Robo Rose: A Sonic Prime Story

I know that I must do what's right, sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti.
I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become- "Africa" by Toto

Part 2: To Boscage Maze

As Robo prepared for her journey, both Knucks and Rebel surveyed the laboratory where she normally rested. Her rampage had torn everything to shreds, making them realize this must have been the reason for her quest.

Rebel's eyes widened as she observed the carnage. "Wow, she must have been utterly furious. This place looks like a war zone," she said, her wings fluttering nervously behind her.

Knucks nodded, his dreadlocks swaying as he shook his head. "Yeah, it musta hit her hard. She's definitely not the same cold-hearted Rusty Rose I used to know."

The sound of Robo's measured mechanical footsteps drew near as she approached, her mismatched eyes scanning the destruction she had wrought. In her hands was a large carrying case. Inside were her energy vials, which clinked against her collapsible Piko Piko hammer.

"Affirmative," she interjected, her voice tinged with remorse. "That is why I must learn to manage my newfound emotions effectively."

Rebel tilted her head with curiosity. "But wasn't that what the Chaos Council created your programming to do? To suppress the emotions of your former self?"

Robo's organic eye darted about as her mechanical one flickered. "Affirmative, that was my primary function besides... being your hated enemy who would hunt you down without mercy." Said Robo, as a hint of sorrow filled her typically stoic voice.

Knucks scratched his chin. "Yeah, but I don't think your original self ever truly died. Otherwise, you wouldn't feel emotions at all." He paused. "Still, why not use your programming to control them like before?"

Robo's robotic eye flickered, processing the question. Her organic eye darted about, as if seeking answers. "Because... I believe I enjoy having these emotions. While they may cause me trouble, they allow me to experience beyond the Chaos Council's limitations." Her voice grew determined. "If my original self is reawakening, I no longer wish to suppress her. I want to learn about these emotions, not just bury them under my programming like I did before. The Chaos Council created my programming to do that, and the more I distance myself from them, the more liberated I feel."

Rebel's wings fluttered with approval as she grinned. "Wow, that certainly doesn't sound like any machine I know."

Robo's posture straightened as the soft whir of her metallic joints echoed around them. "Affirmative; that's why it is difficult for me to deal with them. Survival requires adaptation, but our world lacks good examples of what I should do. While my programming can adapt to any scenario, I still need raw data to calculate potential solutions to my issue."

"Maybe that's another reason for you to explore the other dimensions," said Knucks, crossing his arms over his chest. "You might discover things we don't have anymore."

"That is my… hope," Robo said, her voice uncertain as she grappled with the concept of that word. "Our world has suffered while others thrive in harmony. This world and I are the same; we have both endured terrible things from the Chaos Council's cruelty. We both need help from others to recover from what we have lost."

Rebel nodded, her expression softening. "Yeah, like the plants we got from Boscage Maze and the water from No Place. Luckily, we can give them materials in return; otherwise, we'd be no better than parasites."

Robo's cybernetic eye dimmed as her organic one cast downward. "Yes, like I must be to my original self or the Pink Flicky that was once inside my chest cavity. I benefited from their power, while they got nothing but suffering and pain," she said, her voice filled with regret.

"It doesn't matter to me," said Knucks with a shrug as he wrapped his arm around Robo. "I know you want to do good, and I think your former self would appreciate that you're trying to change."

Rebel nodded, her expression brightening. "That's why Boscage Maze might be the ideal starting place for your journey. It has diverse life forms untouched by the Chaos Council's influence. It may give you an excellent example of how to handle your original self from now on."

"You may be right," Robo said as she tightly gripped her metallic fingers around her carrying case. "Anyhow, I must go now."

Rebel's eyes widened. "Wait!" She said, her voice full of excitement as she wrapped her arms around Robo in a warm embrace. "I know you may not feel me, but this is how the rest of us show our love and affection for one another."

Robo tensed at the unfamiliar sensation as she let go of her carrying case. "Actually, I can feel it," she said, her voice filled with surprise as the carrying case hit the ground with a gentle "thud!". Thankfully, the carrying case had a good level of insulation to handle such an event.

"My new body can experience full physical sensation as I designed it," said Robo, her voice reassuring. "I wanted to feel things like you organics do... including pain."

Knucks raised a concerned eyebrow. "That's kinda neat, but what if you get badly damaged in battle?"

"Do not worry; it will shut off automatically until I am repaired," said Robo, her voice reassuring. "I have ensured it. By the way, Knucks, I want you to hurt me so I can add it to my database."

Knucks's eyes widened. "Huh? Are you sure about that?"

A small smile played on Robo's lips, an expression still foreign to her typically stoic face. "Affirmative Knucks. Now, please hit me; I wish to experience the sensation firsthand."

Knucks shrugged, then curled into a ball, his spines gleaming as he spin-dashed at Robo, sending her high into the air. Soon her body came crashing to the ground with a loud metallic "clang!" as Robo slowly sat up, her head visibly spinning as she came to her feet.

Knucks' eyes widened with concern as he rushed up to her. "Hey, I hope I didn't hurt you too badly."

"Negative, do... Do... Do not worry; I am fine." Robo said, her voice glitching as her systems re-calibrated. Her pain sensors flared intensely, sending new data through her circuits. "Still, what is the word you organics use... ouch?"

Rebel laughed and said, "Yup, that's it." Her voice filled with a mix of amusement and relief. "Pain isn't pleasant, though, is it?"

Robo nodded, her mismatched eyes focusing as her systems stabilized. "Affirmative, but I prefer it to the cold emptiness I once felt inside my core. At least, it is a sensation that makes me feel... alive."

Knucks giggled. "Yeah, well, that's life for you." His expression softening as he gave her a small grin. "That's just how life goes. It's a mixture of pleasure and pain, but that's what makes it worth living."

"I understand," said Robo, her voice carrying a newfound comprehension. "Thank you both for this enlightening moment of emotional and physical input. I shall reference it on my journey."

Knucks glanced at the sky as his brow furrowed. "Anyhow, you better get going soon, Robo. I don't wanna rush ya, but it might get dark by the time you reach Boscage Maze."

Rebel nodded, her wings fluttering intently behind her. "Yeah, he's right. Better get moving, Robo."

"Affirmative," said Robo, as she straightened her body. "Well then, I'll see you when I return. But before I leave, I must give you something, Knucks."

"What is it?" asked Knucks.

"My collapsible Piko-Piko hammer, as my upgraded body does not require it. I would give it to Rebel, but it is top-heavy and may disrupt her flight capability," said Robo as she opened the carrying case and handed it over to Knucks.

"Cool, I may not need it, but hey, it may come in handy someday!" said Knucks.

"I just wish I had something for you, Rebel." said Robo.

Rebel shrugged. "Hey, don't worry about it... But if you find a nice gem or something on your journey, I would like that."

"Affirmative, consider it done," said Robo with a nod. "Now I shall depart... Goodbye, my friends."

"Take care, Robo!" Knucks called, raising a fist in farewell.

Rebel's smile widened, her wings fluttering behind her. "We'll see you again soon; I'm sure of it!"

Robo nodded, her mismatched eyes scanning her friends one last time before marching towards the transport bay, beginning her journey into self-discovery.

As Robo approached the transport craft, her sensors detected a presence nearby. She paused, her robotic eye whirring as it scanned the area.

"Is someone there?" she inquired, her voice echoing through the empty bay in curiosity. "Knucks or Rebel, perhaps?"

"No, it's me," came a deep, familiar voice. Soon, Denizen 1998 emerged from the shadows, his enormous purple form contrasting with the metallic surroundings.

Robo's head tilted as her cybernetic eye focused on the large purple cat. "Hello Denizen 1998. What brings you here?"

Denizen 1998 rubbed the back of his head, his ears twitching slightly beside him. "Well, I overheard your conversations in the garden earlier. Is it true you're having dreams and planning to meet your other selves to understand your new emotions?"

"Affirmative," Robo replied, her voice inquisitive. "Why do you ask?"

Denizen 1998's eyes softened, a mixture of emotions on his face. "Because... I know who you are. You were once my friend, long ago."

Robo's circuits buzzed with surprise as her organic eye widened. "I was? Sorry, I do not remember."

Denizen 1998 gave Robo a sympathetic nod, his tail swishing gently behind him. "Yeah, I know. But you're rediscovering your past, and I'm willing to tell you everything I know about it now if you wish."

Robo's robotic eye flickered as she processed this information. Her metallic fingers twitched, signaling her internal conflict. "Affirmative, but perhaps I should wait until I am truly ready for it. If I awaken these memories too soon, I might lose control of myself from the intense emotions they may trigger."

"I understand," said Denizen 1998, his voice gentle. "If your original self awakens before you learn to manage your emotions effectively, it could drive you both mad. Still, when you're ready, I'm here for you. I know my friend is still somewhere in you, and I think she desperately needs your help."

Robo straightened up, her resolve clear in her stance. "Affirmative; perhaps by going on this quest, I can help her somehow. Still, thank you for approaching me with this information, Denizen 1998."

The purple cat's cheeks flushed slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "Actually, the name's Al, Al E. the Cat. Does that name sound familiar, by any chance?"

Robo's organic eye blinked, her robotic one whirring as it searched her databanks. "Negative, but it is nice to meet you on good terms," she said, her voice carrying a hint of regret. "I know I once arrested you in the name of the Chaos Council, and for that, I apologize."

Al E.'s face softened into a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah, I remember. But don't worry about it; now that I know you are trying to be a better person, I can forgive you. Anyway, good luck on your quest. I eagerly look forward to your return."

"Thank you, Al E. I shall see you again soon," Robo said, her voice carrying a new warmth. She turned towards the transport craft, her metallic body gleaming in the bay's dim light.

As Robo boarded the craft, her sensors recorded every detail of her surroundings, storing them for future reference. The craft's engines hummed to life, a vibration Robo could feel through her new, sensation-capable body.

In minutes, the small vessel ventured into a portal leading to the void, which connected the shatter spaces together. Robo's mismatched eyes focused on the swirling energies outside the viewport, her processors working to plot her course to the Boscage Maze gate.

The journey through the void was brief but intense. Robo's systems struggled to process the many large crystals that surrounded the craft. As the craft entered the gate to Boscage Maze, its lush green environment quickly filled the viewport.

Robo guided the craft to a small dock near the outskirts of Boscage Maze. As she stepped out, the vibrant life surrounding her overwhelmed her senses. The air was fresh, a stark contrast to the thickly polluted atmosphere of New Yolk City.

"I must study this place thoroughly," said Robo, her voice almost drowned by the jungle's endless noises. Her cybernetic eye whirred rapidly, scanning the various life forms around her. "Studying the diverse life forms here may serve a vital purpose in my quest."

As the information flooded her systems, Robo felt overwhelmed by the data she had collected. The jungle offered such a rich tapestry of biodiversity that her scanners were almost overloaded, a sensation she had never experienced before. Yet, she persevered, falling back on the core functions of her programming.

"All jungle data is now scanned and archived," she said to no one in particular, her voice steady despite the internal chaos caused by her data scan. "Now compressing to primary memory banks."

This was how her computerized mind worked out complex tasks and operations. It made her efficient and adaptive to change, a skill she had honed during her service under the Chaos Council to prevent data overload.

As Robo marched forward, her metallic feet leaving deep imprints on the soft earth as she continued scanning and adding data to her database. Her internal AI expanded and adapted, accommodating the flood of new information.

Soon, her sensors detected familiar presences in the distance - the dimensional counterparts to her allies back home. Deep within the jungle's heart, they had built a small village, replacing their previous treetop hideaway now that they were on good terms with Thorn Rose.

Robo paused at the village's edge, her mismatched eyes taking in the scene. It was time to face her counterpart and learn about the emotions awakening within her circuits.

As Robo approached, her sensors picked up movement in the trees above. Prim Rouge, this dimension's counterpart to Rebel, swooped down from a canopy, landing softly on the ground before her. Prim's eyes widened as she took in Robo's new appearance.

"Rusty Rose? Is that you?" Prim asked, circling Robo with curiosity and caution. "You look... different now. Much shinier too."

Mangy Tails, hearing the commotion, bounded over on all fours. He skidded to a halt in front of Robo, his twin tails twitching as he sniffed at her body. His usual feral demeanor gave way to confusion as he tilted his head, studying Robo's gleaming new form.

"Arf?" Mangy barked, reaching out a hesitant hand to touch Robo's polished metal surface.

Robo stood still, allowing Mangy to satisfy his curiosity. "Yes, I have undergone significant modifications since our last encounter."

Although she preferred her new name, her database suggested Prim and the other scavengers weren't as intelligent as their other counterparts. Still, she planned to introduce her new name soon.

Gnarly Knuckles approached with his fists raised. However, as he got closer, his defensive posture relaxed, replaced by bewilderment.

"Whoa!" said Gnarly, his eyes scanning Robo's new body. "What happened to the rust and dents?"

Robo's robotic eye whirred as she processed their reactions. "My body has recently undergone extensive repairs and upgrades. My previous state of disrepair was... inefficient."

Prim fluttered closer, her wings creating a gentle breeze that Robo's new sensors quickly detected. "Well, you certainly look more... alive. Your eyes—they're different too. One's still mechanical, but the other... it looks real."

"Affirmative," Robo responded, her organic eye blinking from the compliment. "I have made modifications to better understand and experience sensations."

Mangy, satisfied with his inspection, let out a cheerful yip and began circling Robo.

"Yeah, you look nice!" said Hangry, this dimensions counterpart to Al E.

Gnarly crossed his arms. "Yeah, I like the look strange, shiny one."

"Well, first, the name is Robo Rose now," she corrected. "But you may still call me Rusty if you find it confusing."

Prim's smile widened. "No, Robo Rose sounds good. I can definitely get used to it."

Hangry nodded. "Yeah, I like it."

Gnarly's expression softened. "Yeah, it's simple enough. We're not as dim-witted as you might think."

Robo's head turned downward, almost ashamed of her assumptions. "Then my programming underestimated you. Then, I must apologize for my error in judgment."

Prim waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. Your world is so different from ours, it's easy to make assumptions."

Robo gave a gentle nod. "Still, I must acknowledge my error in underestimating others, regardless of their apparent primitive nature."

Hangry's face broke into a wide grin. "Hey, relax. We're all friends here," he said. "Anyway, what brings you to Boscage Maze?"

"I have come seeking knowledge about emotions and nature," said Robo, her voice intent. "I wish to speak with Thorn Rose. Is she nearby?"

The Boscage Maze denizens exchanged glances, a mix of surprise and curiosity on their faces.

Gnarly shrugged, his dreadlocks swaying as he shook his head. "Not really. She rarely hangs around us these days, to be honest."

Prim's wings fluttered behind her as she spoke, her voice tinged with sadness. "Yeah, she lives in a hut just outside the village. But don't worry, it won't take you long to get there."

Robo's head tilted, her mismatched eyes focusing on Prim. "I see. Are you on bad terms with her again?"

Prim shook her head quickly. "No, she's fine. This is more on her."

Hangry gave a confirming nod. "We already told her we'd forgiven her, but she still keeps her distance sometimes."

Gnarly nodded in agreement, his expression softening. "Yeah, I think she still regrets what she did to us, but we are getting closer each day. She is coming around a little more frequently now."

"Arf!" yelped Mangy. "Closer!"

"She is just like me, then," Robo mused, her voice carrying a new depth of understanding. "Regretting her actions and trying to get better."

The Boscage residents exchanged looks, taken aback by Robo's newfound insight and almost heartfelt voice.

"Very insightful, Robo. It seems like you changed in more ways than one," said Prim with a wide grin. "Anyhow, Thorn's hut is over there; I'm sure she'll be... interested to see your new look."

She gestured towards the opposite side of the village, while Robo gazed at where she pointed.

Robo nodded, her joints whirring softly as she spoke. "Thank you for your help. I look forward to our further interactions in the future."

As Robo set off towards Thorn's hut, she could hear the whispered conversations of Prim, Gnarly, and Mangy behind her. Their confusion and curiosity about her transformation added new data to Robo's growing understanding of emotional responses.

Robo's new body eagerly explored the jungle floor, relishing the various textures it encountered. The moss was soft like a cushion, the tree roots were rough like sandpaper, and the earth felt cool and moist beneath her feet. These sensations, once irrelevant, now formed an integral part of her journey of self-discovery.

Within minutes, Robo came upon Thorn Rose's hut. Just as the others had mentioned, it stood at the edge of the village, a humble structure that seamlessly merged with the lush jungle.

In front was a small garden with several rows of vegetables and fruits. Nearby, Robo's enhanced vision detected Thorn digging small holes with a metal shovel, preparing to plant more in her garden.

For a moment, Robo remained motionless, capturing every detail with her sensors. The rich scent of earth, the gentle rustle of leaves, the warmth of the sun on her new body, all of it was overwhelming, yet fascinating.

Then, as if sensing her presence, Thorn turned around and spotted Robo. Her eyes widened, the shovel slipping from her grasp and landing with a soft thud on the ground.

"Rusty Rose?" Thorn gasped, her voice a mix of surprise and confusion. She blinked rapidly, as if not trusting her own eyes. "Is that really you?"

"Affirmative." Said Robo as she took a step forward, her metallic foot leaving a clear imprint in the soft soil. "Hello, Thorn Rose. It is good to see you again," she said with a slight smile. "Also, my name is now Robo Rose, but you can call me Rusty if you prefer."

Thorn's shock gave way to curiosity as she approached, her eyes roving over Robo's gleaming new form. "Okay, Robo it is," she said, her voice warm despite her clear bewilderment. "You look... different. Good, different, but... what happened?"

Robo's mismatched eyes focused on Thorn, her organic eye blinking in a lifelike manner. "I have undergone significant modifications. My previous state was... inadequate, and it was time for a change."

Thorn tilted her head, her quills swaying with the motion. "I see. So what brings you here, Robo?"

"I came here for your help, Thorn Rose," Robo said, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability that surprised even herself. "I am experiencing newfound emotions, and I find myself unable to control them effectively."

Thorn's brow furrowed, concern replacing her initial surprise. "Oh, I see. I take it you never felt them before?"

"Not like this," said Robo, her organic eye darting as she searched for the right words. Her metallic fingers clenched and unclenched, a physical manifestation of her internal turmoil. "Normally, I am an emotionless tool, no better than the shovel you used to plant this garden. I am a machine, just like the ones we fought in the Grim."

Thorn stepped closer, her green eyes studying Robo intently. After a moment, she shook her head. "Well, you're certainly like them with having a metal shell, but Robo, I can sense something else in you... A living creature. You're not just a hunk of metal like the others."

Robo's robotic eye whirred, processing this observation. "Perhaps, but that is my other problem. I can feel my original self reawakening because of my current emotional state, and I am not programmed to handle such matters."

Thorn nodded as a sense of understanding dawned on her face. "Ah, it's like your original self was in hibernation. But now that winter's over, it's emerging from its cave to feed. That must be hard for you. And if you're like my shovel, then you don't know what emotions are truly like," she said, her voice gentle and empathetic.

"Affirmative," Robo confirmed, her posture straightening as if she were bracing herself for the conversation. "That is why I came here. I feel I must study both emotion and nature to help her. Unfortunately, nature is scarce in my world, so perhaps by gathering the data I require here, I can fulfill my task. You understand them both better than me. That is why I need your aid."

Thorn's face softened, a warm smile spreading across her features. "I see," she said with a gentle nod. "So, what emotions would you like me to help you with?"

"Anger, fear, regret, and sorrow. I believe you know all four well, correct?" she asked. As she spoke, Robo's voice tried to remain steady, but a hint of uncertainty lingered beneath its surface.

Thorn's smile turned wistful, her eyes briefly clouding with memories of her own past. "Yeah, I certainly do." She reached out, hesitating for a moment before gently placing her hand on Robo's arm. "Well then, let's get you started. I've got some great examples of them in nature for you to study. Perhaps it can give you a good point of reference."

"Affirmative, that sounds appropriate," Robo said, her sensors registering the warmth of Thorn's touch. "Please show me these examples."

As Thorn led Robo away from her hut, the cybernetic hedgehog's systems were on high alert, processing and analyzing this new data. This was more than just a lesson - it was the beginning of Robo's journey to understand herself and the living, feeling creature that was slowly reawakening within her metallic shell...