- Chapter 38 -

The Sonic Terminator

Three months later...

In an enclosed area, Sonic sped through, only to be attacked by a figure that seemed even faster than he was, slamming him into the wall. Before he could get up, the figure lifted him up, sparking with electricity before electrocuting him, then firing a laser blast from its chest that blasted a gaping hole in Sonic's own.

"Stand down!" Snively's voice came.

The figure obliged and stepped away, revealing the Sonic he just pummeled and shot was nothing but a robot in his image. Robotnik entered, alongside Snively and Grimer, looking it over.

"Very impressive," Grimer noted. "The practice robot is completely trashed."

"Yes, a practice robot with only a fraction of the genuine article's speed, and absolutely none of his prowess," Snively deadpanned, giving a sarcastic slow clap. "Impressive indeed."

"Always so negative, Snively," Grimer sighed.

Snively shrugged. "I'm just being honest."

"Regardless, that was the final test," Robotnik cut in. "Perimeters are up to snuff. He's built to match Sonic's every move and equal his strength and speed, if not surpass it entirely." He smirked. "It's time to launch 'Operation: Terminate Sonic.'"

He began laughing maniacally as his latest robot was unleashed.

Mobotropolis

Jules and Bernie were out in town, getting some shopping done.

"Don't forget to grab some extra dog food for Muttski," Bernie told Jules.

"I won't, dear," Jules assured.

"And make sure to get those cans of chili Sonic likes." Bernie added. "He was complaining he was running out."

Jules nodded. "Of course."

As they went around town, suddenly something slammed into the ground in the center of town, leaving a sizable impact crater. The dust slowly cleared, and the figure stood up, revealing itself to be a robot built in Sonic's likeness. It was composed of blue metal and had a yellow circular depression in his chest with a black center, mirroring the peach skin on Sonic's chest. Its head had metal fins resembling Sonic's quills and a pair of triangular "ears." It also had a muzzle, shoulder plates, upper arms, legs, and fingers made out of silvery metal, the fingers coming to a sharp claw-like point. Its palms are black, while the backs of its hands are square yellow plates. Its forearms and lower legs were blue metal like its head and torso, and it had red feet with white stripes designed to resemble Sonic's shoes. Finally, it had optic sensors with black sclerae and red irises, which glared out at those around it. The citizens took in the sight of the bot in open-mouthed horror, but none more so than the Hedgehog couple.

"Oh, Aurora…" Jules managed. "Sonic…"

He clutched Bernie, who had a hand to her mouth.

"Robotnik…" she let out. "He roboticized him…"

The robot looked around town, taking in the terror of the Mobotropolis civilians before speaking.

"Sonic the Hedgehog lives in this city. Where is he now?"

This managed to break through the terror and horror, the Hedgehog family registering the question.

"You're not Sonic?" Jules questioned. The robot slowly turned to face them.

"Jules and Bernadette. Sonic's parents," he noted, his voice a digitally distorted, emotionless version of Sonic's own. "I demand you tell me where he is. It is time for his extermination."

That was all the confirmation they needed.

"You're not Sonic…" Jules sighed in relief, before throwing his shopping bag at the robot and grabbing Bernie. "Let's go!"

They started running, but before they could even blink, Metal was suddenly right in front of them.

"That was not a request," he warned, advancing on them. "Where is Sonic? I will not hesitate to destroy you and this city unless you tell me."

"We won't give up our son," Bernie swore. "Not to a pale imitation like yourself."

"So be it."

The engine on his back revved up, and he took to the sky like a rocket before beginning to plow through multiple buildings. Everyone began ducking for cover, running for the hills. Jules and Bernie bolted to the lab where the Kintobor Computer resided.

"Julian!" Jules shouted. "Wake up!"

On cue, the hologram of Julian's head appeared.

" I need you to send a distress call to Nicole, right now!"

"What should I tell her?" Julian asked.

"That we need Sonic in Mobotropolis now!" Jules cried. "And to bring back-up!"

Julian's eyes unfocused as he began sending the signal…

Knothole

The Freedom Fighters were sitting around, hanging out, when Nicole suddenly began beeping frantically.

"Incoming distress signal from Mobotropolis," she informed them.

Everyone instantly got to their feet.

"Mom and Dad…" Sonic realized. "What's going on, Nicole?"

"Julian only says that you need to get to Mobotropolis right away, and to bring back-up," Nicole replied.

"Eggman…" Sonic clenched his fists. "Took him longer than I thought. I can run ahead, but you guys aren't as fast as me."

"I've got an idea," Tails reached into his pocket, pulling out a leather pouch. He opened it, pulling out a small, golden ring. "They're called Warp Rings. Rotor, Porker and I got the idea from studying the Power Rings, and those Giant Rings you mentioned sent you to the Special Zone. We made them so we could get to places sooner. No more leaving people behind/ You just need to visualize where you want to go, then throw the ring."

Sonic took the ring, focusing before tossing it. It stretched open, becoming a massive portal to Mobotropolis. They could see several buildings on fire, as well as people running for help.

"Let's move!" Sonic declared.

One after another, they all jumped through the portal.

Mobotropolis

Once they came out of the other side, they heard mechanical footsteps. They turned to see Bernie backing out of an alley, the Sonic robot closing in on her.

"Leave my baby alone, you-!"

Bernie's shout was cut off when the robot darted forward, grabbing her by the neck and bodily lifting her up.

"This is your last chance, Bernadette," he warned. "Where can I find Sonic?"

Sonic's eyes lit up with rage and he charged at the robot at full speed.

"Right here!"

The robot had just enough time to turn before Sonic plowed into him, knocking him back and forcing him to release Bernie. Sonic quickly caught his mother, running off with her.

"You okay, Mom?" he asked as he sat her down.

"I am now that you're here," Bernie replied with a smile. "I was so scared at first... I thought that thing was you."

"Yeah, Robotnik's had a habit of making robot mes ever since Westside Island," Sonic remarked. "But don't worry, Mom. They'll never be anything like-"

Suddenly, Metal tackled Sonic from the side, forcing him to drop Bernie. After a brief clash, Sonic broke free, jumping aside.

"Well, you're the most accurate Sonic bot I've seen yet," he noted. "Eggman's learning."

"Silver Sonic and Mecha Sonic were mere beta tests," the robot shot back. "I am Metal Sonic, your worst nightmare."

"Trust me, you wouldn't even make it in the top ten."

"Dr. Robotnik has taken all of his accumulated data on you, your speed, your skill, your fighting style, and uploaded it into me," Metal Sonic boasted. "I possess all the power and skill that you wield, and I have only one purpose in my existence: to destroy you."

Sonic stretched before getting serious.

"Well, you made one fatal mistake, Metal," he spat. "You messed with my family. So you better be ready for a world of pain."

He charged at Metal, rolling into a Spin Dash, but Metal braced himself, catching the spinning hedgehog .The rotating spines threatened to tear into his hands, but Metal managed to redirect the Spin Attack, sending Sonic flying into a fountain.

"As I said, Sonic, I am your equal," Metal declared. "Do you truly believe you can conquer yourself?"

Sonic pulled himself out of the ruined fountain, shaking water out of his spines.

"I dunno. Let's find out."

They clashed furiously, managing to hold their own reasonably well as their battle began to tear the streets asunder. Sonic and Metal matched each other blow for blow, neither able to gain an advantage over the other as shockwaves echoed from their clashing, breaking windows and cracking pavement. The other Freedom Fighters watched the clash from a distance.

"This is crazy!" Tails exclaimed.

Sally looked around in horror, seeing the collateral damage that was happening.

"If this keeps up, there won't be a city left to save!" She turned toward Sonic. "Sonic! You've gotta take this out of Mobotropolis!"

An idea forming, Tails yanked out one of the Warp Rings. Focusing, he threw it in the path Sonic and Metal were taking, a portal opening up before them. Once they were through, Tails closed the portal, the sounds of battle suddenly dying.

"Sacre bleu…" Antoine managed. "Where did you send them?"

"Somewhere they can smash to their hearts' content," Tails said simply.

Badlands

As the portal spat them out and the two plowed through a rock, Sonic skidded to a halt, taking in their surroundings. The area was a barren, rocky terrain covered with battle-scars and rubble. He quickly recognized it as the Mobian Badlands, the site of the final battle of the Great War.

"The Badlands…" Sonic let out. "Works out for me. Now I don't have to worry about any of my friends or civvies getting hurt while I take you out."

"Your overconfidence will be your undoing," Metal said.

He launched something out of his head, which revealed itself to be a small Egg Robo. Sonic looked at it, seeing it to be a surveillance drone.

"Now all of Mobotropolis will be able to witness the demise of its hero," Metal went on. "And with you gone, they will have no choice to submit to the doctor."

"Don't go writing my obituary just yet," Sonic retorted. "You'll be the one in the scrap heap when this is over."

The fight continued, tearing the Badlands apart in their wake. The two clashed close up, engaging in a rapid flurry of punches and kicks; every once in a while, they got a shot in, but kept going. Eventually, they were forced apart. Sonic was panting sporting several bruises, while Metal had more than a few dents, his fans working overtime.

"It seems it's time to break out my secret weapon." Metal Sonic began sparking with electricity, his body flashing red. "Engaging Ring Spark Field."

"What the…"

Clenching his fists, Sonic rushed at Metal. The second he hit the barrier, several volts of electricity coursed through him. He screamed and was sent flying backward. After slamming into a rock back first, Sonic let out a cough, a small amount of smoke coming from his mouth.

"Okay…" he let out. "In retrospect, that wasn't my best idea."

Metal began to levitate, his electricity buzzing and crackling as it intensified.

"Shock output at maximum," he declared. "Now, face the full force of my V. Maximum Overdrive Attack!"

He shot himself forward at four times his normal speed, the field still surrounding him. Sonic was immediately forced on the run, speeding off as fast as his legs could carry him as Metal chased him down, his barrier tearing through every rock and boulder in his path like they were wet cardboard.

"Not good, not good, not good!" Sonic screamed. "What do I do?!"

"Die quickly is my advice!" Metal shouted.

Eventually, the field fizzled out, and Metal dropped, sparking and smoking. "System… error…"

Sonic stopped, seeing his chance and taking it.

"Now it's time for my secret weapon, Metal!"

He crouched slightly, running in place as he focused. His legs began to spin independently of his body, moving so fast they formed a red figure-eight shape before he blasted off, tearing up the ground and leaving a wide trench in his wake as he plowed into Metal at full speed. As Metal reeled, Sonic kept the figure-eight up, smashing into him from every direction at warp speed. He got faster and faster, hitting Metal over and over. Finally, he landed one last punch that sent Metal flying through a rock. He stopped, thumbing his nose

"I like to call that the Figure-Eight Super Peel Out!" he boasted. "Been working on that little number for a while. Totally worth it."

Metal sparked and twitched, struggling to pull himself from the rock.

"Im… possible…" he managed. "I... am... superior… I... am…"

Sonic dashed one more time, planting both feet on Metal's face.

"Scrap metal." he cut off.

He shoved off, slamming Metal through the rock one last time. He was sent rolling, sparking with his eyes spinning around as he looked up at Sonic.

"The doctor's data... was absolute," he managed. "You shouldn't be... this strong…"

"Unlike Badniks like you, I can learn. And grow," Sonic retorted. "I get stronger every second. And that's why you'll never be like me."

Metal powered down, apparently dead, and Sonic clapped his hands together as if clearing dust.

"Well, that's that."

He turned to Metal's still-active surveillance drone, flashing a V-sign and a toothy grin before speeding away.

Mobotropolis

Everyone had been watching the fight on various monitors and screens. They all cheered as Sonic won the fight, then Jules and Bernie felt taps on their shoulders. They turned to see Sonic standing there, grinning.

"Enjoy the show?" he asked.

They both embraced him, smiling.

"Good work, son," Jules congratulated.

"We're so proud of you," Bernie added.

Knothole

At Freedom HQ, Sonic, his wounds treated and bandaged, carefully laid back on the couch, getting comfortable.

"That was the toughest fight I've had yet," he admitted. "Eggman really knew what he was doing with Metal."

"You still beat him," Tails pointed out.

"Barely," Sonic replied. "I'm not gonna lie to you. I was scared for a bit. I honestly didn't know if I could win. I only came out on top because he burned himself out with that spark attack move."

He looked up at the roof, letting out a breath. "Next time, I might not be so lucky."

Badlands

The Egg Mobile came flying out over the scene of the fight. It landed, allowing Robotnik to step out. He scooped up the fallen Metal Sonic as if he was a child. Then he got back to the Egg Mobile, and flew away.

Author's Note:

And thus begins my adaptation of Sonic CD. Yes, this will lead into the Little Planet and all that.

It seems Metal Sonic is down, but not out. Has Sonic finally met his match?

Please R&R. Until next time!