Chapter 35: Happy Birthday
Shang Tu Island – Remote Forest, Night Hours
High above the ground, nestled deep within a remote forest in Shang Tu, the night air bristles with a cold breeze. The tall, ancient trees sway gently and the moon casts its soft silver glow across the landscape. The only sound, besides the wind, is the occasional hoot of an owl hidden somewhere among the foliage.
Amid the silence, perched high in the boughs of a sturdy tree, Spade lies on one of the branches. His expression is unreadable, his green eyes reflecting the glow of the moon as he gazes upwards, lost in thought.
In his hand is the Silver Chaos Emerald. Its otherworldly light casting a gentle silver light.
Spade lifts his arm, holding the emerald closer to his face. "That was too easy," he mutters under his breath, his lips curling into a wry smirk. He had expected more of a challenge—had prepared himself for a difficult mission to find the legendary emerald of supposedly unlimited power. Instead, it turned out to be the easiest job of his life.
He remembered the radar he had been given. The Silver Chaos Emerald had simply appeared as a tiny dot on the screen, leading him to this remote forest. After only minutes of searching, he found it sitting quietly in a bird's nest, unbothered and unguarded as if it had always belonged there.
Now, as Spade contemplates the emerald, a strange sense of calm washes over him. There is something about the gem's soft glow that comforts him. But even as he stares at the emerald, his thoughts begin to drift away from it, to something more troubling—someone important to him.
His expression darkens as memories flood back. "He's been brainwashed," Spade mutters to himself, the words bitter in his mouth. "That's why he became so erratic, so paranoid. Heh… I should have seen it sooner. What a brother I am." A harsh, self-deprecating laugh escapes him, his lips curling into a snarl. "But there's no point in regrets now."
He shifts his position on the branch, glancing down at the emerald radar. Two points of light blink steadily on the screen. One dot, blue, is moving steadily southward—out of Shang Tu and seemingly out of the archipelago. The other dot, purple, remains stationary, unmoving somewhere to the east.
The purple one didn't concern him much—it had stayed in one place for too long to be of immediate importance. But the blue dot intrigued him. It was heading away from Shang Tu, traveling fast. He wondered where it could be going, but quickly pushed the thought aside. He had more pressing matters to focus on.
His gaze returned to the emerald in his hand, and a frown creased his brow. "Robotnik said he needs all seven Chaos Emeralds to 'show the world' his power," Spade mused, his voice low and angry. His hands clenched tightly around the emerald, the fact that he had been deceived so easily—been drawn into Robotnik's plans without hesitation—made his blood boil.
"Well," Spade muttered, his voice growing firm with resolve, "this one won't be joining the others anytime soon."
He had his own plans now. With both Robotnik and that alien likely wondering where he was, it wouldn't be long before they discovered his absence. He needed to act fast, to come up with a strategy before they found him. As the thoughts raced through his mind, a decision began to take shape.
"I can't believe I'm considering this…" Spade muttered, bewilderment flickering across his face. But as much as it pained him to admit, there was only one group that could help him now. He needed to rely on them, he knew he had no other choice. He couldn't take on both Robotnik and the alien alone.
With a sigh of frustration, Spade tucked the Silver Chaos Emerald away in a secure pouch on his belt. He leaned back against the tree, closing his eyes briefly. "Before that… better get home by tomorrow. Gotta take care of something first," he murmured to himself, the exhaustion catching up to him. "Then, I'll find them," he decided.
If anyone knew the truth about Robotnik's real intentions, it would be them. They'd know what to do—and maybe, just maybe, they'd know how to save his brother from whatever they have done to him.
For now, he would wait. Tomorrow would bring new challenges. But tonight, beneath the moon's soft glow and with the Silver Chaos Emerald in his possession, he allowed himself a moment of quiet, his mind already preparing for the day ahead.
In a Hidden Place
Deep within the shadows of Shang Tu, hidden from the world above, a secret base buzzed with quiet activity. The space was vast and dimly lit, figures moved within the shadows, their movements swift and efficient. Some wore the traditional garb of shinobi—red or black robes—while others were clad in more modern, tactical gear. There were even those dressed in casual attire or wore nothing at all.
But despite their varied outfits, they all had one thing in common: the unmistakable crimson scarf wrapped around their necks.
This was the Red Scarves' Hideout, the secret lair of Avalices most notorious underground group.
Among those guarding the base, two members stood at attention in front of a sealed wooden door. One was a possum with purple eyes, his gaze flicking nervously between the shadows. The other was a gecko with pink eyes, twiddling his fingers restlessly as the minutes passed by.
The gecko shifted, breaking the silence first. "Can't believe we actually pulled it off," he said, his voice low but filled with awe.
The possum nodded, equally bewildered. "You're telling me," he muttered. "Infiltrating the palace and kidnapping the Royal Magister? The Royal Magister. Just like that. It's... unreal." He still couldn't wrap his head around the feat they had accomplished.
The gecko shivered, glancing behind him at the door. "That robot Spade brought in... that thing gives me the creeps," he whispered, remembering the day Spade had introduced them to the green robotic figure, an ally Spade claimed would help them in his quest for vengeance. "It's like he's always watching. Makes my skin crawl."
The possum grimaced at the memory. "Yeah, no kidding. When Spade first told us his plan, most of the members thought he'd lost his mind. But with the boss absence and Spade being high up in the ranks, we had no choice but to follow his lead." He crossed his arms. "And now we're working for that thing. Feels wrong."
"At least once the war breaks out, we'll be sitting pretty," the gecko mused, trying to sound optimistic. "If we pull this off, Shuigang will owe us big time. We'll survive this mess, no problem."
"Yeah…" The possum agreed, though there was a lingering doubt in his voice. He tried to shake off the unease and looked at his companion, hoping to change the subject. "Hey, aren't you curious?" His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.
The gecko hesitated, glancing nervously at the door. "About what?"
"Come on! We have him right behind this door," the possum said, excitement creeping into his tone. "As far as we know, no one's ever seen his real face! Don't you ever wonder what he looks like?"
The gecko swallowed, his curiosity warring with his fear. "I dunno… the robot said not to look, and I don't wanna get on that robot's bad side."
The possum grinned. "Oh, come on! Just a quick peek. We might never get this chance again!" His voice was filled with temptation. "I've always wondered… I bet he's some kind of bird. What do you think?"
The gecko thought about it for a moment, his curiosity winning out. "Maybe... just a little peek?" He nodded, a grin forming on his face as well. "Okay, let's do it."
Slowly, carefully, they inched the door open, the wooden creak barely audible. Their hearts pounded in their chests as they tried to catch a glimpse of the Royal Magister. They could see the edge of his blue robes and began to lift their gaze, inching upward to his face...
But before they could get any further, a ninja star whistled through the air, embedding itself in the wall between them. Both guards jumped back in shock, their hands flying to their sides.
"Dishonorable," a cold, stern voice reprimanded from above.
The two guards looked up in terror as Heavy Shinobi descended from the ceiling, landing silently before them. His red eyes burning with disapproval.
"Our hostage has requested his identity remain concealed," Shinobi said the menace in his voice unmistakable. "It is the least we can do not to humiliate him further. It is our duty, as honorable shinobi, to respect his wishes."
The possum swallowed hard, desperately trying to salvage what little dignity he had left. "We… we just wanted a look! C'mon, we're not even shinobi, it's not like we—"
"Enough." Heavy Shinobi's voice was as cold as steel, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The subtle movement made both guards flinch, fully aware of the lethal power he held. "Leave. Now. Secure the entrance. I will take over from here."
The guards exchanged a quick, panicked glance before scurrying away, muttering to themselves as they disappeared into the base's corridors.
"Damn, we were so close…" the gecko whispered, his disappointment evident.
"Forget that! I rather stay alive," the possum hissed back, quickening his pace as they hurried away from Heavy Shinobi.
Shinobi didn't take his eyes off them until they were completely out of sight. Only then did he turn his attention back to the wooden door, his body relaxing slightly but still exuding an air of vigilance.
"I apologize for their lack of decorum," Heavy Shinobi said curtly, his voice calm yet unwavering. "These runts don't have the proper training, your majesty."
From the shadows of the dimly lit room, a weak chuckle echoed. "It's not their fault," came a voice, though it was strained and weary. "Most haven't had proper upbringings."
Inside the room, the Royal Magister sat chained to the wall, his once immaculate blue robes now tattered and dirty. His head drooped slightly, exhaustion and pain etched across his features. His royal helmet had been discarded, revealing only his sharp, magenta eyes, which gleamed faintly in the darkness.
Heavy Shinobi's expression remained inscrutable beneath his green scarf. "You seem to understand their struggles well," he remarked, his voice low.
The Magister gave a small, nostalgic smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I've taken some under my wing," he said softly, the memory of a young panda girl flickering in his mind—a child who could have once lived a life like theirs, had things been different.
Shinobi regarded him for a moment, his red eyes narrowing slightly. "Honorable, truly," he said, his tone carrying a rare hint of respect. "And you believe these runts will rise to the occasion when the time comes?"
The Magister's thoughts drifted to his people, his soldiers, and those who had stood by him—Gong, his steadfast general, and Neera, the one he trusted more than anyone. He gave a slight nod, his voice filled with quiet confidence. "Yes."
Shinobi remained silent for a moment, his gaze flicking to the door. "Then let us hope they are ready," he said, his hand tightening on his sword hilt as he turned and began to close the door.
As the door clicked shut, the Magister allowed himself one last weary smile, though the weight of his circumstances bore heavily on him. "Yes… let us hope."
The room plunged into darkness, leaving the Magister alone with his thoughts, his mind swirling with uncertainty about the future and the fate of his people.
Outside, Heavy Shinobi stepped back from the door, his form blending seamlessly into the shadows. The base fell into a heavy silence once more, broken only by the distant sounds of the Red Scarves preparing for whatever chaos awaited them next.
Shuigang Palace – Unknown Location
Beneath the snowy lands of Shuigang, hidden from prying eyes, a secret underground laboratory hummed with faint, mechanical life. The lab was a chaotic mess, a graveyard of failed experiments and potential weapons—dismantled Badniks, malfunctioning Shade Core vessels, and an array of blueprints cluttered the walls. The faint scent of ozone filled the air, a sign of recent activity, mingling with the mechanical buzz of various gadgets strewn across the floor.
At the heart of this robotic graveyard lay two figures. On one table rested Metal Sonic, his once sleek, menacing form now riddled with dents and scorch marks. His right arm hung loosely by his side, sparking intermittently as his optics flickered weakly. Despite his battered state, his hatred for his enemies burned bright, his mind consumed by thoughts of destruction.
I will destroy them all… Metal Sonic seethed internally, his optics flaring briefly with fury. The memory of his battle against Milla and her companions burned in his circuits.
On the adjacent table lay the Heavy King, his metallic form faring little better. His once regal armor bore scratches and dents, remnants of his encounter with Sonic and Tails during their confrontation aboard the Mini Battery. His red optics glowed with a simmering fury, his mechanical body twitching with impatience.
"When will we be fully operational?" the Heavy King demanded, his deep voice filled with irritation. "I need to enact my revenge on Sonic the Hedgehog. I cannot be delayed any longer!"
Though Metal Sonic remained silent, his body language echoed the sentiment. His optics narrowed, his disdain at being incapacitated mirrored in the Heavy King's frustration. Both machines seethed, eager to return to the fight.
The heavy metal door at the far end of the room creaked open, and Robotnik strode inside, dressed in a new outfit. He wore a green sweater-like shirt, adorned with his trademark yellow cape, paired with lime green pants and brown shoes. His expression was one of irritation, clearly not a fan of the new look.
"Will you both shut up!" Robotnik snapped as he crossed the room. "You'll be operational when I say so, and neither of you are going after Sonic. That's not your purpose. Your purpose is to stay here and guard the Dreadnaught."
Robotnik's voice was laced with annoyance as he walked between the two tables, moving toward the large control panel at the front of the room.
"Ugh, stupid snake…" he muttered, adjusting his ill-fitting outfit. "I asked him for red, red, not this hideous green! It makes me look like a moron!" He grumbled as he approached the control screen, the irritation in his voice clear as day.
The Heavy King ignored Robotnik's rant about his wardrobe and instead fixed him with a scowl. "Then how do you plan to secure the Master Emerald?" he asked, skepticism heavy in his voice. "You'll need more than that pathetic prince's army to deal with the echidna guarding it."
Robotnik's lips curled into a confident smirk as he tapped a few keys on the control panel. "Heh, heh, heh… the pesky echidna won't stand a chance against my latest creation." His eyes gleamed with anticipation as a notification flashed on the screen—a password prompt. With a dramatic flair, Robotnik entered the code:
'Merga'.
The name sent a ripple of excitement through him, a legendary figure from Avalice's past that had been almost entirely erased from the history books. The dragon's story was sparse, hidden away in ancient texts, but the few details he had uncovered were tantalizing enough to spark his imagination. Merga, a powerful water dragon, feared and revered, had left behind tales of unimaginable strength—strength that Robotnik now sought to replicate, and even surpass, with his latest creation.
"Heh, heh, heh…" Robotnik chuckled to himself as he pressed the final button with theatrical flair. "Get a load of this!"
The room itself responded to his command. The screen on the wall began to shift, sliding away to reveal a hidden compartment in the back. The sound of machinery grinding into place echoed through the lab as the walls transformed, revealing a hidden compartment. Both Metal Sonic and the Heavy King turned their gaze toward the sight, their mechanical minds processing what they saw. A soft pink light illuminated the room, casting an eerie glow over the machinery.
"Another…?" the Heavy King muttered, his tone laced with both curiosity and disdain.
Metal Sonic's optics flickered, briefly flashing between intrigue and conflict. He had already pieced together his creator's intentions, but seeing the figure within the hidden chamber unsettled something deep in his programming.
Suspended in a capsule filled with pink viscous liquid, the form of a feminine figure floated, wires and cables snaking around her slender body. The liquid shimmered, casting a distorted reflection of her figure onto the walls.
"Arktivus demanded I rush the project, of course, that insolent snake, demanding I hurry my work!" Robotnik He growled with irritation. "I would have told him off, of course. Who dares rush the genius of Dr. Robotnik?" His voice was filled with arrogance, though a hint of frustration bled through. "But I am a genius! Even under pressure, I deliver perfection.
The Heavy King remained silent. He didn't trust Robotnik's grandiose claims, but he couldn't deny the potential power of this new creation. He would have to wait and see.
Robotnik's scowl softened into a smirk once more as he patted the capsule, his fingers tracing the wires that connected to the figure inside. "I had to base her off a pre-existing model," he admitted, casting a glance at Metal Sonic, "but rest assured, once she's fully operational, she will be far more than just another copy. The proper modifications will be made."
Reaching into his pocket, Robotnik pulled out a small, yet significant, object—a single lock of purple hair. The hair was unmistakably that of a water dragon. As he held the lock of hair up to the capsule, a slot opened up, waiting to receive the piece of DNA.
PLEASE INSERT THE SAMPLE
"This," Robotnik mused, his voice low and triumphant, "is the missing key to perfection." He slid the lock of hair into the slot, watching with anticipation as the machinery hummed to life. "With this, she will have the strength of a dragon, the speed of a machine, and the brilliance of my genius."
He inserted the lock into the capsule, watching as the liquid inside shimmered and began to react. The machines whirred to life, lights blinking across the various monitors as they processed the DNA sequence.
Both Metal Sonic and Heavy King watched the process in silence, their optics never leaving the capsule. They understood, perhaps better than anyone, the lengths Robotnik would go to in order to create the ultimate weapon.
As the machines hummed and the liquid in the capsule began to glow brighter, Robotnik took a step back, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression one of utter satisfaction.
The reaction was instantaneous. Electricity crackled and erupted within the tube, illuminating the room in harsh flashes. The laboratory was bathed in bright, erratic light, casting stark shadows across the walls.
"Yes! Yes!" Robotnik's triumphant laughter echoed throughout the room as he reveled in the spectacle. Both watched in silence—one filled with a growing sense of disdain, the other with skeptical curiosity.
The electricity surged, swirling around the capsule, until it slowly began to subside. The light faded, and within the now-drained pink liquid, the figure inside began to stir.
BOOTING… BOOTING…
At first, only the fingers twitched, then the hands, and soon the rest of the figure's body started to move. Finally, she lifted her head, revealing a pair of vibrant pink optics that snapped open with mechanical precision.
METAL SERIES 2011 SYSTEM IS NOW ONLINE
She had sleek, metallic pink-gray metal around her muzzle and arms, triangular ears adorning the top of her head alongside two blue ear pieces. Her whole body was covered in purple metal. Three large fins, one on top forming a downward spike, extended from the back of her head, with two long, wire-like strands that resembled twin tails. She wore light blue armor, with a matching skirt and blue cuffs on her sharp, clawed hands. Her feet, encased in bluemetallic boots, gleamed under the lights. The most prominent feature, however, was the engine embedded in her chest, glowing faintly with power.
"Happy Birthday, Metal Lilac," Robotnik declared, his voice dripping with satisfaction.
With a mechanical whir, the wires attaching her to the capsule released her. She took her first tentative steps, stumbling slightly as she adjusted to her newfound body and balance.
Her eyes scanned the room again, quickly processing the scene around her. The first thing she focused on was the figure directly in front of her.
Her optics flickered as her mind registered the thought:
Who are you?
Robotnik's laughter rang out again. "Hehehahaha, success! As expected of me, Doctor Ivo Robotnik! Look upon me, my new creation, and acknowledge your creator!"
Her pink optics flickered once more, as if processing his words. Doctor Ivo Robotnik. Her creator. The one who had brought her online, she nodded her head, acknowledging him.
Her attention then shifted, and her optics flickered again as she noticed the other two figures in the room. Her eyes analyzed them, processing their identities.
ANALYZING… UNIT IDENTIFIED: METAL SONIC.
Metal Sonic stared back at her, his optics narrowing with irritation and disdain. His systems buzzed with resentment at the sight of this new creation.
Metal Lilac, sensing his hostility, briefly wondered why his optics flickered with such emotion, but said nothing.
She turned to the other figure.
ANALYZING… UNIT IDENTIFIED: HEAVY KING.
The Heavy King regarded her with curiosity, his head tilted slightly. "Another one? I thought Metal Sonic was supposed to be your ultimate creation." His voice carried a hint of skepticism, though his interest was piqued.
Robotnik, always eager to boast, stepped closer to Metal Lilac and placed a hand on her metallic shoulder. She didn't flinch; instead, she stood tall, her eyes flickering with an almost imperceptible glow of satisfaction at his touch.
"True," Robotnik conceded, nodding toward Metal Sonic. "After the failures of the other Metal Series models, I scrapped them all and decided to focus on Metal Sonic alone." His gaze hardened, as if recalling the shortcomings of his past creations.
"But then," he continued, a gleam of excitement returning to his eyes, "after encountering Sash Lilac, I saw an opportunity. The fact that there are still water dragons on this planet was a surprise, to say the least. When I saw how much she resembled Sonic, the similarities were too striking to ignore. I realized I could create something new… something that could surpass both."
The Heavy King crossed his arms. "And the hair?" he asked with curiosity. "The other Metal Series models didn't require DNA."
Robotnik chuckled, his smug grin spreading across his face. "Ah, very observant today, aren't you? It's true that I typically don't rely on organic material when creating my robots. However, this time, I had access to Brevon's technology, and I decided to try something different." He glanced at the Heavy King with a smirk. "If the other Metal models couldn't surpass Metal Sonic, perhaps a new approach would yield better results."
Metal Lilac stood still, processing everything. She understood now—she was meant to be something greater. Something new. A creation born from the combined genius of Robotnik and the alien technology of Brevon. Her purpose was beginning to crystallize in her mind.
But there was something else—a name that stirred something deep within her newly-formed consciousness. Sash Lilac.
The name echoed in her mind. Sash Lilac, a names that stirred a sense of… importance, but also an emerging feeling of rivalry.
Robotnik observed Metal Lilac closely, his smirk widened as he leaned down to her eye level.
"Oh? You don't recognize those names?" Robotnik's tone turned teasing, yet dark, his voice laced with an almost sadistic pleasure. His face hovered inches from hers, locking his calculating gaze with her newly awakened pink optics.
"How do I put this?" Robotnik mused, his voice mockingly soft. "Sonic the Hedgehog and Sash Lilac are two pests who have been interfering with my plans ever since I arrived here, preventing me from turning this miserable planet into something better. They are liabilities, thorns in my grand vision for a new world." He inched even closer, his eyes gleaming with anger. "And you, Metal Lilac, will be the one to remove them."
Metal Lilac's optics brightened. For a better world? Her mind processed his words. Sonic the Hedgehog... Sash Lilac... A liability to her creator. The concept of these threats became clearer as she stepped out of the capsule, standing straight and tall.
"You seem eager," Robotnik noted, satisfaction lacing his voice. "Good. But unfortunately for you, you are too important to simply throw at any target. I have a special mission just for you."
Metal Lilac disregarded her initial urge to eliminate the threats immediately. She turned her full attention to Robotnik, awaiting her orders with a quiet eagerness.
"Your primary mission," Robotnik continued, his voice dripping with sinister importance, "is to secure the Master Emerald from Angel Island."
Metal Lilac's internal systems whirred as the command embedded itself in her core programming. She processed the task immediately—Angel Island, Master Emerald. Her optics flickered in acknowledgment, and she nodded. The mission was now a part of her very being.
Robotnik leaned in closer, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "And your secondary mission…" He paused, savoring the moment. "...destroy Sash Lilac and her pathetic friends."
Metal Lilac's optics flared with intensity. Destroy them. The hatred she now felt toward this "Sash Lilac," the one who dared to steal her name, ignited within her core.
At this point, Heavy King raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say they weren't a priority?" he asked, his voice edged with skepticism.
Robotnik let out a dismissive chuckle. "Oh, they wouldn't have been," he began, before his tone shifted to irritation as he glared at Heavy King. "If it weren't for the fact that the Magician has gone radio silent! I can't detect her anymore!"
Heavy King's eyes widened in surprise. "Impossible! My internal systems indicate that she is still functional!" he growled, defensive of his fellow Heavy.
Robotnik sneered. "Oh, really? Well, I hardly believe in your assessment given your current condition." His mocking tone grated against Heavy King's pride. "But let's assume, for the sake of argument, that you're right. Even if the Magician is still out there, Sonic and his friends have escaped from Shang Tu's dungeon. I can feel it!"
Robotnik's fists clenched as he barked, "I can't afford any more mistakes!" He turned to Metal Lilac, his tone shifting back to command. "You will retrieve the Master Emerald first. Once that's done, we'll track down what happened to the Blue Chaos Emerald. Unlike them, we have the means to filter the Kingdom Stone's energy waves."
Metal Lilac's hands clenched into tight fists, her pink optics glowing even brighter. Sash Lilac... Sonic... They were threats to her creator's vision. They would be destroyed. How dare someone else use her name, her purpose?
Her internal systems aligned, confirming the directives she had been given.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: RETRIEVE THE MASTER EMERALD.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: DESTROY SASH LILAC AND HER COMPANIONS.
As she prepared to leave, Robotnik's voice called after her once more. "One more thing." His voice was tinged with a sinister tone as he added, "Among her friends is an alien who calls himself a Chaser. Capture him and bring him to me as well."
Metal Lilac's programming immediately adjusted to accommodate the new command.
REWRITING OBJECTIVES...
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: RETRIEVE THE MASTER EMERALD.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: CAPTURE THE CHASER.
TERTIARY OBJECTIVE: DESTROY SASH LILAC AND HER FRIENDS.
"Excellent," Robotnik said, his eyes gleaming with malevolent satisfaction. "You will leave immediately. Understood?"
Metal Lilac nodded, her face devoid of emotion, but her optics burned with cold determination. She would do anything for her creator.
"Very well," Robotnik's smile widened. "Go forth, Metal Lilac, and fulfill your mission."
Her internal engines roared to life. For his world.
With a powerful burst, she shot out of the laboratory, her body curling into a streamlined form as she accelerated, leaving a gust of wind in her wake. The sound of her departure echoed through the chamber.
Heavy King watched her leave, his optics narrowing in silent thought. His expression hardened, and he turned to Robotnik. "What makes you think my Magician failed her mission?" he asked with irritation. "She is cunning and astute. She must be steering the conflict, working on the chaos we need."
Robotnik scoffed dismissively, waving a hand. "You and your delusions," he muttered. "But fine—IF you're right, and that's a big 'if,' then congratulations. Maybe I'll consider bringing back the other scraps you call Heavies."
Robotnik moved toward his workbench, preparing tools for repairs. "Now shut up. It's time to get you both fixed."
Heavy King fell silent, his gaze drifting upward as he stared at the ceiling, a storm of unspoken thoughts flickering behind his eyes. Though his face remained emotionless, something deeper stirred within him.
Beside him, Metal Sonic clenched his fists, a low whirring sound escaping his systems as frustration bubbled beneath his metal frame. Another model—a so-called equal—had been created. The resentment festered within him, his optics flickering dimly as he processed the situation. He had already grown to hate the flesh copy, and now this inferior model was added to the list. He would not tolerate this.
The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the rhythmic clinking of Robotnik's tinkering. As the repairs commenced, an undercurrent of resentment and uncertainty lingered in the air.
Metal Lilac soared high above the icy landscapes of Shuigang, the frigid winds whipping against her metallic frame. Below her, the snowy fields stretched as far as the eye could see. The gentle undulation of the snow-covered plains created an almost serene beauty, a stark contrast to the cold mechanical fury that burned inside her core.
For a brief moment, Metal Lilac paused mid-flight, her sensors picking up the soft glint of the sunrise as it began to break over the horizon. The untouched snow sparkled like a blanket of diamonds, reflecting the soft pastel hues of the dawn sky above. The sight was almost… astonishing.
Her optics, though artificially created, took in the beauty of the world for a brief moment, her gaze locking onto the horizon. Something unfamiliar stirred deep within her circuits, a fleeting recognition of the world's grandeur.
Yes. This world will soon be for my creator.
Her mission resonated through her like an undeniable truth, surging powerfully within her core. A world shaped by his genius. A perfect world.
With that thought fueling her purpose, Metal Lilac roared her engines to life, her metallic frame curling into a ball. She unleashed a powerful Dragon Boost, the sudden burst of energy propelling her forward at incredible speed. Her form became a blur of purple and silver, cutting through the cold morning air like a comet, towards her destination.
For the world. For Robotnik.
As the first rays of dawn brightened the snowy world below, Metal Lilac vanished into the horizon.
A silent harbinger of what was to come.
{A/N}
Alright, so here's where we stand: Spade has gone rogue, the Royal Magister has sided with the Red Scarves , and yes, I gave Snively's clothes to Robotnik—because why not, lol.
Now, onto the main event: Metal Lilac. It was probably obvious that this was coming, but I threw in a twist—it's her 2011 hedgehog design, not the dragon one, just to make things different.
With this chapter, we've wrapped up Act 5: Shang Tu Escapades, which also closes the first part of Winds of Freedom. I'll be taking a short break (hello, Shadow Generations) and will return for Act 6: Angel Island. But before I go, a few words.
We've hit 36 chapters, and I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you. Thank you for sticking with me and taking the time to read this fic. I'm excited to bring you even more in the next act.
Oh! likes and comments are really appreciated! Maybe I should have said this at the very beginning.
Anyways have a great day!.