Chapter 31: Panda Thoughts

Shuigang Island – Shuigang Palace, Evening Hours

As the sun set over the cold northern lands of Shuigang Island, a shadow was cast over the town below by the towering Shuigang Palace. The palace loomed ominously over the mountains, its dark structure reflecting the current state of unease in the region. The kingdom, once proud, now found itself at the center of growing hostilities from Shang Tu and Shang Mu. The attacks on both cities had shocked the island's inhabitants, and whispers of war filled the air as tensions reached a boiling point.

Inside the palace, the warm golden glow of the interior contrasted sharply with the cold exterior. Shuigang guards patrolled nervously alongside Robotnik's robots, their presence far less reassuring. The tension was palpable, even among the seasoned warriors. The alliance with Robotnik had made many uneasy, and rumors about the doctor's true intentions spread like wildfire.

In a secluded room, far removed from the bustle of the palace's main halls, Spade lay on a large bed, surrounded by the soothing scent of life petals. His muscles ached from his recent injuries, but the life petals he methodically rubbed against his wounds slowly mended his physical pain. His face, however, remained locked in a deep frown as his mind whirled with conflicting emotions.

The recent events in Shang Mu and his failed assassination attempt on Mayor Zao haunted him. He had been so sure of his mission, driven by anger and a sense of duty to his father, but now… doubt gnawed at his insides like a persistent itch he couldn't scratch.

More than anything, it was Sash's voice that echoed in his thoughts, her pleading words replaying over and over:

"Spade... please."

Her words stirred an uncomfortable mixture of confusion and anger deep within him.

"Robotnik was involved in your father's murder..."

That claim, delivered by Sash with such conviction, was what truly gnawed at his mind.

"Was he?" Spade muttered under his breath, his brow furrowing as he recalled how he first came into contact with Robotnik.

His thoughts drifted back to the day he visited his brother after learning about their father's assassination. He remembered stepping into the throne room, his heart heavy with anger, and being greeted not only by Dail, but also by Robotnik. The doctor, a strange and unnerving figure, who was also a high ranking figure in Shang Mu, had claimed to know the identity of the culprit. Spade had trusted him then, thinking only of vengeance. He had gone off on his own to take down Zao without question.

But now? Doubts swirled like a storm in his mind. Could Robotnik have been manipulating him all along?

The room was quiet except for the rustling of the petals and Spade's occasional mutterings. His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. The door creaked open, revealing Dail, his warm brown eyes filled with a mixture of concern and sadness. Dail's expression was gentle, but the tension between the brothers was palpable.

"Hope you're recovering well, Spade," Dail said quietly, his voice soft but firm.

Spade didn't look up at first, still focused on the petals. "Yeah, it's good. Need more petals, though," he replied curtly.

Dail nodded understandingly. "That can be arranged." His eyes drifted to the window, where the golden hues of the sunset painted the sky in a serene glow. A heavy silence settled between the two, the air thick with unspoken words.

"Spade… you did your best," Dail finally said, his voice heavy with sincerity and regret.

Spade scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Zao is not dead. Our father's death remains unavenged," he retorted, crossing his arms defensively. If it wasn't for Sash...

Dail sighed, clearly having expected that response. He stepped closer to the bed, his expression softening with a mixture of empathy and sadness. There was something else weighing on his mind—a question he had been grappling with since the assassination attempt and way before that.

"Spade… why?" Dail asked, his voice gentle, probing for the truth.

"Why what?" Spade snapped, turning his head to glare at his brother, his eyes sharp and defensive.

"Why avenge our father?" Dail's question was simple, but it struck a nerve. It was a question born from a deep place of both love and confusion, seeking to understand Spade's true motivation.

Spade's jaw tightened, his eyes flashing. "Well, that's a nonsensical question, don't you think?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Dail took another step forward, his tone insistent but still gentle. "You know I loved our father. He was a man of vision, dedicated to the kingdom. But he made mistakes. He made mistakes like—"

"Like me?" Spade spat, cutting him off with venom in his voice. His gaze bore into Dail, his words biting.

Dail recoiled slightly, shock and horror flashing across his face. "No! Spade, I didn't mean—"

"Save it," Spade growled, his voice cold. "I know what you're thinking: 'Why would Spade, the bastard child of the king, who was abandoned along with his sick mother, want to avenge his death? Why would he care?'" Spade's glare intensified, his defenses breaking as he revealed the anger he had been harboring. His mention of their father was laced with disdain, his facade finally crumbling.

Dail stood frozen, his face a mixture of regret and sorrow. Deep down, he knew the truth about their father's… his father's abandonment, but he had never fully understood the extent of Spade's pain.

Spade continued, his voice hardening. "Well, the answer's simple, big bro. This isn't for that old man. It's for my mother."

Dail blinked, caught off guard. "Your mother?" he echoed softly, his voice filled with surprise and empathy.

Spade nodded, his eyes filled with a cold resolve. "Yeah. For my mother. Even though she was thrown away, abandoned and left to struggle while raising me, she loved this kingdom," he explained. "She taught me about the wonders of this place, about the beauty of its people. And despite everything, she still loved him, after all of what he did... she still loved that man." The bitterness in his voice grew. "But this isn't for that bastard. This is for her, for my mother and the kingdom she loved." Maybe even for you, too, he added silently in his mind.

Dail stood still, absorbing the weight of Spade's words. Understanding dawned on his face, and he closed his eyes, finally grasping the reason for Spade's actions. He understood why his brother wouldn't feel the same loyalty to their father, but his love for his mother and the kingdom was something Dail could respect.

"I… I see," Dail murmured, his voice soft with understanding. "If that's your drive, then so be it."

The silence between them grew heavier as they both fell into quiet contemplation. The tension between them hadn't disappeared, but there was a fragile understanding, a shared moment of vulnerability that hadn't existed before.

Just as Dail was about to leave, the moment was shattered.

Suddenly, Dail clutched his head, a low groan of pain escaping his lips. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the floor, his face contorted in agony.

"Dail!" Spade shouted, his heart racing as he rushed to his brother's side, panic flooding his voice. "What's wrong? Answer me!"

Dail groaned louder, his eyes shut tightly as if fighting an unseen force. Spade gripped his shoulders, desperate for an explanation.

Then, just as abruptly as it had started, Dail's groaning stopped. His eyes opened, but they were no longer the warm, familiar brown Spade had known—they were cold, glowing a faint red.

"Sorry," Dail said, his voice flat and devoid of the warmth from moments before. He stood up, his movements unnaturally stiff. "…I must not have slept well," he said mechanically, his voice emotionless.

Spade, still kneeling, stared in confusion. "D-Dail?"

Without responding to the question, Dail pushed Spade back onto the bed. "Anyway, it was nice seeing you, Spade. When you recover, the Doctor will have a mission for you." His tone was robotic, lifeless, as he turned and exited the room without another word, leaving Spade behind in stunned silence.

The door closed with a soft click, and the room was plunged back into the eerie quiet from before. Spade's mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened. His chest tightened as he replayed the bizarre encounter. "What the hell was that?" he muttered, his voice trembling with confusion and fear. That wasn't Dail…

The door creaked open again, interrupting Spade's thoughts. This time, it was Robotnik, still in his Shang Mu clothes, his manic grin stretching across his face.

"Spadey boy!" Robotnik's voice boomed with false cheer as he strolled into the room. "How are you feeling? All better, I hope?"

"Spade... please..." Sash's voice echoed again in his mind.

Spade tensed, his eyes narrowing at the doctor. "What do you want?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

"Robotnik can't be trusted…"

Robotnik waved off the hostility with a grandiose gesture, his grin never faltering. "No need for the hostility, Spadey boy! Even if your mission to avenge your father failed, you're in luck. Another opportunity is just around the corner!" There was a gleam of excitement in his eyes as he spoke, as though relishing the chaos yet to come.

Spade's skepticism only deepened. "And what would that be?" he asked, his voice dripping with suspicion.

"Think fast!" Robotnik tossed something towards Spade, who caught it instinctively. As he opened his palm, he saw a small device—a radar, with three distinct dots glowing: purple, blue, and silver. Spade's brow furrowed as he looked back at Robotnik in confusion.

"As you know," Robotnik began, his voice slick with charm, "not only are we working to avenge your father, but your brother and I are also collecting the Chaos Emeralds to gain more power for this kingdom." He gestured toward the radar. "This is an emerald radar. I've fine-tuned it to locate the emeralds, and with the Kingdom Stone's energy wave filtered out, we're back in business."

Spade studied the radar, noting that all the dots seemed to be centered on Shang Tu. Unease curled in his stomach. "Yeah, sure, whatever," he muttered, the words bitter on his tongue.

Robotnik's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with malevolent delight. "Your job is simple, Spadey boy. Retrieve the emerald marked with the silver dot. The Hooligans and my other agents are after the remaining two. Once we have them all… well, let's just say Shuigang will show the world what true power looks like."

"Rest well!" Robotnik turned to leave, his laughter echoing through the room as he strode toward the exit.

"Hey!" Spade's voice stopped him in his tracks. Robotnik glanced back, his brow raised in curiosity. "Why are you doing all this?" Spade asked, his voice sharp. "Why team up with Shuigang, with my brother? What's your real motive?"

Robotnik chuckled, seemingly amused by the question. "Heh, let's just say I like staying with the winners, and those who stick with me become even bigger winners." He waved a dismissive hand. "Don't waste your breath on pointless questions, Spadey boy. You've got a job to do."

With that, Robotnik left the room, his laughter lingering in the air long after he had gone.

Spade sat on the bed, clutching the radar tightly. His eyes narrowed as minutes passed. He had too many questions, and nothing made sense anymore. Slowly, he hopped out of bed, his body still sore but determined.

It's time to test something else.

Shang Tu Island – Royal Palace, Night Hours

The Royal Palace of Shang Tu lay quiet under the blanket of night, its grandeur shrouded in shadows. Outside, the moon bathed the palace in silver light, but within, something darker stirred.

Inside the dimly lit infirmary, Neera Li sat on one of the beds, her mind racing despite her body's exhaustion. The doctors and nurses had insisted she stay until her injuries were fully healed, but it wasn't the pain keeping her awake. It was something else entirely—a storm of thoughts swirling in her head. Her normally cold and composed demeanor had been replaced with a deep concern, a weight pressing on her heart.

The events of the day echoed in her mind: the children's explanation, the alien revelation, Robotnik's schemes, and the unexpected mention of Angel Island—a place she had once believed to be nothing more than legend. Each revelation left her questioning what she thought she knew. Was everything the children had said truly a fabrication, or had she misjudged them from the start? The sight of Torque and his companion, a real-life alien and his wisp, had shaken her beliefs to the core.

Neera frowned as her thoughts shifted to Lilac and Carol, the two girls who had once been members of the infamous Red Scarves. It was true that they had a past tied to the criminal gang, but in the two years she had known them, they hadn't caused any significant harm. Had she been too harsh in her judgment?

But those uncertainties paled in comparison to the one thought that now consumed her mind.

The Magister.

The man she had sworn to serve and protect. The man who had been more to her than just a leader—someone she had looked up to, respected, and trusted implicitly. Her loyalty had always been unwavering, but today... today had shaken that foundation. His behavior during the confrontation with Sonic and his friends had been off, unsettlingly different from the man she knew.

An hour ago…

After she had locked Sonic and his group away in the palace's catacombs, Neera had walked slowly through the halls, her heart heavy with unease. She had tried to ignore the shouts and pleas from the prisoners, but their words echoed in her mind. The repairs on the damaged hall were already underway, but the broken pillars and shattered tiles mirrored the fractures forming in her own thoughts.

She hesitated before the door to the Magister's room, gently knocking before stepping inside. The room had been dim, the silver glow of the moon casting the Magister in shadow as he stood by the window, his back to her.

"Magister?" she had called softly, her voice hesitant.

The Magister had turned slowly, his face partially hidden in the darkness. "...Ah, Neera," he had murmured, his voice deep and distant. "Have you locked away Sonic and his friends?"

Neera had nodded. "Yes, Sonic the Hedgehog and his companions have been sent to the catacombs, along with commander and his 'wisp' in a separate cell."

The Magister's eyes had narrowed with a look of predatory satisfaction. "Excellent," he had said, turning back to gaze out the window once more.

Neera had cleared her throat, trying to push down the growing sense of unease. "Magister, it's getting late," she had ventured carefully, her tone filled with concern. "Shouldn't you rest?"

The Magister hadn't turned to face her. "Yes, you're right. I should retire... I was merely contemplating."

"Is it about what the children said?" Neera had asked cautiously, watching his reaction closely.

"No, they don't matter now," he had replied, his voice dismissive. "We will investigate their claims later. For now, we must focus on Shuigang... and Shang Mu."

"Shang Mu?" Neera had echoed in confusion. Shuigang, she understood—the growing threat of war between the two kingdoms was undeniable—but Shang Mu? They had no immediate conflict with them. What had he been talking about?

"Yes, Shang Mu," the Magister had repeated, his tone laced with disdain. "We still need to address the consequences of the Egg-Bullet incident. I want to send representatives to Mayor Zao and… have a 'talk.'"

"I… well, it can be arranged, but—" Neera had begun, unsure of where this was leading.

"If it can be arranged, I want it done by tomorrow morning," the Magister had interrupted, his voice hardening. For a brief moment, his stern demeanor had faltered, and he had softened his tone, the way she was used to. "Er, There's nothing more to discuss tonight. Goodnight, Neera."

He had turned away, signaling the end of the conversation, and Neera, still filled with confusion, had no choice but to comply. She had left the room quietly, but as she had closed the door, she overheard him muttering to himself.

"That was close…now to open this safe…"

Neera hadn't stayed to hear more. She had walked quickly down the hall, her heart pounding, her mind a whirlwind of uncertainty.

Present…

Now, sitting in the cold infirmary, Neera's thoughts kept circling back to the Magister. His behavior hadn't just been off—it was wrong. He wasn't the same man she had pledged her loyalty to. The memory of his cold, distant voice and the look in his eyes sent a chill through her. Was she being paranoid? Maybe he was just having a bad day... but no, she couldn't lie to herself. Something was deeply wrong, and she needed to figure it out.

"Tomorrow," she muttered to herself, trying to convince herself to wait until morning. But the thought of the Magister's unnerving behavior wouldn't leave her.

After a few moments of restless contemplation, she made up her mind. She stood up, gripping her staff tightly, resolve hardening in her eyes. "No. It will be tonight." She wasn't going to wait. She needed answers now.

Her footsteps echoed softly through the palace as she left the infirmary. The cold night air brushed against her face, but she ignored it, her focus set on uncovering the truth.

As she walked through the darkened halls, she paused, sensing something strange. Her instincts prickled, making her glance around, but the corridor was empty. Dismissing it as nothing more than fatigue, she continued her march toward the Magister's chambers, unaware that she was being watched.

Hidden in the shadows, Amy crouched, her heart pounding in her chest. From a distance, Amy could hear the guards searching for her. It seemed that after locking up her friends, the Magister had also ordered her capture. She quietly thanked her lucky stars for sneaking out when she had.

But there was no time to dwell on that. She had to act fast.

"Have no fear, guys, 'cause Amy Rose is here!" Amy whispered to herself, a determined glint in her eyes as she slipped into a hidden staircase. Her mind was focused on one goal—rescuing Sonic, Tails, and the others from the palace's catacombs.

Shuigang Palace – Throne Room

Back at Shuigang Palace, the throne room was bathed in a golden hue from the flickering torches, their flames casting long, distorted shadows across the room. The air was thick with tension as two sinister figures, Robotnik and Lord Brevon, exchanged words with satisfaction while their underlings stood at attention. Nearby, Syntax hovered, and Dail, the lifeless prince, stood like a marionette with invisible strings.

Robotnik's laughter echoed through the grand chamber, his voice filled with triumph. "Yes! With Metal Sonic delivering the fourth emerald, we're one step closer to victory!" he cackled, his gloved hands flexing with excitement.

Brevon stood beside him, a cold chuckle escaping his lips as he surveyed the situation with dark amusement. "Indeed, Ivo, your creation is a marvel," he murmured, his voice smooth yet laced with cruelty. Brevon's eyes gleamed with the satisfaction of manipulation, but there was a glint of possessiveness in his gaze when he spoke of Metal Sonic. "If only it were mine," he mused, his voice barely audible before addressing Robotnik more directly. "And what of the others?"

Robotnik smirked, his eyes gleaming behind his goggles. "Heh. One of the remaining emeralds is being hunted down by the Hooligans as we speak," he boasted, folding his arms confidently. "The other will be secured by the prince's brother." He gestured toward Dail, who remained standing eerily still, his eyes dull and expressionless. "And as for the last... well..." Robotnik's grin widened into a predatory smirk. "One of my Hard-Boiled Heavies has already reported it secured. Not only that, but they're stirring tension between Shang Tu and Shang Mu. Soon, it'll escalate into a full-scale war between the three of them."

Robotnik took a moment to bask in his own brilliance. "And the icing on the cake?" His voice turned mocking. "They've trapped Sonic and his little group, including that pesky chaser you wanted so badly." He pointed to Brevon with a sneer of superiority.

Brevon's eyes flashed with dangerous amusement, his claws clicking together in delight. "Excellent," he said with an almost reverent tone. "While the final two emeralds are being retrieved, we can focus on Angel Island." His eyes darkened with greed, the thought of more power making his pulse quicken. "Syntax, your reports?"

Syntax, hovering nearby, responded with mechanical precision. "Affirmative, sir. The island is currently floating near the southern part of the archipelago, just off Parusa Island." Her eye glowed as she projected a map, highlighting the exact location of Angel Island.

Robotnik crossed his arms and tapped his foot, a note of skepticism creeping into his voice. "I'm still not convinced we even need the Master Emerald for our plan. Between the Chaos Emeralds and the Kingdom Stone, we already have more than enough power." He waved his hand dismissively.

Brevon merely smirked. "Then you shouldn't have brought it up in the first place, Doctor." His voice was mocking, but it held an underlying threat. "I intend to take every advantage I can. The Master Emerald holds untapped potential that we will exploit. Especially now that it's so close." His gaze hardened. "With or without your approval."

Robotnik grumbled, resigning himself to Brevon's insistence. His eyes narrowed, lips curling into a sneer. "Fine. I've already deployed my badnik armies, but that pesky echidna keeps getting in the way."

Brevon turned his gaze toward Dail, who stood unmoving, his presence almost unnerving in its unnatural stillness. "Do not worry, Doctor. Shuigang's forces will assist in securing the emerald. Right, Prince?" His voice dripped with dark amusement as if the question was more of an order.

Dail's response was flat, his voice devoid of life or emotion. "Yes, Lord Brevon. I will prepare my troops." Without another word, he turned and exited the room, his movements stiff, robotic, like a puppet following a script.

Robotnik watched Dail leave, a spark of interest flickering in his eyes. "Hmmm… brainwashing, huh?" he muttered to himself. "Maybe I should try that sometime."

Brevon nodded in agreement, a twisted smile spreading across his face. "It's quite effective," he mused. His eyes flicked toward Syntax. "Ensure he receives another dose of the Snatcher. The effects are beginning to wear off."

Syntax's mechanical tendrils coiled, her eye glowing ominously. "Understood. I will increase the dosage." There was a faint hint of sadistic pleasure in her voice as she acknowledged the command.

Brevon turned back to Robotnik, ready to shift the conversation. "Now, Doctor, about Project ML—"

Before he could finish, a soft creaking noise interrupted the conversation. The room, which had been filled with their sinister plotting, suddenly grew still. A faint sound echoed from the ceiling—a noise barely audible, but enough to trigger a sense of alarm. Syntax sprang into action, her mechanical body whirring as she scanned the area, her sensors immediately honing in on the source.

She swept the ceiling with her cyclops eye, finally locking onto a tiny movement in the shadows. A mouse scurried along a beam, oblivious to the danger it was in.

"False alarm, sir," Syntax announced, and without hesitation, she fired a laser from her eye. The mouse let out a faint shriek before its body was incinerated, plummeting lifeless to the floor.

Robotnik raised an eyebrow, watching the smoldering remains with mild amusement. "Hmph."

Brevon's eyes flickered with brief suspicion, but hearing nothing more, he continued, dismissing the event. "Very well," he muttered, his voice regaining its smooth cadence. "Now, as I was saying—"

As their voices faded into the background, a subtle sound interrupted the eerie silence of the throne room. Spade—hidden within the ceiling tiles—finally let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. His body trembled slightly from the tension of almost being discovered. He had heard everything.

Slowly and silently, he lowered himself through a secret hatch, landing softly behind a pillar. His heart pounded in his chest as he leaned against the cold stone, struggling to calm his racing thoughts.

They had been talking about his brother. Dail. And the plans to incite a war between the three kingdoms, plans to attack Angel Island, to capture the Master Emerald. His blood ran cold as the weight of the truth sank in.

But nothing stung more than what they had done to his brother.

"What have they done to you, Dail?" Spade muttered, his voice filled with anguish. The thought of his brother being controlled like a lifeless puppet, manipulated by these monsters, filled him with a burning rage. Sash had been right. He shouldn't have trusted Robotnik or anyone involved with him.

With newfound resolve, Spade slipped into the shadows, carefully making his way toward the palace exit. The emerald radar clutched tightly in his hand pulsed softly, guiding him toward his next destination. He wasn't going to be a pawn in this game any longer.

He had a new mission now—to uncover the truth and save his brother.

"Hold on, Dail. Whatever they've done to you... they won't get away..."

Spade silently slipped through the palace walls and disappeared into the night, heading toward Shang Tu with the radar's silver dot guiding his way.

{A/N}

Whats this? Spade gets to do something? Yes sir!