Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again
Chapter 4: The Rise of Metal
The afternoon sun cast its warm glow over the urban landscape as Team Chaotix went about their usual business, which often involved solving bizarre and sometimes humorous cases. Vanilla had innocently remarked about misplacing her gardening fork, inadvertently setting the Chaotix detective agency into motion.
Vector seemed to take it upon himself to retrieve Vanilla's gardening fork. With his hands firmly planted on his hips and a proud grin on his face, he had swiftly concluded that the fork had been stolen. His entrepreneurial spirit was at its peak, for he'd put up missing posters around the village.
Charmy fluttered through the air, attaching the posters high up on trees with staples. His childlike enthusiasm was evident as he zipped around, seemingly oblivious to the potential complexities of the situation.
Espio, the only level-headed member of the group, examined one of the posters and raised a skeptical eyebrow. "A 5,000-dollar reward for the return of Miss Vanilla's fork? Vector, where do you plan to get that kind of money?"
Vector's grin didn't waver. "It's quite simple! The one who brings the fork back must be the thief. So, no reward for them!"
Espio sighed, for Vector's explanation seemed to contain both a certain logic and glaring flaws, a reflection to the Chaotix's peculiar approach to their cases.
Amy Rose's quaint cottage stood nestled amidst a lush tapestry of greenery, its rustic charm extending into the garden that played host to their tea party. The garden, resplendent with vibrant, fragrant blossoms of every hue imaginable, was evident to Amy's nurturing spirit and her love for all things beautiful.
Amy was hosting a charming tea party in her picturesque garden. The table was adorned with delicate, porcelain teacups and saucers, and an array of mouth watering pastries and sandwiches were meticulously arranged, creating an inviting tableau.
Cream, with her ever-present companion Cheese, sat gracefully opposite Amy. The young rabbit's bright, expressive eyes sparkled with delight as she sipped her tea, and her laughter filled the air. It was evident that Cream had returned to her usual, innocent and joyful self, a sight that brought immense relief and joy to Amy.
As Amy and Cream savored their tea, the wind carried a delicate medley of floral scents from Amy's garden. The melodious chirping of nearby birds serenaded them while butterflies danced around, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.
Not far from the cottage, the industrious Team Chaotix was in full swing, led by the ever-energetic Vector. Their pursuit of Vanilla's missing gardening fork unfolded within earshot of the tea party, the distant hum of their animated chatter occasionally drifting over. It was a whimsical collision of two different worlds, where the tranquil serenity of Amy's garden brushed shoulders with the detective trio's quirky antics.
Cream, with her wide, innocent eyes and a heart as pure as her smile, tilted her head as she inquired about their dear friend.
"Amy, has Tails come out of his home yet?" she asked, her gaze focused on her friend.
Amy's expression, while still bright and cheerful, softened with a touch of understanding. She couldn't bear to mask the truth from Cream, who possessed a remarkable emotional intelligence that belied her age.
"Not yet," Amy replied gently, her voice carrying a note of sympathy. "He still needs some time, but we'll all be there for him, ready to support him whenever he's ready."
Cream nodded, her face mirroring a blend of empathy and thoughtfulness. Then, her eyes lit up with a delightful idea, revealing the innocence and sweetness that endeared her to everyone around her.
"Maybe we can bring Tails some mint cookies! He loves mints," she suggested, her voice tinged with excitement at the prospect of cheering up their friend.
Amy's smile returned, radiant as ever. She couldn't help but feel grateful for the compassionate souls she had as friends.
"That sounds like a lovely idea, Cream," Amy said, her heart warmed by the thought of how a simple act of kindness could make a world of difference to their dear friend Tails.
As the gentle breeze rustled the leaves on the trees and the cheerful chatter between Amy and Cream continued, Amy's gaze wandered. Her emerald eyes, the same shade as the lush foliage that surrounded them, drifted to the neighboring gardens. There, in their tranquil haven, they were enveloped by an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
Amy found herself lost in thought, her mind wandering like a river on a calm day. It was a rare moment of respite, a chance to catch her breath after a series of thrilling and often perilous adventures. Thoughts of their recent escapades filled her mind.
Her thoughts meandered back to the days they spent in Chris' world, a place so different from their own but filled with its own unique wonders and challenges. She remembered their brave battles against the menacing Meterax, a threat that had taken them to the far reaches of space. The memories were vivid, like the brightest stars in the night sky.
In the midst of these recollections, Amy couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. It was good to be home, surrounded by familiar gardens and friendly faces. In moments like these, when life was simple and serene, she found solace. It was a reminder that, amidst all the chaos, it was the little things that truly mattered.
With a contented sigh, Amy turned her attention back to Cream, her heart filled with appreciation for the precious moments of peace they had together.
Decoe and Bocoe pressed their metallic heads against the heavy door leading to the secluded laboratory where the nefarious doctor was concocting his latest schemes. The muted hum of machinery and the occasional burst of manic laughter echoed through the reinforced walls, creating an atmosphere of suspense.
Their auditory espionage, however, was abruptly interrupted by the sudden appearance of Bokkun, greeting them with a high-pitched voice that could cut through steel.
"Hello!" Bokkun announced his arrival with the same level of subtlety as a blaring siren.
Decoe and Bocoe turned toward the robot, eyes narrowing as they raised fingers to their nonexistent lips, signaling for silence. Bokkun's enthusiasm was met with stern disapproval.
"Be quiet, Bokkun!" Decoe's metallic voice carried a sense of authority, demanding obedience.
"We're trying to listen!" Bocoe added, his tone more subdued but equally serious.
Bokkun, seemingly offended by the shushing, placed his hands on his metallic hips, attempting to muster an air of indignation. However, his childlike enthusiasm got the better of him, and with a gleeful burst, he activated his jetpack, propelling himself towards the door. His tiny metallic head pressed against the reinforced surface as he eagerly joined the eavesdropping effort.
The metallic trio—Decoe, Bocoe, and now Bokkun—all had their heads pressed against the door, their robotic ears straining to catch every word from within the secretive laboratory.
Suddenly, an unexpected silence fell, freezing the corridor in an eerie stillness. The robots exchanged puzzled glances, uncertainty etched on their metallic faces. Then, as if the very air had been holding its breath, the doors burst open with a dramatic flourish, sending all three eavesdropping robots tumbling backward with a comical yelp.
Eggman emerged, a picture of calm authority, not at all perturbed by the discovery of his underlings attempting to gather intel.
"It's finished," Eggman declared with calm assurance, his voice cutting through the awkward silence like a surgeon's scalpel.
Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun, now in a heap on the floor, exchanged confused glances before collectively peering into the dimly lit laboratory. The outlines of a newly created robot came into view, its form illuminated by the subdued glow of machinery. A wave of perplexity washed over the trio, for the creation before them seemed smaller and more intricate than the colossal machines typical of Eggman's diabolical creations.
The laboratory was cloaked in near darkness, with only a sparse scattering of monitors casting a dim glow across the room. As Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun cautiously approached, their metallic footsteps echoed softly, creating a rhythmic clanking against the cold, metallic floor. The air hummed with anticipation as the trio neared the enigmatic creation, its blue form gradually taking shape in the subdued light.
The new robot's head, adorned with metal fins and triangular ears, loomed eerily in the semi-darkness. Its hands, currently at rest, resembled sharp claws, and its red feet, seemingly fashioned like shoes, added an unexpected touch of familiarity to the otherwise alien appearance.
As Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun drew nearer, the new creation suddenly sent shivers down their robotic spines. The previously lifeless red eyes flickered to life, radiating an ominous glow that seemed to pierce through the darkness. Those crimson orbs bore an intensity that transcended mere machinery – they seemed to gaze into the very essence of malevolence, sending a collective shudder through the eavesdropping trio.
With a synchronized gasp, the robots recoiled, huddling together in a display of uncharacteristic fear. The red eyes held a sinister weight, as if they were windows to a soul steeped in wickedness, unsettling in their ability to convey a sense of looming menace.
Meanwhile, Eggman, his grin growing sickly, stood proudly with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Welcome to the world! Do you know who I am?" he inquired, relishing the dramatic reveal.
The new robot, now animated with an artificial sentience, remained silent for a moment before its deep, robotic-filtered voice resonated through the dimly lit laboratory.
"Yes. You are Doctor Eggman. My master," it declared with unwavering obedience.
A perverse satisfaction curled Eggman's grin even further.
"Goooood. And what is your purpose?" he probed.
"To do your bidding," came the emotionless response from the newly awakened creation, sealing its allegiance to the malevolent mastermind.
Eggman's grin, etched so deeply into his face that it seemed to defy the limits of his facial features, was almost grotesque. The muscles around his mouth ached from the sheer delight of his ultimate creation standing before him. Behind him, Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun quivered in fear, their metallic frames betraying the unease they felt in the presence of the newly awakened robotic enigma.
Unfazed by his lackeys' trepidation, Eggman boldly took a few steps forward, positioning himself in front of the imposing creation that promised to be the linchpin of his grand designs. His eyes bore an unbridled determination – this was the key to his ultimate goal, and he would let nothing hinder his ambitions this time.
"Kneel," Eggman commanded with authority, his voice cutting through the tense silence that enveloped the laboratory.
The robot, with powerful and purposeful strides, advanced towards Eggman. Each step resonated with a metallic rhythm, creating an almost rhythmic dance of dominance. Upon reaching the malevolent genius, the robot locked eyes with him for a few unsettling seconds, as if harboring a programmed resentment. Yet, without protest, it acquiesced and sank to one knee. The act of submission endowed the creation with a smaller stature, momentarily easing the tension in the room as Decoe, Bocoe, and Bokkun couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief.
"Now, perhaps a field test is in order," Eggman declared, his voice dripping with anticipation. "Hunt down Sonic the Hedgehog and teach him a lesson for stealing my Chaos Emerald. And no need to be gentle."
The robot responded with a cold efficiency, "Of course, Doctor."
Eggman's soft chuckle gradually transformed into mechanical laughter, reverberating throughout the base like a foreboding symphony. Finally, the culmination of his dreams was at hand, and the echoes of his triumphant laughter hinted at the impending realization of his most ambitious plans.
Amidst the serene backdrop of nature, Sonic reclined against a sturdy oak tree, his eyes half-lidded in contemplation. The tranquility of the forest contrasted starkly with his racing thoughts.
As the leaves rustled above, like a hushed audience eager to listen, Sonic couldn't help but dwell on his recent skirmish with Mecha Sonic. The battle almost pushed him to his limits, and he couldn't deny that the robotic adversary had given him a run for his rings. Sure, he had emerged victorious and even managed to snatch a Chaos Emerald from the clutches of that metallic menace, but his victory felt somewhat tarnished by Rouge's swift theft of the precious gem.
As he reclined against a sturdy tree in the heart of the forest, Sonic couldn't help but replay the fight in his mind. The clanging of metal, the sparks that flew as they clashed, and the relentless pursuit of the Chaos Emerald were etched into his memory. Mecha Sonic had been relentless, a formidable opponent unlike any other robot he had faced. It was a reminder that Eggman's creations were becoming more advanced and dangerous with each encounter.
Despite the nagging thoughts of the recent battle, Sonic maintained his trademark nonchalant demeanor. He shrugged lightly and muttered to himself, "Meh, just another tin can."
With that, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the tree, letting the natural beauty of the forest envelop him once more. The gentle rustling of leaves, the soothing sounds of the forest creatures, and the whisper of the wind through the trees helped ease his racing thoughts.
Sonic couldn't help but sigh as he looked towards the path that led up to Tails' workshop. He wished he could find a way to get his best friend to open up and step outside. Tails had taken Cosmo's sacrifice the hardest, and it weighed heavily on his heart. Sonic wasn't a fool; he had observed the bond between Tails and Cosmo growing deeper. He had seen the way they looked at each other, the unspoken connection that had blossomed between them. Cosmo had always felt the safest when she was around Tails, and it was evident that their friendship was evolving into something more.
With a heavy heart, Sonic sighed again. "Cosmo... Really wish you were still here," he muttered softly, his thoughts drifting to the brave seedrian who had given her life to save them all. Her memory lingered, a reminder of the sacrifices made in their ongoing battle against the forces of evil.
As evening approached, Sonic decided it was time to clear his mind. The forest was slowly succumbing to the shadows of twilight, and he needed to run, to feel the wind in his quills and the freedom of the open road. With a sudden burst of energy, he jumped to his feet and took off in typical Sonic fashion, his arms thrown back, his feet a blur against the ground, and the wind as his master.
In the rush of speed, he momentarily forgot his worries and the weight of recent events. The world became a blur around him, and for a precious moment, it was just Sonic and the thrill of the run. As he dashed through the forest, he couldn't help but feel that Cosmo was watching over them, her spirit living on in the beauty of nature and the bonds they shared.
As Sonic raced through the evening wilderness, we experienced the world through his senses. The wind rushed past him, rustling his quills and carrying with it the earthy scent of the forest. His feet pounded against the ground, each step a burst of energy propelling him forward. The world around him was a blur, colors merging into a vibrant tapestry of greens, browns, and dusky blues.
With every stride, he felt the freedom and exhilaration that only running could provide. The cool breeze played against his fur, and the fading sunlight bathed the landscape in a warm, golden glow. It was as though he and nature were one, a seamless blend of speed and serenity.
Sonic couldn't help but smile as he continued his sprint. The forest was his sanctuary, a place where he could leave behind the worries and troubles of the world. It was a reminder of the simple joys, the purity of the wild, and the thrill of the chase.
Breathing in deeply, he let out a satisfied sigh. "Ahh, nothing beats nature," he remarked to no one in particular, his voice carrying a sense of contentment that echoed through the woods. In that moment, as he raced through the wilderness, Sonic felt truly alive, at one with the world around him.
Sonic's iconic red sneakers grinded to a stop just a short distance from Tails' workshop. Night had fallen, and the gentle chirping of crickets filled the air, punctuating the silence that had settled over the forest. As he skidded to a halt, a flurry of grass briefly danced in the air from the force of his sudden stop. Sonic sighed, a mix of determination and worry etched across his face.
He knew he needed to find a way to get Tails to open up and talk to him. They were more than friends; they were like brothers, and Sonic couldn't stand to see his little brother locked away in his workshop, consumed by grief over Cosmo's loss. They were all mourning, but Tails seemed to be taking it the hardest.
Running one gloved hand through his quills, Sonic contemplated how to approach the situation. "Okay, just... make it seem casual. Yeah," he mumbled to himself, his brows furrowing in thought. He understood that Tails needed time to grieve, but isolation was not the answer.
Instead of his usual lightning-fast sprint, Sonic chose a more deliberate pace as he calmly walked toward Tails' workshop. He knew he needed to approach his friend with care, hoping to ease him out of his self-imposed isolation. As he reached the halfway point, the tranquility of the night was shattered by a sudden, powerful force that struck him from the side, sending him flying through the air.
Sonic collided with a tree with a sickening thud, his body aching from the impact. He groaned in pain, trying to shake off the daze that had enveloped him.
"What the-Huh?!" Sonic exclaimed, his senses reeling as he scrambled to his feet, narrowly avoiding another strike from the mysterious assailant.
His feet blurred into motion as he regained his balance and shifted into a defensive stance. In the darkness of the night, it was challenging to discern the identity of his attacker. However, Sonic could feel the presence of metal, and the faint whirring noises confirmed his suspicions—it was a robot.
As the moonlight slowly revealed itself from behind the clouds, casting a gentle, silvery glow on the area, Sonic's mouth fell open in awe. He got a full, detailed look at the figure that had attacked him, and it left him utterly stunned. Bathed in the ethereal moonlight, the robot was revealed in all its intricacy.
The mechanical creation was built of sleek blue metal, its contours reflecting the soft light. In the center of its chest, there was a yellow circular depression with a black center, mirroring the distinctive peach skin patch on Sonic's chest. Its head featured metal fins that resembled Sonic's quills, a striking and unexpected similarity. Two triangular ears protruded from the sides of its head, adding to the uncanny resemblance.
Its facial structure included a muzzle and shoulder plates made of silvery metal, while its upper arms and legs were similarly constructed. The fingers on its hands gleamed with a metallic sheen, and its palms were solid black, in stark contrast to the square yellow plates on the backs of its hands. Its forearms, lower legs, and torso were all made of that same vibrant blue metal, and its red feet bore white stripes that were intentionally designed to resemble Sonic's iconic shoes.
However, what truly sent a shiver down Sonic's spine were the piercing red optics that stared him down intently. These eyes held a sense of determination and focus that was eerily familiar.
Sonic gasped, his heart racing as he felt like he was looking into the world's ugliest mirror. This robot... looked just like him. "What the..." he stammered in disbelief, unable to comprehend the bizarre sight before him. The moonlight had revealed not just a formidable opponent but a mechanical doppelgänger that defied explanation.
Sonic shook his head, his quills swaying as he clenched his hands into fists. "Okay, pal! Who are you?" he demanded, his voice firm and determined.
The robot, bearing an unsettling resemblance to Sonic himself, seemed to study him for a brief moment before responding with cold precision, "I am Sonic."
Sonic narrowed his eyes, his natural skepticism kicking in. "Look a little too metal to be a Sonic to me," he retorted, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Ha, a Metal Sonic."
Before Sonic could react, Metal Sonic suddenly burst forward, the power of its jetpacks propelling it with astonishing speed. Sonic's reflexes kicked in, but even he could barely move before Metal Sonic's fist struck a nearby tree, shattering it into pieces. The force of the blow sent splinters and debris flying in all directions.
Seizing the opportunity, Sonic attempted to counter with his signature Spin Dash, his body curling into a high-speed blur as he aimed for Metal Sonic. However, to his astonishment, the attack seemed to have little effect. Metal Sonic remained steadfast, barely budging despite the intense force of Sonic's Spin Dash.
Sonic's eyes widened with surprise. This wasn't any ordinary opponent. It was a robotic doppelgänger that matched his speed and strength, blow for blow. As the dust settled around them, Sonic realized that he was facing an adversary unlike any he had encountered before.
Ever the nimble combatant, Sonic darted around Metal Sonic, attempting to strike with lightning-fast kicks and punches. He weaved between trees, his movements leaving a trail of shattered bark and splintered wood in his wake. Each blow Sonic attempted to land was met with a swift counter from his metallic counterpart.
Metal Sonic, however, seemed to possess an uncanny ability to predict Sonic's every move. It blocked, parried, and countered with an almost mechanical precision. Its red optics locked onto Sonic, never wavering, as it met each attack head-on. Sonic's strikes sent shockwaves through the air, producing sonic booms that reverberated through the forest, shattering branches and leaving deep fissures in the earth.
Their speed was a blur, the sound of their movements creating a high-pitched whirring that resonated in the night. Leaves and debris were sent swirling into the air as they clashed, and the ground beneath them cracked and crumbled from the sheer force of their collisions.
Despite Sonic's incredible speed and agility, it was becoming evident that he was outmatched. Metal Sonic showed no signs of slowing down, while Sonic's energy was gradually wearing thin. His movements became slightly less fluid, and his once-confident smirk had transformed into a determined grimace.
Time and again, Metal Sonic delivered powerful blows, sending Sonic tumbling through the forest. Trees shattered like matchsticks as they bore the brunt of the battle's fury.
Metal Sonic's relentless assault continued, each of its rapid strikes finding its mark on Sonic's bruised and battered form. The blows came too fast for Sonic to react; he couldn't even raise his arms to protect himself, nor could he muster the strength to dash away to safety. His resilience was being pushed to its limits.
As Metal Sonic's mechanical fists hammered into him, Sonic's vision blurred, and his body ached with every impact. The once-confident and energetic hero was now reduced to a vulnerable state, unable to mount any meaningful defense.
Finally, Metal Sonic seized Sonic by the throat, pinning him forcefully against a nearby tree. Its red optics bore into Sonic's, unwavering and intense, as if searching for answers within his eyes. Sonic gasped for breath, struggling to maintain his composure in the face of his powerful adversary.
Metal Sonic's free hand, gripped with a cold determination, reached up and aggressively dug into Sonic's quills. It was clear that Metal Sonic was searching for the Chaos Emerald that Sonic had taken earlier but had been stolen from him by Rouge.
Through the pain and pressure, Sonic managed to muster a light, defiant chuckle. "Not... here," he wheezed, his voice strained but filled with a stubborn resolve. Despite the dire situation, Sonic wasn't about to give in easily.
In a chilling moment, Metal Sonic tightened his grip on Sonic's throat, his fingers closing like a vise. He raised his free fist, poised to deliver what could have been a fatal blow. Sonic's world darkened around the edges as he struggled to breathe, the shadow of impending doom hanging over him.
But just as Metal Sonic was about to strike the decisive blow, a sudden voice burst into his intercom, a voice he couldn't ignore. It was the voice of his creator who had been silently watching the ordeal unfold from the safety of his base through the cameras embedded in Metal Sonic's optics.
"Ah, ah, Metal, not yet," Eggman's sinister voice crackled through the intercom, dripping with sadistic pleasure. "Let him wallow in self-pity for a while."
Metal Sonic, obedient to his creator's commands, released his iron grip on Sonic's throat. The blue hedgehog fell to the ground, gasping for breath and clutching his bruised neck. He was battered, but he had been granted a momentary reprieve.
With a mechanical precision, Metal Sonic's jetpacks activated once more, propelling him into the night sky. He left Sonic behind, disappearing into the darkness as he followed the orders of the one who had created him. The forest was once again consumed by silence, broken only by the fading sound of Metal Sonic's retreating engines. Sonic was left to pick up the pieces of the brutal encounter and contemplate the enigma of his metallic doppelgänger.
Sonic lay on the forest floor, his body battered and trembling uncontrollably. The relentless assault by Metal Sonic had left him in a state of utter exhaustion and pain. Every muscle screamed in protest, and his limbs felt as heavy as lead. He tried to push himself up, but his strength had abandoned him.
Desperation clawed at him as he attempted to crawl to safety, his fingers digging into the ground. He was overwhelmed by a whirlwind of thoughts, fear, and frustration. Sonic had faced countless challenges and adversaries, but the encounter with Metal Sonic had left him more vulnerable than ever before.
He struggled to fight the encroaching darkness, but it was a battle he couldn't win. His vision blurred, and his consciousness began to slip away. As the world around him faded into obscurity, the last thing he heard was the distant sound of a door opening and a voice calling out his name in concern.
"Sonic!"
But it was too late. Sonic succumbed to unconsciousness, his body limp on the forest floor, leaving behind the mystery of the robotic assailant and the concern of those who cared for him.
And so, you all now know who the big bad guy is of this arc... Metal Sonic is here. He will be the main antagonist of the first arc (or we could call this season 4 of Sonic X!)