Mobius Mania
A'Void'-ing Suspicion
From his crystalline fortress, Naugus was once again roused by the sound of the Void being opened. Upon investigating, he was met with the most unsavory sight he could've imagined. Not only had that 'Metal Quickster' returned, but he was accompanied by not one, but TWO Robotniks!?
"What mad sorcery is this!?" the wizard exclaimed.
"What's the commotion about?" asked a regal, male voice.
Naugus turned to see his fellow captive, none other than King Maximillian himself, a stern, curious expression on his face.
"The commotion, my liege, is of course none other than Robotnik," Naugus replied.
"Julian…what's he up to now?"
"Its something you need to see to believe," Naugus stood aside, allowing King Max to look through the viewing crystal. Moments later, the king of Mobius staggered backwards, a hand clasped over his chest.
"Oh my word! Was that…!?"
"Yes. It seems our old friend has found himself, a Kindred Spirit as it were," said Naugus.
"What does this mean!?" King Acorn demanded.
"That…I am unsure, but we should keep an eye on them. Whatever they're planning, just might prove useful in getting us out of this limbo in one piece."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I don't know what it is, but I can sense with them, an incredible source of power. It could very well rival my own magic. If…I were to acquire it…."
"You could cure our…crystallization problem?"
"I can't say for certain…but there is a possibility."
The duo could only watch as their captor and his cohorts continued through the vortex to, who knows where? Still, that small revelation did wonders to inspire hope in the both of them, though another thought crossed King Acorn's mind.
'Sally, please be careful, and Sonic, you'd better keep your promise.'
]
After a rough ride through the windy tunnel of the Void, Metal Sonic let Robotnik and Snively down just as Eggman and the Swatbots exited close behind.
"Well gentleman, hope you enjoyed the ride," Eggman joked.
Dusting himself off, Robotnik sauntered towards Eggman and said in a no-nonsense voice, "Don't. Do that. Again."
"I make no promises," Eggman replied holding up his hand.
Robotnik growled, but backed off. "Whatever. On to important matters, where are we?"
"I believe we're in some sort of jungle sir," said Snively
Eggman glanced down at his radar and quickly got a blip. "Aha, it seems we're near my Westside Island Base."
"Westside Island?"
"This is the place where I arguably created my Magnum Opus!"
"Magnum Opus?"
"I'll tell you the story once we arrive, for now…." Eggman hit a button on his control panel and a moment later, the group were met with a small squadron of robots including a couple of flying robotic turtles as well as a few familiar, hornet looking robots.
"Are those…?"
"Yup. My buzzbombers, along with a little something extra."
Accompanying the robot bugs was another capsule similar in appearance to the Eggmobile, though a bit larger.
"Gentlemen…" Eggman beckoned his cohorts to their ride, which they both entered with a pair of mischievous grins.
"Now then, follow me!"
With the swatbots being carried by the turtloids, the doctors and their robots blasted off above the forest.
Moments later, the scientists and their robots were brought to a large, metallic dome with a familiar looking design. As they touched down, Eggman remained in his craft while Robotnik and Snively stepped forth to the giant blast doors.
"Now then, Julian, Snively, allow me to welcome you to my humble abode."
With a push of a button, the doors opened leading the two newcomers to a veritable factory.
"Sadly, this is only one of my more temporary bases, but I do hope you'll find the accommodations appealing."
Eggman lead the two through the fortress, past various factory like areas where badnik shells were being built as well as numerous recreational areas (Even masterminds need some time to unwind). Operational badniks were patrolling and maintaining the place until finally, Eggman lead them to a room with a humongous computer screen.
"Well, I must say, you certainly do have an impressive control room," Robotnik praised.
"I rather enjoyed the badnik factory sir," added Snively.
"Yes. It is quite a feat you manage to get a lot done with such minimal resources."
The backhanded compliment didn't go unnoticed by Eggman who quickly retorted, "Minimal isn't the right word, but let's just say I know how to use my resources efficiently. After all…"
Eggman pushed some keys on his computer and it showed what appeared to be blueprints. On one side was the schematics of a giant robot in Eggman's own image, and the other showed a large spherical fortress with the unmistakable look of the Doctors' iconic mustache.
"You once mentioned a 'magnum opus' dear Ivo. Am I to believe it is one of those two machines?"
"Indeed Doctor. Unfortunately, both of them have since gone up in smoke, the former actually being what brought me to you. Like I said though, I use my resources efficiently, and while it may go against everything we stand for, recycling can be useful at times."
Robotnik crossed his arms. The schematics were truly extraordinary. He had to admit that Eggman may have had a point in him having the deadlier machines, but if anything of that magnitude could be taken down, was that the fault of Ivo himself, or was that just emblematic of how problematic his Sonic was.
"What exactly do you have in mind?" asked Robotnik.
With a sinister glint reflected in his glasses, Eggman flashed his cohort a twisted grin. They had some planning to do.
]
As the sky turned from bright blue to vermillion, the trio of adventurers and their avian friend returned to the Tornado, defeat evident on their faces. Time had all but escaped from them as their search for the flicky's missing brother ended in failure. Despite her best efforts, even Amy couldn't sate the little bird's tearful chirps.
"Oh don't cry little birdy. I'm sure we'll find your brother sooner or later."
"It might have to be later cause look, the sun's already setting," Sonic pointed out.
"I know but…I can't just leave Ms. Flicky alone like this," Amy protested.
"We can always pick the search back up tomorrow, but I think we may have to check someplace else. Face it, we've been all over this island with a fine toothed comb and between my running laps and you and Tails taking the more detailed approach, we still couldn't find Flicky's brother."
As Sonic relayed the day's events, the Flicky let out a wailing that startled both hedgehogs, urging Amy to narrow her eyes at Sonic.
"Too blunt?" he coyly shrugged.
"You think?" Puffing her cheeks, Amy turned away, petting Flicky and trying to calm her down.
"Tails, could you back me up a bit here? …Tails?"
Glancing back, Sonic found his trusted partner at the controls of the plane, a worried look on his face. Zipping over, Sonic quickly asked, "Tails? What's wrong?"
Tails continued to push buttons, ignoring Sonic's question until being prodded again. "Oh Taiiiiils…"
Finally acknowledging him, Tails frantically turned to Sonic and said, "I think we've got a problem."
A short moment later Amy had returned with a currently consoled Flicky and Tails quickly informed everyone that while they were searching, the Tornado picked up yet another reading of the Phantom Ruby, this one significantly stronger than the last one.
"So where does that leave us?" asked Sonic.
"Well, whether or not the Phantom Ruby is acting on its own power or being controlled is still a mystery, but since its happened twice now, I don't think we should ignore it anymore. If anything, this might also be the answer to our current problem."
"How so?"
"Wait a minute boys," Amy interjected. "What even is a Phantom Ruby?"
"Oh, did we not tell you? Sorry." Tails quickly gave a cliff notes version of their last encounter with Eggman and how the Ruby had created a large portal that not only sucked in Sonic but also Eggman himself. On that note, Amy quickly understood Tails' implication.
"You mean…!?"
"Its very possible Flicky's brother may have gotten caught in the Ruby's portal."
"Does that mean…he's gone forever!?"
"Of course not. I got back, didn't I?"
"Yeah, but you have an easier time navigating than a Flicky Sonic," Tails noted. "Plus, not only do we not have a way to confirm whether or not the bird got caught in the portal but even if that is the case we don't know when, where, or if another portal is going to show up…buuuut…"
"But what?"
"We can trace where this last portal opened up since the signal was much stronger this time."
Amy's face alit. "Do you think we'll find a clue there?"
"I can't say for sure, but its our only lead."
"Alright then, we have a plan!" Grabbing Amy and Tails by the wrist, Sonic blasted off across the island.
Moments later, the trio would find themselves back in the jungle area of the island. Now guided by Tails, they were led to a random area.
"Uhhh Tails, where are we?" groaned Sonic.
"I'm not entirely sure, but this is where the sensor is leading."
"Okay…so what exactly are we looking for?"
"I don't know…anything out of the ordinary?"
The trio split up to search the area, but nothing seemed to be out of place. After a few short moments of investigating, Sonic couldn't help but complain again. "Man, if I'd known how time consuming investigations could be, I'd have hired a detective by now." 'But where would I even find a detective?'
"Hey boys! I think I found something!" Amy called, rousing Sonic from his thoughts.
Sonic and Tails rushed over to Amy's position asking, "What's up?"
"I found these footprints."
Sure enough, a set of footprints littered ground. "Are we sure these aren't just ours?" asked Sonic.
"Nope. I count four different pairs of feet here and there's only three of us," Tails noted
"Okay, but what does it mean?" asked Amy.
"I'd say a portal opened up here and somebody either entered it willingly or came out from it…of course, this is just speculation."
"Well can you speculate what those holes are too?"
"What holes?"
Sonic pointed forward, to where the footprints ended and could make out two holes in the ground. They weren't very deep but they were fairly wide and perfectly circular.
"Tails, any ideas?"
"I'd say that whoever made these footprints got into some kind of vehicle."
"A round vehicle?" Amy added.
"A round flying vehicle," said Sonic.
The trio shared a look, knowing they all came to the same conclusion.
A shaky Amy grabbed the now trembling flicky. "So…does that mean…?"
Sonic and Tails nodded. "Eggman's back."
]
The scientists watched on in glee as Eggman's badniks slowly but surely began putting their newest creation together. It had taken quite a while to recover the discarded pieces of the Egg Reverie (all day in fact), but whatever they salvaged would be put to good use alongside Eggman's fresher parts.
"Ahhh, the joy of autonomy. It truly is wondrous, is it not?" beamed Eggman.
"Oh yes. It…truly is a beautiful sight Doctor," Robotnik wiped away a faux tear.
The pair continued along across the assembly line, pleased at the progress being made.
"Just think, in due time, we'll be in control of the most powerful weapon of two worlds!"
"Yes, your ambitions are quite lofty, though I do wonder how you intend to deal with our 'rodent problem'," said Robotnik.
"My rodent requires a bit of finesse to handily deal with. Yours on the other hand could be dealt with in just a few days time, once we have enough foot soldiers."
Robotnik narrowed an eye at Eggman's proclamation and replied. "You know dear Ivo, though your confidence is admirable, I don't quite appreciate the implications your sending."
"You mean about how your blue nuisance compares to mine?"
Robotnik's gaze sharpened as Eggman let out a dismissive chuckle. "Apologies if I offend sir Julian, but the Sonic of your world left quite the bad first impression. I don't mean to undercut the efforts you've gone through to snuff out him and his companions, but I also won't say I couldn't have his spiky head on a platter in a heartbeat…though only because of what I've dealt with thus far."
"Oh? Now what exactly would that entail?" asked Robotnik.
Before Eggman could reply, an alarm went off around the base. As the scientist duo turned to the screen, Snively's voice rang out.
"Pardon me sirs but we've got incoming!"
The monitor shifted to a view that would show Sonic, Tails and Amy all blasting in their direction.
"It's…the Hedgehog!" Robotnik sneered.
"My Hedgehog to be more precise," said Eggman.
A twisted grin grew on Robotnik's face. Rubbing his hands in anticipation, he asked, "Oh? Is it time to observe what your blue nuisance is capable of?"
"Sorry to disappoint you Doctor, but now's not the time for a fight. We've still got too much work to do and I'd rather not waste said resources on a clearly disadvantageous fight."
Robotnik's expression instantly fell. With a sigh, he replied. "Fair enough I suppose. Still, I trust you have a plan to get them away?"
"But of course," Eggman flashed his cohort a cheeky grin before jaunting off.
]
"Tails, how much further till' we get to the base?" asked Sonic.
"T-Minus 90 seconds!"
As the trio blasted through the forest, they'd surprisingly encountered very little if any resistance. There was the odd roaming Badnik here and there but ultimately, their dash to Eggman's base was relatively uneventful, much to Sonic's dismay. Finally, their trek would reach it's end as they braked before a large metal door.
"Man, at this point, I almost hope Eggman's back. I need something to really light the fire under my feet."
As if responding to Sonic's plea, a monitor drone descended before the trio. On it, stood an irate Eggman in his pajamas.
"What do you want!?" he snapped.
"So, you are back," said Sonic.
"Yes, yes, thank you so much for that vacation by the way, now again, what do you want!? You've already beaten me and I just got back to base! If you're looking for a fight, I'm so sorry to dissapoint you!"
Before Sonic could make a snarky remark, Tails spoke up. "We've been noticing some erratic energy traces of the Phantom Ruby and apparently more portals have been showing up."
"Oh? So you suspect me of being involved with them in some way?"
"You were the last one with the Phantom Ruby, Doc."
"Yes, because of you!" Eggman barked. "Still, those erratic energy patterns are likely what enabled me to get home, so who or whatever is causing that thing to go haywire has my thanks."
"Where did you end up anyway Doctor?" asked Amy.
"That's none of your business. Nevertheless, I'll say it again; I've had no involvement with the Phantom Ruby beyond my return here and frankly, I'd rather not dabble with that hot mess again. I prefer my power gems to be more…predicatable."
The trio shared a look. Judging from Eggman's face, he didn't seem to be lying, and there was nothing concrete linking him to the random portals, but there were still a few things that didn't add up.
"Are we done here now? I just got back and even I need time to recharge my batteries."
With a dismissive sigh and a roll of his eyes, Sonic relented. "Fine, we're outta here, but we'll be watching you Eggman."
"Hmph, you'll never see me coming!"
With Amy and Tails in hand, Sonic blasted off back into the forest as the monitor cut the feed. Inside the base, Eggman let out a relieved sigh as he pulled off his pajama shirt.
"So that was your hedgehog, was it?" Robotnik teased. "If that's how your encounters normally go, then it's no surprise you've yet to take your world."
"Don't get snide with me, Julian. It's called giving a false sense of security," Eggman argued.
"Yes, that's exactly what that was," Robotnik replied, rolling his eyes.
"Trust me, when you see what this Sonic can do, you'll be thankful that your Freedom Fighters are merely an annoyance in comparison to the menace I've got to deal with," Eggman countered. "Don't forget, Metal was created to be my Sonic's superior, and you've had a great taste of what his capabilities."
"True, but surely you're just trying to upsell you're mechanical marvel a little?"
"You'll see what I mean in due time. Back on topic now, the fact that they're tracking Phantom Ruby energy is troubling. They aren't onto us yet, but if we keep going between our worlds as haphazardly as we've been doing, then they're sure to catch on sooner rather than later."
"Then that just means we'll need to move much much faster," Robotnik concurred.
"I think it may be best to continue in our own worlds for the time being, and figure out a more…concrete schedule for our combined works. It may also be worth it to find something to keep them occupied without drawing attention to ourselves."
"Any ideas?"
Eggman paced around the room pondering a solution. Creating a distraction would be simple enough, but nothing he could think of wouldn't lead Sonic and his friends to the conclusion that he was involved somehow. If only there was someone or something he could use as a scapegoat. Someone who'd make the same sort of plan as him…someone who was also against him. With a snap of his fingers, Eggman's eyes alit.
"Eureka! I've got it!"
"Oh?" Robotnik raised an eyebrow as Eggman dashed to the computer and started pulling up files of schematics. Schematics for a quintet of robots all in various…costumes? The one being focused on currently sported a large cape and wielded a staff.
"This is admittedly a risky plan, but it may be just what we need to keep Sonic's friends off our trail. Plus, we may have an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone."
"And what bird might that be?"
"In addition to keeping Sonic distracted, our masterpiece is also going to need a power source, and I know just where to get one…as well as someone else to keep Sonic busy."
"Alright Doctor, you've piqued my interest. Care to elaborate?"
With a chuckle,Eggman beckoned Robotnik over to the monitor and began to explain.
"Interesting, but how do you propose to obtain said power source without…poking the hornet's nest as it were?"
Pushing a button, the screen then showed a robot similar to the caped one, butsmaller and colored yellow with a large hat. "I've got just the thing, though it is in dire need of repairs. On my own it would take the whole night, but with you and Snively at my side…"
"We'll be done by dinnertime?"
"Bingo!"
"Ahhh, then let's get to work!" beamed Robotnik. "I must say I'm looking forward to viewing more of your…presumably 'higher end' creations.
"Well then, I shan't disappoint you."
With a gleam in his glasses, Eggman led Robotnik deeper into the base. It was time to work some mechanical magic.
]
Sonic, Tails and Amy continued until finally braking near the coastline.
"Okay guys, what's the verdict?" asked Sonic.
Amy and Tails pondered before the latter spoke up. "I…think Eggman's telling the truth about not being behind the portals."
"But…"
"…But I do still think he's up to something."
"So we're all on the same page here," Sonic concurred.
"Not that I trust Eggman or anything, but how can you be sure he's up to something? You said yourself he was telling the truth about the portal," asked Amy.
"I think he's telling the truth," Tails clarified. "He is a good liar, but the thing that catches my attention the most are the footprints we found. From what I could tell, there were two sets of prints that didn't belong to Eggman or Metal Sonic."
"Could they have just been made by some other robot?"
"Call it inventor's intuition because whether it's a robot or not, the point is…."
"Someone or something came out of that portal with Eggman and Metal," Sonic concluded.
"Exactly! If Eggman is telling the truth and he doesn't know about it, then who or whatever could just be acting on its own."
"But if Eggman is lying then he's probably got himself a brand new partner!"
"Bingo!"
"But…what if whoever came out of the portal is friendly?" asked a quavering Amy.
"That'd be nice, but we're never that lucky. Still, I don't think we should leave Eggman alone."
The young fox put a hand to his chin. "I agree we should keep an eye on him, but we can't stop a plot he hasn't started yet, so it might be best to call it a day Sonic."
"Awwww, how come?" Sonic whined.
"Even Eggman can't build an 'ultimate weapon' or something in just one day, he said himself he needs down time."
"Don't forget, we still have to find the missing Flicky," Amy reminded him.
With a defeated sigh, Sonic relented. "Fine, we'll head back but dinner's on you two since this adventure was a massive dud."
"Oh! In that case, let's head to my place!" beamed Amy. "I can rustle up dinner and dessert in a flash!"
"What kind of dessert?" asked Tails.
"I may have just enough ingredients left to make a pie."
"Good enough for me! Let's jet!"
Grabbing Amy and Tails, Sonic jetted off to the opposite end of the island.
]
Before long the sun had descended completely and the heroic trio had turned in for the night. Though still heavily concerned about Eggman's return, there was nothing they could do if he hadn't started anything yet, so the group decided it was better to spend their time on their own rather than worrying about what the latest scheme would be.
Chances are, it'd be back to business as usual with Eggman trapping animals again, and if that's the extent of his plans, then there truly was nothing to worry about. Speaking of animals, they still had no leads on the pink flicky's missing brother. They'd decided to scout around some more tomorrow, but ever the hostess, Amy had set a spot for the little bird to build a nest right outside her bedroom window, and all was quiet for the night. At least, it was.
"Wuzzat…?"
In the deep night, a Amy was roused from her slumber by a light rapping on her window. Through her hazy eyes, she found saw the Flicky fluttering about her window in a perceived panic.
"Ms. Flicky? What's the matter?" as Amy opened the window, the bird turned her beak upwards motioning to a couple of shadows flying overhead. The combination of moonlight and the fiery exhaust bursting from their back ends gave enough illumination to unveil the shadows' true appearance.
"Those looked like…badniks!" Amy realized. "What should we do?"
The bird began frantically chirping before Amy replied, "We could wake the boys, but its only a couple of Badniks…maybe we should see where they're going first then wake the guys if it gets serious."
Amidst the bird's disagreeing tweets, Amy threw her dress on, and hopped out of the window chasing after the flying bots, the Flicky right behind. The chase eventually brought them into the jungle. Despite usually being a bad idea to trek after dark, but the light from the robots' flames served as a perfect guide for the young hedgehog. Her curiosity winning out, Amy nstintively upped her speed, sadly causing the poor bird to lag behind,though nonethelless, the Flicky continued after Amy. Before long, the bots finally descended and Amy stealthily approached them. Quickly hopping back, she hid behind a tree and bore witness to a veritable Badnik assembly. Though not overwhelmingly so, the amount of badniks present was alarming.
"What's going on here?"
Her thoughts were paused as a small human man in green was seen amongst the various robots.
"Those are Eggman's robots, but that's not Eggman…is he the one behind all this?"
Her question would be answered in the form of a descending, jet sound, courtesy of a familiar round hovercraft.
"Wait…is that…Dr. Eggman?"
Taking a cautious step forward, behind another tree, Amy gleamed the newcomer and quickly surmised that this wasn't Dr. Eggman. At least, not the Eggman she knew.
"Who is that?"
From what she could notice, though some features were similar, the differences she noted were a far cry from the Eggman she knew. Most notably, the pinhead, pauldrons and…was that a metal arm?
"We've a baker's dozen Badniks accounted for sir," said the small man.
"Good," the larger man sneered.
Amy couldn't help but shudder at his deep, gravely voice. Menacing was too weak an adjective to describe the sensation Amy felt as the new face then began to speak into some sort of communicator.
"Are you sure you're willing to part with so many soldiers Doctor?"
"By all means. They may not be infinite, but I do have plenty to spare. Think of it as a show of good faith, and please, do feel free to add your own personal touches to my design."
"I'll take you up on that offer, and maybe I'll return the favor when we next meet."
"I'm definitely looking forward to it."
As the two let out a pair of twisted laughs, Amy could only tremble as she quickly recognized the voice on the other end of the line. So Eggman was up to something after all.
"I have to get the guys!"
"Hmm? Snively, did you hear that?"
Amy hastily clamped her mouth shut, sweat rolling down her head. She hadn't meant to say that last thought aloud, but apparently, the shock from the currently unfolding events was too much for her to remain quiet.
"I didn't hear anything sir," Snively replied.
Robotnik put a hand to his chin. "Just in case…you! Go check it out," he ordered a random Caterkiller.
The robotic insect slinked its way towards the surrounding trees, eventually closing in on the one Amy was hidden behind. Now what? She could destroy it easily, but whether she attacked or fled, she'd be a sitting duck for the two men and the rest of the robots.
While the young hedgehog braced herself for a nigh inevitable showdown, the lagging Flicky finally caught up to Amy only to fly face first into the Caterkiller's face. As she shook off the dizziness of the impact, the bird let out a mortified tweet before ascending and dashing right out of the Badnik's range. As it flew past a nearby tree, the hidden Amy managed to snatch the flickyright out of the air and cover her beak, thankfully remaining inconspicuous.
"Seems t'was just a bird sir," said Snively.
"Hmph, probably roused it awake. Leave it be, as tempting as it is to robotocize another…flicky are they called? I'd rather not give Cluck more reason to act out. He's worried I'm replacing him."
"That flying, metal, rat," Snively mumbled.
"What was that, Snively!?"
"I just can't wait to get back, sir."
"…Very well. I'm feeling rather homesick myself. Let's get moving."
One badnik, specifically an Eggrobo was soon bathed in a misty light before semingly transforming into a larger, yellow version of itself in a matching top hat.
"Heavy Magician, open the portal!" came Eggman's voice.
From its hat, Heavy Magician produced a familiar gem and from said gem rang an eerie, warbling chime. As the area was bathed in an inverted light, a purple vortex opened up.
"All badniks, come forth!"
With the order given, Snively proceeded through the portal, the badniks right behind. Once the final badnik was through, the Eggman look alike flew through. With the new comers gone, Heavy Magician waved its arms and in a misty haze, disappeared.
Amy remained still, taking care to make sure the coast was clear. Once she was certain all was safe, she fell to her knees, exhaling hard.
"That was…way too close," she panted. "Sorry for leaving you behind back then,but they're gone now," she then apologized the flicky. The little bird responded by nuzzling against Amy's chin.
Taking a moment to fix herself, she got to her feet and peered out to the portal that was, surprisingly, still there. "So this is the kind of portal that took Sonic to…the future? Or did Tails say it was an alternate world?"
She only pondered for a moment before deciding her next course of action; "We need to tell Sonic and Tails, pronto!"
The bird nodded and fluttered off. Just as Amy went after it, the portal made another noise. Instead of the eerie chime, a loud boom came from the portal before it briefly expanded before turning from a mere portal to a powerful vortex.
"What's going on!?" Amy barely had time to think before the insane winds began to pull her in. Naturally she tried to run, but ultimately her efforts proved fruitless. Despite her knack for pursuing the blue blur, she herself was no speedster.
The flicky who'd, managed to get out of the void's range before it started sucking in, flew back towards Amy but she quickly dissuaded her.
"No don't! You'llget sucked in too! Just get back to my place! Warn Sonic and Tails!"
With her warning delivered, Amy finally succumbed to the void's pull and was dragged inside, the last thing the Flicky heard being her scream before the void finally shut. The frazzled bird steeled herself before flying off. If nothing else, she could fulfill Amy's final request.
]
The pink hedgehog could only yell as she was rapidly swirled around and around the purple vortex. Though Amy had been through her share of loops, this was far beyond what she could tolerate, at least on such short notice. Before long, the wild ridecame to an abrupt stop and Amy found herself spat out on some strangely shiny ground.
"Owww…that wasn't fun…" Amy groaned as she picked herself up.
"Where am I?" Taking in her surroundings, Amy found herself in what appeared to be a large, crystalized cave.
"Pretty~! This place reminds me of the Quartz Quadrant…but what is this place?"
"Well now…who pray tell, do we have here?"
A gasping Amy turned to the voice, shuddering as a mysterious figure approached her. Readying her hammer, Amy braced herself as she then came face to face with the void's horned controller.
'Sonic…wherever you are, please get me out of here fast!'
(A/N: Sorry to keep you waaaitiiiiiiing~! Yup, this story's back! Admittedly not much has happened between then and now IRL, I just plainly got stuck. I had ideas on how to continue from last chapter, but no idea how to make them work. The fact I got stuck on my other ongoing story as well didn't help things either. Writer's block may be the most common author's foe, but burnout is arguably the greatest. My year long hiatus finally came to an end in late 2024 where I managed to update the aforementioned story and slowly but surely found a path to progress for this one (sorry it took another six-ish months though). What was that path? Welp, it may be antithetical to this series, but I needed to slow things down just a bit more. I'm dying to have Team Heroes and the Freedom Fighters meet, but we need to do things right. Funny thing to note is I think this is the first chapter to primarily take place in the game universe. No telling how long that'll last as we move forward. As for the actual chapter, more Doctor Duo plotting as the heroes inch closer to the truth. I'll admit, coming up with a reason for them to not immediately suspect Eggman to be up to something was…a thing to say the least, but we can't have the heroes learn things too quickly now, can we? Speaking of Team Heroes, I mainly just hope their interactions were on point. I feel I can write their modern counterparts well (despite not having done it before), but this was my first time writing these three substantially. Their previous appearances were brief so their dialogue and interactions could be basic and not entirely defined, but here, everyone's appearance is integral so their words and actions have to be more carefully considered. Regardless, I just hope I can keep an even pace. I can't say when I'll update again in the future, but I'll at least assure you it won't be another year. This time, I actually know what's gonna happen next. Hope everyone will stick around to see it with me.
Until next time, I'm up, over and gone!)