-Chapter 80-
Peaceful Days
Knothole
After their return from Isolated Island, Knuckles and Kat decided to reintegrate themselves into the Freedom Fighters. Sonic was happy to have his friends back among the group. In general, he seemed far more cheerful than he had in awhile, enough that Knuckles soon relaxed.
"I'll admit, I'm glad to be back," he remarked.
"We're glad to have you back," Sally answered.
"Everything's been so tense on Angel Island, especially with Julie-Su being in Echidnaopolis," Knuckles explained. "And Dad bearing down on me for Kat's training."
"She's really gonna be a Guardian?" Chris asked.
"I'm gonna try," Kat replied. "The Master Emerald likes me and Locke can't argue with it."
"Well, while you're here, why don't we drop by Honey's and get you some new duds?" Sonic suggested. "I know Eggman got rid of your old clothes during that little... incident."
He unconsciously squeezed his stress ball as he said that, but remained composed.
"It'd be nice to get a new outfit," Knuckles admitted.
"Oh yeah," Kat agreed. "I go back to school tomorrow and I don't think this outfit is dress code appropriate."
"Not really," Keith confirmed.
"Let's make a day," Sonic decided. "C'mon, let's go."
Station Square
Honey was all too eager to help Knuckles and Kat out, dragging Kat away first.
"How is it I can split boulders with a punch, and you still manage to drag me around like a ragdoll?" Kat asked.
Honey shrugged. "I boxercise a lot in my spare time."
As they disappeared into the changing room, Sonic looked over to see Undina, a brochure in her hand.
"What's that you got there?" he asked.
"Oh, this?" Undina asked. "Here, see for yourself."
She handed Sonic the brochure, allowing him to look it over. The picture on front depicted a rather simplistic island.
"Flicky Island?" he asked.
"Yep," Undina confirmed. "Believe it or not, my people's history is closely tied with it."
"Is that so?" Knuckles questioned.
"Indeed," Undina nodded. "Flicky Island was once part of Atlantium, the famous sunken city (1)."
"That's right…" Sonic recalled. " Professor Pickle mentioned that once or twice while I was helping with the ROCC. He said that Flicky Island was created when the remains of Atlantium rose from the sea."
"Before then, Atlantium was the home of my ancestors," Undina told them.
"No way," Knuckles let out. "You're a descendant of the Atlantiuns?"
"I am. Of course, most of us had to leave when the island rose up again. We found a new home on the ocean floors of the Great Blue Realm, in the new kingdom of Meropis."
"So why are you looking at a brochure for the place?" Sonic asked.
"Because the Great Migration will be happening soon," she explained.
"Migration?" Sonic repeated.
"Yeah. Once a year, rare and exotic breeds of Flickies never seen anywhere else appear on Flicky Island for a few weeks, before vanishing. Rumors abound where they hail. Some say they hail from another dimension entirely. Others claim their existence is closely tied to the Chaos Emeralds."
"It sounds beautiful," Sonic mused.
"Oh it is," Undina nodded. "You should go, Sonic. I imagine it'll be an experience you'll never forget.
"I have been cooped up in Knothole for a while," Sonic admitted. "Maybe this is just what I need."
It was at that moment Honey exited the dressing room with Kat in tow. Kat was dressed in a white tank top, a red plaid shirt over it and tied off at the midriff. She had some bootcut jeans and was still wearing her echidna headband and woven shoes.
"Well, what do you think?" Honey asked.
"Looks good, Kat," Knuckles complimented.
"I like it," Kat agreed. "Lighter than before, and still a nice blend of cultures."
"And now for you, Knuckles," Honey told him. "Right this way, please."
"On my way," Knuckles told her, following Honey as Kat sat back down.
"Looking good," Sonic told her.
"Thanks," Kat replied. "Feels good."
"You sure you're ready to go back to school?" Sonic asked.
Kat nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure. I really miss my friends and I really want a chance to feel normal for a bit."
Sonic nodded before deciding to ask what was on his mind.
"Kat... what's the real reason you and Knuckles didn't ask me or the others to help you out with the Isolated Island mess?" he questioned. "I know the whole 'personal issue' was only half of it."
"Yeah…" Kat sighed, rubbing her arm. He looked at the claw marks and everything clicked.
"You just didn't want me to get involved that soon after… that," he realized.
"It's not personal, I swear," Kat insisted. "We just wanted you to focus on yourself for awhile. You've been through so much, and you were running yourself ragged for weeks trying to save us, and then there was... this. So we figured you needed to worry about yourself for a change."
"Sound reasoning," Sonic admitted. "But to be honest, I've been getting stir-crazy sitting around Knothole doing nothing. Helping people's in my nature, Kat. I've never been one to sit around with my thumb up my nose."
Kat looked at Sonic's hand, then his nose. "I don't think they'd fit."
Sonic snorted before shaking his head.
" Anyway, I've been working on being more open since I started seeing Dr. Sorders. Not bottling up my emotions and stress until I explode like I did," he went on. "Therapy's really helping. Well, that and the stress toys."
He held up the stress ball, which depicted a picture of Robotnik in Sharpie, his face deliberately drawn bad and comedic-looking with X's across his shades and his tongue sticking out. Kat snorted herself.
"Draw that yourself?" she asked.
"As I matter of fact, I did," Sonic confirmed. "Way more satisfying and calming when I pretend it's Egghead's actual face I'm squeezing."
"You're a true artist."
"Missed my calling as one, that's for sure."
It was at that moment Honey and Knuckles exited. Knuckles was wearing a red hoodie under a brown vest with green cargo pants with a brown belt. He had a Devil Dog tooth necklace around his neck, and his signature hat on his head, whereas his gloves and boots remained the same.
"Taken a liking for cowboy style clothes, eh Knux?" Sonic asked.
"What can I say?" Knuckles said. "It's a good aesthetic."
"Indeed it is," Honey agreed. "Perfect for the bare knuckle fighter."
"Right," Knuckles nodded. "Thanks again, Honey."
Honey grinned. "Anytime."
The next day…
Chris, Keith, and Hope headed for school, seeing Kat waiting outside the door for them.
"Hi, guys," she greeted. "Miss me?"
"Yeah, but my aim's improving," Hope quipped, getting a laugh.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm happy to be back at school," Kat admitted.
"Locke being a butt again?" Chris asked.
"Yeah," Kat confirmed. "He's doubled up since Julie-Su came to town."
As they headed in, Keith turned to Kat.
"Maybe you need an extracurricular to help unwind more," he suggested. "And baseball season just happens to be here."
Kat perked. "Baseball?"
"You a fan, I take it?" Hope questioned.
"Oh yeah," Kat nodded. "My dad and I would watch the games all the time. He was a big fan, and I myself played basically every position except pitcher on my village's team."
"Keith and I have been planning to bring it up to you for a while," Chris explained. "With that arm of yours, scoring home runs would be a piece of cake."
"So what do you say?" Keith asked.
"I say my strength gives me one hell of an advantage," Kat admitted. "And I don't think it'd be fair."
"Call it training in self control," Hope offered. "It'd be a good way of selling it to Locke."
Kat considered it before nodding. "Alright, I'm game."
-X-
That afternoon, Kat went to the gym to talk to the coach.
"Hey, coach!" she called.
"Ah, Kat," the coach greeted. "What can I do for you?"
"You're hosting tryouts for the baseball team, right? I want to sign up."
The coach smirked a bit.
"Well you're in luck. We could use someone with your skills on the team."
Kat grinned.
"Let me show you what I can do with a bat in my hand."
"5 o'clock, the baseball field. Don't be late."
"I'll be there."
Echidnaopolis
Once they arrived back on Angel Island, Knuckles went to talk to Julie-Su, while Kat discussed her plans to Locke.
"Baseball?" Locke asked. "Really?"
"Hey, don't go dissing the great Northamerian pastime," Kat told him. "The baseball team will be a perfect opportunity for me to test my hand-eye coordination, teamwork, as well as control and restraint of my strength."
Locke turned that over in his head, seeing the merits.
"And I promise that I will continue to take my Guardian Training seriously," Kat added. "And not complain as much anymore."
Locke nodded. "Alright then."
"Yes!" Kat cheered. "Thank you!"
She hugged him in happiness. Locke stiffened, more surprised than anything. She let him go, smiling.
"Thanks, Locke," she told him. "Seriously."
With that, she ran off to tell Knuckles the good news, finding him in the local prison talking to Julie-Su in a cell.
"You don't have to keep visiting me," Julie-Su said to Knuckles.
"Eh, I wanted to," Knuckles replied. "I'm sure you get bored cooped up in here."
"I'll admit that much," Julie confessed.
"I'm trying to talk to my dad, see if I can at least get you a furlough so you can get out of this cell."
Julie-Su blushed, looking down a bit and rubbing her mechanical dreadlock.
"Well... thanks."
"Hey you guys," Kat greeted, the pair turning to see her there. "Sorry if I'm interrupting."
"It's fine," Knuckles assured. "How'd it go?"
"He agreed," Kat replied. "I can tryout."
Knuckles smiled. "You'll knock 'em outta the park."
"Literally," Kat agreed.
Station Square
Five o'clock came, and Kat headed for the school. She met the others on the baseball field and found everyone there to be all boys.
"Hey, who let her on the field?" the pitcher questioned. "This is the baseball team. Powder puff football's next week."
Kat gave him a dirty look. "Oh, I'm in the right spot."
"Look, we don't have time for weak links," said the first baseman. "Just head on home and let us real players play."
Kat smirked, popping her neck. "Then you better hang up your cap, pretty boy."
"Oh yeah?" the baseman shot back.
"Yeah!" Kat retorted.
"Alright, enough!" the coach cut in. "Kathryn is here to try out and I expect you to play nice."
"But... she's a girl!" the pitcher objected.
"Is there a rule that says girls can't play baseball?" the coach asked rhetorically.
"Sir, I do believe this is a case of seeing is believing," Kat offered.
"Seems you're right," the coach admitted.
Kat took up a spot at home base, before the catcher.
"Oh, bat boy…" she called out in a singsong voice.
The bat boy came up, holding out a baseball bat for her. She took it, getting into position.
"Don't hold back, girlie!" the pitcher taunted.
Kat grinned. "As you wish."
Keith, Chris, Danny, Frances, and Hope were watching from the bleachers, Helen sitting next to them in her wheelchair.
"Well, he's dead," Hope said casually.
The pitcher reeled back, winding up before tossing the ball with all his might. Kat swung the bat so hard it shattered as it sent the ball flying. Everyone on the team was left gaping in open-mouthed shock as Kat began rounding the bases. She made it a point to do a small flip as she landed on home plate, giving a deep bow. Keith began applauding, the others following.
"Hey, pitcher!" he called out. "I think you dropped your jaw!"
Indeed, the pitcher was left gaping, his jaw practically unhinged.
"And I do believe you're earned your place," the coach declared.
"Thanks, coach," Kat said with a smile, holding out the broken bat for the bat boy, who timidly took it back.
"Man, that was awesome!" Keith exclaimed.
"Definitely," Chris agreed. "Maybe you should take her out for some victory ice cream."
Keith turned red. "W-well…"
"Yeah, dude, you should do it!" Frances insisted.
"Go for it, man!" Danny urged.
"Yeah, what have you got to lose?" Helen asked.
Keith took a few deep breaths before standing up, going to intercept Kat as she walked back to the bleachers.
"Uh… Kat?" he began.
"Hey Keith," Kat greeted. "Man, that was fun. I think I made the bat boy piss himself."
"Glad you enjoyed yourself," Keith tugged at his collar. "Listen… I was wondering... you wanna... go get some ice cream?"
"Absolutely," Kat said. "I could go for a double scoop from Robbin's Basket."
"Okay, cool," Keith replied, nodding.
"So shall we?" Kat asked.
Keith nodded, smiling. "Brawn before brains."
Kat playfully punched him in the shoulder as they departed.
Area 99
The next morning found Sonic, Tails, and Sally being called to Area 99, where Sarah met them.
"Thanks for coming so fast," Sarah greeted.
"You said it was urgent?" Tails asked.
"In a manner of speaking," Sarah replied. "I've made leaps and bounds in reverse-engineering Robotnik's technology since your friend Tekno gave me that flash drive. The Badnik plans alone have been a major find, but the Metal Sonic schematics gave me an idea for my own. Follow me."
She led them to her lab, opening the door to reveal what appeared to be a body under a sheet. "My latest pet project, serving as the prototype for a future line of GUN robots to protect and serve."
Sonic was taken aback as Sarah pulled back the sheet, revealing the bare skeleton of a Metal Sonic. Its body was black with gold highlights, and it was still heavily under construction, but the form was clear.
"You're… making your own Metal Sonic?" Tails questioned.
"My bosses have termed this line of robots the GUN Needlemouse," Sarah clarified. "Cheesy, I admit, but I think it's cute."
"Nothing 'cute' about Metal," Sonic cut in. "This is a bad idea, Dr. Bennett."
"I understand why you'd be nervous, but no need to worry," Sarah assured. "I've taken every precaution. Starting with a self-destruct program."
"Oh?" Sonic asked.
"If he steps out of line or shows any sign of revolt, he will be terminated," Sarah informed them. "I won't be responsible for a rogue Metal Sonic." She smiled at them. "Give me some credit. I didn't get to be GUN's chief scientist by developing hi-tech military weapons without a failsafe. And on that note, I'm downloading a copy of all data we have on you. including your personality and heroic spirit."
"Why all that?" Sally asked.
"Sonic's power and skill are tempered by his conscience and morality, something Dr. Robotnik failed to give Metal Sonic," Sarah explained. "The Needlemice will have the same heroic spirit and personality as Sonic himself, to ensure they won't try to go rogue. Once the prototype proves himself, of course. Like I said, precautions."
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about this guy," Sonic confessed. "But you seem to know what you're doing."
"Once he's ready, I intend to use him as GUN's liaison with you," Sarah went on. "That way he'll be surrounded by those who can stop him just in case."
Sally nodded. "Alright, Doctor."
Sonic looked down at the Metal Sonic on the table, clenching and unclenching his fists warily. Still, he stayed silent.
Knothole
Later, Sonic, Tails, and Sally discussed what they saw at Area 99 to the others.
"GUN's making their own Metal Sonic?" Hope asked.
"Basically," Sonic confirmed.
"I can't be the only one who's wary of this idea," Rotor said.
"Oh, you're not," Sonic assured. "I've barely managed to avoid getting killed every time I've crossed paths with Metal. And now Dr. Bennett's making her own."
"We'll keep an eye on the situation," Sally told them.
"I'm nervous about this myself, but I trust the doctor," Tails interjected. "Like I said before, machines aren't evil on their own. They only attack or do bad things because their creators make them that way."
"Still…" Kat sighed. "This doesn't sound like a good idea."
"She's too far into the project to abort it now," Sally remarked. "All we can do is go along with it, and keep an eye on the finished bot."
Despite the assurance that everything would be alright, everyone was on edge, the prospect too much to ignore…
Robotropolis
Robotnik strolled through the Citadel, heading for Eggatha's lab with Snively by his side.
"I'll admit my latest evil plan didn't work out," the doctor confessed. "But it's okay. I have many more schemes. I'm the schemiest. I am heavy with schemes!"
"And light on adjectives," Snively deadpanned.
Ignoring him, Robotnik knocked on the door.
"Hang on!" Eggatha called from inside before opening it. She was wearing a smock and latex gloves, motor oil and blood splattered across her front.
"Well, you've been a busy little bee, haven't you?" Robotnik remarked.
"Oh yeah," Eggatha confirmed. "Lien-Da has been a lot of fun."
"Mon… ster…" Lien-Da managed from inside, her voice slurred.
"I had to administer some mild sedatives," Eggatha went on. "She kept squirming."
Robotnik entered, seeing Lien-Da lying limply on a table in the lab. She was in a medical gown and had several bandages around her mechanical parts.
"Quite revolutionary technology, I must admit," Snively mused.
"I know, right?" Eggatha let out. "The circuits run deep though. I'm considering a vivisection, but I don't know how to do that without killing her."
"You... little... bi-" Lien-Da let out before Metal slapped her.
"Perhaps a vivisection is in order," he offered. "We need to discover the full power of her implants, right? Since she keeps resisting, I say the best way is to take her apart piece by piece. See what makes her tick."
"You better hope... I don't get off this table," Lien-Da wheezed.
"Well, unless you have something to offer me, I see no reason to hold my niece back," Robotnik replied.
Eggatha turned to the table, readying a scalpel. At that, Lien-Da raised her head as much as she could.
"Wait…" she managed. "Maybe there is something I can offer."
"Speak now, or forever be in pieces," Robotnik told her.
"Information on the Legion," Lien-Da began. "If you'll let me live, I'll tell you anything you want. Hell, I'll even go back and be your mole."
"How do I know this isn't a trick?" Robotnik asked.
"The Grandmaster, my own brother, did nothing to help me and left me to rot here," Lien-Da replied simply.
"Ugh, brothers," Eggatha sighed. "Am I right?"
"I'm standing right here," Snively growled.
"I want to make Kragok pay for betraying me," Lien-Da went on. "And if helping you enables me to do that, so be it."
"Hmmm…" Robotnik tapped his chin. "Very well. I will concede this has merit. You can start with providing information on your cyberization. I imagine Agatha will have fun replicating the process."
"There's not much to say, really," Lien-Da said. "All Dark Legionnaires have had some degree of their body parts enhanced or replaced with cybernetics."
"I see," Robotnik remarked, stroking his mustache. "Agatha, continue your experiments with her cybernetics. Once you have an idea of how it works, enhance our little mole."
"Enhance?" Snively asked. "Are you sure that's wise?"
"Oh, don't worry about that," Eggatha grinned maliciously. "I'll make sure she behaves. Maybe a control chip, or... Ooh! A bomb! Place it in the base of her skull!"
"You definitely are the doctor's niece," Lien-Da spat. "You're just as twisted as he is, aren't you?"
Eggatha shrugged. "I have my moments."
"Have fun," Robotnik told her, walking out as Eggatha descended on Lien-Da, scalpel in hand.
-X-
With that, Robotnik and Snively met Grimer in the main room of the lab.
"So, what's next on the agenda, Doctor?" Grimer asked.
"The Great Flicky Migration is due to happen on Flicky Island soon," Robotnik replied. "I've been planning on investigating the island's mysteries for a while. Especially those unique Flicky breeds that don't appear anywhere else."
"You want to look into a bunch of Mobini birds?" Snively asked, confused.
"Not just that," Robotnik clarified. "Legend has it that Flicky Island is home to numerous precious gems, including Chaos Emeralds. And the Flickies' very existence is tied to the Emeralds' locations on the island. Once I capture a few of those Flickies and turn them into Badniks, finding the Emeralds will be a snap."
He let out a cruel chuckle at the prospect…
Author's Note:
(1): The Mobian equivalent of Atlantis.
Oh, snap! Robotnik's headed to Flicky Island! What will happen there?
That's right. A Sonic 3D Blast adaptation, starting next chapter.
Please R&R. Until next time!
