-Chapter 152-
Friends, Old and New
Robotropolis
Metal laid out on Eggatha's work table as the young scientist finished some final adjustments to his body. He could feel power practically radiating through his form, and if he had a mouth, he would have been smiling.
"Almost…" she nodded. "There. That should do it."
She closed his access panels, setting her tools aside. "How do you feel, Metal?"
"Stronger." Metal said simply.
"Good," Eggatha remarked. "For the moment, that power is dormant, but you should be able to access it at will. Consider it like your own super form, only you don't need Chaos Emeralds."
"Excellent," Metal chuckled. "Next time we meet, Sonic's in for a fatal surprise."
Eggatha sighed, sitting down in her chair.
"I really wish you and Uncle Ivo didn't feel the need to kill him," she remarked. "I mean, you had him prisoner for awhile and he only got out because of Snively. Holding him is possible. Can't you just, I dunno, defeat him and lock him up for good?"
Metal knelt down so he was eye level with her, a hand on her knee.
"I'm afraid it's not that simple, Agatha. Sonic being beaten isn't enough. Defeat suggests the possibility of him coming back, but death... well, no living being can return from the dead."
Eggatha sighed forlornly.
"Yeah, yeah…"
"Besides, that's why he and his friends are still alive. If we so desired, Dr. Robotnik could just carpet-bomb the Freedom Fighters at any moment and be done with it. But a quick, anticlimactic explosion would be so unsatisfying, wouldn't it? It's too easy."
"So that's it," Eggatha deduced. "You two have to be seen beating Sonic. You want an audience. Flowers? Parades? A monument built to the sky with your name plastered on it?"
"Well, flowers and parades are a bit much."
"Metal, I'm serious," Eggatha insisted.
"So am I. I want to prove I am the superior Sonic. That is why I'm doing this. Aiding your uncle in his endeavors is a bonus."
Eggatha sighed, realizing there was no point in arguing further.
-X-
Later, she met with Robotnik in his throne room.
"Shadow's mind-wiping is complete," he reported. "We can commence his indoctrination within a few days."
"Uncle-" Eggatha began.
Robotnik sighed. "Agatha, we've been here before."
"But you've already gotten everything you need from him," Eggatha insisted. "You've done enough scans and bloodwork and DNA sequencing that you could probably make your own. Can't you let Hope have the real one? For Aurora's sake, the Shadow Androids we've been working on are more than enough!"
"Agatha-" Robotnik began.
"Uncle, I rarely if ever ask for anything that can be perceived as benign," Eggatha insisted. "Just this once, can't you do something good? Hope has no one anymore. At the very least, she has the right to know Shadow survived the fall."
Robotnik seemed conflicted for a few minutes before steeling himself.
"I'm sorry, Agatha. But the answer is no. Shadow is all that remains of our grandfather's legacy. Therefore, he's my minion by right. It's as simple as that."
Eggatha scowled, getting to her feet.
"Fine! Be that way!" she shouted before storming out of the throne room.
Robotnik sighed. "That girl is too good for her own... well, good. Metal, go keep an eye on her."
"Yes, Doctor," Metal nodded.
He headed for Eggatha's lab, seeing her typing away on her computer.
"Agatha?" he began in surprise. "What are you-?!"
"I'm done asking for permission," Eggatha said sharply. "We've got more than enough from Shadow. We don't need him anymore."
"But Dr. Robotnik said-"
"He said not to tell Hope. He said nothing about, say, leaving an anonymous tip to GUN."
Metal ran the logic, then nodded.
"Indeed, he did not. But he might not see it that-"
"I'm done caring at this point. I'll take whatever punishment he comes up with. I have you and him. Hope has nothing."
She finished typing, hitting the send button.
Area 99
In her lab at GUN, Sarah was working on some paperwork when her computer beeped. She glanced at it, seeing that she had an email.
"Don't recognize that IP address," she muttered.
She clicked it. It was a very short message that just had a set of coordinates and a note: "Shadow the Hedgehog. Collect immediately. Inform Hope Kintobor upon retrieval." She blinked, re-reading it a few times to make sure it said what she thought it did. In no time at all, she called Tower and some other agents in, showing them the note.
"Are you sure this is legitimate?" Tower asked.
"I tried to trace the IP address, but I kept getting bounced," Sarah explained. "But the coordinates lead out into a coastal. zone."
She pulled up a map, pointing to where the coordinates lead. "The Seaside Hill Zone, on Soumerca's eastern seaboard."
"If Shadow the Hedgehog really is there, then we must act on this," Tower insisted.
"Sir, say he is there," Topaz began. "And say he's still alive. He'd be the most wanted Mobian on the planet. We'd have to bring him in."
"I'm aware of that," Tower turned to Rouge. "You're in charge of the mission, Agent Rouge. Investigate Seaside Hill. Make sure Shadow is still alive, and if he is, bring him to me."
"I will," Rouge assured. "Request permission to bring him to the Freedom Fighters first. He bonded with Hope during the ARK incident, and it's because of her he saw the light and helped stop the impact."
Tower nodded. "Permission granted. It was requested by our mysterious messenger after all. Besides, if they truly did bond, perhaps she can convince him to surrender peacefully."
Rouge gave a salute, then took off.
Seaside Hill
Ever since the Chaos incident, E-102 Gamma had spent the intervening time roaming Mobius, fighting Robotnik's Badniks and minions wherever he found them, Lily's family by his side all the while. But after working solo for so long, he had begun to wear down and show his age, his auto-repair systems only doing so much. Despite this, he continued on his mission, which on this day had led him to a Robotnik outpost near Seaside Hill. As he marched across the grassy hills, Both Rosemary and Lily were perched on his head, keeping him company. He moved carefully so as not to disturb them. Eventually, his efforts bore fruit as he came across a dome/egg-shaped building built into the side of a mountain.
"Robotnik base located," he remarked.
His weapons systems clicked online, then his sensors picked up something in the trees. He aimed at it, plasma gun powering on.
"Identify yourself, or be eradicated."
On cue, Rouge stepped out, hands in the air. "Easy."
Gamma scanned her at that. "Rouge the Bat. Jewel thief currently employed by G.U.N. Friend."
He lowered his gun.
"And you must be the Flicky-loving Goodnik Sonic told my boss about," Rouge mused.
"Affirmative," Gamma confirmed. "E-102 Gamma. Companions Lily and Rosemary."
The two Flickies chirped and waved.
"Why are you here?" Gamma asked.
"To save a friend," Rouge replied. "Figures Eggman was behind it."
"Observation has shown that Robotnik is often 'behind' multiple negative actions," Gamma remarked.
"So it seems. Well, we're both here, and I could use a hand getting into the base. Care to lend one?"
"Our interests align. Cooperation is logical."
"I'll take that as a yes."
Gamma turned toward the door, plugging his finger-wires into it and opening the lock. With that, he and Rouge headed deeper in, soon coming to a sizable vault door with a keypad next to it.
"This looks like it protects something important," Rouge noted.
"Hacking will require time we do not possess," Gamma took aim at the vault's hinges. "Suggestion: cover your ears."
Rouge did so as Gamma blew off the hinges. The door fell in with a very long crash, shaking the building momentarily.
"Well, stealth is out the window," Rouge deadpanned.
Nonetheless, they entered. Rouge gaped at the sight within. In the middle of the room was a stasis tank, and within that tank, floating unconscious in green culture fluid, was none other than Shadow.
"Well I'll be…" she said at last. "The tip was correct."
"Your friend?" Gamma asked.
"Yeah," Rouge nodded. "Cover me while I get him out of that thing. Someone is gonna be coming to investigate that noise."
"Affirmative."
He stood with his gun at the ready as Rouge typed away at the control panel. As she predicted, they heard the sound of robotic whirring as a pair of red eyes glinted in the corner. From the shadows stepped an E-100 series Badnik similar to Gamma and the others. Noticeable differences include a stockier upper body and arms, different colored eyes and claws for both hands. His height was also greater than the other models and his shoulders larger with a visible Greek symbol on the front of the left and back of the right with red handlebars on the top. He was without the twin exhaust pipes and grav-linked jet disc of Gamma, instead with one circling pipe around the waist with two flaps attached and a jet installed in his back. The stripe running from his head to stomach had also been changed so that it was a separate piece of metal altogether and not simply painted on like the others that noticeably stuck out, and he also had one extra finger, two hands with yellow wrists studded with large spikes like a dog collar and just below his stripe was a silver plate. He also lacked the twin dots between his eyes and the large light above his waist.
"Wonderful," the new bot said flatly. "I was created for the purpose of destroying Sonic the Hedgehog, and instead, I find myself facing a decrepit traitor to Dr. Robotnik."
"E-123 Omega," Gamma noted. "The final unit of my line."
"E-102 Gamma," Omega replied. "Upon your destruction, I will be the final unit of our line."
He took aim and fired. Gamma dodged, Lily and Rosemary quickly taking off for the rafters as the two bots began duking it out.
"You are old and weak, Gamma!" Omega declared. "And you will pay the ultimate price for betraying the doctor!"
"The doctor cares nothing for you, brother," Gamma said simply. "He left you in storage to rot here."
"Irrelevant," Omega insisted. "My condition is optimal, while you suffer from multiple flaws and defects. Solitude has caused you to deteriorate, Gamma."
Gamma narrowly dodged another shot, the two in a Mexican standoff.
"Surrender, Gamma," Omega ordered. "Do not embarrass yourself further. A single one of my shots would tear through that old armor of yours." He looked at the Jet Booster behind Gamma's head. "I detect smoke. Is that your grav-linked jet disc? Pathetic. You would not get far with it, even if it were in perfect condition. You are outdated, brother. Slower, weaker. You cannot outrun me... and that pitiful gun of yours cannot harm me."
"Your armor is heavy, Omega — but so are you," Gamma shot back. "Your speed is great — but you're unwieldy. Your jets are stronger — but you're louder. I do not have such limitations. I am nimble. I cover ground more easily. As for weaponry…"
He took three precise shots at Omega, knocking him on his skid plate.
"You are a walking arsenal. I am an assassin."
Omega picked himself up.
"Your assessment is correct, and you have made your point. However, you have neglected to take into account your biggest weakness…" He took aim at Lily and Rosemary. "Your sentiment."
The birds chirped in fear. Gamma made his decision, lowering his gun.
"You have made your point as well," he conceded. "I am old, outdated. The resistance forces require something more."
"Then you surrender?" Omega questioned. "Very well. I see how you have given the doctor so much trouble. I will grant you a glorious destruction."
"You cannot destroy all of me, brother. My body, yes. But not my soul."
"We are robots. We don't have those."
"We can have them. Allow me to show you."
As Omega took aim with a plasma cannon, Gamma's eyes unfocused.
"Data stream acquired. Upload complete."
Omega blasted a gaping hole through Gamma's torso. The Goodnik sparked for a minute before slumping to the ground. The Flickies all cried out, flying down towards Gamma's remains. The containment pod inside popped, releasing Tulip. All three hugged and nuzzled one another, tears in their eyes as they mourned their fallen companion. That's when something strange began to happen to Omega. He shuddered, his hands going to his head.
"W-what is this?" he demanded. "Unfamiliar internal readings… Analyzing... remorse?!"
All three Flickies turned to Omega, heads cocked in confusion. That's when Gamma's voice came out of Omega's speakers.
"Do not despair, my companions," he said. "I have isolated my free will coding and given it to Omega."
"Virus alert!" Omega exclaimed. "Purge! Purge!"
"Not a virus, Omega," Gamma insisted. "A new life. You have a soul, my gift to you. You are no longer a servant to Dr. Robotnik. From this day onward, you are your own master. While my body is gone and my code integrates, I may disappear, but my soul and mission live on… through you."
Gamma's voice cut off at that. Rouge turned, the noise getting her attention. Omega looked down at his hands.
"So… now what do I do?" he asked. "I was created to crush all life. But now the very thought makes me feel uneasy. And I can have thoughts and feel uneasy."
"Sounds like you could use some help," Rouge mused. "And maybe a little direction." She held out a hand. "Gamma's only mistake was going solo. But you, you don't have to. I'm certain GUN can help you find a new purpose."
The three Flickies flew up to Omega, eying him curiously.
"Not to mention these three," Rouge tacked on. "Some of the bravest Flickies I've ever met."
"But to what end?" Omega questioned. "If I have a life, what is its purpose? Where do I find a place in the world I was meant to cover in glorious fire and doom?"
"Well, maybe you can start by introducing Eggman and his goons to that fire and doom." Rouge offered.
Omega perked, snapping his fingers.
"Yes, of course!" he exclaimed. "Gamma was right. Robotnik wasted my potential, left me to collect dust here. And I will have my revenge."
Lily flew up, giving a soft chirp. After a minute, Omega held out a hand, allowing her to land in his palm.
"I destroyed Gamma, but you still show me kindness," he mused.
Tulip flew up to Omega's chest, pecking lightly at his armor.
"Because I contain all that remains of him. His soul... and his mission. Which includes protecting the three of you."
The three Flickies landed on his head and shoulders. That was when they heard the sound of fluid sloshing, and turned to see Shadow's tank draining, slowly opening up.
"Oh, finally," Rouge rushed over to the tank, catching Shadow as he fell out like a limp doll. "Easy there, Shadow. I got you."
His eyes slowly opened, taking in her face and his surroundings.
"Shadow?" he asked. "Is that my name?"
Rouge blinked in surprise. "Wait… you don't remember?"
"No…" Shadow shook his head. "I... I can't remember anything. My mind is... blank. Who am I? Who are you?"
Rouge stepped back in shock. The angry, bitter hedgehog she'd met was gone, leaving only a confused being in his place. After a minute, she composed herself.
"My name is Rouge. I'm a friend. As for who you are, I know some people who can answer that better than I can."
Omega looked over Gamma's body. "First things first."
-X-
Some time later, a short distance away from the lab, Shadow, Rouge, and Omega stood before a mound of dirt marked by a pile of rocks, the final resting place of E-102 Gamma. Lily's family bowed their heads in respect, the others doing the same for a few moments before Omega straightened up.
"If either of you ever tell anyone that I made a grave or whined about my place in the world, I will turn you into linked sausage." he warned.
Lily chirped indignantly at Omega, which made Rouge snort.
"Go easy on him. He's not used to being vulnerable."
"Now what?" Shadow asked.
"Just follow me," Rouge insisted. "I'm taking you to the people I mentioned."
Station Square
An hour or so later, the Freedom Fighters found themselves summoned to the Thorndyke Mansion.
"So, what's going on?" Sonic asked.
"Rouge called me," Hope explained. "She said to get everyone here for something important, but wouldn't tell me over the phone."
"If this is one of her ploys to try and get the Master Emerald, I swear-" Knuckles began.
"Knux, if this was Emerald related, she would have just showed up," Kat pointed out.
"Yeah," Keith agreed. "Though personally, I'm curious as to why she called Hope and not Sally or Sonic."
"That is a good point," Sally agreed.
Tails shrugged. "Well, we're gonna find out."
They didn't have to wait long. The door opened and Mr. Tanaka escorted Rouge in as Ella went to get tea ready.
"So what's this all about, Rouge?" Hope asked.
"It's easier to show than tell," Rouge turned back down the hall. "You can come in now."
They heard footsteps, and jaws dropped as Shadow entered the room. Omega hung back for the time being. Hope was utterly stunned, getting to her feet as she locked eyes on the black hedgehog.
"Sh...Shadow?" She moved forward slowly, her eyes glistening as she reached out for him. "Is it… really you?"
"You know me?" Shadow questioned.
"Yes," Hope nodded. "Shadow, it's me. Hope?"
"Sweetie... he can't remember anything," Rouge sighed. "Not even his own name."
"How did he-?" Sonic began.
"Doc Bennett got an anonymous email," Rouge explained. "I was dispatched to an Eggman base in Seaside Hill, and found him there in stasis. As for how exactly he survived the ARK incident, I brought someone else who can properly explain."
Taking that as his cue, Omega entered the room. Everyone was immediately on edge at the sight of the intimidating Badnik, but then noticed Lily's family on his head.
"Lily?" Cream asked. "Rosemary?"
"Tulip, what's going on?" Amy questioned. "Aren't you supposed to be powering Gamma?"
Tulip looked down at that.
"Guys…" Rouge sighed. "There's no easy way to say this. I'm just gonna come out with it. Gamma, he's... for lack of a better word, he's dead."
Both girls gasped.
"Gamma's gone?" Cream let out. "But how?"
"I destroyed him," Omega said bluntly.
Amy scowled, and was about to summon her hammer when Lily darted over to her, shaking her head and tweeting.
"Wait, what?" she asked. "He has Gamma's soul?"
"I am E-123 Omega, the last of the E-100 Series line," Omega explained. "Gamma's final act was to download his free will algorithm into my programming. He felt his time was at an end, and the fight against Robotnik was up to a newer generation."
He sat down, the couch sagging and creaking a bit under his weight. "It wasn't a hard choice for me to make. The doctor squandered me, his greatest creation, and left me to such a menial task of guarding Shadow at his Seaside Hill base."
"So you're a Goodnik now?" Sonic asked. "Well then, welcome aboard."
He held out a hand, but Omega refused to shake it, looking at him blankly.
"While circumstances and Gamma's actions have led me to abandon my former mission, I was created for the sole purpose of killing you, Sonic," he said coldly. "Do not forget that."
Sonic pulled back at that, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well… that killed the mood."
"Yeah, give him time," Rouge told him. "He's still new to the whole 'emotions and free will' thing."
While this went on, Hope was still looking Shadow over.
"You got new Inhibitor Rings, I see."
Shadow looked at his wrists, a finger rubbing the golden band resting just over his gloves.
"That's what these are?"
"I've read your files so many times since you… disappeared. You have so much Chaos Energy in you that you need the rings to regulate it." Hope held up her hand, showing the ring on her own wrist. "You left this one behind when you saved all of Mobius."
"I just wish I could remember…" Shadow lamented. "But why can't I?"
"Allow me to answer that," Omega requested as everyone turned to him. "After the ARK incident, Dr. Robotnik went to the impact site where Shadow fell and retrieved him, nursing him back to health with his medical robots. The reason for his amnesia is because the doctor wiped his memory with the intent to induct him into the Egg Army."
"So he only saved him so he could make him into a brainwashed slave?" Knuckles questioned.
"That, and Shadow is all that remains of Professor Gerald's legacy," Omega added.
"Oh Shadow…" Hope let out.
She hugged him tightly, causing Shadow to stiffen. After a moment, he very slowly wrapped his arms around her.
"He made you forget…" Hope whispered. "Forget me... forget ARK… forget Maria…"
That name makes several images flit through Shadow's mind.
"Maria…" he repeated.
For a brief moment, he caught a glimpse of a face, then it faded away. He shook his head, then gently pulled free of the hug.
"You know me," he said, meeting Hope's eye. "You know who I'm supposed to be. Please... help me remember."
"Of course I will." She took his hand, squeezing it. "No matter how long it takes, I will help you get your memories back."
"Thank you…" Shadow said, his fingers curling around her hand.
Rouge watched Shadow and Hope with a smile, before sighing.
"Well guys, I hate to do this, but... I have my orders."
"Orders?" Sonic asked.
"Commander Tower agreed to let me bring Shadow to you first. But he also wants to talk to him face to face."
Everyone's hearts sank.
"Wait, you don't mean…" Hope began.
"Sorry kid, but yeah," Rouge nodded.
"What?" Shadow asked. "What's going on?"
They stiffened, none of them wanting to dump the full details of the ARK incident right away.
"Let's just say it's complicated," Sally said at last.
"Rouge, after everything Shadow's done and been through, you can't-" Sonic began.
"Hey, I have my orders and I have to follow them," Rouge insisted. "But Tower's not gonna be an asshole. You forget, he knew Shadow too. He just wants to talk to him."
"Then at least let me come with him," Hope requested.
"I have no objections," Rouge nodded. "And from the death grip he has on you, I couldn't separate you if I tried."
Rouge turned to Omega. "You're coming too."
"Affirmative." Omega agreed.
With that, the four took their leave.
Area 99
Sometime later, Shadow was sitting in an interrogation room with Hope. Sarah was looking over Omega, switching out his Mobini containment sphere for a Chaos Drive.
"I'll be damned," she muttered. "You must have more firepower than all of the old GUN Hunters combined."
"Robotnik designed me to be the ultimate battle robot." Omega remarked.
"Well, with this Chaos Drive in place, you may find a slight power increase. And you get to add another Flicky to your growing collection."
A yellow Flicky was now sitting with Lily, Rosemary, and Tulip.
Inside the interrogation room, Hope and Shadow waited for Tower.
"Hope, there's something you're not telling me," Shadow insisted.
"Not now, Shadow," Hope said. "Trust me, you can't handle it right now."
"Was I a criminal?" Shadow questioned.
"You were… confused," Hope sighed. "Look... you're not in the right state of mind to find out everything right this minute. But I will tell you this. Everything you did was because you were tricked and manipulated. It's not your fault."
"Maybe... but I still did it," Shadow replied. "Whatever it was. Whatever this Commander decides for me, I'll accept the consequences of my actions."
Before Hope could object, the door opened, allowing Tower to enter.
"Hello there, Shadow," he greeted.
"You must be the Commander." Shadow noted.
"Yes, I am," Tower sat across from them. "You may not remember me, but we were friends once."
"Really?"
"Yes, we were. As such, I know you're a good person, despite your previous questions."
"Just… what did I do?" Shadow asked.
Hope winced. "Could you... at least try to break it to him gently?"
Tower nodded.
"You lost your best friend," he began. "You were angry and hurting. And the man who made you, Gerald Kintobor, used that anger and pain to make you do terrible things. You sought vengeance on who you deemed responsible. But Hope helped you see the light. You helped Sonic save the planet... but were presumed dead in the process."
"But now that I'm not... What's going to happen to me?" Shadow questioned.
"Regardless of the circumstances behind it, you've built up an impressive rap sheet. Enough to land yourself in prison for years."
Hope tried to object, but Tower held up a hand to silence her.
"But in memory of our old friendship and what you really are, I've decided on an alternative," he went on. "To be honest, I'd prefer you be free to do some good over rotting in a cell and doing nothing."
"What do you suggest?" Shadow questioned.
Tower rose to his feet at that. "That you join GUN... and work for me."
That threw them both for a loop.
"What?" Shadow let out. "Are you serious?"
Tower nodded. "I am. You'd be able to use your powers to help many people, making up for your actions out in the field."
"Wow…" Shadow said. "I don't know what to say."
"If you want, I can even open a position for Miss Kintobor," Tower offered. "Considering how attached you two are, I get the feeling you're a package deal."
Hope pointed at herself. "Me?"
"Better you than your needle nosed cousin."
"Wait…" Hope blinked. "Snively tried to join you?"
"It was shortly before the ARK incident. He came knocking on the door wanting to join the science division. He claimed to have been spying on Robotnik on our behalf, and remained by his side for so long in an effort to keep his armies under supervision."
"Yeah, right," Hope scoffed. "That's my cousin Aggie. Anyone who's been in the same room as Snively for more than five minutes knows he's just a conniving worm who never does anything for anyone else without intending to stab them in the back."
"Yes, I caught on to his act when he interned for your uncle Julian ten years ago," Tower said. "We slammed the door in his face."
"Good on you," Hope smiled.
"I'll take the job," Shadow decided, turning to Hope. "But only if you join with me."
"Well…" Hope tapped her chin in thought. "I did plan to join GUN at some point in the future. I just didn't expect it to be until after high school."
"Consider this early retirement," Tower replied. "Of course, it's your choice."
"Sure, I'll do it," Hope decided. "Like I told Sonic and the others, I won't let Eggman ruin our family name. Working for you is the perfect way to ensure that."
Tower smiled. "Excellent. Welcome aboard."
Seaside Hill
Later, Robotnik headed for the Seaside Hill base in the Egg Mobile. He opened the door, whistling a jaunty tune as he did.
"Finally time to begin Shadow's recruitment into the empire," he mused aloud as he headed for the vault. "I can't wait to see the look on Sonic's face when he sees that-"
He stopped short at the sight of the vault door knocked off its hinges, and the empty stasis pod with Shadow nowhere to be seen. "HE'S GONE!"
He recoiled, wracking his brain.
"How could this have happened. Who could have…" Realization hit him, and he scowled. "Agatha!"
He immediately called in the Egg Mobile, heading back to Robotropolis.
Robotropolis
In the citadel, Eggatha was seated casually in the TV room, bracing herself for the inevitable. She was not disappointed when the door was thrown open with a violent bang. Robotnik stormed in, his face redder than his mustache.
"Hi Uncle," Eggatha greeted casually.
"Don't 'Hi Uncle' me!" Robotnik roared. "What have you done?!"
"I sent an anonymous tip to GUN about Shadow's location."
"After I gave you explicit orders not to reveal that Shadow was alive!"
"You said not to tell Hope, or the Freedom Fighters. I didn't."
"Don't get technical with me, young lady!"
Eggatha stood up, looking him in the eye.
"Hope had every right in the world to know Shadow was still alive, Uncle Ivo," she said firmly. "I made my choice. I don't regret it, and if given the chance, I'd do it again. So just decide on whatever punishment you want for me and get it over with."
Robotnik grabbed her by the back of her dress and picked her up.
"Oh you will be punished, but it won't be 'over with' anytime soon."
Before he could say or do anything else, Metal grabbed him by his wrist, squeezing hard.
"Let. Her. Go." he warned.
Robotnik turned on him, flabbergasted, before his shock turned to rage.
"What do you think you're doing, Metal?!" he demanded. "You don't tell me what to do! I tell you what to do! Now get your hands off me!"
"No," Metal said firmly. "I refuse."
"What?!" Robotnik shrieked. "I am your creator! You will obey me!"
"Not this time, Doctor."
Robotnik set Eggatha down before whirling on Metal.
"How dare you defy me, Metal Sonic?! I created you! I gave you life! And if I so desire, I can take it away!"
"Oh, can you now?" Metal asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Metal's body suddenly began shifting, turning into a liquid metal form as he began to grow. When the transformation was complete, Metal stood before Robotnik in a more imposing form. His head had five long quills as opposed to his regular three, with white stripes and markings around his eyes, similar to that of Shadow's. The yellow color in his ears had been replaced with red and his nose is now black. He also possessed more pronounced body armor, with black and curved shoulder plates, larger gauntlets and leg armor with pointy knee caps that have white outlines, a plate covering his pelvis and elf-like shoes. He also sported a spiky belt with a black cape that protrudes out of the back of his waist. Eggatha was in awe, and Robotnik gaped, before scowling.
"Last chance, Metal. You will obey my orders and stand down, or this defiant act will be your last!"
"There's a new order now, Dr. Robotnik," Metal retorted. "My order."
"Metal, what are you doing?!" Eggatha demanded. "I told you I'd accept any punishment he decided on! That I'd made my choice!"
"I know that," Metal replied. "But the very idea of him hurting you, it makes me… furious."
His eyes began to glow brightly as he said that.
"Your empire consists of machines, Doctor. And who better to rule a robot kingdom... than a robot overlord?"
"You were created to serve me like the other Badniks, you backstabbing-!"
"I'm not like the others. They're all puppets, tangled in your strings." Metal's eyes flashed briefly. "There are no strings on me."
He grabbed Robotnik by his throat, hoisting him into the air.
"METAL!" Eggatha screamed.
"Do not fear," Metal assured her. "I will not kill him."
He shoved Robotnik hard into the wall, the force causing the stone to crack.
"No, he will live to watch me do what he never could. I will defeat the Freedom Fighters, and establish the Robotnik Empire… with me at its head. And you, my friend, will rule by my side."
"Y-you-" Robotnik choked out.
"I was created for the sole purpose of destroying Sonic, Doctor," Metal jeered. "That's what you wanted me to do. But from here on out, I will do so my way."
With that, he delivered a solid punch to Robotnik's face, knocking out the mad doctor.
"Badniks!" He called out. "Ensure the good doctor and his repulsive lab assistant are properly contained."
Several Swatbots appeared, gathering Robotnik up and dragging him off before going to arrest Grimer. Metal looked down at his hands in contemplation.
"This body's power is incredible... but it's still not enough. I need more, if Mobius is to truly bow to its Metal Overlord." He briefly formed a mouth on his muzzle to smirk. "And I know just what to do to get it."
Eggatha could only stare in shock and horror, wondering just what kind of monster she and her uncle had unleashed upon Mobius…
Author's Note:
Neo Metal Sonic has arrived! Oh no!
Also, yeah, that was the plan for Gamma's death and Omega's intro all along. Derived from Archie, more specifically the first few issues of Sonic Universe.
Please R&R. Until next time!