- Chapter 13 -

Return of Robotnik

Two months later…

During the quiet period that followed the South Island incident, the Freedom Fighters set about refurbishing Knothole Village and making it an actual base, most notably by using their resources to convert an old limestone cavern in the heart of the village into a comfortable home away from home. One day found the group hanging out in the common room of Freedom HQ, doing their own business when Sally came in, holding a small handheld computer.

"You're so bored you're playing video games too, Sal?" Sonic quipped.

"Sonic, this isn't a video game," Sally clarified. "Don't you recognize Nicole?"

Sonic blinked as it dawned on him. "Whoa. I forgot you still had her."

Nicole, as Sally called her, was a handheld A.I. that was given to her as a child by Kingdom of Acorn scientist Dr. Ellidy. Serving as a form of PDA, she served a wide variety of functions for the young princess.

"These past few months, I've been having Rotor and Porker upgrade her," Sally went on. "One of her latest functions is a direct interface with the Kintobor Computer back at Station Square University."

"Kintobor what now?" Sonic perked. "Oh yeah! Dr. Kintobor's brain thing burned onto one of the Power Rings. I remember now." After a minute, he scratched his head in confusion. " But, uh... why'd you do that?"

"It's a theory Rotor came up with. He believes the Kintobor program may have some kind of connection to Dr. Robotnik. That he may be able to monitor what he does."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Sonic asked.

Sally nodded, pressing a few buttons. "Nicole, initiate Kintobor interface."

"As you wish, Sally," Nicole replied.

The sound of a dial-up modem sounded, followed by a brief image of Julian Kintobor, which shifted into picture-less dialogue between Robotnik and two voices the Freedom Fighters didn't recognize.

"Dr. Robotnik, preparations are nearly complete," one of them said. "Do we move forward with the plan?"

"Indeed," Robotnik confirmed. "I will be arriving at Westside Island shortly to oversee the final stages."

"It is time for those poor fools of Mobius to bow before our might," a third person declared.

"'Our' might?" Robotnik questioned threateningly.

The third person chuckled nervously. "I mean your might, Uncle. Slip of the tongue."

Sonic perked, finally recognizing the third person.

"I know that voice. Dr. Kintobor's nephew Snively." He scowled. "Conniving little sneak."

"Westside Island…" Sally mused. "What could he be up to there?"

Sonic shrugged. "Only one way to find out."

-X-

Tails led the Freedom Fighters to a hangar, where Porker and Rotor stood waiting in front of a large object covered by a tarp.

"My fellow Freedom Fighters, after two months of pouring our blood, sweat, and tears into it, the three of us have finally completed the team's personal troop carrier," he announced. "Allow me to present... the Freedom Fighter Special!"

He yanked the tarp off with a flourish, revealing a black jet big enough to carry all of them. Sonic whistled.

"Nice work, Tails," he congratulated.

"Well, it was a group effort," Tails pointed out.

"This'll get us to Westside Island in no time," Rotor assured.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Johnny questioned.

They boarded the plane. Tails sat at the pilot seat, running diagnostics.

"Instruments at 100% capacity, all systems go. Everyone strap in and get ready for takeoff!"

Everyone got into their seats and fastened their seat belts. Tails threw the switch, and the top of the hangar opened up, allowing the plane to depart. As they went, Nicole, at Sally's request, informed them of the history of the island.

"Legend has it that a very long time ago, the Ancients that resided on Westside Island used the Chaos Emeralds to advance their civilization and achieve prosperity. However, when they tried to use the Emeralds for the wrong reasons, their prosperity vanished overnight, and the gods themselves sealed away the Emeralds within the island's depths."

"Explains why Robotnik would be interested in it," Sonic mused.

"What do you think he's up to?" Rotor wondered.

Robotropolis (1)

Within Robotropolis, an industrialized city created by his burgeoning empire, Robotnik oversaw the Badnik horde as they were constructed, and the Death Egg's completion. He's managed to "acquire" some workers from a small village, and all of them were working tirelessly to do their jobs. His Swatbots ensured that none of his new "workers" slacked off. This was a tremendous help, given that Robotnik had some personal issues to deal with. Specifically, his still-bandaged left hand and the fact that it was constantly itching and aching.

"Hand still bothering you, Uncle?" Snively asked.

"It's nothing," Robotnik said dismissively. "Just needs more time to heal." The hand was trembling slightly, but he didn't notice. "Though it has been itching a lot lately."

"Just change the bandages," Snively replied dismissively. "You'll be fine."

After a few moments, the itching got to be too much, and Robotnik finally gave in. "Snively, continue overseeing the Death Egg. I need to get to the medical bay."

And with that, he departed.

Emerald Hill Zone

Meanwhile, the Freedom Fighters were approaching Westside Island. The Freedom Fighter Special landed in a picturesque area dominated by lush, green fields, sparkling lakes, and dotted with palm trees, the group disembarking.

"The Emerald Hill Zone," Tails mused nostalgically. "Been a long time since we've been back here."

"Reminds me of Green Hill Zone in a way," Sonic remarked.

They looked around. Nothing seemed to be out of place.

"It's quiet," Sally remarked. "Too quiet."

Sonic looked at his wrist as if checking a watch. "Y'know, if Robotnik really is here and up to something big and bad, I'd say we're about to see a sign of it right about…"

As if on cue, an ominous flash occurred up ahead, followed by a terrific explosion.

"Called it," Sonic deadpanned before dashing off.

"Sonic, wait!" Sally shouted, the others hurrying after him.

-X-

Up ahead, Commander Brutus was overseeing several Mobians rounded up to be converted into Badniks. A female rabbit in particular was strapped into a portable Roboticizer, while two Swatbots held a male squirrel by the shoulders. Brutus looked over the smashed computer console, the source of the explosion.

"It was a good try, rodent," he remarked, "but I'm afraid the roboticization process can't be stopped."

He looked the squirrel up and down. "Hmmm... and I believe you're the perfect organic battery needed for the Cybernik project."

"Dream on!" the squirrel snapped. "I'll never be one of you!"

Despite his struggles, the squirrel was unable to escape from the Swatbots' grasp, and was stuffed into an empty Badnik shell that, ironically, resembled a metal squirrel.

"And here's the beautiful part," Brutus gloated. "The Cybernik shell is composed of solid Megatal. Completely indestructible. Once you become a Cybernik, you will never be free, and serve Robotnik forever."

"You'll never brainwash me into following you!" the squirrel snapped defiantly. "I'm Shorty the Squirrel, and always will be!"

"Whatever helps you sleep at night."

The head of the Cybernik armor slowly lowered down, covering Shorty's own head. Despite his struggles, he couldn't stop and eventually held perfectly still. Brutus looked over him, the new Cybernik standing stock still.

"It's done." he boasted. "You and the armor are now one, the first in a new race of ultimate Badniks. Even Sonic can't break Megatal."

He grinned. "Now, Cybernik, show me your power."

After a moment or two, Shorty raised his arm, a laser blaster poking out... and fired directly at Brutus. It scored a direct hit, but Brutus was unfazed, more shocked than anything.

"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded. "I didn't say demonstrate on me!"

"Like I give a crap!" Shorty snapped, his voice coming through the helmet with a slight robotic tinge, but still full of emotion. He raised his fists. "I told you I'd never serve that lard-butt, and I meant it!"

"How is this possible?!" Brutus shouted. "No one can resist the Badnik programming!"

"Well, I did smash your equipment. That, and I've always been stubborn."

"A fault you will suffer for," Brutus vowed.

The two charged at one another, clashing in an even match.

"You trapped me in this suit... and you're gonna regret that big time!" Shorty vowed.

Brutus smirked. "I think not."

He pulled a small handheld device from his cape and pressed the button. Shorty began sparking with electricity, collapsing in pain.

"W-what the-?!" he let out.

"Failsafe Dr. Robotnik created," Brutus explained. "Something to scramble unruly Badnik circuits. Now beg for mercy!"

"No-!" Shorty choked out a scream. "No way!"

Before this could continue, a blue blur slammed into Brutus, knocking him back and the scrambler out of his hand. As it hit the ground, Sonic stomped on it, smashing it and freeing Shorty from the effects.

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" the hedgehog demanded. "Or at the very least, in the same IQ bracket."

At that very moment, Sonic's eyes shifted to the Roboticizer where the rabbit was trapped. His face shifted from shock, to horror, to rage before he dashed forward, tucking into a ball and smashing the glass casing. As the device powered down, he pulled the unfortunate rabbit out, seeing her left arm and both legs had been roboticized.

"Damn…" he cursed. "At least it's not any worse."

At that moment, Brutus got to his feet, glaring at Sonic.

"YOU!" he bellowed.

"That's right, me."

"You've interfered with the doctor's plans for the last time, Sonic!" Brutus aimed his blaster at Sonic, who nimbly dodged the blast. "Let me remind you my alloy is indestructible, Sonic. If you were powerless against me back in the Jungle Zone, what do you really expect to do now?"

"This time, I'm not alone!" Sonic shot back.

Right on cue, the rest of the Freedom Fighters arrived.

"Can't sit still for one minute, can you?" Sally questioned.

"Sorry," Sonic said. "Thirty seconds is my limit."

Shorty stepped up as well, brandishing both of his arm cannons. "As tough as you are, even you can't take all of us. But go on and try it. I'd love to watch you fail."

"You underestimate me, little Cybernik." Brutus retorted.

A fight broke out, with Sonic dashing back and forth against the behemoth. This did little as Brutus knocked him away. The rest of the Freedom Fighters charged into battle, though able to hold their own, soon find themselves losing ground against Brutus. Eventually, Sally decided it was time for their trump card.

"Sonic!"

Sonic perked, turning to Sally just as she yanked a Power Ring out of her pocket and tossed it at him. He caught the Ring, his form beginning to glow before he ran at Brutus at full speed, knocking him off his feet. Before he could even hit the ground, Sonic clasped his fists together, reeling back and slamming them into Brutus' chest with enough force to plow him into the ground. With that, he sprang into the air before tucking into a Spin Attack, drilling into Brutus' chest and pummeling him deeper and deeper into the soil. Eventually, he flipped backward, landing on his feet with a grin.

"Do yourself a favor and stay down," he declared.

Brutus didn't answer. He merely sparked, a dazed look on his faceplate as he found himself barely able to move. With that done, Sonic turned to Shorty and the rabbit, the latter of whom had just woken up and was looking over her newly robotic limbs.

"No…" the rabbit let out in horror, her voice thick with a Southern accent.

"I'm sorry I couldn't get here in time," Sonic told her. "But at least they didn't get you completely."

That came to little comfort to the rabbit. She hiccupped, her hands shaking as she ran her normal hand across her robotic arm. Sonic looked over both of them.

"What are your names?" he asked.

The rabbit looked up. "B-Bunnie. Bunnie Rabbot."

"I was Shorty, but for now, you can call me... Shortfuse."

"I know how you feel," Sonic assured them both. "Robotnik did to my Uncle Chuck what he did to you two. But I swear, we'll find a way to reverse the process. Someday."

"In the meantime, we need to find out what Dr. Robotnik is up to," Sally cut in. "Do you know anything?"

"He's been working on some kind of super-weapon," Shortfuse told them. "He calls it the Death Egg. He claims when it's completed, all of Mobius will quake with fear before it."

"Then we'd better make sure it never gets off the ground," Sonic decided. "You know where they're building it?"

"This big industrial city they constructed on the other side of the island," Bunnie answered. "Brutus called it Robotropolis."

"Probably big enough to fill his over-inflated ego," Sonic muttered.

They were about to get going when Bunnie suddenly piped up. "Wait, let us come with you."

The Freedom Fighters turned back to them.

"You sure?" Tails asked.

"Robotnik's invention turned us into these... things," Bunnie reminded them. "And as long as I have these robot limbs, I might as well put them to good use."

"Yeah," Shortfuse agreed. "This is personal."

"Won't get any arguments from me," Sonic said with a smile. "Welcome aboard."

Robotropolis

Meanwhile, Robotnik and Grimer were about to examine the former's bandaged hand, which was now trembling in convulsive little bursts.

"It's getting worse," Robotnik managed through clenched teeth. "That hedgehog did more damage than I thought."

"Let me see it, Doctor," Grimer insisted. "Please."

After a minute, Robotnik nodded and slowly unwrapped the bandages. The minute he did, they both recoiled at the sight; Robotnik's left hand was deathly pale, streaked with black veins. His fingernails were extending into claws.

"What in the name of-?!" Robotnik managed, looking over his withered hand.

"This… this isn't some normal wound," Grimer remarked. "I thought you said Sonic broke your hand. This looks more like poison. Or worse… corruption."

"He did break my hand!" Robotnik snapped. "He ground it under his heel…" realization dawned on him mid-sentence, "while he was empowered by the negative energy of the Chaos Emeralds!" He let out a growl, slamming his uninjured fist onto the table. "Damn that hedgehog. If it keeps going at this rate, my whole body could be infected!"

"What do you suggest we do?" Grimer questioned.

"What else can we do, idiot?" Robotnik demanded. "This hand has to come off!"

Grimer nodded solemnly. "Right. Remove your shirt. I need to see just how far this has spread."

Robotnik nodded, immediately removing his shirt. The damage seemed to have gone as far as his elbow.

"Damn…" Grimer cursed. "I'm sorry, Doctor. It seems I'll have to remove your forearm as well. Unless you want to give the Roboticizer a try."

"This isn't a normal affliction," Robotnik told him. "It wouldn't do any good. Let's just deal with this so I can focus on the Death Egg... and how best to make that hedgehog suffer for this."

Grimer grabbed a device nearby, pressing a few buttons and protruding a red energy blade from it. Robotnik held out his left arm, closing his eyes and looking away just as Grimer brought it down, quickly and cleanly slicing through the arm and lopping it off a little bit above the elbow. Robotnik let out an agonized scream, reeling back and smashing a table with his remaining fist before clutching his stump in pain. Eventually, he managed to get himself under control, glaring at his severed arm, which lay flexing and twitching on the table.

"...I really hate that hedgehog."

Author's Note:

(1): My replacement for the Metropolis Zone in Sonic 2, since I already established Metropolis is on the continent of Soumerca near Station Square.

The idea of Robotnik losing his arm after his fight with Dark Sonic is something suggested to me by Writing Avenger 2016. Those of you who watched the SatAM cartoon or read the early Archie comics probably have a good idea what's gonna happen to him now.

Bunnie Rabbot joins the crew, as does Shortfuse the Cybernik from Sonic the Comic. Can they stop the Death Egg's launch?

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Bunnie - Cat Taber (Padmé Amidala from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Party Girl from Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Rogue in X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse)

* Shortfuse - Derick Snow (Wall Eehto from Fairy Tail, Roh from Dragon Ball Super, Eita Kusunoki from Seraph of the End)

* Nicole - Dana Swanson (SARA from Toonami)

Please R&R. Until next time!