Review Responses:

To Void Reader: I'd hate to be the one to shatter your wish, but Sega will never bring the Archie Characters to the games, let alone the original Freedom Fighters. I mean, Sega of America technically did in the weird spin-off games like Sonic Spinball and Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, but that didn't count. As for the short answer, a lawsuit. Long answer, some writer named Ken Penders decided to sue Sega for "stealing" his idea of a lost civilization of advanced echidnas (The Fourth Civilization from Sonic Chronicles: Dark Brotherhood), which was the Dark Legion. Archie messed up because they lost the original contract which was needed for the lawsuit, allowing Penders to win the suit. Sega then turned to sue Archie for not licensing the characters they added to the comics during the time, in which Sega one. Penders, unfortunately, created a majority of the characters featured in the Archie Comics, so this led to the Super Genesis Waves, rewriting the continuity. Rules were established, which destroyed any chance of telling intriguing and grounded stories with stakes. I won't delve into it further, so go search it up. Besides, Sega of Japan doesn't even like the American characters that much (Sally in particular).

To Boss Teal: If he forgot about chili dogs, then the memories that have laying dormant must be terrible. XD

That's all for now, on with the show.

Freedom HQ, New Mobotropolis, Acornia

A week had passed since the decision was decided by the team and King Max. Within the base of the Freedom Fighters, the original core team members were busy tending to their own devices, with Sally looking through files with NICOLE accessing them in her holo-Mobian lynx form. Bunnie was making adjustments to her cybernetic prosthetics with Antoine assisting her as her boyfriend. Knuckles remained in the corner near the laboratory, watching his two-tailed ally. Meanwhile, Rotor was assisting Tails with a small project that the young fox had blue printed a while ago.

At the small workstation, Rotor had been watching Tails work on wiring the project, which turned out to be two small bracelets modeled after Sonic's (and Shadow)'s Flame Ring. However, the bracelet itself was a deep violet while the small "gem" that was separated from the bracelet acted as a small satellite/radio. It had a crystal blue cover. Two small pieces of metal were already finished, serving as parts of the small peripheral of buttons and a keypad respectively.

"So, Tails," Rotor said, sparking a conversation. "While I am glad to help out in this project, what is this invention? From the way you're designing it, it's very sophisticated and complex. It's unlike anything I've seen before."

Tails placed his tool down and said, "These little gadgets are a little project of mine that I have been intending to build for a while but I never got the chance to do. I'm still working out the kinks of it, but these bracelets are supposed to help me out in combat when I'm not piloting any of the Tornado planes that I built."

Rotor nodded, saying, "Oh, you mean when you're out on field missions."

"Exactly," Tails confirmed. "The original idea for the devices came to be as I was tired of my plane crash landing every single time I'm out on an adventure. After installing an autopilot feature, I created a small remote to call my plane whenever I needed it. Then, I thought of my fighting skills. Or lack of power through fighting. That's what got me thinking… Outside of my tails and my mech, …I don't have much to offer. Sonic has his speed, and Knuckles has his strength. And I'm not them, and their way is not my own way. My own style."

Rotor remained silent as he listened to Tails.

"...So, I did what I do best. Brainstormed a workaround and took off straight to my lab. And after careful research and analysis, a created a blueprint for these bracelets. And as for what they do, it mainly serves as a tool. Do you remember the artificial Power Ring I asked from you?"

"Yeah, what about it?" Rotor asked.

"So, I took that. Then I used its raw molten form to develop an experimental variant of microscopic machines that act on my thoughts. When used, they can take the shape of any weapon that has been registered in the device. That means all past weapons that I have invented that aren't built-in vehicles can be formed through the nanites. Easy access." Tails explained.

"...Amazing." Muttered the walrus. "Are there any other features?"

Tails nodded.

"There sure are. Rotor. Right now, there are three experimental shields that have a passive effect for combative use. The first option is the Gold Shield. It acts as a basic barrier that gives the user a boost in physical strength and speed, but only temporarily. The second one is the Flame Shield. This allows the user to have an immunity to fire, lava, and extreme levels of heat, with the added effect of having an affinity for minor pyrokinesis. Finally, there is the Electric Shield. The Electric Shield functions similarly to the Flame Shield, allowing the user to be invulnerable to electrical attacks with the added ability to have both minor electrokinesis and electromagnetism." Tails finished.

"...Dude, with this device, you can quite literally be the jack of all Trades." Rotor gushed before sighing. "Man, I wish you and Oliver were with us during our earlier years. It would have made a big difference."

Tails simply shrugged, stating, "I mean, yeah. It probably would have. But think of it this way, if I was with you guys, Sonic would have most likely been the de-facto leader while I would have been relegated as a mere child. I may be young, but I am an inventor. You guys would have treated me like I was any other child."

Rotor nodded, looking away in defeat as he said, "...You got me there. Anyways, what are we going to call this project?"

Tails folded his arms for a moment before snapping his fingers, saying, "I got it! I'll call it, the Tempest Bracers!"

"...Sweet. Oh hey. When is it time to show the others the…well, the thing we've been working on since last week?" Rotor asked, whispering into Tails' ear."

"Let's wait until Sonic and Amy get here. Once they're here, we can show them." Tails answered just as quietly as he and Rotor continued finishing up on the Tempest Bracers.

Just then, Amadeus and Sir Charles entered the room, which got the attention of Sally and NICOLE. Sally walked up to the duo and greeted them.

"Councilman Amadeus, Sir Charles. Welcome back. How can we help you two today?" Sally asked.

"Well, we both came here to check on Oliver and Miles. Are they here currently?" Sir Charles asked, looking around.

NICOLE answered for Sally, saying, "Miles is about three meters away from here in the laboratory station next to Rotor. Oliver has not arrived yet."

"He should be coming soon. Last I heard from him, Sonic said he had a run-in with a friend of his and had to take a rain check during the last week." Sally added.

The older hedgehog knew, given how he and his nephew quickly bonded during the last seven days, so he was well aware of Sonic's friend and her aggressively affectionate crush towards him.

"You are more than welcome to wait here and socialize with Tails while we wait for Sonic." Sally suggested, which the two adults nodded before Amadeus and Sir Charles walked over to Tails and Rotor. They were also greeted by the other Freedom Fighters which they acknowledged and greeted.

Upon hearing footsteps, Tails turned around to see his father next to Sir Charles, waving at him.

"Hey there, trooper!" The councilman greeted him.

"Dad? Hey, I didn't see you and Uncle Chuck there! What are you guys doing here?" The young fox questioned.

Knuckles shifted his head in shock. He asked himself, "Tails has a father? Since when?"

Amadeus ruffled his hair, saying, "Just came here to check up on you for your mother before I head off to work. Good thing I woke up early."

"We figured that we'd walk here together. I came here to return Sonny-boy's Warp Ring." Sir Charles said, pulling out the necklace with a now completed artificial Warp Ring tied to it. "So we're staying here to meet him.

"Are you intending to see Sonic, Councilman?" Rotor asked, curious about his answer.

Amadeus confirmed, "That's right. It's been years since I've last seen the kid. He was about two months after his fourth birthday. …Before… the coup."

Tails nodded in understanding and decided not to dwell on the topic further. Tails looked over and noticed the Mobian holo-lynx and asked aloud, "Who is that over there?"

Sir Charles, Amadeus, and Rotor all stared at the direction Tails looked at and realized who he was referring to.

"Oh, that's just NICOLE." Rotor answered casually. "She usually comes out whenever Sally needs technical support or information."

"Wait…That's Sally's computer AI? How did it-, she, get a physical solid form?" Tails inquired, impressed at what saw.

Sir Charles explained, "The computer that holds NICOLE's AI was created by Dr. Finitevius, a brilliant echidna scientist from the country of Aurora. Meanwhile, a friend of mine by the name of Dr. Ellidy Lynx had programmed a highly advanced artificial intelligence and incorporated sentience and emotions through the life data of his late daughter, Nikki. Through a natural Power Ring and a Red Star Ring, we presented NICOLE to Sally on her fourth birthday right after the hardware was completed. She and Sally became very close friends during the years and serves as her advisor and confidant."

While Tails was mesmerized by the story, Knuckles couldn't help but open one of his eyes and turned his head when he heard the mention of an echidna and Aurora.

'...There it is again. First, they look at me like I'm some kind of rare subspecies of Mobian or something. Then they talk as if there are more echidnas out there. And Aurora…what's so important about that place? Can there be a connection between me and it?' The echidna thought to himself before he was approached by the older fox.

"Ah, so you're one of Miles' friends that he told me about. I never imagined he would have befriended an echidna outside of Aurora." Amadeus said. "Still, I have to thank you on behalf of my wife and me for watching over him while we were…out of commission. May I have your name?"

Knuckles stood there, looking at the one-eyed war veteran and his outstretched hands for a handshake. His violet eyes looked at him up and down, reading the Mobian fox's posture and body language.

After careful internal debate, Knuckles took the councilman's hand, saying, "My people named me Necalli, but you can call me Knuckles."

"Knuckles, huh? That's an impressive grip you have there." Amadeus casually pointed out, internally wincing in pain from the echidna's incredible level of strength.

Soon, Sonic arrived with Amy's eyes closed shut due to Sonic leading her.

"Oh, Sonic! I knew you would accept my feelings and take me out on a date! I just knew it!" Amy squealed happily. "You're even made it a surprise~!"

Sonic sighed, saying, "...Amy, for the last time, we're not datin'. Now, go ahead and open your eyes. We've made it."

Sonic's refusal of the date fell on deaf ears as she opened her eyes. Although she was not happy with the fact that Sonic didn't take her anywhere that was romantic, she couldn't help but be impressed at the look of the base.

"Oh wow, what is this place?" The pink hedgehog questioned.

"This is Freedom HQ, home to the Freedom Fighters," Sonic announced, getting most of the members' attention.

"Sonic, welcome back! I see you've brought another friend along with you." Sally greeted kindly as she walked up to him with Bunnie following behind her.

"Morning to you too, Sally," Sonic said back with the same kind of politeness. "You're very perky today."

The two stared at each other for a brief moment before Amy announced her existence through an exaggerated cough, snapping them out of their gaze as they stared at Amy, who had visible veins on her forehead.

"...Sonic? Can you please explain who this girl is and how you know her?" Amy gritted, glaring at Sally.

While the other Freedom Fighters were confused at Amy's sudden shift I'm attitude, all Tails and Knuckles could think about was how bad the pink hedgehog was about the freakout and whether or not her hammer was going to be involved.

...Yikes!

Sonic flinched, sweating like crazy with Sally forming a confused expression.

"Uh… did I say something wrong?" Sally muttered, not understanding what she did to upset Amy.

Bunnie then whispered in her best friend's ear, "Psst! That's thuh girl Ah dun told you bout, Sugar. Thuh feisty an possessive fangirl. Don't mind her temper, she's just younger than us. You've still got uh chance."

Nodding, Sally kept a straight and polite face as she introduced herself to Amy.

"I do apologize if I offended you in any kind of way. My name is Sally Acorn. I am the leader of the Freedom Fighters and daughter of the king of this land."

Amy, upon realizing how she acted towards the princess, bowed her head immediately.

"...O-Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to disrespect you, your highness! I was out of line." The girl said in an apologetic tone.

Sally waved it off, saying, "It's fine. To answer your question, I've known Sonic since we were infants. Our families have been allies for generations."

"Wow, really?" Amy asked with a smile. "If that's true, then any friend of Sonic is a friend of mine. I'm sure he's told you all about me."

Sally and Bunnie looked at each other before Sally answered, "Uh, actually, he hasn't mentioned a thing about you."

With a smile still on her face, Amy whipped her head towards Sonic's direction, who was busy whistling in the opposite direction with a deadly aura leaking around the pink hedgehog.

"...W-Well, u-um... Hey, hey! W-Why don't we give Amy the rundown about the mission?" Sonic nervously suggested with his weary smirk hiding his fear.

Amy's deadly aura ceased momentarily, asking "A mission? What do you mean by a mission? What's going on here?"

"I can answer that, young lady."

Amy turned to see Sir Charles walking over to her, which the young hedgehog was rendered stunned given his appearance.

"Wow, you look just like Sonic!" Amy noticed aloud.

Sir Charles chuckled, saying, "Well, of course, I do. He is my nephew after all."

Amy then turned to Sonic, who was also smiling. Many questions raced through her head regarding Sonic's paternal uncle.

"W-What!? You're S-Sonic's…but how? Where were you when he was younger? Why didn't you go and look for him? How come I've never heard anything about you before? ...I'm so confused right now."

Sir Charles placed a hand on her shoulder and invited her to the conference table, saying, "It's okay. I understand that you have a lot of questions regarding Sonny-boy and everything else. We'll try our best to explain certain things to you in a simple and brief fashion."

Amy nodded, allowing herself to sit down and get acquainted with the core members of the Freedom Fighters while Sonic was pulled to the side for a brief moment by Tails with Amadeus next to him.

"What's up, buddy?" Sonic asked. "And who's the guy with the cool eye patch?"

Smiling, Tails said, "Sonic, remember when Uncle Chuck took me to see a few of his friends last week?"

"Yeah, why?" Sonic replied.

"It turns out that the friends that Uncle Chuck had taken me to were my actual parents!" Tails exclaimed happily.

"No way…" The hedgehog gasped. "For real!?"

"Yes. I'm very real, Oliver." Amadeus said, stepping forward. "It's nice to see you again, sport."

Having his real name be said out loud caused an uncomfortable sensation throughout the blue hedgehog, though, he disregarded it as Sonic questioned, " It's Sonic... Wait, you know me? Have we met before?"

"Indeed, we have. Your parents, my wife, and I were all close friends. I served with both your father and uncle back in the day. We always kept in contact with each other until the coup. I was there on the day of your birth when Queen Alicia delivered you." Amadeus explained.

"...Huh." Was all that the hedgehog said.

"Anyways, I believe both my wife and I owe you our eternal gratitude." The councilman said, taking Sonic by surprise.

"What do ya mean?" The teenager questioned.

"For taking care of Miles for us, obviously." Amadeus clarified. "You see, the result of the coup ended with my wife and I were comatose for nearly a decade, and a few years coping with us not being able to be there for our son. Though, we've never thought that he would be alive, let alone, run into you, who we believed to have died too. Regardless of the circumstances, Rosemary and I thank you for being there for Miles. Nothing in this world means more to us than knowing that he had a role model and loving guardian that watched over him during his formative years."

Sonic then flashed a grin, saying, "It was nothing, sir. Tails is like the little brother I never had. He's been there for me through thick and thin. The guy's always been reliable, and I wouldn't imagine a world without him."

"Aw, thanks, Sonic." Tails said. "I see you as a brother too."

"Right. Just like Chuck, you're always welcome by our household. Feel free to visit sometime. Rosemary would love to see how much you've grown since she's last seen you." Amadeus said.

"Thanks! I think I will!" Sonic said with a thumb's up.

After Amy was all caught up with Old Mobotropolis, Naugus, the coup, and the team-up with Eggman. She now knew the plan. Tails then announced that his radar from his now completed Tempest Bracers detected a Chaos Emerald somewhere in the southeast. Seeing that people were ready to embark on their current task, Amadeus bid Tails, Sonic, and the others farewell as he went to work. Just after that, NICOLE spoke to the others.

"Everyone, I am receiving a call from his majesty." The AI said.

"Patch us through, NICOLE." The princess ordered.

Everybody paid attention when the king appeared on the main screen.

"Good morning, Father. What can we do for you?" Sally asked politely.

"We have received a distress signal from the Baron of Sand Blast City concerning several attacks on the Great Desert from what our intelligence network could identify as Naugus' Phantoms." King Max explained. "I presume you are familiar with Sand Blast City and its surroundings."

Sonic and his friends looked at each other, clueless about the area. Meanwhile, the Freedom Fighters nodded, with Sally saying, "Sonic and his allies may not be, but we're more than familiar with the territory. We'll compensate for that."

The king nodded, stating, "Very well. The Baron requests that you assist with the local militia force in Sand Blast City."

"Understood," Sally said professionally. "We'll be over there as soon as we possibly can."

"Very well, good luck on your mission, children." King Max said with a nod before the screen cut off.

Knuckles pounds his fists together, saying, "What are the odds… We get to find the Chaos Emerald and punch somebody's lights out."

"It is very pratique, or what some would say, convenient," Antonie commented.

Sonic, sitting up from his chair, questioned. "I don't know about all y'all, but I'm ready to go! What are we waitin' for?"

"Now what just a second, Sonic," Sally said. "There's still the matter of traveling that we have to think about along with a plan of action."

"What do you mean, Princess?" Tails asked. "Can't we simply use one of those Warp Rings to travel there?"

"In any other circumstance, I would have all of us there using one. Unfortunately, I do not have one on hand at the moment." The chipmunk confessed with a bit of a bitter undertone at the last sentence. "The last Warp Ring that we had was taken from us during a previous encounter with an enemy group."

"You wouldn't happen to have made uh Warp Ring or two, have you, Charlie?" Bunnie questioned, having everybody turn to the scientist who shook his head negatively.

"No, I'm still waiting for the natural Power Rings to emerge from the royal Chao Garden. Once they emerge, I'll forge the Warp Rings and charge them using the natural Power Rings' energy." Sir Charles explained.

Antoine then suggested, "Perhaps we should be dusting off the vieux Freedom Stormer, yes?"

NICOLE then said, "Although a mode of transportation is very critical to this mission, I argue that the safety of everybody far exceeds the need for that outdated vehicle."

"NICOLE raises a valid point. I'm not so sure that the Freedom Stormer even works given that it was decommissioned upon Sir Charles making a breakthrough in his research regarding the Warp Rings. And even if it worked, the chance of malfunctions of that biplane is far too high for us to risk a round trip." Sally said, trying to think of a method to get from point A to point B.

Amy then turned to Sonic, asking, "Didn't you and Tails get here in the Tornado? Why can't we use that to travel to this Great Desert place?"

Sonic simply folded his hands on the back of his head as he answered.

"Well, it's simple. While we've used the Hyper Tornado to get here, like the Tornado, it's a two-seater. Even if I were to go on my usual spot on the thing, that would only have room for one other person to fly in." The hedgehog stated. "And if we're not including Sal's AI friend, that makes eight of us in total. So unless we get a miracle, the mission's a no-go."

Tails and Rotor looked at each other with a smile before they both purposely coughed loud enough for everybody to pay attention to them.

"Uh guys? We've got a solution to our small problem." Rotor said, rubbing his neck sheepishly.

Sally, placing her hands on her hips, asked, "Oh really? And when were you going to bring this up, huh? Tomorrow?"

Tails laughed nervously before saying, "Uh, sorry about the secrecy. We wanted this to be a surprise."

Rotor then said, "Meet us at the hangar in ten minutes."

Sonic and the others looked at each other before eventually nodding in agreement with each other.

Everybody made their way outside of the room except Sonic, who was stopped by his uncle.

"What's up, Uncle Chuck?" The younger hedgehog asked.

His uncle then pulled out something Sonic immediately recognized. It was his Warp Ring necklace.

"...Hey, it's my necklace! And the ring is gold again!" Sonic exclaimed with a smile on his face. "...You fixed it."

"I sure did, Sonny-boy," Chuckled the old Mobian. "It took a while but I made it extra special this time. Not only is it no longer a prototype, I made it's usage equivalent to having ten Warp Rings. In layman's terms, you can have five roundtrips before that Warp Ring disappears forever. Be sure to keep up with the ring and to use it wisely."

Looking around to make sure nobody was watching, Sonic hugged his uncle tightly, whispering, "Thanks, Uncle. You're the best."

Sir Charles smiled warmly as he patted his nephew's back.

He said, "Sure thing, Oliver. Now, go on. Wouldn't want to keep the others waiting on us. Let's see what Rotor and young Miles have in store for the team."

Sonic let go, nodding as he followed Sir Charles to the Freedom Fighter's hangar.

Meanwhile, at Eggman's Base, Great Forest Mountain Range

Two rooms were next to each other. In one room, Dr. J. Ivo Robotnik sat next to the Ixis Warlock, Naugus the Dark. In the room that they are in, there was a control panel that the doctor had under control.

By the top right corner was a larger monitor with two other screens that projected different angles of the room opposite.

"Why have you brought me here with you, fair doctor?" Asked Naugus in an even tone. "Your message sounds as if it was of extreme urgency."

"Apologies. But I find the development of our little project to be of great importance. Once I show you and get your feedback, you're more than welcome to return to your own business." Robotnik replied.

From the way the mad scientist formed his diction, the Ixis Warlock's eyes narrowed in realization as a wicked smile formed on the troll's face.

"...Ah, I see! I suppose I can take a bit of time to inspect our first creation, and I am quite curious about the matter. By all means, show me." Urged the warlock.

"Of course," The robust doctor said before turning to his computer and commanded, "SNIVELY! Turn on all cameras in the Testing Grounds of the X-Zone Chamber."

"Affirmative, sir. Accessing cameras numbers thirty-three, thirty-four, and thirty-five…" The droning AI spoke.

When the cameras' perspective had projected to the screens, the duo of evil set their eyes on the half-lit "danger room" as some would describe the setting.

"...X-Zone…Chamber? What a peculiar name for such a peculiar room." The sorcerer commented.

The doctor grinned with pride explaining, "You like it? I modeled it after my old workspace when I used to work for those blowhards in the Guardian Union of Nations. My genius machines were their driving force. It functions as an experimental ground; a place to test out the strengths and weaknesses of highly new and preliminary design. If the subject passes most of the fundamental standards, it's kept for further tweaking and design. It fails if it's destroyed, and the parts are salvaged for other projects. And as for the name…I felt nostalgic, so I gave it the name of an old location I've occupied."

Naugus nodded as more things appeared on the screen. Due to the doctor pressing a few buttons, three small capsules had designations that said "E-2000R", "E-121 Phi", and "Shadow Android".

The seals opened from the capsules, allowing for a gold and red human/avian machine to emerge with a shield in hand as its left arm changed into a cannon, another silver Gizoid to get into battle position, and an android who bared a striking resemblance to Shadow (with yellow stripes and eyes) to take an offensive position.

"...This is definitely an intriguing lineup of complex machines. Is there a reason that you've chosen them, doctor?" Naugus asked.

"Most certainly," Robotnik smirked before he spoke through to SNIVELY once more. "Send him in, SNIVELY."

The AI then deployed the larger capsule that was designated as "Metal Sonic". When the steam escaped from the door opening, the figure stepped out of the containment unit which loosely resembled the life-like Sonic robot doppelganger.

The robot stood exactly four feet in height, now weighing three hundred and thirty pounds. While there was a faint resemblance to the Blue Blur, the still was a major difference to his appearance. The robot's metallic quills were enlarged and sharper, curved up, and have silver tips as a result of scanning the data of its oldest counterpart, Silver Sonic. Its crimson and emerald eyes had silver highlights surrounding them. The sturdier and larger build came from the data obtained from its most recent counterpart, Mecha Sonic. Its new features consist of blue armor with silver linings and has blue and white shoulder guards and wrist gauntlets, the latter of which are adorned with red orbs.

Embedded in his chest was a red triangular reactor that acts as a core that houses an interior in which he can store Chaos Emeralds.

"Ohohoho my!~" Robotnik cackled. "Metal Sonic's got a complete overhaul! I almost couldn't recognize him for a minute."

"That, my dear doctor, is a minor result of Ixis Magick entering his body. I can see that he is still adjusting to his new body." The wizard explained.

"You don't say?" The large scientist asked before he turned to the intercom. "Listen up, Metal Sonic. I've sent these three models to gauge your current data. 2000-R will test your strength, the Shadow Android, your speed. 121 Phi will be testing your intelligence and combative skills. …Don't embarrass me."

The newly reformed Metal Sonic simply hummed with a low beep as his eyes flashed crimson and emerald green, acknowledging his creator's words while scanning his targets. The doctor's face formed a sinister and excited grin, anticipating what came next.

"Let the test commence! Start!" Robotnik commanded.

Phi and Shadow (Android) rushed at Metal Sonic with the Gizoid pivoting its leg for a high kick. It connected, lifting Metal off the ground and flying backward, The android then blurred around Metal and kicked Metal's midsection, sending the robot upwards. Both Phi and Shadow (Android) jumped back a few meters at opposite ends of the chamber, readying themselves for another attack. Using its left arm, Phi produced three missiles at one side while the false Shadow began charging a yellow spark of Chaos energy from his right hand. Finally, E 2000-R charged and fired its laser.

"Chaos…Spear!" Shadow (Android) called out, launching the charged burst of power in the other direction.

The impact of the three attacks led to a powerful explosion that shook the very chamber, covering it in a dark cloud of smoke.

The two villainous individuals monitored the fight with careful attention to detail.

"...Well, that's one hell of an explosive start. I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that I somehow programmed the Shadow Android to use basic Chaos-based abilities." Muttered the doctor.

"Ah, I was wondering about that," Naugus said before looking at the screen. "...Have you noticed how he didn't move?"

"You mean Metal? …Wait. Now that you've mentioned it, I've just now noticed it too. It's almost as if he'd let them continue with their assault." Ponder Sonic's arch-nemesis aloud.

"...Yes, yes, it all makes sense. Perhaps "Metal" was merely baiting his obstacles to test the limitations of his durability. Now, let us see what comes of his decision." Advised the sorcerer.

As the smoke began to clear, the familiar sound of a low humming echoed throughout the chamber. Shadow (Android) and Phi are visibly tensed by the sound. The ominous humming was then followed by a crimson and green set of eyes that peered down dangerously at them.

"...That was it? The combined attacks of a few of the doctor's finest units? Such power…how pathetic!" Metal coldly stated.

At mid-air, Metal Sonic clenched his hands and began to surge with an electrical aura, causing winds to blow throughout the chamber. The sheer power Metal was giving off so much power that Shadow (Android) and Phi were being pushed back by the wind. E 2000-R was knocked down into the ground as a result.

Upon finishing powering up, Metal floated towards the other two robots with a menacing gaze.

Metal said to them, "...I've given enough free shots to you lowly pieces of scrap metal. Now, I will send you to oblivion, YOUR END HAS COME!"

Warping, Metal disappeared out of sight for a few seconds, alarming the other three robots and Dr. Robotnik all the while driving Naugus' interest further. The newly overhauled Metal Sonic then reappeared in front of E 2000-R and threw a strong punch that resounded across the room as the shockwave shook it. Fortunately, E 2000-R held up its golden shield, protecting itself. Acting quickly, E 2000-R tried to capitalize on Metal's closeness and fire a smaller and precise blast with its cannon. This was predicted by Metal, who had flashed behind the avian/humanoid machine and landed a powerful kick towards its backside which left a dent in its back. Metal disappeared once more, then reappeared to kick E 2000-R's shield so hard that it shattered, which after he proceeded in throwing a brutal shot at the robot's abdomen that sent him upwards.

"Let's see how you fare against your own strategy!" Metal mocked as his left arm retraced and formed his new arm cannon, the Neo Buster.

The former Sonic doppelganger charged his blue arm cannon to the second level of power and released a medium-sized burst of energy toward E 2000-R, blasting it to smithereens in a matter of seconds.

In the other room, Robotnik was reduced to complete silence. Never in his life has he ever seen Metal Sonic moved with such fluid intensity and force since he built him. And an arm cannon? Since when had he intended on creating such things for Metal? …Come to think of it, when did he learn how to use Chaos Snap? Surely, Robotnik hadn't introduced Metal to any of the Shadow Androids, and Shadow hadn't displayed that power to him at all. So many questions ran through the doctor's head, he could hardly focus.

Meanwhile, a full-blown sinister grin formed on the wizard's face, he could barely contain his excitement. Indeed, Naugus the Dark was pleased at his handiwork thanks to the power of Ixis Magick. He watched attentively, waiting for Metal to display more of his newly found power.

Back to the battle, Metal Sonic turned the Neo Buster back to his hand as he turned to the other two robots with his eyes glowing with the thirst for dominance.

Shadow (Android) curled up into a ball and performed a Spin Dash, which then made it jump into a flying kick. This attack proved to be a mistake of the android's end as Metal grabbed it by the leg and proceeded to slam it into the ground and drag it's body across the chamber, tearing through apart in utter brutality until it was buried and stuck in the ground. Metal then grabbed it's leg one more time and threw the faker into the opposite wall, then used his reactor and sent a red laser at its way, destroying the android once and for all.

"...And then there's one-"

Once Metal was done with the fake Shadow, Metal found himself about to have himself about to be impaled by 121 Phi's fist…only for its fist to phase through Metal.

Scoffing once more, Metal elbowed Phi, knocking it backward. The robot laughed menacingly as he warped next to Phi and stopped the flow of time for the robot. Surging with power, Metal blurred through the robot several times while striking it using Spin Attacks. Resuming time, Phi was sent sprawling down, only for Metal to catch it by its neck.

"Get out of my sight! DIE!"

With that, threw a jab, a cross, then one last high kick, tearing off E-121 Phi's head clean off as the severed head flew upwards. As for the body, Metal discharged the electrical aura around him at Phi's body, performing his signature Ring Spark Field. As a result, Phi's body exploded. Once the dust settled, Metal caught the decapitated head of Phi, which was leaking oil from the bottom.

From the intercom, Metal heard Dr. Robotnik say, "...Bravo, bravo! That was a stellar performance! The skills that you've displayed far exceeded my expectations! Well done, Metal Sonic!"

Metal's eyes flashed in anger, shouted, "DO NOT CALL ME BY THAT NAME! I WILL NOT BE COMPARED TO THAT INFERIOR RODENT ANY LONGER!"

The roboticist staggered back, astonished by the powerful emotion that Metal had displayed. Robotnik hadn't seen that kind of rebellion since that incident with him a few years back. Fortunately, he was able to reprogram him to follow him, but he had a feeling that his sentience would be deep in his AI given how advanced he was compared to his other machines.

"W-Wait just a minute! I designed you to be the ultimate termination machine; the robot that is superior to your biological counterpart! You are designated as Metal So-" Robotnik fired back before Naugus stepped forward.

"...Robotnik. For a mind as brilliant as yours, you are quite shortsighted." The troll said in a casual manner.

"EH!? What are you talking about? I am perfectly aware of the issue. My greatest achievement is rebelling against me once again-"

"Wrong." The sorcerer answered bluntly. "Your creation is not turning away from you. He's simply voicing his protest against his name."

"And what's wrong with Metal So-"

"Before you finish that sentence, let me answer that with a question of my own. How would you feel if you had a name that was associated with an object or a person that was single-handedly responsible for all of your failures and problems? Now, imagine constantly existing for the sole purpose of overcoming an object or individual that has bested you all throughout your life. How would that make you feel…Robotnik?"

The infamous doctor remained silent, pushing his glasses as he turned away in deep thought. Naugus took that opportunity to get to the intercom and address Metal.

"Greetings, Metal. How are you feeling?"

Metal tilted his head, not recognizing the voice. He asked, "Huh? You're not that obnoxious doctor! What is the meaning of this!?"

"My, oh my. You have quite the temper. Though, I see that you know how to put that attribute to good use. Don't mind your creator. He is an ignorant mortal, after all." Naugus explained.

"ENOUGH WITH YOUR BLABBERING! WHO ARE YOU!?" Metal exploded agitatedly.

"Oh, where are my manners? I am Naugus the Dark, Warlock of Ixis. I may have had a hand in your…sudden transformation."

"WHAT!? …This new power was your doing!?" Metal staggered.

The troll mused, "Oh, but of course. Your powers and abilities caught my attention. Although, when I first saw you, I realized that your full potential wasn't yet realized. All that I've done was give you the tools to reach it. The rest was your own doing."

"...I see…" Said Metal before he took Phi's severed head and crushed it.

Metal walked back to his capsule. Before he entered it, Naugus asked him a question.

"Oh, retiring so soon?" Naugus inquired.

"The intangibility skill that I've discovered has taken an immense amount of power from my body. I must recharge to avoid overexertion." Metal explained.

"Very well… Before you go, what is a name you that you are comfortable with the doctor and I addressing you as," Nagaus questioned.

"... Hear me this day, Dr. Robotnik! I am far beyond what I once was. No longer, am I some ordinary Badnik! No long, am I a mere feeble counterpart of some dirty street rat. I stand here, today, a proud machine of war! I am a weapon of Ixis! I am Metallix!" The former Badnik bellowed.

Once he was done, Metal, now called Metallix, went back into his capsule, which was then sealed up as it sank downwards back into another section of the base.

"...So, he took "Metal" and combined it with "Ixis". Metallix, yes, it suits him nicely." Naugus smiled maliciously.

Robotnik, still thinking about what Naugus said and heard of Metallix's statement, silently pressed a few buttons from his computer and commanded his AI.

"...SNIVELY, send in some of the worker Egg Pawn units. Have them fix the damages of the X-Zone Chamber."

"Right away, sir. …May I ask where are you going currently?"

"...I'm going for a walk. Don't bother me unless it's something of importance. You will also answer Naugus since he is my partner and right hand."

And like that, a quiet Robotnik left the room, leaving Naugus alone with the doctor's AI.

"...Mister Naugus, is there anything that you require?" SNIIVELY asked politely through the computer screen.

"No, but see if you can set your attention to what the doctor assigned you. I'll call you if I am in need of your assistance."

"Of course."

SNIVELY moved his AI to the X-Zone Chamber, allowing the troll to be alone. Naugus was about to leave to his own devices when a beeping sound came from his right wrist. The troll pushed a button as he held his wrist to his lower face, revealing a communicator.

"Hello, children. What's the status of the search?" Naugus asked in a neutral tone.

"What's up, boss? This is Agent Sharp of Team Sandstorm. Now, I hate to say this, but, we still haven't found anything yet-" A male voice came out from the communicator, roughly sounding like an adolescent about Sonic's age.

The troll groaned in frustration, saying, "And once again, all three of you have continued to be a disappointment."

"H-Hey! Cut us some slack, will ya? We've been hitting up all of the libraries since we got here. Reverb had even swept through all of their databases. We've tried every keyword and not a single reference to Ifrit or the Flares of Desire-" Agent Sharp was explaining, only for the sorcerer to cut him off.

"Iblis, and Flames of HOPE! This is exactly why I don't give you and the other two larger missions! YOU don't even get the titles right! I gave you three one task! One! Go to the libraries, and look for anything regarding Soleanna and its theology and/or archeology! And what has it come to each time? FAILURE! TOMFOOLERY AND FAILURE!" Naugus shouted in a dark and frustrated tone. "...I'm beginning to reconsider your group's position."

"W-Wait, boss! Come on! L-Let's not get too hasty! We may have not found anything in the libraries but Reverb, Sledge, and I managed to maintain our image! The people are still on our side! Not to mention that- Woah! Hold on! We're picking up on a strong signal with that do-hickey the fat pharmacist gave us. The signal is about thirty miles away from the city!" The agent hastily noticed.

"That must be one of the Chaos Emeralds! Hm… Perhaps there is still some use in your three yet! Alright. On top of your original roles, you and the rest of Sandstorm have been tasked to scout the area in search of the Chaos Emerald on the double. If other factions intervene, you know what must be done. That relic is of your TOP PRIORITY."

"-G-got it. Hey, uh, w-what about the research?"

"...What did I just get through telling you, boy?" Naugus asked calmly.

"The Emerald is the top priority." Agent Sharp answered rather meekly.

"Good boy. I expect to hear from you once the Chaos Emerald is in your possession. Oh, and Sharp?"

"Y-Yes, boss?"

"Fail me again, the amount of horror you've carried this far won't suffice the hell that I'll have in store for you and your teammates. Am I clear?" Naugus said chillingly.

"...Crystal." The voice on the other line said as he swallowed hard.

"Good. I'm glad that we've come to a mutual understanding. Have a nice day."

Naugus cut the link from his communicator as he walked out of the room, leaving the computer screen on until everything went dark.

To Be Continued…

Author's Note: First of all, my friend, UltimateDemonBeast65, came through to help me with this project. Please, show him some love and follow him. Thanks, once again!

Now, let's talk about Metal real quick. Metal's transformation was a result of him taking parts from Silver Sonic and Mecha Sonic, absorbing a fraction of the Master Emerald's power, and being covered in the essence of the corrupted Power Ring which was imbued with Ixis Magic. In fact, I merged Metal and Ixis together to make Metallix different from other incarnations. It's a nice literal reference to both Sonic the Comic and Super Mario Bros. Z. His full power has not yet been revealed, though it will in due time.

As for "Team Sandstorm", they are not original characters, I reassure you. They are simply coded names for characters that appeared in the Archie Comics but will have an interesting twist to them. They will definitely appear in the next chapter. You guys are more than free to take a guess as to who they are in the comments or in the PM. As for Metallix, well, he'll appear a little later.

Speaking of which, keep guessing where Mephiles and Iblis are at. I'd like to hear your theories and ideas about that. They are fun to read. Also because they are present in the story.

The next chapter will be posted after Finals, of course. Given how this is college Finals for me. Don't worry, it will be a treat!

If you guys have questions, comments, and concerns, leave them in the comment section or DM me.

I'll see you guys later, have a Happy Holidays!

-DarkShadowGames451