Entry 16

What I'm Made Of

''Try to reach inside of me! Try to drain my energy! Let me show you just what I'm made of! Simple curiosity, try to take a bite of me! Let me show you just what I'm made of now!''

– What I'm Made Of by Sonic Heroes (NateWantsToBattle Cover, Theme of Metal Sonic)

xXxXxXx

-The Memories of The Past: Metal Sonic & Ferra-

Metal Sonic awakened, his vision covered in static. As it cleared, he realized that he was lying on his back, sprawled out, staring at the clear blue sky above him. A tiny screen appeared before his vision, revealing to be a databank. He realized that he was trying to draw upon his memories and figure out how he ended up here, but his memory had severe gaps. He remembered nothing beside his name and what he was; an Irregular. He had an understanding of this world and how it functioned, yet any information relevant to his past just wasn't there.

Metal Sonic propped himself up, reaching for his head and then lowered his arm, looking around. He realized that he was at a scrapyard, sitting on a pile of rusted metal. His red eyes flashed and, despite feeling illogical, he could sense a shiver spreading through his body. Why was he here? Why was he at a place where useless metal parts are thrown away to either rust or be recycled? Admittedly, he was a robot Irregular, but that still didn't make sense. He was still fully functional, all of his systems working properly. Once again, it didn't make any sense to him.

Was he… Was he too thrown away?

Metal Sonic shook his head. That should be impossible! There was no way he was left here to just rust and decay! This couldn't be his fate… right?

Being too occupied with the logic bomb that was messing with his mind, it took a moment for Metal Sonic to register the buzzing of a drone above him. He looked up, staring at it, wondering to whom it belonged. Was it the person who left him here? Were they spying on him?

The drone suddenly flew away, and Metal Sonic wanted to follow it, only to be alerted by steps as someone climbed up the hill of scraps and metal. This person then looked down at him, extending her hand and smiled.

''Do you need help?'' Ferra Ahearn asked, holding a remote for the drone in her other hand. Metal Sonic gave her a dubious look, but then grabbed her hand, getting up. Suddenly, she felt a jolt of pain being sent through her body, dropping the remote. Metal Sonic's arm was sparking and he let go of her hand, looking down at it curiously. Ferra just waved her hand, wondering what had happened, then turned to Metal Sonic. ''Nice to meet you, I'm Ferra Ahearn.''

'This Irregular ARNav's name is Metal Sonic,' Metal Sonic responded. Ferra tilted her head, completely stunned and unsure whether that was because of the revelation of Metal Sonic being an Irregular or the fact that she somehow understood him. Admittedly, she felt quite calm around Metal Sonic, even though she knew what Irregulars where capable. Not to mention, she was quite familiar with Metal Sonic's character, thanks to a certain video game franchise, so she was well aware that he was dangerous. Still, she was curious, especially after witnessing a certain Blue Blur fighting another Irregular several days ago.

''Do you know about the reputation Irregulars have here?'' she asked.

'That information is not present in my databank,' Metal Sonic responded. Ferra rose an eyebrow, then beckoned to him to follow her, picking up the remote. Metal Sonic followed her obediently.

''Then, I think it would be better if you stayed with me for a bit,'' she told him as they reached firm ground, with Ferra grabbing her drone. Metal Sonic looked at her, expecting further explanation, but she didn't respond. ''Speaking of which, why are you here?''

'I don't have any set direction or purpose,' Metal Sonic replied bluntly, with Ferra giving him a look of surprise.

''I actually meant to ask you why you're at this scrapyard…'' she muttered, with Metal Sonic lowering his head, staring at the ground as they made their way to the exit. Ferra realized that something was troubling him. ''Uh, Metal Sonic? Are you okay?''

'I had been placed at a scrapyard. I don't have the sufficient information for why. The logical conclusion dictates that I was sent here to be scrapped,' Metal Sonic responded, looking up at Ferra.

''Why would anyone want to scrap you?'' Ferra asked incredulously. ''They have to be a complete idiot to even think of something like that.''

Metal Sonic gave her a questioning look, seemingly not understanding what she meant. 'That is the most logical conclusion,' he reiterated as they exited the scrapyard. Ferra stopped, turning to Metal Sonic.

''Maybe it is the most logical conclusion,'' she started, lightly tapping Metal Sonic's nose with her index finger, confusing the robotic Irregular further, ''…but I don't think so. You said you have no direction nor purpose. Well, I might just give you one.''

Metal Sonic was staring at Ferra in stunned silence, his expression unreadable. He then nodded. Even if he had been created without a purpose, he had a strong desire to find one. There had to be a reason why he existed and if Ferra could provide him with that purpose, he would be satisfied. He did not want to be decomissioned.

'What is your purpose?' he suddenly asked. Ferra gave him a look of surprise, being caught off guard by the question. She then smirked.

''Actually, I'm also looking for a purpose,'' Ferra replied, noting the puzzled look Metal Sonic gave her. ''I genuinely feel bored most of the time, and I'm glad I came across you.''

Metal Sonic's eyes flashed as he observed Ferra curiously.

'Am I your purpose?'

Ferra gave him an intrigued look, then nodded.

''Yeah, you are.''

'New designation: accepted.'

Ferra nodded in response, acknowledging his decision. ''Now that we solved that issue, there is a certain blue hedgehog I would like to tell you about. He basically looks like you, even shares names with you, but he isn't a robot. From what I've seen, he has been around Neos City for a while.''

Metal Sonic gave her a confused look. How was it possible that he had a look-a-like he was unaware of? Maybe that was one of the reasons why he had been dumped at the scrapyard; because there was already someone there more deserving of life? So, he wasn't worth anything just because another hedgehog existed? His eyes flashed red and he felt something strange… a powerful sense of rage.

'Introduce me to that look-a-like.'

xXx

Let's speed up! Sonic grinned as he ran even faster, the wind rushing in his ears. It was late at night and he had decided to go stretch his legs. As much as he liked to spend his days having fun with his friends, he was restless, feeling the need to just run around carefree and test his limits, especially since no one could keep up with him when it came to speed. Sure, his partner had an upgraded hoverboard that was built for speed, but even it wasn't a match for Sonic once he decided to up the ante. However, he didn't mind slowing down for them if needed.

He easily maneuvered between people, ARNavs and other obstacles, eventually reaching Cross Layer Highway, which was at the outskirts of the eastern part of the city, in about a minute. The highway was usually his favorite spot when it came to running, and he frequented it often to race on it, much to the chagrin of the drivers. Still, he managed to clear it in record time, finding himself back at the city and running up a building.

Taking a deep breath, Sonic placed his hands on his hips and relaxed, observing the streets below him. Admittedly, it was only recently that he had arrived at Neos City and decided to stay here, calling this place his home. There were doubts, obviously, but he was confident that it would work. Unlike other ARNavs, he couldn't really remember his origins, only that he was always alone, but he tried to look past it. Rather than delve in the past, he wanted to live in the present, and it turned out well for him – at least as long as no one knew about his… other power.

''Okay, so where to next? I could go up north to the CyExLab… Or maybe towards Infinity Forest? That wouldn't be a bad idea,'' Sonic said to himself, debating which route he would take. He wasn't tired and had figured that he still had time to return home before his partner woke up. Quickly deciding on his next move, he leapt of the building and sped down it and towards the street, never noticing a red-eyed figure observing him from above, hovering in the sky. This figure, whose silhouette strangely resembled Sonic, remained silent as it observed the latter leaving, its eyes trained on the streak of blue light in the distance as it processed the information it had received.

'TARGET IDENTIFIED: Sonic the Hedgehog (Irregular ARNav).'

Metal Sonic's red eyes gleamed in the darkness.

'OBJECTIVE ACQUIRED: Terminate Sonic!'

xXx

-Present Day-

''Well, that didn't go as planned…'' Ferra grumbled, still thinking back to what had happened at Codex. She had decided that it would be best for her and Metal Sonic to have a break before they decide what to do next. Metal Sonic had managed to spot Sonic at the Solar Stadium, but Ferra told him that he shouldn't attack, especially since Shadow was with Sonic and the last thing they needed was to have the dark-furred hedgehog fight alongside the blue hedgehog. Instead, they decided to head back home, as Ferra wanted to think through their situation.

Starpoint Area was obviously safe from Shadow's wrath and it appeared that Touka and Shadow became close with Lucas, Sonic and their little team. They also had the opportunity to explore the Codex Research Facility, as well as learning more about the Chaos Surge power Team Neos was using. Aside from that, they also needed to figure out who had sent them that message. While Metal Sonic just wanted to battle Sonic again, Ferra actually wanted to learn who their mysterious messenger was. However, neither was possible, for obvious reasons, hence them going back to square one and trying to figure out their next move.

'The retreat is only semi-acceptable,' Metal Sonic said, obviously not happy that Ferra had called him back.

''You saw what Sonic and Shadow are capable of, especially if empowered by Lucas and Touka. It would be a losing battle,'' Ferra had told him. If Metal Sonic was actually capable of facial expressions, she was sure that he would be pouting in annoyance. She gave him a confident smirk. ''Don't worry, we'll figure another way to isolate Sonic from his friends and you can have your revenge against him. You have to wait only a little bit longer.''

Metal Sonic nodded, and they arrived at Ferra's house, entering it. The first thing to catch their attention was Ferra's mother, Brianna Ahearn, sitting and animatedly talking to her friend in the living room. The living room itself was decorated in trophies, medals and certificates of Ferra's achievements, ranging from the sports tournaments she had participated in, clubs she was in and her academic success over the years. On the coffee table in front of the couch was an open letter, with snacks and cups of coffee next to it.

''Oh, Ferra, I haven't seen you in a while!'' Brianna's friend smiled at the teenager, her gaze falling upon Metal Sonic. ''I had no idea you had an ARNav partner.''

''This is Metal Sonic,'' Ferra introduced her partner, who was staring intently at the unfamiliar woman, wondering if she was a possible threat as Ferra was clearly uncomfortable with her presence. Before her friend could respond, Brianna cut in.

''Isn't he unique?'' she asked. ''Honestly, who else has a robotic ARNav? No one, I tell you!''

''I guess Ferra is really lucky in that aspect,'' her friend responded in awe, turning to the teenager. ''Brianna has already told me of your invitation to work as an intern at the Tamago Corporation.''

To her surprise, Ferra didn't look happy or joyful over the news. Instead, she appeared to be more confused. ''What are you talking about? I didn't get any-''

''Oh, sweetie, I forgot to tell you this was in the mail,'' Brianna said, holding up the letter. Suddenly feeling angry, Ferra stomped over, grabbing it.

''You can't just go around and open my letters!'' Ferra yelled at her mother, who just gave her a side-eye, before breaking into a seemingly innocent smile.

''Oh, but I just wanted to celebrate your success,'' Brianna told her daughter. ''You should be more happy and grateful about that. I invited Emily over as soon as I read it.''

''Yet, you didn't bother to tell me anything about it, especially since it is my letter!'' Ferra growled, her eyes darting across the page to assure herself that her mother wasn't lying to her. The letter appeared to be indeed the real deal, being sent from the Tamago Corporation, having the company's signature stamp on the bottom and was even signed by Dr. Telos Tamago. However, there was something Ferra had an issue with.

''Ferra, please, calm down. You're being hysteric for no reason,'' Brianna replied, giving Ferra a look of irritation, before smiling back at her friend. ''After all, we should focus on the celebration. I'm still amazed that Ferra managed to become accepted in such a prestigious company.''

''I absolutely agree,'' Emily said, giving Brianna an encouraging smile. ''It may have been really hard to raise Ferra, since she was constantly changing interests, but you ended up with a brilliant daughter nonetheless. I wish mine was just as successful and perfect as yours, but she insist on hanging out with her friends rather than focusing on her studies.''

''Ugh, I'm so sorry that you have to deal with such an ungrateful brat,'' Brianna replied, taking a sip of her coffee. ''My husband and I had done a lot for Ferra, and I'm sure the payback will be tenfold, right?'' Brianna turned to Ferra, who just rolled her eyes. ''Oh, please, stop acting like a toddler. Here I am, praising you for your success and you're still hung over that stupid letter.''

''I presume that our Ferra is just shocked due to the news, right dear?'' Emily asked, taking a sip of her coffee and giving Ferra an intrigued look. Ferra just nodded, not wanting to argue with either of them. Metal Sonic, on the other hand, just glared at both of them. ''Young people like you are just more emotional than us adults, so it is understandable you'd get a little upset. I have read in a magazine that teenagers have a lot of trouble making decisions for themselves.''

''Well, most teenagers, but not Ferra,'' Brianna responded, gazing back at her daughter, who now avoided any eye-contact with her. ''Hey, Ferra… Ferra, look at your mother,'' she added the latter in a more demanding tone, forcing Ferra to look at her. ''You will go there tomorrow and ace that interview, right?''

''Yeah, sure…'' Ferra grumbled.

''Honestly, you could be a bit more excited about this. This is a big opportunity,'' Brianna scolded her. ''Also, turn that frown into a smile, else you'd get wrinkles. Seriously, a girl your age should keep tabs of her appearance. You have a natural beauty and you don't want ruin that, right?''

''You mean, a natural beauty inherited from her mother,'' Emily added, with the two women laughing as if they were just told a funny joke, not even noticing Ferra glaring at both of them.

''I'm going to my room,'' she told them, glowering at the two, but it went unnoticed as Brianna and Emily went back to gossiping, completely ignoring her. She turned on her heel, walking up the stairs to her room, with Metal Sonic quietly following her and being the one who closed the door, as the way Ferra felt now, she would've slammed it behind.

''Tch, the idea that I'm living the perfect life is a bunch of nonsense,'' Ferra grumbled as sat down on her bed. She heard several sounds of beeping coming from Metal Sonic, but waved him off. ''While I'm happy about your offer, I'm not in the mood to think about getting revenge on my mother or her friend for the stuff they said. The two are acting like schoolyard bullies rather than grown women. Besides, we have other problems now.''

Metal Sonic, who sat next to her, gave her a confused look, with Ferra showing him the letter.

''Think about it. I get an internship invitation from the Tamago Corporation, but I never sent them any request,'' Ferra explained. ''They shouldn't even know I exist.''

'They should. You deserve proper acknowledgement.' Metal Sonic grabbed the letter, scanning through it.

Ever since Ferra had brought him here from the scrapyard, he had been learning to adjust to his new life as her partner. He adapted quite well, even with the limited information he had at the time, and he had a purpose that served him well, even if it was filled with the drive to destroy Sonic. It was still better than awaiting his own demise at the scrapyard. As for Ferra, he wasn't fond of her parents. He had noted several times that the way they behaved masked who they truly were and he would get angry on Ferra's behalf whenever they would subtly belittle her, but Ferra would always calm him down and tell him that she couldn't care less about her parents' expectations and that she wanted to focus on his own desires. After all, that is what made her truly happy and Metal Sonic wanted to make her happy, feeling that it was his duty to keep her content. If she told him that something needed to be done, he would do it, no questions asked.

''Thanks, Metal, but I…'' Ferra trailed off when Metal Sonic suddenly turned the letter around, pointing at the top corner of it where the seal was.

'Analysis complete. This stamp is a scan code,' he told her.

''A scan code?'' Ferra rose an eyebrow. ''For what?''

'Data insufficient. Subject unknown.' Metal Sonic shook his head. Ferra gave the letter a scrutizing look.

''I see…'' She looked up at Metal Sonic. ''Then, I guess we'll have to ask Dr. Tamago about it tomorrow. Afterwards, we can worry about Lucas and Sonic.''

'Proposal accepted,' Metal Sonic responded. Indeed, Sonic could wait, but he shouldn't get too comfortable.

xXx

Sonic was not comfortable with the position he was in. Shadow had somehow managed to get a boost, landing right in front of Sonic and getting the lead. The track they were on started on top of a high skyscraper with a sloping road below them, filled with grind rails, accelerators, ramps and loops. Fortunately for Sonic, they came across a part of the track where they could choose a grind rail or a ramp with an accelerator. While Shadow went with the former, Sonic choose the latter, kicking off the ramp and grabbing the hoverboard just as he passed through the accelerator, spin-dashing right down the road and landing in front of Shadow.

''Not bad, huh, Shads?'' he briefly turned back, with the dark hedgehog narrowing his eyes.

''The race is not over yet!'' Shadow responded, right as he and Sonic entered a tunnel, both using the accelerators to gain advantage, only to end up going head-to-head. There were more accelerators at the side of the tunnel, with Sonic and Shadow using them, both feeling a rush of adrenaline and frustration when they realized that it didn't change their position at all and even before they passed through the finish line, it was clear that it would be another tie.

''I guess this doesn't help our case,'' Sonic said, rubbing the back of his head, holding the hoverboard under his arm. ''What was this, the fourth or fifth race we had?'' He then shrugged. ''Oh, well… Do you want to have another go at it?''

''No,'' Shadow replied, much to Sonic's surprise. ''I don't think another race would make a difference, unless you're planning to use your natural speed.''

''Then, what do you suggest?'' Sonic asked. Shadow stared at him for a moment, then turned his back to the latter, with Sonic feeling confused, at least until Shadow spoke again, hoverboard under his arm and the other hand placed on his hip.

''You had asked me what would happen if I ever find myself in a situation where I wouldn't be able to to protect Touka,'' he said, staring at the ground, his eyes narrowed.

''Yeah, and you said that you would never let that happen,'' Sonic replied, walking up to Shadow and facing him. ''Why are you bringing this up now?''

''If you were put in the same kind of situation, what would you do?'' Shadow asked him. Sonic appeared to be startled at first, scratching his cheek, pondering.

''I… I'm not really sure,'' he replied. Shadow gave him an irked look.

''You ask me that same question, but you have no answer to it?'' he asked, glaring at Sonic. Sonic smiled sheepishly, feeling a bit nervous, but then stepped forward.

''I'm sure that in a situation where I'm unable to do anything, I can rely on my friends to help me,'' Sonic replied, smiling confidently. ''After all, wasn't that a point of Team Neos? Where we all support each other?''

''What if one of your friends turns against you?'' Shadow asked, catching Sonic off guard.

''What do you mean by that? Like, they are being brainwashed or…?'' Sonic trailed off as he saw Shadow's serious gaze. Surprisingly, Sonic fell silent for a moment, with Shadow wondering whether he finally managed to get the hedgehog to actually have some meaningful self-reflection. Whatever it was, it only lasted a few seconds, as Sonic returned back to his optimistic demeanor. ''No matter what happens, I will make sure to save my friends, even if I have to fight them to knock some sense into them.'' He then elbowed Shadow, grinning mischievously. ''I did the same with you, didn't I?''

''Hmph, you're being too overconfident,'' Shadow responded.

''Then I guess then I'll have you to pull me back whenever I get ahead of myself, right Shads?'' Sonic replied in a chipper tone. Shadow didn't respond, but Sonic didn't really appear to mind his lack of response, instead walking away towards Lucas and Touka. ''Anyways, if you want another race, give me a call.''

Shadow remained standing in silence, staring at the blue hedgehog with a curious look on his expression, then sighed, following the latter.

xXx

''I guess we found the right place,'' Ferra muttered, with Metal Sonic tilting his head, giving her a ''raised eyebrow'' look. Ferra snorted as she saw it. ''Yeah, okay, I know, I was just trying to lighten the situation. After all, we still don't know what awaits us here.''

'There is a possibility of an attack. I will protect you,' Metal Sonic responded, turning towards the building.

''Thanks, Metal.'' Ferra smiled, then turned her head back to the building. ''I don't think we will be attacked, though. The only thing I can imagine is that the invitation was fake and we get kicked out.''

The two then walked inside, approaching woman in uniform at the reception desk. The woman looked up from the holographic screen, giving her a curious look.

''May I help you?'' she asked.

''Yeah, I got this invitation…'' Ferra said, showing her the letter. The woman took it, reading through it and then nodded.

''We were expecting you,'' she said, smiling politely. Ferra rose an eyebrow, but didn't say anything, while Metal Sonic just cast a suspicious look at the woman. ''Please, just go down that hallway and await further instructions.''

''Okay…?'' Ferra was a little puzzled, then walked towards the hallway to which the woman pointed her. It may have been her imagination, but she could swear she caught the faintest glow of red in the woman's eyes. Not only that, but as she walked between the employees, she could see a similar glimmer. She tried not to stare at them, figuring it wasn't her business, unlike Metal Sonic, who didn't seem to care that they might attract attention as he was staring at them intently. As they entered the empty hallway, Ferra turned to her partner. ''Have you seen anything unusual?''

'There are no biological beings in this building, save for you,' Metal Sonic told her. Ferra had to admit that this had indeed surprised her, despite the strange feeling she already had.

''Then, those employees…''

'Robots. Specifically, androids.'

''Great,'' Ferra grumbled. ''What is even going on here?''

Metal Sonic didn't bother to reply, him and Ferra just walking down the hallway until they hit a dead end. Ferra looked around, wondering where they were supposed to go next, only for Metal Sonic to step out observing the wall before them. Suddenly, a panel at the right side opened, looking like a scanner.

''I guess this is where we place the scan code,'' Ferra muttered, taking out the letter and placing it right in front of the scanner. A moment later, the wall opened, with the two walking into another corridor, finding disturbingly familiar logo painted on one of the walls. Ferra's jaw dropped in shock as she recognized it. ''Please, don't tell me…''

She rushed down the corridor, Metal Sonic following her, until she reached a door that automatically opened for her. She looked inside, realizing that it was an office, with the swivel chair behind the desk being turned away from the entrance. She and Metal Sonic entered the room, with Ferra feeling a little nervous.

''Um, hello?'' Ferra called out for whoever was sitting in the chair. ''I'm Ferra Ahearn and I'm here because of this internship deal. I feel that there was some kind of mistake, as I never asked for an internship.''

''Oh-ho-ho-ho, don't worry, Ms. Ahearn. No mistake had been made,'' the man in the chair responded, not turning around. ''As a matter of fact, I had sought you out specifically. You, and your quite intriguing Irregular partner.''

Ferra felt a chill flowing down her spine as she heard the voice, her mouth now completely dry. So, she was right about her assumption.

''Really? Then how about you explain to me why you had invited us here, Dr. Eggman,'' Ferra responded, feeling a stinging sensation in her fingertips. This all felt like some kind of weird fever dream. The swivel chair turned around, with Dr. Eggman giving her a wide grin.

''Going straight to business, are we? I like your approach, but I expected more of a shocked reaction to finally meeting the brilliant mind behind the Tamago Corporation,'' Dr. Eggman said, giving Ferra a scrutinizing look. The teenager just frowned, crossing her arms on her chest.

''Frankly, it wasn't hard to figure out that it was you who sent me the invitation considering the logo for the Eggman Empire was plastered on that corridor,'' Ferra said. ''Not to mention the fact that the employees we've met are androids. Also, Tamago Corporation? It's kind of on the nose, now that I think about it. Honestly, the only question I have is how is this possible? I don't think you're even supposed to exist.''

''Tsk, tsk, tsk, unnecessary details,'' Dr. Eggman replied, waving her off as he got up and walked up to her. He noticed Metal Sonic giving him a suspicious look, but he just smirked smugly. ''The point is that I have an open spot for both you and your partner in my Empire, as my loyal enforcers.''

''Why?'' Ferra asked, still standing her ground. ''Why me? Why Metal Sonic? I don't believe that we have done anything that would make you notice us.''

''That's where you're wrong, Ms. Ahearn,'' Eggman replied, leaning forward with that everpresent smug grin. Ferra gave him a suspicious look, while Metal Sonic was alert. ''I have noticed your little battle with a certain blue hedgehog.''

''Sonic? Okay, but what's that got to do with anything? Is he even aware of your existence?'' Ferra asked. Metal Sonic, who was just a moment ago ready to knock Eggman back for getting too close to his partner, gave the Doctor a curious look as he heard him mentioning Sonic's name.

''Oh, no, he isn't,'' Eggman replied. ''We haven't met, except maybe in a different life. However, that doesn't mean that I won't prepare myself for a possible future battle.''

''Wait a minute… If I'm understanding this correctly, you're asking me and Metal Sonic to act as your enforces in any future battles against Sonic and his friends while you're… doing what? Conquering Earth?'' Ferra asked, raising an eyebrow.

''You are correct, but my current plans only involve Starpoint Area. The rest of Earth will have to wait, for now,'' Eggman said, clearly pleased that Ferra had caught on. As much as he loved to talk about his brilliant plans, he was a busy man.

''Should I even ask why you want to conquer Earth or do you have some pamphlet that explains your motives?'' Ferra then asked in a deadpan tone, still feeling as if she was caught in a fever dream. She then shook her head. ''Look, Doctor, I don't give a damn about your grand plans of conquest. The only reason Metal Sonic and I stand on the opposite side is because I'm supporting Metal in his goal to defeat Sonic.''

''Yet, you still haven't succeeded in that goal,'' Eggman pointed out, with both Ferra and Metal Sonic feeling annoyed for being put on the spot. ''Of course, I can arrange for a situation where you can deal with that Blue Rat while I'm proceeding with my own plans.''

''What' about Sonic's friends?'' Ferra asked.

''Consider that problem solved,'' Eggman replied, extending his hand. ''What do you say, Ms. Ahearn? Do you wish to join The Eggman Empire?'' He then added in a sinister tone, his eyes narrowing. ''Of course, if you refuse, I will have to make sure that you don't interfere with any of my future plans.''

Ferra stared at him, understanding quite well what he meant, and then turned her gaze to Metal Sonic. She could see that her partner was interested in the idea of being given an opportunity to fight his rival, even if it meant to work with a megalomaniac. Metal Sonic gazed then back at her, the noise he produced forming into a rather simple statement.

'Eliminating Sonic is my desire. But, I won't do anything unless you agree.'

Ferra smiled at him, feeling quite happy that Metal Sonic would still follow her command rather than rebel and take his own path. She sighed, turning to Eggman, who stared at her, still grinning as if knowing something she didn't. She frowned, but then extended her hand.

''I will let you know one thing, Dr. Eggman,'' she said as they shook hands. ''I still don't care about whatever your plans are. I'm only interested in helping Metal defeat Sonic. That is all.''

''What you want changes nothing in the grand scheme of things,'' Eggman told her, before turning his head to the door, with Ferra and Metal Sonic following his gaze, spotting a red and yellow robot waiting for them at the entrance. ''Orbot, Cubot, you two are going to show Ms. Ahearn and Metal Sonic around the facility and make sure that she gets her special employee pass.''

''Of course, Boss,'' Orbot said, looking at Ferra. ''If you would please follow us, Ms. Ahearn.''

''Sure, but just call me Ferra. I'm not that big on formalities,'' Ferra said, turning from Orbot to Eggman to make sure he heard that. The latter seemingly ignored her, as he turned back to his assistant robots.

''Also, go fetch those two no-shows, Toshiro and Mephiles,'' Eggman added, now sounding quite irritated. ''They were supposed to be here an hour ago.''

''Maybe they forgot?'' Cubot suggested, only to shut up when Eggman glared at him. He then added meekly, ''We'll get them, Boss.''

The four then walked away, with Ferra still trying to process her situation. Apparently, Dr. Ivo ''Eggman'' Robotnik was not only a real person, but also the CEO of the Tamago Corporation and she and Metal Sonic were now working for him as enforcers. Sure, it was only so they could find Sonic, but still, it felt really weird. Ferra shook her head.

This was not how I expected things would go… Wait a damn second!

''Did Dr. Eggman just asked you to search for someone named Mephiles?'' Ferra asked Orbot and Cubot.

''Yes, he did. His full name is Mephiles the Dark, and he's the Irregular partner of Toshiro Miwa. Both are working as Enforcers, just like you two,'' Orbot explained.

''You might get along,'' Cubot added. ''From what we heard during their conversations with the Boss, they seem to have a bone to pick with that other hedgehog, Shadow.''

Ferra's eyes widened in shock, and she exchanged glances with Metal Sonic, then both turned to Orbot and Cubot.

''That's good to know, because we have a few questions for them,'' Ferra said. Metal Sonic's eyes just flashed red.