Sonic The Hedgehog: New World

by LionHeart2023

A lost soul ends up reincarnated as an anthropomorphic character in Sonic's World, as some forgotten failed Ultimate Lifeform experiment. But after awakening, discovers a system function similar to RPG Games. Unlock Level-Ups, Rank-Ups, Evolution, Skills, Abilities, etc. Life's about to get more interesting when living in one's favorite game series. A New Tale In A New World...

8. Chapter 07: Sticks Break Ye Crossbones

Greetings everyone, it's the chapter you been waiting for. I had to finish one project to help have more time for the major fanfic projects I yet to complete. But as luck would have it, this gave me a chance to enjoy the new wonders we witness in the Year of the Shadow, celebrating Shadow the Hedgehog. And after witnessing the new game story of 'Shadow Generation', it's open to new ideas I never thought about. And trust me, there are some very interesting stuff to look forward to as this story continues. And what a perfect time to post the chapter on the day Sonic The Hedgehog 3 film has official be released in theaters. So get ready now, and enjoy some exciting stuff and look forward to very special surprises at the end. Till then, enjoy…

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Chapter 07: Sticks Break Ye Crossbones

LOCATION: NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

The scene opens around vast open waters of the ocean blue. But just above it was a warship that was none other then the Leo Carrier. As it flies through the air with its camouflage function behind the clouds, the camera slowly zooms in. Focuses on a large rotating radio tower structure. Zooming in was a newly refitted Radar Room with a large console table with a holographic map of the planet. And around the said table center was place holders for seven Chaos Emeralds which were placed inside. And standing near the console keyboard was Leo along with Nicole as they were working together.

"I must admit Nicole, turning this Radar Room into a more advance model was genius." Leo smiled from being impress by the latest tech upgrades.

"Thank you Leo, and with the Chaos Emeralds they can provide a more insight of pinpointing Chaos Energy signatures." Nicole smiled a bit to return the compliment while explaining the next function for this place.

"Yes, but I do wonder if I don't have them on me, will I still be able to perform the Emerald Powers like before?" Leo studied himself to grip his fist, trying to sense the flow of Chaos Energy and sense a change.

"Chaos Energy manipulation is difficult for some, but those with a natural feat can perform them even without an emerald." Nicole explain the case on how users of this particular energy source can wield it with no problem.

"Hmm, like Shadow…? He always did display Chaos Energy even without a Chaos Emerald." Leo held his chin to ponder this theory a bit, and it does hold much merit: after all, Shadow to his mind, is the perfect Ultimate Lifeform example.

"Your body has already undergone an evolution, so you can perform the Emerald Powers. But without an actual Chaos Emerald in your possession, the output will be dropped." Nicole explain the next subject on how well Leo can use his newfound abilities, but also warns him on how they only get a power-up from nearby Chaos Emeralds.

Leo began to experiment perform Chaos Avatar to see how well he can make clones, but only a few to match a number in the chamber before they vanish. Then the lion man tried the other Emerald Powers. Testing Flame Aura, Water Form, Ivy Growth, Vision Sight, Slow Clockwork, Extra Life, even a fragment display of Burst Mode without losing control. While Leo perform the techniques without much problem, there was a significant display of fire output and water control, even urging a plant to grow, and the others were about half to maybe 1/4th of their best performance.

"Hugh, it's like trading in a powerful weapon to swing a normal sword in an early game system to re-challenge yourself in a hard difficulty stage." Leo ponders a thought in how to describe the feeling as to what RPG Gamers sometimes like to do to get a kick on making games more entertaining with struggle. "Still, I suppose by getting stronger it may fill in the gap a bit." Leo issue on trying to stay positive on thinking he'll fill the gaps when he's stronger then his current self.

"Yes, and right now we need them to find what we currently have obtain." Nicole issue on the next subject that requires much focus.

"You mean this?" Leo then presents the purple Sol Emerald, as the lion man marvels at it's beauty.

"The Sol Emeralds are likely scattered, but with this new upgrade in scanning equipment, we should have an easier time." Nicole explains how using the 7 Chaos Emeralds, the search for their dimensional counterparts won't be as difficult. "We should be able to pinpoint one any minute now." The holo-lynx issue as she continues to work on pinpointing said emeralds.

"Well, while you do that, I need to check on something else…" Leo issue on deciding he has to deal with another matter at hand. "CHAOS TELEPORT!" Then after he announced this, Leo warp out of the chamber.

"Ah yes, after our last battle, Leo wants to improve our fighting abilities. The new Ultimate Lifeforms should be ready." Nicole stated on knowing what the lion man meant, to best increase their chances they need more help then what they currently got.

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ELSEWHERE

THE LIFEFORM CHAMBER

The scene changes to the large capsule chamber where some pods were in use. Leo had warp himself into the center of the room. He checks the life monitor to determine how the new lifeforms are doing; the scans read 100 percent complete. Leo knew that he needed to help improve his other skill sets, so that he may receive new rewards that may help in the long run. After all, what's a new king of Ultimate Lifeforms without leading his people and starting a new kingdom in this new life one has. Plus, it felt right to increase more members on the crew, the more lively the better.

"The Lifeform Animal Research mentions 10 volumes of new lifeforms. I've finished reading 2 volumes on some different lifeforms and the principle of their represented nature of elements." Leo held his chin to think over the research he's studied so far, but still there's a lot more to discover.

"We are ready Leo, shall we open the pods now?" Nicole's voice was heard over the speakers.

"Yes…let us begin the greetings." Leo nods to confirm it's time they begin the awakening…of new lifeforms.

Then the capsules in use were slowly having the hatch doors open and steam was escaping. Leo smiled when the newest Ultimate Lifeforms began to slowly take their first steps out. Leo saw the digital data screen that displays the names of those present, and he felt glad things were in order. At this moment a familiar pop-up screen came with a special message:

*OPTIONAL QUEST*

'Unique & Rare Lifeforms Part 1 & 2' – Complete!

Info: You have taken the next step in researching ways to create Ultimate Lifeforms. Before it was only something small and less complicated like a little animal pet type. Next came a matter of cloning one's own self and remaking them into something from a child to an adult, with new elemental features and personalities. Now at last this time involves creating several different types of lifeforms and witnessing how well the uniqueness and rare new treats may help begin their new lives and maybe even help in their growth states.

REWARDS: 5 Level-Ups

SP REWARD: 500,000

Passive Abilities:

Gigi Professor Lv.7-8

High Mechanic Lv.7-8

NEW ITEM

Rainbow Treasure Chest – Medium (9 Types)

Info: Like pop-up magic chest in RPG Games, contain large sums of certain elemental fragment pieces. They appear as treasure chest of certain sizes. Mediums can hold pouches containing 500-1000 elemental fragment pieces. And if one is lucky if they acquired encounters of certain type of element pieces, they maybe given lucky all round riches. The best can come from obtaining more or even larger model Rainbow Treasure Chest.

Leo smiled from the special reward of obtaining a Rainbow Treasure Chest, apparently this will be helpful on acquiring larger element pieces for further future uses. Then without warning, a new update window appeared around the same time with more information.

UPDATE:

Leo The Lion – Level 215

HP: 240,000 / MP: 220,000

STR: 190,000

DEF: 38,000

AGI: 38,000

VIT: 38,000

DEX: 38,000

INT: 5000

WIS: 3000

LUC: 1800

Leo was amazed by this latest news, now his current self is Level 215 and has a total of 1.5 million SP, that and his stats increased along with two more job level-ups. Course he would have had 2 million SP, but a requirement to obtain Element Fragment Pieces not in the collection cost half a million but he obtain new things: 500-Earth, 500-Plant, & 500-Light elements. Thanks to this investment, he can now receive the Rainbow Treasure Chest rewards. Which means that he's gotten stronger and more capable then he was previously, and can explore some possible new options on how to grow next. Perhaps creating a kingdom filled with Ultimate Lifeforms is not a far off pipe dream as one would believe when having shoot their mouth off at such an idea. At the same time when things were settle, Spada, Panja, and Ouja were coming into the main entrance when they saw Leo at work.

"My liege, you asked us to come?" Spada salutes on being the first to greet Leo.

"You said it was a surprise?" Panja asked from being curious what the summon was about.

"Is it a surprise training routine?" Ouja asked from looking ready for a good brawl match with their stronger king after his evolution.

"You could say it's a surprise and one that may require training, I like to introduce you to our newest Ultimate Lifeform crew members." Leo steps away to introduce some new characters joining their little growing crew list.

The first was something almost like a normal four-legged animal from the jungle theme. A golden coated lion cub with short orange mane, light blue eyes and sharp dark grey claws. Wears what appears to be a bronze gold collar with a round emerald jewel dangling in the front.

The second was a humanoid-like monkey with large spiked red hair, cut-off horns and elf-like ears that had two gold hoops with green eyes as well as two marks beneath the eyes. Has dark-skin with a white marking on the left side circling the left pectoral muscle, a bushy flame-like tail and three toes with red nails. Wore ankle-length red pants with a belt that went around the sides and a large silver buckle with the symbol for fire on it; Also has red gauntlets that had a large silver ending, red rings around the ankles and red shoulder-pads.

Third was a bipedal wolf-like creature that's resembling half-beast and half-man with light-purple colored fur with a white face and stomach, and had amber-colored eyes with diamond-shaped pupils. Wore white leather pants with various belt buckles on the legs and two chains dangling from the black belt on either side of it as well as a silver buckle black belt on the left bicep. Wore a black scarf, that fluttered behind the creature in the wind, black gloves on the hands with the claws sticking out of them and had three red claws on each foot.

Fourth was an anthropomorphic female squirrel with tan light grey fur, pink inner ears, two yellow stripe marks on each bottom cheek, emerald color eyes, and a tuft of blonde hair. Wears a stuff squirrel costume that's orange with yellow inner belly line, a brown head top for the ears and mid-face section, left hand, and top cover of tail, plus tan paw-paw centers under the palms. The other accessories are three tied bandages around the right wrist, a red bandanna, a yellow star red pin with a yellow smile pin underneath near the left ear with a close pin attach through it. The last thing are red roller skates with yellow wheels.

Fifth was some cross anthropomorphic female creature that's half reptile and half plant. The body is light green and tan yellow belly front, feet were style into five toe roots, a lizard-like short tail, and from the light green bud shoulders are arms resembling white and purple flowers with five finger points plus a yellow curl center. From the neck is red to pink center rose petals acting like a necklace collar. The whole face the appearance of a red flower, and the petal-styled shell acting like it protects the head like a helmet. Lastly has bright blue color eyes that glimmer a bit.

Sixth to lastly was a rabbit-like humanoid that was 6 feet tall and whose whole body is covered in yellow fur. The face, fingernails, and feet are brown in color while the belly is pink, and the tips of the ears are green. Wears a pair of belts on the arms. Also has a very large and round puff tall. Upon close view the face has two orange stripe marks on each cheek, a dark brown noses, and the fur was seen covering the eyes area which were usually full dark brown.

"Allow me to introduce to you" Leo introduced those by order of appearance from left to right. "First is the pet that's a golden lion cub – Lia." Leo points to the golden lion cub on what his name was.

"Reow…" The golden cub made a cat-like growl, it was meant to sound fierce but it's presence was simply adorable.

"Aguni The Monkey" Leo points to the monkey emitting some flares from the hands. "Lobo The Wolf" Then Leo points to the wolf displaying fast light slash moves. "Shoe The Squirrel" As Leo mention the squirrel girl, she was happily looking around without a care. "Flora The Tropical Lizard" Then Leo points to the lizard plant girl who clasp her hands together to bow in a greeting way. "And Angora The Rabbit." And lastly the big rabbit nods his head to also be polite.

"They all appear so…so different?" Panja raise an eyebrow from seeing the new characters; a pet cub, some children near or slightly taller then Spada, and a BIG round rabbit!?

"Yes, they are new Ultimate Lifeforms that have been given some of the 100 element shards I had. Lightning, Fire, and Wind. And of course, spending time to obtain new elements like Earth, Plant, and Light types." Leo revealed the manner of having spent a sum of time to get these lifeforms ready. "They are also very much unique with their own developed personalities." He mentions that each of these lifeforms are capably of thinking for themselves.

"Oh, well how well can they fight?" Ouja asked from liking to test these newcomers out.

"Oh how's about me. MONKEY BALL!" Aguni announced as he breathed out a huge fireball that impacted a surprise Ouja.

"Puff…Wow, that's some fire power?" Ouja puffs a cloud of smoke while looking a little blacken but still fine.

"Smack!/Ow!? Hey, what was that for Lobo?!" Then Aguni yelps from Lobo whacking the back of his head.

"You went overboard, are you trying to roast a crew member on our first meeting?" Lobo remarks with a cool but calm approach unlike the childish hothead monkey.

"Hmm?" Panja then noticed Shoe was skating around, browsing and exploring everything.

"Excuse me, coming through! Oh so much to see, so much to do! I can't stand still!?" Shoe was popping in and out, like her curious little squirrel mind was all over.

"Now-now, you two…" Then Flora interrupts Aguni and Lobo that were about to fight. "Why not settle down and we can discuss this over some tea." She offered a peaceful means of talking it over.

"Tea?" Aguni raise an eyebrow, they were not expecting this.

"Angora, can you help." Flora looked to ask the big rabbit for assistance.

"Woah!?" Lobo yelps along with Aguni when the big rabbit picked them up.

"I'm sorry, but maybe we best stand aside so we do not cause trouble in front of the king." Angora suggest with that deep yet calm tone on how to move about.

"Yikes! Aw, do we have to stop? I was just rolling around." Shoe yelps to moan when she was pick up by the big strong rabbit.

"Reow…" Lia meowed a bit as it followed the big rabbit carrying the other three with Flora following.

As Angora was helping the others from the little mess they made while Flora was preparing some tea using her leaf-like grown limbs to form cups and a pot before getting nearby ingredients and water to make tea. Course the other Ultimate Lifeforms looked to Leo with very puzzled expressions. This was not what they were expecting, at all…

"Begging your pardon my liege, but why are some of these warriors so…different?" Spada was really confuse, they were not expecting any of these kinds of Ultimate Lifeforms.

"Well, they are like you Spada, I figure that you being surrounded by grown ups, you need some friends." Leo rubs his back head to state the reason behind this was because he saw Spada was at odds with a crew filled with grown-ups, etc. "After all, you maybe a young knight, but...I still see you as someone who shouldn't rush growing up too soon. And besides, it's nice when things are more lively to not worry about one's current problems that can be settle another day." Leo truly wanted to inspire the young white lion cub to see the forest for the trees, and discover new things outside of battles.

"I…I don't know what to say, but…thank you…for your consideration." Spada was flabbergasted and humbly accepted his king's sagely advice.

"Why not show our new friends around the warship. I'll need to discuss a few things with the others." Leo request that Spada help the newest members get settle in as everything is still so new to them.

Spada nods before approaching an already made leafy cloth and Flora preparing a tea picnic to help calm everyone down. When Spada arrived he was offered tea too, at first he was puzzled but sip it, and smiled from enjoying it. After everyone finish sipping tea, Spada began to lead the others while feeling alright around them. When they left, it was now time for the grown ups to talk.

"My king, forgive my words but…is this the time for such things as creating new life but in their child states?" Panja raise an eyebrow from thinking was this the time for fun and games.

"Yeah, shouldn't we have maybe more warriors? We are fighting a war for our very survival, right?" Ouja asked from knowing how they are being hunt down because they are not normal.

"I know, but listen. You all know that I just recently tried these new types from what I obtain after our last battle." Leo firmly spoke in having to inform the older and mature members of the last fight against a deadly foe. "I wanted to see how far things go before taking it up to the next step." He issued on treading carefully on what he can do but not jump too far ahead.

"So, a pet cat, and some young kids are the first steps?" Panja asked from knowing if what Leo was saying, then those they meant were…

"Correct, I tried investigating characters I know that exist in this world. And came across some surprises on my old memories." Leo issue on having reviewed the topics that involve understanding characters of the Sonic World they live in.

"Even the one that looks like a cross breed of an animal and plant and one that was bigger then a normal rabbit?" Ouja raise an eyebrow from asking if even those two mention topics were related too.

"I tried using what knowledge I had from a plant species seen from Sonic X about an unknown alien-species that one called Cosmo belong to. And Flora is the closest thing I have accomplished in that area of blending plant elements with a tropical lizard DNA formula." Leo states briefly on how he tried to create a lifeform from a different Sonic world with some knowledge that was able to explain things. "While the others are more with one animal themes, one of them is different. Angora had two different DNA types mix in. Cream The Rabbit and Big The Cat, and you've seen the results." The group have meant Cream the Rabbit and Big The Cat, and when looking at Angora, the results speak for themselves.

"Uh-huh!/We have…" Ouja and Panja nods to confirm that what they seen, brought forth a rare and unexpected result of new life.

"Right now I'm testing a theory, the Evolveons evolved into stronger versions representing their unique characters and elements. I didn't expect that when they were just EVO Foxes, but it did happen. I am seeing if anything like that can happen to this new bunch. Which is also why when I made Lia, it was to see if he too can evolve from under certain conditions." Leo revealed another shocking fact on wanting to test a possible evolution theory but only from those at a young age or sorts. "Until then I will also need to work on my next task assignment." The lion man concludes with this new piece of information he shared.

"Another new task work?" Ouja replied surprise in what they heard.

"What would they be?" Panja asked from also being intrigued.

"New robot designs I been wanting to prepare lately. They will surely be helpful in the coming battle. Plus I may find ways to increase High Mechanic and Gigi Professor by trying new things." Leo issued on having to work on newly design machines and robotics: especially if they encounter foes that GUNX plans to throw at them; they need to be ready.

"Leo, we have arrived at the destination of the next Sol Emerald. But there is a problem. Everyone needs to be present on the warship's deck." Nicole's voice was heard making an announcement that was hard to miss.

Hearing Nicole give them that alert was enough for those in the room to immediately leave. After all, if there is another Sol Emerald to be found, it's best they try to obtain it before it falls into the wrong hands.

---

OUTSIDE THE LEO CARRIER

LOCATION BERMUDA TRIANGLE

The scene opens over an ocean of water but surrounding the area was a large mist cloud swirling around. None know how far this thing blocks one's path from one direction or another. And hovering above the misty clouds was the Leo Carrier, as one zooms in to the ship's Bridge. There a digital screen reveals scans that reveal hidden behind the misty storm front, lies a well hidden structure of a floating settlement. And there were ports for ships and airships to dock at.

"I can't believe my eyes? The next Sol Emerald is truly within the curse waters of the Bermuda Triangle!?" Leo asked with a shock tone in what he has heard.

"Yes, my scans say it's here. But I can't pinpoint it." Nicole sadly explains the issue on the topic they must discuss. "And there appears to be a settlement for those that have taken a unique business not well know to the public." She revealed another shocking piece of news that just keeps the ball rolling.

"Sounds shady if you ask me." Shard shrug off his shoulders, thinking if it's a place not open or known to public, it must be one of those underworld businesses.

"Yeah, but I heard this area is famous for ships getting lost and wrecked, and none ever return." Ouja exclaimed on knowing the history of the Bermuda Triangle, then again who doesn't know it.

"True, who does business in a place where folks do not wish to be involved in?" Panja held his chin from thinking this was all too fishy, with a lot of things that made little sense.

"Well it doesn't matter who is down there, we'll have to retrieve the emerald." Leo declared forth on knowing if one of the seven Sol Emeralds was in such a place, they need to obtain it.

"That maybe hard Leo, especially when you see this." Nicole stated on having some unsettling news as she made a protection light appear from her eyes.

A digital image was slowly forming for everyone to see that which looked like a WANTED POSTER! And on it was not just the newest photo image of Leo's new evolve form, but there were several mini-photos that had the robots Heavy Leo, Loader Lio, Shard, even Leo Model Drones, to living members like Ouja and Panja. The details and information on this group were also written down for anyone that spotted the pictures of such characters:

WANTED – RENEGADES

The group of characters are considered extremely dangerous to match life-threatening species to the planet. They have obtain a warship, created powerful machines, and the species is fully large lion men. They have destroyed several GUN machines, robots and bases, and are thus cannot be left uncheck. If anyone has information on the characters on the photos, any info can be greatly rewarded. And the capture of them will lead to a deal of a life time.

BOUNTY:

5,000,000 – For Any Crew Member

100,000,000,000 – For The Leader

"They raise my bounty, and have included our members and robots!?" Leo raised an eyebrow utterly shock by this news of what new troubles await them. "If we go down there, we may likely be ambushed. And our ship is still recovering from the whole Orochi Leo event." The lion man held his chin to think this through, there are limited options on what they can currently do for now.

"Why not send in some Leo Bandits or Leo Breakers to infiltrate?" Shard asked from thinking they send in the drone soldiers to scout ahead.

"No, the intel on our robot soldiers is accurate. Them being spotted would give away the idea we are here. We need a new plan?" Leo objects the idea to try to not raise alertness of them being in the area.

"Hey, where is my picture? Do they not see a knight is a foe to be known?" Spada protest from noticing that he was not seen on the wanted poster.

"Hmmm, that's right…" Leo suddenly took a notice of this info that was overlooked. "Those that saw you only judge you as a child. And they haven't meant our new members so they are also in the clear. But this may work well for us." The lion man was forming a plan, it was crazy but it may just work if done right. "Spada, I have a mission for you." He turns to have Spada pay close attention now.

"A mission!?" Spada replied surprise, what sort of mission out of the blue.

"While we cannot be seen from this wanted poster, it's a different story if we play to our strong points. You will go down and report everything you find. And tell us immediately if you find the Sol Emerald." Leo bends down to gently pat Spada's shoulder to have the young white lion know this is a big responsibility of trust he's giving the young knight. "Since this mission might be big but none of us can move recklessly, you and the new Lifeforms will team up to gather what you can. I'll send some new robot assistance when they are finish to back you up. Are you ready for this?" He finish explaining and wants to see if the youngest members can handle this task.

The young Ultimate Lifeforms in the room each had a shared curiousity or worry, they just came into the world but are given a big mission. But they saw the gentle expression Leo gave them, and it help ease the tension a bit. And seeing how things look, Spada looked from the others back to his king.

"My liege, we are at your service!" Spada smiled proudly to pound his chest, ready to perform their duty.

-MISSION QUEST-

THE TRIANGLE'S SECRETS?

Info: A new discovery hidden behind the Bermuda Triangle, treasures gathered from any number of crooks. Before engaging, send a scout team to discover what is there and come up with a plan solution. Beware, there maybe a worse storm hidden. And the threat may be larger then expected. Prepare for the journey well, and do what can assure victory be within your grasp. Or it's Davy Jones' Locker for all the poor souls that perish this day.

REWARDS: UNKNOWN?

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LOCATION: BERMUDA TRIANGLE

THE HIDDEN ISLE

The scene opens to reveal Spada being beam down from the Leo Carrier onto an abandon port side. Following up where the newest members such as Aguni, Lobo, Shoe, Flora, Angora, and even the cub Lia. Course as they began to explore ahead while seeing pass some mist all around the area, they found what looked like a strange structure. Everything seem like an advance technology, there was flowing lava that created an endless steam mist shrouding the whole triangle to cover the discovery of this island-size structure. Then there were seemingly strange ruin structures blended into the newly tech structure which the top area was some kind of temple and besides rotating gears there were gold statues of…echidnas.

"What are these?" Aguni ponders to study the statues, never seeing them before till now.

"Echidnas, I meant with one our king befriended. Knuckles, but I didn't think we find such structure here?" Spada held his chin firmly from being slightly curious on what they found here of all places.

"This place, feels like there was once life, but now it's somewhat empty?" Angora looked about to express words on what he felt this place had long ago.

"If we just walk around this place without any idea what's waiting, we'll be feed to the lions." Lobo remarks on seeing what a careless action can lead to.

"Don't you mean sharks? We're in the middle of the ocean?" Aguni raise an eyebrow on correcting the manner of what Lobo got wrong.

"The way this place is setup, whoever runs things may have something far worse for snoopy intruders." Lobo firmly remarks that such a thing is not the point: but what danger lies in wait the further they go in.

"Reow!" Lia was heard calling to those to pay attention to him.

"Looky-looky! Lia found something!" Shoe smiled to point at what the cub spotted around the corner as she skated to investigate.

"What is it?" Flora asked from feeling a bit concern if it's something dangerous.

"I don't know, but it looks cool." Shoe grins with excitement while looking at the strange thing buried under some debris to find some robotic shape. "I think there's a switch to turn it on?" The curious little squirrel couldn't resist the urge to find out what they found.

"Don't touch it, we don't know…" Lobo tries to stop Shoe from doing something reckless but…

But too late as Shoe press some switch which caused the robot still under the debris to become active, and reacted to scatter the light debris off him. The young Ultimate Lifeforms were startled sure, but what they came across was not what they expected…

"I LIIIIIIVE!" The one who sounded with excitement and joy had a robotic male mix vocal cord: A reverse widen trapezoid shape yellow robot with white stripe across the middle, two skinny metallic arms with two clap fingers, a one wheel underneath if for mobility, and a blue optic color eye lens. "Oh boy, sorry for the scare. I just Reeeeeally wanted to try that line out. Hah, and the fact it gets folks like you surprise can be a bonus especially to welcome newcomers." The strange robot that was like 3 feet tall and looked to weigh around 250 pounds but displays a talkative and cocky manner with overly enthusiastic personality to either be funny or annoying.

"Who…are you?" Aguni raise an eyebrow, unsure what they even stubble across.

"Oh allow me to introduce myself, the name's Claptrap. I was a bot created by someone who came to make a business deal." The one eyed and one wheeled bot introduced himself by wheeling around dramatically. "FYI, didn't go so well." He approached to whisper this fact on how things went badly on the plan for business. "But on the bright side, I become like the welcome mascot for visitors that come here looking for trade, looking to buy, even looking to sell or steal. If we got what you need, then you best be prepared to pay or you will pay the price." He gave off the cowardly but sarcastic charm on what business one can find in this local area.

"Awe, I like him. Can we keep him?" Shoe smiled to hug Claptrap from finding him so funny.

"He's not a dog, he's a robot." Lobo raise an eyebrow at seeing how loopy Shoe thought about such a thing.

"Ouch, well there's no need to be so insulting." Claptrap replied from seeing this was a tough crowd to please.

"Sorry, but you said you know this place. What can you tell us? A name or anything like that?" Angora politely asked if Claptrap can give them detail information.

"Seriously, you came here and you don't known you're in Nocturne, the renowned central stronghold and capital of the Nocturnus Clan?" Claptrap exclaim on seeing how these folks didn't even know such things/

"That name, let me bring it up with someone who knows more." Spada exclaim from pulling out a communication device.

"Okay, take your time." Claptrap shrug off the arms as Spada mutter what he heard before…

"Nocturnus!?" Leo's voice almost yelled this so loud that everyone present heard him.

The image shifts back to where Leo was currently in the Robot Facility Chamber, he was currently designing new designs for new machines. But his expression looked like it was in shock before looking at a monitor that displays the young Ultimate Lifeforms he sent and gave him this report.

"My liege, everything alright?" Spada asked from not knowing if everything is well.

"Yes-yes, continue the gathering. But be careful." Leo's voice was heard on the communication device that was a bit shaky. "Contact me again if anything new pops up." After having said this Leo ends the com-link while leaving some puzzled and confused.

"So, what happen to this place?" Flora looks to Claptrap to ask for some specific details.

"Funny story, the ruler known as Imperator Ix had ruled this place and traded or fought other races of the place they were imprisoned in called Twilight Cage. They obtain new technologies to become perfect, but I heard they lost after almost planning to escape the prison and the guy disappeared." Claptrap held his unseen chin to explain the story to the newcomers. "But here's a secret, Nocturnus was hovering in some empty space and believed to have fallen or been destroyed. However, without knowing it…it ended up here in the Bermuda Triangle." The bot leans in to whisper this fun fact to get everyone surprised.

"This whole place?" Aguni asked from never realizing the place came from some realm and ended up in this spot: within the Bermuda Triangle of all places.

"Yep, course with Imperator Ix gone and everything in disorder, those that remain needed new leadership to survive to plan their comeback. So, you can think of this as a gathering for thugs, mugs, crooks, big time mafia guys, and pirate hangout for all your underworld bargaining needs." Claptrap rest his hands on his hip sides to conclude how this island is now functioning under new management. "And you're in luck, according to my update I just did now when waking up. There's an auction tonight, if you hurry you can score some fantastic souvenirs." The guy introduced some hot topic that's going on for a special deal event.

"Give us a moment." Lobo held up his hand to Claptrap, and gathered the Ultimate Lifeform youngsters together.

"Hey-hey, maybe we can go and see what cool stuff they got." Shoe asked from sounding excited by the news of obtaining wonderful new wonders.

"Hmmm, maybe what we seek is at such a place? What do you all think?" Spada held his chin to think the place having the event might house a Sol Emerald, but he wants to hear the others thoughts first.

"Well it's not like we should start from the bottom, may as well start from the top." Aguni held his arms behind his back to simply just go along with it.

"Reow…" Lia replied in a happy cheer on also agreeing.

"Let's stick close, if we come across trouble we should avoid it. King Leo wants us to gather info without causing a scene." Angora calmly and quietly spoke on thinking they best proceed with caution.

Deciding they have nothing better then to trust their new robot guide, Claptrap began to lead while wheeling around chanting 'Guiding-Guiding-Guiding, Guiding-Guiding-Guiding…' in a song. For the most part, it was clear that this robot was the least dangerous kind to not worry or feel threaten at all. At least that's what everyone was hoping for…

---

NOCTURNE

LOCATION: GRAND AUDIENCE CHAMBER

That's when the scene opens to where Claptrap enters a door with input password code that opened for him and the guest. The inside felt like a spooky medieval techno castle, but pass the interior decoration, was a room style to be a grand chamber for large audience members. There were certainly setups of strange containers with the Nocturne logo and along with them, items branding with GUN and Eggman logos. But before anyone could react to what was around, something rocket pass to stand in front of Claptrap as he accidentally bumps into the guy. It was a green-and-white robot with a round torso, thick forearms and legs, and a torpedo-shaped head with a mouth full of exposed teeth, and a red face with yellow eyes. Each of the hands are gray with five fingers, and the feet resemble teal boots.

"Hey Johnny, how you been!" Claptrap happily greets the guy without a second thought and offered to shake hands.

"What are you doing here, Scrap Metal?" The green bot called Johnny knocks the hand away while annoyed who showed up.

"Actually it's pronounce Claptrap, but easy mistake." Claptrap happily corrects without taking that too harshly. "Anyway I've brought guest that are here for the latest auction event." He wheels away to present the odd and young creatures of Spada, Aguni, Lobo, Flora, Shoe, Angora and their pet cub Lia.

"Hmmm?" Johnny studies those present from the smallest to even the height of Angora. "You call these kids clients. Have your servos rusted while you were offline?" Johnny knew Claptrap was a mess, but this was utterly ridiculous.

"Well I don't know about that, but he doesn't look like a kid…right?" Claptrap points to Angora to think that he seem old enough to partake in such things; which Johnny had to think over a bit.

"Ugh, okay…big and fluffy I guess must count." Johnny moans from seeing there was nothing technically wrong in allowing such guest even if they brought kids along. "But do they have the bling!?" He asked from sounding a little suspicious if what Claptrap brought were those rich or just poor saps.

"Oh-ho-ho, do they have the bling. Of course they have the bling!" Claptrap laughs off from thinking that was the funniest thing he ever heard. "Hey, you got the bling to pay up, don't you?" He wheels to whisper in hoping the group has the currency to pay up.

"Oh, let me check here?" Shoe then pulls out a mini sacks that when they hit the floor reveal gemstones. "Does this count?" She asked as many saw the glimmering gemstones while many had questions on their minds.

"Ugh, I'm not even gonna ask how you move with that many stones in that suit?" Johnny looked a bit speechless but also lost: this squirrel girl moved so freely and with that much weighing her down seem unreal. "Fine! I'll tell Captain Whisker we got another group of paying clients. Find some spare seat setups, and DON'T start trouble. Or they'll BE Trouble!" The guy gave a strict order as well as a threat if there is any trouble.

With that Johnny speeds off while the others sign a bit relieved, their cover was almost blown. While looking for the seats in the audience chamber, someone was seen entering the center with the spotlight shining on the guy. It was a robot that has an oval body shape. In the head, wears a red hat with golden hemline and the symbol of a white skull with a white mustache. Only in the left eye, it has a sky blue iris, while the other does not, reflecting the band of the eye that some pirates use. The torso and arms are covered by something like a red with golden hemline, four white buttons and skull-shaped cuffs. Also wears a brown baldric and belt with a gold buckle and tip.

"Welcome all guest to our special little auction event, I be yer host. Captain Whisker!" The large robot pirate captain gave a self-introduction of himself. "Don't be fooled into thinking I'm harmless, I'm a well-known and feared pirate you'll nay shall ever want to cross!" He made it clear to not dare to cross him or they regret it.

"My liege, are you seeing and hearing this." Spada used the communication device to use the live-feed transmitted. "What do you know of these guys?" Spada asked from trying to understand the ones known as Johnny and Captain Whisker.

"Plenty Spada, I know plenty about them." Leo's voice was heard responding while sounding very serious.

The scene changes to show Leo watching everything from his work station, but as the lion man works on constructing new robots…memories flood his mind. The names he heard about Johnny and Captain Whisker are those he once came across when playing the game Sonic Rush Adventure long ago. It was the sequel to Sonic Rush game, but it focuses on events in Blaze the Cat's world that Sonic and Tails got accidentally thrown in. There were a lot of things that occurred but in the end the hero side won and it was believed Captain Whisker and his crew were either destroyed or just disappeared; apparently the latter seems truer then the first thought.

"What do we do, sire? Do we stop them since they are enemies?" Spada's voice interrupted Leo's thoughts to return to reality.

"I admire your courage, but be careful. Those two are villains to trend carefully with and only engage as a last resort." Leo replied in making a tough but firm decision on knowing these types of enemies and their strength. "Continue observing, and let's find out what's happening." The lion man instructs those on how to proceed with caution.

"Arrrrgh, tis feel like years be gone by ever since we setup our owe private business here in this dimension." Captain Whisker exclaimed on recalling what lead to his downfall in Blaze's world to be here. "I was almost destroyed too, sank ta de bottom of the sea when our ship exploded. But tis our fortune that when we fell ta de abyss, an unknown energy crack below and we found ourselves here!" He revealed a shocking tale that explains how he and his robot crew ended up here. "Now we make our days stealing prize richies, and makin' MORE richies to expand our operation here. And today's auction we have a BARREL of wonderful trinkets! JOHNNY!"

Then Johnny then was seen as he push a button to reveal a hidden close door garage filled with many treasures indeed: gold coins, jewels, rare minerals, even a pile of tech armor and weaponry. But the real notice that glimmer brightly to stand out was something in a lamppost center containing an important colorful jewel – The Turquoise Sol Emerald it's self!

"That's it, the Sol Emerald!" Flora lightly gasp her hands over the mouth on seeing what they came to find.

"Wow, pretty!?" Shoe liked the shiny little jewel being displayed.

"Alright, let's get it!" Aguni prepares to go and snatch the prize.

"Hold it, there's something else happening!" Lobo stops the hotheaded monkey from doing something with many eyes watching all over.

"Captain, I know we're getting folks attention, but this jewel came from our world? Are we really selling it?!" Johnny ponders to ask the bigger question that maybe everyone was thinking.

"Arrrgh, ye be right Johnny, but tis not the only worthy treasure today!" Captain Whisker announced for all to know they have more surprises in store.

"Not the only worthy treasure?" Angora muttered with a slight shock and surprise concern shared by some of the others.

"What could be worth more then a Sol Emerald?" Spada was confused, this mission may just be more complicated then they imagine.

"Arrrrgh, ye folks thought this emerald be auction off, sadly tis not. It be merely a trophy ta stand above our booty! Our host has plans fer de emerald, but don't be discourage cause perhaps ye may be in luck." Captain Whisker exclaimed to say while addressing the hidden buyers on what other goods they have in stock. "So don't despair, we have something else ta be a treat. An unknown chamber we obtain from our spies in GUN, and if ye know it, then tis be a weapon of interest. And here 'she' be!" The bot was making a flashy scene before about to get the show rolling now.

That's when something was hovering from above to stand behind Captain Whisker. It looked like something from what be a model to encase Shadow the Hedgehog, it even had the GUN logo on it. But there was a single window by the face area, but within the capsule was mist so it was hard to make out. While many were intrigued by what was in such an item, the new guest under Spada's leadership felt concern.

"Reooow?" Lia made a concern sound from looking at that capsule and when near the Sol Emerald it glitter a bit.

"Hmmm, Lia senses something inside it. Something very strong." Angora nods his head from understanding there is something very important in that capsule.

"Wha-what do we do?" Flora asked from not knowing how they approach this.

"I'm not sure, we weren't aware of such things? Maybe our king should be notified after all…?" Spada felt this was going beyond what they believed they could handle.

"Dear Customers! Within this capsule be a frozen foe so powerful, so dangerous, dat we can't take chances. But with the right price, she can be yours." Captain Whisker issue on addressing the crowd to hear what they are offering. "And don't ye worry about controlling this one, we been provided with a means. Johnny!" The guy mentions this topic before turning to the other bot who was seen revealing an item like a dark ring inscribed with a code pattern.

"These are special collars, once place on a designated target, and they are force to obey every order." Johnny reveals the nature of these specially crafted rings.

"That's right, these Dark Rings are specially reserve engineered from some Power Rings many of ye know. In fact, them rings give a boost to machines or individuals, like a certain blue hedgehog pest." Captain Whisker expressed his words which he started to get upset when thinking about one person, namely Sonic who defeated him. "But enough about that, onto the main moment! Now who is ready ta bid on our top merchandise!" The bot was wanting to get this started without a moment's delay.

"I bid a KNUCKLE SANDWICH!" A young girl's voice was heard with an Australian accent.

That's when something jumped from high above to land on Captain Whisker's head. An anthropomorphic raccoon with orange fur, a white muzzle, a small black nose, and sky blue eyes with one long eyelash on each one. Has brown triangular ears with cream canals on top of the head, brown rings around the rounded tail, and brown and cream-stripe markings around her eyes. On the head, has two upturned pigtails with brown tips that are held together by yellow scrunchies. Wears a lime green tube top with a white trim, black capri leggings, tan gloves, white socks, and lime green and orange shoes with gray soles

Marine The Raccoon

"Arrrugh, not YE AGAIN!?" Captain Whisker groans from seeing this little girl causing trouble yet again for him.

"That's right ye bloke, Capt. Marine The Raccoon! And ah be takin' dat free of charge!" The raccoon girl introduced herself while standing on top of the bad guy before leaping off as he clumsily and accidentally punch himself when trying to hit the nimble target.

"Captain, should we capture her and sell her off with the other bunch we caught?" Johnny turns to ask the captain on what order should be done here.

"Ye mean dat screwy badger and the weirdo, fine…Ah felt like they alone wasn't much, but perhaps three can be a bigger bargain." Captain Whisker exclaim from having somewhat doubt but decides to go ahead and try it.

Johnny then used his speed to zip in front of Marine as she ran for the capsule. But then the raccoon girl was grappled by the wrist and yanked up into the air.

"Hey! LET ME GO, YE DINGO!?" Marine yelled to struggle against this robot as she was kicking his head.

"Oh shut it and make nice with your roommate!" Johnny remarks to the reckless child for the behavior she shows.

Then Johnny toss Marine with amazing robot strength, as the raccoon girl yelps from the throw. And then Marine yelps from banging into a strange chamber cube before an energy wall appeared to contain her. As the child recovered, she saw who else in the same pickle. An anthropomorphic female badger, only slightly shorter than Amy Rose. Has orange fur with long thick hair on the back of the head, which is kept in two locks with auburn strings, and two brown stripes across each of the eyes and bushy round ears that reach the end of the hair. Seems rather scrawny, with a peach muzzle, a small black nose, blue eyes and a medium-long bushy tail. The attire consists of a midriff-baring tube top and a skirt with an auburn rope belt, each made of worn-down gray fabric stitched together, and tan fur-skin boots, one which has a fur cuff and the other which has metal bands on it. As accessories, wears a golden band on right upper arm, a spiral bracelet on the left wrist and a necklace braided with seashells and a gold ring.

Sticks The Badger

And if that wasn't enough, Marine yelps from bumping into someone clutch down to resemble a bumpy lump. Turns out the character consist of wearing some armor. Blocky bronze pieces attached to the cuffs, a bronze bucket-like helmet with black circular eye lenses that has gold frames. A darker row of three gold spikes on its front and studs, a bulky bronze armor with studs on the waist front covering the torso, and brown shoes with circular bronze pieces attached to the cuffs and blocky bronze soles with studs on the toes.

Trip The Sungazer

"Blimmey, who are you?" Marine yelps from not knowing who she bumped into: and saw she pulled sticks out of nowhere to rub together.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm a badger girl rubbing a stick to make fire." Sticks exclaimed on being simple enough to show what she was doing. "Oh, and she's Trip, she's shy." The girl pointed to the one cowering to not be seen.

"He-Hello!?" The one called Trip replied very nervously.

"Um, okay….ye tryin' ta get out?" Marine raise an eyebrow, uncertain if this was some escape plan in motion.

"Nah, I figure the way this story is going, somebody is gonna rescue us. Otherwise the audience lose interest." Sticks shrug off the shoulder from almost breaking the 4th Wall on the spot.

This left Marine a bit dumbfounded and completely confused. And from nearby Spada was stump by the recklessness, but from the communication device display the images for Leo to see. So it was even more a surprise for the lion man then anyone would imagine.

"I don't believe this, not only Marine The Raccoon from Blaze's world, but Sticks The Badger and Trip The Sungazer are here too? Two hard to believe, but three from different series in different time points?" Leo was utterly shock, he could not believe such odds of a meeting: Sticks from Sonic Rush Adventure, Sticks from Sonic Boom, and even Trip from the classical era of Sonic Superstars game?

"Hey! Who said my name!?" Then the badger girl on the monitor reacted, catching Leo by surprise…she couldn't have heard him, did she?

"Um, sorry mate, but never caught yer name?" Marine raise an eyebrow, a bit stump by what was wrong with her new roomie.

"Not you! Someone who is observing us? Some lion creature of sorts who is the key character watching and might plan to free us!?" Sticks bluntly broke out to explain and it felt like she broke the 4th Wall on knowing such stuff: even to catch Leo off guard.

"WHAT!? FREE YOU? HERE!?" Captain Whisker was heard yelling upon hearing such a plot.

"Oops, me and my blabber mouth?" Sticks gasped to cover her mouth, realizing she spilled the beans.

"Oh shoot?! I forgot she breaks the 4th Wall!? That was her act in the Sonic Boom series!?" Leo slapped his forehead from having forgotten such an important detail to be overlooked. "Spada, get out now before…" He tries to instruct those of a possible danger but the scene changed to what's happening: and Spada's group were under the spotlight.

"Hey!" Johnny appeared before the newcomers with a fast speed blur up to some faces. "That nutty badger said something about a lion freeing them? Are you involved with her?" Seeing that Spada was the only lion type among the lifeforms, it would make perfect sense.

"Me, I don't know her…per-say? It's our first time being here." Spada exclaim to raise up his arms to try to plead innocent of speaking half-truth of his defense.

"Well consider this your last, all those that interfere with business shall have two choices. Surrender…" Captain Whisker was seen approaching those that was causing trouble with limited options. "OR BE BLOWN SKYHIGH!" He yelled as he was not gonna stand for anyone ruining his schemes, not this time.

Then appearing from hidden compartments were what seem to be many Gizoids but were given crossbone symbols and pirate theme makeovers. Then Johnny zipped in-between the group acting like the ring-leader. And from the far back was Captain Whisker, being the commander of his forces from behind the scene. The Ultimate Lifeform group were surprised, but Spada used a scanner to determine how strong these guys are:

-ENEMIES IDENTIFIED-

GIZOID PIRATES Lv.70

TYPE: ROBOTS

POWER LEVEL: 40,000

Information: Once serving as robots under the Nocturne Clan, but what remains were reprogrammed to become Captain Whisker's Robot Pirate Crew. The crew is a mix of Gizoid Mk. II being slightly stronger versions of the basic Gizoid and Gizoid Guardians. While one group operates with speed the other operates with power. They have been given greater strength compared to before

JOHNNY Lv. 85

TYPE: ROBOT

RANK: BOSS

POWER LEVEL: 69,000

Information: Villainous robot pirate who serves as the right-hand man of Captain Whisker of his Robot Pirates and a feisty and speedy competitor on the sea. Was created by Dr. Eggman and Eggman Nega for the purpose of finding and obtaining the Jeweled Scepter. Johnny possesses a degree of super speed, enough to let him cross incredible distances in the blink of an eye. However, he lacks the reflexes to match his speed, since he has trouble turning at super speed. He also possesses a jet engine on his back that allows him to fly through midair and reach high speeds as well. Johnny has impressive durability, able to withstand several attacks by Sonic's Spin Attacks and Blaze's fire-base abilities. Johnny is also a well-versed waterbike rider, able to expertly ride his own waterbike at incredible speeds and perform airborne tricks with it.

CAPTAIN WHISKER

TYPE: ROBOT

RANK: BOSS

POWER LEVEL: 87,000

Information: A villainous robotic pirate who is somewhat hard to detest due to his clownish nature. Created by Eggman Nega, his purpose was to find and obtain the Jeweled Scepter. Whisker is an incredible force to be reckoned with in combat, being able to take on both Sonic the Hedgehog and Blaze the Cat at the same time. The body is immensely durable and heavy, allowing him to induce ground-shaking pounds and shockwaves by smashing into the ground and be completely unaffected by attacks when guarding against them head-on. Whisker possesses impressive strength, enough to grab and throw Johnny at incredible speeds with just one hand. He also somewhat agile, capable of jumping several stories into the air while performing body flips. Besides physical abilities, Whisker has armaments build into himself. Able to breathe a powerful and destructive torrent of flames from his mouth and he can shoot his fist off his arms as dangerous projectiles which will eventually return to him like boomerangs.

"Here they come!" Angora issue as many of the Ultimate Lifeforms assume a battle position.

The group split off to which the Gizoid Mk. IIs were fast to approach first with their weapons revealed. But Lia roared as he leaps to cut the opponent with his sharp claws. One of the arms were destroyed followed by the cub aiming for a vital with its fangs by the neck, which took down that bot. As other Gizoid Mks approach, Flora yelps before acting forth…

"POISON IVY!" She entangles the opponent in ivy laced with a powerful toxin from her palms, trying to completely paralyze them. "Ugh, it's not working!? My ability can only work on organic types? Not machines!?" Sghe was struggling to keep a strong hold but for how long.

"DARKNESS HAND!/FLAME TOSS!" Then Lobo and Aguni were heard from afar…

At that moment a small fireball knocked off them Gizoids followed by Lobo cutting them to pieces with the shining claws on his hands. Flora was surprised and looked to see a smirking Aguni rubbing his nose from providing rear cover while Lobo went on the offense.

"BLUE BRAVE!" Then Spada was seen charging his blade to slice the last Gizoid Mk IIs in two. "Ah, watch out…them big ones come!" He warns those of the next mighty foes that are approaching them.

"I got it!" Then Angora was seen standing between the rolling muscle bots as they aim their spears. "DOUBLE LARIAT!" That's when he starts mowing down enemies in his surroundings by spinning both of his large arms.

"ROLLING STOMPER!" Shoe performs rapid rotations and smashes the Gizoids with the tires of her roller skates;

So far the battle seem to be going well as the young lifeforms were holding their own against the Gizoid Pirates. But for every one another came to take it's place. But that was still was not slowing the young Ultimate Lifeform youths down, they were holding their own from being made to be at that level. Even from Captain Whisker's side, he thought this was an easy win, but now…

"What be de matter with these SWABS! Can't they beat a couple of riffraff kids!?" Captain Whisker

"TINY TORNADO!" Then Angora generates a small tornado by the propeller rotation of both his ears.

"ACORN BOMBS!" Then Shoe throws acorn-shaped explosives stashed from the zip pouches on the belly: as they were swept in the tornado towards the Gizoid Guardians.

"BOOM-BOOM, BOOM!" And the destructive impact destroyed many of them pirate bots that went flying around. Even Captain Whisker yelps from spotting a guardian head rolled to his feet.

"Arrrrgh!" Captain Whisker moans in agony from witnessing the tornado and exploding acorns in action: shocked to believe half his robot crew was scrapped now. "Blast Ye! Johnny! Quit standing by and do something!?" Captain Whiskers lashed out in wanting his trusted mate to stop this revel bunch from going on any further.

"Leave it to me Captain, that blue hedgehog and purple cat may have pose a threat, but these be fresh landlovers through-n-through." Johnny issued on seeing there was nothing to fear against mere rookies against real fighting machines.

Suddenly Johnny was instantly a blur to zip forth to ram tackle the skating Shoe before grabbing the vines of Flora to swing her across to hit the squirrel girl. And Angora yelps to catch the girls using his big belly to absorb he impact before landing on the ground.

"REeow!?" Lia tries to slash at Johnny but punch the cub across the area.

"Heh, nice try kitty cat!" Johnny remarks at seeing the poor creature had no chance.

"HOP DUNK!" Then Angora jumps high into the sky as Johnny saw it. "CRUSH!" And that's when he crushed the area with his large build

"Hmph! This the best you can do, pathetic!?" Johnny remarks those on having such sloppy matters on trying to take him down.

"Nuuuh!?/KICK!" Angora yelps but reacted too late before kicked across the area.

"NOBLE HEART!" Then Aguni tries a flame uppercut move but Johnny zips away. "WHAT!?" The guy was shocked, he thought he had him for sure.

"LIGHT LEG!" Then Lobo tried to kick Johnny but he zipped away quickly to evade. "Tch, he's fast!" He cursed under his breath, how does one enemy move that much.

"Yeah, and you're slow to not see what I did…was a distraction." Johnny teases those for being so focus on him, they didn't realize what was going on while dodging Spada attacking him.

"What?" Spada yelps from realizing what the guy just said.

Suddenly a whole new row of Gizoid Guardians rolled in behind the sealed walls. They had energy spears custom made for blasting. The others realized what was happening now, Shoe and Flora recovered along with Angora while only Spada, Aguni and Lobo were left capable of fighting some more.

"Har-Har! That be it Johnny!" Captain Whisker "Ye fools thought me whole crew was gone, but every good captain has spares." Captain Whisker was heard laughing as he stood beside his robot crew to boast.

"Uh oh, I maybe a bystander, but maybe I better stay out of this?" Claptrap yelps before rolling towards the container that has the 3 captive females.

"Arrr, be dealing with troublemakers later, now ta send ye ta DAVY JONES! FIRE!" Captain Whisker remarks towards Claptrap before yelling the order to his troops.

"You kids should have stayed at home!" Johnny was seen grabbing one of the new spear guns before taking aim. "Leave this stuff to grownups…But then again, nothing would stop us from what we do." And that's when the enemy open fire, the young lifeforms brace for this but…Angora was seen jumping in to perform Tiny Tornado to block the attack: but the endless blasting was making it hard on him.

And this scene was displayed for Leo to witness what was happening. He stops the last touches on a newly finished robot models. And the lion man was preparing to leave to help those in trouble. But Nicole appeared by her holographic image to stop the distracted lion man.

"Leo, the last modifications are not finished, you can't leave it half finished?" Nicole tries to reason with Leo on what was happening.

"It doesn't matter, my crew needs my help, I can't stand watching this anymore!" Leo protest from not about to watch his crew come under harms way, not after the Chaos Toxin event.

"But look, something is occurring because of this." Nicole points to the nearby monitor that displayed energy waves it picked up.

"What…are these readings correct?" Leo slightly yelped from this, and reviews the ones from the time of the EVO Foxes that became Evolveons.

"Yes, which means you should not worry. They can handle a little longer while you complete your own task." Nicole tries to encourage Leo to finish what he started, especially since what is made can also help in the future.

"Hmmm, alright…" Leo signs to give in, as he must not be emotional…

As Leo watches the events, while he was originally planning to intervene but from what the readouts showed told a different story. The Chaos Energy output levels rose on some individuals which meant a growth was happening, and be followed by another step. That's when a surprise screen revealed a special event for those still fighting.

-QUEST MISSION-

DEFEAT CAPTAIN WHISKER'S CREW

BOSS STAGE BATTLE THEME: 'YOUR VOICE' (Xenoblade Chronicles X)

REWARDS UNKNOWN

"You believe you can get away with these crimes, but…" Angora muttered from having heard what the pirates would do, continue this act of evil and harm innocent folks. "Even if we are far from matching you, we each can do our part…for our great king believes in us." As he said these words, one can see pass the hair cover eyes of…determination.

"Great king? What great king are you following?" Johnny remarks from thinking the large rabbit has lost it.

"Hmm, wait Johnny, something be wrong with de lad?" Captain Whisker suddenly noticed a strange little light emitted from Angora.

"I can feel power coursing through me." Angora muttered these words, as if exhaustion was suddenly fading before. "EVOLUTION!" He roared these words while at the same time the enemy cease firing.

Suddenly a bright yellow sphere envelops Angora before a great burst of wind erupts. Then the body of Angora rapidly change within the light, and revealed a new form as it was vastly moving the limbs and long ears. It still has the same color theme of yellow fur and brown face, but has shed the long, shaggy coat of fur. Appears more like an 8 feet tall lean skinny humanoid rabbit with a brown skin belly line, the white fluff around the neck and chest, and tail is more curl up. The ears are more flat with triangle edge bottoms plus with color pattern designs. The face is more seen, being more developed then looking chunky. Wears black pants covering down to the feet, a black belt around a silver buckle, and an orange pants collar hanging over the pants. Wears orange gloves with brown belts tied around the wrist, and two black belt straps acting as a hairband between the rear top head and the long rabbit ears.

"Hoo!" That's when the new Angora pose with one leg up and hands position; like a martial arts fighter.

"Hugh, Angora…you evolved!?" Spada yelps upon seeing what happen, was this really their new ally.

"Now my friends, it's time for a counter attack." Angora looks to sound like himself, but more refine and diligent in a mature manner.

"Yeah, understood!" Spada nods to smile with joy, welcoming this surprise.

"What's this of an evolution?!" Johnny protest from not understanding any of this. "No matter, there's still more of us! CHARGE!" Johnny shouted off before he and the Gizoid Guardians charge with their spears.

Suddenly Angora leaps forth with incredible speed unlike before. "LANDLIZER! HAAAAHHH!" After announcing this, Angora begins to spin it's body into a twirl and rushes pass Johnny and the other robot pirates.

"CRACK!" That's when the weapons snapped out like they were thin as paper. "What?! How'd He…?" Johnny yelps in shock, that attack moved so fast it was almost like… "KABOOM!/GYUUAAARrrrghhh!?" Then an aftershock air burst implodes that sent Johnny and the other bots screaming as they were scatter across the area.

At the same time, Angora undoes his fast rotation spin to land gracefully on the ground.

"So easy." Angora remarks on how easier that was compared to before.

"Wow." Flora was utterly surprised, Angora did that so…beautifully to be speechless.

"You said it sister?" Shoe was also a bit flabbergast by the show.

"Arrrrgh!?" That's when Captain Whisker begins to step into this battle. "Ye scallywags, ye think just cause me first mate was best'd dat yer unstoppable! Well think again!" Captain Whisker protest from not about to give up before he's had a shot.

"Well we're about to find out!" Aguni slowly gets up, ready to re-engage.

"You had us, yes, but don't expect the same thing twice!" Lobo issue firmly on not about to be caught the same way again.

"Our king wishes for a world for us to live in peacefully, I want to help grant that wish." Angora firmly address the manner of what their leader, Leo, wishes for them…

"Peace, bah…the ones with de power call the shots!" Captain Whisker taunts such a whimsy wish as if that will never come true. "So Ah'll grand me wish and finish ye SWABS fer Good!" The mighty pirate captain gets himself ready to go on the attack.

"Then I'll hit you with my best…" Angora declared forth on wanting to display more of his strength. "BREAKING STREAM!" Angora held his open hands together and then created a tornado stream unleashed directed at the enemy: apparently this was the Tiny Tornado technique but newly evolved.

"GRRaaaughhh…." Captain Whisker growls from having stopped the attack while using his heavy weight to anchor him down. "YE THINK YER WIND CAN STOP ME!?" The pirate captain lashed out as f laughing at such attempts.

At this moment, Captain Whiskers was using his heavy weight to push himself against the gale wind force. Then the evil captain breathes out flames from his mouth, forcing Angora's attack back. The others felt worried if even an evolved new lifeform was not enough. Then

"ROOOOOAARRRR!" Then Lia was seen but it's voice changed while emitting light before having undergone a change too. Lia resembles the size of a yellow-orange fur color lion with brown mane with some tied beads, two silver ear rings on each ear, and green color eyes. "CRITICAL STRIKE!" Then the lion reliably aims at the opponent's vitals in the rocket arm with it's fangs; destroying it.

"ARrrrgh!? ME RIGHT HAND!?" Captain Whisker gasped upon his rocket fist move was intercepted and while one return to him but the other not so much.

"Li-Lia!? You evolved too!?" Spada was amazed to see the cub display such strength.

"Wow, and he can talk now. Never saw that coming." Claptrap exclaim to peak at witnessing such a marvelous sight.

"JOHNNY! I NEED YE!" Captain Whisker yelled at the only robot left to aid him.

"AYE-AYE!" Then Johnny was seen in the captain's left hand, before throwing the bot at the new threat.

"THUNDER OF KING!" He charges and then releases electricity generated in the mane.

"GYYYAaaaaahhh!?" Johnny was hit by the electric attack which shut him down to crash.

"RArrrrr!" Lia was seen using the same electric attack to combine with Angora's to help push the enemy back.

"AAArrrrrrgh!? Ye SWABS! Tis Nothing before ME!" Captain Whisker yelps as he felt slightly pushed back, but was still withstanding the double attacks.

"Alright, now we got two mighty lions!" Aguni cheered upon seeing their side is making a stand.

"Hugh?" Spada looked to his friend confused, he understands Lia but who's the other…

"He means you Spada, so don't hold back!" Lobo exclaim with a slight smile to encourage the white lion cub himself.

"Yeah-yeah, let's work together!" Shoe cheers with excitement to make a stand.

"Yes!" Flora also felt like they can do it if they work together.

"Everyone…hmm, I understand!" Spada felt overwhelm with joy from such beliefs, then nod his head before getting ready. "Channel your energy to me, and I'll give us that one edge." Soon Aguni, Lobo, Shoe and Flora rest their hands on the back and shoulder of Spada to channel Chaos Energy into his own blue aura. "VICTORY BRAVE!" Then he charges a stronger blue aura in his weapon before unleashing a beam greater then before.

Suddenly with that the others combine energy into Spada's own attack join up with Angora and Lia's own began to tip the power balance. Their joint efforts were suddenly pushing through the enemy's flames before canceling it out, and now they headed for the heavy robot.

"AAAAARRRRRUUGHHHH!" Captain Whisker cries out as he watches what came straight at him… "KABOOM!" And then a big explosion erupted on the spot as the heroes cease attack. From that final push followed by that explosion impact on Captain Whisker, the background music reach it's conclusion. Now one sees from the clearing dust, the scatter limbs of Captain Whisker on the ground.

"Pant-pant …we…we did it?" Spada panted a bit from feeling himself spent: he did push himself more then usual.

"Ugh, anyone else feeling tired?" Aguni moans a bit from not losing his balance, like he ran a marathon.

"I think we depleted too much energy." Lobo firmly states on what happen to them to feel this tired.

"Hey guys!" Then all eyes were turn towards Claptrap rolling in. "Looky what I brought!" From behind the rolling bot was the freed prisoners.

"Boonza mates! That was a righ' good show how you took them blokes down!" Marine cheered the group that really put on quite the performance.

"You freed the prisoners?" Flora asked from being surprised that Claptrap would do something like that.

"Well the badger girl said I had two choices. Either I help free them or I get turn to scrap metal, so…I went with the simple option." Claptrap exclaim on doing what he was told under a threat.

Then coming up forth was Trip but she appeared to remove the armor and lastly took the helmet off to show her actual appearance. An orange-scaled anthropomorphic sungazer with black eyes and peach skin covering the muzzle and arms. Has two eyelashes on each side of the eyes, a small brown-pointed horn on the muzzle, three yellow spikes across the brown scales area, which rounds from the forehead above to the 'hair' back, and a brown and orange zigzag-striped tail. Also has two ear-like bumps on both sides of the head. Wears a brown and yellow zigzag-layered dress-like sleeveless shirt with a gold patch on the chest, white gloves with gold cuffs that possess two studs, black tights, and orange shoes with gold toes that possess two studs and brown cuffs and heel-squared regions.

"Um, thank you very much…for saving us." Trip spoke from wanting to express gratitude for those that helped her.

"Do not worry, our king would have wanted us to do so." Angora smiled to gently address the manner on how it's the right thing anyone would do.

"Man, you both look amazing? How'd you do it, what was it like? Tell me, tell me?" Shoe was skating around Angora and Lia, wanting to know all about their evolution and how it feels.

"Um, I hate to interrupt this touchy moment, but isn't this usually when another enemy shows up to ruin the fun?" Sticks interrupts this peaceful moment by breaking a 4th Wall on a subject that needs their attention.

"HAR-HAR-HAR-HArrrr…." Then all eyes fell towards the head of Captain Whisker. "Ye SWABS, ye gone an DOOM yer selves! For if me self goes, then we awaken a weapon capable of wiping out everyone!" He gives this threatening message to those that have defeated him. "Harhar-harroohh…" He lets off a last evil laughter before his optic eyes go out.

"Hmmm, outside!?" Lia suddenly felt alert from sensing something, and it's just outside their area: this made those hurry to rush out of the room without delay.

---

OUTSIDE NOCTURNE

Something began to appear through the mist and evaporate the ocean water. It was some spinning fiery tornado amid which flaming skulls fly. But as this eerie force approach the island to land heavily, the fiery tornado vanish to reveal a nightmarish fiend. An 90 feet tall robotic grim reaper with silver joints, yellow chrome armor samurai oni theme with golden skulls on the kneepads and a silver skull on the chest center plus a red waist that had a ninja star buckle. From the right arm it's hand was replace as a large scythe and on the left arm has a three finger claw wielding a mechanical gun model off from elbow to wrist area. Lastly was the golden skull head with horns with red optic bead eyes. As the young Ultimate Lifeforms along with the three free prisoners plus Claptrap came out to witness what they see. Suddenly data appeared like a new final boss arrived on the scene.

-ENEMY IDENTIFIED-

METAL REAPER Lv. 200

TYPE: DARK POWER-UP ROBOT

RANK: FINAL BOSS

POWER LEVEL: 200,000

Info: A secretly developed giant robot weapon that was cancel by GUN on account of it's high level threat and scary appearance that would disturb the structure the world sees the organization. However the blueprints went missing and it was completed. It's primary function was to be a Bounty Hunter to catch dangerous criminals, but the source code was made from a corrupted data. Now it acts as Captain Whisker's ultimate weapon surpassing the Ghost Train Robot enemy. Wielding a titanium structure chain on the left arm, and a diamond edge sickle on the right arm. There is also a strange power source of Chaos Energy that it's eerie nature fits the creepy theme of this grim reaper model. As such it's function attacks are just as scary. Grim Slasher: Grabs the opponent with something called 'the Guilty Chain' and decapitates them with the Judgment Sickle on the right hand area. Burning Cyclone: Spins in the center of a fiery tornado amid which flaming skulls fly. Bone Duster: Causes flames to erupt at the opponent's feet. Soul Predator: Fires a barrage of energy blades from the scythe. Grave Scream: Gives off a strange, eerie sound from the sickle, then reaps the energy directly of targets, regardless of any kind of armor or shields.

"Uh oh, I think we're in over our heads?" Spada yelps upon seeing the sheer power that this thing was packing, it may even rival Orochi Leo.

"What was the first clue?" Lobo exclaim on feeling on edge against such a dangerous foe.

"Yeah, I may have to agree with Lobo? This guy seems really tough." Aguni lightly nods on sensing that this thing was no joke: it's nothing from their fight against Captain Whisker earlier.

"Don't forget scary!?" Shoe issue on seeing the frightful side of this robot.

"We may have to contact our king to provide assistance." Angora issue on what they must do or risk losing.

"You sure someone can help us stop something like that?" Claptrap asked from thinking this might be impossible unless one had a giant robot stash away.

"Oh my, I don't think I was train as guardian to handle this?" Trip yelps from fearing the situation has gotten out of hand.

"Wait, anyone else see some lights in the sky?" Sticks stared at a glitter from above the misty skies.

"GRACE CROSS FREEZER!" Then several male mecha voices were heard in union.

Then multiple missiles were impacting Metal Reaper, slowly signs of ice was forming that began to hinder it's movements. Then landing on the island's scatter grounds allowed those to see who saved them. A group of android bipedal lupines with automate structure all over the body, encased in dark blue metal with some yellow metal lines/patterns on knees, wrist, chest-plate, metal blade-like tail edge, and metal hair mane, and has red optic eyes. Wears a dark blue helmet with two teeth in between with a pair of scutes on the back, and on the snout is a red nose and contains four laser sights. Its metallic shoulder joints have three spikes and its back has jet thrusters that release light energy. The right hand has four red claw and the left hand is entirely a gatling gun.

The second group were quadrupedal cyborg lupines with automate structure all over the body, encased in light blue metal, a center orange hexagon on the forehead and yellow optic eyes. Wears a steel helmet with two teeth in between with a pair of scutes on the back, and on the snout is a green nose and contains four laser sights. From the front shoulders were yellow hexagon shape triple lasers and the silver tail had an actual laser gun at the end with two green motion target sensors. The neck underbelly is coated in yellow plated metal, and has areas of the body with a striped dark and light blue motif. On the chest side it's label 'Z'd' on it. Equipped on top of the backs resemble super-dreadnought-class weapons capable of heavy firepower.

-IDENTIFIED-

WOLF GUARD – METAL WOLF & ZEED WOLF UNITS

TYPE: CYBORG

POWER LEVEL: 100,000 (Each)

As Leo was constructing new robot series, he made a new line that was not lion base but rather wolf theme. Given the charging powers of Chaos Batteries along with installed one Replicated Chaos Emerald gives a single unit function. While given the latest new features to pulverize the opponent with countless weapons conceal throughout the body. Plus the amount of Ice Elementals act in using low-temperature arsenal to freeze targets in their place. They are to act as the next elite combat robot fighters compared to the Leo Bandits and Leo Hunter models.

*Metal Wolves have additional armaments as well as upgraded sensors. In order to arm the entire body to adapt to both long and short distance combat, has taken on a bipedal form, and equipped with the gatling gun 'Metal Storm', which has the ability to snipe over long distances, bombard a large area at mid-range, and rapid-fire extremely quickly even at short distances, boasting of overwhelming firepower. Its combined bombardment capability is more than 1.2 times that of E-123 Omega; they're basically a mass of firearms in the form of a swift beast. Which allows them to perform these attacks. Metal Wolf Claw: Spews cold air at absolute zero that completely freezes everything, and instantly brings the victim's vital functions to a halt. Metal Storm: Fires fast and powerful rounds of shots and hit targets over long distances. Grace Cross Freezer: Launches freezing missiles from all of the weapons hidden throughout the body. Wolf Burst: Fires all weapons armed through the body at once.

*Zeed Wolves are the ultimate beast tank equipped with the ultimate superdreadnought-class weapon, 'Zeed Cannon'. The weapons and ammunition are equipped throughout the body, so the physical strength isn't consumed, and can sustain a rain of bullets for a long duration. The four Laser Sights on the snout have been improved for its ammunition, and are now capable of locking onto hundreds of objects. Allowing it to perform these types of attacks. Zeed Cannon: The ultimate weapon for attack, once fully charged it's capable of taking down a warship after a few times. Full Metal Breath: Mows down the opponent by simultaneously firing the Zeed Cannon alongside all of the other weapons throughout its body. Blowback Breath: Sprays explosive energy from its mouth.

"Woah, who are these guys? Friends of yours?" Claptrap yelps upon seeing who suddenly came to their rescue.

"I don't know, I never seen them before?" Spada exclaim on knowing these robots are a first for him too.

"Could they be the new robots our king mention?" Flora recalls something they heard earlier today.

"It's a possibility?" Angora lightly nods from thinking it's not far off from being true.

"Yeah but I thought they be lion base, did we always have these guys?" Aguni raise an eyebrow, recalling a major factor difference on these wolves.

"No, they were never mention from the tour. So how…?" Lobo was also trying to understand the mystery here when…

"That's because I just finished them." Leo's voice was heard interrupting everyone's thoughts.

"My liege!?" Spada called out with a smile as everyone turns to where the voice came from.

Now entering from above, someone drops down to stand in front of the others. It was Leo the Lion himself, as he partook the role of a leader about to command his troops. At this very moment, a digital screen revealed data of what was about to occur:

-QUEST MISSION-

DEFEAT ROBOT REAPER

BOSS STAGE BATTLE THEME: 01 (Xenoblade Chronicles X)

REWARDS UNKNOWN

Secret Mission: Retrieve the power source before destroying the enemy and receive a grand reward.

"Hmmm? A Hidden Mission?" Leo raise an eyebrow, surprised by this quest boss fight with a surprise addition. "I haven't seen something like this since…" The guy was trying to think back on when he encounter this type but…

"AAArrrrrrgghhh!" Metal Reaper was heard roaring that interrupts all thoughts to focus on the danger on the move.

"Save it for later I suppose." Leo muttered on deciding to think about such things when this job is over. "Wolf Guard! ENGAGE!" The lion man raise an arm to give the command to attack.

"AWwwwooooooo!" Metal Wolves and Zeed Wolves released a mighty howl before they began to rush around the scene.

"Crack-Crack…/SHATTER!" Suddenly Metal Reaper was cracking the little ice, then broke free before spotting the targets.

"Metal Storm!" The Metal Wolves announced their attack move as they raise their gatling gun arms up in sync. "Bangbangbangbangbangbang…." The fast spinning gatling guns were releasing powerful energy shots traveling from the distance.

"Blowback Breath!" The Zeed Wolves sprays explosive energy from their mouths to apply additional damage count.

Robot Grim yelps from the onslaught of endless fast rounds that were impacting all over. However, the giant reaper was not shown to slow down, as it began to walk forth. That's when it something was happening on the ground, as it heat was building up.

"BONE DUSTER!" Metal Reaper announced as it channels heat from the body and causes the same redness emitted in the ground.

"Ouch! Oh-oh….that's hot!?" Claptrap yelps from feeling his tire was cooking from all the smoky steam.

"Everyone, clear the ground!" Leo warned those on what was likely coming as he and the other living creatures went for higher ground.

"AWWwoooo!?" The Wolf Guard reacted to evade when flames erupted at the feet, but…

"GRIM SLASHER!" Metal Reaper announced the next attack move up it's sleeve.

Then the Metal Reaper fires a chain from the cannon off the left hand, wrapping some of the Metal Wolves. "SLASH!" Then in an instant from drawing the capture prey, the enemy unleashes a rush of slashing attacks that broke many Metal Wolves.

"BURNING CYCLONE!" Then Metal Reaper starts spinning in the center of a newly form fiery tornado which flaming skulls fly around before approaching to attack the targets.

"Ahhhh! Flaming Skulls! That's got Death Storm of the Underworld written all over it!?" Claptrap yelps upon recognizing the threat level heading for them.

"Don't worry, our king has face many powerful foes before." Lobo assured the bot and the others to not worry.

"Yeah, show them the power of all seven emeralds!" Aguni shouted on wanting the mighty king to display his real strength.

"Seven Emeralds?" Sticks, Trip and Marine replied puzzled and confused: was that possibly about the Seven Chaos Emeralds.

"Regrettably if I engage, I might destroy something that must be retrieved. So I have to hold back and try a different approach by leading." Leo

"Oh, playing it cool and let the others do the work while at a safe distance. I totally get that…" Claptrap lightly expressed from seeing how that's a careful made strategy.

"No, but maybe he has a plan. Something we must bear witness." Angora objects that from what they know, Leo doesn't think that way so there must be more to it.

"You can do this!" Shoe cheers while a silent Flora nods her head in agreement to believe in their king.

"It won't be easy leveling the damage without going all out, but then again…" Leo issued from calculating the pattern on what he needs to do next here. "I also prepared some tricks." From giving a few hand signals, the Wolf Guard were seen getting into different positions. "Freeze it! But this time….coordinate on all sides. Don't give it time to react!" Leo held out an open hand to give the order on the next counterattack.

With the order received, the Wolf Guard were seen getting into different areas. As Metal Reaper focus on those in front, it didn't pay attention to the Metal Wolves flying around it since nothing could breach the fiery tornado. Or so it was believed…?

"Metal Wolf Claw!" Metal Wolves channel a blue light from their closed jaws.

Then the Metal Wolves spew cold air at absolute zero degrees. The attack of cooling down the fiery tornado was working, as the flames were dying out. And soon Metal Reaper cease spinning when it suddenly felt it's joints were freezing at an alarming rate.

"GRAVE SCREAMS!" Then Metal Reaper released a strange eerie sound from the sickle, affecting the Metal Wolves trying to freeze it. "SOUL PREDATOR!" Then it fires a barrage of energy blades from it's scythes to take out all targets.

"Wha-wha's happening?" Trip asked from looking afraid of what has the robot wolves unable to act.

"EEEEeeehhhhhh!?" Claptrap was seen screaming, as the freed prisoners yelp from not realizing Metal Reaper's attack may have gotten to this bot to.

"Blimmey, ol' Clappy has gone BONKERS!?" Marine issue on seeing now almost every bot has gone crazy.

"Nah, the enemy is causing a sound that is harming them, which is pretty much like a reaper preparing to steal one's soul." Sticks remotely explains which made Marine and Trip look worried in hearing someone had such a reaper-like ability theme. "What, can't a girl know grim facts to share on some occasions?" The badger girl exclaim from only trying to explain the mood.

"We're DOOooooOOOOOoommmm!?" Claptrap screamed between the volume tones while running around like a crazy malfunction hardware.

"I don't think so! You got the air units, but not my main grounders." Leo issue forth on refusing to be shaken by this action. "Zeed Wolves! Counter those shots!" The lion man gave another order to cancel the enemy's technique with sheer firepower.

"Full Metal Breath!" Zeed Wolves announced as they fire all weapons on their bodies including the Zeed Cannon to mow down the obstacles.

"BAM-BAM-BAM!" The attacks destroyed the energy blades and some even knock Metal Reaper off guard. "Urrrrrgh…" Metal Reaper let off a slight moan as the eerie energy around the scythe vanish, it's Grave Scream was disable.

"Now Continue to Freeze It!" Leo held out a hand to give another command while the enemy is off balance.

The Metal Wolves still able to go perform a wide range of Metal Wolf Claw and Grace Cross Freezer to quick the freezing process. Try as Metal Reaper wanted even it's chance of performing Burning Cyclone was being cancel from the absolute zero temperature. As Leo observes the events happening, then performs Vision Sight to study the enemy to find weakness until he detected something in the center of Metal Reaper.

"Nicole, there's something inside that thing. Something almost…alive." Leo spoke as the holographic lynx appeared nearby on what was uncovered. "What do you make of this?" Leo asked for Nicole's opinion, feeling like the source energy was not an item but a living being.

"I am uncertain Leo, the energy output is Chaos Energy, but it emits a dark source that seems alien which thrown off normal scans to determine if it's alive at all?" Nicole was also very puzzled with concern on what was hidden inside Metal Reaper.

"Hmmm, and the secret mission was to not destroy this foe until we secured what powered it. Any thoughts?" Leo held his chin to think on how to best approach this case.

"Sadly no, but if we miss this chance it will adapt to our strategy." Nicole shook her head while knowing that if they don't act, the enemy will.

"No. A minute is all I need. For the best solution, you must be direct!" Leo firmly gaze at the enemy, having decided on what act shall be done.

That's when Leo dashed ahead of the giant reaper bot, and then did something right there. "PUNCH!/CRACK!" Leo bashed his fist into the frozen skull piece on the chest plate of the enemy and cause cracks. "Crunch-Crunch…/SHATTER!" Then using the lion man's strength, he force apart the weaken frame to shatter to reveal something inside.

"So that's your source." Leo issue on having stared at the enemy's source of strength; a capsule pod.

"UUurrragghh…" Metal Reaper roared as it prepares it's left claw to grab the lion man but it was slow due to the frigid ice in the gears.

"You don't want me to take it, well sorry…but I INSIST!" Leo remarks as he doesn't mind doing this at all.

Soon Leo reached to yank out what appears to be a capsule placed in a power source behind the skull chest piece. Metal Reaper watches Leo leave with the item, but tries to fire the chain from the left arm. Leo was caught in it, and the enemy was seen striking with it's scythe

"WATER FORM!" Leo shouted as his body turn to water and the scythe missed him while much water splatter downward on Metal Reaper.

"Water!?" Trip looked surprised, but that move…seems familiar.

"FLAME AURA!" Leo suddenly engulf himself in flames before… "SMASH!" He launched like a rocket force, breaking the Metal Reaper's chains for Leo to gain freedom.

"AAAuurrrghhh…" Metal Reaper roared from it's destroyed chain, and tried to attack with the scythe again; but now the water contact froze faster in the joints..

"Sorry, but water and ice don't help you much." Leo remarks on seeing this is how they end things. "Wolf Guard – FINISH IT!" Leo firmly gives the final order to finish the enemy where it stands.

"WOLF BURST!" Metal Wolves fire all weapons armed through the body at once without delay.

"ZEED CANNON!" Zeed Wolves were super charging the super dreadnought-class weapon which fired a powerful burst of energy.

"KABOOM-KABOOM, KABOOM!" The multiple explosions on the enemy robot's body were unlike the earlier attacks, they were much heavier. "AAAARRrraaaurrghh…/Crack-Crack…" Metal Reaper was screaming as the attacks crack the ice and it's armor before… "KABLAM!/SHATTERED!?" The finally strike completely destroyed and shatter the enemy to pieces. With Metal Reaper defeated, the background music reach the perfect conclusion spot. And as Leo observes things, he saw a new pop-up alert:

QUEST MISSIONS - THE TRIANGLE'S SECRETS

BOSS - COMPLETE

REWARDS: 10 Level-Ups

SP REWARD: 500,000

Items Drops: 4000 Metal Materials, 1800 Chaos Battery Chargers, 700,000 Coins

Rare Item Drops: Rainbow Treasure Chest – Medium (9 Types) (X1000 Each Element)

Secret Special Rewards: GUN'S Top Secret Weapon & Black Capsule Pod

"It appears this amount of experience and rewards is something else." Leo expressed his surprise on the amount of rewards especially through a team buildup moment. "And all of you, well done." He turns to address the younger Ultimate Lifeforms that he sent on a mission, and they accomplish it greatly.

"My king…" Spada kneels down to humbly accept such a graceful praise he felt was overwhelming.

"Hmm, I see many of you have evolved." Leo took notice the changes on those he recognize as the former lion cub and large rabbit. "Lia…Angora…how do you feel?" He address those to see if they feel any different compared to what they were before.

"I feel like I gain wisdom from my growth's spurt, my king. Like a young lion cub becoming a true lion." Lia explains what he is feeling in ways that reflect how he has gain such experience. "I wish to be of service however or whatever lies ahead." He approaches to sit down and bows before the king.

"I know this form feels different, but I feel stronger, and faster then I was before. Yet I do not feel as different save for my own growth." Angora humbly pats his chest to expression his words on what he too is feeling today. "I would also wish to humbly be of aid for you and for everyone."

"You will, all of you." Leo nods his head with a smile, proud of those here and seeing those that evolved obtain a growth both maturity and knowledge.

"Sire, your Wolf Guard is amazing. But, besides you, who else is in charge to lead them?" Lobo studied the Wolf Guard to be impress by their strength.

"I haven't come across that decision. Are you by chance, interested?" Leo raise an eyebrow with a sly smile, thinking that someone is intrigue.

"It would be an honor to lead such a unit, but please wait…I feel like I must become stronger before then." Lobo bows gracefully upon such words, but wishes to wait upon the day he is strong to lead such an impressive guard.

"Wow, look at you being all serious?" Aguni made a sly smile upon seeing someone was all excited despite Lobo trying not to show much interest.

"We also made a new friend. He helped us find and even freed the captives." Flora waved a hand over to Claptrap who wheeled over to Leo: and he looked up at the tall and mighty lion man towering over the little robot.

"Haha, well when your back is against the wall, ehh…either side with those that push you around, or side with those that push them back." Claptrap lightly laughs off nervously from feeling the pressure of standing before a giant who can take down a larger giant with skills and look like he still wasn't even trying.

"Can we take him to be apart of the crew, please-please, please!" Shoe hugs Claptrap with a smile, as the squirrel girl was all for keeping the funny robot.

"Haha, I suppose it be alright." Leo lightly laughs off from seeing how Shoe was not wanting to back down until he agreed to such terms. "Nicole, can you reconfigure his coding so that there's no weird corruptions." Leo turns to the holographic lynx girl in wanting to make sure, there are no glitches or hidden virus codes if they accept Claptrap into their fold.

"Understood…Hold still…" Nicole replied as she had her hand become digital to phase into Claptrap's optic lens.

"Woah, um….a little straight forward aren't you?" Claptrap yelps from the sudden invasion.

"Oh, sorry?" Nicole lightly yelps to retract her digital hand, uncertain if that was a rude thing to do.

"Ah, I'm just messing with yah. Besides, you're the first pretty digital coding I ever seen, even if you're not made of metal." Claptrap shrug off the shoulders to sarcastically tease Nicole on just yanking her chain as it were.

Nicole felt a bit embarrassed by such words that she didn't know what to do about it. Leo couldn't help but shake his head at this comical robot. Perhaps this was something he enjoyed when seeing Doctor Eggman with his comical minions Orbot and Cubot, so maybe it's faith that now he has a funny bot like Claptrap apart of his crew now. And boy, he wonders how the other robotic crew members can deal with this jokester.

"Wow mates, you are some package bunch ain't'cha!?" Then Marine was seen studying Leo while Sticks and Trip were also curious of the tall lion man figure. "Never seen anything like yah, but if you're this strong to take down that metal boogeyman, you wouldn't be much a captain right?" The eager raccoon girl was trying to make sense on what kind of person Leo is.

"Actually, I get the feeling he wasn't even trying. You can tell since he had them metal fidos wear down that guy." Sticks cuts in to mention that from that fight, if Leo was a bit more serious, that fight might not even last 5 minutes.

"Dingos Barby! How strong can he be if he were serious?" Marine asked from sounding exciting to know what else the lion man can do.

"Haha, let's just say you be surprise…just as surprise for me to learn you all are here." Leo lightly laughs off from getting use to the fact he is meeting three more friends that Sonic the Hedgehog has encounter in the past, but this time after saving them from captivity. "So why were you all here?" The lion man went ahead to ask the big question that was on his mind.

"Um, I was just on my island when something in the ground look like a portal appeared, and I ended up here." Trip shyly explain herself on what she experienced that brought her to Nocturne.

"Yeah, some nutty portal thing appeared in my home when I was sleeping and found myself bumping iron heads with this one?" Sticks explain what she also went through when bumping into Trip upon their first meeting.

"Well crazy still mate, I last recall Blaze coming fer me, but then we all got separated and ended up here too!?" Marine explain her short story on what happen to herself as much as one can follow.

"Hmmm…" Leo held his chin from having heard the three stories, and think there is something missing in the pattern.

"Oh hey, since I'm getting invited to join, I should pay up." Claptrap rolls over when he was done being registered by Nicole. "Do you accept stolen treasure, and maybe this pretty gem." Then the bot waves around the turquoise Sol Emerald in his left arm.

"The Sol Emerald!?" Leo exclaim on seeing the item he sent Spada's team to find. "I wonder…" Then in a shocking surprise, he pulls out a green Sol Emerald on him.

"Hugh, ye got two of them Sol Emeralds?" Marine gasped upon seeing someone else had the emerald that her friend Blaze likes to keep on hand.

"I'll explain in a minute, I need to focus." Leo exclaim as he takes the Sol Emerald from Claptrap. "Vision Foresight…Hugh…" After speaking the technique out loud, Leo's eyes spark briefly and the scenery went blank around him.

That's when a strange scene was playing out, a strange vortex tunnel of sorts. One could see a royal feline was trying to reach Marine who was rolling in a void tunnel. Then drawing on power of the scatter Sol Emeralds, allowed the princess of flame's fire to spread and stop them both. But then cracks form that open tears to suck the air and flames to be put out. Then screams were heard as Sticks and Trip appeared and knock the Sol Emeralds away but also cause new portals to appear: each one leading to a different location on Nocturne. As Trips and Sticks went through, Marine was last and she grab a Sol Emerald before the tear closed. Then a flash occurred as Blaze yelps when trying to follow her friend but…

"Hello!" Sticks voice was heard as she was waving a hand from on top of Leo's shoulder.

"Ugh?" Leo yelps from having exit out of what he was seeing and was back in the present.

"Just checking, but you look like when folks stare at TV too long and their brains turn into a potato." Sticks exclaim from knowing what happens when folks stare off endlessly.

"I am fine, I was seeing a vision of the past." Leo cleared his throat before having to mention what he was doing. "Clearly whatever happen, Blaze was trying to save herself and Marine, but something else occurred to drab you two in and cause a lost moment of concentration to end up here with a Sol Emerald." Leo explain briefly on what he saw to make sense of the picture image. "But I don't know if Blaze ended up here and with other Sol Emeralds especially considering how we came across one by accident?" That part was the truth, Leo and his crew are trying to understand where Blaze is that they came upon a Sol Emerald, and now found a second one here.

"Well actually if you're looking for another of those shiny things, there was a previous visitor who had it." Claptrap suddenly interrupts the moment to reveal a shocking fact that everyone looked to him. "Though I gotta say, the guy was a nutty bird if I ever saw one. Said there were plans to be done north of here at a place called Coco Island?"

"Coco Island? That name doesn't ring any bells?" Leo held his chin to process what intel he received but couldn't make sense of it. "Still if it's north of here, then that's where we shall go." Leo decides to go on a gamble that if someone has a Sol Emerald and they went north, then that's where they shall head to.

"Wait, maybe we better wake Blaze up from this thing. Dat Captain Whisker was tryin' ta sell her off, so if she came ta find me then we gotta help her if she was caught!" Marine cuts in to argue about something that needs their immediate attention.

Before anyone could stop Marine she ran back to the area of the auction chamber. Leo and the others didn't know if the raccoon girl was telling the truth, but it's best to check. But upon meeting where those that were caught and imprisoned, many saw Marine throw the release switch on the capsule pod. Steam was released, and then a figure was seen waking up which was not of a cat but…an echidna, and a female at that!

A female anthropomorphic echidna with tomato red fur, a peach muzzle with a small black nose, and pink eyes rimmed by a patch of much lighter and almost white fur. Each eye is paired with a single, short eyelash which curves off to the side. Also has seven dreadlocks with a lighter zigzag pattern near the ends hanging from around the head, and a zigzag tail. Wears black full body armor, a black, gray, and pink armored boots, and gray and pink bracelets. Wears a black headband which sports a pale pink Nocturnus sigil.

Shade The Echidna

Leo was also speechless to come face to face with the first female echidna to appear since Tikal. What he remembers is that Shade was a lead member of the Marauder forces, took the job very seriously and served her lord known as Imperator Ix of the Noctornus Clan. Appeared in 'Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood', at first lived with her lost clan, but eventually join Sonics' team to stop Ix. But there was nothing else known say for Shade being possibly the only Nocturnus Clan echidna to escape the Twilight Cage to Earth.

"Ugh, where am I…?" Shade slowly regains her senses to step out of the capsule. "Hugh…!?" Then she notices faces she's never seen before, and becomes highly alert.

"Wow, howdy ho, and good morning to…" Claptrap suddenly approaches to offer a greeting when… "STAB!/Ow!?" He got stabbed without warning which made the bot back away.

"Eeek!? How'd she do that?" Trip yelps from seeing weapons appear out of nowhere.

"I had to guess, from her fancy techno type bracelet things." Sticks simply pointed out what her guess was which was spot on.

"Another step closer, and you will taste my Leech Blades!" Shade issued from displaying blades from her bracelets. "Now who are you, and what's going on!?"

"Crickey, is dat anyway ta say thanks fer freeing you?" Marine exclaim from thinking this person was a tad rude.

"A child?" Shade raise an eyebrow, surprise to see one present.

"Hey! I ain't no kid!" Marine protest from how everyone treats her as such.

"Enough! Talk! Where am I?" Shade protest as she firmly looked ready to engage when…

"Ivy Vines…" Leo muttered under his breath with a wave of his hand.

"Ugh…." Shade yelps as vines grew out of nowhere to restrain her hands down. "Let me go!" She struggled to get free, but the vines made it hard.

"I will, but you need to calm down." Leo firmly instructs the echidna girl as she stares at the tall lion man.

"Urgh…You will not take us prisoners again!" Shade protest to break free of the vines with her blades.

"Wait, us…as in more then you?" Leo stops everything when he thinks carefully over what Shade said just now.

"Yes, I was knock out and they place me inside this thing." Shade issue on where she was imprisoned and how it all happen. "Now can someone explain what's happen here?" She asked from not sure what was even going on right now.

"Alright, if you trust us I can let you go." Leo exclaim as he was seen undoing the vines and freed the echidna.

"Um, ah…thank you?" Shade was a bit conflicted, an enemy would not go and set a captive free.

"You have a lot of questions, I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability." Leo nods his head on firmly wanting to help clear things up: as shade looks around, she signs to retreat her blades to hear what's going on.

---

LATER IN THE DAY

The Leo Carrier was seen by the docking bay of Norturne. Many of the Wolf Guard was standing guard as a some Leo Bandits and Leo Hunters were going back and forth in loading supplies plus valuable treasures. From nearby Leo was seen walking with Shade while in a discussion. The lion man had filled in the blanks of what's happen, why they are here, and to remove any suspicion of what their intention is that would endanger the Nocturnus Tribe as they were seen fully armor and some either had helmets or remove them to mingle about as if everything was normal.

"I am sorry about my actions earlier." Shade spoke in wishing to ask forgiveness upon her awaken state. "After the downfall of Ix, me and I've been scouting our people scatter and lost. Especially after Sonic's friends left us." She explain the brief story of the tale that Leo was familiar with but had some extra plot twist.

"I see, it is some story. I can relate. Waking up in a new place, trying to survive, and looking out for my kind while looking for a home." Leo humbly nods his head from having shared something they can relate to in some way.

"Yes, and just when we gotten word that our ancient home was here, it had already been seized." Shade looked down with discourage on how things fell through afterwards. "And we were still so dysfunctional they overcame us, and became enslaved as workforce for whoever was running this place." She mentions the next part that was very hard for her to admit.

"You mean Captain Whisker and his crew?" Leo raise an eyebrow, uncertain if such capable warriors would lose to such comical robot pirates.

"Not them, there were others who allowed cooperative business fair. They appeared human, but they wore matching outfits that cover their identity." Shade shook her head to reveal her group got caught by another force, after that they left arranging the island base to Captain Whisker.

"Hmmm, the more I here, the stranger it sounds?" Leo held his chin from finding this piece of intel curious but also very strange.

"Well, I suppose we best be going." Shade looked a bit down on knowing what happens next.

"What do you mean?" Leo raise an eyebrow after what he just heard.

"You're seeking a home, you defeated our captives, the island is yours to rule. It is your right." Shade exclaim on handing over the island for Leo's crew to make as their own home.

"I maybe striving to be a king, however…" Leo firmly looks around the area to see how much the Nocturnus Tribe is hard at work helping them while exploring their old homeland. "Those that lost their home should not be homeless."

"You're…giving us our home?" Shade asked stump speechless, this place was made into a fort but this lion man doesn't want it.

"I'm simply hanging the rights to the rightful residents." Leo expressed his thoughts on doing what is the right thing to do. "Knuckles would understand my judgement." The lion man made a valid point on knowing someone who treasures his homeland.

"I see, you meant him. How is he." Shade expressed relief while asking if the echidna was doing well.

"Doing well, he is guarding his home. And I think you can guard and make a change here." Leo exclaim on answering while giving some friendly advice on the spot. "Think you're up for it." The lion man asked if the echidna girl can handle on running things.

"But Ix was our tribe leader, I'm no…" Shade was uncertain if she could play such a role.

"Do not sell yourself short child." An elderly voice was heard from nearby.

Then entering was a red theme echidna but more elderly with a furry beard, and white strip hair between some dreadlocks and eyebrows. Wore the same black armor as Shade but with a cloak, and carried a wooden stick. Leo instantly knew who this elder was right away…

Nestor The Wise

"Nestor? How are you here?" Shade asked surprised to see this former member of the clan all of a sudden.

"I have my ways of travel. For example, those Twilight Cage Pirates." Nestor revealed his source without delay.

"You trust those who caused a problem and were banished?" Shade raise an eyebrow shock by having heard such a thing.

"They are a rough bunch, but in time they may change." Nestor issue on having the patients to wait out such behavior. "I wanted to greet the one who helped free our people." He looks up to Leo with a little smile on his face.

"No need for that, we were unaware that the Nocturnus Clan was here." Leo held up a hand to simply say the fated encounter just happen: after all their scans didn't realize anyone was here hidden in the Bermuda Triangle.

"Still now we can begin a new chapter in our lives, and we have you to thank for stopping those that wish to mistreat us." Nestor smiled to appreciate all that Leo did upon freeing the captive echidna.

"Well when word gets out, you may have some visitors?" Leo exclaim on knowing when folks learn what happen, everyone will wanna come to this place to see for themselves: including the villains who aided Captain Whisker.

"We will handle it, we have our land's resources. We can build defenses and Gizoids. And bringing our people out of the Twilight Cage if they promise to reform or stay where they are." Nestor exclaim on knowing precisely how they can handle themselves from now on.

"But Nestor, you know how much the different Twilight Cage residents resent us, after we lost power they spare no time trying to attack us." Shade felt that decision could lead to those that don't change be hunt down instead.

"Well, reforming one's actions is a good start, especially if one seeks to start a life away from hateful eyes." Nestor rubs his beard to simply say this which made Shade felt weirded by the sly but wise old echidna.

"I see, either stay imprisoned forever to be hunted by the residents you done wrong or make a new start by no longer being evil. That is….some tactic?" Leo felt a sweat drop from seeing how Nestor is wise enough to see how that action can build character or perish trying.

"You know, I never felt at ease with anyone else except for the blue hedgehog and his friends." Shade then turns to Leo in having something else to say. "Once again thank you." Shade expressed her gratitude to the lion man, for all he's truly done.

"My pleasure, now we already obtain much spare materials to repair our ship. So we'll be off." Leo nods his head while seen turning around to give a wave to the echidnas.

With that done, Leo slowly walks towards his warship as he sees many of his crew members just about finish packing everything up. There was even the sight of Shard arguing with Claptrap while Nicole tries to get the two to behave. Not to mention Marine, Sticks and Trip wowing over Heavy Leo and Loader Lio due to their size. After a while the Leo Carrier takes off, as Shades and Nestor watch the ship head north.

"That lion man, he is something is he not?" Nestor exclaim on studying Leo from afar, judging much of his character.

"I think so. At least he's no Ix." Shade stated on knowing that Leo and Ix are not the same.

"Indeed, but I do feel that his destiny may lie ahead of him." Nestor expressed his thoughts on the manner that concerns what awaits the lion man himself.

"What do you mean?" Shade raise an eyebrow, puzzled by that statement.

"I sense Chaos Energy, very much of it. I sensed it with the former Imperator." Nestor spoke firmly on knowing how strong Leo was even from a distance.

"Strength to match Ix?" Shade gasped upon having heard that for the first time.

"Indeed." Nestor nods his head to confirm it.

"And, was that his transformation?" Shade asked from thinking that form of Leo was like how Ix transform to display his powerful status.

"Yes and no…clearly he's undergoing change." Nestor rubs his beard from having a hard time answering that.

"Into what?" Shade asked from being curious, if that was not the final form then what will Leo change into.

"Perhaps…into a king to lead his people." Nestor smiled a bit from thinking of a positive way to phrase that answer: after that the scene goes dark…

---

COUPLE HOURS LATER

ABOARD THE LEO CARRIER

The scene opens within the Ultimate Lifeform Chamber where Leo stood alone with something in the center: the black capsule pod. The same capsule that the lion man yanked from Metal Reaper that gave it such eerie ability that could almost make one's hair stand on edge. Then Nicole was seen appearing to enter the room while viewing a holo-screen of events outside. Namely of Sticks trying to ride a Zeed Wolf like a mechanical bull with Trip worried and Marine wanting to be next.

"It was nice of you to bring them along." Nicole smiled on the generous act Leo did for those three girls.

"Trip, Sticks, and Marine are a bit hard to trust in leaving them on their own." Leo expressed his thoughts on knowing those characters might fall into trouble once again: well Trip and Marine might, Sticks is a wild card. "Once we set down, perhaps we can drop them off at one of Sonic's friends to help take care of them." Leo thought of a plan in how to get those aboard helped out.

"Are you worried you don't want them involved in what is after you?" Nicole asked from sensing what was eating Leo up with worry.

"Precisely." Leo replied lowly, he doesn't wish to involve innocent bystanders: especially those that are friends with Sonic.

"I see, well until then they are our guest aboard." Nicole humbly nods from knowing how they shall handle this. "Are you ready to inspect what you also obtain?" The holo lynx asked from knowing what else was puzzling Leo's mind.

"Yes, both my reward and this capsule here?" Leo clutch his chin from looking at the mystery black capsule, the loot obtain was nice but only two rewards have the highest attention.

"Which one do you want to try first?" Nicole asked from awaiting what the lion man will choose to examine before moving on.

"Both are a shroud of mystery, but the one in the capsule is alive." Leo exclaim from his eyes flashing briefly before they faded out: Vision Foresight showed a strange aura of flame but…it was black.

"Perhaps it is Princess Blaze?" Nicole stated on who it might be within the black capsule.

"No, not likely…the Sol Emeralds response is proof of that." Leo exclaim to show the two emeralds in hand, but they had no reaction near the black pod.

"True, they are connected, but they do not light up." Nicole lightly nods to confirm that whoever they have, it's not Blaze the Cat.

"I used Vision Foresight to helped me find out who's inside, but something else is interrupting me from seeing pass some chaotic energy flame? I thought it was Blaze, but this one is dark…" Leo scratch the back of his head, finding what he's discovery to be very…puzzling. "Yet I can't shake the feeling that power Metal Reaper exhibited, it gives one chills. Perhaps I'll see the hidden reward after all to take my mind off this." The lion man decided to shift his focus briefly on another matter before resolving the one with the black pod that has one on high alert.

Now Leo pulls out the item known as GUN's Top Secret Weapon, course it was only a black briefcase. Still it was only after the lion man opened it that he found what was inside to be the real prize. And it was some kind of a blood container device. Strange how it was still active and kept such blood in a certain stasis. That's when a pop-up screen appeared with some intriguing information about what the lion man has obtain:

Blood Of Hope & Despair

Info: From the decease Maria Robotnik who was diagnosis with Neuro-Immune Deficiency Syndrome or NIDS. As an immunodeficiency disorder, NIDS is a chronic, incurable condition that primarily affects the immune system, and could possibly lead to secondary infections. The condition appears to be hereditary, worsens over time, and if left untreated, can lead to the death of the victim. As such, victims require constant medical attention, and places such as the Earth can be extremely hostile to those who suffer from it. Subject Maria Robotnik was moved to Space Colony ARK for the low gravity capable of mitigating the painful inflammation cause by the sickness to an extent, allowing it to enter remission. This suppressing effect combined with the sterile environment is what allowed subject Maria to have as much independence as one could, but despite this still cause the sufferer to experience shortness or breath and fainting with enough over-exertion.

Gerald Robotnik attempted to find a cure for his granddaughter Maria, and created the Ultimate Lifeform Shadow the Hedgehog. Of course this was only possible with the blood from the alien warlord called Black Doom, leader of the Black Arms. During a blood transfusion it was believed Shadow's immortality and infused Chaos Energy would be the cure. But apparently the action did not cure Maria, and it was believed Project Shadow would lead to zero progress. Or so it was made to believe?

After GUN invaded the ARK to remove all traces, only Shadow escape that faith while all others perished including Maria. However during the clean-up, Maria's blood was extracted from her decease body for scientist to study for future NIDS. But it was discovered that traces of Shadow's blood cells was still active within the dead cells of Maria's blood. Undergoing a change of a new revolution of different blood types blending to evolve the human DNA. GUN scientist were uncertain what effects this blood may have if injected into others or be use to create another Project Shadow. It was also believed that with so many alien properties from Black Doom's DNA that exist inside Shadow, could create a new type of Black Arm. Thus it was register under "Blood Of Hope & Despair", because there was no safe way to learn what could be born of such alienated blood mixture.

"I don't believe this? Are you seeing this Nicole?" Leo was still in shock from what he has just obtain.

"Yes, it's very rare. Perhaps this was something that was illegally gain and sold for a large sum. It is a tempting item for one who wishes to study and create Ultimate Lifeforms." Nicole expressed her thoughts on the manner revolving around this blood item.

"Yes, but that's not all. It is the DNA within the blood sample here." Leo felt like there was more then meets the eye on this rare item. "On one hand, Shadow is the perfect Ultimate Lifeform, anyone could have copies of such a warrior." The lion man pointed out how anyone with ambitions could use this thing for such an agenda.

"But according to this, due to other blood cells, it's possible the Ultimate Lifeform could be born into a Black Arms creature. The odds stand 50/50." Nicole reveal more shocking news on what one could get in this case if one fails.

"Hmmm, that is a problem. A single wrong step and we may end up creating something terrible like…Eclipse The Darkling?" Leo muttered from theorizing the worse kind of creature born between what are both Black Arms and Shadow.

The mere mention of that name, brought back a brief recall on the one spoken. Eclipse the Darkling was a super soldier in the Black Arms alien species and created to essentially be the answer to Shadow the Hedgehog. The guy was introduced to be the Ultimate Alien, slightly resembles Shadow but with more the Black Arms theme compared to the hedgehog lifeform. This blood could be dangerous if not done properly and create something as bad as BioLizard. Yet Leo can't help but think, can he isolate only the good portions to not create a monster. After all this unique blood is a mixture between Shadow and Black Doom's DNA which has change the cells of who's blood this came from: Maria.

"Hmmm, Nicole I feel like this may be something to test out. But perhaps maybe when my IQ in Gigi Professor is at the max, the risk may drop just beneath 50 percent. Maybe…?" Leo ponders a possible gander on how they can find a use for this blood while making certain success rate of 50/50 change slightly.

"Understood, it is a big decision." Nicole nods her head from hearing what Leo has decided to do. "Now I suppose the time has come, are you ready to see what's hidden in the pod?" Nicole turns to the black pod, knowing this was the next thing to check out.

"After what I just came across, I don't know what else can surprise me?" Leo signs a bit from hoping nothing else is as shocking after the first rare item. "But whatever it is in this pod, we'll have to be ready if it starts attacking." Leo spoke in wanting to be extra prepared, recalling how Shade tried to attack after being free of her pod confinement.

"Setting defenses on standby mode." Nicole waved her hand to activate the chamber defenses.

"Okay…Here goes…" Leo took a deep breath, it's now or never here…

Leo press a button on the black capsule pod, it released red energy voltage. Leo brace for what was coming as did Nicole, but it was not necessary. As the steam cleared, so too did the surge of Chaotic Energy, and that's when something was seen to be like a recap of a hedgehog within the pod except it was not Shadow. This one was a dark tan blue anthropomorphic hedgehog with tan grey blue on the chest, muzzle, and inner ears, and a black nose. The back spikes are lay downward slightly a different style to Sonic and has lost the color on the left eye that's white. A notice feature displays a little scar near the left top corner of the left eye, but a larger scar across from the forehead to the left eye by the nose. Wears boots and gloves with tan dark grey blue and tan grey blue socks and wrist bands plus center square marks, a gold band buckle on each wrist, and a red scarf around the neck. Suddenly a shocking pop-up window appeared before Leo along with a celebration bell sound:

-SECRET OPTIONAL QUEST – ACHIEVED!-

Unique Ultimate Lifeform – Obtain

*Terios The Hedgehog*

REWARDS: 5 Level-Ups

Passive Abilities:

Gigi Professor Lv.8-9

High Mechanic Lv.8-9

Great Pirate Lv.3-6

UNLOCK NEW PASSIVE SKILLS:

*High Alchemist Lv.1-4: A high rank job specialized on alchemy. Provides skills to create potions, process materials, metals, illnesses, poison, and create golems and homunculus.

*High Smith Lv.1-4: A high rank job in the Blacksmith group. A specialist capable of crafting armours, swords, blades hammers. Guns, cannons, and improve the quality of high-grade metal.

STATUS UPDATE:

Leo The Lion – Level 230

HP: 300,000- / MP: 232,000

STR: 216,000

DEF: 40,000

AGI: 40,000

VIT: 40,000

DEX: 40,000

INT: 7500

WIS: 6500

LUC: 2300

Leo was beyond words of what just happen, the sudden achievements to a new status update. He even obtain some new jobs he never had before. It could be related to his diligent work on creating the Wolf Guard. But still all that was push aside for the creature that lies before one's very eyes. And at that time, a special pop-up message appeared for Leo to read the contents:

-Project Shadow – Untold Secret History Files-

Secret Info: Nobody knew about it, but there was another Ultimate Lifeform before Shadow. As history knows it, Gerald Robotnik was invited to research the means of obtaining immortality, and discovered there was a means of using Chaos Emeralds and the Chaos Drives to attempt at applying Chaos Emerald energy to living beings which proved successful and thus would create a creature to be the ultimate lifeform. Course Gerald needed help in the research, and contacted Black Doom when he was arriving at Earth at the time and would provide his blood in the lifeform's creation but ask for something in return 50 years later. But Gerald learn that Black Doom wanted to devour humans, so the professor didn't go in that area.

However after success with the first prototype dubbed BioLizard at first seem possible on the goal, it went south of the creature growing too fast and was flawed in behavior and need of life support functions. So the man moved on to use Black Doom's blood to create said Lifeform. Also during the course Gerald was creating artificial creatures on behalf of GUN who wanted their own 'Chaos Monsters' which such experiments let to creating Artificial Chaos units, as synthetic life-forms base on Chaos.

Hidden Secret File: However while working on such project works, Project Shadow was the main focus for Gerald to create a stable lifeform. After obtaining a sample of an anthropomorphic hedgehog's DNA, the first stage of creating an Ultimate Lifeform was underway, and it was also the first to receive the sample of Black Doom's blood. Born in a lab behind a glass frame, the creature saw the scientist observing it with caution as not wanting a repeat of the BioLizard. The creature was curious of it's own reflection, and so a scientist came up with a fun idea to call this one Terios which means 'reflection of' as just a joke measure. But the creature seem to respond to the name, so it stuck with it. Gerald saw that unlike the BioLizard, Terios was a perfectly healthy lifeform, it displayed the acts of a newborn child but it's mind quickly grew while discovering it was fast and can use Chaos Energy. And seem to have a knack for fighting which impressed the scientist to setup training courses to help Terios be ready. While Gerald felt pleased, he was concern if they were pushing Terios since when everyone left, the hedgehog would drop into a sit position, wiping off sweat as if struggling to keep appearance. Gerald kept this secret since Terios understood he was made to be the Ultimate Lifeform, and didn't want to disappoint anyone…which only further worried Gerald that this one wanted to push himself to a breaking point.

But then one day, to further see how well Terios has come the military had the lifeform fight GUN Robots. At first Terios seem capable of holding his own, but then when the harder type models enter after endlessly swatting the weaker models, Terios showed faulty responses under pressure. Even when performing Chaos Spears, the destructive impact from before seem weaker. Then when backed into a corner, the hedgehog seem unable to continue when losing balance to fall on knees. Gerald wanted to stop the experiment, but the military wanted to see if this was the length the so-called Ultimate Lifeform was capable of doing. Suddenly Terios' guard was unable to stop an attack that destroyed the back wall section to fall on him. At first many believed the hedgehog was finished under the debris. Then without warning, an alien type of energy emitted to destroy the rubble debris, creating wings of unknown nature, and then unleashed dark blacken chaos energy forms that wiped out the GUN Robots. While everyone was shock, many saw the hedgehog survived but had underwent change. Then Terios screamed as if something was trying to harm him, and he mutter one word 'Doom'…

Realizing what has happen, Gerald immediately started to suck the air out of the room, causing Terios to gasp for the lack of oxygen. As Terios fell half-unconscious, the black wings vanish and so did the dark chaotic energy. When it was safe, Gerald rushed to inspect Terios, and discovered the accident left the hedgehog's left eye damage along with scars left as reminder. The military personal found the experiment had some things to be improved, for starters to make the Ultimate Lifeform more capable of a fighter without displaying such a weakness. Gerald felt concern that they pushed Terios too far, and that something had gone wrong that the hedgehog almost lost control. The military decided there were two choices, terminate the failed creature before it runs wild again or keep in in suspended animation for future studies. So force with making a tough call, Gerald put Terios in a sleeping capsule pod and sent off the ARK back to Earth while hoping that if he perfects the next Ultimate Lifeform, maybe the same thing can be done for Terios.

Afterwards Gerald Robotnik used the last of Black Doom's blood on the next Project Shadow subject, this time the results created a fully black hedgehog. What Gerald may have learn from Terios was that he used too little of Black Doom's blood which while it made a stable lifeform capable of performing good feats, it was still considered a flawed and imperfect vision of a true Ultimate Lifeform. The end result was Terios losing control and as Gerald feared the connection with the Black Arms was taking over Terios to become a mindless ultimate weapon. Knowing what safety measures to take, Gerald had hope that the next one called 'Shadow', maybe the answer to save humanity from the Black Arms return.

But then when GUN raided the ARK, everything fell out of place. And just when Gerald was so close to completing Shadow after he showed higher stats and performance that beat even Terios' old records. Many lives were lost, including Gerald's granddaughter Maria, and Shadow was then captured. The sheer madness drove Gerald insane to forget his plans to save humanity, even forgetting to help Terios. And so Terios was left forgotten for 50 years until members from a rogue faction of GUN discovered the black pod and the energy it emitted after long suspended sleep could power a robot to unknown measurements. The black pod was secretly use for experiments and later left in the newly hidden area in the Bermuda Triangle, where none would know what goes on…

End Of Report.

"Terios…" Leo muttered forth the name while looking at the sleeping hedgehog in the pod.

"I do believe you have become more surprised then before?" Nicole exclaim on seeing the reaction Leo made.

"Yes, because even I can't believe what I'm seeing?" Leo held his head as if trying to process this overwhelming surprise.

"Curious how they say this one is a scrapped project?" Nicole reviews the message that explains who Terios was at one point.

"Yes, well…scrapped maybe one word that heavily describes him to a 'T' alright?" Leo exclaim on feeling the description was very close to home. "He was said to be the 'original' Shadow." He muttered out this statement when looking at the hedgehog.

"Original?" Nicole raise an eyebrow when having heard this curious fact.

This was truly a day to find surprises one step after the next. Even Leo never in a million years could believe it, this hedgehog would exist in the Sonic universe. Back in the day before Sonic Adventure 2 game came out, they were trying to develop the Ultimate Lifeform character to be Sonic's opponent as an anti-hero. At first the one called Terios which meant 'reflection of' was to be it until the final version gave birth to the current Shadow the Hedgehog of today. Almost everyone would never have known about Terios until one day when the new additional game called Sonic X Shadow Generation introduce the new skin of Terios for the Shadow story play. And now, now that same scrapped character is here…

"Nicole, what are his brainwaves like?" Leo asked in wanting to know the condition of this character.

"There doesn't appear to be much? It's almost like there is no one home?" Nicole ran a scan, but could not detect any signs of brain activity.

"No wonder, between his situation of using Doom Powers, GUN may have tried to wipe out his memory and personality." Leo could firmly understand it, Terios was different from Shadow but due to oversighted matters that personality may have been wiped clean. "If memory serves me right, Gerald Robotnik gave Shadow certain…feelings, emotions, to think independently which made him different from the mindless Black Arms." Leo recalls previous discussions that revolve on how Shadow had his own will made then just being a mindless living weapon that played out in the Sonic stories thus far.

"But didn't Gerald reprogram Shadow when he lost Maria?" Nicole bring sup a topic that was almost overlooked.

"Yes, that's also true." Leo firmly nods that he remembers that: though reprogrammed Shadow still had his personality but just under a different directive.

"Leo, you have studied the research in creating Ultimate Lifeforms, and given their thoughts of free will. But this one is different as it was already made." Nicole points out other facts that need to be consider when getting involved with such an outside lifeform.

"You're right, I didn't make him, but still…" Leo looks at the sleeping Terios, and grip his hands a brief moment. "I'm gonna help complete him." He firmly spoke on what he wants to do next here.

"Is it because you both share a similar destiny?" Nicole asked from sensing how these two relate on being so-called 'scrapped failures' that didn't make the cut.

"In a word, yes. I was a failed project left behind and forgotten. Who's to say I wouldn't know how that feels." Leo could very well understand such a pain, and doesn't wish Terios to feel that way.

"Do be careful, he exhibits powers tha are both Chaos Energy and the other…"

"Doom Powers, I know. That's why Metal Reaper's ability was so eerie, it was harnessing that alien power." Leo cuts in to finish that statement: realizing what kind of weird ability the enemy used came from Terios himself for being a scrap copy base of Shadow. "But I refuse to let this one become nothing but a mindless minion or a new body for someone's evil ideals."

"You plan to use the Emerald Power called Extra Life on him?" Nicole raise an eyebrow from imagining what Leo would do: use a powerful heal-type ability in such a situation.

"I do, both to heal and perhaps cure any lingering evil that would corrupt him." Leo firmly explains what steps he's about to take.

"To do that will require much focus and time to pinpoint such cellular structures, you may have to work without much sleep."

"Then I guess until we find where the next Sol Emerald is, I'll be working here." Leo lightly smiled on trying to stay positive in this situation. "EXTRA LIFE!" Leo announced this as he channels silver aura around him.

Now Leo places his hands over the sleeping hedgehog, as silver Chaos Energy enters Terios. Nicole watches from afar as Leo is about to try and do what maybe an impossible feat. But yet the holo lynx can't help but think if anyone could pull off such a miracle, it maybe Leo the Lion. The scene goes dark as the brave lion adventurer prepares what new horizons lay and wait for him to encounter: all this and more things to come…

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NOTES: New Ultimate Lifeforms Introduced as 'Younglings' are Based on Digimon Characters followed by type of personality:

-Lia (Cub/Adult) Base On Liollmon But Evolve To Liamon (Personality: Simba from Disney's Lion King)

-Aguni Base On Flamemon (Personality: Takua from Digimon Frontier)

-Lobo Base On Strabimon (Personality: Koji from Digimon Frontier)

-Shoe The Squirrel Base On ShoeShoemon (Personality: Wendy from Ducktales 2017)

-Flora Base On Floramon (Elize Lutus from Tales Of Xillia)

-Angora (Big Form/Fighter Form) Base on Angoramon but evolves to SymbareAngoramon (Angoramon from Digimon Ghost Games)

Norturne & members of the Norturnus Clan (including Shade and Nestor) are from Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood game.

At the end of beating the game, it was never fully explained what happen to the land ruled by the Norturnus Clan after defeating Imperator Ix when he transform into Super Ix. So an ideal thought that instead of the island's destruction, it ended up on Earth in the Bermuda Triangle.

Captain Whiskers & Johnny are bosses from Sonic Rush Adventure game.*Both also believed to perish, but are seen active in the Sonic comic series from having survived that adventure.

Introducing Friends Sonic the Hedgehog has encounter (and some from other worlds/dimensions/realities/other games):

Marine the Raccoon

Sticks the Badger

Trip the Sungazer

Shades the Echidna

Note Fact: The chapter has a major focus on Sticks the Badger, Marine the Raccoon, and Trips the Sungazer end up together. And after being rescued, will journey with Leo's crew for the time being…

The fight scene against Captain Whisker and Johnny followed by Angora's evolution moment is inspired reference from Digimon Ghost Games' in episode 15.

Metal Reaper is based on Reapermon (with the same abilities plus those from MetalPhantomon)

The Wolf Guard are base off of two cyborg type Garurumon-species from the Digimon series:

-Metal Wolves are based on Metal Garurumon X

-Zeed Wolves are based on ZeedGarurumon

The Secret Rewards play a major tie-in with Shadow the Hedgehog & from history facts from previous franchise works. Including new surprises introduce from Sonic X Shadow Generation game of Year 2024 and those related. And many of which inspired new ideas for further story developments.

1st – Shadow's Blood: While it's been said that upon Shadow being created, even his blood failed to cure Maria Robotnik's disease of NIDS. It was never fully explained how they did the test. Some might think of taking 2 blood cells to see if they work, but that was never explained. But when 'The Jet Black Hedgehog: Shadow The Hedgehog' manga came out, it displayed a scene of a blood transfusion action. And there stroke an inspiring idea that if Shadow's blood was being injected into Maria, but it never work, who's to say it was not still inside the girl. And scientist do study blood of the decease to understand infectious diseases, so what's not to say Maria was taken off the ARK and her blood was extracted that had not just NIDS but also the blood from an Ultimate Lifeform. This could inspire dozens of ideas that other parties could use the unique blood to create Ultimate Lifeforms like Shadow, or if there's a risk of the Black Arms DNA that could corrupt the creature, or in another case…create a NEW Maria but who's to say if she'll be human? Thus ends the review study of what many folks can imagine such possibilities with such new evidence of Shadow's blood inside Maria that can create whole new possible ideas for future stories, etc.

2nd – Terios the Hedgehog: A scrapped early version of Shadow that was completed, but not fully finalize. So as this character was before Shadow's time, gave him a background story as being the earliest proto base hedgehog Ultimate Lifeform before the black hedgehog himself, followed by how Terios received a scar and lost sight in one eye. The memory wipe of character was inspired from Tempo AKA Quake Woman from Mega Man Archie series along with there was no mind at home inside the body inspired from Megatron from Transformers Prime in Season One. The personality for this character will be revealed in next chapter on what would have been a keyword to describe Shadow but was denied. As many have seen Terios when he was drawn, at first there wasn't much, but when introduce as a skin when playing Shadow Generation, it was a whole knew look that scream new character for a possible Sonic series. So while it maybe up for question if Terios may appear in future events, there are merchandise of said character so gotta keep on hoping. Until then, enjoy the imagination of what Terios may become in the future, in this story or in any other…

Oh and of course lastly, Claptrap is a character from Borderlands. And from how popular the guy is, decided that if Eggman has 2 funny comedian robots, why not a famous bot like Claptrap be introduced and join Leo's crew. It's certainly going to be full of unexpected and fun surprises in future chapters for fans to enjoy. You can imagine either his game counterpart, or his film counterpart, whoever one enjoys the most to envision that kind of personality & voice in this story.

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Wowwee, this chapter certainly has plenty of extra fun surprises nobody was expecting, and just wait for what's coming up next. After much struggle, Leo has finish 'healing' & awaken a new member to his crew: Terios. Too bad the act was very draining of the lion's man's strength, especially when the Leo Carrier enters a territory encounter of a new enemy…with a vast ARMADA OF SHIPS!? While going on the defense with a still under repair warship and energy supplies are low, it appears the best offense must go aboard the main enemy's flagship and bring down the whole flock. Cut off the major source of power, a Sol Emerald, and win the day. Course when leaving it to some youthful & reckless characters along with a surprise extra for the ride Claptrap, what can possibly go wrong? Well there's some kooky birds for starters, and wait…are the Babylon Rogues sneaking aboard the Leo Carrier? What kind of crazy adventure awaits for everyone to face next? Stay tune to find out, till then…enjoy…