-Chapter 120-

Robian Revolution

Knothole

The next day, Hope was in the Brain Trust lab. She had plugged Shorty's Cybernik armor into her laptop, and was typing away trying to hack it as Chails made himself comfortable in the little nook they had made for him to sleep.

"That feels seriously weird," Shorty admitted.

"I know, I know," Hope replied. "But it's the only way to access the coding of the suit. If we're going to engineer an override, we're going to need everything we can get."

Shorty nodded. "Good point."

As she typed, Hope looked up, having thought of something.

"Shorty…" she began, "If I do manage to get the suit open, what're you gonna do?"

"The plan was that I stick with you guys and keep fighting," Shorty replied before thinking. "But I've been coasting by for so long as Shortfuse, using the armor... not sure what I can do without it, now that I think about it."

Hope perked. "Well, maybe we could redesign the suit. Make it something like Rotor's: removable and much more breathable."

"Not a bad idea," Shorty mused.

"I'm sure Tekno can help there, and I'm sure the boys will-" Hope perked, noticing something. "Hello… what do we have here?"

Shorty turned to her. "What've we got? Something good?"

"Something great if this is what I think it is," Hope answered. "Keith! Chris! Get your butts in here!"

The two boys soon came running in. She showed them the laptop.

"Tell me this is what I think it is."

Chris and Keith look it over, smiles soon breaking out.

"If you think it's an override code that'll open the Cybernik armor…" Keith began.

"You're right!" Chris exclaimed.

"Yes!" Hope cheered. "Brace yourself, Shorty."

She typed in the code 09-18-93 (1), and several pneumatic hisses reached their ears. Shorty gasped in shock as the helmet clicked and popped open. The suit then began to open up from the chest out, allowing Shorty to stumble free for the first time in a year. He fell to his knees, feeling his face and looking over his hands. His clothes, while still intact, were worn, tattered, and faded, his fur matted, but despite all this, a smile broke out on his face. He let out soft, breathy laughter before flopping onto his back while laughing happily.

"I'm free…" he managed. "I'm finally free…"

He hopped up and grabbed all three kids, spinning in a circle while hugging them.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

After a minute, he set them down. Chris smiled before sighing.

"Y'know, in retrospect, we should've thought of hacking into the armor in the first place."

"Eh, hindsight's 20/20," Keith shrugged. "The important thing is we finally got him out."

Shorty was beyond caring about the time, already planning out how he was going to enjoy his freedom.

"I'm going to take a very long, very hot shower, then I'm going to get a haircut, then I'm going to stuff my face until I can't eat another bite! But first..."

He rushed over to Tekno's part of the lab, grabbing her, spinning her around, and kissing her. A moment of silence followed, Tekno turning beet red.

Hope snickered. "Shorty, you dog, you."

As Shorty and Tekno continued their much welcomed PDA, Keith's phone began to buzz. He pulled it out.

"Mom?" he answered.

"Come to my lab immediately," Laura ordered. "You are going to want to see this."

Station Square

Keith arrived at the lab in record time. Laura was chatting with Nicole, the latter's handheld on Laura's desk.

"Nicole?" he asked.

"Hello, Keith," Nicole waved.

"Keith, good, you're here," Laura greeted.

"But what's Nicole doing here?" Keith questioned.

"After Amy and Cream rescued Sonic's uncle, I've been working on a way to restore his mind," Laura explained. "Princess Sally let me borrow Nicole to this end."

"Why Nicole?" Keith asked. "She's not a Robian."

"True," Laura nodded. "But she suffers, or suffered, from the same problem that every Robian suffers from. She lacked free will, but was freed from it. I've been trying to figure out how she got free. And I believe I've found it."

She gestured to the Power Ring capsules. "My current theory is that Nicole was always capable of learning, of mental and emotional growth. The introduction of Power Rings to her console not only unlocked the door to that, but allowed her to regain her memories of her past life as Dr. Ellidy's daughter."

Keith blinked. "So, are you saying that it's possible to restore free will with a Power Ring?"

"With proper stimulation, yes," Laura clarified. "An emotional trigger is required, something that sparks the will to live. For Nicole, it was being with the Freedom Fighters."

Keith grinned. "Mom, this is perfect!"

He rushed forward, hugging his mother tightly. She returned to the hug in kind, then Keith quickly pulled a Warp Ring out of his pocket.

"I've got to tell the others!" he insisted.

Knothole

In record time, Keith had gathered the others in the lab, standing before Uncle Chuck's still inactive body.

"Guys, thanks to my mom, I believe we've found a way to bring Uncle Chuck's mind back." he declared.

"Are you serious?!" Sonic demanded. "We can bring him back?!"

"Once repairs are finished, yes," Keith replied.

Sonic nearly fell to the ground in relief, tears in his eyes. "Thank Aurora…"

"Allow me to break it down for you," Keith held up a Power Ring capsule. "Mom's research on Nicole points to Power Rings being in part the cause of her mental development and emotional growth. She was always capable of it, but it was when Dr. Bennett first inserted one into her console that those particular functions were unlocked."

"So basically, the Power Ring will unlock Uncle Chuck's ability to think for himself," Chris theorized.

"Essentially," Keith clarified. "With the proper stimulus, he'll be able to break through his programming himself, and regain his free will permanently. It was the same with Nicole. The rings got her development rolling. It was interacting with us that let her become as lifelike as she is now."

"So all we need to do is insert a Power Ring into Uncle Chuck's main systems, have Sonic provide the proper stimulus, and he'll be back to himself," Hope remarked. "Mentally at least."

Keith nodded. "Bingo."

"Then what are we waiting for?!" Sonic exclaimed. "Let's get my uncle back!"

"Hope, how are repairs coming?" Sally asked.

"I got a little sidetracked with Shorty, but I'm almost done," Hope replied. "I'm just worried about what'll happen when I turn him on. He's in the heart of our base, and he is still under my uncle's thrall."

Keith perked. "Hey Sonic, didn't you say that Eggatha had some sort of override that made Coco stop attacking you?"

"Yeah," Sonic thought back, snapping his fingers until it hit him. "The code was 'Override AR-113.'"

"It may also require her voice key," Hope pointed out. "I'll see if she can send me a recording of it."

"You do that," Chris said. "Keith and I will take over repairs."

Hope nodded, going to her email as Chris and Keith got to work. Sonic was trembling with excitement.

"It's happening…" he said aloud. "We're finally here. Am I dreaming?"

"Well, one way to find out," Sally pinched his arm.

He yelped, then broke out into a grin before grabbing Sally and hugging her.

"I'm finally getting him back," he said.

A few hours later…

Uncle Chuck was fully repaired. The others were gathered around as Hope held up a tape player.

"I got Aggie's voice recording, though hopefully I shouldn't have to use it." she told them. "Is everybody ready?"

"Ready as we'll ever be," Sonic replied.

Chris opened up the access panel on Uncle Chuck's chest. Keith handed him a Power Ring, which he inserted into his power core.

"Moment of truth time. Let's turn him on." Keith declared.

Double checking the restraints on the table, Hope took a breath and powered the Robian on. His eye screens flickered on and he began looking around. Hope kept the recording on standby as Sonic approached his robotic Uncle.

"Uncle Chuck?" he began. "It's me. It's Sonic."

"Hedgehog, Priority One!" Uncle Chuck declared, straining against his restraints. "Detain by order of Dr. Robotnik!"

"I know you're in there, Uncle Chuck," Sonic insisted. "Fight the programming. Fight Robotnik!"

Uncle Chuck stopped struggling, the Power Ring's energy shining through him before he ended up in a struggle for his mind, images of his life flashing before his eyes.

"Ugh…" he managed. "Detain... I'm going to fight... Robotnik, Freedom Fight-"

"Yeah!" Sonic cheered. "That's it, Unc! You got this!"

"Freedom Fight... fight Robotnik…"

"Fight Robotnik!" Sonic exclaimed. "Come back!"

Uncle Chuck struggled for several seconds, before letting out a tortured scream and going limp. A tense moment or two passed, before Uncle Chuck looked up, his eyes having gone from glowing red to a dull maroon.

"Uncle Chuck…?" Sonic let out uncertainly.

Chuck looked at his nephew, giving him a warm smile.

"I don't suppose I could convince you to release me so I could hug my nephew?" he questioned.

Hope pocketed the recording before releasing the restraints. Sonic practically tackled Uncle Chuck, laughing his head off with tears in his eyes.

"You're back!" he cheered. "Finally!"

He pulled away, somewhat cautious. "It's really you, right?"

"I'm back, Sonic. At least up here," Uncle Chuck tapped the side of his head. "That's the most important thing. The body will come later. Good to see you, sonny."

"Good to see you too, Unc," Sonic answered.

"I hate to be that person, but maybe we should take precautions," Chris offered. "Just in case this isn't as permanent as we want it to be."

"Right," Keith agreed. "It was all based on a theory Mom had."

"Wise decision," Uncle Chuck agreed.

He laid back down and allowed himself to be strapped back down. Sonic sighed.

"I hate to do this to you, Unc, but better safe than sorry."

"I get it," Uncle Chuck assured. "No need to feel bad or be sorry."

"We'll give it twenty-four hours," Tails decided. "If he hasn't reverted back by then, we'll know the effects will last."

"Then I pray to Aurora my faculties remain intact for that time period," said Uncle Chuck.

-X-

As the day went on, Sonic hardly left Uncle Chuck's side. Hope had moved on to a side project, Chails looking over a robotic Chao toy with a windup key and propeller on his head as the other brains glanced over.

"What're you doing to that Omochao?" Tekno asked.

"One of the little projects I've had on the drawing board for a while," Hope explained. "I'm upgrading it. Repurposing it into a robotic support member for the team."

"Interesting idea," Tekno mused. "And it has nothing to do with wanting a sentient Chao of your own?"

"Chails is the Brain Trust mascot, not my own personal Chao like Chronic or Chuckles," Hope reminded her. "Having my own would be nice. And since none of the Chao on Azure Lake bonded with me, I'm doing the next best thing."

Tekno shrugged. "More power to you."

"Hey Tekno!" Shorty called suddenly. "I'm going to Meh Burger! Come with me!"

Tekno laughed and turned towards the door. "Coming!"

She headed out at that. As they did, Sonic talked with Uncle Chuck, getting him caught up on everything. He told him about all of his adventures, how the ranks of the Freedom Fighters had grown, and even admitting to his darker persona.

"Well, you've certainly been busy over the past year," Uncle Chuck said when he was finished.

"Yeah, I have," Sonic agreed. "It's been interesting, but it's also been hard."

"I don't doubt it,"

"I've missed you so much, Uncle Chuck," Sonic sighed. "The day Eggman roboticized you… it was one of the worst days of my life."

"I'm sorry to put you through that, sonny," Uncle Chuck told him. "It only happened because I was a fool. I thought I could reason with Robotnik, get through to anything left of Julian in there. I was wrong."

"You had to try, but Julian Kintobor isn't in there anymore," Sonic said. "All that's left is Eggman."

Hope paused her work for a moment, letting out a small, mournful sigh before continuing. Sonic winced at his choice of words.

"Miss Kintobor, mind coming over here for a moment?" Uncle Chuck asked.

Hope put down her project and walked over to the table. Chuck turned one of his hands in the straps, opening it. Seeing the invitation for what it was, she took it and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"I can't begin to imagine how all of this must be for you," he told her. "And mere words can't express the depths of my sorrow and shame for the part I played. I know I'm not Julian, nor Agnes, and I don't seek to replace them… but know that should this work and I remain in control, you can come to me for anything."

Hope smiled, wiping a tear from her eyes. "I see why you're considered 'Uncle to Many.'"

Uncle Chuck smiled back. "What can I say?"

Sonic smiled at the warmth of the scene.

-X-

Eventually, twenty-four hours passed. The Freedom Fighters gathered in the lab for the moment of truth.

"Alright Mr. Hedgehog, how do you feel?" Keith asked.

"Please, Mr. Hedgehog was my father," Uncle Chuck quipped. "Just call me Uncle Chuck."

There was a collective sigh of relief.

"Okay, that confirms it," Tails said. "The effects are permanent."

He got to work removing the restraints. Once he was free, Sonic hugged his uncle again.

"If Uncle Chuck is free now, then that means we can free all the other Robians." Mina declared. "Like my mom!"

"Or Dulcy's mom," Kat added.

"Or my dad!" Cream exclaimed.

"Whoa, whoa. Slow down a bit," Sally cut in. "Look, I know you're eager to free them, but we don't really have the time or manpower to pull off a big rescue at the moment.

"Sally's right," Sonic agreed. "We got extremely lucky with my uncle, but we don't even know what Eggman does with the Robians or where they are."

"Hang on," Hope cut in. "We do know where Cream's dad is though. We can at least save him."

Sonic nodded. "It's a start, and it'll give me a chance to see how Eggatha's doing."

As they slowly dispersed, Sally went over to Mina.

"I know you want your mother back, Mina, but just wait a little longer," she said gently. "Once Station Square is back in working order, we can get to planning Robian rescues."

Mina gave a small nod.

"I understand, really, I do," she assured. "It's just... I miss her so much."

"I know," Sally put a hand on her shoulder. "But we finally have a way to free them from Eggman's control. It may not be a working De-Roboticizer, but it's a start."

Robotropolis

In her lab, Eggatha was polishing up Coco, making sure he was in the best condition possible. Robotnik came to check on her, letting out a sigh.

"Agatha, if you polish that bot anymore, it's going to be too slippery to do any work," he said.

Eggatha didn't answer.

"Agatha... you know I never wanted this," Robotnik informed her. "I was going to use Chaos to level the city, yes, but I never intended to flood it. And I certainly never intended on... what happened to dear Aunt Agnes."

Eggatha once again remained silent. Robotnik sighed again.

"I'm... in my lab when you're ready to talk," he said at last.

He walked out and the door closed. Eggatha lowered her polishing rag and sniffed. Coco bent down, gently wiping the tear from her eye.

"There, there," he said, his voice normal rather than the usual robotic monotone. "It's alright."

Eggatha turned away, blowing her nose.

"Thanks, Coco," she said. "It's been... tough. I may not have been blood related to Hope's grandma, but she was always such a nice lady."

"I know, sweetie. I know," Coco soothed. "How ironic that your grief and sorrow is what allowed me to break free of my Robian programming."

"Fatherly instincts," Eggatha mused. "Nothing more powerful. I'm just sorry you have to keep pretending to be mindless."

"A temporary problem, I'm sure," Coco replied. "Now, Robotnik was right about polishing me too much. How about I get to scrubbing these floors while you get yourself some lunch? You haven't eaten yet."

Eggatha nodded. "Right. Okay."

Coco went over and grabbed a bucket and a scrub brush as Eggatha went to go get some food. Before she left her lab, her computer beeped, signalling she had an email.

"Huh, email," she mused.

"Food first, Agatha," Coco insisted.

"Alright, alright."

She departed at that. She made her way into the kitchen, making herself a simple sandwich with some chips. As she made her simple meal, Snively came in for a drink. He looked his sister up and down, rolling his eyes.

"Are you still sobbing over ole Agnes?" he asked. "She was Hope's grandmother, not ours. Stop being a crybaby and get over it."

Eggatha glared at him, and it was at that moment Snively was grabbed and yanked bodily off his feet by Metal Sonic.

"Be silent, Snively, or I will tear your tongue out myself," he warned.

Eggatha just gathered her sandwich and walked out.

"Thanks, Metal," she said gratefully.

Metal just nodded at her. Egatha went back to her lab, closing the door and sitting down at her computer. She munched idly on the sandwich as she opened her email. When she saw the tagline, she nearly choked. "Freedom for Robians!" screamed at her, courtesy of Hope.

"They found a way?" she let out before opening the message. She scanned through it, straightening as her eyes widened.

"Coco, put that scrub brush down," she ordered. "Your days of working as a Robian slave are over."

Coco did so, and Eggatha finished her lunch before peeking her head out of the lab.

"I'm heading out to Springtrap for some air!" she called.

"Take an escort!" Robotnik called back.

"I'm taking Coco! Metal's busy!"

There was a smash from the kitchen, followed by a scream from Snively.

"OW! You damned junk pile!"

Eggatha snickered before turning back to Coco. "Well, let's get going."

"Yes, Lady Agatha," Coco said in a fake monotone.

Knothole

Back in the lab, Hope got an email.

"She's going to Springtrap Village with Coco," she informed them. "And… she says we won't need the override with a winky emoji."

Sonic raised an eyebrow. "Okay…?"

He shook his head. "Whatever. I'll go get him."

He zoomed off as fast as he could.

"I'm finally getting my daddy back!" Cream cheered.

Springtrap Village

Meanwhile, Eggatha and Coco had arrived in Springtrap Village, a rather seedy Zone near Robotropolis that could be considered Westside Island's equivalent to the Star Light Zone. A den for humans and Mobians who skirted the law, they often dealt with Robotnik and his minions because they paid well for good scrap. They walked through a large bazaar full of different vendors and various rough types. However, none of them so much as looked in Eggatha's direction, giving her a wide berth as she marched through the area, hand in hand with Coco. Eventually, Eggatha arrived at a larger booth full of several different pieces of circuitry and wiring, an older human man with graying brown hair behind it.

"Hello, Mick," she greeted. "Where's the good stuff?"

"Right this way," Mick replied.

He led her into a small warehouse full of large amounts of scrap. Eggatha looked around and smiled, beginning to gather what she needed. He led her into a small warehouse full of large amounts of scrap. Eggatha looked around and smiled, beginning to gather what she needed.

"Here's money for the scrap, and a bonus for the damages," she told him, setting a large pile of Mobiums on his counter.

Mick perked. "Wait… damages? What do you mean?"

Eggatha was spared the effort of an answer when a blue blur rushed in, rapidly spinning around her and knocking her off balance. Sonic stopped, catching her.

"Sorry, but gotta make it look like a struggle," he said quietly. "You know the drill."

She nodded dizzily as he tossed her into a pile of wires before grabbing Coco. With a toss of a Warp Ring, he shoved the Robian through and hopped in himself, the ring closing behind him. Eggatha got up, shaking her head to clear it as she brushed wires out of her hair.

"That's what I mean, Mick," she said casually. "Keep the change."

With that, she departed as though nothing had happened.

Knothole

In Knothole, Coco and Sonic came crashing through, the Freedom Fighters all standing at the ready.

"Well, that was certainly more exciting than I anticipated," Coco mused casually.

Everyone perked, slowly turning to him in surprise. Coco got up and dusted himself off, holding out a hand for Sonic.

"Up you go, son," he insisted. "I imagine I'm not a very soft landing platform like this."

After a minute, Sonic took the offered hand, letting Coco help him up.

"You... you got your mind back on your own?" he asked.

"Well, yes and no," Coco replied. "I'd been flickering in and out of control pretty much since I was turned. Miss Agatha tried to help, telling me about how you were taking care of my daughter and how she was safe. And then, she came to me crying about her great aunt Agnes and I finally managed to push free, wanting so badly to comfort her. Paternal instincts are a heck of a boost."

"That they are," Uncle Chuck agreed.

Coco turned, seeing Uncle Chuck walking in, holding hands with Cream. If Coco possessed a jaw, it would have dropped at the sight of his daughter.

"Cream?" he let out. "Creampuff, is that you?"

A smile broke out on Cream's face. "Daddy!"

She ran over immediately. Coco dropped to his knees, scooping her up.

"Oh, baby girl…" he managed. "I'm so sorry I kept you waiting. I promise, I'll never leave you like that again."

"I'm just happy to have you back," Cream replied, sniffling.

She hugged him, Cheese landing on his head and hugging his metal ears. Sonic observed the scene, feeling like a part of him was finally mending. Uncle Chuck also watched, letting out a small sigh.

-X-

Sometime later, Coco was sitting in the lab, Cream asleep in his lap as Keith, Chris, and Hope looked him over, making sure the lack of Power Ring wouldn't cause a relapse. As they worked, Uncle Chuck approached, looking somewhat sheepish.

"Children, may I speak with Coco alone for a moment?" he requested.

They turned to him, seeing his expression before nodding and dispersing. Uncle Chuck sat down in front of Coco, who just gently caressed his daughter before looking up.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

"Yes," Chuck replied. "I owe you an apology."

"For what?"

"For this," Chuck gestured to Coco's Robian form, "for separating you from your family, for everything that my invention put you through."

"Your invention?"

"Dr. Robotnik wasn't the original inventor of the Roboticizer. He stole the plans and blueprints... from me. All of this, every Robian ever created, is because of-"

A hand went to his mouth as Coco silenced him.

"I'm going to stop you right there. You may have created the machine, but Robotnik was the one who turned it into the horrifying creation it is today. He's the one who transformed so many Mobians, myself included. You're not to blame, merely another victim like myself."

"But-"

"No buts. If you feel that strongly about this, then work to make amends. We may have our minds back, but there are so many more who don't. And we're still robots. If you created the device that transformed us, then you're the best suited to de-transform us."

After a minute, Chuck nodded.

"You're right. Sonic and the kids have been working on a De-Roboticizer for over a year, but they're still not close. I'll do what I can to help them finish it."

Coco nodded at that.

Robotropolis

Eggatha came running into Robotnik's lab, sobbing loudly. Her uncle turned, shocked to see his niece acknowledging him as well as bawling her eyes out.

"Agatha?" he asked. "What happened?"

"Oh Uncle, it's terrible!" Eggatha wept. "Sonic took Coco away!"

"He what?!" Robotnik shouted.

"He came in and he stole Coco," Eggatha sniffed. "I… I heard him muttering about thanking Snively for the tip... then he took him! They- they found a way to free Robian minds... and Snively told them they could test it on Coco!"

She started crying again. Robotnik slowly rose to his feet. He scooped up his niece, letting her bury her face in his shoulder as he stalked towards Snively's lab. He immediately kicked the door in, Snively jumping and spinning around..

"Oh, boy…" he sighed. "What did I do this time?"

"Surprise inspection time," Robotnik replied coldly. "Let's let your email do the talking, shall we?"

"Go ahead," Snively retorted. "You won't find anything."

"Metal, take Agatha," Robotnik ordered. "I'm going to need both hands free."

Metal took Eggatha from the doc, cradling her. With that, Robotnik went over to Snively's computer, bringing up his email. He checked the outbox, finding a message to Hope and opening it.

"'If you really found a way to fix the Robians, I'll gladly volunteer a test subject. Have the hedgehog go to Springtrap Village in an hour. It's high time the brat paid for all the pain and misery I've suffered.'" he read aloud.

Snively was already sweating as Robotnik read it. He slowly began creeping toward the door when his uncle finished, turning to him.

"And where, pray tell, do you think you're going?" he asked.

Snively stiffened before straight up breaking into a run. Robotnik hit a button on his metal arm, unleashing several Badniks and locking down the base.

"Catch that sniveling worm and bring him to me!" he ordered.

He marched out of the lab as Metal turned to Eggatha.

"Hope is rather good at imitating your brother's writing style," he mused.

"I know, right?" Eggatha agreed. "And now, you don't have to be jealous of Coco anymore."

Metal's internal fans clicked on as he turned away. "I was never jealous…"

-X-

Some time later, Robotnik was seated casually in his throne room when he heard the sounds of beatings and yelping before the door was thrown open, Snively bodily tossed in. He pulled himself up as Robotnik loomed over him.

"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?" he questioned.

"I'm being framed!" Snively objected. "She's always doing this, but you never see! She sets me up to fail and you always fall for it!"

"Snively, nothing happens in this city that I am not aware of," Robotnik shot back.

"Then you should know that Agatha is nothing but a-"

"SILENCE!" Robotnik roared, cutting him off. "Do not speak ill of Agatha, Snively. Unlike you, she actually makes herself useful. She doesn't whine or complain as you do, offers valid arguments instead of excuses, and actually contributes useful ideas and tech to the Empire. Tell me, Snively. Since coming to my fair city, what have you accomplished aside from constant failures and petty pranks?"

"W-well, I…"

"Get him out of my sight," Robotnik interrupted.

Two Swatbots grabbed Snively, dragging him out. Snively glared at Robotnik as he went.

"I helped you design the first Death Egg, if you recall! You don't give me enough credit, Julian!"

Robotnik was only stopped from firing a warning laser by the door slamming shut behind the Swatbots. He then slumped onto the throne, stroking his chin.

"So, Sonic and his brood have found a way to free the Robians," he mused. "If that's the case, then I'll need to figure out a new means of acquiring workers."

Author's Note:

(1): The exact date the Sonic SatAM pilot premiered.

Yes! Uncle Chuck and Coco are free of Robotnik's control. Still robots, but it's a start.

And yes, Omochao is a creation of Hope in this fic. He'll serve as a robotic aid/support unit.

Please R&R. Until next time!