Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ A Tale Of Tails ❯ Power Struggle ( Chapter 6 )

Legal Stuff:

I don't own any of the characters in this story. They are the properties of their respective owners.

Author's Notes:

How will they get out of this one? Read on!

Chapter 6: Power Struggle

Scotty and the others finally arrived at the base, locking the door behind them. It was quiet inside, and there were a few signs of the fight that had gone on after they had left. After carefully searching for any remaining drones, the group gathered together.

Metal-2: So now what?

Scotty: We need to come up with a way to free everyone quickly, and then destroy the source of all this.

Billy: Easier said than done. We'll have to find Tails, and the underground in this city is huge.

Dr. Arrow: It might not be quite so hard after all.

Metal-2: Huh?

Dr. Arrow: In order to control everyone by remote, Tails must be utilizing a lot of power. If we can find a massive power drain on the city's power grid, I think we can locate him.

Scotty: Good plan, doctor. Can you guys take care of it? I'm gonna put in a call to Amy's, and see if they're in trouble.

Metal-2: We'll begin immediately.

They left the room as Scotty dialed a number on the videophone. There was no answer.

Scotty: Come on, pick up…

A few moments later, the screen flashed, and then my showed up.

Amy: Hello?

Scotty: Amy! Thank goodness! I was worried nobody was there. Is everything all right?

Amy: Yeah, as far as I know. Um…Why?

Scotty: You haven't heard? …Look, there's a bunch of freaky zombie-ish people headed in your general direction.

Amy: What?!

Scotty: I know it sounds weird, but you have to believe me. Listen, don't answer the door unless the person on the other side gives you a codeword.

Amy: And that would be…

Scotty: Uh…I don't know…Marshmallows! Anyway, stay there, lock everything, and stay safe. Okay?

Amy: Marshmallow…righhttt…Is this some kind of joke?

Scotty: No, it isn't. You have to believe me.

Amy; Okay, fine, I'll go along with your little game. Bye!

She hung up, and Scotty rubbed his head.

Scotty: Oh, I hope she doesn't mess up.

Billy called Scotty from the other room. The hedgehog walked in, and saw a frantic reporter on the TV. He was on a crowded street, trying to evade a mass of zombies and GUN robots as he ran.

Reporter: And as you can see…The zombified mob is making its way down-

He was grabbed by a zombie and became one of them. They saw the camera fall to the ground, and then there was only static.

Scotty: Oh no…I recognized that building in the background. They're close to Amy and the others. They're in danger!

Billy: What should we do?

Dr. Arrow and Metal-2 walked in.

Dr. Arrow: I believe we have a plan.

Metal-2: <nods> It seems that I am not affected by the human version of the nanorobots.

Dr. Arrow: And we located Tails.

Scotty: That's all well and good, but I don't see how it's a plan.

Dr. Arrow: You didn't let me finish. The zombies are moving away from Tails's location, and they've already passed the base. So, we can travel there safely. Metal-2 will rescue the others.

Scotty: I see. Good plan. Let's get moving; there's no time to lose.

Metal-2: I'm on my way.

Scotty: Wait!

Metal-2: Yes?

Scotty: Marshmallows. Remember it.

Metal-2: O.o

Scotty: It's a codeword you'll need to get Amy to open the door.

Metal-2: Ah. Very well.

Metal-2 departed, and Scotty left with Billy in the other direction. Meanwhile, in the control room of Robotnik's lair, Metal Tails was moving on with his plan.

Metal Tails: Ha, this was just too easy. I now have control of every GUN robot in the city. But what to do with them? Why, destruction, of course!

He pressed a few buttons on the keyboard. All throughout the city, every GUN robot activated, and began shooting at the buildings and cars, and even each other occasionally. The zombie crowd continued o spread and fan out, ignoring the machines. Scotty and Billy had noticed the robots, but didn't have time to mess with them. They went directly for Tails's location. Entering through a subway entrance, they passed a stopped train as they continued down the tunnel.

Scotty: Billy, you're smart. Tell me something. Why is it that the bad guy is always in a dark, dangerous, horrible place?

Billy: I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps it creates the creepy feeling I'm having right now.

Scotty: You too, huh? We're almost there.

They found the room where Tails was, and entered. He was still in the tube, and moved his head, looking at them as they entered. Scotty and Billy looked in horror at everything.

Scotty: Oh, Lady Liberty! What in New York is all this?!

Billy: This equipment is very advanced…My goodness, it's stunning!

Billy walked up next to the device and began examining it. Scotty, after coming to his senses, approached Billy and tapped him on the shoulder.

Scotty: Uh, Billy…

Billy: Yes?

Scotty: <points to Tails>

Billy: …Oh, right. I don't know what came over me.

Scotty: Tails…Can you here me?

Tails's voice came over some unseen speakers, echoing through the room. It had no emotion, and sent shivers down the spines of Scotty and Billy.

Tails: I can here you just fine. Why aren't you under my control?

Scotty: Because it isn't right! Tails, just what exactly do you think you're doing?!

Tails: I am solving all the world's problems. Join me, and you will understand…

Meanwhile, Metal-2 had finally reached Amy's apartment. He entered the building, and knocked on her door.

Metal-2: Amy, it's me. Open up!

Her voice came from behind the door.

Amy: What's the codeword?

Metal-2: <sigh> Marshmallows…

Amy: <giggles> I just wanted to hear you say that.

She opened the door, and Metal-2 walked in. Making sure the door was locked behind him, he turned to Amy.

Metal-2: Amy, you're in danger. And so is everyone else here.

Simon walked into the room, followed by Bunnie.

Simon: Metal? What are you doing here?

Metal-2: I am here to help you evacuate. You are all in danger.

Bunnie: Danger? From what, hun?

Metal-2: Mindless drones…And don't call me hun.

Amy: Hold on. Scotty wasn't kidding?

Metal-2: Of course not. Now, let's go.

They gathered the children together, and entered the building's elevator. Metal-2 pressed the button to go up, and Amy noticed.

Amy: Uh…Metal? You pressed the up button.

Metal-2: I know. The streets aren't safe. We'll have to pass the mob from the rooftops.

Bunnie: Sounds tricky.

They made their way to the roof, and walked to the edge of it.

Metal-2: Okay. Now we have to get across. Bunnie, I'll need your help.

Bunnie: Whatever you need, I'm here.

Working together, Metal-2 and Bunnie carried the others across several different rooftops. At one point, they looked down over the edge and saw the last of the mob pass by.

Metal-2: They've passed us. I think it's safe to go down now.

Lilac: Wait, shouldn't we stay up here?

Metal-2: The streets are faster.

Amy: He's right. Let's get down there.

There wasn't a way into the building they were on from the roof, so Metal-2 ferried the others down, making several trips until they were all on the ground.

Metal-2: You're lucky I don't get tired.

Bunnie: Let's not relax just yet; we've got farther to go.

They hurried back to the refuge base, and met Dr. Arrow there. Scotty and Billy soon returned, and they seemed a little roughed up. The two explained what was going on with Tails, telling about how he felt guilty and that enough was enough.

Scotty: …So, he plans to control everyone in order to maintain peace in the whole world.

Billy: It seems there are many flaws in his plan that he hadn't considered, possibly due to his emotions.

Bunnie: Poor kid. Always knew he'd snap, sooner or later.

Scotty: Bunnie!

Bunnie: Sorry, but it's true.

Metal-2: Any ideas on how to help him?

There was an explosion from outside. Everyone rushed to the window, and saw an army of SWATbots mixed with an army of GUN robots surrounding the base.

Scotty: Okay, what's wrong with this picture?

Metal-2: Something bad has happened, and its timing is impeccable.

Metal Tails floated down in Robotnik's ship. He hovered in front of the base.

Metal Tails: The base is surrounded! Come out peacefully, and this will all go smoothly.

Scotty: What should we do?

Metal-2: See what he does when we don't come out.

They waited for several moments, but they seemed like hours. Metal Tails was impatient, and pressed a button on the console in front of him. Each of the robots fired a shot, and the entire base shook as the lights flickered.

Scotty: Doctor, get the kids to safety. We're going out there.

Dr. Arrow: All right…Be careful, children.

They separated, and Scotty walked outside, emerald sword activated, with the others. Billy also had his sword out, Metal-2 and Bunnie had their blasters ready, and Amy carried her hammer. Metal Tails spoke to them from the ship.

Metal Tails: I guess you didn't hear me. I said come out peacefully.

Scotty: This is peacefully! Believe me, you don't wanna see violent! Especially since Sonya's been taken from me!

Metal Tails: Calm down. You'll all join your friends very soon.

Metal-2: What are you talking about?!

Metal Tails: It's simple. I'll keep anything from interfering with Tails's plan, and when the world is under his control, I'll take over by force as ruler, and destroy every civilization on the planet!

Billy: Destruction for the sake of destruction?! It doesn't make any sense!

Metal Tails: I desire only destruction. It's part of my programming. For me it makes perfect sense, and that's all that matters. Now disarm yourselves before this gets ugly.

Scotty: Guys, I'm gonna try something. Back me up.

Metal-2: I don't know what you're planning, but you've got that look in your eye, so I'm behind you. Be careful.

Metal Tails: You shouldn't have let me hear all that. Robots! Prepare to attack!

Scotty tossed his sword to Metal-2, and curled up into a ball. The hedgehog began to spin rapidly, going faster each second. The air around him became superheated, glowing. Particles of pure white energy could be seen being sucked into him as the ground began to smoke. Scotty flashed white for a split second, and then exploded forward, slicing through a robot in front of him. He turned faster than the eye could blink, and tore through the circle of robots. The areas of impact were disintegrated by the power given off, and the machines exploded in sequence, creating a deafening set of `boom's. After a few seconds, the hedgehog reappeared on the ground where he had started. Scotty was collapsed, his face in the dirt. Metal-2 ran over to him while Metal Tails gawked at his destroyed army, stunned.

Metal-2: Scotty! I thought I told you to be careful!

The hedgehog didn't move. Metal-2 picked him up, and hurried inside with him. The others watched, and then turned to Metal Tails.

Billy: Looks like you've got a problem…

Metal Tails: Hmm…I'll be back, and next time you won't be so lucky!

Metal Tails flew the ship away. Those outside watched, celebrating for a moment before going inside to check on Scotty. They found him on the couch, under the care and watch of Dr. Arrow. Metal-2 stood nearby, but walked up to the others when he saw them enter.

Bunnie: Is he all right?

Metal-2: His condition is stable, but he's overexerted himself. I'm afraid Scotty will need a lot of rest to fully recover.

Billy: Quite unfortunate, but worth it, I dare say. He eliminated a major threat.

Amy: But how? I've never seen anything like that before.

There was a familiar voice behind them. It was deep, and wise.

Voice: Ancient light.

They all turned around to see…

All: SHADOW????!!!!

Shadow: That's my name, don't wear it out.

Amy: But you…and how? …and when?!

Shadow: I heard there was trouble over here, and I thought you might need the help of the ultimate life form.

Metal-2: That would be nice, but he's not here.

Shadow glared at Metal-2 while the others just stared as the robot cracked up laughing. It was the first time they had heard him genuinely laugh. And laugh he did, even after the point where it was just annoying.

Shadow: You're lucky I'm in a good mood. Anyway, I caught the next flight over here. It arrived just a few minutes ago.

Billy: I see. Now, what were you saying about what Scotty did?

Shadow: The ancient light technique. Very powerful, very mysterious, and only usable by a select few. I believe it has something to do with the user's susceptibility to the chaos emeralds.

Bunnie: Very nice, but we've still got problems…

Amy: Hey, Shadow, did you say that your flight just landed?

Shadow: Yeah…Why?

Amy: I just remembered…

Bunnie: Goodness, you're right! We've got to go!

Metal-2: Okay, you've lost me.

Amy: We had a surprise planned, and it needs to be picked up…

So much to do, so little time…

Stay tuned, and please review!