Sonic Series Fan Fiction ❯ Life Bestowed ❯ Final Assault ( Chapter 11 )

Legal Stuff:

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

Author's Notes:

Things are coming close to the end of this adventure, but what about Johnny? Read on…

Chapter 11: Final Assault

Billy stared at the control panel, both knowing what to do and unsure of should be done. The others approached it as well, and shared his dilemma. There was a code to crack, no doubt, before they could open the door. Had Johnny been his old robot self, this wouldn't have been a problem, but that was not the case now.

Tails: So…any ideas?

Scotty: Is there a way to blast the door down, or at least make an opening?

Billy: No, I'd say the door is made of thick, heavy armor. We don't have anything with us that would work.

Sonya: Looks like we'll have to hack in.

Sally: I'll take care of it.

Sally reached into her jacket pocket, and pulled out Nicole. She plugged the computer into a small port on the control panel. Inside, Robotnik monitored their progress.

Robotnik: Excellent, they're doing exactly what I wanted them to do…They have no idea that any code will open the door, and that their death awaits them behind it…

He chuckled to himself, and then turned to the lifeless Metal Sonic. The robot was strapped into the chair, and Robotnik reactivated him. The robot was a little confused at where he was, but soon figured it all out.

Robotnik: Metal, have you been able to regain control of your body?

Metal Sonic moved his hands around, as it was nearly all he could move while strapped down the way he was. His eyes looked up at the scientist, and the robot answered him.

Metal Sonic: Yes, sir. I am no longer influenced by enemy control.

Robotnik: Excellent. Now, I need you for a special mission of mine. That hedgehog and his team will enter the base soon. I want you to go behind them, and cut off their escape. Eliminator will do the rest. Understand?

Metal Sonic: Acknowledged.

Robotnik released the straps, and the robot stood up. He headed out of a nearby door, and flew down near the doorway of helipad three. He peeked over the ledge above them, and waited for the right moment. Down below, Nicole made a few beeping noises, and the massive door began to rumble and slowly open. Sally unplugged the computer, and replaced it to her pocket. It seemed odd to her that the device had not uttered a word, but she had more important matters at hand.

Sonic: Okay, guys, let's get in there, shut this place down, and get out.

Scotty: You're right, we do need to hurry, but let's not forget to be careful. We have no idea what it's going to be like in here…

The door was soon about halfway open when it stopped. After a moment, everyone cautiously entered the pitch-black corridor. Scotty activated his sword, using it as a torch to light the way. When they were all several yards into the base, all was silent, except for their footsteps. Tails whispered into Amy's ear.

Tails: Do you get the feeling we're walking into a trap?

Amy: I'm sure of it…

Sonic: Stay focused, you two. We've got to keep our eyes peeled.

They continued down the corridor, and when they were about to its midpoint, a slight, machine-made sound caught Scotty's attention. He was the only one to hear it, and he raised his hand to signal the others to stop. Sonic didn't need to ask what was going on; he knew Scotty was aware of something. Johnny was really wishing he had his scanners right now. The dark was frightening to him without them, but he never said anything about it.

Johnny: <quietly> We aren't alone in here…

There were several quiet clanking noises in the distance, as if something was moving. Scotty could make out four footsteps, all coordinated by one mind. It reminded him for a moment of his horse back at home, but he knew that whatever was here couldn't be so innocent. Amy found Johnny's hand, and held it tightly. Johnny sensed it was her, and patted the hedgehog on the head. They all listened, as the noises could be heard by all of them now. They weren't coming closer, and in fact seemed to be moving away. A high-pitched mechanical whine was heard, slow and weak at first, but it quickly became fast and loud. Something sparked in Scotty's mind, and he jumped into Sonic, pushing him to the ground. Before Sonic had the chance to ask what it was for, several white streaks accompanied by gunshot noises flew through the air from the distance and hit the ground where Sonic had just been. The whining noise continued, and everyone began to run for the exit.

Scotty: Let's get out of here!

Sonic: You don't have to tell me twice!

They were about to reach the door when Metal Sonic jumped down, blocking their path. Everyone froze, not sure if he would help or harm them.

Metal Sonic: Where do you think you're going?!

Scotty: Get out of our way, Metal!

Metal Sonic: Make me!

Their question seemed answered; Metal Sonic was not on their side this time. The whining noise from back in the corridor faded and stopped, and a few seconds later, a bright, green, thin, long laser whizzed past Sonic's ear, and hit the door, melting a crater into it. The laser faded, and everyone turned around.

Johnny: We're between a rock and a hard place here…

Acting on a hunch, Sonic ducked down just in time to evade another laser shot of the same type as the first one.

Sonic: Why does it want ME?!

Metal Sonic: I can't let you leave, but I will do this much…

Metal Sonic held out a small control device, and pressed a button on it. With a flash, the corridor's lights all came on, revealing what had been lurking in the darkness. It was the deadly robot Eliminator, and he charged up another shot from his lower right arm. A third green laser erupted from it, and Sonic dodged this one as well. Scotty turned to Metal Sonic for a moment.

Scotty: Thanks for the lights, Metal. You've been quite a help to us.

Metal Sonic: Don't get used to it. I have to make sure this mission fails, or else I lose my job. And that unemployment line ends in a vat of molten steel. So you see, I don't have much of a choice.

Scotty: Maybe so, but thanks anyway…<thinking> Well, I never thought I'd be thanking Metal Sonic…

Sonic: So Eliminator's back, eh? Well that's just fine with me! Let's go, team!

All of them except Metal Sonic ran toward Eliminator, ready to attack. Back in New York, at Chaos's jail cell, the creature had a rare stroke of genius…sort of. The guard of his cell had fallen asleep in a chair, and the keys that would free him were on a rack on the opposite wall. After a moment of consideration, he sat down on his bench and began to concentrate very hard.

In a small, miniature playground not far from the jail, several odd little creatures were playing on the equipment. The almost gremlin-like animals were more commonly known as chao, and each shared a special link with their guardian, Chaos. One of them, a young baby that didn't yet have a name or an owner felt a strong urge pull him toward the jail. Unable to resist, and too young to know of the danger, he went along with the feeling and ran off out of the playground. He crossed a few streets, and the people walking around were too preoccupied to notice him run by. The little chao made his way to the jail, and climbed up the rough wall to Chaos's window. The chao fit easily through the bars, and hopped into Chaos's cell. The water creature addressed the chao with his mind.

Chaos: Hello there, little chao. Can you do a favor for uncle Chaos?

The chao nodded, and Chaos continued. He pointed to the keys on the wall.

Chaos: Good. I need you to get those and bring them to me. Can you do that?

The little chao rubbed his chin for a moment, thinking. He then smiled, and hopped up and down. The tiny creature again easily fit through the bars and ran up to the wall. He looked up, and the keys seemed to be miles above him. Chaos silently cheered as the chao jumped up and down, trying to fly up to the keys. But he tired quickly, and landed before he even got a foot off the ground. The chao tried to climb the wall, but it was too smooth. He sat down on the floor, discouraged. The chao vocalized his disappointment with a few babyish sounds as he looked back at Chaos. The water creature thought for a moment, and then had another idea. He slid between the bars, able to do so because of his body composition. Now outside his cell, Chaos picked the chao up and lifted him to the keys. The chao took them in his hands, and playfully teethed on them as Chaos set him back down. Chaos re-entered his cell, and motioned for the chao to follow.

Chaos: Okay, now give the keys to me.

The little chao crawled over to the cell, carrying the keys in his mouth. Chaos reached through the bars, and took the keys. The creature carefully unlocked the cell door and slid it open. The noise from this awoke the guard, who jumped to his feet and stared at what was going on. Chaos froze, and the chao was blissfully unaware of it all, humming a tune. There was a long pause, and Chaos then made his move. He ran out of the cell, scooped the chao up in his arms, and ran from the guard, who followed them. Elsewhere in the city, at the Refuge base, Scruffy had noticed that the signal they were tracking had come to a stop. Everyone gathered in the room, as Keylo made a few last-minute adjustments.

Scruffy: Okay, doc. I think we're ready to go.

Keylo: Are you sure Billy won't mind us using his transporter?

Dr. Arrow: I'm sure he won't mind; just be sure to give it to him when you arrive. Billy will understand.

Keylo: All right, then.

Scruffy: It's now or never…Fire up the generator, Keylo.

Keylo: Yes sir!

She activated the engine, and the generator began to produce power. When there was enough, Scruffy hit a button on the transporter after making sure that both he and Keylo had a safe hold on it, and it on them. They all disappeared in a bright flash of light, but the generator remained. Dr. arrow shut it off, waving some of the smoke away.

Dr. Arrow: I hope they make it…

Far away, in Florida, there was a bright flash several feet above and to the left of the Veritech. Scruffy and Keylo fell from the sky, and hit the ground. The hit was nothing for them, not after their perils in the wild. They were soon on their feet, and Keylo was the first to notice the insignia on the side of the jet. It was a picture of two foxtails, the symbol her brother put on his major inventions. Tails was nowhere to be found, however, but this was a start. Scruffy felt the engines of the jet, and they were still warm. He saw the damage, and knew why such a machine was in such a place.

Scruffy: He must've landed not too long ago.

Keylo: Hey, look over there!

She pointed out a small pile of material and tools, ones used for repairs to a craft like this one. Scruffy picked some up, and found it strange that they would be here. He came to a conclusion that made the most sense to him at the time.

Scruffy: He must be gathering repair equipment. I bet we'll see him if we wait.

Keylo: How about we give him a hand to pass the time?

Scruffy: Hmm…

The fox examined the damage to the jet. It wasn't too major, but enough to make the machine unsafe to fly. Keylo began to carry the equipment to more convenient location beneath the thruster while Scruffy made plans in his mind. Inside Robotnik's flying fortress, a fierce battle raged between our heroes and Eliminator. The robot preferred to keep his distance, as it was fitted with mostly long-range weaponry. However, getting smacked by a 200-pound chaingun was not without its sting. Eliminator was surprisingly agile for such a heavy machine, and what it couldn't dodge wasn't very effective anyway because of all the robot's armor.

Sally: Geez, this guy just won't quit!

Scotty: And neither will we!

Scotty made yet another charge at the machine with his sword, preparing to use it like a lance. And, he was again stopped in his tracks, this time by a missile that exploded just in front of the hedgehog, knocking him backwards. Sonic came to his aid, but Scotty wasn't badly hurt. His arm was still bandaged, though, and every hit he took anywhere seemed to cause more pain there. Robotnik monitored the fight using security cameras, and was pleased with how things were going.

Robotnik: This is too good. If Eliminator can hold them off long enough for me to reach New York, then…ah, who am I kidding? At least one of them will be dead by then. I just hope that one isn't Eliminator…

Back down in the fray, Sonic tried to slice through the robot, but the armor was too strong. Tails watched Eliminator carefully, studying his movements from a distance. Then, something came to his mind. He spun his tails around, and took off into the air. The little fox flew past Sonic and Scotty, who were regrouping for another attack.

Tails: Stay back, guys! I have an idea!

Sonic: Tails! Get back here!

It was too late. Tails had already flown above Eliminator, and the robot knew it. The massive shoulder laser turrets rotated upwards. They were strong enough to take out a building, and that's what Tails was counting on. The fox taunted Eliminator, sticking his tongue out at him. Eliminator fired, and four thick beams of energy narrowly missed Tails. The fox flew around in circles, and Eliminator spun its torso to help adjust the aim as the turrets continued firing. The lasers were cutting through the metal ceiling above, and erupted upwards into the afternoon sky. Soon, a large circle was sliced into the roof, and Tails rushed back to Sonic. Eliminator lowered its guns to aim at the others, and was about to fire when the cut section of ceiling crashed down on top of it. Eliminator was buried under a few tons of rubble.

Johnny: Way to go, Tails!

Sonic: Yeah, just be sure and warn us next time.

Tails: We stopped it…for now, anyway.

The all cheered, and Tails smiled, happy at his accomplishment. The celebrating didn't last long, as there was still work to do, and they decided to take this chance to get farther into the base. Metal Sonic had disappeared, nowhere to be found. In the control room above, Robotnik pounded his fist down on a table.

Robotnik: NO!! They've gotten past my unstoppable creation! Argh…<sigh> It doesn't matter…I'll just have to move on to the next phase of my plan.

He left the room, entered the elevator, and rode it down. Back in the control room, the shadow of a hedgehog robot could be seen entering. Metal Sonic crept in through an open window, and rubbed his hands together, planning something. Down below, the elevator came to a stop and Robotnik hurried to his flying egg ship, the small craft that was barely big enough for him. He took off in it, and flew down another hallway. The Sonic crew was unknowingly drawing closer to their arch nemesis as they came closer to the fortress's central tower. They were all headed straight for the super roboticizer's chamber, and Sonic walked up to a large door that led into it.

Sonic: Aw man, not another one!

Billy: Relax; this one doesn't look locked.

Johnny: Yeah, but how do we open it?

Amy: How do we even know that this is the way we're supposed to go?

Sonic: If it's behind a door like this, it's probably important. And if it's important, then we need to mess it up.

Billy: <sarcastically> Can't argue with that logic…

Johnny: I have a bad feeling about this…

They continued to look around for a way to open the door, or at least they would have if it hadn't suddenly begun opening on its own. They cautiously wondered what was going on as they entered, and then they found their answer. Robotnik flew down in his ship, and faced them.

Robotnik: Well, well, well, if it isn't the Sonic circus…And you must be the sideshow, MS-02.

Johnny glared at the scientist, who ignored him.

Robotnik: I see you've managed to put Eliminator out of commission long enough to make it past him. But it won't matter, for you see, you have all literally walked right into my trap!

Amy: I told you so!

A forcefield appeared, blocking the doors opening long enough for the door to close.

Sonic: So what is it this time? Are you gonna attack us with one of your little robots again? Haven't we proven that that won't work?

Robotnik: Oh, I'm not going to attack you with my robots; I'm going to turn you INTO my robots!

Scotty: That's never worked either. Don't you get it? You can't win.

Robotnik: Ah, but that was before…this…

He flew to one side, and turned slightly while extending a hand toward the gigantic super roboticizer that was lodged into the ceiling.

Robotnik: This is my super roboticizer! It can change any one of you into whatever robot I want; be it a simple workerbot or a deadly war machine. But like all good inventions, I think I'll test it before I use it on you, Sonic. Drones, go ahead.

Two SWATbots were standing on a ramp that led to a door that was the entrance of the roboticizer. One of them held something in his hands, something alive. It was a little hero chao, stolen from whoever had owned it previously. It struggled, trying to get free, yelling as it did so.

Robotnik: Now watch as this pathetic creature becomes my slave…

Scotty: You're heartless!

Sonya: How could you be so cold?!

Robotnik ignored them as he motioned for the SWATbots to put the chao in. Everyone watched, helpless to change anything as the chao was cruelly thrown into the dark, inner reaches of the machine. The door closed, and a SWATbot pressed a button on a console that was next to the door. The super roboticizer rumbled, and streaks of white light could be seen peeking through the minute gaps in the metal. They heard the chao scream from inside the machine, and a few seconds later, the light died down. The door opened, and out stepped a robot that resembled a chao, but was different. It was flat black, had a glowing red visor for eyes, and its right arm looked like some sort of gun weapon. There was a jetpack on its back, taking the place of its wings.

Sonic: What have you done to him?!

Robotnik: I've made him better. This was just a test run on a simple worthless chao.

Sally: How dare you say such a thing!

Robotnik: Humph. Now I begin the real test, one that will show that I mean business!

He pressed a button on his console, and a panel opened up in the ceiling. It was the same one the scientist had entered through earlier, and this time Metal Sonic flew down through it and into the room. He hovered next to Robotnik's ship.

Robotnik: Metal, pick one out, other than Sonic, and toss him or her into the machine.

Metal Sonic: As you command, sir.

The group stayed together as the robot landed in front of them. Metal Sonic looked at each of them, carefully selecting a target. Amy held onto Johnny tightly, and he did the same for her. Metal Sonic took a step toward them, still thinking. He then made his decision, and his head turned to face Tails. The robot's cold eyes locked onto the fox, and Tails tried to distance himself from the machine.

Sonic: Don't worry, buddy, we won't let Metal take any of us. That is, of course, if that's what he's trying to do.

Robotnik: What are you suggesting?

Sonic: Maybe your robotic me has other plans.

Robotnik: Metal, is this true?

Metal Sonic: Of course not!

Metal Sonic lunged for Tails, grabbing him by the arm before anyone could react. The robot then pulled Tails in, holding him like a hostage. Sonic was about to try and free him, but stopped when he saw Metal Sonic's sharp, pointed fingers rest against the side of Tails's head. If Metal Sonic stabbed him, it would mean instant death for the fox.

Metal Sonic: That's right, Sonic, you're just as helpless as my prisoner, here.

Robotnik: Toss him into the machine, and turn him into…oh, I don't know…something with missiles.

They were appalled at how Robotnik could talk so lightly about something so serious. Metal Sonic flew backwards, carrying Tails, and landed in front of the door. The chao looked up at Tails, growling. Tails couldn't bear the sight of it, and did his best to look away.

Sonic: Robotnik, I swear that if you do anything to him, I'll-

Robotnik: You'll what? Kill me? Hah! Not only am I not afraid of you, I know you couldn't possibly bring yourself to do that.

Johnny: Maybe he couldn't, but I could. I've already taken the lives of other criminals, and you are my primary target.

Robotnik: You can't do anything to me, hedgehog! You don't have your robotic body!

Johnny: That doesn't mean I couldn't-

Amy: Stop it! Johnny, please…I can't stand the thought of you killing someone else…

Johnny glanced back at her, and then he looked back up at Robotnik.

Robotnik: Enough of this! Begin the procedure!

The SWATbots grabbed Tails, each taking a wrist, and Metal Sonic let go. They carried Tails toward the entrance of the machine.

Robotnik: Excellent…

Rage built up in the heroes as fear began to creep into Tails's mind. They all watched the events that were taking place as Tails was forced nearer and nearer to the machine. Metal Sonic tapped one of the SWATbots on the shoulder, and the robot stopped and turned around.

Metal Sonic: I think you two forgot something…

The two SWATbots looked at each other for a moment before looking back at Metal Sonic. The hedgehog robot surprised everyone, even himself when he leaned back and shoved a foot through the torso of one of the SWATbots. The machine fell to the ground, disabled.

Robotnik: What is the meaning of this?!

Metal Sonic ignored him, and ripped the other SWATbot's head off. The robot fell to the ground, and Metal Sonic stood over him. Tails looked at Metal Sonic with surprise, confusion, and happiness all at once.

Metal Sonic: If there's one thing you should've learned about me by now, Robotnik, it's that I'm usually a liar.

Robotnik: What do you mean?! How has this happened?!

Metal Sonic: It's your own fault. You programmed me to be very vengeful machine.

Robotnik: I don't get it.

Metal Sonic: You left me in New York with that buffoon Chaos and didn't even tell me you were leaving. Then I had to work with these hero chumps just to get to you. As if that wasn't enough, you sent me out to work with them again! So you see, I'm not going to cooperate with you right now.

Robotnik: You forget, Metal, I can destroy with the push of a button!

Robotnik looked around in his ship for a moment, searching for the remote detonator. He stopped when Metal Sonic held it up.

Metal Sonic: Looking for this? You left it in the control room, and now it's mine.

The robot activated his engine, and tossed the device into his chest. It was instantly destroyed, and tiny pieces of it were ejected from the thruster. Metal Sonic stared at Robotnik, savoring his vengeance.

Metal Sonic: I've set the self-destruct timer on the base for fifteen minutes. It can't be stopped, either. You have until then to try and finish what you intended to do. Unfortunately, I've also shut down and destroyed the circuitry that controls the fortress's thrusters. In short, you lose!

Robotnik: Argh! No! Fine, you've beaten me again, hedgehog, but I'll be back!

He flew back through the path in the ceiling, and into a large escape pod that was at the base of the visible part of the tower. The robotic chao followed him into the pod, and it flew out the door, and back toward New York. Back in the chamber, Metal Sonic and Tails walked up to the crew.

Tails: Thanks, Metal…You saved my life.

Sonic: We all owe you our gratitude.

Metal Sonic: Keep it. Now that I've ensured the failure of this base, I'm going to ensure that you don't make it, either!

The massive metal door opened just wide enough for the robot to fly through it. It closed afterwards, and they all wondered what was next. All except Johnny. He stared at the super roboticizer, and realized that it could still be useful for something good. He walked up to it, and was followed by the others.

Sonic: What's up, Johnny?

Johnny: This is it…my way back.

Scotty: What?

Johnny: I'll use this machine to get my body back.

Amy gasped, and stared at Johnny. He looked back at her, and noticed her reaction. The others were similarly surprised; Johnny's being real had taken a backseat to their adventure, so none of them had really thought about it. Billy took a CD from his coat pocket, and looked at it.

Billy: I've got your body's data right here…<sigh> A good scientist always comes prepared…

Back in the corridor, Metal Sonic was determined to get rid of the Sonic crew now that their usefulness to him had ended. He found the rubble-covered Eliminator, and removed the broken ceiling. The robot opened a small panel on Eliminator's back using a hidden switch near the robot's neck. Metal Sonic pressed a few buttons on a keypad inside the panel, and Eliminator reactivated. The panel closed as Metal Sonic got some distance. The mech stood back up, shaking off the rubble.

Meanwhile, in the chamber, Johnny ran up the ramp to the machine, and was slowly followed by a saddened Billy. Tails followed them up, wondering what they were about to do. Billy inserted the CD into the control console. He accessed the data on it, and programmed it into the machine. Johnny looked at the monitor, and Billy stepped aside to let him see better.

Johnny: I'm going to make a modification, something I've been wanting to have…<looks at Amy> for quite a while. <starts typing> It's a network of sensors that will span my entire body, and act like nerves. I'll set it so I can deactivate them if I need to, for fighting.

Billy: Interesting…We should also take into account all the other minor changes we've made since we first met you.

Billy entered the programming, but he couldn't help feeling he had forgotten something. He shrugged it off after noticing the base's self-destruct timer was still ticking down, and he didn't have time to think. Besides, they could always fix it back at the Refuge. Everything was almost set up, and Billy made an announcement as he continued.

Billy: There's no way I can be certain you'll retain your free will. Are you sure you want to do this?

Johnny: …Hmm…<sigh> Yes, it's a risk I have to take.

Billy: Very well, then.

He finished his work, and turned to face the others…

And that's all for this one. Stay tuned for the conclusion next chapter, and please review!