Chapter 7 - Gravity of Choice
In the destroyed village of Oberi, the remaining robots began scavenging the remains of the establishments. The action occurred after the three patrol scouts left though normally would have been after a takeover. All of them scanned the grounds and moved debris out of the way. Finding little and seeing nothing of value, each robot in one small area of the establishment would stop. Moving out of the way, the tank would roll over the cleared areas. Flattening the broken homes to level the ground, the machines repeated the act.
Reaching to the last section, a couple of androids picked up what looked to be metal ores. Putting them in a compartment inside their torso, they moved out of the way. All bipedal troops watched as the large belt mobile crush the broken wood and supplies with its weight. The lead android was notified from all that their search has been completed. About to signal to their human leader of the results, three signals suddenly occurred. Every machine stopped and turned toward a direction to the south. Even the tank turned its muzzle barrel in the same direction.
[...] the designated S.W.A.T bot reacted and radioed the doctor. Hearing the communication signal connect, its visor lighted up.
[Doctor...Attack Squad Beta-44 reporting in...one village has been destroyed and harvested]
[Excellent. Tell me of your findings] the man replied on the other line
[...processing...materials recovered...metal ores...small crystal fragments...no pure Mobius crystals found]
[...I see...not a total loss. Anything else?]
[...the three scouts sent after target...their signal is lost doctor]
"Lost?" the scientist said. Confused, he stopped in the midst of computing something on a monitor. Blinking and repeating what his android stated in his head, he gritted his teeth. Lifting a closed right hand, he slammed it on the desk he was at.
"LOST!? What do you mean lost!?"
[Based on scans doctor...they are not online...nor offline]
"Destroyed!?" the man reacted bewildered and getting angry. "How can three S.W.A.T. bots be destroyed by a rodent child!?"
[I do not have access to their black boxes doctor]
"Yes-yes-yes. I will look into it," he comment dismissively and waved a back hand in front of him. "Did any pests get captured?"
[Negative doctor...all in the village fled at the time we breached the establishment]
"Those damn meddling pipsqueaks...they are the bane of my existence," the scientist stated out loud and glared at the monitor.
[Next command doctor?]
"Which direction did those miserable runts ran off to?"
[Heat signatures from hover vehicle point to the east...scans from Infantry Tank show another village 5 miles in that direction]
"Grrr...pursue them. Capture them. And make bonefires of their homes," he demanded with a deeper and crueler tone. "I want the ground that village is on to be scorched earth. Do you understand me unit?"
[Processing new mission to remaining units...mission updated...pursuing new mission] the robot said then cut off communications.
"..." the man reacted with leaning back in his curved chair.
'I, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, will not stand for this resistance,' the man thought frowning. Putting his hands together in front of him, he curled his fingers and touched his fingertips together. It gave the image that he was holding onto an invisible ball.
'...three units destroyed by a mere child...preposterous...'
"..." the doctor said then looked at his monitor with his eyes.
Seeing the screen go to standby mode from no activity, his rusty red irises stared back at him. Given his sclera were blackened from a lab accident, it made his appearance seem a bit evil. Blinking, he began pondering about the conversation he had with the lead android again. With his mind brainstorming, he scooted up to his desk. Waking the screen and typing quickly on the keyboard, it brought up many windows displaying files. Showing a listing of the platoons of machines under his command, he accessed Attack Squad Beta-44. There were three units that were labeled as destroyed in the status for them.
"...mmmm..." Robotnik grunted with disapproval. Deep diving into each mechanical being's profile, he saw that each one had a black box chip. Requesting the backup file in the case one gets destroyed, two of them were disabled from being damaged. The last one had a zip file of a video feed. Activating it for a download, he saw a pop-up window show a progress bar.
'If we assume that the child did not have the strength or the wit to kill my machines...then what did? Who?' the man pondered staring at his monitor. Once the download was completed, he opened it. Seeing a video application appear, the scientist pressed play. Sitting back in his chair, he crossed his arms over his chest and watched.
Seeing the feed start when the autonomous scouts were on the uni-motor vehicles, there was movement ahead of them. Robotnik looked closer to see that what target they were chasing. Identifying it as a humanoid hedgehog, it was also a child. Mentioning to himself that the boy was rather quick for his species, the scientist continued watching. Viewing the scene where the kid tripped and fell into a small descent, the robots stopped at the top of the mound.
Despite the smoke, the machines dismounted and pursued the hedgehog. Smiling upon seeing the terrified face of the youngster after the warning blasts, the boy turned around. Assuming it cried out for help gave the doctor clarity that it was not the rodent that disabled his units. Watching the other two units appear into the picture, they peoceeded with potentially capturing the blue creature. Within a blink of an eye, one of the robots' chests blew out suddenly. Blinking from being started, Ivo's eyebrows lowered from seeing its head get blown off next.
'Humanistic firearms of some sorts,' he muttered in his mind. 'There was no flash...a catipult contraption? Railgun?'
The next S.W.A.T. unit got a four-shot burst in the chest. Assuming it was the same weapon, the machine collapsed to the ground. It began flickering in and out of being online. Knowing from where the holes were, its CPU was damaged or destroyed. Frowning and continuing to watch the feed, the remaining android engaged all of its weapons. Narrowing his eyes that the robot engaged its failsafe mode, it was a rare sight to see any of his mechanical infantry reach a condition of being "threatened" of destruction.
The barrage of lasers and pocket missiles shot into the smoke-filled area ahead. Not seemingly hitting anything, there was explosions and fires occurring in a straight path. Feeling a nerve twitch on his temple, the video feed went upward without warning. Seeing what looked like a gloved hand grab hold of the bottom of the unit's head and the smokey sky, it made harsh spark that blinded the screen quickly. Moving quickly backwards at an alarming rate, the feed showed streaks in the imagery.
'Ripping my bot's head off with one hand...or two hands...is a feat of strength,' Robotnik seethed mentally as he continued to keep his eyes on the monitor. 'The speed as well seems...uncanny for a mortal being.'
The scene stopped suddenly then began moving again. As if being launched, the feed began to barrel roll quickly as if it were a Frisbee. Impacting against something hard that caused another flare of electric discharge, the doctor assumed its head got slammed into its own body. Looking at now the still image of the video, it showed something standing amongst the air pollution blanket cloud. Being no taller than half of the robot's height, there was a silhouette. Heavily cloaked, there was no other defining feature other than one.
'...' Robotnik commented examining the image. '...a crimson ring for an eye...I recall seeing that being used to replace eyes that were damaged in the past...so this is a cyborg?'
Watching the feed go to static, he stared at it for a little bit before closing the video window. Seeing that he had leaned forward in his chair without being aware of it, he frowned again. Leaning back and strumming his right hand fingers on his left arm, he was not focusing on anything. Despite being irritated that his machines failed to capture a child or that an unknown creature destroyed them, he was intrigued as well. Bringing a hand to his mouth, he began to stroke his mustache.
"An unknown figure with firepower to destroy my infantry units...instant speed of a launched RPG to escape..." Robotnik muzzled. Getting up and leaving his laboratory, the room's lights began to dim. Entering a long cybernetic and metal hallway, he began walking down it. Placing his hands behind his back to hold them, he walked forward with his head down slightly.
"Hmm," he muttered to no one. An auto door sensed him and opened up by itself. Passing through without looking away, the sliding metal door closed behind the man.
"Last time powers like that were seen was during the Great Mobius War," the scientist spoke looking up. Seeing an elevator ahead, he continued towards it. Pressing the call button and watching the lift open, he stepped inside.
[Which floor do you wish to travel to doctor?] an automated voice spoke from a speaker on the ceiling.
"Data vault and development," he answered staring out of the glass back wall of the elevator.
[Proceeding to destination]
"..." Ivo responded hearing the doors close. Feeling the lift begin to descent, it started moving in a horizontal direction as well.
'What arsenal were used on both sides during that time?' he pondered scrunching his eyebrows together and downward. 'I can't remember all...some were just stories of delusional soldiers...yet...there were too many records of sightings.'
'I will have to research for anything that resembles that speed and strength...how irritating.'
Out in the forest and rushing through the vegetation, Sonic avoided the multiple attempts of being captured. Breathing rapidly and glancing back, the robots from before had changed. Instead of bipedal, their torso and up were welded onto to a tank replacing the center turret. Seeing them bulldoze over the plants, rocks, and landscape, the boy turned around and pumped his legs harder. But no matter how much he wanted to go faster, his limbs felt restricted for some unknown reason.
"..." the child reacted looking back forward. Seeing a large boulder ahead of him, the hedgehog ran to it then jumped. Appearing out of the right vegetation, an android came out and tackled him in midair.
"NO!" Sonic shouted in fright falling down. Hitting the ground hard with a heavy thud, the boy frantically struggled to break free.
"GET OFF ME! I DON'T WANT TO CAPTURED-!?" he yelled then stopped. Freezing with fear, it was the robot version of himself. The one he saw after the village marathon race in his dreams. Crimson ring eyes were staring at him amongst the black screen like eyes.
[...D...O...N...O...T...R...E...S...I...S...T...] its machine-like tone stated with static.
Hearing the same words and tone, despite sounding as if underwater, gave the child goosebumps all over. About to continue to break free, the sound of a large amount of glass breaking occurred. Feeling the ground underneath them give way, both he and the robot began falling down. As if free falling into a massive silo, there was nothing but darkness amongst the growing metallic and cybernetic walls. Looking up from where they were, it was the only light that continuously got smaller the further they dropped.
Falling faster and faster into the endless abyss, the child looked down. Seeing the ground came up at them quickly, he braced for becoming a splatted and flattened melon. Feeling a sudden deceleration and jets firing, the mechanical clone was the one causing them to slow down. The massive thrust to combat the rate of falling lurched Sonic forward. It was as the android was impaling him with its metallic and hard shoulder.
Touching the metal floor, the jets stopped firing with a flare. Coughing from the rapid change in G-forces, the boy tried to veer hard out of the robot's grasp. However, the cold android arms never let go of the boy. Stopping and looking around with his head, Sonic tried to see where they were. Seeing nothing but a void, there were no sounds either. Slowly turning back to the mechanical clone's face, the crimson rings bore through him like burning holes through his head.
"W-W-Where are w-we going?" the organic hedgehog asked shaking scared.
[...t...h...i...s...f...o...r...m...i...s...r...e...d...u...n...d...a...n...t...] the inorganic adult clone responded not acknowledging the child's question.
"...!?" Sonic reacted with a start seeing the dark walls around him begin to shift and lift up.
As if a symphony of machinery sounds came alive, the child saw that they were in a manufacturing plant of some sorts. Feeling afraid, everything was in shades of red and black. In the background, there were large sparks that would occur every so often. Distracted from the sights, he shook his head. Noticing that he was not being held anymore, the hedgehog tried to flee.
Feeling a pull from his hands and feet, the child winced. Looking down, he saw that his limbs were shackled to a post. A jolt of some sorts occurred under his feet. It rumbled to life then things started moving. Blinking and glancing back to the ground, Sonic saw that he was on a conveyor. Hearing something in front of him that sounded scary, his eyes slowly went up.
Flinching with fear, there were similar animal humanoids chained up just like him. Thinking he heard his robot clone, the boy moved his head. Looking around in the apprehensive environment, it was nowhere to be seen. Hearing hydraulics engaging ahead of him, he slowly turned his head forward. Several yards away, there was a massive, enclosed machine with opening gates.
One person would be sent in and the horizontal treadmill would stop. Black glass doors would close to seal what was inside. Seeing lights flicker and sparks flying out from the sides, it lasted for several seconds with loud humming and whirling from motors. Hearing a release and a whine down, the contraption's illumination grew less. Seeing the gates lift open, it showed what happened to the individual. Terror ripped through Sonic's mind and boy seeing a robotized version of the person.
Not wanting to go through this nightmare, he tried to get free and escape. No matter how hard he pulled and painful lurched to get out, he was unable to unshackle himself. Stopping and glancing up apprehensively, he was the next one in line. Moving forward, a large shaped silhouette was since on a canopy area. It had a sinister tone of voice as it echoed through the factory environment.
[Ha ha ha...don't worry little one...you will not be alone anymore] a male spoke that seemed to be similar to the one in the nightmare before. [You will become part of my large family]
"..." Sonic reacted seeing the inside of the large machine. Feeling the conveyor move, he slowly entered the contraption. Instead of seeing detail aspects, it was just darkness as the interior. Shaking uncontrollably while the doors came down, all light was swallowed inside.
[And I...will never abandon you...heh heh heh#$!$BWAHAHAHA!]
"NO!" the blue boy called out terrified.
Feeling his voice lost in his throat, a red light came on inside. Washing over everything, a rumbling whirl began. Surrounding him and feeling the machine shake things a little, his skin began to tingle. Looking down at himself, his fur began to stand on end. Watching his skin begin to burn painful and peel away, Sonic closed his eyes hard and screamed.
"NO! STOP IT! STOP!" Sonic shouted.
Waking up in a cold sweat with fear, he felt something heavy over him. Seeing only darkness, his scared nerves made him shove the object off of him. Sounding like a blanket when it came off, coldness from the surroundings bit at him swiftly. Immediately grabbing the thick cloth and wrapping it around himself, he noticed that there was only a slight difference in illumination. Looking around and seeing slight shadows of things, it reminded him of the cave south of his ex-village.
Looking around and attempting to stand up, his muscles became very tense. Staying seated on the ground, Sonic clenched his teeth together from feeling sore. Thinking about being pursued by the robots, he wondered what happened to the rest of them. Anxiety built up from worry of thinking the machines would follow him after three got destroyed. More thoughts swelled in his mind about the villagers escaping when the robots attacked.
'I hope they reached Zorn's village without being blasted a-'
"...!?" the hedgehog reacted with freezing in place. Thinking he saw a shadow move, he slowly moved his head forward. Getting his ears out from the blanket, he perked them up and moved them in the direction he was staring at.
Staring harder, a single crimson ring appeared a few feet away from the shadows. Flinching hard from the jump scare, he bit his tongue to not yell out. Trembling with fear from the nightmare he had still fresh in his mind, the pigmented eye did not move. Slowly, a shadow outline could barely be seen in the faint illumination. Tense silence passed by them as the boy tried to muster up courage to speak. Feeling all his muscles ache still from being hunted, he pushed through the fear that generated from being near the killer.
"...d-d-did...you s-save me?" Sonic asked quietly. His voice seemed louder than normal as a small echo was heard bouncing off walls. It confirmed he was in a earthed tunnel.
"..." the figure responded with continuing to stare.
After a couple of seconds, the eye seemed to move closer as if hovering. Seeing the black silhouette form to show that it was part of the person's eyes made the boy's imagination of it being a monster stop. Stopping to be a foot away, the child saw the figure lower to the ground. Hoping to see more details of the individual, it was still a shadowy figure with its glowing pigmented eye piercing through the darkness. The boy felt a growing trepidation from the aspect that the individual was very quiet with its movements.
"..." the hedgehog stiffened. Hearing fabric move lower than the crimson ring, Sonic glanced down. Seeing something reflective on a rectangular object, words in red started appearing on the small screen.
[...you...damaged...you...rest...]
"..." Sonic reacted feeling a little relieved despite still being frightened. "...who...who are you?"
[...does...not...matter...] it said as the figure began standing up. Feeling that the person was going to walk away, the child reached out and grabbed the cloak.
"W-Wait!" he spoke then looked up. The scary eye had not blinked and continued to stare at him.
"There was...a band of S.W.A.T. bots that attacked and destroyed my village. All of the villagers escaped to our neighboring one. I...I think they are going to attack the neighboring one too."
"..." the unknown figure responded. Bringing out the handheld, words began appearing.
[...what...of...it...?] it stated. The cold-hearted statement seemed shocking to the child. Not letting go of the cloak, the boy pulled himself up despite wincing.
"I need...help to save them from being captured...and prevent them from turning into metal heads."
[...why...can't...you...save...them...?]
"I'm...I'm..." Sonic began feeling very intimidated. Clenching his teeth together and clenching his hands tightly, the sworeness of his body built up. Cringing his face and shaking, the pain seemed to help him not give in to the fear. However, the boy felt shame to speak of his weaknesses out loud.
"I'm not strong enough...I'm not fast enough...I...could only run away...I couldn't do anything to stop the bots," he continued then looked up at the individual's hidden face. The blood glow from its eye never waivered in its intensity or position. It made the hedgehog believe this was a predator that was strong enough to defeat anyone.
"But...but you can. You were so quick; you destroyed those goons with just rocks and your bare hands."
[...you...ran...away...or...your...village...left...you...behind...?] the monitor read.
"I was...on the truck and...a rocket from one of the bots hit nearby. The explosion caused it to lift up and...I wasn't holding onto anything and got launched me into the air," the boy answered. Letting go of one hand, he used it to be animated feeling a little less scared.
"I landed on the ground and...by the time I got behind a boulder for cover...the village truck kept going..."
[...abandoned...yes...?]
"No...they were..." the kid spoke getting nervous and anxious. The stillness and the non-blinking crimson color eye boring at him made him doubt the intention behind the villagers' actions.
"They were escaping the lasers and rockets," he said looking down trying to search for answers and confidence. Hearing fabric move in front of him, he looked up to see more words generated.
[...left...behind...and...hunted...]
"...I..." the hedgehog muttered gripping the cloak harder. Closing his eyes and shaking his head to rid of the fear, he looked back up with a mild irritated voice.
"No. They would never just leave me behind! They are my family!...I need to help them and save them," the child said. Letting go of the person's outerwear, he made two fists and curled his arms. "I want to be a freedom fighter!"
[...] the unknown figure responded and narrowed its eye a little. [...then...become...a...savior...]
"B-But I can't!" Sonic stated. Opening his hands, he re-gripped them on the cloak and got closer to the individual.
"If I had your superspeed and strength, then I can be one. I tried doing it on my own after watching you. But, I don't seem to be getting anywhere. I...I tried mustering up the courage to ask you to teach me...but I got scared because of that time you threw the lion head."
"But...that's why I need your help to save the villagers mister. I don't have the strength and speed to do so myself. Please mister. Please help me!"
[...] the mysterious stranger answered. Not squinting the eye anymore, the small screen moved up to where someone's mouth would be. Seeing the appearance of teeth and four small fangs, the individual closed its mouth on the device. Not seeing any telegraphed movement, something snatched the child's face with force. It was enough to make the kid jump from being surprised.
"Mmpf!?" the boy yelped into the hand.
Feeling his eyes go wide and let go of the cloak, he felt himself be lifted up into the air. Gripping the left forearm of the person, it stopped at eye level. Touching and clasping on the muscles on the arm gave two emotions to the hedgehog. The firmness of the forearm and wrist confirmed that the individual could snap his neck. Despite the apprehension it generated, a small amount of wonder came that maybe the killer and the trapper were the same person. The crimson ring now gave a glare expression in the dark as words slowly appeared from the glass.
[...you...have...a...trade...for...request...Sonic...the...Hedgehog...?]
"..." Sonic spoke with trying to shake his head slowly.
[...then...what...will...you...sacrifice...for...assistance...?]
"...sacrifice...?" he muffled into the person's palm.
[...the...village's...supplies...or...your...self...?]
"...!?"
[...to...become...something...you...are...not...requires...sacrifice...]
"..." the boy reacted with blinking multiple times.
Looking down at the hand over his lower half of his face, he compared them to his smaller hands. The essence of survival that he saw in nature was the survival of the fittest. Though cruel, it helped the child try to see this rogue's way of thinking. Knowing that the hedgehog couldn't live with himself if he starved his village's food and materials, he looked up to see the uncanny eye still staring back at him. Swallowing and lifting one hand up, he slowly pointed at himself.
"...I..." he said then felt the grip over his face lessen a little. "...I will...sacrifice...myself..."
[...very...well...] the screen said then went away. Lowering the kid to the ground, he let go of him. Seeing the screen move away from the mouth area, it went back into the individual's left hand.
[...follow...the...screen...]
"...yes sir..." Sonic replied.
Not knowing if he made a safe decision, he was able to get the killer's help. Seeing the figure's outline move, he followed behind. Struggling at first to walk, the tense muscles in his legs lessened as he continued. After a couple of minutes, more illumination was appearing in the cave tunnel. Recognizing a couple of areas, he now knew that he was in the cave of the southern region. Reaching an opening, the entrance was seen ahead.
'So they are the same person!' the blue boy thought seeing that the cloak was the same as the peddler's one from before.
Reaching outside, it was still daytime. The fog of smoke in the air had remained. It made a haze that was seen in the sky as well through the forest around them. Coughing a little bit, the smell and taste of burnt wood and ash filled his nose. Both heard something in the distance that made a dull boom sound. Its low decibels made the two turn their heads to the left.
"Those bots must be almost at Zorn's village," Sonic commented then moved to be in front of the cloaked person. "We have to hurry."
"..." the trader responded with a small nod.
Extending out his left arm, he offered his hand to him. The small hedgehog looked at it and blinked a little. Grabbing his hand with his right, the grip from the other became very tight. Watching the figure bend his knees a little, he took a runner's stance like at the beginning of a race. Feeling a sense of excitement from finally seeing the fast-moving person in action, the stranger dashed off in a sprint.
'Whoa!' the boy reacted with surprise. Snatching the forearm with his free hand, they started to go faster. Passing the pace of the fastest warriors in the four villages, the two continued going faster. Reaching the speeds of a hover racer vehicle, the peddler began to accelerate exponentially. The vision of just holding on was that of a tunnel.
Everything around passed the road was a blur as things whizzed pass them. Covering much ground quickly, Sonic only heard air friction in his curled back ears. The pain and tiredness he had was replaced with trill. It was as if the dream he had of going faster was now a reality in which he was partaking in the experience of it. Lost in the excitement, a cracking boom was heard as the sight in front of them doubled in flying pass them.
"Everyone at their battle stations?" Chief Zorn called on the comms to his warriors. Getting a response back, he looked over at Oberi and saw him distracted with arms crossed over his chest. Clearing his throat, it seemed to make the wolf man to blink and look at him.
"Will we have enough arterially to defend ourselves?" Oberi asked his peer.
"Enough to stop most of them...I am not confident about the tank you stated."
[Machines spotted 30 yards away sir] one of the lead guards spoke through the speakers.
"Roger that. Be ready to fire when they come in range," the Ape-man ordered. Glancing at his comrade, there was a mixture of emotions on his face.
"Do you feel responsible for the child friend?"
"...how could I not..." the wolf breed answered not changing his face. He adjusted his arms over his chest then stared forward.
"Your main responsibility was to save your people...to which you have fulfilled."
"Are you saying that losing one over the rest is something to give me comfort? Even though that one individual was an orphan child?"
"No...but having this attitude in the midst of defending our lives against the S.W.A.T...is compromising," Zorn mentioned in a calm tone.
"..." Oberi reacted with bearing his fangs, but did not turn to his peer.
"I would appreciate that hot anger towards our common enemy comrade," Zorn mentioned then looked through his binoculars to the forest. "Will you lead or use a crossbow?"
"I do not appreciate your way of getting my bearings back in place," the other leader remarked then looked with a scope. "Tank...behind the robots."
"I see it...damn," the large man stated with a hint of frustration. "There is nothing in my arsenal that can take that kind out."
"Will the crystal detonators work in mass against it?" Oberi wondered out loud.
"If we had a stock supply, then yes easily...it could level a city block as well since they cause a chain reaction when close together," the ape humanoid replied then grabbed the comms microphone. "All troops. Concentrate fire to the enemy frontline. Take out all patroller androids. Do not engage the tank. I repeat. Do not engage the tank."
[10-4...enemy in range...ready men] the patrol leader responded. The sound of firearms being checked and loaded came over the speakers.
[Yes sir!] the small platoon of both villages' troops sounded.
"Here," Zorn began then handed Oberi the mic. "Your men need to hear your voice...lead them with the assertion to fight back."
"..." the wolf man spoke with narrowing his eyes. Grabbing the device and frowning at it, he brought it to his mouth.
"Soldiers. This is Chief Oberi. Let us show our human adversary what happens when they mess with our kind," he said then narrowed his eyes. "Rain fire down on their parade."