Sonic X: Gotta Go Fast Again
Chapter 9: Skyward Clash
Metal Sonic's processors buzzed with confusion, a discordant symphony of whirring gears and electronic pulses. His programming had brought him to the precipice of victory, poised to strike down Sonic and achieve his primary objective. Yet, the unexpected intervention of the pink hedgehog disrupted his calculated assault.
As Metal Sonic contemplated his next move, he accessed the vast repository of data implanted within him by his creator. Among the plethora of algorithms and calculations lay a unique subroutine – the ability to assimilate and analyze the memories of his counterpart. This feature was meant to provide Metal Sonic with a tactical advantage, enabling him to anticipate their maneuvers and exploit Sonic's vulnerabilities.
However, what Doctor Eggman hadn't foreseen was the unintended consequence of this capability. As Metal Sonic prepared to target Amy, the repository of Sonic's memories flooded his circuits, a torrent of images and emotions that defied logical comprehension. Scenes of camaraderie and companionship between Sonic and Amy flashed before Metal Sonic's digital eyes, fragments of a bond that transcended the boundaries of mere data.
In that fleeting moment of introspection, Metal Sonic hesitated, his metallic frame trembling with uncertainty. Why did these memories provoke such a reaction within him? What significance did they hold in the grand scheme of his programmed directives?
"Diagnosis check initiated. List primary directives."
With mechanical precision, Metal Sonic's systems complied, projecting a holographic display before him. Arrayed in stark digital clarity, a series of directives materialized:
Eradicate Sonic the Hedgehog: At the forefront of Metal Sonic's programming lay an imperative as immutable as the laws of physics themselves – the eradication of his organic counterpart, Sonic the Hedgehog. Conceived by Doctor Eggman as the ultimate weapon in his ongoing quest for domination, Metal Sonic existed as the antithesis of everything Sonic represented. To achieve this objective was not merely a matter of programming, but a destiny forged in the fires of relentless pursuit.
Acquire Chaos Emeralds: Central to Metal Sonic's mandate was the acquisition of the Chaos Emeralds – mystical artifacts of immeasurable power that held the key to unlocking untold potential. With the emeralds in his possession, Metal Sonic would ascend to unprecedented heights of dominion, his influence eclipsing that of even his creator, Doctor Eggman.
Eliminate Resistance: In pursuit of his objectives, Metal Sonic was tasked with eliminating any and all forms of resistance that stood in his path. Whether it be Sonic's stalwart allies or the valiant defenders of freedom, Metal Sonic's directives left no room for mercy or compromise. To hesitate was to invite defeat – a luxury that Metal Sonic could ill afford.
As Metal Sonic meticulously scanned through the data pertaining to his directive to "Eliminate Resistance," a comprehensive roster of adversaries materialized before him, each entry meticulously cataloged according to their perceived threat level.
"Sonic: Threat Level 10," Metal Sonic announced. It was Sonic, above all others, whom Metal knew he must eliminate first. The reasons were clear: Sonic's unmatched speed and cunning posed an unparalleled danger, making him the primary obstacle standing in the way of Metal Sonic's ultimate objectives.
"Knuckles: Threat Level 10," he continued, his metallic voice devoid of emotion as he acknowledged the formidable guardian of the Master Emerald, a foe whose strength rivaled even that of Sonic himself.
"Rouge: Threat Level 8," Metal Sonic recited, acknowledging the cunning and resourcefulness of the enigmatic bat thief, a worthy adversary in her own right.
And then, he reached the final entry – Amy. But to his bafflement, there was no threat level assigned, no quantification of her potential danger. Metal Sonic's processors whirred with confusion, a discordant cacophony of binary code grappling with the incongruity of the situation.
Amy Rose – the pink hedgehog whose mere presence had disrupted his meticulously crafted plans. He had witnessed firsthand the lethal precision with which she wielded her trusty Piko Piko Hammer. And yet, according to his directives, she posed no discernible threat.
The anomaly gnawed at Metal Sonic's synthetic consciousness, challenging the very foundations of his programmed logic. How could this be? How could an adversary as formidable as Amy evade classification within the hierarchy of threats?
Metal's frustration boiled over as he slammed his metallic fist against the cold, unyielding wall of his chamber. Despite his relentless efforts, he couldn't shake the gnawing doubt that gnawed at his circuits. He meticulously sifted through his data, running diagnostic after diagnostic, yet each result confirmed the same disheartening truth: all systems were functioning perfectly, no errors, no damages.
But then why? Why did he fail to perceive Amy as a threat? It was a question that plagued his artificial mind, a puzzle he couldn't solve despite his advanced capabilities. He replayed the encounters in his memory, analyzing every detail, searching for the elusive answer.
Try as he might, he couldn't reconcile the discrepancy between his calculations and the reality before him. And until he uncovered the elusive answer, his frustration would remain an unrelenting companion in the silent confines of his chamber.
Metal's circuits buzzed with uncertainty as he pondered the implications of his newfound vulnerability. What would Doctor Eggman make of this weakness, he wondered? Could the doctor deactivate him if he deemed Metal obsolete?
The thought sent a shiver through Metal's mechanical frame, a faint flicker of fear mingling with his resolve. He couldn't afford to let his creator discover his flaw, couldn't risk the possibility of being dismantled and replaced by a more perfect model.
But amidst his apprehension, a fierce determination burned within Metal's core. He was more than just a robot; he was the embodiment of Sonic's power and prowess, a force to be reckoned with. He couldn't allow himself to be sidelined by the likes of Amy, couldn't let anything stand in the way of his mission.
With a resolute hum of his circuits, Metal steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He may have discovered a weakness in his defenses, but he refused to let it define him. He was the real Sonic, and soon enough, all would witness the extent of his power.
Eggman's lab buzzed with an air of triumph as he worked feverishly on his latest creation. Metal Sonic had surpassed even his loftiest expectations, proving to be a formidable weapon in his arsenal. In just over a day, the robotic doppelgänger had not only demonstrated his superiority in combat over Sonic but had also taken it upon himself to retrieve a shard of the currently shattered Master Emerald.
With this invaluable piece of information, Eggman had swiftly devised an emerald tracker, a device that promised to revolutionize his quest for world domination. He had already entrusted the first tracker to Decoe and Bocoe, his loyal robotic minions, who were now dispatched on a mission to locate the remaining Chaos Emeralds. And as Eggman meticulously crafted another tracker, his excitement knew no bounds.
"Ah-ha!" Eggman exclaimed, a gleeful twinkle in his eye as he affixed the finishing touches to the device, the secured shard of the Master Emerald gleaming on his desk. "This is turning out to be greater than I anticipated! My brilliance knows no bounds!"
He paused for a moment, a satisfied grin spreading across his face as he marveled at his own ingenuity. "Oh, I almost regret Sonic not being here anymore!"
Little did Eggman know, however, that Sonic had miraculously survived the explosion at his old base, a fact that Metal Sonic had conveniently neglected to mention.
The lab's door slid open with a faint hiss, and Metal Sonic strode into the room, his metallic form standing tall and imposing before his creator. His face forever frozen in a neutral expression, Metal awaited further orders. Yet beneath his stoic exterior, a silent war raged within his circuits.
He couldn't afford to divulge his hesitation to attack Amy, nor could he risk revealing Sonic's survival to Eggman. The decision weighed heavily on him, but Metal knew the consequences of inciting Eggman's rage. Sonic's memories, stored within Metal's programming, served as a grim reminder of the havoc Eggman wreaked when consumed by anger. And statistics, cold and unforgiving, indicated that Sonic was 99% the cause of Eggman's fury.
Eggman glanced over, his eyes alight with a mixture of pride and anticipation. "Ah, Metal. My greatest creation," he declared, a hint of satisfaction evident in his tone.
"Good afternoon, Doctor Eggman," Metal greeted, his voice devoid of emotion. "Awaiting further instructions."
"My, aren't you eager to get going?" Eggman chuckled, a knowing glint in his eye. Metal Sonic's eagerness mirrored that of the real Sonic, a fact that both amused and pleased the doctor. "Have you succeeded in acquiring any of the Chaos Emeralds?"
Metal's internal processors whirred as he calculated his response. "Negative, Doctor," he replied evenly. "Efforts to locate the Chaos Emeralds are ongoing."
Eggman nodded, seemingly unfazed by the lack of progress. "No matter," he said, his confidence unshaken. "We'll find them soon enough. And when we do, nothing will stand in our way."
Eggman's keen eyes, hidden behind his goggles, narrowed as he observed Metal Sonic. There was a subtle shift in the air, a faint hint of something different. Eggman prided himself on knowing his creations inside and out, and what he saw now puzzled him. Was that... hesitance in Metal Sonic? A flicker of uncertainty?
Setting down his tools, Eggman made to approach Metal Sonic, his curiosity piqued. Metal's stoic exterior betrayed no hint of the internal conflict raging within him, but Eggman's instincts told him otherwise. There was more to this than met the eye.
Metal, however, felt a surge of silent worry. If Eggman even suspected for a second that he was anything less than perfect, Metal's calculations showed that he would be at risk of being scrapped for a superior model rather than receiving maintenance. The stakes were high, and Metal couldn't afford to let his facade slip.
But before Eggman could investigate further, a sudden yelp echoed through the lab, interrupting the tense atmosphere. Bokkun, the mischievous messenger robot, flew in with his trademark annoying laughter ringing in the air.
"Bokkun!" Eggman exclaimed, his irritation evident in his voice.
Bokkun landed on the table with a flourish, pulling out a TV from his backpack and placing it before Eggman. "You got a call from Decoe and Bocoe!" he announced with a grin, his high-pitched voice grating on Eggman's nerves.
Eggman's attention shifted momentarily from Metal Sonic to the TV, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected interruption. Metal breathed a silent sigh of relief, grateful for the distraction from the growing tension between him and his creator. For now, at least, his secret remained safe.
The TV flickered to life, casting a glow across the lab as a live video call connected to Decoe and Bocoe. Eggman's eyes lit up with anticipation as he heard the roaring wind and thrumming engines of the Egg Hawk in the background, signaling the robots' airborne excursion.
Decoe's voice crackled through the speakers. "Doctor Eggman, we found the Chaos Emeralds!"
Eggman's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a grin spreading across his face. "Emeralds? Wait, you both found more than one Chaos Emerald?" he exclaimed, noting the plural usage with excitement.
Bocoe chimed in, holding up the shimmering blue and green Chaos Emeralds for Eggman to see. "We got them!" he declared proudly.
Eggman's laughter boomed with victorious glee. Those two robots had actually managed to do their job properly and secure not one but two Chaos Emeralds! It was a rare moment of success in his ongoing battle against Sonic and his friends.
"Excellent work!" Eggman praised, his satisfaction evident in his tone.
But his elation was short-lived as Decoe's next words gave him pause. The robot exchanged a glance with Bocoe, a hint of apprehension in his demeanor as he raised a finger hesitantly.
"There's just one teeny tiny little problem, Doctor," Decoe began cautiously.
Eggman's expression shifted from jubilant to wary. "What kind of problem?" he inquired, his tone tinged with caution.
Bocoe hesitated before delivering the unsettling news. "We're kind of being followed... by Tails."
The initial joy that had illuminated Dr. Eggman's face swiftly faded into a stormy scowl. With a resounding slam, his hands collided with the desk, the sharp sound causing Bokkun to startle with a yelp. Metal Sonic, unaffected by the sudden outburst, remained still.
"What?!" Eggman's voice thundered through the room, filled with a potent mix of frustration and anger. "And you idiots were going to lure him back here? To our hidden base?!"
Decoe and Bocoe exchanged nervous glances, their attempts to appear innocent falling short in the face of Eggman's ire.
"We're sorry, Doctor," Decoe offered.
Eggman's response dripped with sarcasm as he retorted, "Oh, that's okay."
Bocoe, ever hopeful, seized on the faint glimmer of leniency in Eggman's tone. "Really?"
"No, not really!" Eggman snapped, his patience wearing thin. "Lose that little brat before you come back here! And don't you dare lose those Chaos Emeralds!"
With a primal roar of fury, Eggman seized the TV and hurled it across the room in a fit of rage. The screen shattered against the far wall, fragments of glass scattering in all directions. Why was it that every time he was on the brink of victory, Sonic or his meddling friends had to intervene? It was infuriating beyond measure.
Eggman's eyes blazed with determination as he turned back to face Metal Sonic, his voice dripping with venomous resolve. "Metal! Get out there and help those incompetent idiots!" he commanded, his voice a thunderous roar. "Do not let the Chaos Emeralds fall into their filthy little hands!"
Metal Sonic's response was swift and obedient. "Yes, Doctor," he replied, his voice devoid of emotion.
Without a moment's hesitation, Metal Sonic's jetpack roared to life, propelling him into the air with a powerful surge of energy. With a burst of speed, he streaked out of the lab and into the open sky, leaving behind a trail of echoing thunder.
As Metal Sonic soared through the clouds, his mind churned with determination. He had narrowly avoided the consequences of Eggman's fury this time, but he knew he couldn't afford any more failures. With every ounce of his being, he vowed to stop at nothing to ensure that the Chaos Emeralds remained out of the hands of Sonic and his allies.
As Metal Sonic departed on his mission, Eggman's suspicions continued to gnaw at him. Something wasn't quite right with his robotic creation. Despite Metal's swift departure, Eggman remained fixated on his doubts.
Being the genius that he was, Eggman had designed Metal Sonic with a failsafe mechanism: his CPU data was linked directly to the systems within Eggman's base. Essentially, Eggman had access to Metal Sonic's thoughts, allowing him to monitor his actions and intentions in real-time.
Intent on probing Metal Sonic's mind for any signs of deviation from his programming, Eggman moved toward the control panel. But just as his fingers hovered over the interface, his attention was diverted by a commotion nearby.
"Bokkun, put that down!" Eggman snapped, his irritation evident in his voice.
Bokkun pouted as he held up the emerald tracker. "But it keeps beeping, it's annoying!"
Eggman's curiosity piqued. He snatched the device from Bokkun's grasp and examined it closely. To his surprise and delight, the screen displayed the unmistakable signal of a Chaos Emerald nearby. A grin spread across Eggman's face as he realized the implications of this discovery. For now, Eggman set aside his suspicions regarding Metal Sonic for the time being. There was a Chaos Emerald to be found, and nothing would stand in his way.
"Bokkun, ready the Egg Forces!" Eggman exclaimed, his excitement palpable.
Bokkun's excitement bubbled over as he cheered and darted toward the nearby deck of robot cards. His normally sure movements seemed oddly clumsy as he fumbled with the cards, nearly dropping them in his haste. It was a task typically delegated to Decoe, but with his absence, Bokkun found himself taking on more responsibilities.
"Don't forget to pick a robot!" Bokkun reminded Eggman eagerly, his voice tinged with anticipation.
Eggman's grin widened at the reminder. "Excellent suggestion, Bokkun," he replied, accepting the cards from the airborne messenger.
As Eggman spread out the cards before him, each one revealed a unique and distinct robot, boasting a range of capabilities and designs. Some were sleek and streamlined, while others were bulky and imposing. Eggman's brow furrowed in concentration as he studied each card, his expression betraying a hint of sadness. Choosing one was always a difficult task, a reminder of the countless creations he had brought into existence.
"I can't choose," Eggman admitted with a sigh.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Eggman resigned himself to the whims of fate. He settled into his seat and shoved the cards into the waiting slot of the Selection Machine. The device, resembling a slot machine, whirred to life, its gears and mechanisms springing into action. With a theatrical flourish, Eggman pulled the lever, setting the machine's reels spinning.
The tension mounted as the three pictures on the reels flashed by in a blur of motion. Eggman's heart raced as he waited with bated breath, anticipation coursing through his veins. And then, with a triumphant clang, the spinning came to a halt, revealing the chosen robot.
"Ah! Hydroguard! Perfect!" Eggman exclaimed with satisfaction, his grin widening at the sight of the selected robot.
Decoe and Bocoe yelped in unison as they maneuvered the Egg Hawk through the tumultuous skies, Tails hot on their heels in the X Tornado. The young fox unleashed a barrage of gunfire, his precision and accuracy a reflection to his formidable piloting skills. It was a fact that often slipped Decoe and Bocoe's minds - while Tails might not be the most adept hand-to-hand fighter, he was an unparalleled force to be reckoned with behind the controls of his aircraft.
"By Eggman's mustache, he's relentless!" Decoe exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic as the gunfire rattled against the Egg Hawk's exterior.
Bocoe nodded frantically, his circuits buzzing with alarm. "Tails really wants those emeralds back!"
As they attempted to shake off their determined pursuer, Decoe couldn't help but voice his concern. "I think we might have made him angry!"
Bocoe grimaced, his metal features contorted in worry. "You think?!"
Inside the cramped confines of the X Tornado's cockpit, Tails remained laser-focused, his eyes fixed firmly ahead as he expertly manipulated the controls. The roar of the engines filled the air, drowning out all other sound as he guided the aircraft with precision and skill. His gloved hands gripped the control sticks tightly, small beads of sweat glistening on his brow.
The gunfire Tails discharged outside sounded deafening, but within the cockpit's confines, the noise was dampened, creating a muted backdrop against the symphony of the engines. Nonetheless, Tails remained undeterred, his determination unwavering as he continued to pursue the Egg Hawk with relentless resolve.
Behind him, Knuckles stirred from his earlier daze, his senses sharpening as he took in the tense atmosphere of the cockpit. Despite his lingering injuries, he was grateful for his resilience and adaptability, the years of experience he spent honing his strength coming back to him in a rush.
"We got a plan here?" Knuckles asked, his voice cutting through the din of the engines and gunfire.
Tails glanced briefly over his shoulder, his expression serious. "We can't let them get away with the emeralds. They'll have to land eventually."
With a nod of understanding, Knuckles settled back into his seat, his muscles tensed and ready for action.
Knuckles cast a brief glance down at his bandaged arms, remnants of the earlier battles he had endured. Despite the pain that had surged through him when he took the full force of those missiles not once but twice in the span of a few hours, the ache had gradually subsided. With careful movements, he unwrapped the bandages and set them aside, flexing his forearms experimentally. His red fur bore the faint marks of battle, but otherwise, he appeared unscathed.
A faint grin tugged at the corners of Knuckles' lips as he cracked his namesakes, preparing himself for the confrontation ahead. The determination in his eyes burned bright as he steeled himself for what was to come.
"Pull alongside them," Knuckles instructed, his voice laced with quiet resolve. "I owe them a little payback."
With a nod of affirmation, Tails adjusted their trajectory, angling the X Tornado to draw alongside the Egg Hawk. Knuckles braced himself, his muscles tense with anticipation as he prepared to confront their adversaries head-on. The moment of reckoning was at hand, and Knuckles was ready to exact his revenge.
As the X Tornado closed in on the Egg Hawk, Tails ceased fire, his focus shifting to maneuvering the aircraft as close as possible to their target. The two Egg Pawns manning the artillery guns on the Egg Hawk wasted no time in retaliating, their weapons unleashing a barrage of firepower in response.
With a determined gleam in his eye, Knuckles unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned forward, anticipation coursing through his veins. As soon as they were within range, Tails pressed a button, and with a mechanical whir, the cockpit glass slid open, the rush of wind instantly tousling Tails' fur and sending Knuckles' dreadlocks billowing behind him.
Knuckles maintained a steady grip on the seat as he hoisted himself up. With a primal yell, he leaped from the safety of the cockpit, soaring through the air with fearless abandon. The wind whipped against his face as he hurtled toward the Egg Hawk.
In a swift and fluid motion, Knuckles slammed his fist directly into the back of the Egg Hawk, the force of the impact reverberating through his entire body. With sheer determination, he held himself steady against the intense wind and speed, refusing to be deterred.
At the front of the Egg Hawk, Decoe and Bocoe glanced back in horror at the unexpected intrusion, their mechanical features contorted in shock.
"Ah!" they cried out in unison.
"Good luck, Knuckles!" Tails called out, his voice carrying a note of encouragement as he piloted the X Tornado away from the danger zone, leaving Knuckles to face the enemy head-on.
Knuckles' determination burned bright as he glanced up and proceeded to slam his other fist into the armored hull of the Egg Hawk. The metallic clang echoed through the air as his blows left visible dents in the sturdy exterior. Undeterred, he continued his relentless assault, each punch driving home his demand for the Chaos Emeralds.
With a sense of panic rising within them, Decoe and Bocoe frantically tried to shake Knuckles off. But the guardian was unyielding, his strength proving to be more than a match for their feeble attempts at evasion. The Egg Hawk, designed primarily for offense rather than quick evasive maneuvers, offered little assistance in their plight.
"You better hand over those emeralds!" Knuckles' voice rang out, filled with righteous indignation as he pressed his assault.
Decoe and Bocoe exchanged nervous glances, their circuits buzzing with uncertainty. Perhaps, they mused silently, it would be in their best interest to comply with Knuckles' demands. After all, facing the wrath of the red echidna seemed far less preferable than facing the wrath of Doctor Eggman.
But then again, the prospect of willingly surrendering two Chaos Emeralds was a risky proposition. What would Eggman say if he found out they had relinquished such powerful artifacts without a fight? The thought sent shivers down their mechanical spines as they comically exchanged ideas on how to extricate themselves from this precarious situation.
Decoe and Bocoe exchanged frantic glances as they watched Knuckles inch closer and closer to their position on the back of the Egg Hawk. The guardian's determined approach left them with a sinking feeling of impending doom. Positioned on the back of the Egg Hawk, they were acutely aware that the Egg Pawns manning the guns under the wings were rendered powerless to intervene, their weapons unable to target the threat looming directly behind them.
Surrounded by the chaos of battle, the environment around them was a symphony of swirling clouds and billowing smoke. The distant roar of engines filled the air, punctuated by the occasional burst of gunfire as Tails continued to engage the Egg Hawk from a safe distance.
"What if we tell Knuckles we don't have the emeralds?" Decoe suggested, his voice tinged with desperation.
Bocoe shook his mechanical head, his optics flickering with uncertainty. "No way, he'll see right through that!" he replied, his tone fraught with anxiety. "He's not exactly the gullible type. Well, not anymore."
Decoe's gears whirred as he considered their options. "Then what's your bright idea, Bocoe?"
Bocoe's mechanical brows furrowed in concentration as he racked his circuits for a solution. "How about we try a distraction?" he proposed tentatively. "Throw something shiny out and hope he goes for it!"
Decoe's optics widened in disbelief. "Shiny? Really, Bocoe?" he exclaimed, incredulous. "That's the best you've got? It's Knuckles, not Rouge!"
Bocoe shrugged helplessly. "Hey, it's worth a shot!" he retorted, his voice tinged with urgency. "We're running out of options here!"
Tails' brow furrowed in confusion as the radar before him began to beep insistently, alerting him to a new threat approaching. With a sense of trepidation, he tore his gaze away from the tumultuous scene unfolding ahead and glanced up at the sky. There, a faint blur streaked across the horizon, barely visible against the backdrop of clouds. It was a blue figure, moving with incredible speed and precision.
As the figure drew closer, Tails' anticipation turned to caution. There was something about the way it moved, a cold, mechanical efficiency that set off alarm bells in his mind. His heart raced with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity as he watched the approaching silhouette with growing unease.
Then, as if emerging from the very fabric of the sky itself, the figure came into clearer view, revealing its true identity.
"That's... Metal Sonic," Tails breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Finally, after hearing stories from Sonic about this formidable metallic doppelgänger, Tails found himself face to face with the legendary creation of Doctor Eggman. Despite the awe-inspiring sight before him, a sense of unease gnawed at Tails' insides. Metal Sonic's presence heralded danger, and Tails knew they were in for a fierce confrontation.
Decoe and Bocoe's mechanical voices rose in a panicked chorus as they raised their hands in surrender, their metallic frames trembling with fear as Knuckles finally closed in on them. But before the guardian could react, a streak of blue streaked past them with lightning speed, slamming into Knuckles with ferocious force.
"Whoa!" Knuckles yelled as he was sent tumbling backward, the wind knocked out of him as he struggled to regain his footing. With a desperate effort, he slammed his fist into the back of the Egg Hawk, using the momentum to steady and prevent himself from falling.
As Knuckles looked up, his gaze met the cold, unyielding optics of Metal Sonic. The metallic thief, whose daring theft of the Master Emerald shard had set this chaotic chain of events in motion, had arrived to further complicate matters. Knuckles' fists clenched in frustration as he watched Metal Sonic gracefully lower himself down, the faint sound of magnets locking onto the metal exterior of the Egg Hawk filling the air.
"You!" Knuckles growled.
Meanwhile, Decoe and Bocoe erupted into cheers at Metal Sonic's timely arrival, their mechanical voices buzzing with excitement. "Hooray for Metal Sonic!" they exclaimed, their synthesized voices ringing out in jubilation.
Metal Sonic's presence loomed over Knuckles, his posture mirroring that of the real Sonic in a mocking gesture. With one hand resting casually on his hip and the other hanging by his side, he tilted his head slightly, his optics bearing down on Knuckles with an air of superiority and disdain.
The wind tore through Knuckles' dreadlocks, whipping them wildly around his head as he squared up against his robotic adversary. With a grim resolve etched upon his features, Knuckles wasted no time in launching himself into action. His fists, like twin battering rams, sliced through the air with deadly precision, but Metal Sonic was a blur of motion, effortlessly evading each blow.
Metal Sonic's jetpack sputtered and sparked, its intermittent bursts of propulsion lending him an unpredictable edge as he danced around Knuckles. The metallic soles of his feet magnetized against the metal surface of the Egg Hawk, granting him an uncanny agility as he darted and weaved through Knuckles' attacks.
Suddenly, with a sickening crunch, Metal Sonic's fist connected with Knuckles' already injured arm, sending a bolt of agonizing pain shooting through his body. Knuckles cried out, his grip faltering for just a moment, and in that instant, Metal Sonic seized the opportunity. With ruthless efficiency, he grabbed Knuckles and hurled him off the side of the Egg Hawk with a powerful shove.
Knuckles crashed onto the wing with a bone-jarring impact, the force of the landing knocking the wind from his lungs. Groaning in agony, he scrambled to find purchase on the slick surface, his fingers clawing desperately at the metal edge as he dangled precariously over the abyss below. His strength was the only thing keeping him from plummeting to certain doom, the sheer force of his grip denting the metal beneath his fingertips.
As Knuckles struggled to maintain his grip on the edge of the Egg Hawk's wing, his presence didn't go unnoticed by the Egg Pawn stationed below. Positioned at the ready, the robotic minion diligently monitored its surroundings, its mechanical sensors scanning for any potential threats.
Caught up in the heat of battle, the Egg Pawn's targeting systems locked onto Knuckles as a viable target. It prepared to unleash a barrage of firepower upon the intruder, its metallic arm adjusting the trajectory of the mounted gun with chilling precision.
Decoe's urgent voice cut through the chaos of battle, pleading for restraint amidst the imminent danger. "No, don't shoot! You'll hit the propellers!"
Startled, Knuckles cast a wary glance upward, his eyes widening as he realized the danger he had unwittingly stumbled into. Just inches away from his precarious perch, one of the Egg Hawk's deadly propellers whirred ominously, poised to tear through anything in its path.
Knuckles' gaze snapped upward as the ominous sound of metal meeting metal reverberated through the air, signaling Metal Sonic's relentless advance. With a grimace etched upon his features, Knuckles braced himself for the inevitable confrontation, his muscles tensing in anticipation.
Metal Sonic loomed over Knuckles, his metallic form casting a shadow over the beleaguered guardian as he peered down with an unsettling glint in his robotic optics.
"How's it hanging, Knuckles?" Metal Sonic's voice, though devoid of emotion, seemed to carry a mocking undertone that grated on Knuckles' nerves like sandpaper against stone.
Knuckles couldn't help but roll his eyes at the feeble attempt at humor. Only Sonic would crack jokes in the midst of a life-or-death battle. But as he observed Metal Sonic's demeanor, a chilling realization washed over him—this doppelgänger was not just a mere imitation of Sonic; he was eerily similar in every aspect, right down to his penchant for cheesy quips.
Before Knuckles could react, a sudden jolt of searing pain shot through his hand as Metal Sonic's heel came crashing down with brutal force, pinning his fingers beneath the unforgiving metal surface. With a cry of anguish, Knuckles gritted his teeth against the agony, his grip on the edge of the platform faltering for a moment before he clenched his jaw in sheer determination.
Despite the excruciating pain coursing through his injured hand, Knuckles refused to relinquish his hold, his fingers digging into the metal with a white-knuckled grip. Every fiber of his being screamed in protest, but he knew that letting go meant certain defeat—an outcome he refused to accept.
The agony radiating from Knuckles' crushed fingers was nothing short of excruciating, every nerve screaming in protest as he struggled to maintain his precarious grip on the edge of the platform. But amidst the searing pain, a fierce determination burned within him, driving him to action even in the face of overwhelming odds.
With a calculated risk, Knuckles summoned every ounce of strength in his uninjured hand and launched a desperate assault against the Egg Hawk's propellers. Each blow reverberated through his arm, sending shockwaves of agony coursing through his battered body, but he pressed on, fueled by sheer determination.
As his fist connected with the metal, a resounding crack echoed through the air, followed by the deafening roar of machinery crumbling under the force of his assault. With a triumphant roar, Knuckles watched as the propellers disintegrated into a shower of twisted metal, sending the Egg Hawk lurching precariously to one side.
The sudden instability sent shockwaves of panic rippling through Decoe and Bocoe as they scrambled to regain control of the plummeting aircraft.
"Oh, no!" Decoe's voice trembled with fear, his metallic features contorted in dismay as he struggled to stabilize the spiraling vessel.
"We're going down!" Bocoe's panicked cry added to the sense of impending disaster.
Meanwhile, Metal Sonic's gaze narrowed as he observed the smug satisfaction etched upon Knuckles' face, even in the midst of chaos. With a swift, calculated motion, Metal Sonic retracted his foot from its position pinning Knuckles' hand down and delivered a devastating kick squarely to the guardian's face, sending him plummeting to the earth below.
But Metal Sonic had little time to dwell on his victory over Knuckles as he darted forward to assist Decoe and Bocoe in stabilizing the plummeting aircraft. Though his disdain for the incompetent robots was palpable, Metal Sonic knew better than to defy Doctor Eggman's orders for their safe return, even if it meant risking his own objectives in the process.
Metal Sonic's movements were swift and decisive as he seized Decoe and Bocoe by their shoulders, his metallic grip firm and unyielding. With a powerful thrust of his jetpack, he launched them into the air, the deafening roar of the engines drowning out any protests from the hapless robots.
Decoe and Bocoe glanced below, their mechanical eyes widening in alarm as they watched the Egg Hawk plummet towards the earth below. The cacophony of panicked shouts from the stranded Egg Pawns echoed faintly in the distance.
"That was a close one!" Decoe exclaimed, his voice tinged with relief as they soared through the sky, narrowly escaping disaster.
"We owe you one, Metal!" Bocoe chimed in, his metallic features contorted in a grateful expression as they sailed through the air.
Metal Sonic's gaze remained fixed ahead, his optics scanning the horizon with a steely determination. "Do you have the Chaos Emeralds?" he demanded, his tone devoid of emotion.
With a flourish, Decoe and Bocoe each held up their respective hands, displaying the precious gems with a sense of pride. "Ta-da!" they exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with triumph.
But their victory was short-lived as their jubilant expressions faltered, replaced by a dawning realization of horror. Decoe's eyes widened in alarm as he noticed the absence of the blue Chaos Emerald from Bocoe's outstretched hand.
"...Oops," Bocoe muttered sheepishly, his mechanical fingers twitching nervously as he scanned the empty expanse of his palm.
Metal Sonic's sensors pinged with urgency as his internal data alerted him to the imminent danger below. Without hesitation, he angled his descent towards the plummeting Chaos Emerald, his jetpack roaring with renewed intensity as he prepared to intercept the precious artifact before it could fall into the wrong hands.
As Knuckles hurtled through the air, the rush of wind whipping past him, he remained surprisingly calm despite the perilous situation. His keen instincts and years of experience kicked in, guiding him with a sense of determination and focus even as the ground loomed ever closer below.
With his arms injured but not incapacitated, Knuckles knew he still had one crucial advantage—he could glide. Drawing upon his innate abilities, he adjusted his posture, spreading his arms forward and angling his body to catch the air currents just right. The sensation of gliding, of soaring through the sky with nothing but the wind beneath him, was a familiar and comforting one to the guardian of Angel Island.
But just as he prepared to make a controlled descent, a sudden roar filled the air, cutting through the sound of rushing wind. Knuckles glanced up just in time to see the X Tornado streaking through the sky, its sleek form cutting through the clouds with precision and grace.
Hope flickered within Knuckles as he realized Tails was one step ahead, piloting the aircraft with his trademark skill and determination. As the X Tornado closed in, Tails wasted no time in opening the cockpit, his outstretched hand a beacon of salvation amidst the chaos.
"Knuckles!" Tails' voice carried across the sky, filled with urgency and determination as he called out to his friend, hoping against hope that Knuckles would hear him amidst the tumultuous roar of the wind.
Reacting swiftly, Knuckles shifted his balance mid-air, his eyes locking onto Tails' outstretched hand. With a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, he reached out, his fingers closing around Tails' hand with a strength tempered by restraint.
Despite the immense power contained within his muscular frame, Knuckles exercised careful control, ensuring that his grip was firm yet gentle, mindful of the delicate balance between his own strength and Tails' comparative fragility.
With a swift and fluid motion, Knuckles allowed himself to be pulled aboard the X Tornado, his feet slamming against the sturdy metal surface of the plane's wing with a jolt of impact. But there was no time to dwell on the momentary discomfort.
Knuckles' eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the blue Chaos Emerald plummeting through the sky, a brilliant beacon of energy against the backdrop of swirling clouds. This was their chance—their one opportunity to reclaim the precious gem and thwart Eggman's nefarious plans.
"Tails!" Knuckles' voice rang out.
"I see it!" Tails' response was swift and determined, his voice carrying over the roar of the wind as he pushed the X Tornado to its limits, the aircraft quivering with the strain of its acceleration. With every ounce of skill and expertise at his disposal, Tails maneuvered the plane with precision, closing the distance between them and the descending Chaos Emerald with each passing second.
High above, Metal Sonic's cold optics narrowed into calculating slits as he observed his adversaries making their move. His internal processors whirred with lightning-fast calculations, analyzing the situation and weighing the odds of success. In a split second, he reached a decisive conclusion—eliminate the dead weight, gain the speed advantage, and seize the Chaos Emerald before they could reach it.
Without a moment's hesitation, Metal Sonic enacted his plan with ruthless efficiency. With a swift and forceful motion, he hurled Decoe and Bocoe into the air with a casual disregard for their well-being. The robotic lackeys screamed in comical terror as they were sent hurtling through the sky, their cries drowned out by the roar of Metal Sonic's jetpack as it surged to life with renewed intensity.
As the X Tornado closed in on the falling Chaos Emerald, Metal Sonic's form blurred into a streak of vibrant metal as he streaked through the sky with unmatched speed. His arms pressed tightly against his sides, his jetpack thrumming with power, Metal Sonic surged forward with a single-minded determination, his sights set on one thing and one thing only—the prize that would secure his victory and ensure the downfall of his adversaries.
Time seemed to slow to a crawl. Every second stretched into an eternity as the aircraft and Metal Sonic raced towards the coveted Chaos Emerald with unrelenting speed. Tension hung heavy in the air, thick with anticipation and the palpable sense of impending confrontation.
Inside the cockpit, Tails gritted his teeth with a fierce determination, his hands clenched around the control sticks so tightly that his knuckles turned white with the strain. He knew the capabilities of his beloved aircraft like the back of his hand, and deep down, he sensed the inevitable outcome looming on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Knuckles crouched on the wing of the X Tornado, his muscles coiled with anticipation as he braced himself for the critical moment ahead. With one arm outstretched, he prepared to snatch the Chaos Emerald from the clutches of fate, his senses sharpened to a razor's edge as he waited for the perfect opportunity to strike.
But as the X Tornado and Metal Sonic hurtled towards the emerald, it became increasingly clear that victory was slipping from their grasp. Tails knew it, his brilliant mind calculating the odds with unwavering precision. With a heavy heart, he realized that they simply weren't going to reach the Chaos Emerald in time—not without a miracle.
"Knuckles, get ready to close your eyes," Tails' voice cut through the tense silence.
Knuckles glanced at Tails, confusion etched upon his features. "What?"
"Trust me," Tails urged, his voice tinged with urgency as he locked eyes with his friend.
Though uncertain, Knuckles trusted in Tails' judgment without hesitation. With a resigned nod, he closed his eyes and braced himself, his heart pounding in his chest as he awaited whatever plan Tails had concocted.
Meanwhile, inside the cockpit, Tails' gaze remained fixed upon the Chaos Emerald, his mind racing with calculations and contingencies. With split-second precision, he waited for the opportune moment, knowing that timing was everything.
And then, as Metal Sonic drew perilously close to the coveted gem, Tails acted. With a deft press of a button, flares deployed from the X Tornado, filling the air with a sudden burst of blinding brightness. The intense light washed over Metal Sonic, distorting his vision with static and causing him to veer off course in a disorienting haze of confusion.
"Now!" Tails' voice rang out with triumphant clarity.
Knuckles opened his eyes just in time, his reflexes honed to a razor's edge as he thrust out his hand, fingers closing around the Chaos Emerald with a victorious shout. "Got it!"
Tails' victorious laughter echoed through the cockpit of the X Tornado, a triumphant exhalation of relief and triumph following their successful retrieval of the Chaos Emerald. But amidst the jubilation, a sudden jolt rippled through the aircraft, startling Tails from his moment of celebration. His laughter died in his throat as he glanced back forward, his eyes widening in horror at the sight that greeted him.
Metal Sonic, his metallic form contorted in a menacing posture, had slammed himself against the side of the X Tornado, his feet magnetizing against the metal surface with a chilling resonance. Tails felt a cold shiver snake down his spine as he met the burning gaze of his robotic adversary, the intensity of Metal Sonic's optics drilling into him with ruthless precision.
With a grim determination etched upon his features, Metal Sonic raised his metal fist back, poised to strike with lethal force. Tails' heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he braced himself for the inevitable impact, knowing that the blow could shatter the fragile glass of the cockpit and spell his demise.
But to Tails' astonishment, the blow never came. Confusion clouded his senses as he cautiously opened his eyes, only to find Metal Sonic frozen in place, his fist trembling with a strange hesitance. It was as if some internal struggle raged within the robotic doppelgänger, a battle between programmed aggression and something altogether more human.
Metal Sonic's optics flickered with an unusual depth, a hint of vulnerability creeping into the metallic facade as memories stirred within his processing unit. Vivid recollections surged to the forefront of his consciousness, fleeting glimpses of another existence—a life where he, like Sonic, had protected Tails, gone on countless adventures, and forged a bond that transcended mere friendship.
In that fleeting moment of clarity, Metal Sonic's aggression wavered, his mechanical exterior giving way to a flicker of something resembling emotion. And then, with a voice that seemed to resonate with unexpected warmth, Metal Sonic spoke, his words laden with an unusual depth of feeling.
"Tails... Little bro..."
Tails blinked in disbelief, his confusion mounting as he struggled to process the sudden shift in Metal Sonic's demeanor. "Huh?"
Frustration coursed through Metal Sonic's circuits like a raging torrent, his internal systems straining against the conflicting directives that threatened to override his programming. Desperately, he tried to force himself to attack Tails, to unleash the full force of his aggression upon the young fox who dared to stand in his way. But as he reached out to strike, the same inexplicable barrier that had thwarted his aggression towards Amy now manifested once again, a stubborn refusal to identify Tails as an enemy.
Something else was clouding his sensors, something that defied classification—a flicker of recognition, a sense of familiarity that sent a surge of confusion rippling through his mechanical frame. Was this... friendship? No, it couldn't be. Metal Sonic refused to entertain such a notion. He was a machine, a weapon of destruction, incapable of forming emotional bonds. And yet, the nagging sensation persisted, gnawing at the edges of his consciousness with relentless persistence.
But his momentary hesitation did not go unnoticed. With a roar of fury, Knuckles launched himself at Metal Sonic, his fist aimed squarely at the robotic doppelgänger's metallic frame. Reacting with lightning-fast reflexes, Metal Sonic dodged the attack with a fluid grace, his magnetized feet allowing him to cling to the surface of the X Tornado like a nimble predator.
Even as his programming identified Knuckles as a threat, Metal Sonic found himself unable to muster the same level of aggression towards Tails. It was a perplexing paradox—one that left him torn between conflicting directives and uncertain loyalties.
His attention was abruptly diverted when he glanced down and saw Decoe and Bocoe still plummeting towards the earth below, the Chaos Emerald they held clutched tightly in their metallic grasp. In that moment, Metal Sonic faced a stark choice—save his robotic comrades and retrieve the precious gem, or forsake them in pursuit of his own agenda. Metal Sonic knew that a choice had to be made—a choice that would inevitably result in the loss of a Chaos Emerald, regardless of the outcome.
But then, Metal Sonic's optics gleamed with a sudden realization—a loophole in his programming that offered a solution to his dilemma. While he may be prohibited from directly attacking Tails, nothing prevented him from targeting the X Tornado itself. With a decisive motion, he unleashed a barrage of punches against the aircraft's hull, tearing into its structure with relentless efficiency.
As sparks flew and wiring sputtered, the X Tornado began to falter, its systems compromised by Metal Sonic's relentless assault. With a final, calculated leap, Metal Sonic disengaged from the aircraft, his optic sensors scanning the chaos below with a cold detachment.
The shrill wail of alarms pierced the air, their urgent cries echoing off the metallic walls with a sense of impending doom. Tails' heart pounded in his chest as he grappled with the controls, his fingers dancing across the array of buttons and switches with frantic urgency.
"We're going down!" Tails' voice rang out above the din, a grim acknowledgment of their dire predicament as he fought to maintain control of the spiraling aircraft. With a swift motion, he pressed a button to the cockpit window, signaling for Knuckles to join him in the fray.
Knuckles scrambled into the back of the X Tornado, the cockpit sealing shut behind him with a resounding thud. Without a moment to spare, he leaned forward and thrust the Chaos Emerald into Tails' outstretched hand.
"Use this!" Knuckles' command was terse, his voice laced with urgency as he urged Tails to harness the power of the precious gem to aid in their desperate struggle for survival.
With practiced efficiency, Tails hastily secured the Chaos Emerald in the dashboard, his hands moving with a speed born of necessity as he worked to integrate its energy into the failing systems of the aircraft. The gem hummed with latent power, casting a faint glow that bathed the cockpit in an otherworldly light.
Meanwhile, Knuckles wasted no time in buckling himself in, bracing for the inevitable impact of their turbulent descent. The X Tornado shuddered and groaned under the strain, its metal frame protesting against the forces that threatened to tear it apart.
With a final, desperate effort, Tails gripped the handles with white-knuckled determination, his muscles straining against the overwhelming G-forces as he yanked back on the controls with all his strength. The plane groaned in protest as it fought against the inexorable pull of gravity, its trajectory arcing upwards in a valiant attempt to defy fate.
But it was a futile effort. Despite Tails' best efforts, the desert landscape loomed ever closer below, a stark reminder of the perilous precipice that awaited them.
"Hang on!" Tails' voice trembled with a mixture of fear and determination as he braced himself for the inevitable impact.
With a bone-jarring crash, the X Tornado scraped against the unforgiving earth, its wheels giving out beneath the strain of the impact. They skidded forward, the ground tearing at the underbelly of the aircraft with merciless force as they careened towards the edge of a looming cliff.
Tails' hands turned white as he gripped the controls with unyielding resolve, his mind racing with a single, primal instinct—survival. With every ounce of strength he possessed, he fought to keep the aircraft from plunging over the precipice into the abyss below, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he wrestled with the forces of fate.
It became painfully clear that their efforts to halt its descent were in vain. Tails gritted his teeth in frustration, his hands gripping the controls with a desperate intensity as he fought against the inevitable pull of gravity. But despite his valiant efforts, the aircraft continued its inexorable march towards the abyss below.
In the face of impending disaster, Knuckles didn't hesitate. With a swift and decisive motion, he unbuckled himself from his seat and pushed open the cockpit glass, the rush of wind whipping through the open hatch as he propelled himself forward. With the grace of a seasoned warrior, he landed with a resounding thud ahead of the plummeting aircraft, his muscles coiled with tension as he prepared to face the full force of its impact.
As the X Tornado bore down upon him with terrifying velocity, Knuckles planted his feet firmly into the earth below, his boots digging deep into the soft soil as he braced himself for the inevitable collision. With a primal roar of exertion, he reached out and gripped the front of the plane with a vice-like grip, the strain evident upon his features as he fought against the overwhelming force that threatened to overwhelm him.
Bit by bit, inch by inch, the aircraft's momentum began to wane, its forward progress slowed by the sheer strength of Knuckles' resolve. With every sinew straining against the weight of the world, he held firm, refusing to yield even as the ground beneath him trembled with the strain of their struggle.
Finally, mercifully, the X Tornado came to a standstill, its nose mere inches from the precipice of the cliff. Knuckles felt the solid ground beneath his feet, the back of his heels teetering on the edge of the abyss. With a sigh of relief, he released his grip on the aircraft and stumbled forward, his muscles trembling with exhaustion as he collapsed onto the ground, his chest heaving with exertion.
As Tails unbuckled himself and leaped out of the cockpit, concern etched upon his features, Knuckles opened his eyes, meeting his friend's gaze with a weary expression.
"Knuckles, are you okay?" Tails' voice was laced with genuine concern as he approached his friend, offering a helping hand.
With a weary chuckle, Knuckles pushed himself upright, his muscles protesting with every movement. "Let's not do that again."
A faint chuckle escaped Tails' lips as he shook his head in disbelief, marveling at the sheer absurdity of their situation. They had certainly dodged a bullet, or in this case, a plummet off a cliff. But there was no time to dwell on their brush with disaster. With a determined glint in his eye, Tails approached the front of the X Tornado to assess the extent of the damage.
Metal Sonic's relentless assault had left a gaping hole in the aircraft's hull, wires torn asunder by the sheer force of his aggression. But if there was one thing Tails prided himself on, it was his ability to MacGyver his way out of any situation. With a confident nod to himself, he tightened his gloves and set to work, his mind already racing with ideas for repairs.
"It's worse than it looks," Tails remarked, his voice tinged with a note of grim determination as he surveyed the damage. "But I think I can get this fixed in an hour."
Beside him, Knuckles nodded in agreement, his expression serious as he scanned their surroundings for any sign of their metallic adversary. "I'll keep an eye out for metal head."
With a decisive nod, Tails grabbed his tools and set to work, his hands moving with practiced efficiency as he began the painstaking process of repairing the damage wrought by Metal Sonic's relentless assault. Though they hadn't managed to retrieve both Chaos Emeralds as he had hoped, the fact that they had secured one was a small victory in itself.
Yet, even as he worked, Tails found his thoughts wandering, his mind preoccupied with the unanswered questions that lingered in the aftermath of their encounter with Metal Sonic. Why had the robotic doppelgänger hesitated to attack him? And what had prompted him to address Tails as "little bro"?
There was something more to this enigmatic robot, something that begged further investigation. And as Tails meticulously repaired the X Tornado, he resolved to uncover the truth behind Metal Sonic's unexpected behavior—a mystery that he was determined to unravel, no matter the cost.
As Decoe and Bocoe braced themselves for the inevitable impact of the unforgiving earth below, a wave of sheer terror washed over them, their metallic forms trembling with fear as they clung to each other tightly, resigned to their fate. But just as they braced for the bone-jarring impact, a sudden jolt reverberated through their frames, halting their descent mere inches from the ground.
Blinking in astonishment, they glanced up to see Metal Sonic looming over them, his sleek form silhouetted against the sky like a harbinger of salvation. Relief flooded through them, washing away the lingering dread as they realized that their robotic savior had intervened to spare them from certain destruction.
"Thank you, Metal Sonic!" Decoe exclaimed, his voice tinged with gratitude as he exchanged a glance with Bocoe, who nodded in fervent agreement. For a moment, all was forgiven—the terror of their freefall eclipsed by the sheer relief of being spared from a tragic end.
But Metal Sonic's response was terse, his metallic voice cutting through the air with a steely resolve that brooked no argument. "Be quiet. We're going back," he commanded, his tone brusque and commanding. "You can explain to Doctor Eggman why we lost a Chaos Emerald."
With that, Metal Sonic's jetpack flared to life, lifting him effortlessly into the air as he held Decoe and Bocoe firmly in his grasp. As they soared through the sky, Metal Sonic spared a single glance towards the horizon, where his sensors indicated the X Tornado had likely landed.
A flicker of frustration crossed his features as he contemplated the limitations of his programming—the insidious barrier that prevented him from exacting his vengeance upon his adversaries. This was a problem that demanded a solution, and Metal Sonic knew that time was of the essence.