Author's Introduction This story is a basic rewrite of the last episode shown on TV: "The Doomsday Machine", or something like that. I generally felt that it was a poor ending, leaving many questions unanswered. I have taken the liberty of rewriting it to suit my own tastes. Now, I know that many people would probably have something to say about that, but I would just like to say that look at this story as an "Alternate Universe" story, since many of the events that happen here have already happened in the TV show. Please read, and I hope you enjoy it. I welcome all comments to my email or homepage address listed at the end of this story. Chapter 1 Sally, Bunnie Rabbot, and Antoine waited anxiously behind the huge garbage piles outside the city of Robotropolis. Sonic was inside the polluted city meeting with Uncle Chuck, who was to give them the plans for Robotnik's newest weapon, the Sterilizer. Night had fallen hours ago, and the city's lights twinkled faintly in the hazy sky. Sally lowered the macrobinoculars from her eyes. She wore a frown on her face as she turned to Bunnie, who was standing beside her. "I'm worried, Bunnie. Sonic was supposed to have been back five minutes ago. It's not like him to be late." Bunnie waved off Sally's remark. "Oh don't worry none Sally girl, that li'l ol' sugar hog'll be here any second." Antoine, who was cowering behind a large metal plate, turned to the girls. "Could we please to be going soon? If we are caught here we will be like ze dead beat." "That's dead meat Antoine." Said Bunnie, rolling her eyes. Where is he? Sally thought, the light wind blowing the collar of her vest around her face. * * * Sonic raced through the city, dodging the many Swatbots and hover units that were chasing him. They fired laser after laser at him, but he always managed to dodge them at the last second. He turned into an alleyway and stopped. "Oh man, why do those metalheads have to make things so difficult? I'm gonna miss my meet with Uncle Chuck, and I'm sure he doesn't have mondo good news for me." He checked his backpack, and seeing it was secure, roared off again, the litter and papers blew after him. Snively watched him on the monitors in Robotnik's headquarters. Robotnik himself sat in his giant chair, watching the monitors surrounding him. Snively was at the main console, typing in commands to synchronize the Swatbots to hunt Sonic. "Sir, he has entered into sector 14." He said. Robotnik clenched his metal fist and slammed it into the armrest. "Have all units converge on sector 14! Do not let him get away Snively, or I will be very upset." He said, in his deep rumbling voice. Snively started to sweat. "Y-yes S-sir!" He spoke into his microphone. "All Swatbot units converge on sector 14 immediately! Apprehend the Hedgehog!" Suddenly large spotlights lit up the streets, as the Swatbots intesified their search for Sonic. Sonic stopped and squinted into the huge, bright lights. Hoverunits screamed by overhead as their lasers fired, chipping plaster off of the walls around him. Sonic looked left and right, Swatbots were coming everywhere! He reached into his backpack, and pulled out the glowing golden power ring. "Yeah! Time to juice!" He said, holding the ring high. It spewed out it's energy all over Sonic as he felt his strength return. "Jelly and Jam time!" He said, going into a Supersonic Spin. He buzzed all around, knocking down the Swatbots and causing the hoverunits to crash into the nearby buildings. In a sonic second, all the 'bots were down for the count. Sonic raced off down a nearby passageway, but there was no sign of Uncle Chuck, so Sonic checked their blind drop, a hollow gargoyle statue on the outskirts of town. Sure enough, after removing the head, Sonic found a few pieces of paper. He replaced the head, and roared out of town. Before he reached the border, he noticed one of Robotnik Spy eyes following him, so he stopped and pointed at the flying mini-cam. "Next time, Robuttnik, your goin' down! Freedom Fighters are number one!" He laughed as he raced off. Robotnik roared with rage as he watched Sonic speed off towards the Great Forest, Snively cowered against the wall awaiting Robotnik's wrath. * * * Sonic sped into the garbage dumps and found Sally, Bunnie and Antoine waiting for him. "Yo Sal! I got the goods! Am I cool or what?" He said smiling. "I'll take 'or what'" She said, smiling, holding her hand out. Sonic placed the papers in her hand. "Sal, Sal, Sal. You've just gotta have it. And I got it." He laughed. Sally glanced back towards Robotropolis. The sun was starting to rise over the city. Several hoverunits were still flying overhead. "Yeah, right. We'd better get back to Knothole." She said. "No problemo. Grab a hold, guys, cause we're gonna juice!" Said Sonic. They all grabbed hold of him as he raced off. * * * Later that morning, Sally sat in her hut decoding the message from Uncle Chuck. Sonic paced the small room while Bunnie lounged in an overstuffed chair by a window. Impatient as always, Sonic checked his watch. "Almost done yet, Sal?" Sally looked up from her papers. "Not since the last time you asked me, five seconds ago. Have a little patience." Sonic tapped his foot. "OK, patience time's up." Sally frowned at Sonic. "Sonic..." Sonic laughed an backed away from Sally. "Ok, Ok, I get the hint. Maybe I'll go see what Tails is up to." He zoomed out the door, the wind making the papers fly around. "Oh that Sonic!" Fumed Sally as she bent to pick up the papers. "Sometimes he makes me so mad!" Bunnie laughed and stooped to help Sally. "That's our sugar-hog!" * * * Sonic spotted Tails playing stick hockey against a tree. "Yo big guy! Whatcha doin'?" Tails was delighted to see his hero. "Just playing some stick hockey, Sonic." "Wanna race?" Asked Sonic, going into a starting position. "Sure!" Tails loved to race Sonic. "But I get a head start, ok?" "Wouldn't have it any other way. We'll race to that tree over there..ready, set, GO!" And Sonic took off in a slow trot as Tails raced away, flying with his two tails. Sonic sped up and caught up with him, but let Tails win the race. "I won Sonic!" Said Tails, laughing. "Way to go, Big Guy. You're too quick for me!" He said, high fiving with Tails. Just then, Sally came running up with Bunnie not far behind her. "Sonic! Come look at this!" She said, taking her computer NICOLE out of her vest pocket. "Nicole, Display please." "Working, Sally" said the small computer. A hologram of a big machine materialized in the air. "This is the Sterilizer. It's a new machine developed by Robotnik to eradicate all plant life. According to it's test runs and simulations, it can cover an enormous amount of area in a very short time. Uncle Chuck says it is complete except for a power supply." The scene shifted to an interior schematic of the machine. Sally pointed to a specific area. "We don't know what Robotnik plans to use as a power supply, but we must destroy this machine before he gets one. If it eradicates the Great Forest..." "...Knothole will be exposed!" Finished Sonic, slapping one hand in the other. "You're right, Sal. We gotta stop Robuttnik. So where is this thing?" Sally consulted her computer. "Nicole, display relief map, northern sector." "Displaying relief map, Sally." Said Nicole, her lights flashing. Sally pointed on the map. "Robotnik has a new laboratory here in the northern sector called Steelhaven. It's also where he has been developing his new weapons. Uncle Chuck believes that this weapon is but one of many designed for an all out offensive against us. This Sterilizer machine is just the beginning." "Yeah, the beginning of the end for Robutthead. No sweat Sal, the Hedgehog express will take care of everything." Said Sonic. "What are you going to do, Sonic?" Asked Sally. "I'm gonna go to this Steelhaven place and destroy Robuttniks machine." Said Sonic, matter of factly. "Just like that, huh?" Asked Sally. "Yeah, just like that. Why?" Asked Sonic, turning away. "You always rush into things without thinking, Sonic Hedgehog. I think you had better go to Robotropolis first and get in contact with Uncle Chuck. He should be able to give us some more useful information of Robotniks machine." Replied Sally, placing her hands on her hips. "Whoa, Ok Sal. I'll go see Uncle Chuck first. Then I'll go see Robutthead." He said, laughing as he raced away. Chapter 2 Sonic, Rotor and Tails waited by the power ring pool for a ring to come up. Sonic waited impatiently, tapping his foot and making motions to check his watch. "Come on, come on. How long do I have to wait here?" Asked Sonic. Rotor checked his wristwatch. "A few more seconds." Tails pointed to the pool, which started frothing. "Here it comes, Sonic!" Rotor held Tails over the pool as the ring floated up. Tails grabbed it and placed it in Sonic's backpack. "Thanks guys." Said Sonic, giving them the thumbs-up. Rotor copied the gesture. "Keep cool Sonic." "Time to motor!" Said Sonic, racing away. Rotor and Tails had to grab onto the nearest tree to avoid being swept up in Sonics wake. * * * Robotnik was on the landing platform by his ship, giving instructions to Snively. He accented his points by lifting Snively by his shirt so he was eye to eye with him. "Make sure everything is in order while I'm gone. Any slip-ups, and I'll use you for a new weather vane, understood?" Snively sweated freely. "Y-yes, S-S-Sir." Robotnik tossed Snively into a corner. "I hope for your sake, Snively, that you do." He started up the ramp to his ship, when Snivelys master control pad started beeping. Snively pulled it out and activated it. What he saw prompted him to run after Robotnik. "Dr. Robotnik, Dr. Robotnik!" He called. Robotnik stopped at the doorway to his ship. "What is it, Snively?" He said with menace in his voice. "Here, Sir. You must see this immeditately!" Snively handed him his pad. On the small screen was Uncle Chuck taking the head of the Gargoyle statue drop site, placing some papers inside it, and replacing the head. "Well, well. It seems that Dr. Hedgehog is a bit more active than our usual work bot. Have him brought to my headquarters immediately." He said, throwing the pad back to Snively. "Sir, what about the Sterilizer project?" Asked Snively as Robotnik stormed past him. Robotnik turned his head and regarded Snively. "This seems more important now. If Dr. Hedgehog has the ability for independant thought and actions, it may seem the roboticization process is not as foolproof as I thought." He said, dissapearing into the darkened doorway. Uncle Chuck made his way carefully back to his hidden spy room in the garbage dump just outside Robotropolis. He had missed Sonic earlier but he knew his nephew must have had a good explanation for missing their meeting. After all, all that 'bot activity must have meant that Sonic was in the city. So Uncle Chuck went to the Gargoyle statue they all used as a blind drop, and left the information there. Unfortunately, one of Robotnik's spy cameras, which was tracking Sonic, had spotted Uncle Chuck and started following him. The camera caught him by the dump and recorded him entering his secret base. The camera, working under new orders, radioed a squad of Swatbots to it's position. Soon the hidden room was surrounded by 'bots. * * * Uncle Chuck had just activated his computers when a proximity alarm went off. He looked up at the monitor. "Uh oh, seems like the jig is up!" He said. The words were barely out of his mouth when he heard several laser blasts at the door. He quickly bent underneath a console and removed a panel, and then slid inside the little escape hatch and closed the panel, bolting it with a large steel rod. No sooner than he did this the front door blew open, and the metallic footsteps of numerous Swatbots could be heard. Uncle Chuck did not stay long, but scuttled hurriedly down the corridor. He emerged from a small hill many miles away from the city, then jogged into the Great Forest to tell Sally the bad news. * * * Sonic raced through the Great Forest on his way to Robotropolis. He couldn't stop thinking how he would deroboticize his Uncle. Sonic loved his Uncle Chuck very much, and seeing him this way really hurt him. The sky darkened noticibly as Sonic neared the giant city. He stopped on the outskirts, looking around. He didn't see any Swatbots or hover units around so he raced into the huge landfill site where Uncle Chuck had his hidden lair. He stopped short when he saw smoke rising lazily in the air. Sensing danger, Sonic carefully made his way to the ruined pile. "Yo Unc! You in there?" Whispered Sonic. Hearing no response, he started to get worried. Even still when he noticed in the fading light the footprints all around the small hill, and the wrecked entranceway. "Swatbots. Uh oh." Said Sonic, as he went into a Sonic Spin. He drilled his way through the ruined doorway until he was in the lair. Consoles and lights hissed and sputtered, and Sonic had to step carefully around the debris all over the floor. The place had been destroyed, destroyed by the Swatbots. "Oh no. Hang on Uncle Chuck, I'm coming! Motorama time!" Said Sonic and he zoomed out. He knew where they had taken his Uncle, to Robotnik's headquarters. * * * As Sonic raced through the city, Snively turned to Robotnik. "Sir, the hedgehog is in the city, just as you predicted." Robotnik steepled his hands together. "Excellent, Snively. Is everything ready for our little 'surprise'?" "Oh yes, sir. Everything is prepared." Said Snively, nodding vigorously. "I'm very dissapointed that Dr. Hedgehog escaped. Is our dummy robot ready?" Asked Robotnik. "Yes Sir. The Swatbots are setting it up now." Replied Snively. "Good. Don't fail me this time." Robotnik said, with menace in his voice. "I promise you, sir, this time we will capture the hedgehog without fail!" Robotnik rubbed his hands together. "Finally the little rodent will be mine!" * * * Sonic raced into an alley as sirens started to go off. Overhead, hoverunits were converging on him, their bright spotlights shining down on him. Their amplified voices rained down "ALERT. PRIORITY HEDGEHOG. STAND WHERE YOU ARE." "I don't think so!" He yelled, racing away. The 'bots started firing their lasers at him, widely missing their mark. Sonic raced up another street, Swatbots appeared to his left and right, firing their lasers. Sonic zipped in between them. Unknown to Sonic, the 'bots were herding Sonic to Robotnik's headquarters. Unknown to them though, that's exactly where Sonic wanted to go. He zipped up another street where more hoverunits and Swatbots waited for him. They laid down a blanket fire of laser beams, forcing him back. Sonic looked behind him and saw that more 'bots were coming, and he had no place to go. Seeing he was at Robotnik's headquarters, he reached into his backpack, and pulled out his power ring. "Time to turn up the juice!" He said, holding the ring high. It glowed golden bright as it released its energy into him. He took off with a sonic boom straight up into the air, spinning into a gigantic whirlwind, causing the hover units to veer away. He rode the whirlwind straight up until he landed on the roof of the building, and spun into the Swatbots advancing on him. He scattered them left and right as they tried to target him. Sonic spotted an open air duct and spun into it. He slid down the air pipe until he was sure he was well away from the 'bots. He stopped himself and landed on a platform. He strained his hearing all around but couldn't hear anything over the hissing and banging of the pipes. He sped off, zipping all around the building until finally he came upon Robotniks control room. He peered through an air duct pipe and saw Robotnik interrogating his Uncle. "So, Dr. Hedgehog, it seems there is a problem with your programming. Why were you away from your post?" He asked, hulking over the small 'bot. Uncle Chuck remained silent. "No answer, eh? Never mind then, Snively will make the necessary changes to your central memory banks." He motioned to his assistant, who started to move forward. Just then, Sonic popped out of the air vent and confronted Robotnik. "Not so fast, Robuttnik! Don't even think about it!" Robotnik touched a control pad on his chair, causing the walls to raise, and several Swatbots walked in. "Get him!" He yelled. The 'bots tried to shoot Sonic, who effortlessly dodged their laser bolts. He spun into one, then the other, wrecking them completely. Soon he had demolished them all. Without stopping, he ran past his uncle, grabbing him by the arm. A huge jolt of energy raced down Sonics arm, rooting him to the spot. He yelled in pain and surprise as the robot shocked him. The energy stopped and Sonic sank to the floor, unconscious. Robotnik laughed with evil menace. "Yes! I've finally captured that hideous little rodent." He touched another stud on his chair, and two more Swatbots entered. "Quickly, take him to the Roboticizer, immediately!" The two 'bots scooped up the unconscious hedghog and hurried him away. Chapter 3 Sally stood at the window of her hut, staring out at the torchlights with her head in her hands. She sighed, thinking, 'What is taking so long?' Sonic had been gone for hours, and without any way to communicate with him, she could not know what he was doing, or if he was in trouble. She should have insisted on going with him, or at least giving him Nicole to help him. Suddenly, the alarm bell rang insistently, and Sally ran out of her hut, grabbing her vest and computer. She joined a large group of people gathered at the bridge. Then she saw who was ringing the alarm bell. "Uncle Chuck!" She cried, "What are you doing here?" Uncle Chuck hopped down from the stand. "Sally, Robotniks found out about me, where's Sonic?" "You mean he isn't with you? Oh no!" She gasped. Uncle Chuck motioned with his hands. "This is bad. If Robotnik knows about me, he knows about Sonic. We're going to have to go back to Robotropolis and try to find him." Sally did not hesitate. "Bunnie, Rotor, c'mon." * * * The quartet raced towards the city as fast as they could. However, it would be too late. Robotnik already had Sonic in his roboticizer, and was now gloating over him. Sonic was still unconscious, and was slumped against the glass. Robotnik turned to Snively. "This is a great day, Snively. At long last will I have my revenge against this little rodent, and with one push of a button, this Freedom Fighters war will be over." He said with relish, pressing the button. The roboticizer glowed greenly, as the rays washed over Sonic. He was shocked awake as the beams played over him. His eyes grew wide as he realized what was happening. He tried to beat against the glass but it seemed all his strength was sapped out of him. He barely had time to scream as the metal plates started to form over him. Sonic howled with pain as he was slowly turned into a robot. His last sight was of Robotnik laughing with evil glee as darkness overtook him. His very soul seemed to have been pushed out of the way as the mechanical part of him took over. The process over, the glass dome raised silently. Sonic stood rock still as Snively went to him and checked him out. "One hundred percent robotization, Sir. Sonic is now a robot, fully under your control." Robotnik rubbed his hands together. "Not Sonic, Snively, Metal-Sonic! And my newest addition to my arsenal of weaponry!" He laughed joyously, evilly, insanely. Metal-Sonics eyes glowed a deep red..... Chapter 4 Two figures studied a crystal viewscreen suspended in the air before them. The screen switched back and forth images of Sonic, Robotnik, and the other Freedom Fighters. "It does not look good, I'm afraid." Said one. The other replied in a tired, raspy voice. "No, it does not. Events are not progressing as we had hoped." One turned to the other. "If we do not do something to help, all will be lost." "The time is not yet right. I am not ready." replied the other. "But you are dying..." said the one. The other waved his hand as to dismiss the allegation. "Do not worry, the time soon approaches, and when it finally does, I will be prepared." * * * Robotnik turned to Snively. "I will leave now for Steelhaven. Metal- Sonic will power my new Sterilizer. With his speed, the Great Forest will be eradicated in no time." He threw a small disk at his cowering slave. "Make sure these modifications are done to my machine before I get there. I want no mistakes! Not now, when I am so close to victory!" He turned and with a motion to his new robotic slave, walked out of the room, the small hedgehog quickly padding behind him. Minutes later, Snively had sent the information to Robotniks new factory when he felt the ship's engines above lift off. "Big ugly toad, you got lucky is all." Said Snively, under his breath, as if afraid Robotnik might still be listening to him somehow. He busied himself with the computers. * * * Sally, Bunnie, Rotor, and Uncle Chuck had finally made it to the outskirts of Robotropolis many hours later. They were on the top of a small hill overlooking the darkened city. Again, the city lights twinkled in the polluted night air. Sally played her macrobinoculars in every direction, on the alert for any 'bot patrols. She heard a noise behind her, and turned to see Uncle Chuck and Rotor returning from his former spy room. "It's been totally destroyed. All of it." Said Uncle Chuck, sadly. Sally put her hand on his shoulder. "I'm truly sorry, but we have more important things to worry about right now. We have to get into Robotnik's headquarters and find out what happened to Sonic." "Are y'all sure Sonic's in trouble? Ah mean, we haven't even seen him or anything." Said Bunnie, scanning over the city. "Come on Bunnie, Sonic's been missing for several hours. That's not like him at all. And what about all the Swatbot activity around Uncle Chucks spy room? No, something is definitely wrong, and we have to find out what." She pulled Nicole from her vest pocket. "Nicole, scan for any nearby Swatbot patrols." "Scanning Sally....no patrols in immediate area. I propose you take this route to the main building." The computer generated a small holographic map in the air in front of Sally, highlighting a pathway. She studied the map for a moment, then put Nicole away. "All right, let's go!" She said, starting down from the hill. * * * They silently creeped down an apparently unused and decrepit alleyway. The dim lighting from the street lamps cast very little illumination in the dark corners, and even the Swatbots did not seem to frequent this place too much. A single spy camera floated past, but Rotor spotted it and made motions for them to hide until it was past. When it did, they resumed their silent walk. It seemed that the patrols were less frequent now, less rigid than before. Finally, they had made it to one side of Robotnik's headquarters. They faced a small access door, which was unfortunately locked. "Let me have a l'il ol' try, Sally girl." Said Bunnie, flexing her metal arm. She grasped the door with it and silently strained to pull it. After much sweating and quiet groaning, Bunnie managed to pull it completely off its hinges. She set it down to the side as they quietly crept in. Just above the door was an air tunnel duct, and they decided it would be better to travel that way, to avoid detection. Uncle Chuck used his hands like a ladder as they climbed into the duct, then Rotor pulled him up. Bunnie was busy replacing the grill as Sally consulted Nicole for a quick route to Robotniks main control room. "Working Sally...this route is the most expedient." The small computer showed another map, marking the route throught the air duct. The duct was large enough for them to stand, so they ran quickly. Soon they made it to the control room as they watched Snively work the computers and mutter to himself. "I don't see any Swatbots around, Sally, but you never know." Said Rotor, trying to peer through the grillwork. "We'll have to take that chance, Rotor. Uncle Chuck, when we drop down, grab Snively before he can raise an alarm." Said Sally. "Right Sally." Said Uncle Chuck, tensing himself. Sally kicked out the grill and they dropped to the floor. Uncle Chuck was already running towards Snively when he turned around to investigate the sudden noise. "What?.. the Freedom Fighters?" He said, incredously. He started to turn towards the computer when Uncle Chucks cold metallic hands clamped onto his arms and lifted him away from the computer console. Snively struggled feebly in his grip. "Rotor, Bunnie, take care of Snively and watch the doors." Said Sally, turning to Robotniks main computer, taking Nicole out of her vest as she did so. She removed a wire from the back of Nicoles panel and plugged it into Robotniks computer. "Nicole, scan memory banks for any indication that Sonic was here." She said. Nicole started to blink and hum. "Working, Sally. The information will appear on the monitor directly ahead of you." Sally turned her head to see Rotor tying Snively to a chair with some wire he had pulled down from the walls. Uncle Chuck was helping him as Bunnie was at the door, listening intently for any unwanted visitors. She turned back to her computer. "Anything, Nicole?" She asked, almost pleading. Nicole hummed happily. "I have found several surveillance tapes referencing Sonic in the last three hours, Sally. I will replay them now." She did so, and Sally watched as Sonic was hunted by the 'bots, and then using his power ring to defeat them. Then the tape skipped to the interior of the control room, as Sonic trashed several Swatbots, then was given the electric shock by the dummy robot. Bunnie, Rotor and Uncle Chuck joined Sally in watching the tapes. Then came Sonics robotization. Sally gasped in horror as she watched the final parts of the tape. "Oh no!" She cried, tears in her eyes as she turned to Bunnie. Nicole had stopped humming. "End of tape, Sally." Uncle Chuck just kept staring at the now dark screen. "I don't believe it, Robotnik has finally captured Sonic." He said, in shock. Rotor was even too shocked to speak. Sally turned to Uncle Chuck, crying openly. "No!" She said furiously. "We have to rescue him!" She turned and advanced on poor Snively, tied to the chair. "Where did Robotnik take him?! Tell me!" She yelled, her face inches from his own. He started sweating profusely, and stammered out his answer. Somehow he felt her wrath would eclipse Robotniks own, and he feared for his safety. "H-he's t-taken him to S-Steelhaven!" He managed to croak. His sweat started to stain his shirt. Uncle Chuck snapped his fingers and turned from the computer to face Sally. "Don't worry, Sally. All we need is a power ring to help Sonic fight Robotniks mind control! It helped me remember, and it'll help him too!" "Yes but, the last power ring emerged two hours ago! There won't be another one for twenty four hours!" She said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Well, I'll head back to Knothole anyways and wait for another one. We don't have very many options available to us right now." Said Uncle Chuck. "We can take one of the hover units and go after Sonic that way. It'll be quicker at least." Said Rotor. Sally turned back towards the computer. "At least we can leave a little surprise for Robotnik when he returns." She said. "Nicole, shut down the power to all circuits in Robotropolis. Activate all power generators to self destruct and lock out all outside communications." "That will take a few minutes Sally. Is there a time limit on the destruct sequence?" The small computer asked. Sally thought for a moment. "No time limit, Nicole. Self destruct on my order only. Lock out all other voice recognition codes." Nicole hummed as she worked the massive computer systems. "Done Sally. All power has been disconnected." As she said this, the lights dimmed down. "Power and communication links to all robots have been severed also. Destruct sequence engaged and awaiting final input." Sally removed Nicole from her slot on the console and put her away. "All right everyone, let's do it to it!" As they ran out the door, Rotor stopped beside Snivley, and grabbed the chair. "Here's a little something to keep you busy." He swung the chair around with all his strength and Snively started spinning like a top. Rotor ran out the door after the others. Meanwhile, Robotniks ship had landed at Steelhaven. It was approaching dawn, the sun just peeking over the horizon. A small factory complex, it was the warehouse of most of his weaponry. He emerged from the ship with Metal-Sonic walking behind him. A Swatbot ran up to him and saluted. "Is the Sterilizer ready?" He asked. "YES SIR. ALL CIRCUITS CHECK OUT. MODIFICATIONS MADE AS PER YOUR REQUEST." Robotnik was very pleased with the news. "Excellent! Take this 'bot and follow me." The Swatbot grabbed Metal-Sonic by the arm and led him after Robotnik. Metal-Sonic did not resist. They went inside a huge hangar where a large device rested inside. Worker bots swarmed all over it, welding, checking and inspecting the Sterilizer. It was basically an egg shaped object, with an additional rectangular area on the rear which housed the giant engine, and many laser ports open all around the skin. It got around on giant metal treads. There was only one access hatch to the machine, and Robotnik climbed the ramp to it. The Swatbot and Metal- Sonic followed. As they got inside, Robotnik marveled at the compact contol room. In the corner of the room was a treadmill device with handlebars and a small computer. In front of it was the larger master control panel and a viewscreen above it. Pipes and conduits snaked all over the ceiling, occasionally letting out a brief hiss of steam. "Lovely." Robotnik breathed, and turned to the two robots. "Place the bot on the treadmill." The Swatbot complied. "You will power this device by running super fast on this treadmill device." He told Metal-Sonic. "The small computer controls the machine. Controls for forward, reverse and left and right turns, as well as emergency stop. The Sterilizer weapon controls themselves are automatic, as the lasers will activate automatically when it senses any plant life. I will be placing a guard of two Swatbots to travel with you, and in the unlikely case you are challenged you will not stop for anything! If your fellow Freedom Fighters try to attack you, you will destroy them. Do you understand?" Metal-Sonics head swivelled towards Robotnik, then nodded once in agreement. "Excellent. Do not fail me." Robotnik descended from the machine. He pointed towards another Swatbot and gave him his orders. The other 'bot climbed aboard the machine and the door closed. On a signal, Metal-Sonic started running on the treadmill. The Sterilizer groaned, shifted, and started moving. It moved slowly at first, but faster and faster as it gained speed. It left the hangar and headed towards the metal fence surrounding the facility. It broke through the fence with strained metallic squeal as it headed off towards the Great Forest. Robotnik frowned as he watched the Sterilizer. "Hmm, I should have put more thought into that." He mused, and turned to a group of worker bots. "Fix that up immediately!" He yelled, turning and headed off towards his ship. * * * The group of Freedom Fighters had managed to steal one of Robotniks hoverunits and was skimming along the treetops heading towards Steelhaven. Uncle Chuck had taken another hoverunit towards Knothole, in hopes of getting a power ring to help Sonic. Sally's face was on the monitor in front of him as she finished giving him his orders. "Check Sally. I'll join up with you as soon as I can. Out." He cut out the monitor, and glanced outside. He figured he was almost to Knothole, and hoped he could do something there to help out. The sun was shining brightly now, glinting off the tinted windshield. As he cleared a bunch of trees thickly clumped together, the ships radar screen started blinking. Hoping to avoid detection, he quickly set down in a dense brush area, and emerged from the small ship. He could now hear the approaching object, a slight whooshing noise. It became louder and louder as it neared him, and he know from the sound it would pass right over him. So much for hiding, he thought. Whatever was coming would see him immediately, so he moved away from the ship and hid behind a large tree. When the sound appeared to pass right by him, he made a quick grab, and found himself holding something small, furry, and very agitated. "Tails!" He exclaimed, holding up the small fox. "What are you doing this far from Knothole?" "Hi Uncle Chuck!" Said Tails, realizing who was holding him. "I was looking for you guys. I have something for you." He reached in behind him to the backpack he was wearing, and pulled out a glowing power ring. "Antoine figured you might need this, cause it came out of the pool and there wasn't anyone there to catch it 'cept me. So I volunteered to fly it to you." Tails smiled. Uncle Chuck threw Tails up playfully. "Tails, that was a brave thing to do. Come with me, we have to meet up with Princess Sally and the others." He said, pulling Tails after him to the waiting hoverunit. "All right! Adventure!" Said Tails excitedly. "Cool!" Uncle Chuck strapped Tails into the passenger chair and lifted off into the sky. Tails turned to him. "Uncle Chuck, where's Sonic?" He asked, a worried expression on his face. Uncle Chuck turned to him, matching his expression. "Well son, it's a long story..." * * * Sally finished her conversation to Uncle Chuck and shut off the radio. She turned to Rotor. "How much further, Rotor?" She asked. Rotor looked over the panel, pressed a button, then turned to Sally. "Umm, about fifteen minutes. I have this thing going full speed, but I don't want to hit any trees." Bunnie put her hand on Sally's shoulder. "Relax Sally girl, we'll find him. That l'il old sugar hog's never been in a situation he can't handle." She said, smiling. Sally tried to smile back to her. "I know, Bunnie, but this situations gotten out of hand. Without Sonic, we might as well give up fighting Robotnik." She sighed, and slumped in her seat. Bunnie frowned at her. "Sally, don't talk like that! We can defeat ol' Robotnik, even without Sonic, and even if we can't, we'll go down fightin' and take as many as we can down with us! Right Rotor?" She said, putting her hands on her hips. "Right Bunnie! We're the Freedom Fighters! When one of us is in trouble, the rest come to help! We'll defeat Robotnik, one way or another." Replied Rotor. Sally perked up a little. "Thanks guys, that helps..a little." Suddenly, the radar screen in front of Rotor started beeping for attention. "Hey guys, something's coming this way!" He said, frantically pressing buttons. Sally pointed to the viewscreen. "Quick Rotor, descend into that thick brush. We'll hide there till it passes us." Rotor tilted the control stick down, and the craft angled into the treetops. It hovered there, unseen, until the other hovercraft passed by it. Rotor wiped the sweat off his brow. "Whew! Luckily it couldn't tell us apart from the trees." He said, slumping in the seat. "Shore 'nuff, honey." Agreed Bunnie. Again, the radar screen registered something else in the vicinity. Rotor looked at it. "Aw no, not again!" Sally looked at the radar. "It seems to be a land vehicle of some kind. There's no altitude reading." She turned to Rotor. "This may be what we're looking for." Rotor brought the craft out of the trees, and zipped along the treetops. Abruptly, the treeline stopped, to be replace by smoking, blackened landscape. "Oh my stars!" Exclaimed Bunnie. "Would you just look at that!" From their vantage point, looking from horizon to horizon, the landscape was devoid of any plantlife. The ground was littered with blackened and still burning trees, bushes and grass. Off in the distance, they saw a cloud of dust moving slowly, lit up from time to time from the machines deadly laser fire. "Oh my gosh!" Said Sally. "It's really tearing up the forest!" Rotor turned to Sally. "What do we do?" Sally thought for a moment. "We have to stop it. Rotor, can you operate the laser on top of this ship?" Rotor shrugged. "Sure. Piece of cake." Sally nodded her head. "Ok. Try to shoot one of its treads, try to slow it down. No doubt there'll be some Swatbots inside." Rotor manouevered the ship closer to the lumbering machine. As they did, they could see the many laser cannons shooting off in all directions as it turned all the plant life to ashes. The Sterilizer itself seemed to travel in a straight line, veering neither left nor right. That made it easier for Rotor to target the machine. As he was doing so, however, inside the machine Metal-Sonic noticed the approaching ship. He turned to his 'bot guards. "INTRUDERS." He said simply. The two Swatbots lifted themselves up and approached the screen. Rotor fired the ships laser and destroyed one of the treads. The machine grounded to a noisy halt, spewing steam, smoke, and metal parts all around. Inside, the 'bots picked themselves up from the floor and made for the door. They emerged, waving their arms and scanning the area for something to fire on. Rotor fired the laser two more times and the Swatbots fell, their chest casings holed. He then landed the ship and they all quickly exited. They ran towards the Sterilizer, still smoking and unmoving. Sally pulled out Nicole. "Nicole, scan for any more 'bots." She said. Nicole blinked and whirred. "One more robot remains inside Sally." One of the Swatbots started to stir, smoking and crackling with escaping electricity. It started to raise its laser arm but Bunnie saw the gesture, and with one mighty kick, seperated the arm from its shoulder. She then grasped the round metallic head and twisted it off. She tossed the head away. "Boy, Ah'm glad they don't make 'em like they used to!" She said, smiling. Just then, Sally noticed Metal-Sonic, standing in the doorway of the machine. Chapter 5 "Sonic!" Exclaimed Sally, her hands to her mouth. Bunnie held Sally back. "Whoa there girl. We don't know whats happened to him. He may be under Robotniks control." True to her word, Metal-Sonic took only a second to assess the situation, then proceeded to attack them. He started first with Rotor, coming up on him with blinding speed and rapidly punching him. His fists were like hammers to Rotor who quickly went down under the barrage of punches. So fast was his attack that Bunnie or Sally barely had time to react. After disposing of Rotor, he then turned towards Bunnie. She pushed Sally out of the way, as she tensed to face him. Metal-Sonic started into a spin, racing round and round Bunnie. But she was not fooled by this. She instinctively held out her metal arm as Metal-Sonic slammed into it. He fell hard onto his back as Bunnie started to reach down and grab him. He then quickly kicked her legs out from underneath her, then stooped to grab her arm and started spinning around. When he reached his top speed, he released her, and she was flung across the short distance and was slammed hard into the side of the Sterilizer. Bunnie went down with a small groan. Sally, realizing she was no match for Sonics speed, grabbed onto a metal protrusion from the Sterilizer and vaulted herself up onto the roof of the machine. She hid behind a laser cannon as Metal-Sonic scanned around for her. She sighed silently as Metal-Sonic passed by her, but she underestimated him. Realizing he couldn't find her from the ground, he proceeded to run up the side of the machine until he too was on the roof so he could better scan the area. Then he saw her. He started walking towards Sally, his hand out to grab her. Sally saw him coming and backed away from him. "Sonic, it's me, Sally! Don't you remember me?" She asked, trying to get through to him. "Bunnie, Rotor, Uncle Chuck? Don't you remember any of us?" Metal-Sonic still advanced, apparently not listening to her pleas. Sally kept backing away until she slipped off the edge, falling headlong to the hard ground below. Amazingly though, her fall was stopped short by some strange force, and she floated gently the rest of the way down. She was still puzzling over this when she heard a familiar sound. She looked up and saw that Tails was flying towards her, with Uncle Chuck bringing up the rear. "Now Tails, do it now." Said Uncle Chuck, motioning to Tails. Tails reached into his backpack and pulled out the golden power ring. He then threw it to Metal-Sonic, who had dropped to the ground beside Sally. He caught it in his left hand, and gazed at it. Uncle Chuck had come up to Metal-Sonic. "Sonic, try to remember who you are. Who we are. We're your friends." Sally got up off the ground. "Come back to us Sonic, we need you, we miss you." "Come on Sonic, you can do it!" Piped in Tails. Metal-Sonic shook his head violently as confilicting thoughts penetrated his brain. On the one side, Robotnik and his metal minions, his commands echoing through him. On the other, Sally, Rotor, and the other Freedom Fighters, life in Knothole, Chili Dogs, holding Sally in his arms. Each played against the other, but finally his true memories returned. He then held up the power ring, and as it glowed, released its power into him. Sonic blinked several times. "Sally, it worked." Sally embraced Sonic hard. "Oh Sonic, I'm so glad your back!" She cried, tears flowing from her eyes. "Me too." He said, releasing her. He turned to Tails. "Mondo cool idea, big guy." He said, giving Tails a high five. Then he turned and looked at his hands. The anger in him grew as he clenched his metallic fists and raised his head. "Robuttnik, if it's the last thing I do, you're gonna pay for what you did to me!" He yelled to the sky, and to emphasize his point, he went into a Sonic Spin and in seconds totally demolished the Sterilizer. He screeched to a halt beside the others. "Sonic, no matter what, we'll get you de-roboticized. I promise you that." Sally said quietly. "Yeah?" Asked Sonic, staring at the ground, "How? Robuttnik doesn't have a de-roboticizer, and ours doesn't work. It's hopeless, I'm gonna stay a robot forever, like Uncle Chuck!" "Sonic, nothing is hopeless unless you give up hope!" Said Uncle Chuck. "And we won't give up." Stated Sally. * * * Robotniks hovercraft approached Robotropolis. At once he realized that something was wrong. There were no lights visible anywhere, and all the 'bots he could see were frozen in their tracks. He tried to raise Snively on the radio, but received only static. "Land quickly!" He ordered his robot pilot. He frowned as he inspected the quiet city. The hovercraft approached the landing pad and touched down. Robotnik emerged from the hovercraft and walked along the roof to the elevator. The doors refused to open when he approached, as they were supposed to do. He pushed the button several times, getting more and more angry. Finally he roared in rage and punched the panel, demolishing it. He walked to the other end of the roof and started climbing down the stairs to his control centre, murderous thoughts for Snively on his mind. Winded, he finally made it to the control centre, and had to push the doors open. He saw Snively tied up and still dizzy in the chair. Robotnik grimaced in anger as he approached his hapless assistant. "What happened here?" Asked Robotnik, menacingly. Snively eyes went wide as he beheld his master. "D-Dr. R-Robotnik! S-Sir, the Freedom Fighters were here and.." "What!!?" Roared Robotnik. "S-sir, yes sir! Princess Sally shut down all power everywhere and activated the destruct code! Don't touch anything or else we might activate it!" He pleaded, struggling against the wires with which he was tied. Robotnik inspected the computers. "Well fix it, you dolt!" He moved towards Snively, breaking the wires holding him to the chair. Snively fell to the floor like a rag doll, as all his circulation had been cut off. He tried to rub his legs and arms to restore it when Robotnik grabbed him by his shirt collar and tossed him towards the computer console. "I meant now, Snively!" He yelled. Snively turned towards the console, a dirty look on his face. He raised himself up and started pressing buttons, but there was no response anywhere. "Sir, as I stated, all power has been terminated. The generators themselves have been destroyed." Said Snively. Robotnik roared in rage again and slammed his fist on a console, making it spark. "Blast it Snively! Those miserable Freedom Fighters will pay for this!" "There's another problem, Sir. Princess Sally had also learned about the Sterilizer and what you did to Sonic. I'm sure she's on her way there now, if she's not there already." Robotnik whirled on his assistant. "What!?! Radio the Sterilizer immediately!" He bellowed. Snively played around with the radio buttons, but could only get static. "No response on any channels, sir. The radio dish is not getting any power." He said. Robotnik roared in absolute rage. * * * In another dimension, the two figures at the viewscreen started chuckling to themselves. One turned to the other. "It seems events have taken a turn for the better." He said. The other spoke, his voice raspier than before. "Yes. Although I did not expect it to. This is most fortunate for us.." The voice cut off as he began coughing uncontrollably, and slumped to the ground. The one picked him up and helped him onto a crystalline bed. "Naugus, your health is failing fast. You had better rest awhile." The old wizard looked up. "The time approaches, King Acorn. We must finish this now, or lose our chance forever!" Naugus said, coughing. The monarch regarded the viewscreen. "Yes. I long to return to my kingdom, no matter how ruined it has become. I know my daughter is fighting for it." Naugus waved his hand at the viewscreen, his brow wrinkling as he concentrated. "The summons has gone out. Now all we need do is wait." Chapter 6 Nicole started beeping incessantly. Sally pulled her out and flipped her open. "Sally, I am registering a large output of energy originating in the Great Canyon." She said. Sally frowned at this new information. "What type of energy, Nicole?" "Void energy, Sally." Sally looked at Sonic. "The Void!" Sonic slapped his fist in his hand. "Naugus must be trying to get our attention! We better get over there mondo quick!" "Uncle Chuck, please take Bunnie, Rotor and Tails back to Knothole and wait for us." Said Sally. As she said this, Sonic had scooped up the still unconscious pair and had gently laid them in the hover unit. "Be careful, Sally." Warned Uncle Chuck, as he took Tails by the hand and made for the ship. Sonic scooped up Sally in his arms as they watched the hovercraft take off. "Hang on, Sal. We're really gonna motor!" Exclaimed Sonic. Sally turned her head. "Sonic..." she said. Sonic looked at Sally. "Yeah, Sal?" She took his metallic face and kissed him warmly on his cheek. "Welcome back." She said simply. Sonic smiled as he rocketed off towards the Great Canyon. * * * Twenty minutes later, they had reached the Void portal at the Great Canyon. The large swirling vortex crackled with energy. Sonic did not stop but raced right inside the portal, down the long corridor till they were standing in the Void. Sonic released Sally as they made their way to the Crystal Castle, built with Naugus's power. They climbed the steps and were met by the King. Sonic bowed as Sally rushed into his arms. "Sally, my child. It is good to see you again!" He said, hugging her tight. "Oh Daddy, I missed you so much." Replied Sally, tears in her eyes. King Acorn regarded Sonic. "Come, Sonic. Naugus would like to speak with you." He led them both inside, and down a long crystal hallway to a large room. In the middle of the room, on a crystal bed, lay Naugus, the most powerful wizard on Mobius. King Acorn walked to the side of the bed. "I have brought them Naugus." Naugus nodded his head feebly. "Thank you, your Highness. Sonic, help me sit up." Sonic went over and helped the old wizard to sit. Naugus took several deep breaths, as he seemed to have trouble breathing. "We have spent many days watching you, Sonic. I have watched and waited for the proper time to assist you. It seems that the war against Robotnik has taken a turn for the better, although it did not seem that way recently. We both feared we were too late to intervene, with the events turning the way they did, but we are happy it worked out. It was my magic powers which prevented your fall from the top of the machine, Princess Sally. I was able to cushion your fall." "So it was you..." Said Sally, trailing off. "Sonic, do you know why Robotnik trapped me here in the Void?" Naugus asked. Sonic shrugged. "Cause he's a double faced treacherous snake in the grass?" "Good answer, but not exactly the right one. Let me tell you why. Although Robotnik stole Dr. Hedgehog's robotization device, and knows how to operate it, he does not know the principles of how the machine actually works. I on the other hand, had some rudimentary knowledge of it. I discovered the Void, and instructed Robotnik to build the portal entry at his headquarters. I was planning to enter here and study the strange energies, and informed Robotnik of the grave consequences that awaited him should he show treachery to me and keep me in here forever. He did of course, locking out the portal entryway so I had no way to return. Soon after I was shocked to learn that he had sent the King in here as well, and then the Freedom Fighter known to you as Ari. As you will remember, Sonic, we had escaped once only to find our life energies were tied in with the Void, and could not leave." Sonic nodded as he remembered the episode. Naugus continued. "Robotnik trapped me in here for fear that I would return and usurp him from his metallic throne. For you see Sonic, I have the power to defeat Robotnik, as I also have the power to deroboticize his creations. This is what he fears the most." Sonic interrupted Naugus. "So why did you call us to come in here? If you leave, you'll turn to crystal, like the last time. Not very cool." Naugus shook his head. "Not true, Sonic. For you see, I am dying. It is only a matter of a few minutes now. When I do, my life energy will be absorbed by the void, and I will be able to fully control it. I won't need King Acorns energy to survive, and he will be able to leave here without the consequence as before." Sally had a look of joy on her face as Naugus said this. She hugged her father, happy he was about to come home with her, finally, after all these years. "Wait a minute!" Said Sonic. "What about this derobotization thing you were talking about?" "As I said Sonic, one of the reasons Robotnik trapped me in here was that I was able to deroboticize his robots with my magic. I also studied Dr. Hedgehogs machine and know how to reverse the effects. So with this I give you both something from me for all the help you've given me. Sally, for you I give you back your father. I am sorry he was trapped in here with me, but he has given me something I have not had from anyone else, his friendship. The very least I can do is give him back his life." Naugus said, coughing into his hand. He had to stop and catch his breath. He then waved his hand, as Nicole flew out of Sallys pocket and hovered over Naugus's outstretched fingers. Nicole glowed as Naugus concentrated on it, then returned to it to Sally. "I have also given you all data necessary to constuct a fully functional de-roboticizer." "Thank you Naugus. You've given me so much." Said Sally, kissing him on the cheek. Naugus smiled at the touch, then turned to Sonic. "As for you, Sonic..." Said Naugus, raising both his hands. Sonic glowed bright gold as he was raised into the air. Naugus concentrated hard as Sonic gasped, and clenched both his fists. The golden glow became brighter and brighter until soon Sonic was lost in it. The light flashed as Sonic was lowered to the ground, flesh once more. He smiled as he checked himself over. "Yeah! Sonic the Hedgehog is back in town!" He said, laughing. Sally ran into his arms, and he picked her up and swung her around, then placed her gently on her feet. They gazed into each other's eyes as slowly their lips met in a long kiss. King Acorn smiled sideways at Naugus as they watched the outpouring of emotion. They broke the kiss after long seconds and turned hand in hand to Naugus and the King. "Thanks Naugus." Said Sonic Naugus had laid back down on the bed, as the King approached his side. "My time is done now, King Acorn. Once again I thank you for your years of friendship. I do not think I could have survived without it." The King reached down and grasped Naugus's hand. "And I thank you for yours, old friend." Naugus smiled, and turned to Sonic. "I have two gifts for you, Sonic. Come here and take my hand." Sonic moved to the other side and grasped Naugus's hand. Their hands glowed golden briefly, then faded. Sonic looked at it. "I have given you the special power, power to restore your beloved Uncle to his rightful body of flesh. I owe you that special priviledge. All you need do is touch him. Don't worry about wasting it, it will only work on your Uncle." Said Naugus, his voice then fading out. Then, his body became shadowy, transparent, as he died. He soon disappeared, leaving King Acorn grasping at air. Sonic held Sally as King Acorn bowed his head. Suddenly, the air around them crackled with new found life. Naugus's voice echoed throughout the chamber. "I am now one with the Void." He said. "I control it's very energies. When you face Robotnik, get him to the Void portal, which is three levels below his main control room. Activate the portal, and send him here. I will make sure he is most welcome." He laughed, sounding very youthful. Sonic grabbed Sally and instructed King Acorn to hold on to him. As Sonic raced out of the Void, he could hear Naugus's voice calling after him. "Remember! Send Robotnik to meeeee...." * * * It was nightfall again as Sonic and his passengers emerged from the Void, to stand beside the village of Knothole. The Void portal fluxed and winked out of existence. Sally turned to her father. "Well Daddy, I believe we have one loose end to tie up." King Acorn turned to survey the small village. "Yes, Sally. We must find a way to defeat Robotnik." Sonic brushed off the comment. "No problemo, your Highness. Leave that to the ol' Hedgehog!" He turned as he heard the bulk of the village converging on them. Shouts of surprise and cheers of encouragement rose from the crowd. Bunnie, Rotor and Tails gathered around Sonic as they exclaimed their happiness that he had been de-roboticized. Sonic had started to tell them the tale when he saw his Uncle at the edge of the crowd. Sonic politely but hurriedly pushed through them and finally stood beside him. Uncle Chuck looked at Sonic and nodded his head. "Sonic! You've been de-roboticized! Looking good, nephew!" He said, reaching to hug him. Sonic pulled away. "Waitaminnit, Uncle Chuck. What's the one thing you want most in this world?" He asked. "Well, to be my old self again, of course. That and to see Robotnik go down for his crimes." Replied Uncle Chuck. Sonic held out his hand. "Well, you got it, Unc!" He said, and grasped the robotic hedgehogs hand. Naugus's power flowed from Sonic into Uncle Chuck, until he was enveloped in the golden glow. All the people turned to watch what was happenning. The glow flashed around Uncle Chuck, leaving everyone blinded. When their vision cleared, they saw two flesh and blood hedgehogs standing side by side. Uncle Chuck looked down at his hands. "What the...Sonic! I'm me again!" He exclaimed, grabbing his nephew in a big bear hug. "Thanks nephew." He said, putting him back down, tears in his eyes. A crowd had gathered around them, then Sallys voice was heard above the rest. "Fellow Freedom Fighters! We stand at the brink of victory! Robotnik has been seriously crippled, and we stand poised to strike the final blow! My father has returned from his exile in the Void, to lead us into a new future!" She yelled. The crowd cheered wildly at the news. "In order to do this, we must all gather at the edge of Robotropolis and prepare for one last attack! Most of his 'bot army has been immobolized, and he has no control over his computer systems anymore. Freedom Fighters will prevail!" "Freedom Fighters will prevail!" They all shouted, cheering and waving. They broke up as Sally picked the team leaders and instructed them on what to do. Bunnie and Rotor had gone to fetch any weapons they could find, which unfortunately ended up being rakes, pitchforks, hoes, and various other garden tools. Rotor shook his head at Sally, as if to apologize for the lack of weaponry. "That's alright, Rotor. We can make do with what we have." She said, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Don't sweat it, Rote, I got the only weapons we'll need anyway. I'll make spare parts outa Robuttniks Swatbots!" Said Sonic, giving him the thumbs up. King Acorn walked up to Sally. "Sally, everyone is ready." Sally turned to her father. "Then you must lead them to Robotropolis, to reclaim your throne." She said. Acorn shook his head. "No Sally, I lost my throne many years ago. When I was exiled to the Void, I was believed dead, and the crown passed on to you. I see no reason to reclaim it now, when it has been in such capable hands." Sally hugged her father hard, she was speechless. "Now go and lead your people to victory, my daughter." He said. She released him and turned to the others. "Onward Freedom Fighters, to Robotropolis!" * * * Robotnik paced nervously up and down the control room. He turned to Snively at the computer console, making a fist. "Well, Snively?" He asked, not bothering to disguise the anger in his voice. "I have managed to restore partial emergency power to the main computer system. All other systems are down permanently. I have also restored minimal power to thirty Swatbots, Sir." Said Snively, not taking his eyes off the monitor. He worked hard, the sweat pouring off his brow. "That's not good enough Snively! If those Freedom Fighters learn how defenseless we are.." Snively turned from the monitor. "It appears they already know, Sir. There seems to be a large gathering outside of the city." Robotnik followed Snively's pointing finger. True enough, the entire village of Knothole had gathered in one place on the outskirts of the city. The flames from the torches lit up the night. "They dare to challenge me!?" Robotnik yelled in disbelief. "Snively, activate all remaining Swatbots and destroy them!" Snively panned the camera across the crowd. "Sir, I believe you should look at this." Robotnik glared at the camera as it scanned the group, then rested on Sonic, overlooking the city, with King Acorn directly beside him. Robotnik gulped. "I-I don't believe it! How did that rodent escape my robotization? How did King Acorn escape the Void? Snively, mobilize all Swatbots, Now!" "Sir, I must remind you that the Swatbots do not have enough energy to activate their lasers. They will have to fight without them." Said Snively. "So what?" Exclaimed Robotnik. "They will crush them beneath their metal feet." * * * Sally and Sonic watched as the Swatbots approached. Sally pulled out Nicole. "Nicole give me a status report on the approaching Swatbots, please." "Working Sally..there are exactly thirty one Swatbots still operational. However, their power levels are so low they are not able to power their lasers." Said the computer. Sally turned to Sonic. "Well, it's now or never." She addressed the group. "Freedom Fighters, Robotniks robotic army approaches. Do we fight, or retreat?" She asked. "Fight!!" They all yelled as one. "Then let's go!" Sally yelled back, as they swarmed over the hill. Sonic of course was first, and took apart three Swatbots as he drilled through them. The other Freedom Fighters attacked the Swatbots with their rakes, hoes and other instruments, wreaking havoc among the 'bots who were unaccustomed to fighting without their lasers. Even Tails was helping out, flying overhead and throwing rocks down on the hapless 'bots. "Ha! Take that, and that! You metal meanies!" He laughed, swooping up and down. Bunnie turned to Sally as she held a Swatbot in an unbreakable grip. "Ya'll better get goin, Sally girl! Don't let Robotnik get away!" Sally called Sonic. "We have to get to Robotnik before he can escape! Listen Sonic, The Void Room is three levels below Robotniks main control room. Get him in there and we'll do the rest, Ok?" Sonic smiled at Sally. "No problemo. I'll go on ahead and you guys catch up!" He rocketed off, leaving Sally and the others covered in dust. Sally ran to get her father, who was disposing of a Swatbot with a large metal rod. "Come on Father, we'll have to deal with Robotnik." She said, tugging on his sleeve. King Acorn destroyed the 'bot and disposed of the rod. "Yes, of course." He said, running with her towards Robotnik's headquarters. Robotnik circled the room. "Snively, ready my escape pod! We must get out of here!" He yelled, clearly worried now. The Freedom Fighters were attacking the Swatbots with renewed determination, anxious to reclaim their city. He had no doubt that Sonic was on his way to deal with him. "That miserable littlle rodent! He has ruined all my plans! We must regroup, regather the forces and rise to attack again!" "I don't think so, chump." Said a voice behind him. Robotnik whirled to find Sonic standing at the doorway. He was leaning against the frame, arms folded in front of him. He moved off the frame and pointed at Robotnik. "This is the end of the line for you, chubbs." Robotnik seethed with anger. "You rotten little rat! You will pay.." "Skip the small talk, Robuttnik, it's time for some action!" Said Sonic, and started running circles around Robotnik. He ran faster and faster, then went into a Sonic Spin, sawing into the floor. He spun deeper and deeper, till he had cut the floor around Robotnik and Snively. They fell down into the next level, the breath knocked out of them. Sonic did not stop spinning, however, until he had cut the floor again, and again Robotnik and Snively fell. Sonic cut into the floor the third time and unceremoniously dumped Robotnik and Snively by the entrance of the Void portal, steel and concrete pouring down among them. Sonic looked up to see Sally and King Acorn by the control panel which activated the portal. Sally already had Nicole out and working. "Nicole, override the programming on this console and reactivate." Nicole bleeped and whirred. "Working Sally...it will take a few minutes." Robotnik lifted his girth off of the floor, and realized where he was. He didn't feel in any danger, however, since he believed that he had locked out the control panel for the portal. He turned and faced Sonic. "Not very impressive, Hedgehog. Is that all you have?" He said, mocking. Sonic smirked. "Not quite, blubberball." He spun into Robotnik, hitting him full in the stomach and again knocking the wind out of him. Robotnik was not a very good fighter, especially against someone who fought back. Robotniks mind raced. "Destroy me, hedgehog, and you will never be able to de-roboticize your friends! The programming will die with me!" He wheezed, trying to catch his breath. Sallys voice echoed from the chamber. "Not so, Doctor. Your old friend Naugus helped us in that regard. He gave us the programming needed to construct a working de-roboticizer." "If you destroy me, Princess, all of my Death-Orbs on the planet will activate, laying waste to the entire surface of Mobius!" Said Robotnik, playing out his last card. "Not so, Julian. Naugus gave me a message for you. I believe it went: 'Gotcha last.'" Nicole beeped. "Power restored to this terminal Sally. Press the red button to activate the portal." "Daddy.." Sally said, motioning for him. King Acorn looked down into the adjoining room. "Julian, for you transgressions against the planet Mobius, and to the monarchy, namely treason, I consign you for the rest of your natural lifetime to the Void. May the powers that be have mercy on your soul." He pressed the red button, as Robotnik whirled to face the portal, mouth agape. The lights surrounding the doorway started to blink, as power was audibly fed to it. Then suddenly, the heavy doors parted as the whirling entrance of the Void was visible. A heavy vacuum filled the room, attempting to suck in everything in front of it. Robotnik made the motions to turn and run but was swept off of his feet and inexorably dragged towards the opening, his fingers digging in vain into the floor to hold himself in place. Sonic had grabbed a nearby pipe and was hanging on for his life. Snively had grabbed the doorframe. The vacuum intensified, and the concrete and steel from the ceiling above was sucked in. Snively lost his grip first, and was quickly sucked into the vortex. Then slowly, painfully, Robotniks fingers lost their tenacious grip and he himself was swallowed up by the Void. He roared in anger and fear as he dissapeared into the swirling mists. Sally powered down the Void just as Sonic had let go of the pipe and was flying towards the portal. He struck the doors just as they clanged shut. He dropped to the floor as Sally and King Acorn ran down to him. Sally hugged Sonic. "It's over, it's finally over, Sonic! Robotnik is gone forever!" She said, laughing. King Acorn put his hand on Sonics shoulder. "That was a very brave thing you did, Sonic. You have my eternal thanks." Sonic blushed. "Aw heck, it's nothing any other Hedgehog would've done." He said, digging his toe into the floor. Sally started. "Oh! I almost forgot." She lifted Nicole, still in her hand. "Nicole, please deactivate the destruct codes for the computer." "No need, Sally. The destruct codes were never in place." Replied Nicole, humming softly. "Nicole!" Sally exclaimed in surprise. "You didn't follow my order?" Nicole beeped. "Sorry Sally, I could not break through the security locks in the time you allotted me." King Acorn laughed and bent over Sally. "Don't worry, Sally, at least your bluff worked." He straightened up. "Well, shall we go see how our friends are faring outside?" "Oh my gosh!" Exclaimed Sonic, "I forgot all about them." He raced out of the room, Sally and her father following him at a much slower run. Sonic burst out of the door, ready to take on some more Swatbots. What he found however, was different. All of the Freedom Fighters had gathered around the doorway of Robotnik's headquarters, waiting for the outcome of the big battle. They cheered when they saw Sonic and cheered even louder when Sally and King Acorn emerged shortly after. They rushed up the stairway and surrounded the trio, cheering and laughing, hugging and crying at the same time. Overhead, the blazing sun of Mobius was peeking over the horizon, signalling the coming of dawn, and painting the city in its golden splendor. Epilogue Sally was busy overlooking the transfer of items from Knothole Village to Mobotropolis. The city was slowly being demolished and rebuilt from the same plans as the first Mobotropolis, before Robotnik turned it into his fortress city. King Acorn was busy directing the construction of new housing in the city. Sonic was busy zipping back and forth carrying boxes and barrels of supplies. Everyone was helping, eager to move back into the city they lost so many years ago. Tails flitted by, carrying his duffel bag full of stuff, and set down near Sally. "Gee Aunt Sally, we're really going to the big city?" He asked, his eyes wide. Sally looked down at him. "Yes, Honey. Now that Robotnik is gone, we can live in peace in our own city once more." "Wow!" Exclaimed Tails, clearly excited. "Aunt Sally, what happened to Robotnik?" Sally thought for a moment. "Well Honey, let's just say he went far far away, and won't ever be coming back." She said, picking him up and hugging him. * * * Robotnik picked himself up from the ground and dusted himself off. He looked around as he did so. He was surrounded by black skies, clouds rolling ominously as distant thunder could be heard. He could not see his feet, for the entire floor was covered in a dark, rolling mist. Snively was beside him, cowering as usual. "W-where are we, s-sir?" He asked, biting his nails. Robotnik looked down. "In the Void, Snively." Snivelys gaze darted left and right, as if not knowing where to look first. "W-whats going to h-happen to us?" Robotnik sighed, as the clouds gathered ever closer. "I don't know Snively," he began. Suddenly, lightning flashed, and struck the ground in front of them, flinging them both off of their feet. When their vision cleared, they both regarded the spirit of Naugus, standing in front of them, grinning. "Welcome Dr. Robotnik, it's been a long time." Laughed Naugus. Robotnik looked again at Snively. "But I have a nasty feeling we're about to find out." The End By Jason B. Northage June 17, 1996 email: nvu565@freenet.mb.ca homepage: http://ww.freenet.mb.ca/~nvu565