Hey hey guys RGGAM here I know I haven't uploaded in a while but I managed to get this chapter done a while ago and I decided to finally post this chapter I'm also combing the Archie and IDW versions of Sonic the hedgehog it was something Ian Flynn was supposed to do in Archie Sonic comics after the Shattered world crisis before it moved over to IDW but in the end it works out anyway onto the story!
Flashback
"Hmm~ haa~ hmm~!"
Maw the Thylacine hummed to himself as he appeared to be working on some work on a project.. Maw splashed a bit onto a flower making it a bit robotic once the metal goop splashed onto it.
"Marvellous, a complete transmutation upon contact I'm going to need more data." Maw declared as he pushed his desk chair to a communication device saying into it.
"Bring me some animals, I'm running a few tests." It was a while later that an Egg soldier brought in a small group of animals trapped within a cage trembling with fear as Maw observed for a few moments before he plunged his hand in capturing one of the terrified critters and placed said critter within a containment unit.
"Now, test 2 commencing with vertebrate specimens!" The liquid splashes on a Pocky as it freaks out before spasming as it quickly becomes encased in metal. Maw smirks writing what he witnessed on paper.
"Just like the flower, full saturation leads to full transmutation now test 3."
Maw pressed a button as a Picky rushed in Gesturing to one Robot in particular Maw gave it one command,
"Grab the Pocky."
With a salute the robot moved to do what was commanded of it before Maw gave a signal that told it to then back off what looked to be stains appeared on it's coat, only these stains looked almost to be made of metal on the little Pocky. The Pocky then looks at the Ricky in another containment cell almost angrily as growls draw from it's mouth.
"Ah~ seems the subject is showing aggressive tendencies a bonus side effect." Time would pass as Maw Would continue with his experiments and many different test as they wrote down each result and each change and what the effect seemed to trigger individually or as a whole and how transmissible it was.
Maw wrote down all this as he moved to the next phase. With the testing and conclusions nothing should be safe from what would be unleashed.
As he returned, Maw noticed one of the Ricky's as the critter gazed at its paws.
"Seems that the Metal Virus progression is a bit steady, yet slow.. Interesting.."
No matter, as the progress wasn't stopped nor did it prove an immunity to the progress it made no difference.
A self made army created for Eggman was nice but it would take time for the effect to spread.
Suddenly Maw paused, an idea formed within his mind as he gazed between the Pocky of Earlier and the Ricky as a smirk slowly pulled along his face.
Carefully, he opened the cell of the Pocky just as he predicted it made a 'B-line' for the Ricky and began attacking the animal as the two struggled against the other the Ricky slowly became more and more encased before it became fully encased in steel.
"Eureka! The greater exposure the more rapid the effect a mob of the doctor's minions will convert new minions in new time.."
-BEEP BEEP-
Seeing the light Maw strides over with a smirk having an idea of who it was already before he answered it as the hologram of Agent Stone appeared.
"Yes Agent Stone, what is the situation?"
"You have been called for Maw, all Egg bosses are ordered to meet up at the Egg Carrier at once Lord Eggman has returned."
Agent Stone spoke clearly to Maw as the latter gave a cruel smirk.
"I'll be on my way. I look forward to informing the doctor that his Metal Virus is ready to be launched off the ground."
And with that, Maw leaves the room ready to meet up with the other Egg Bosses and their Master.
–Present Day - Echo Mine–
"You know what I always enjoy about good old Eggman?"
Asked Sonic as he was with Sally and Amy.
"What's that?" Amy glanced at Sonic who smirked as they were standing in front of an Eggman faced entrance.
"His subtlety."
Sonic snarled as the three entered the mines grabbing some headlights as they began to climb down a massive hole with lines of Rope.
"Whoa! Looks like there was a massive battle here."
And Sonic wasn't wrong, The cavern had slash marks, unnatural dents and crevasses that came from either something being hit against it or slammed into along with other signs of battle.
Only the battle didn't look recent, dust and natural wear 'n tear were obvious.
"Correct,it was one of our biggest counter attacks against Eggman's forces while you and Mario were Captured. Of course, it wasn't meant to be as big of a battle as it had become."
The Princess of knothole face became mournful as she looked upon the area.
"We lost a lot of good people that day. But we did manage to save the rest though."
Sonic turned on his headlight as Sally showed a damaged resistance helmet.
Sonic in a rare moment said nothing as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Everyone in the resistance knew we could face our end battling Eggman and were aware how risky this plan was but knew the reward would've been just as great, they trusted us to win it and we did and we now make sure their sacrifices won't be forgotten."
Amy spoke softly as she and Sally shared a smile, they would make sure these people were not forgotten anytime soon..
"Yep and we're here to stop Eggman from performing another encore."
Sonic spoke almost casually but Sally could feel his hand tightening if only for a moment to show how affected he was by the sacrifice of the Freedom Fighters.
"Agreed sorry that you had to be dragged into this Sonic I was supposed to ask Team Mystic to accompany me and Amy before.."
"Before Riley decided to take five of Tails's prototype wrap rings, taking his team and Cassia along with him?*" Sonic finished as he had a small flashback of Riley and Cassia pushing Aura and Mira into a wrap-ring portal to another world.
-*Team Mystic's high school adventure coming soon*-
Sally nodded simply as she examined the area some more.
"Indeed, with how reckless he can be at times, I'm amazed he didn't get his own team killed by now."
Amy's words were clear to the group as Sonic gave a sigh.
"At least the Girls should be able to keep his head on straight, with how Riley can become they should keep him from making too many problems while Tails tracks them down."
"The Command hub should be just down this tunnel. Let's hope the backup generator works. With a little luck we might be able to boot up the computer and access the Eggnet and find out what Eggman's latest scheme is."
"Yeah well about three days ago when Riley, Clove, me and Luigi saw Starline in one of his old bases and that was the whole mess with Riley being in Starline's body and vice-versa it was lucky we were able to get Riley back into his body before Starline could do some damage to the freedom fighters."**
-**Team Mystic's Mind swap adventure**-
"Agreed I was glad Clove and Cassia were able to help back then they really have changed from being minions of Eggman they make good Freedom fighters."
Sally sighed as they were so glad that the Group that day destroyed both what caused the swap and the blueprints, still she made sure R&D would find a solution should it ever come to that again.
Returning to the matter at hand as she brought out Nicole's hand held device "Nicole have you checked if Eggman hasn't been here."
Nicole's hologram appeared from her device saying "I'm not sure Sally but I think this might be the only lead we have on finding out Eggman's latest scheme is!"
The three arrived at the computer as Amy turned on the power generator as the lights came back on as that also turned the computer back on as well as Amy cheered.
"Woo-hoo we're in business!" Sonic then turned off his headlight saying as he looked around "Man there's not even reserve badniks to protect the place, what a bummer!"
Sally then plugged Nicole into the computer's hard drive as the lynx then got to work on going though the flies completely unaware that they were being watched by a security camera as the red light was blinking.
Eggman chuckles as he stands next to Verma the shrew and Maw next to a batch of Metal Virus goop to avoid getting touched by it.
"This is so mean I almost feel bad for those chumps!"
Verma gave the Doctor a sly look as she spoke aloud in a mocking tone. "You feel bad for those who have embarrassed you in the war Doctor? Especially with the Phantom Ruby incident?"
She slid along her desk and crossed her legs as a sneer appeared on her face before a matching one appeared on Doctor Eggman's as he let out a laugh.
"Almost Verma! Almost!"
It was just then that Agent Stone and Doctor Starline walked hurriedly into the room as Stone called aloud.
"Doctor, there was a ping on the Eggnet! I'm not sure how but the Echo mines just came back online!"
"Who turned the power back on in the mines?"
Verma asked as Starline replied
"From what we have seen it was the Freedom Fighters but to be more specific Sonic, Sally Acorn and Amy Rose, they're also using that holo lynx Nicole to get unguarded access to your files there sir. I advise we cut the power and wipe the system to prevent any more unauthorised access."
Eggman however smiled, sitting back in his chair, crossing his legs and clasping his hands as a wicked grin appeared on his face.
"Well, that's impeccable timing!" He snapped his fingers as he looked at Cubot.
"Cubot! Tell Rough and Tumble to meet me in hanger three."
"You got it boss!" The robot went off to collect the two mercenaries for hire as Verma helped Maw carefully move the sample of the Metal Virus they brought into something that looked nothing like a backpack as Starline turned to Eggman.
"Doctor, May I inquire why are you so calm about the situation we're in? I understand that Maw has experimented with the virus several times and you did tell him you would deal with the command codes to control those exposed to the virus later but what if you haven't finished-"
Before he could say anymore Stone placed a hand on Starline's shoulder.
"Starline it's alright! you need to learn to enjoy dramatic deadlines, that's how the good doctor rolls after all."
"So you finally got off that fat ass of yours and made us those weapons?" A new voice spoke up as Rough entered the room.
Tumble followed in immediately after. "We've got half a mind to take the weapons and leave."
Verma and Maw walk over standing next to Eggman's sides. "Half of my mind is being generous, see the backpacks my loyal Egg Bosses are holding. Those are your backups, hit the button on the cross straps if Sonic gets the upper hand." Verma and Maw give the bags to the skunks as Tumble replies in an annoyed manner, "I was really hoping for a brand new tail."
"So what? Gives us superpowers or something? If these are our backups then what are we leading with?"
Eggman chuckles, pulling a sheet off something yelling. "Get a load of this!"
Sally watched the Terminal screen with a determined look.
"Nicole, what have you managed to find?"
"Not much, just a bunch of selfies, some pictures of his gold medals and trophies from the Olympic Games…" Nicole went through the files until "Found it Current Schemes!"
Nicole shows an image as the computer had a login screen Sonic spoke up.
"So quick question, do you know any of Eggman's old passwords?" Nicole then said.
"Don't worry it's a variation of this." Nicole types in H4T3TH4TH30G3H as in Nicole shows an image of something interesting.
"These are the most recent files." Nicole shows the image as the thing almost looked like the Space Colony ARK.
"Whoa is that the ARK?" Asked Sonic as Amy took a closer look at "No this looks much smaller than the ark. I'm seeing a lot of talk about 'Payload Distribution' but of what?"
Sally was about to reply before a rumbling caught her attention. She quickly unplugged Nicole from the computer as the screen went blank Amy gasped.
"No, we need to know more." "I think Eggman just remembered his forgotten base." Sonic replied until they noticed a crack in the computer as the three got out of the way in time to see a massive drill operated by none other than Rough and Tumble.
"We'll cave-in the mines!" "Bury you in the rubble!" "You're gonna get wrecked by Rough and Tumble!" The two skunks said with pride.
Amy and Sally took a battle stance as Sonic taunted them not taking it seriously.
"If that's gonna be your thing, it actually has to rhyme!"
Rough then said almost outraged to hear "We did you stinking hedgehog!" As Tumble said as if to be honest.
"Well not really "Rubble" and "Tumble " Only kinda rhyme at best!" "I offered to go by Tumble and Rough!" "That doesn't FLOW and you know it!"
Sally and Amy had deadpan looks as the pink hedgehog then said remembering the time the two skunks took control over a whole village "How did these guys manage to even take over a whole town?"
Sonic then said "Well blunt objects can still be dangerous. Be happy you get the chance to beat them up!"
Sally nodded as she activated her ring blades "Fine by me!" Amy then charged at the massive drill as she tried to take it hoping to neutralise it but to no avail.
"Guess it didn't really do much damage!"
Sally winced knowing the three were in trouble as Tumble said "Whatever we'll steal a rhyming dictionary later!" Rough nodded saying "Yeah we got roadkill to serve up!"
As the tank had gatling guns as it began firing at the three as Sonic grabbed Sally and Amy's hands as they began to run "Yeesh that thing is solid!" Amy said as Sonic smirks.
"And dangerous woo-hoo!" As Rough & Tumble gave chase though the mines with their massive drill Sally's eyes widened as she shouted.
"Sonic stop!" The hedgehog came to a complete stop just in time to see a massive hole "Is it a dead end?" Asked Sonic as Amy noticed it.
"It's a refuse pit, the only way out is back the way we came!" Sonic then looked around "Wait this path is barely wide enough for their tank to make it though." Amy then said "If they drove out here they wouldn't be able to turn around."
At that moment the three had an idea as they had smirks on their faces as they waited for Rough and Tumble to appear as the tank made a hole Rough shouted "End of the line suckers!"
The two skunks gasped in horror to see the massive hole as they began to panic "ROUGH HARD RIGHT! "Oh crap!"
As they managed to stop the tank just in time before sighing in relief as their enemies were ahead of them.
"You know I almost feel bad for what we're gonna do to these poor chums!" Said Sally as Amy replied "Haha! Almost!"
Sonic tossed the two female Freedom Fighters high into the air as Sally turned on her ring blades and slashed Rough's window as the skunk yelps Amy smashed Tumble's window and Sonic spin dashes into the tank removing a wheel from the massive vehicle as it began to drive into the massive pit.
"Let's bail!" Yelped Tumble as Rough said "Why didn't that freaking nut job give us a massive tank flamethrowers and bazooka's would have been more effective than a darn tank!"
Sally and Amy landed with ease while Rough and Tumble landed hard on the ground as the tank fell into the pit as Sally pointed her ring blades at the two mercenaries.
"It's over you two now put your hands behind your heads and tell us where Eggman is hiding before I sick Amy on you!" Rough scoffed as he got back on his feet.
"The jokes on you princess!" Tumble nodded "Yeah we've been saving our big guns for last!"
The two push a button at the same time on the backpacks as it dumps the Metal Virus shocking them both.
"WHAT THE HELL!?" Rough yelled as Tumble panicked as his voice started sounding robotic "Get it off me! Get it off me!" Sonic came over to Sally and Amy as the pink hedgehog had a worried look.
"Sonic what's-" For once Sonic was confused. "I'm not sure!"
Before the two skunks became fully encased in steel and looked almost completely lifeless and glowing red eyes.
Sally then brought out Nicole saying as she scans the substance on the two skunks.
"Nicole what was that Rough and Tumble were wearing it had some strange liquid that somehow transformed them!"
Nicole then said solemnly "I'm guessing that must be the payload described on Eggman's newest weapon it must have somehow turned them both into robots but yet-" As Sonic said seriously.
"Something far worse!" The two robotic Rough and Tumble roared as they tried to attack the freedom fighters but they dodged just in time.
"In hindsight I think it's a good look for you. More sports car less haven't washed in a weak!" Before dodging Tumble punch "So what you get transformed by that icky liquid but don't get a new tail talk about a rip off am I right?"
Sally blocked Rough with her ring blades as she said "They're not responding at all." Amy then said with a horrified look "It's like they're completely soulless!"
Sonic then said "This isn't like the robotsier back in the old days, that's for sure Eggman somehow found some way to to turn them into zombie robots. So Zombots?"
Tumble tried to grab Sonic but he jumped over him. "Totally gonna call them Zombots!"
Sally blocks Rough's attacks as Amy said "It's not like we could reason with you before so.." Amy and Sally slashed and bashed the robot as the robotic skunk was missing his arms as Sally and Amy gasped at that.
"Oh gosh I'm sorry we didn't think that would-" Before any damage done by the two was reverted as it restored Rough's parts, Sally then said as she dodged an incoming attack from Rough.
"Sonic, I don't think we can stop them or even hurt them!" Sonic unleashed some multiple homing attacks at Tumble as Sonic skids across the ground as he watches Tumble fully heal himself.
"Yeah I think you're right Sal!" As he was wiping some of the liquid off his face he then had a horrified look as he looked at his "U-Uh oh!"
He then looks at Amy and Sally.
"Sal, Amy Don't let them touch you! Whatever's infected them, it seems to be the spreading type!" Sonic barely had time to dodge Tumble's punch before shaking off some dizziness.
"Okay if you can't be hurt by anything then fighting you is hazardous for everyone's health!"
Before unleashing a spin attack sending the falling skunk into the pit "I'll just have you put you down here now." Before going over to Rough and kicking him into the pit as well.
Sally and Amy gasped to see Sonic cover in the liquid.
"It's a bit rougher than I normally want to play it. But I think that I'm in serious trouble! Whatever it seems to be infectious. Anyone got any ideas because this is starting to spread fast!"
Amy was speechless before Sally said pointing to the exit in worry.
"Find Tails whatever it is you need to get it contained before you become just like how Rough and Tumble did back there I'll have Nicole contact Rotor and send him to Tails's place."
Sonic nodded without a word; he ran out of the wave to get to Tails's place leaving only the two female freedom fighters.
"Oh-ho-ho-ho! That went even better than I hoped for!" Eggman said with a smirk that his latest creation did very well.
"Very wonderful doctor guessed Maw's time creating the infected was a complete success!" Said Verma with a smirk of her own as Eggman then said to her.
"Just call them Zombots my dear Verma. I'll give some credit to my blue nemesis. It's catchy and this batch is even better then any Roboticizer I worked on in the past!"
Starline then said almost smirking "Well I suppose I can allow the defeated that much. What's next on the agenda doctor?"
Eggman chuckles with a sinister smirk as he begins walking with Agent Stone, Verma and Starline following from behind "Next? We share my Metal Virus with the world! It's time we start the clinical trials!"
RGGAM: And with that the first chapter is done as Mobius is about to be affected by the Metal Virus unleashed by one Dr. Eggman and no one is safe from what is about to happen and for the shrew adding Dr. Eggman she is my OC she's a show-woman who works for Dr. Eggman she lost her family during a bandit raid the poor girl became an orphan until she was found by Eggman and recruited into the Eggman Empire and then later an Egg Boss she used to be a friend to Lilytigerlover's OC Aura I even added Agent Stone from the Sonic movie apart of Eggman's army after all if Sonic has Tails than Eggman has to have Agent Stone by his side anyway that'll be enough from me RGGAM out.
