-Chapter 105-

Bunnie's Upgrade


Knothole

Bunnie and Cream were seated by the Lake of Rings, enjoying the peace as Cheese splashed around in the water.

"Enjoying life at Helen's place, honey?" Bunnie asked.

"Oh yes," Cream smiled. "Mr. and Mrs. Birnbaum are so nice."

"I'm glad you're happy there," Bunnie ruffled the younger rabbit's ears.

"So how's the village coming?" Cream questioned.

"Relief efforts are flooding in and buildings are being rebuilt at top speed. You'll be back with your mom soon."

Cream smiled at that, then her face grew serious. "Bunnie... what really happened to my daddy?"

Bunnie stiffened at that. "What do you-?"

"I know there's something you aren't telling me," Cream reached out, touching Bunnie's metal arm. "And I think I know what it is. My dad's a robot... isn't he?"

Bunnie sighed, realizing there was no way out of this.

"...Yes, it's true," she admitted. "But I just want you to know one thing. Kat wasn't lying to you."

"So, he's safe?" Cream asked. "He's really staying with a friend?"

"Yes," Bunnie nodded. "Eggman's other niece, Eggatha. She's playing both sides of our little war, though she's helped us more often than not."

"And she's protecting my dad?"

"Yep. She won't let anything happen to him."

She went to ruffle Cream's ears again, but a sudden spasm of pain shot through her shoulder where metal met skin. Similar pain engulfed her hips, radiating from the ends of her metal legs. She crumbled to the ground, clutching her shoulder and curling in on herself. As Cream ran over in shock, Bunnie's flesh hand went to her head, a wave of dizziness hitting her.

"I don't… feel so good…" she managed before blacking out.

Cream frantically shook her before turning to Cheese.

"Cheese, go get help!" she cried. "Something's wrong!"

Cheese nodded before flitting for Freedom HQ at top speed.

-X-

Inside, the rest of the Freedom Fighters were hanging out when Cheese barged into the door, chirping and crying out frantically. Sonic stood up, turning to the frantic Chao.

"Whoa, whoa," he said. "Slow down, little guy. What's wrong?"

Cheese just began pulling on Sonic's jacket, chirping more and more frantically.

"Okay, okay. We're coming."

Cheese led them to the Lake of Rings, stopping in shock at the sight of the unconscious Bunnie in Cream's arms, the younger bunny trying to rouse her.

"Bunnie, please wake up!" she begged.

Sonic materialized by her side. "What happened?!"

"I don't know!" Cream exclaimed. "She just collapsed and fell over!"

Sonic gently pulled Cream aside, scooping Bunnie up in his arms. The cyborg was breathing heavily in her sleep, her fur drenched in sweat.

"I'll take her to Dr. Quack," he decided. "If anyone can find out what's up, it's him."


Station Square

In the Station Square General Hospital, a gurney was prepared and Bunnie laid out on it. Sonic quickly explained the situation to Dr. Quack, the rest of the Freedom Fighters off to the side, looking at their downed friend in fear.

"She was talking to Cream and just passed out," Sonic told the doc. "She's burning up like crazy and Cream said she was clutching her metal limbs in pain."

"Alright, I'll take good care of her, son," Dr. Quack promised. "Just hang back while we prep her for surgery."

"Surgery?!" Cream exclaimed.

Antoine looked equally horrified. "What do you need surgery for?!"

"To get a better look at the cybernetics. They've clearly malfunctioned, but I'll need a closer look to discover the full extent of the damage and proper methods to ensure her recovery."

"They're not cybernetics!" Antoine shouted, hands shaking. "Those are her limbs roboticized!"

Dr. Quack looked surprised, but made sure to write that down.

"Thank you, and don't worry. She's in good hands."

He took Bunnie, heading for the ER. The rest of the Freedom Fighters waited nervously. Kat held Cream, petting her head with her uncasted arm as she consoled the worried rabbit.

"Bunnie's tough, Cream. She'll be alright."

"And Dr. Quack is one of the best physicians on Mobius," Sally insisted. "She's in good hands."

Despite assurances, there was a visible air of tension in the waiting room, everyone fidgeting and nervous as they waited.


2 hours later…

Eventually, Dr. Quack reentered the room.

"What's going on, Doctor?" Sally asked.

"We've stabilized her... for now."

"For now?" Rotor questioned.

"Her metabolism is going haywire. Her bionics and nervous system are having a hell of a compatibility gap."

"In English, doctor?" Antoine requested.

"Her body is rejecting her roboticized limbs, and her roboticized limbs are attempting to continue the process," Dr. Quack clarified. "

"See?" Sticks suddenly piped up. "See? I told ya machines're nothin' but trouble! Why doesn't anybody believe me? It's not like I'm paranoid!""

She stiffened before whirling on her own shadow, scowling. "Will you stop following me?!"

Dr. Quack raised an eyebrow at the badger, then shook his head and returned to the matter at hand.

"I'm afraid this is far beyond my capabilities. Normally, I'd suggest consulting with whomever created her cybernetics, but... seeing as they aren't cybernetics…"

His voice trailed off, but no further words were needed. Sonic's expression steeled as he stood up.

"Eggman may not be willing to help us... but I know someone who can,"

"Whatever you're planning, I'm coming with you," Antoine insisted. "I cannot just sit here while Bunnie-" He choked, his hand shaking as he clenched it into a fist. "I'm coming."

"Sonic, what're you planning?" Tails questioned.

"I'm gonna head for Robotropolis and nab Agatha," Sonic answered simply and seriously.

That threw everyone for a loop.

"You're... gonna waltz into Eggman's city and kidnap his niece?" Shorty demanded. "You're crazy!"

Sonic remained firm.

"Our friend needs help. And the only way she's getting the help she needs is with Agatha here, so I'm grabbing her. Antoine, you can come too. Eggman knows I'll never cross a line by hurting her, but you he just might believe capable."

"What's your plan?" Porker questioned.

"Simple. We use Eggman's Priority One protocol to our advantage. I distract the Badniks while Ant nabs Agatha."

"Once I have her, I'll Warp Ring to safety," Antoine continued.

"Castle Acorn," Sally insisted. "I'll transfer Bunnie there. She'll be secure there and we can better defend ourselves against Eggman's retaliation."

"Good luck, you guys," Johnny told the pair.

Sonic smirked as he pulled a Warp Ring from his jacket. "Who needs luck when you've got skills like mine?"


Robotropolis

Eggatha was hard at work, finishing up her latest upgrades to Lien-Da. The echidna no longer fought her, the exploding implant now installed.

"Please tell me your constant poking and prodding is over." Lien-Da said.

"Almost," Eggatha replied. "Soon, you'll be ready to be unleashed on your Dark Legion. Just try not to screw up. I worked really hard on you and I really don't want to have to blow your head off."

"How kind of you," Lien-Da deadpanned.

Suddenly an alarm went off throughout the complex.

"Alert!" a computer voice declared. "Warp Ring energy detected!"

The alarm repeated this over and over as Eggatha sighed.

"Wonder what my Uncle's done now. Go to your cage, Lien-Da. I need to go check on this."

Reluctantly, Lien-Da did as she was told. Upon hearing the lock engage, Eggatha stepped out of her lab and into the throne room. Eggman was staring at the large windows that encircled the top of the room, where several paintings of Sonic were now plastered, small paint drips showing they were still wet. Twirling a large paintbrush in his fingers, Sonic grinned from an unpainted window.

"Thought the place could use some personalization," he said. "Whatcha think? Pretty good likeness, huh?"

Robotnik gritted his teeth in anger before grabbing an intercom.

"The hedgehog's right outside my window!" he roared. "Badnik Horde, attack!"

Badniks came pouring out as Sonic smirked, taking off like a bullet. Robotnik quickly rushed towards his Egg Mobile, determined to join the battle. When Eggatha went to do the same, a pair of hands grabbed her from behind, one around her waist and another over her mouth. She let out a muffled cry.

"Shhhhh…" Antoine let out.

She saw who it was, pausing her struggles for a moment.

"We need to take you, but I know you need to make this look good," Antoine went on. "I'll do my best not to hurt you."

Eggatha nodded, then bit his hand.

"Yeow!" Antoine yelped, pulling his hand back on reflex.

"UNCLE!" Eggatha screamed.

Robotnik turned, his eyes going wide when he saw Antoine holding Eggatha.

"D'Coolette?!" he shouted. "You have ten seconds to get your hands off my niece before I start killing you!"

Before the doctor could do anything, Antoine drew his sword, pressing the blade to Eggatha's throat.

"Do that, and your niece goes with me." he warned.

Robotnik paused. "Y-you wouldn't. You're not that ruthless!"

"Are you so certain of that, Doctor?" Antoine asked.

He silently apologized as he gave Eggatha a superficial cut on her neck, nowhere near anywhere fatal. She whimpered in pain and Robotnik panicked, backing down.

"What do you want with her?!" Robotnik demanded.

"That's for us to know and you to not, Eggman," Antoine opened a Warp Ring behind him. "Now stand there and count to a hundred if you want Agatha to keep breathing."

"You little punk…" Robotnik growled. "You won't get away with this."

Antoine fell back into the Warp Ring, which immediately closed.

-X-

Outside, Sonic was running literal circles around the badniks when his comm went off.

"I got her," Antoine said. "Now get out of there. The doctor isn't happy."

Sonic nodded, throwing a Warp Ring in front of him before departing as Robotnik's bellow of outrage rang through the city.


Mobotropolis

In Castle Acorn, Antoine and Eggatha landed. He immediately released her, taking off his tie and pressing it to her neck.

"I am so sorry I had to do that," he told her.

"You needed to sell you were serious, I get it," Eggatha replied. "Besides, I did bite you. Now, what did you need me for?"

It was at that moment Sonic entered. "We'll show you."

The pair led the young scientist into the castle's medical bay, where she gasped at the sight of Bunnie.

"Oh no…" she let out. "I need a step-stool, toxicology, and full genetics tests."

Sonic nodded. "Got it."

One of the royal physicians quickly provided the step stool as another brought her a bandage. They applied it to her neck as Eggatha got to work, looking into the problem and looking over solutions.


Some time later…

As Eggatha went to a lab to run tests, Bunnie was taken to a room to rest. She soon came to, rubbing her head to see her friends surrounding her.

"You gave us a hell of a scare," Chris told her.

"What…" Bunnie began, "what happened?"

"You passed out," Kat replied. "Scared the... dickens out of Cream."

She gestured to the chair next to Bunnie's bed, where Cream was fast asleep, Sonic's jacket covering her.

"How are you feeling?" Keith asked.

"Like a dozen Swatbots all piled on top of me," Bunnie answered.

At that moment, the door opened and Eggatha entered.

"Eggatha?" Bunnie asked.

"Ant and I brought her in after Dr. Quack was done and gave his diagnosis." Sonic explained.

"And that is?" Bunnie questioned. "I'm a big girl. Give it to me straight."

"What I warned about on the Death Egg Mark II is coming to pass," Eggatha began. "In a nutshell, you have conflicting operating systems. Your bionics are no longer working reliably with your central nervous system."

Bunnie looked at her robotic hand. "What does that mean? That I won't be able to walk or lift things anymore?"

"I'm afraid it's worse than that," Eggatha clarified. "As your bionics continue to deteriorate, they'll eventually shut down and start poisoning your organic parts. From what I can tell from the test results, your body's at war with itself. It'll only settle for being fully organic or robotic, not both."

Bunnie took a shaky breath. "Does that mean I'm going to… to-?"

"Die?" Eggatha offered. "It's definitely a possibility if we don't do something soon."

Bunnie looked completely and utterly shocked at the news, a feeling shared by the other members of the Freedom Fighters. After a moment, Bunnie spoke up again..

"What are my options?"

There are a few ways we can handle this," Eggatha said. "The first, deroboticize your limbs. Unfortunately, this is not viable given that you clearly lack the ability to do so, else we wouldn't be here. Second, we complete the process, turning you into a full Robian. Your organic body would be safe and you'd no longer be dying, but you'd also be a slave to my Uncle. More than that, explaining away your presence will be nigh impossible, and odds are he'd have you out on the battlefield in a matter of seconds, especially after this."

"Is there an option we can do?" Sonic questioned.

"Only one... we remove the roboticized limbs," Eggatha said bluntly.

A dead silence followed.

"The poisoning would stop, you'd no longer be in danger," Eggatha went on. "But... you'd lose any chance of ever regaining your fully Mobian body."

Bunnie looked down at that. Hope was thinking of something, before snapping her fingers.

"I think we have another option," she began. "A hardware upgrade. We replace the roboticized limbs with actual cybernetics that work fully in sync with her nervous system. She wouldn't be poisoned by them."

"Either way, Hope, she'd be stuck as a cyborg for the rest of her life," Eggatha pointed out.

Bunnie took a deep breath. "What would you do if you were me?"

"Honestly?" Eggatha said. "That depends on which answer I could live with for the rest of my life." She let out a breath, taking her glasses off and cleaning them before sliding them back on. "The choice is yours, Bunnie. In the meantime, I should probably find something to make it look like I'm actually a prisoner here."

She hopped off her stool, heading for the door. She paused for a moment, turning back.

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry. You didn't deserve this."

With that, she was gone. Bunnie's hand went to her mechanical arm, tears in her eyes.

"All this time, I've been fighting and coping with these limbs in the hope that someday I could change back," she managed. "And now this?"

Antoine pulled her into a hug as she cried, the coyote rubbing her back soothingly.

"Let's give them some space," Sonic decided.

One by one, the Freedom Fighters filtered out of the room, giving the pair some privacy..


Robotropolis

Back at Citadel Robotnik, Robotnik was fuming and outraged over Eggatha's abduction. He headed for Snively's lab, throwing the door open. Snively jumped, stiffening.

"SNIVELY!" Robotnik bellowed.

"Oh, no!" Snively let out a terrified squeak as he slowly turned around. "Y-yessir?"

"How could you let this happen?!" Robotnik roared. "You were supposed to ensure that this place was impenetrable to those blasted Warp Rings!"

"No, you just said to make sure they were detected," Snively reminded him. "You said nothing about actually negating their effects!"

Robotnik grabbed him by the shirt, lifting him into the air.

"Well, now I am!" he shouted.

"U-Uncle, with all due respect, you're making a mountain out of a molehill," Snively stammered. "Do you really think Sonic would actually hurt Agatha, or let any of his friends do so?"

Under his breath, he muttered, "I'm not that lucky."

"D'Coolette nearly slit her throat," Robotnik informed him. "I'm not. Taking. Chances." He dropped his nephew. "Now get to work!"

He stomped out as Snively stood up, dusting himself off.

"'Snively, do this. Snively, do that,'" he grumbled as he got to work. "Stupid old buzzard…"

Robotnik headed back to his throne room, where Metal was fidgeting and spasming.

"Agatha... who knows what Sonic and his friends will do to her," he muttered, looking down at his trembling hands. "This feeling... Doctor, is this... Is this what it is to know fear?"

"Yes, it is," Robotnik confirmed. "Go recharge before you blow a fuse, and send Agatha's messenger bot. If Sonic thinks he can just waltz into my city and snatch my niece out of her own home, he's in for a very violent surprise."


Mobotropolis

In Castle Acorn, Eggatha was sitting on the ground by the throne, a pair of shackles on her ankles as she watched Sonic pace around.

"Nothing from my Uncle yet?" she asked. "No attacks, no tantrums?"

"I know what you mean," Sonic agreed. "I expected him to pull something by now."

"I'm a bit scared," Eggatha admitted. "I'm like sixty percent of his impulse control. I know why you grabbed me, and I completely understand, but my Uncle…"

She shuddered. Sonic stopped pacing before facepalming.

"Damn it, I didn't think about that," he let out. "Without you there, Aurora knows what kind of crazy destructive plan Eggman's gonna come up with to get back at us. It'd be the Shēngcún massacre all over again."

"Okay, okay, calm down," Eggatha soothed. "He swore he'd never do that again."

"And you believed him?" Kat asked rhetorically.

"I-" Eggatha trailed off. "Whatever, it's happened, let's focus. We need to keep his attention."

"I think we have it by holding you hostage," Hope pointed out.

"Hostage…" Sonic perked. "Hope, you're a genius!"

"Tell me something I don't know," Hope quipped. "But what do you mean?"

"Okay, we've searched my Uncle Chuck's apartment and lab from top to bottom, and haven't found any of the Roboticizer blueprints, right?" Sonic said. "That's why we've been stealing parts from Eggman's machines to reverse-engineer it."

"Of course..." Amy perked. "Your Uncle Chuck didn't have the plans. Eggman does! We can use Eggatha as a bargaining chip to get the blueprints!"

"That's perfect!" Eggatha declared. "Now you have a purpose for kidnapping me! You are a genius, Hope!"

The two girls embraced.

"Now we just wait for Egghead's next move," Sonic decided.

As if on cue, Bokkun came flying through the window. All of the Freedom Fighters were instantly on the defensive. Kat grabbed Eggatha by her collar, hauling her to her feet and wrapping an arm around her waist to contain her.

"Bokkun?" Eggatha asked.

"Dr. Robotnik demands the release of Miss Agatha," Bokkun told them.

"And if we refuse?" Mina asked.

"I'll let him tell you himself."

He pulled out a TV, which flickered on to reveal Robotnik's furious face.

"Taking my niece like you did is the worst possible move you could've made, Sonic!" he ranted. "Now, here's what's going to happen. Either you give Agatha back to me, or I dismantle every last Robian in my army piece by piece. Starting with Charles!"

Mina gasped, recoiling at the thought of her mother being taken apart. Sonic nearly faltered himself, but Kat stepped forward, still holding Eggatha.

"You do that, and I start breaking her bones one by one," she warned, her voice cold and deadly.

"Uncle Ivo!" Eggatha cried.

Sonic quickly caught on to what they were doing, saw Robotnik's shocked look, and took his shot.

"Let me propose a counter-offer, Eggy. You hand over the Roboticizer blueprints you stole from Uncle Chuck, and we give Eggatha back to you in one piece. Otherwise…"

He just gestured to Kat, who adjusted her grip on Eggatha so the girl was in a better, more secure hold.

"Y-you wouldn't do it, Sonic. You're not that ruthless!"

"Yeah, I'm not. Can't say the same for Kat."

Kat gave a devilish smirk.

"Revenge is a dish best served cold, Eggman. You took everything from me, so do what Sonic said, or I return the favor. And trust me, I will enjoy every minute of it."

"You're bluffing! You'd never!"

Knowing he wouldn't believe only words, Eggatha gave a barely perceivable nod. Kat covered her 'captive's' mouth, put her thumb to Eggatha's side, and pushed. There was a small crack and Eggatha screamed. That was all it took; Robotnik caved.

"Alright! Alright! You win!"

"Thought so," Sonic said. "We'll contact you with details later on when and where to bring the plans. Oh, and if we see so much as a Motobug rolling around here... well, I think you know what will happen."

"Fine," Robotnik growled. "Words can't express how much I hate you right now, Sonic."

"Feeling's mutual."

The message ended and Bokkun left. Once he was safely out of earshot, Kat quickly released Eggatha.

"Tell me there's a Chaos Emerald around here," she pleaded.

"No, don't heal it," Eggatha insisted. "It's gotta heal naturally, or he'll know it was a bluff."

She winced, rubbing her side before stealing herself. "In the meantime, we need to see if Bunnie's made her decision."

"You at least go see a doctor yourself," Sonic insisted. "We'll go talk to Bunnie."

Eggatha nodded at that, letting Kat pick her up in a more dignified manner and carry her off, apologizing to the injured girl the entire way. With that, the others headed for Bunnie's room. Antoine was seated next to her bed while Cream, now awake, was holding her flesh hand

"One crisis down, one to go," said Sonic. "How're you feeling?"

"I've been better," Bunnie sighed. "I don't want my limbs to be removed, and I don't want to die. But... becoming a cyborg permanently, I just…"

She shuddered. "I don't know if I can handle it, being like this... Forever."

"Bunnie, I know you're scared, but please, listen," Mina cut in. "Your outsides don't matter. Whether or not you're robotic, organic, or both, you are you."

"She's right, mon cherie," Antoine gently cupped the side of her face. "Metal limbs or no, we all love and adore you."

He turned a bit red. "Myself especially."

Bunnie's eyes widened at the admission, while the others just stood back, smiling.

"Well, it's about time," Amy said. "I was wondering when you'd admit it."

Antoine turned a deeper shade of red.

"You... love me?" Bunnie asked.

"I have for a long time," Antoine confessed, taking her hand. "You're so kind, considerate and... beautiful. My days have always seemed brighter since you joined the Freedom Fighters. Mobius is a better place with you in it, Bunnie."

Tears in her eyes, Bunnie leaned forward and kissed Antoine. He melted into it after a second, both of them holding one another. When they pulled back, there was a spark in Bunnie's eyes.

"I've made my choice," she decided. "I'll take the cybernetics."

"Are you absolutely sure?" Hope asked. "Remember, if you have them replaced, we can't de-roboticize you."

"I can live with that," Bunnie assured. "I've got a good support system."

She squeezed Antoine's hand.


Robotropolis

Enraged howls echoed through Citadel Robotnik. Tables had been flipped, chairs thrown at walls, and more than a few things had been broken. In his throne room, Robotnik was blasting the paintings of Sonic, sending broken glass falling down. His breathing became labored, then a small pair of chirps came from his feet. He looked down to see Nik and Pitch looking up at them. With an effort, Robotnik composed himself before picking up a Chao in each hand.

"Sorry you two had to see that…" he sighed.

Pitch looked worried as Eggman carried the Chao back to Eggatha's lab. He entered, finding Metal sitting on her work table, holding his legs. He looked up at the doctor's entry.

"Is she back yet?" he asked.

"Not yet," Robotnik replied.

"Is she okay?" Metal questioned. "What have they done to her?"

"She's a hostage," Robotnik explained. "They want the Roboticizer plans. Sonic isn't pulling punches. He allowed Kathryn Winters to crack one of Agatha's ribs."

Metal perked. "He did WHAT?!"

His claws sank into the table.

"Calm down," Robotnik told him. "If we try and reclaim her, they'll do much worse. For Agatha's sake, we cooperate."

"So... we give him the Roboticizer blueprints." Metal realized.

"It won't matter in the long run," Robotnik tapped the side of his head. "I've got them memorized, all up here. Sonic may have won this battle, but we'll have the last laugh in the end."

"I want to rip that girl to shreds," Metal spat.

"As do I," Robotnik agreed. "Trust me, Metal, this will not be happening a second time."


Mobotropolis

Two days passed. Bunnie awoke in the recovery room, looking around before noticing her legs and left arm. They were now thinner and less clunky, more in proportion to her right arm, with her feet now looking like boots rather than metallic rabbit feet. She flexed her new limbs, getting a feel for them. Eggatha was sitting on a chair, looking tired, but happy.

"I tried to get the proportions right, make them more natural," she explained. "They still contain all the additions you had when they were roboticized. How do they feel?"

"They feel... good," Bunnie admitted. "Natural, even. Are you sure I won't have the same problem again with this here set-up?"

"I'm positive," Eggatha assured. "The halted Roboticization process is what caused the earlier problem. Your new limbs are connected directly to your nervous system and work in sync with it. I made sure."

"Thank you," Bunnie smiled. "Seriously, thank you."

"Don't thank me yet," Eggatha pointed out. "My hostage exchange is this afternoon. And I'm worried the second my uncle has me, he's gonna murder everyone."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, I suppose," Bunnie mused.

"Guess so," Eggatha agreed. "I'm just glad I was able to help."


Emerald Hill Zone

That afternoon found the group in Emerald Hill. They stood at the ready, Eggatha being held by Kat as the Egg Mobile touched down, Metal flying by it.

"Okay, Eggman," Sonic said. "You know what to do."

Robotnik held up a flash drive at that.

"This contains all the blueprints and details of the Roboticizer," he told them, his voice cold and angry, "Now return Agatha."

"Toss the drive first," Kat ordered. "Unless you want me to break another rib."

She rubbed Eggatha's side and the girl hissed. in pain. Metal tensed as the sound left Eggatha's lips, but he remained where he was as Robotnik obediently tossed the drive, which Sonic caught with ease.

"Shard, check the data," Sonic instructed.

"On it," Shard replied, stepping forward.

The bot took the drive, plugging it into a data port. His eyes unfocused as he scanned it before snapping back to reality.

"Just like he said. Full access to the Roboticizer blueprints, right down to the tiniest nuts and bolts."

"Playing ball Eggman?" Sonic asked in mild surprise. "Guess you really do care."

"I've played my part, Sonic," Robotnik growled. "Now for yours."

"Right. A deal's a deal and I'm a hedgehog of my word."

Sonic turned to Kat, giving her a nod. She released Eggatha, pushing the girl forward, Metal quickly catching her. Sally was immediately on the defensive, already knowing something was up.

"Now... this is the part where you spring a Badnik ambush, isn't it?"

"Of course it is!" Robotnik exclaimed. "You didn't really think you could kidnap my niece, crack her rib, and get out of this without a fight, did you?"

"Not really, no," Sonic admitted.

He was tackled by Metal as Robotnik pressed a button on his glove, summoning a sizable horde of Badniks, Troopers, and Swatbots.

"Get them!" the doctor ordered.

The robots all opened fire.

"Alright, Bunnie!" Sally declared. "Let's see what you can do!"

Bunnie clicked her heels, jetting into the air. Metal had Sonic pinned, his hands wrapped around his organic counterpart's throat.

"You kidnapped Eggatha. Let Winters hurt her." he spat. "Your ass is mine, Sonic!"

Sonic kicked him off. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't swing that way."

Metal charged at him, the two clashing violently. Much to everyone's surprise, Robotnik hopped out of his Egg Mobile and went straight for Kat, grabbing her by the collar with his metal arm and throwing her down. She rolled out of the way as he punched at her, leaving a crater where her head was mere seconds before.

"This is for what you did to my niece, Winters!" he roared. "I'll paint Emerald Hill with your blood!"

Bet you're wishing you'd never stepped foot in my village, chòu jīdàn! (1)" Kat shot back before kicking his legs out from under him..

Robotnik hit the ground before charging her belly first, bouncing her back and sending her crashing into a tree. She rebounded off the tree hard, and he then stomped on the cast on her arm, causing her to scream.

"That's it!" Robotnik shouted. "Beg for mercy, and I might let you live!"

"F-fat chance," Kat managed.

"Then allow me to reunite you with mommy and daddy Winters."

Before he could do anything, an energy ball was thrown right at his head. He yelped, turning to see Keith coming out of a throw. Seeing her chance, Kat twisted herself, bringing her legs up and kicking Robotnik right in the crotch. Seeing stars, Robotnik dropped to his knees with a choked wheeze, his eyes watering as he cupped his groin. Kat got up, clutching her arm as she snarled.

"Not today, Eggman," she spat.

Keith rushed over to her, taking her aside as Eggatha ran to her uncle.

"Uncle Ivo, let's just go!" she pleaded. "Please! I wanna go home!"

"You can't honestly expect me to-" Robotnik managed softly.

"Please…"

Eggatha was crying, clutching his side, and still shackled at the ankles. At that, Robotnik closed his eyes before standing up.

"All Badniks stand down. We're leaving." he let out, his voice a pained, girlishly high falsetto.

The Freedom Fighters all snorted despite themselves. The robots all pulled back, except for Metal who had Sonic by the throat.

"Metal, I gave you an order!" Robotnik barked. "Stand down!"

"I have him!" Metal objected. "He's going to pay for what he-!"

"Metal, please!" Eggatha begged.

Metal hesitated before releasing Sonic.

"Next time, you won't be so lucky," he spat.

He rushed over to the Egg Mobile and the villains retreated.

"Well... now you know why I don't care for Mondays." Sonic said, dusting himself off.

Kat was clutching her casted arm, the plaster shattered and her arm worse off than before.

"Are you alright?" Keith asked gently.

"I'll live," Kat assured. "To be honest, I'm kinda glad Eggman did that. I felt seriously bad about Eggatha's rib."

"For now, let's get you to the hospital yourself," Chris decided.

He tossed a Warp Ring and led her through it. As they vanished, Bunnie landed, looking at her new limbs and smiling.

"Work like a dream, even better than my old ones," she mused. "I think I'm going to like being a cyborg."


Robotropolis

The Egg Mobile landed as the trio got out. Robotnik was holding Eggatha, mindful of her rib as he carried her to her lab. Metal quickly got some bolt cutters, freeing Eggatha's legs.

"Metal, go get some pain medication and fresh bandages," Robotnik ordered.

Metal nodded. "Right away."

He departed as Robotnik petted Eggatha's head, sighing in relief.

"You'll be happy to know I'm increasing security," he told her. "Snively and I have been working on a containment field that prevents the Freedom Fighters' Warp Rings from opening anywhere near the city limits."

"I'll go over the plans to make sure there are no loopholes they can exploit," Eggatha said.

"Later," Robotnik insisted. "For now, you're resting and healing."

Eggatha winced at a small twinge of pain from her rib. "Probably a good idea."

"Also, from now on, you do not leave the city without an escort," Robotnik added. "Preferably Metal or your Robian assistant. I will not let this happen again, Agatha. I won't let them hurt you again."

Eggatha smiled at that as Metal returned with the painkillers and bandages.

"Here," he said, handing them over.

"Thank you for coming for me," Eggatha said, embracing the two. "I love you both."

They returned the hug, Robotnik patting her back.


Author's Note:

(1): Chinese for "Rotten egg".

Well, that sucks for Bunnie. But at least she's seeing the glass as half full.

Please R&R. Until next time!