Chapter 6: Rise of Infinite Part 1
Things are not going so well for the Jackal Leader. He lost his entire Jackal Squad. His brothers and sisters were arrested by G.U.N and the rest taken out by Shadow. He failed to defend his boss's lab from destruction as Shadow has destroyed it and took a piece of evidence. But to Eggman, that did not matter. He has an idea. And that involves his new recruit.
The Jackal Leader wakes up. His eyes open up, but can only see out of his left one. Metal Sonic stands over him before he looks up at Eggman. His entire head is covered in bandages.
"Where… where am I?" The Jackal Leader groaned.
"Back at my base. Where Metal Sonic found you." Eggman answered.
"I can't see from my right eye. That jerk….. Shadow… that friend of Sonic. He did this to me."
"Oh, don't worry. You'll get your chance. I have a plan for you, my friend."
"Why? You could have had your metal buddy finish me. Let me join my brothers and sisters.
"Let me ask you a question: have you ever considered having the feeling of revenge?"
"N-no. I always protected my brethren as their leader. Kept everyone alive at this point. That was until you told me about that blasted hedgehog and his friends. You offered me something new and they nearly took everything away from me."
"I know that feeling. I have had it for decades facing Sonic. I have received nonstop humiliation and countless defeats."
"Exactly over two hundred and twenty seven thousand—" Orbot butted in until he was interrupted when his creator shoves his head back into his body and kicks him away like a soccer ball. Cubot claps and finds it funny.
"What I mean is you and I both share the same enemy and the same pain. No one else has had this mutual feeling like me. Life is about second chances and I am offering something that I think you would enjoy." Eggman said.
"And what is that?" The Jackal Leader asked
Eggman holds out a Phantom Ruby prototype. This one is different from the one Eggman discovered. The one he is offering is shaped like a three-sided pyramid.
"You built another Phantom Ruby?"
"This one is a finalized prototype I have managed to finish while you all bought me time. I have built other ones just in case. And I made sure that no one will use this but you by taking samples of your DNA and recording it into this version. The prototypes can only record the DNA of the one who triggered it. I managed to save most of them, hoping to save these for your squad. Are you willing to take the risk? I can merge this with you to save your life. You will have extraordinary powers. No one, not even Sonic or Shadow will stand a chance against you. What do you say?" The mad scientist offered.
The Jackal Leader looks at Eggman and the Phantom Ruby prototype. He thinks about his fallen comrades that were arrested or beaten by Shadow. He also remembered that he would help the doctor change the world by any means and would want to continue on.
"For the sake of my squad. My brethren. My pain. I want to give everyone else pain. Fear. Suffering. Doctor Eggman. My master. I accept. Let's do this. I will keep my promise and help you change the world in your image."
Eggman evilly smiles, confident that he knew the Jackal Leader would accept. "Perfect. Let us begin. Now."
Eggman pushes a button on a remote and suddenly the Jackal Leader's arms and legs were bound to the table as it leans upward. A robotic arm takes the prototype from Eggman's hand and it slowly approaches the leader's chest. As it grows closer, everything turns red around everyone's surroundings as the prototype starts to merge with the Jackal Leader's DNA and chest. Orbot and Cubot both hide out of fear while Eggman looks on with a proud smile on his face. He screams in pain and agony…. But he likes it.
"Yes! YES! I CAN FEEL IT! IT FEELS GOOD TO BE BAD!" The Jackal Leader yelled at the top of his lungs.
The glowing and sounds stop as everything calms down. The Jackal Leader is breathing heavily from the painful experience and stares at the ceiling. Eggman scans his vital signs and are completely normal. His power levels is unrivaled.
"How do you feel?" Eggman asked.
"I feel…. New. Like a new person. I am reborn." The Jackal Leader looked up and smiled greatly.
"Your powers are infinite. Nothing can stop us now."
:Jackal Leader: Hey. I like that. Infinite. From now on, that will be my new name. Infinite." The Jackal Leader gestured to his ruby on his chest.
Infinite grabs a mask and puts it on. It is silver-colored and has white and black circular patterns on the inside of the ears. The right side of the mask is covered completely with a black ,lightning bolt like an eyepatch and a red visor on the left side of the eye.
"Infinite. It is time to get to work. Let's test your powers. If you are going to help me conquer the world, we will need some valuable foes. Foes that Sonic has faced before. Metal Sonic. Step forward." Eggman ordered the robotic dopplegenger.
Metal Sonic obeys his master swiftly without question. Infinite starts glowing red and hovers in the air, red aura surrounding his body.
"Test your power. Give some power to good Metal here." Eggman ordered Infinite.
"As you command, my master." Infinite acknowledged.
Infinite turns to Metal Sonic and he holds out his hand and a red sphere with a Phantom Ruby prototype comes from the palm of his hands and it fires right at the blue robot's chest. Metal Sonic slides backwards on his metal feet as he starts to feel the power inside him. Metal's eyes briefly glow the same color as the Phantom Ruby itself. His arms and legs change color too. From regular grey metal to red.
"Even though it can't record Metal Sonic's DNA because he's a robot, I've added a program to allow him to control a Phantom Ruby prototype once it's powered up by the real Phantom Ruby. I can control all the prototypes including the finalized version." Eggman analyzed Metal's functionality. "How do you feel, Infinite?
"I can feel it all. This augmented reality power. This feels unbelievable. I can create anything I could imagine. Even for you, my master." Infinite held up a hand and a red sphere hovers over his palm.
"Not just that. Your strength and speed have drastically increased. Chances are your speed could outrun even that of Sonic. I'd say we recruit some more baddies to our cause. Test your limitless power, Infinite." Eggman suggested.
"Yes. Excellent idea, doctor. Who's first?"
At what remains of Tails' house. Tails arrives just in time and meets up with the Chaotix. They wonder who could have done this. And why? Tails flies down and runs to his now destroyed home.
"W-what happened here? Who did this?" Tails shakingly asked.
"All we saw was broken wood and broken toys. Some meanies set it off and stole your stuff." Charmy described.
"What?" Tails expresses confusion at what Charmy said. Vector shoves him out of the way by the face.
"From what we saw, some Jackal guys came here probably after you left. Whatever they grabbed, they got what they wanted." Vector answered.
"All we could get from them was this." Espip stepped up.
Espio holds out a red handkerchief with a symbol on it. It resembles a Jackal's face with small fangs underneath them, one sword on one side and what appears to be claws on the other.
"I have seen the jackals earlier. But I don't remember hearing about a squad." Tails recognizes the symbol.
"You encountered some earlier?" Espio asked.
"Well not exactly." Tails corrected. "Team Dark as well as Silver ran into several of them, who stole equipment from their base and tried to abduct Silver, but they were captured. Shadow should be done with the mission right now. They're working for Eggman."
"I knew it! I figured those jerks would have something to do with Eggman. Who else would want tech from Tails?" Vector stated.
"Vector is right. Besides, I have read about this symbol before. They're called the Jackal Squad." Espio said.
"Espio mentioned them before. Those guys are always bad news and they have remained hidden very well around the world." Vector supported Espio's claim.
"They're mean. Do anything for dirty money. Something we don't do. It's no fun." Charmy described.
"The Jackal Squad were known as the most infamous mercenaries around the world. They have always remained neutral, but they would do anything to get the job done. Even if it means committing crimes such as stealing, attacking people and disgraceful, dishonorable moves such as taking lives. They formed sometime before even Eggman came around." Espio explains the history of the squad.
"That's horrible." Tails shivered at the thought of them wanting to kill someone. "Those guys mean business. They have a lot of guts to even attack my place and team up with Eggman. The question is why did they choose to work for him?"
"The guy is desperate. I'll give him that. We need your help to figure out what they took. We rounded up all of the stuff that survived." Vector tells Tails.
Tails nods and the four of them examine Tails' house to investigate what they took. They find several of his past inventions. His own supercomputer is trashed, but thankfully his own Tornado 2 is untouched as it is hidden beneath the ground. Not only that, they found his Sea Fox submarine, his extreme board he dubbed the Yellow Tail and his Miles Electric. The latter which he uses to communicate with others and scan for strange readings and can translate alien language for him to understand.
After everyone rounded up all of Tails' tech, Tails looks very closely at his inventions. He counts them all up one by one, and then it hits him.
"Oh no. I know what got stolen from me. I was gonna use them for my house for an advanced security system and for my Tornado 2." Tails realized.
"What? What is it? What did they steal?" Espio asked.
"They stole Aluminum oxide and Chromium Oxide. I was mining for these to upgrade my stuff just in case we run into someone such as Eggman or Zavok. Even upgrade my Cyclone Battle Mode on my Tornado 2." Tails answered.
"Interesting idea, Tails. But now we need to find out what Eggman would want with such things like that?" Espio wondered.
Back at the HQ of G.U.N, Shadow completed his mission in defeating the Jackal Squad, Metal Sonic and destroyed the majority of the lab. He brings back a sample of a Phantom Ruby Prototype for them to examine. Meanwhile, Knuckles and Silver talk to the commander and President.
Shadow and Rouge overlook examinations of the prototype, trying to figure out what it is. And what it can do. And most importantly, how did Eggman come across this.
"This weird-looking jewel is weird, but you have to admit that it does look gorgeous." Rouge said. She can't help but be awestruck by the look of this jewel that Shadow recovered.
"Focus, Rouge." Shadow snapped her out. "We need to see what these things can do. Whatever these are, they could be dangerous, especially in the doctor's hands.
"Scanning mysterious object. Recognition not available. Scans indicate power levels are nearly off the scales. Chances of matching Chaos Emeralds are 95.3%." Omega said.
"Now that's something you don't hear everyday. A beautiful jewel such as this matching the Chaos Emeralds in power." Rouge is surprised. "I'm running scans on any possible abilities it could have."
"Chaos energy undetected. This is no Chaos Emerald. Invention not in my memory records." Omega shot down the idea of a fake Chaos Emerald.
"I found something. This thing here has powers over reality and sensory deception." Rouge said.
"Reality? You mean augmented or virtual?" Shadow asked.
"Augmented. Honestly virtual would sound stupid." Rouge described. But anyways, this can make an illusion and make it a part of our reality when one touches it and wish for what they most desire. It can even have space and time powers."
"Like Chaos Control?"
"Not exactly. Maybe create portals to different dimensions. This can also create projections of any kinds from one's thought."
"Imagine the worst thing the doctor can think of from his own foolish thoughts. Like indestructible fleets."
"Or an EggmanLand 2."
"Or a Chao Garden." Omega cut in.
Shadow and Rouge both look at him with questionable looks on their faces, as if to ask why would Eggman want something like that due to his evilness.
"What?" Omega looks up and his red eyes brightened. "Warning! Warning! Gem becoming unstable! Overload sequence inevitable!"
"It's gonna blow! Everyone. Get down!" Shadow yelled.
Shadow pulls Rouge backwards and they both duck and cover and Omega turns around and shields both Shadow and Rouge while his head rotates to witness an explosion. The explosion is not too big, but it causes so much smoke it nearly covers the whole lab. Shadow and Rouge cough from the smoke as a result of the explosion.
"Activating smoke visionary optics. Jewel not in this room. 100% destroyed." Omega reported.
It took a couple of minutes for Shadow and Rouge to regain their bearings as they look over the ruined lab.
"Dang it. There goes our only clue of scanning this any further. The doctor must have come prepared this time to make sure we don't use this." Shadow said.
"At least we know what Eggman is planning. But the question is where to begin?" Rouge asked.
"We wait for his next movement. Sooner or later, we must warn the others, even Sonic. Rouge. I need you to keep any signs out for any movements Eggman-related." Shadow tells her.
"You got it."
Shadow nods and sees Knuckles and Silver approaching them.
"So any news on Egghead?" Knuckles asked.
"Yes and no. We see that Eggman is using a new jewel he's creating that has augmented reality-related powers as his new source of weapon to conquer the world." Shadow answered.
"Huh. That's a new thing." Knuckles is somewhat surprised.
"Normally, I just call Eggman's inventions a joke, even the possible worst ones he came up with before I met y'all. But considering he's a threat to my future, this is definitely new." Silver said.
"What did the commander and president say to y'all?" Shadow asked.
"They have considered it. They said that depending on how big the threat of Eggman will be, they may let us form a Resistance to show support for G.U.N." Knuckles tells Shadow.
"It wasn't easy to convince them with me being from the future and Eggman normally losing and getting his butt kicked, but they believe us." Silver backed him up.
"Of course they do. Because I have told them everything about you." Shadow told Silver.
"What should our next move?" Knuckles asked.
"I suggest one of us could call Sonic and let him know. And let Tails and the Chaotix know as well. For now, me, Rouge and Omega will keep an eye out for any signs of movements involving the doctor." Shadow said.
"Then it's settled. I should head back to Angel Island and wait for further notice. Gotta keep my island safe." Knuckles said.
"Perhaps I can catch up with Tails and see if he needs any help." Silver said.
Shadow nods, understanding both of them. Knuckles and Shadow take their respective leave as Shadow looks back at the world map, wondering where Eggman is hiding.
"Just what are you up to, doctor?" Shadow wondered.
Sonic blazes his way through the Leaf Storm Zone, nearly above the trees. He starts using his Sonic Boost ability and jumps off a bouncing spring and grinds on vines and runs down two slopes before dashing through a corkscrew made of pure wood. Sonic boosts through a loop and the path goes straight down but he jumps off and grabs a bungee rope and he jumps down off the ledge before he could possibly fall, the bungee rope flings Sonic upward high into the air at animals are flying past him.
"Heck yeah!" Sonic posed in midair before he lands on the ground.
Sonic boosts his way forward and grinds on another vine before he jumps off and makes his way through three dash rings and a rainbow ring and he strikes a pose before he runs on top of a loop and hits two spring that send him downward. He sees two flying robots and homing attacks them before using it on a spring and sending him upward. He boosts around a giant loop and jumps off a ramp and he reaches his arms out for a horizontal pole-like tree trunk and he swings in circles before he lets go and flies forward and he runs on more platforms before running up a vertical corkscrew and runs up a slope, jumps and swings across a vine and boosts his way forward into the air. He smirks as he looks downward and sees Cream's house. Sonic rolls into a ball and rolls down a giant slope before jumping off and lands on his feet on the outskirts of the house.
"Alright. Now that it's over, time to see how the little one is doing?" Sonic stretched.
Sonic approaches the door, but before he could, a robot descends down from the roof. It stands up and it looks at the blue hedgehog.
"Gemerl! What's up?" Sonic smiled and held out his hand.
Gemerl is a robot that is an ally of Sonic. It was first found by Eggman, but was dumped, believing it to be useless. But it was found by Sonic and he named it Emerl. Over time after hanging out with hin, Tails, Rouge, Knuckles, Amy, Cream and Shadow, Emerl has begun to learn to talk and learn good from bad. He bonded with everyone, especially Cream. His abilities allow him to copy anyone's moves, such as Tails' flying, Knuckles' punches, Sonic's homing attack and spin dash and much more. When Emerl confronted Eggman and beats him, but he was lured into a trap and his personality was overridden and nearly destroyed the planet. Sonic saves him, unfortunately he malfunctions and explodes, leaving behind all the Chaos Emeralds his friends helped him collect. His remains were found by Eggman and was rebuilt as Gemerl and had his memories erased and reprogrammed. Sonic defeated him everytime, but Gemerl betrayed Eggman and went rogue, forcing Eggman to team up with Super Sonic. They both defeat him, and Tails fixed him and restored his personality and memories and acts as a guardian of Cream and a good friend to Sonic and the others.
Gemerl is devoted to protecting Cream and fight by any means necessary, but will not always use lethal force unless he asks. Despite being a robot, he does have some emotion and can be more emotionally stable than Omega. He is not afraid to admit his mistakes and does know how to think for himself and everyone, as long as he's able to protect Cream and his friends.
"Sonic the Hedgehog. Scans recognition 100%." Gemerl recognized. "It pleases me to see your friendly face again. How are you?"
Gemerl extends his hand and Sonic gladly shakes it.
"Doing well. Just running around, enjoying the life I have. Gathering friends to fight against Eggman. How is the family holding? How is Cream?" Sonic asked.
"Cream is in perfect condition." Gemerl said. "Amy is already here. She has informed us of what you and Tails have told her. How may I be of any assistance?"
"I can tell you in a little bit. But first, I'd like to meet Cream and Ms. Vanilla." Sonic said.
Gemerl nods, knowing Sonic cares very much about his friends. Sonic opens the door and sees Amy sitting down with Cream, Cheese, Chocola and Vanilla having tea. Cream sees Sonic and smiles at him.
Cream the Rabbit, hence the name, has cream-like fur, has brown eyes, wears and orange dress and orange shoes. Her ears are not like any other rabbits. They are facing the wrong way, but they actually allow Cream to fly by flapping her big ears in the air. Cream acts like a princess and is extremely polite, always using formalities. She is very spirited, very sweet and has alot of manners. Cream loves fun and adventure, and like Sonic, she prefers to see everyone happy and dislikes sadness. But unlike all of her other friends, Cream is a pacifist. She hates fighting, and would only do so if necessary. But she is not afraid to help or even protest, but not in a rude manner. Because of all of these traits, she is loved by everyone. She is closest to Amy and Blaze, and even Eggman likes her politeness despite them being enemies.
Cream has two Chao as pets named Cheese and Chocola. Cheese is a regular blue Chao with a red bow tie and Chocola is a brown-like Chao that resembles a soft drink and has a light blue bow tie. They adore Cream and their own respective kind.
"Mr. Sonic! So good to see you again!" Cream puts on a big smile, runs up and gives Sonic a big hug.
"Ha ha. Good to see you again, kiddo. You've gotten taller the last time we've met." Sonic quickly noticed.
"A part of growing up. I'm just about as big as Mr. Tails now." Cream described.
"Oh, you'll get there one day. Glad to see you're still kicking and such with Gemerl having y'alls backs." Sonic said. This leaves him pleased to hear that the two rabbits are safe, given their need of no violence.
"Gemerl is a kind and gentle robot. I'm always pleased that Mr. Tails was able to fix him up and forget about that bad man." Vanilla, Cream's mother said.
"I just told them everything, Sonic. They're trying their best to take it well." Amy said, holding her cup of tea.
Sonic looks at Amy and then looks at Gemerl, who closes the door and nods to both hedgehogs.
"I know this isn't easy for either of y'all. But I thought it would be best if we let you know just in case. The last thing we need is anything bad happen to you.
"Well I am glad that you told, my dear. You're so nice and brave as always." Vanilla handed Sonic a cup of tea for him to enjoy, knowing he likes it.
"Yeah. I'm sure Mr. Sonic will be able to save the day as always. He's the bravest guy that I know and we all love." Cream believed.
"Well, I wouldn't put it that way, but thanks, Cream." Sonic shurgs and took a sip of his tea.
"You're welcome." Cream nodded. "So. What can we do to help you? Amy told us about Mr. Silver. I remember him from your birthday party. He seems like a nice, goofy guy."
"Oh yeah. Silver can be weird and naive sometimes, but he is honest and truthful. I mean, you can't blame the guy. He's not as gullible as Knuckles I should say." Sonic quipped.
Amy and Cream giggle at the joke, knowing Sonic's not wrong.
"So what should we do now, Sonic?" Amy asked.
"I have an idea. Gemerl. I may have something for you to do. I would like for you to take Cream and her mom away from here just in case something happens." Sonic said Gemerl.
"Where is the precise I will be escorting them, Sonic?" Gemerl asked.
"The G.U.N headquarters. They have the best protection. Make sure they're all safe, alright?" Sonic asked.
"Request understood." Gemerl nodded. "I must do what I must to protect Cream. No matter the cost."
"Hey, Cream?" Sonic gets the young rabbit's attention. He gives Cream another hug and pats her on the head. "Everything will be okay. I promise you that."
Cream smiles as she, her Chao, Vanilla and Gemerl exit the house. Gemerl flies while carrying Vanilla while Cream and the Chao fly with them, leaving Sonic and Amy behind.
"What about me?" Amy asked.
"You still got that Miles Electric? Try to get in touch with Tails and Vector. See where they're at. You think you got that?" Sonic tells her.
"Yeah, but what about you?" Amy asked with a hint of worry in her tone.
"I'm gonna go for a run. Maybe find some clues about Eggman. Put that creep in his place." Sonic said.
Sonic smirks at her and gives her a thumbs up before he dashes off. Amy goes off on her own to find Tails and the Chaotix, hoping they're okay and they maybe got some leads on Eggman and what he may be planning.
Note: I decided to bring Cream and Gemerl into the story. Since they reappeared in the IDW comics, which takes place after the Sonic Forces game, but in a different universe, I thought it would be a good idea. You might see them again at some point. And the Leaf Storm Zone is from Sonic Rush on the DS. I'm glad Cream finally reappeared in Sonic Dream Team. I gotta play that one, lol. Until next time!