the gesture, anger and all, stomping up to the human. "In case you haven't been listening, Egg-Brain, Speed-Ace was captured by a crazy hedgehog, whom I have to remind you that you ticked off a number times that nearly destroyed the whole world!"
His enemy wouldn't have it, snarling darkly over the reminder he would soon rather forget. So much so that he unknowingly broke the fourth during the heated argument. "Hello? That was last two seasons, and this is the closest we're going to get in having our own continuation!"
"Yeah, well, would it kill you to just STICK with the program already!?" The hedgehog's gaze soon twisted into that of disgust, a finger pointing at the man's pants-less legs. "And also get some PJs that actually has pants for you to sleep in?"
"What is it with everyone cricitizing me over my nighttime wardrobe!? It's my favorite!"
"So is your 'interesting' texture of adding garlic in shakes and cookies." Boom-Sonic made the gesture quote when he spoke the word 'interesting', sarcasm strongly heard within his voice.
Shock and utter betrayal sent in electrical-like bolts in Boom-Eggman's chest, a horrified gasp sent him recoiling a couple of steps, as though he just witnessed the murder of a close friend(if he had any). "How could you say that!? Even the most cruelest of villains wouldn't come up with something that harsh!"
Boom-Sonic raised an eye-ridge skeptically, his hands resting firmly on his hips, a look of 'Seriously?' forming without even needing to be spoken. Did his enemy really felt the need to accuse him for not liking the disgusting garlic drinks and cookies? What did the human take the blue hedgehog for?
Before the ridiculous heated argument could continue, the vibrations of loud, booming stomps echoed around the trapped prisoners as though a 2.5 magitude Earthquake was rocking, causing Boom-Sonic, Boom-Eggman, Boom-Orbot and Boom-Cubot to let out a collective gasp of fright, all simultaneously casting their sights towards the direction where the entrance to the evil scientist's lab soon opened, revealing the hooded figure, the mysterious crystal once more held in his left grasp. Behind him, to the horror of the prisoners, about at least ten other Cubot Protoypes, their optic lenses all red, wielding spears held out in a threatening gesture, escorting Dr. Eggman, Orbot, Cubot, Decoe, Bocoe and Bokkun, their wrists and ankles clasped in shackles and chains, preventing any chances of escape.
The six villains of the alternate reality held collective looks of frustration, fear, uncertainty of what their fates would bring, and in Cubot's case, utter confusion as he repeatedly glanced at his fellow 'Cubots'.
"Hey, c'mon, brothers! You gotta be on our side, right?" The yellow cubed robot's attempts to sink reason into the protoypes echoed in his voice chip, but the words did not compute in their corrupted systems. "We're family, ain't we?"
"The Cubot Prototypes!?" Boom-Sonic exclaimed, his hands planted onto the thickness of the jar's glass, his eyes widened in dismay to see some of his allies now once again corrupted. His eyes narrowed, hissing a deepening growl of anger when he glanced at the evil figure responsible for this predicument. "That jerk corrupted them!"
"I'm surprised he didn't corrupt our system, which is a good thing." Boom-Orbot remarked, baffled by this display of events.
"Hey! You can't go and take over my systems! I'm the only one who is the super villain around here!" Boom-Eggman protested, his fist clenched in an angry shake, his mustache bristling with his scowled and child-like pout etching across his face.
"What does that make me, chopped liver?" Eggman deadpanned, glancing at his shrunken counterpart and the blue hedgehog. Though in retrospect, he was glad that he hadn't been shrunk down to size.
Once with the accidental use of the Warp Ray two years ago along with his own robots as well as Sonic and Tails was more than enough in his lifetime, thank you very much!
"The Meh Burger sells Chopped Liver with BBQ sauce for limited time! Heard it from our boss last year." Boom-Cubot, once again unaware of the tone of strong sarcasm dripping out of his creator's countpart's voice, perked up in what he thought was a helpful advertisement.
"Whoa, they do that? This world is totally crazy!" Cubot remarked, bewildered.
Decoe, Bocoe, Bokkun and Orbot all shared a horrified glance. What kind of meal service did this world really have!?
"...Forget what I just said." Even Eggman became pale, the horrendous idea of this world's version of the underrated burger joint, one he himself had no intentions of ever going, making his stomach boil over like a poisoned or acid lake in the deepest part of an underground cave, threatening to make him lose his lunch.
Now he will never look at that restaurant the same way ever again without cringing over the vivid and sickening image that would remain in his memory that he would need something to help him forget about it all together if possible...and also hope and pray that he wouldn't have any nightmares.
"Attention, attention!" The hooded figure announced, his hands clapping to gain both the villains' and Boom-Sonic's focus, all of them turning their sight to their shared new enemy. The crystal rested near the dashboard, it's ominous glow giving out a haunting leer that even the blue hedgehog could feel it's evil power that had shrunk him and his long time enemies. "I would like to thank you all for joining me on this wondrous day, one where we shall begin the final preparations for the ultimate goal I have sought for so many years."
"Hate to admit it, he makes a snazzier speech than even the mayor." Boom-Sonic remarked, his arms crossed, impressed despite of what he is dealing with. Whatever the new bad guy's plan was, it had to do with him.
It still intrigued and concerned him on why this guy wanted his counterpart's version of Egghead in the first place? Why not use the one of this world? What kind of connection was there? His emerald eyes drifted towards the crystal itself, a scowl of suspicion creeping up with a deep thought lingering in his mind. Of all the things he has yet to see even on his home island, there was something about the shining powered gem that made his skin crawl, like maggots or scrabs feasting on mummified people in the movies.
"I welcome my new assistant, Dr. Eggman of the alternate universe for providing me the perfection of the experiment, and Sonic the Hedgehog for granting me the few threads of his quills...for the important part." The figure continued, a sinister grin sleeking his lips, one hand reaching into his coat's pockets to reveal a small vial with three, thin and normal sized blue quill threads.
"HEY! You cut part of my hair off! What're you gonna do, make me go bald like Egg-Breath and Dr. Egg-Bore!?" Boom-Sonic protested angrily, furious over the new villain having taken part of his quills without his acknowledgement.
"Who are you calling Egg-Bore!?" Eggman snapped, insulted by the hedgehog's accusation, his face steaming as red as his coat. He wasn't that boring, was he?
The mysterious figure ignored the two, chuckling with excitement and evil echoing in his tone. "Now then, you are all about to witness the greatest part no one in fifty years would have known until now. One I am certain another hedgehog would soon find out...once Shadow arrives as I have already gained part of his energy in his sleep, just as I have done with yours, Sonic the Hedgehog."
"Energy? What're you talking about?" The aforementioned hedgehog asked, incredulous over the claim. Sure he could run a super speed and Sonic was admittedly faster than him with new cool tricks, but what did Boom-Sonic have that he never even knew of?
"You will soon see."
No one, not even the two versions of the evil scientist, liked the sound of that. Boom-Sonic and Boom-Eggman shared a nervous glance, unease seeping within their hearts, a quivering flood engulfing their blood and freezing them like the lake within the jungle.
This...wasn't good news at all.
Roughly around the same time just outside of the base on Boom-Eggman's fortress island, Sonic, his friends, and the Tornado materialized in a flicker of light thanks to the use of Boom-Shadow's teleportation power. Yet because of the unfamiliarity of transport, the cobalt teen seemingly remained mostly unaffected with being used to manipulating the power of Chaos Control quite a few times whenever an Emerald was available.
Everyone else felt all woozy and dizzy, Tails and Boom-Tails letting out groans, their faces having the shade of light-green, Amy and her counterpart each resting a hand to their stomachs in futile attempts to ease the queasiness, Rouge bend slightly forward, her hands resting on her knees with an exhausted, shallow breathing, Sun attempted to shake his head to rid the dizziness, only for a couple of his fingers rising to the bridge of his nose, eyes squeezed shut upon the realization that it only made things worse, Star slowly lowered herself to the hardened, barren rock floor in hopes of easing her headache steadily growing, Knuckles almost mimicking Rouge, except he rested a hand to his forehead, his eyes shut tightly.
Sticks' hands immediately flew up to her mouth, her feet quickly carrying her to the nearest large boulder to hide behind it and...well...let's just say that her stomach did not agree to the whole teleportation ordeal what so ever.
Finally, Boom-Knuckles practically collapsed on his back with a loud thud slightly rocking the landscape, his vision blurred and doubled, a groan escaping his mouth. For an echidna having muscles and unbelievable strength, not even he could handle the power of Boom-Shadow's abilities.
"Ugh...Anybody got a sick medicine for brains and stomachs?" The poor echidna weakly groaned, the sense of pleading easily heard.
"Hmph. Look how pathetic you all are. You call yourselves heroes and you can't even handle teleportation?" Boom-Shadow scoffed, disappointed over everyone's reactions.
"To be fair, most of us don't have the same power as you do, so we're not used to being transported instantly like you are. Everybody has their own strengths and weaknesses." Sonic pointed out, a slow sigh escaping to reassure himself he wouldn't be passing out. He hurried over to his little brother, gently cradling his hands around the fox cub's chest and back to help him keep his balance steady.
"You seem to be as less affected as your friends, though." The black hedgehog couldn't help but remark, taking notice of how the cobalt teen seemed to be more immune to the side effects, his energy not wavering through the short trip.
The blue hedgehog shrugged nonchalantly, slight mischief twinkling in his eyes. "Yeah, well, I'm kinda used to it. I even one time figured out how to use that similar way of teleporting our Shadow did, and let me tell you, it saved my life from being blown up into smithereens. Don't do it as often, but that's another secret."
"Can we talk about teleporting stuff later?" Amy, strained with her stomach twisting in an uncomfortable position as though someone was screwing it to squeeze remnants of water out of a damp cloth or piece of clothing, groaned, her hand slowly lowered. "We gotta save Blue Leader...Ugh...I hope the rest of our adventure doesn't invovle this sort of transport again."
"She's right. It's time to bring down the Jerk Hood!" Boom-Amy, surprisingly being the first to regain her strength, as though she was given some sort of energy boost, declared, her hand clutched into a tightening fist, facing the sky.
Despite still feeling the affects of Boom-Shadow's power, in what the Sonic Heroes thought was his own version use of Chaos Control only without even a single Emerald, groans filling the air of dismay, annoyance, and a couple even complaining about wanting to have some time to rest, everyone knew they had to agree and one by one, each with some support of each other, and Sticks finally finishing up in emptying her stomach, stood firm and tall, ready to take on their newest enemy, save one of their own and accomplish their mission.
Yet, in the situation grim and serious, Boom-Amy and Boom-Knuckles casually began their approach towards the front door, which ironically was just a few meters from where they and the rest of the heroes all stood.
Shocked and impatient racing through their minds, Sonic shrugged hopelessly, an exasperated sigh escaping before taking a few steps back, his eyes narrowed, determination and undying resolve beckoning throughout his body, flowing from his heart. With his legendary speed of sound, the whirls and high-pitched whoosh from his Homing Attack sped past both versions of his self-proclaimed girlfriend, smashing straight into the heavily steel, metal door that held no chance of stopping the cobalt hero. Dust and metal pieces flew everywhere in the impact, the loud crushing filling everyone's hearing as even this managed to stop the two hammer-wielding girls' fighting, whirling around startled.
"Whoa! Didn't see that one comin'!" Boom-Knuckles froze in his steps, finding himself smirking. "Now that's what I call an entrance!"
"Hmph. Finally, someone with a logical sense." Boom-Shadow grunted, a tiny smirk forming on his muzzle, witnessing the rather impressive logically idea from his rival's counterpart performed.
"Ugh, Speed-Ace! You should have knocked first!" Boom-Amy on the other hand, scowled angrily over Sonic's actions in bashing into the base rather than take the more appropriate approach.
"Hey, don't you go scold my boyfriend!" Amy angrily yelled at her counterpart.
Before a heated argument between the two girls over the hero of Mobius' actions could start up, Sonic, shrugging in exasperation as this was getting them nowhere, raced over, gently placing both hands on his self-proclaimed girlfriend and her counterpart's shoulders. "Hold up girls! Now's not the time to argue! We've got a big rescue mission here! We're supposed to be a team!"
"Sonic's right! Blue Leader's life and the fate of the whole multiverse at are stake!" Tails agreed, his hands clenched with impatience threatening to boil over, bubbling away like a hot spring slowly increasing to burst into a geyser.
"If we don't hurry, our new enemy could do more worse to all of us!" Boom-Tails continued.
"Then I say..." Sticks trailed off, her trusty boomerang held up high like a sword ready for battle.
"Chaaaaarge!" The Badger and Amy, silently thanking Sonic and Tails for ending the silly argument, Star, and Boom-Knuckles cried in unison.
"Alright! Here we GO!" Sonic, his confident smirk shining on his muzzle, pumped his fist skyward, quickly taking the lead in the race through Boom-Eggman's base, everyone's footsteps tapping an echo against the pavement.
The Sonic Heroes allowed their counterparts, Sticks and Boom-Shadow, the black hedgehog grumbling over the outrageous idea of teaming up with his enemies, through the blinding corridor of nothing but the uninteresting white, security alarms blaring enough to bring about nothing but headaches to those who would be wishing it was stop. But the group ignored the infuriating sounds, their focus set forth upon rescuing Boom-Sonic the Hedgehog, and discover the dark secrets and origins of whom they will soon face.
Back in the control room, the mysterious figure and his prisoners were set alarmed by the security systems for the presence of intruders entering the fortress, invading the home of Boom-Dr. Eggman himself. For Boom-Sonic, the sense of sheer relief washed over him, his hand pressed firmly to his chest with his heart's rate accelerating.
While the hooded figure may not see it, but the blue hedgehog just knew, with everything he and his own team had gone through, his friends, both old and new, were coming to rescue him. It was the biggest relief he's had all day.
"Well, well, what do we have here? An intruder coming to invade my secret fortress? How amusing." The evil figure remarked, a sly grin spreading across his hidden face, his fingers dancing about on the keystrokes. He addressed the normal-sized prisoners in a calm, mannered tone, dark like a thick mist of poison engulfing a graveyard. "I trust my device is all well and ready."
Eggman, his wrists and ankles shackled and chained, could only let out a growl, fear and irritation entrapping him like a caged tiger. "Yes, it is. What use do you want it for?"
"Oh, you will find out within the next few minutes, doctor. And once my plan is complete, soon Sonic the Hedgehog will meet his end."
"Why not just get rid of me while you were at it? Why am I still here for, toy-sized?" Boom-Sonic demanded, fists banging hard on the glass with frustration building up very quickly.
The new enemy cackled, slowly twirling to the trapped shrunken prisoners, the air of triumph filling up the room. "I need you and your enemy alive, to see the final results for my latest experiment. All I need now is..."
BOOM! CRASH!
Startled out of his long, slow monolgue for explaining his ultimate goal, the figure and all of his prisoners spun their heads to the bashed down entrance of the lab, smoke and dust plumming a little, thinning out to reveal the intruders having made the dramatic entrance: The Sonic Heroes, the rest of the Boom-Team Sonic, and, with eyes widening in shock, disbelief, and in Boom-Eggman's case, sheer horror, Boom-Shadow the Hedgehog, livid with sword-glaring eyes seemingly glowing brighter like a red moon, stood, all holding each confidence and determination on their features.
"Games up, Creep-Spooky-Hood! Your kidnapping party is over!" Sonic declared boldly.
"Yeah, we're here to get our friend back!" Boom-Knuckles added, before a nervous gesture at a truced-member made him sleeky away a bit, his voice shaking slightly. "Urm, and he's here to tear you into a million pieces for pushing all of his evil buttons."
Boom-Shadow rolled his eyes, self-control forcing him to hold back the urge to rip the taller echidna into pieces first. Knuckles, however, didn't even bother to hide his own frustration, one hand slapping in a loud echo on his face, combined with an groan of annoyance.
"It's about time you rodents got here!" Eggman snarled, impatiently.
"Hey, put a cork in it, Ro-butt-nik!" Sun snapped instantly, his fierce glare aimed directly to the chained up evil scientist who flinched back, frightened. "Don't think you're getting off the hook when this fight's over."
"Ro-butt-nik?" Boom-Knuckles snickered, which soon turned into an uproar of laughter, not just from him, but soon Boom-Sonic, whose hands found their way to his stomach in the hysterics, Sticks, Boom-Tails and even Boom-Amy joined in as well. "Who came up with that great nickname?"
Sonic, unable to help himself through his memories of his previous adventures, grinned with a shrug. "That would be me. I used to call our Egghead 'Ro-butt-nik' a lot before I started callin' him Eggman. I mean, we all know that his real name is Ivo Robotnik."
"Wait, what? I didn't know that." Instantly the dimwitted echidna ceased in laughing, perplexed over the cobalt hedgehog's claim.
"Well, well," The figure, ignoring the amusement filling the air over the amount of time, began. His voice, dark and chilling, almost instantly brought the heroes' attentions drawn to him. "It seems the hedgehog I have been waiting for has arrived, but I must admit, I didn't anticipate in a welcoming rescue party to join in. No matter, the other guest of honor has arrived."
"If you think we'll let you cook up whatever plot you've got, that's not gonna happen! Let our friend go, or you'll be sorry!" Sonic demanded, a heated glare attempting to gaze through the mysterious villain's hidden face.
"You have used me even without my acknowledgement," Boom-Shadow began, a hiss of darkness leaking in his tone, a hint of anger, hate and warning drawn enough to chill the oxygen. "Now I will personally take care of you myself."
The figure just let out a chilling, cold chuckle like an icicle impaling through the hearts of Sonic and all of his friends, and even their enemies who began to slightly pale, feeling fear creep up, but the rescuers and Boom-Sonic attempted to ignore this feeling. "On the contrary, Shadow the Hedgehog. I have already gained your DNA within your sleep for your power for the final ingredient of my ultimate plan, to be rid of Sonic the Hedgehog, you, Dr. Eggman and all of the heroes of Bygone Island."
"What do you need Sonic and Shadow for?" Amy demanded, her grip on her Piko Hammer tightening for use to strike if need be.
"Oh, it's quite simple, young lady. I have gained some of the two hedgehogs' quills and powerful energies radiating throughout their bodies, to complete my new experiment and perfect weapon!" The figure's arms spread, as though addressing the entire world, his menacing laughter vibrating the walls of Boom-Eggman's base.
"What perfect weapon?" Sun questioned, suspiciously.
"What are you talking about?" Boom-Amy was perplexed, casting her confused gaze with Boom-Tails who could only shake his head, a silent response of not fully knowing what the figure meant either.
"You...You stole from me last night as well!?" Boom-Shadow, gritting his teeth over the familiarity over the name, however, shocking his enemies and their counterparts, a collective gasp surrounding the room which he ignored.
"Oooh boy...That hood-jerk is in for it now." Boom-Sonic's fingers scratched along through his quills, past experiences with his battles against his rival formatting to swallow the lump filling his throat.
"Uh-oh..." Boom-Knuckles gulped, his fearful gaze cast onto the growing enraged hedgehog's state. "There's the scary Shadow that we all know..."
Another evil chuckle emerged, the figure traced a couple of steps forward towards the heroes, who stood their ground, defenses high through the roof. "Indeed, Shadow, you are part of the experiment and now, you and all around you are in for the taste of my ultimate power."
The words alone echoed through the thickness of tension, shock, horror, confusion, and realization engulfing the heroes and other villains alike. Sonic, his friends, their enemies and all of their counterparts swiftly turned to the black hedgehog, the intense fury swiftly formatting around him. His ruby eyes tainted with rage enough to burn anybody's souls into ashes should they be foolish enough to gaze into those orbs.
"Oh no...I was afraid of this." Eggman groaned, dismayed. This was an alternate history repeating itself all over again.
"Cut the act, hood-creep!" Sonic finally snapped, marching a few steps in confrontation to take on the evil villain before them. Determination to set things right and prevent both worlds from being destroyed radiating throughout his veins and deep into his heart. "You're not getting away with this! Do you really think you can accomplish all of this?"
Undaunted by the teenager's intimidation, the evil figure shuffled a dark, low chuckle, taking a step forward, the crystal held tightly within his grasp. "I don't think I can, I know, because I have already won."
"Not yet, you haven't!" The hero of Mobius positioned to strike, yet he knew if he made the rash decision to attack now, it would prove to be dangerous.
Especially with that crystal capable of shrinking people and he didn't fancy of going through that nightmare again. Once was already bad enough.
The figure's grin only grew, taking a few steps back to unveil his latest creation. "We will see about that, Alternate Sonic the Hedgehog."
Swiftly his fingers dancing upon the keystrokes, from the corner of the room more Motorbugs emerged ready to take down the heroes and Boom-Shadow, their fighting stances simultaneously reflex like a group of warriors ready for the ultimate battle.
Unfortunately, to make matters worse, another robot, this time strangely familiar in blue and silver, suddenly emerged from the doorway, one that made everyone release a collective gasp of horror and dismay. Boom-Knuckles and Sticks both let out a chorused screech of terror.
"Metal!?" Sonic exclaimed, bewildered upon seeing the alternate counterpart of his robotic doppelganger, his heart nearly flying into his through like a water-filled bottle launched int othe air. "Since when did this world's Eggman build him!?"
"Not Metal Sonic again!" The rest of the Boom-Team Sonic groaned, dismayed.
"Ooooh...Not Metal Sonic. Why did my counterpart keep that rogue machine around?" Eggman groaned, memories of his own Metal Sonic and it's betrayal against him flooding his mind like an avalanche ready to engulf him.
"Ugh! I hate seeing that fake robot!" Boom-Sonic complained loudly, eyes rolled skyward, silently pleading for mercy and sanity.
"Hey, those are mine!" Boom-Eggman ranted, but his childish complains were simply ignored.
"Shads, we'll take care of these junk heaps! That hood-head is yours!" Sonic quickly instructed, his tone taking on a quiet whisper only for the black hedgehog to haer, not taking his eyes off of the incoming horde, yet his emerald pupils secretly shifted towards the imprisoned Boom-Sonic's group, an idea materializing like the light of the Chaos Emeralds.
"Hmph, with pleasure, for once." Boom-Shadow's muzzle slit a satisfied grin, pleased that this blue teenager could understand what he intended on doing. Without much else to discuss, the evil hedgehog took a swift charge straight towards the hooded figure while the rest of the heroes, most of them stunned and confused by this act, focused their goals on the small fry.
"Sonic Heroes and Team Sonic, GO!" Sonic shouted, his arm swiftly at the robots ready for an attack.
The two Sonic Teams charged, their legs and flights storming the Motorbugs like an elegant tidal wave, splitting up into two teams each to take on the laser and saw-slicing machines, swiftly dodging many attacks before returning them in favor for saving Boom-Sonic and their enemies.
Sonic went head-first towards Boom-Metal, who leaped towards him, claws stretched out to grab him by the throat. Yet, the blue hedgehog's reflexes blocked the incoming attack, his hands making contact with the machine's, fingers, both organic and cold steel, intertwining in locked grips, their feet planted firmly on the floor in every attempts to overpower one another. The hero of Mobius, pushing his strength to the limit, strained to hold the machine back.
"How're you doin' Metal?" Sonic greeted sarcastically, bullets of sweat creeping along his face, his teeth gritting in the struggle. "You're as hideous as the last one I kicked butt with!"
Boom-Metal Sonic said nothing, it's red optic lenses seeping it's glare into his emerald pupils, threatening to sink into his soul and snuff it out like a little candle. But Sonic was not faze, his own glare sharpened to shield his spirit and his heart's strength re-energizing like a rechargeable battery. The two hedgehogs, one living, the other filled with wirings and harddrives, made no success as of yet to push each other back.
Having an idea, his sensitive hearing causing his ears to twitch over the sounds of seemingly unsuspected Motorbugs rolling their wheels against the pavement, ready to evaporate him into oblivion and a snarl of frustration and annoyance creeping up, Sonic, with the amount of strength that he still had while wondering why he felt healed all of the sudden, given his long, agonizing battle against Boom-Shadow earlier should have left him sustained with injuries, but wasn't, tightening his grip on Boom-Metal, heaving him to the mighty swing among his right, throwing the robot off it's feet and used him like a combination of a Nun-chuck and a bat, bashing the unsuspected robots into a crushing oblivion, letting go and his opponent crashing against the ground.
"Thanks for the help, Mets! Nice of ya' to lend a hand!" The hero of Mobius taunted, his grin brightening up, only for it to face into an opened-mouthed gasp when Boom-Metal, slowly sitting up, it's senses slightly malfunctioning, leered before standing with clutched, tightened grip.
This forced Sonic to quickly raise up his defenses, swift-side stepping to the side when the robot ignited it's jets for another attack, except he cart-wheeled to the side, followed by a series of back-flips, avoiding Boom-Metal's claws in making contact with his flesh to bring out blood.
Meanwhile, Tails flipped front-wise curling into a tight call, his namesakes almost sharped like a pair of knives, using a Spin Dash right through two robots that stood no chance against his own ways of speed. When this task was done, the nine year old cub hovered upward, narrowly avoiding another two Motorbugs before he descended in rapid speed, a loud yell mixed with determination and bravery, crushing one on the head with a stomp using the majority of his strength, leaping off just in time when the two robots, charging with one still having it's head, accidentally destroyed each other when they opened-fired their lasers.
Boom-Tails hovered over more, his Laser Pistol taking out the majority of robots while flipping to the side in a mid-air cartwheel like a skilled Spanish Outlaw hero, determination to save his big brother fueling him, his heart's rate and moral increasing like a rechargeable battery. Sticks, letting out an animalistic screech of rage, swiftly dipped low, sliding upon the pavement of the tile floor, her Boomerang thrust at several robots that aimed their claws to get her, but were instead sliced off like pieces of paper, collapsing to their boom the moment she reached time.
Amy and Boom-Amy, sharing a nod of agreement despite their earlier argument, held one hand out to another, a tight grasp when their turned their attention towards more robots aiming to capture the seemingly helpless girls.
"We'll show you creeps!" Amy snarled, her beautiful jade green eyes burning with deepening compassion, she and her counterpart darting around like a magical merry-go-round, both Piko Piko Hammers stretched out in a magnificent performance of ballet, aura of pink light spreading out from the former's love for Sonic and all of her friends, cutting away the robot's advance and bashing them across the room.
The machines collided with the walls, shattering like broken boulders thrown by the strongest of warriors upon the attacks of Amy and Boom-Amy, who, feeling dizzy from displaying this new skill, ceased their combined attack and cheerfully shared a high-five.
Sun and Star both shot out their grapple hooks, aimed for the ceiling's hanging loose pipes that were visible to the naked eye, their legs lifted in a double swing like gymastic acrobats, the latter swifts her right leg right at the face of another robot, while her left axe-kicked at the Motorbot nearly gripping their claws upon her thigh, but ultimately missed by just as single inch. The former Werehog in the meantime let loose from his hooks, a determined grunt known in his throat and violet eyes, the wrath of his Homing Attack unleashed in a near-deadly strength against the useless bots that opened fired, but were no match and were crumbled with littered pieces of metal flying everywhere.
"HEY! Watch where you bash my Motorbugs! I just had the floor polished!" Boom-Eggman ranted, an angry fist shaking over the mess his enemies and their counterparts and new friends were making.
'I still can't believe he's the alternate version of me.' Eggman thought bitterly, embarrassment over the fact his own counterpart was such a big baby, clueless, stupid and...and, sweet Chaos, can't those rodents hurry up and get on with this so Boom-Eggman can grow back to normal size and change out of those PJs that would want to make his eyes bulge out of their sockets like a Jack in a Box!?
Knuckles in the meantime, his immense strength overpowering the Clawbots that suddenly came into action, thrust his fists to grab it's body almost effortlessly, grunting heavily while attempting to prevent himself from being pushed backwards, while the robot's arms spun and flailed in hopeless attempts to attack him. With a strong heave over his head, the Guardian of the Master Emerald thrust it into the air, a loud roar of determination echoing.
"Muscles, punch it's head off!" Knuckles called out to his counterpart, in an as simple instruction the dimwitted echidna could hopefully understand as possible.
"You got it, Warrior!" Boom-Knuckles grinned, too much Sonic-style as his shorter counterpart would like, waiting his chance as the Clawbot descended, the robot flailing about, panic-stricken before he bashed his fist straight at the head, knocking it off of it's body that landed in a piled crush, bits and pieces flying everywhere.
The taller echidna laughed victoriously. "Ha! Now that's what a real headache would feel like!"
Rouge in the meantime, flying across the Motorbugs with usual tricks and flips, her Screw Kicks taking out most, noticed the head before a sly smirk emerged on her lips. An idea, fun as it was, formed into her mind with a hum. Spinning around as though about to use her special skill again, instead, the bat thief drew back her leg, an extra-powerful kick hitting the Clawbot's useless head downward, straight towards five other Motorbugs and two other Clawbots, bashing them through the torsos or heads, creating a zig-zag pattern as though one was playing a pinball game.
While all of his friends were busy taking out the series of Motorbugs, Clawbots and...were those an army of Cubots in different designs with unnecessary accessory(?) lingering near by, safe-guarding Eggman, the original Cubot, Orbot, Decoe, Bocoe and Bokkun, that caught the corner of his eye, Sonic performed a series of flips and back-flips, his reflex movements of speed and agility more than enough to avoid the ongoing assaults of lasers, claws and saws from each Motorbug and Clawbot, combined with Boom-Metal Sonic's brutal attempts to destroy him.
'On the bright side, at least this ugly faker can't copy anyone's bio-data and he looks no better than a busted toaster.' Sonic thought, his fists and feet returning the favors of punches at the heads of the small fry bots, causing a couple of them to spin like a cake mixer, and swiftly axe-kicked at the claws multiple times, finishing the robots off with a mixture of his Homing Attack and Insta-Shield when the lasers aimed to vaporize him. The blue hedgehog though was secretly trying to make his way towards the jar where his counterpart and three of his enemies were still trapped inside, waiting to be rescued.
"Hang in there, Blue Leader! I'll be right there!" Sonic half-whispered to his alternate-self, glancing over his shoulder before quickly turning his attention back to Boom-Metal, who made to launch at him again. The blue hedgehog mirrored his enemy, his new shoes tapping loudly against the white floor, legs becoming a blur as he ran.
"Where does he think I might go, exactly?" Boom-Sonic murmured, sarcastically, arms crossed as he could only witness the ongoing battle unfold. He never felt so helpless and useless, not being able to be by his friends' sides to join in.
Worst part is, his counterpart was fighting the robotic copy of himself, and from the looks of it, Sonic definitely had a Metal Sonic back in his dimension, given how much the hero of Mobius was taking on Boom-Metal knowingly, the movements and indications of the robot's abilities almost too easy for him to read along the lines.
"I'm more concerned about how they can handle Mr. Hood if Shadow can't." Boom-Orbot squeaked, a pinch of fear echoed in his voice box, a shaky finger gestured at the aforementioned duo.
When Boom-Sonic, Boom-Eggman, and Boom-Cubot, who was fiddling his fingers nervously, even to the point of trying to bite them only to stupidly realize that he didn't have any finger nails, turned to see what Boom-Orbot was talking about, the blue-armed hedgehog released a gasp of shock with his eyes widening. True to the round robot's words, Boom-Shadow didn't seem to be having any kind of luck right now.
During the two heroic teams fight against the robots, Boom-Shadow glared such furious daggers at the evil figure who's grin was barely visible beneath the hood, the tightening grip on the crystal, it's illuminating glow surging it's power through his fingertips, seeping it's veins and soul. The black hedgehog meanwhile, had both palms outward, the surge of Chaos Energy raging to life with the power-up of his Chaos Spear ready to be unleashed under his command.
"I will make you regret in ever crossing me." Boom-Shadow spoke, darkness of his voice all but drowning out the battlefield surrounding him, like an echo of evil silence ready to overwhelm the entire world if possible.
"You can go ahead and try..." The figure challenged.
Blinded by his rage for revenge, the evil hedgehog thrust out a series of his power, the yellow arrows of light launched like missiles to strike his enemy: But the evil villain, a chilling cold laughter, raised up the crystal that shone brightly, the attack instantly blocked by a newly created shield, paralleling them right back for the kill to the black warrior.
"What!?" The black hedgehog could only let out the startled gasp of shock, instantly dodging to the side as his own attack narrowly missed him by a single inch, instead taking out other random robots that were just about to attack the heroes only to fall.
Now furious over his own attack not making their mark and being used against him, Boom-Shadow snarled, the seething eruption threatening to escape his darkened soul and heart, his gaze blazing towards the figure who's grin never wavered, a silent taunt for him to approach and try his luck once more. Realizing that the figure holding the crystal was a disadvantage to him, the black hedgehog tightened his fists, making them almost bleed with the tremor like shake, before he skated at his opponent, a punch aimed towards the enemy's face enough to crush a boulder and make both versions of Knuckles super jealous.
But by the use of the crystal, the figure somehow became so fast that he as though teleported and disappeared in a flash, much to Boom-Shadow's shock as he stumbled forward, missing his mark. Unfortunately, as the Ultimate Lifeform snapped his head from left to right quickly, the mysterious figure re-materialized behind him, an evil chuckle sung like a death song, instantly aiming a punch at Boom-Shadow's shoulder.
"UGH!" The black hedgehog hissed, the stinging sensation like a sword impaling through his arm, sent forward towards the control panels.
Before he was about to crash into it, the figure once again used the mysterious crystal, appearing back to his original position and landing another punch, this time in the chest that Boom-Shadow stood no chance in avoiding. a pained groan like an Iron Steel stabbed through him, sending him flying backwards across the room.
Boom-Shadow could do nothing to stop himself from crushing against the wall, a massive dent with the collision of his quickly battered body created, plumes of dust and broken pieces of concrete, rock and metal flying everywhere.
The heroes, nearing their victory against their opponents despite Sonic still having his own ongoing difficulty in facing Boom-Metal, and their trapped friend and enemies, heard the commotion only to let out a series of shocked, horrified and stunned gasps echoing in a chorus.
"SHADOW!" Sonic screamed, making to reach his rival's counterpart, only for Tails to call out to him almost too late. Another gasp set loose, the blue hedgehog swiftly cast his gaze at Boom-Metal who used this to it's advantage.
Left with no time to even dodge in his shock, the robot delivered a sharp-near-rib crushing punch to the sides, Sonic wincing in a near-breathless gasp right before he felt the unforgiving, cold, sharp-clawed, tight grip around his throat, the robot lifting him inches into the air.
"SONIC!" Amy cried, she and the rest of the heroes beyond horrified to see her 'boyfriend' caught in the horrible robot's grasp.
The fifteen year old, air slowly cutting off, tried to squirm and pry out of Boom-Metal's deadly grasp, panic creeping in, his heart racing desperately for any attempts to escape.
Oh, man...! If he didn't get out of this soon and save his friends, and Boom-Shadow, they were all toast!
'Ugh! I...can't let...these bad guys win...! C'mon, Sonic! Think of something, quick!' The blue hedgehog thought, struggling to hold his terrified whimpers in, his gaze glaring into the cold, red, lifeless optics threatening to eat at his soul, the indication of a cold, metal killer as clear as the cleanest ocean achieving victory.
"Let! Him! GO!" Sun shouted, furious over the robot replica attempting to kill his brother, a quickly performed Homing Attack barging towards Boom-Metal, smashing the arm holding his former original into two pieces, sparks of electricity and wiring flying around as Sonic then dropped to the ground.
Boom-Metal Sonic in the meantime was sent flying backwards, crashing onto the white, unforgiving floor, but not enough to be ultimately defeated. Sonic slumped, one hand immediately rubbing his bruised throat, coughing and hacking, wheezing in the much, needed air back into his lungs, dizziness threatening to darken his vision.
"Sonic! Are you okay!?" Tails, he, Amy, Star, and the rest of the heroes, once all of the army was taken down and the Cubot Prototypes not making any movements, immediately hurried to the blue hedgehog's side.
"Y-Yeah...But this guy's really makin' Egghead's robots including Metal twice as tough." Sonic lamented, his voice all raspy and scratchy from the near experience of being choked to death.
Boom-Shadow in the meantime, emerging at the throbbing pain throughout his body, his battle against Sonic earlier had not done him any good, which again the figure was to blame for having him kidnap the blue hedgehog in teh first place, glared hard with his rage only increasing that all he could think about was ending his enemy's life. The black hedgehog stood, punching broken rocks and rubble that shattered like clay to make room.
"You will pay for that...! I will take full pleasure in throwing your dead corpse into the volcano once I'm finished with you!" Boom-Shadow growled, red aura surrounding his entire body that made Boom-Team Sonic, and Boom-Eggman's group, and even Eggman and his robots shudder, fearful for the enraged hedgehog's temper.
"Mwahahahahaha! Fool! There is no stopping me now! In fact, I will repeat my little riddle and I do hope all of you will pay attention this time!" The figure bellowed in laughter, reaching over an untouched machine, crystal in hand. "Good hedgehogs are blue, evil kind are black and red, overconfidence goes over both heads. Heroes and Villians are such a bore, but what would happen if one of either become more?"
"WHAT!?" Sonic and his group, and even Eggman, who had been denied on what the evil creation the figure intended on using was, all exclaimed in shock, sudden flashes of deja vu crossing through their minds.
Sonic and Sun both had to stop from casting horrified glances, memories of the latter's creation mere months ago coming back to haunt them. Suddenly it all made perfect sense: Energy and quills from Boom-Sonic, extra power from Boom-Shadow, Eggman's intelligence far greater than his counterpart's...Oh sweet, Chaos! Now they, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Star and Rouge understood the intentions against Boom-Team Sonic.
Everyone else, however, all stood with blank confusion mounted on their expressions, comical echoes of crickets surrounding the room in an awkward moment of silence.
"Kind of late for Valentine's Day, don'tcha think? Is that supposed to be a messed up parody of poerty?" Boom-Knuckles asked, shrugging cluelessly.
"It's not poerty, Muscles..." Tails began, becoming pale over this horrific discovery, his heart sinking. "He's made a clone of Blue Leader with Shadow's abilities!"
Another moment of silence, until moments later the heroes of this world and even their enemies finally caught on on the young fox's words and they all instantly shared their counterparts' fears.
"A CLONE OF ME!?" Boom-Sonic screamed, snapping his attention to the machine, his heart dropping, a frightened and dismayed soft gasp threatening to escape. "Oh...Man...! Two of me from other dimensions is crazy enough, but for me to have a clone? That's even worse!"
"My worst nightmare come true." Boom-Eggman groaned, shaking his head.
The figure grinned, flicking his wrist, the crystal glowing and the hatch opening up, steam hissing and emerging with the doors slowly opening. "Behold, heroes and villains of two worlds...for one to replace you both and I dominate all! The replacement of Sonic the Hedgehog!"
Knowing the dangers of now facing not just Boom-Metal, who stood to the side via recovery, but now Boom-Sonic's very own clone being on the side of evil, Sonic and all of his friends could only watch in anticipation to face the exact copy of the blue-armed hedgehog. Within the steam was a silhouette of a newly created clone hedgehog, same posture and build as Boom-Sonic...
However, as soon as it cleared, no one, not even the figure who had been waiting eagerly, even participated on who emerged from the machine...
While the figure strongly resembled to Boom-Sonic, instead, the real shock came in that Sonic's group let out even louder gasps, while the heroes and villains of this world were rendered completely speechless. But the one most shocked and soon super aggravated the most was...The tangerine hedgehog of the group.
"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me!" Sun shouted, sense of deja vu, dismay, and disbelief engulfing him, one hand slapping his forehead loudly in irritation.
Rather than an exact living and breathing copy of Boom-Sonic, instead, the colouring was misplaced: In place of the blue fur was a tangerine-orange, darker orange tips at the end of the quills in cowlicks, violet pupils in place of emerald green, a cream-white scarf in place of the brown, and green sneakers with silver buckles, surrounded by sports tape.
The mysterious figure and Dr. Eggman have instead created not just a clone of Boom-Sonic...
But they have created the counterpart of Sun: Boom-Sun the Hedgehog.
To be Continued!
A/N: I have of this idea for a while now, but kind of hoped it would be revealed in the final part. Instead, now the Boom-Verse has it's own version of Sun the Hedgehog! Yet, how will the heroes react further and what will Sun's new counterpart will do? Next time is the final part of the Boom-Verse, and hopefully this time we either finally get back to Shadow, or reach into the next alternate reality.
Hard to say at this stage, and my apologies for making this part so long. The Multi-verse Arc for this story will be the longest of all the segments written. I'm not sure when I'll update again, but hopefully it won't take too long.
See you later!