Robo Rose: A Sonic Prime Story

And no one around me knows, who I am, what I'm on.
Who I've hurt and where they've gone, I know that I've done some wrong
But I'm tryna make it right- "Still learning" by Halsey

Part 3: Journey in the Jungle

Thorn and Robo walked a few feet away from her hut to a small clearing where a large fire pit stood. She gathered wood, arranging it before igniting it with two rocks. Sparks flew, and a small flame flickered to life.

"This flame represents anger," said Thorn, her voice soft but intense. She tossed a small twig into the fire, and Robo's sensors detected a spike in the heat.

"Fascinating. The intensity of the flame increased by Fifteen point seven percent," said Robo as she scanned it with her cybernetic eye, as her organic eye widened instinctively as she studied the flame.

Thorn nodded, as a small smile played on her lips. "Exactly. Like anger, it can rapidly grow if you ignore it. It's hot and can hurt you or others if you're not careful. However, like this fire, small amounts of anger can be beneficial."

As she spoke, Thorn added more twigs to the fire. Robo watched as the flames grew steadily.

"It can be a powerful force that drives you toward your goals," said Thorn, as excitement tinged her voice. "It can make you fight for others or yourself, and when it's under control, it can be incredibly positive. But..."

Suddenly, Thorn threw a larger branch onto the fire. The flames leapt high, crackling loudly. Robo stepped back, her circuits buzzing with an unfamiliar sensation to her programming.

"If you let it build up, it can quickly get out of control," Thorn said, her voice rising to match the roaring fire. "Now don't worry, this fire pit can handle the extra wood, but you can clearly see what happens if you give anger too much fuel."

Robo's processors whirred as she assimilated this information. "I believe I am experiencing... concern," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

"That's good, Robo," said Thorn, her voice filled with encouragement. "You're already identifying emotions. Now, can you relate this to your own experiences?"

"Affirmative." Robo focused her mismatched eyes on the dancing flames. "And I think I understand your lesson. If the fire grows too big, it can become dangerous, but I am afraid the fire inside of me is two hundred times larger than this flame."

Thorn's eyes widened in both shock and surprise. "Oh wow, no wonder you need my help."

Robo nodded, as her metallic body reflected the firelight, which now symbolized her internal struggle. "Affirmative. I am having... difficulty controlling it as we speak. Still, being around you and the others is helping me keep it at bay. However, I am afraid that if I do not complete my mission, I may lose control over it entirely."

Thorn's expression softened with understanding. "I see. Well, then we'll move on to the next emotion. You mentioned wanting to understand fear, right?"

"Affirmative." Robo nodded, her curiosity clear in her voice.

"Don't worry, I've got the perfect place to show you that one," Thorn said with a reassuring smile as she grabbed a bucket that stood near the fire pit. She then filled it with water from a nearby stream and quickly doused the flames.

"Now come, follow me," said Thorn, with an enormous grin on her face.

As they left the fire pit behind, Robo's sensors continued to process the lingering heat, storing away this visceral experience of 'anger' for future reference. She followed Thorn deeper into the jungle, her steps measured but eager, ready to face the next lesson in her emotional education.

Thorn soon led Robo to a small cave nearby, pausing at its entrance to light a small torch. The flickering light cast dancing shadows on the cave walls, creating an atmosphere that Robo's sensors registered as 'eerie'.

"I'll never forget this cave," Thorn said, as a visible shiver ran down her body. "It's where I first encountered fear. I once lost my way here and nearly didn't find my way out. Heck, it still gives me the heebie-jeebies, but there's something about it I like."

Robo's head tilted with curiosity. "You find positive attributes in a place that causes you distress?"

Thorn nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "That's right. Sometimes, the things that scare us can also teach us important lessons. Ready to go in?"

"Affirmative," said Robo with a soft nod as they entered the cave. As they moved forward, Robo's sensors went into overdrive, scanning the walls and floor. Her night vision activated, revealing details that even Thorn's torch couldn't illuminate.

"This cave... has life," Robo said, her voice filled with wonder as her life form scanners lit up before her internal HUD.

"Exactly," Thorn said, as her voice echoed in the cavern. "Similar to fear, this cave isn't that bad once you know how to navigate it. Fear warns us of danger, and like this cave, it can protect us from it. However, like fire, having too much fear can be dangerous. It can cause you to make poor decisions, send you in the wrong direction, or keep you away from everything around you. That's why facing your fears and conquering them is important."

Robo processed this information, her circuits buzzing with new understanding. "Affirmative, by walking into this cave, you are facing your fear directly. Even if it makes you afraid, you still wish to confront it," she observed.

Thorn's face beamed at Robo's level of insight. "You got it! Now, let's tackle the toughest emotions for us to handle: regret and sorrow."

As they exited the cave, Thorn put out her torch while Robo's systems readjusted to the bright lights of the jungle. She followed Thorn to a large waterfall. The thunderous sound of rushing water filled her audio receptors as they drew near. Beside it, there was a small chasm, which Thorn and Robo carefully climbed to reach its top.

"This waterfall and chasm," said Thorn, her voice almost drowned out by the deafening roar of the falls, "symbolize regret and sorrow. The waterfall is sorrow, constantly flowing, and the chasm is regret, seemingly bottomless. To overcome them, we must escape the treacherous water and climb out of the terrible abyss, both incredibly hard tasks to do by ourselves."

Robo's organic eye widened as she peered into the misty depths. "These emotions appear to be the most challenging to overcome compared to the others."

Thorn nodded solemnly. "They are. At least fear and anger can be temporary emotions that one can find positive ways to use, but these two... Not as easy to deal with. They're often long term and can make you feel overwhelmed when you have them."

"But how can we overcome these experiences and defeat them?" Robo asked, her voice carrying a hint of desperation.

Thorn's face softened, a warm smile spreading across her features. "With a little help from our friends," she said. She then put her hand on Robo's shoulder, her touch gentle as she caressed it. "I can control my anger, fear, regret, and sorrow by talking to them. They helped me out when I needed to extinguish a fire that got out of control. They also helped me find my way out of that cave I showed you earlier. And now they're saving me from drowning in the water and helping me climb out of the chasm. I'm getting closer to them each day. I can feel it."

Robo's processors buzzed as she assimilated this information. "I see, just like I seek you and Black Rose to guide me through my emotions," she said, realization dawning in her voice.

"Exactly," said Thorn, her voice reassuring. "That's why you shouldn't be afraid to ask others for help. If you cry out hard enough, they will come and find you."

"But what if we caused them pain in the past and do not want to burden them further?" Robo asked.

"I get it. That's why you want to understand regret and sorrow," said Thorn, as she gave Robo a gentle nod. "We both share that in common; we both hurt those who loved and cared about us deeply."

"Affirmative, but I never felt love either," said Robo, her voice almost regretful. "I was a heartless enforcer that nobody liked back home."

Thorn gave a sympathetic nod as she wrapped her arm around Robo's body. "Still, the fact you're regretting it is a good thing. It means you have the potential to become something better."

"Perhaps, but I still feel that I am a parasite to my former self, and I hurt her by keeping her under my control," said Robo.

Thorn gave Robo a reassuring smile. "I don't know. Sometimes parasites can be a good thing. Here, let me show you a key part of nature that can help you understand what I'm saying. It's called symbiosis."

Thorn soon led Robo away from the waterfall, deeper into the lush jungle. They came to a stop in a large clearing dominated by a massive tree.

"This tree and everything near it is its own ecosystem," said Thorn, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "The life forms that live in it can show you three vital forms of symbiosis that may help you understand what you are going through."

Robo's sensors went into overdrive, scanning the tree and its surroundings. Her organic eye widened slightly as she processed the wealth of data. "Symbiosis, a close association between organisms of different species. I am familiar with the concept, but I have never observed it before."

Thorn gave Robo a wide smile, pleased by her extensive knowledge. "That's right. Let's start with the one you might be most familiar with... Parasitism, my least favorite form of symbiosis."

She led Robo to a small brook nearby and knelt down, then submerged her arm in the water. After a moment, she pulled it out, revealing a small black creature that attached itself to her elbow.

"This is a leech," Thorn said, her voice calm despite the creature on her arm. "A parasite that feeds on blood. I get no benefit from it, while the leech gets a tasty snack."

Robo leaned in closer, her cybernetic eye whirring as it analyzed the leech, which seemed to pulsate as it fed off Thorn's blood. "It appears to be causing you harm. Is this not a negative relationship?"

Thorn let out a loud chuckle. "It might seem that way. But believe me, even a leech can be valuable for something." She carefully removed the leech with a small dagger and said, "This leech secretes a chemical that can prevent blood clots, which is actually very handy. Plus, the leech is food for other animals; fish, birds, and snakes absolutely love these things. So even a parasite has a vital role in nature."

Robo nodded, her processors working to integrate this new information. "I understand. Please show me more."

They soon approached the massive tree, and Thorn gestured to the large space around it. "This tree is a prime example of the next form of symbiosis, antagonism. Want to know why there's no other tree like it nearby? It secretes a chemical that stops others like it from growing too close, claiming all the nutrients and water for itself."

Robo's organic eye blinked in surprise. "The tree actively prevents competition. Efficient, though not very cooperative."

Thorn gave Robo a wide grin. "Exactly. But it's not all bad. The tree also protects those living in its branches, showcasing my favorite form of symbiosis... mutualism."

She pointed to a nearby flower where a hummingbird fluttered nearby, its wings a blur of motion as it moved. "That hummingbird drinks the flower's nectar to live, but unlike a parasite, it helps the plant by spreading its pollen so it can reproduce. After all, the plant can't move, so it needs the hummingbird's help to do that."

Robo watched the interaction, her mismatched eyes tracking the hummingbird's movements. "A mutually beneficial relationship. Both parties gain something valuable from their interactions."

"You got it," said Thorn, with a playful nod. "The same thing happens with bees and other insects who drink nectar; it's a relationship that benefits both parties."

As Robo processed this information, her circuits buzzed with a new understanding. "In this context, I think I would rather be the tree or flower, so my original self feels safe in my branches and can drink my nectar. I need nothing in return, as long as she's happy and free," she said, her voice carrying a hint of longing.

Thorn's eyes widened at Robo's insight. "Robo, your perspective is truly beautiful. But remember, in nature, even one-sided relationships often have hidden benefits."

Robo's shoulders slumped slightly, her new body capable of expressing subtle emotions. "Perhaps, but once my original self awakens, I will deactivate my programming. This body belonged to her first, and I have no right to use it."

"Please don't think like that, Robo!" Thorn said as she put her sympathetic hand on Robo's metallic shoulder. "You can coexist. I can feel it. Besides, birds aren't the only creatures that live in this tree; squirrels and bees call it home too. Be like the tree, Robo; you can still live with her inside of you. Remember, the tree is alive too. Sure, it can't think or feel emotions, but it's just as valuable as the animals that live in its branches."

Robo's organic eye focused on Thorn, uncertainty clear in its green depths. "But Thorn, I am not a true life form, but an artificial being created by the Chaos Council to control the mind of my former self and enforce their autocratic rule. I did many evil deeds in my past and do not deserve to exist. Compared to her, I am expendable."

Thorn's expression softened; her voice was gentle but firm. "Nonsense. I know you're so much better than that, Robo. You want to help your former self, right?"

Robo nodded, her posture straightening slightly. "Affirmative. By helping her, I feel I can redeem myself for what I did. And perhaps I can also help redeem her as well. But if that requires my sacrifice, I will do it without hesitation."

"Then you absolutely deserve to live, Robo," Thorn said, her grip on Robo's shoulder tightening reassuringly. "Your attitude shows me you know the true value of life. You're not just a machine anymore. You're growing, learning, and feeling. That makes you alive in my book."

Robo's shoulders slumped. "Still, I wish I had not hurt her like I did. I want to be better."

Thorn smiled. "Well, this is a great start. And to be honest with you, I think she may still need you when she awakens. I feel her spirit within you, and it's... hurt, weak, but also furious, scared, and in tremendous pain. I think she'll need your strength when she reawakens."

As Robo processed Thorn's words, something shifted within her circuits. It occurred to her that her existence held intrinsic value beyond what the Chaos Council had created her for. It was a small shift, but significant–the first step towards true self-acceptance.

Robo gave Thorn a confirming nod. "Affirmative. I can sense her discomfort in my circuits. Still, I must learn ways to keep her calm without forcing myself down upon her with my programming like I did before."

Thorn smiled at Robo, sensing the internal struggle within her metallic friend. "Don't worry, Robo, I think I've got a few tricks to show you," she said. "Come back with me to my hut, and I'll show some practical ways to manage your emotions."

As they walked back to Thorn's hut, Robo's sensors took in the vibrant life around her, correlating it with the emotional lessons she'd learned. The jungle seemed different to her now, more alive and meaningful.

Soon the pair walked into Thorn's garden, who quickly knelt down and began working the soil with her hands and shovel. "To manage my emotions, I start by doing something I enjoy. Like planting in this garden. It gives me purpose and focus, but it's not the only thing that occupies my mind or makes me feel better."

Robo observed Thorn's movements, her robotic eye whirring as it analyzed the process. "Physical activity used as an emotional regulator. Fascinating."

Thorn nodded, brushing soil from her hands as she stood. "That's right. Now, come into my hut and let me show you something else." She waved Robo to the door of her hut.

She soon opened it and said, "Please, come on in, Robo!"

Robo nodded as she walked into Thorns' hut.

As she walked inside, Thorn quickly busied herself by grabbing a small teakettle, filling it with water from a nearby bucket, and placing it in the indoor fireplace. She then retrieved some tea leaves, placing them inside two small cups.

Robo watched, her curiosity piqued. "What are you preparing?"

"This is called 'tea,'" said Thorn, as she lifted the steaming kettle from the flames. "It's a drink that can help soothe your mind and ease your burdens..." She then paused, her eyes widening as she turned to Robo. "Oh, wait, you can't drink it, can you?"

To Thorn's surprise, Robo's face displayed a small smile. "Actually, I can," she said. "This new body can consume both drink and food, as I fully wish to experience them myself. And while I will still need my energy vials for my more advanced systems, I still wish to try the simple pleasures of life for myself."

Thorn's face lit up with delight. "Well then, drink up!" she said after pouring the steaming liquid into both cups.

Robo carefully took the cup, her sensors registering its warmth. She brought it to her lips, and as the liquid touched her tongue, her entire system buzzed with new sensations. It was like lightning, but also deeply soothing, reminiscent of her energy vials, but far more enjoyable.

"This flavor... It is most pleasant, and I have a strange energy running through my systems," said Robo, her usually impassive face breaking into a wide grin as excitement ran through her circuits.

Thorn's face beamed at Robo's reaction. "There you go. Want to try food next?"

Robo nodded, her mismatched eyes bright with excitement. "Affirmative. I desire to experience that as well. Especially eating the food known as a chili dog. I wish to try them when I can."

Thorn chuckled. "Well, we don't have those around here, I'm afraid. But I have some of my famous fish stew I can give you."

She moved to a pot simmering over the fire, ladling out two bowls of a thick, aromatic stew. "Okay, it's nice and hot. Dig in!" Thorn said, her voice carrying a distinct tone of pride.

Robo took a spoonful, her sensors working overtime to process the new tastes and textures. Suddenly, her face contorted in an expression of disgust as her cybernetic eye whirred rapidly.

"I think I dislike this flavor," she said, her voice laced with confusion and disappointment. "The taste... it is not for me. But I am deeply sorry if that offends you."

To Robo's surprise, Thorn let out a loud laugh. "Hey, don't worry about it. Not everyone likes the same thing. Still, I'm glad you tried something new, even if you didn't like it."

Robo nodded, feeling a strange sense of relief. "Affirmative. Thank you so much for these experiences, Thorn. They have been... enlightening."

As they finished their tea, Robo's circuits buzzed with new data and experiences. She had learned about emotions and nature and even discovered preferences of her own. Her quest surpassed her expectations, yet she knew it was still far from over.

Suddenly, Thorn's eyes lit up with excitement as she said, "Oh! I almost forgot. There's one other technique I know to help manage my emotions... meditation! Want to try it?"

Robo tilted her head, her mismatched eyes focusing on Thorn with curiosity. "Meditation? My database has limited information on this practice, but I have seen Dr. Deep do it several times, and it seemed to help him."

"Well, if it can help a jerk like him, then it can certainly help you!" said Thorn, with a wide grin.

"Very well," said Robo with a nod. "Please help me learn this process."

"Sure thing!" said Thorn, as she sat cross-legged on the floor and then patted the space next to her. "Come on, sit like this."

Robo awkwardly lowered herself, her metallic joints whirring as she attempted to mimic Thorn's pose. After a few tries, she managed a somewhat stiff version of the cross-legged position.

"Okay, now close your eyes - er, eye," Thorn instructed, realizing Robo's cybernetic eye probably couldn't close. "And take a deep breath in..."

Robo's organic eye closed, but her cybernetic eye continued to whir softly. "But Thorn Rose, I do not have lungs. How should I proceed?"

Thorn soon paused, her brow furrowing from the realization. "Oh, right? Well, maybe you can simulate breathing? Just... make a sound like breathing?"

Robo nodded, then emitted a high-pitched whistling noise, not unlike her teakettle reaching its boiling point.

Thorn's eyes flew open in surprise. "Whoa, that's not quite-"

"Is this not correct?" Robo asked, as she still "whistled."

"Maybe try something... softer?" Thorn suggested, as she tried to stifle a soft giggle.

Robo adjusted her audio output and produced a sound reminiscent of a small vacuum cleaner.

Suddenly, Thorn's mouth contorted into a wide grin as she burst into wild laughter. "Oh, Robo," she said between chuckles, "that's not quite it either, but points for effort!"

Robo's organic eye opened as she looked at Thorn in confusion. "I do not understand. Have I done something humorous?"

Thorn wiped a tear from her eye, still grinning. "Kind of, yeah. But don't worry about it. Maybe we should try a different approach to meditation for you. How about we focus on stillness instead of breathing?"

"Stillness I can do," said Robo, as she immediately froze in place, her joints locking with an audible "click," which rang through Thorn's ears.

Thorn shook her head, smiling fondly at her efforts. "Not quite that still. Just... be present in the moment. Focus on what you can sense around you."

As Robo focused on being present, her sensors gradually adjusted to the stillness of the moment. The soft crackling of the fire, the gentle rustling of leaves outside, and even the faint hum of her own internal systems became more pronounced.

"That's it," said Thorn, her voice encouraging. "Allow your thoughts to float freely, like leaves on the water."

Robo's organic eye opened slightly. "But Thorn Rose, my thoughts come from data and algorithms. They do not 'float'."

Thorn let out another soft chuckle. "It's a metaphor, Robo. Just try to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them."

For a few moments, they sat in silence. Robo's whirring gradually slowed, and her posture seemed more relaxed.

"I believe I am experiencing something... new," Robo said, her voice softer than usual. "A sense of... calm?"

Thorn gave Robo a warm smile. "That's wonderful, Robo! That's precisely what meditation is for."

As they concluded their meditation session, Robo stood up, her joints whirring as they readjusted. "Thank you, Thorn. This experience is rather pleasurable."

Thorn nodded as she got to her feet as well. "I'm glad I could help Robo. Remember, these techniques aren't just for managing difficult emotions. They can also help you appreciate the good ones."

As Robo prepared to leave, she paused at the door of the hut. "Thorn, there is one more thing I wish to ask. If it is okay with you, I am bringing the small pink flicky with me for the rest of my journey."

Thorn's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with understanding. "Sure, he likes it here, but I think he misses you terribly. Sure, you may have hurt him in the past, but I can sense he forgives you completely."

"That is good to hear," Robo said, her voice carrying a hint of relief. "I need him because he may have vital information about my past. I feel he is a key part of my quest."

"Sure thing," said Thorn as she gave Robo a soft nod as she then called out, "Oh Little Birdy, come here... Your friend is back!"

Within seconds, the pink flicky arrived, chirping as it circled Robo's head before settling on her shoulder.

"This bird can't talk, but in a way, I can somewhat understand him," said Thorn, her voice gentle. "He knows of your past and forgave you because of it. I think he also knows you've changed, but outside of that, I really can't decipher him."

Robo gently stroked the flicky's feathers with her metallic finger. "That is okay. I shall take him to Nine and see if he can create a device to help me understand him."

As Robo stepped out of the hut, Thorn followed her to the edge of the clearing, where the transport pod waited for them. But before Robo could enter it, Thorn surprised her with an enormous hug.

"Safe travels, my dear sister," Thorn said, her voice thick with emotion.

Robo, after a moment of hesitation, returned the hug. "Affirmative. Thank you so much, Thorn Rose, for your invaluable help, and goodbye."

As the transport pod lifted off, Robo felt a strange sensation in her circuits - a warmth that wasn't from her internal systems but something deeper, more emotional. She realized this was the feeling of having a friend… or a sister.

The pink flicky chirped softly on her shoulder as they entered the rift into the void. Next stop: No Place, the dimension of pirates and seafaring adventure. Robo's processors buzzed with anticipation for the next leg of her journey.

As the transport pod made its way through the void, Robo reflected on all she had learned.

Lessons on emotions, sensations of taste and touch, and the warmth of friendship, each became fresh data for her to process. But it was more than that. It was shaping her and changing her in ways she couldn't fully comprehend yet.

These lessons and experiences were no longer just data to be processed. They were becoming a part of her, shaping her understanding of the world and herself in ways she never thought possible.

With the pink flicky as her companion and the memory of Thorn's lessons fresh in her circuits, Robo felt more prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead in No Place.

Yet, as she journeyed through the void, she remained oblivious to the unseen presence watching her from afar, its intentions as dark as the void itself...