Chapter Text
Directive: Maintain 73m°■♤■nc■
...
…
…
Bright green eyes look at the scrapped remains of various Egg robots scattered about the old abandoned Eggman base in what looks to be some old press factory. Honestly, it's amazing that no one has even bothered to clean up the mess in here, but complaints won't be made because at the very least, it means that all this scrap is up for grabs. There is no doubt that there will be something left behind by the madman that could be used for the much needed repairs at least.
Looking at the status in Metal Sonic's data banks reads the following:
Model: BDNK-MS-23.6
Master: N.X.WX
Main CPU: 《N.X.WX MEMORIES》 - ACTIVE
Sub CPU: Neo Super DFX – ACTIVE
Engine Model STH-25: ONLINE, NEEDS REPLACING
Thruster Model SNCR: OFFLINE
Voice Synthesizer Model SH-GC: OFFLINE
Audio Playback Model ASTH-195: ONLINE
Chaos Reading Opticals: ONLINE
No changes from what was read last time.
The Engine Model STH-25 is still functional, but it's only a matter of time until it just drops dead, so getting this engine replaced is the top priority. The question is, would there be a suitable replacement to be found here? A replacement thruster would be nice, what with the current one on hand being entirely broken. Without a thruster, I'm only capable of movement by foot. I can't have that. I need one before I can even think of interacting with anyone.
Even with the copied battle data you provided, N.X.WX, the most that can be done now are mere punches and kicks, and probably throwing things. Not enough for what we need to do.
Huh. Looks like Metal Sonic has picked up my way of speaking. That's... a little concerning. I'm surprised he's not questioning it.
I'm right here, you know.
Okay, fair. My bad. Anyway...
The chances are small, but this old press factory might have something useful, even if it's not an engine. Still, there's only so much making assumptions can do. Now to stop pondering, and actually doing something. It'll take hours if not days to fully search the area, but better to start sooner rather than later. It may be better to start at the surface and then go deeper from there, but–
Start at the lower levels. You will be more likely to find something there.
And you're helping me because...?
The directives you need to accomplish take priority.
“I thought you wanted to be the ‘one true Sonic’ or whatever? You know, protecting Eggman? Destroying Sonic?”
I think you know why that no longer became my priority. Your memories have been very… enlightening.
...Damn it.
Worry not, N.X.WX, you've given me more than what you think. I'm sure the reverse is true for you.
True. My memories and experiences, combined with the bio-data you have, can give us an advantage, but with the state we're in now, it won't give us much. One wrong move and it's over.
You've been through worse. I'm sure you'll survive.
Oh great. He's definitely rubbed off on me. …Or have I rubbed off on him…? Ah, fuck it. I'll just roll with it.
!!! WARNING !!! □□■□□+■D □■□■□■X DETECTED !!! WARNING !!!
This warning we're getting... If this is about what I think it is, then we're in trouble.
Agreed. We should try to avoid any conflict with this madness until you are able to fight back. I can only pray that the doctor doesn't learn of this, or at least not try to control them like he has attempted on others such as Dark Gaia. In fact, I pray no one does.
It will only bring death if they do.
With nothing else to add, N.X.WX trudges forward.
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Meanwhile...
Over the lush green rainforest of the Mystic Ruins, the sun is setting, bathing the trees with warm light as the wind blows gently. The wildlife content as each and every creature minds its own business. That is, until a blue blur rushes through the leaves, disrupting the peace. The world's fastest blue hedgehog is running through the mass grove of trees and swampy paths to reach his destination at the cliffs facing the deep blue sea. Upon reaching the front door of the workshop, the blue hedgehog takes a moment to remove any stray leaves and twigs that happened to get stuck in his quills before brushing the mud off from the soles of his footwear.
A chill shakes the hedgehog to the core, making him groan in frustration. Ever since this morning, he has been feeling as if something is out there. At first, he thought he was being watched, but now... He feels as if he's the prey, while the something is the predator that could come out and strike at any moment.
He shakes off the dread and enters the workshop that doubles as his little brother's home.
“Hey, Sonic. Back from your latest adventure?”
Hearing that voice made the hedgehog's ear perk up. Hearing his little brother's voice never failed to cheer him up, but there was something about the way the little two-tailed fox spoke that gave the hedgehog pause.
Time to probe then.
“Yep!” Sonic said loudly as he walked into the garage portion of the workshop, “It wasn't really that much of an adventure, Tails,” he said as he eyes the parts and gadgets scattered all over the shop, “I thought I would find something exciting, but alas, nothing.”
He couldn't find what was causing the dread, for one. But right now, finding out what's gotten Tails in his odd mood is the top priority.
“Tell me about it. I'm still fixing up the Tornado after our last encounter with Eggman,” Tails said as he used a ratchet to tighten a bolt on the Tornado's side, “I took it on a test flight earlier, so it works fine on that end. I'm just putting some more of my personal touches on it to make it perform better. I was also trying to use my scanners, but I haven't been able to... Mmrgh...”
Sonic watches Tails set the ratchet aside and take out a screwdriver to read the label on the handle, see him get frustrated, then take out a different one. Yep. Something is definitely up.
“So, Tails,” Sonic leans his arms against the toolbox to watch the fox fiddle with his tools, “What's gotten you so wired up?”
“My scanners briefly detected this very unusual signal that I've never seen before. It was so powerful that my scanners couldn't even properly measure it or even find out where exactly it came from! Then it just vanished like it never even happened.”
Sonic blinks as he glances out the nearby window, then back to the fox.
Tails raises a familiar yellow tablet and continues, “I thought I might make some progress if I used the new amplifier I installed into the Tornado and my Miles Electric that would increase the detection range. I just finished a few rounds of flying with the Tornado to see if my scanners could pick up anything, but still nothing.”
“Ya think it's Eggman's doing?”
“No, it's too sudden. And Eggman wouldn't be so careless to let something that strong leak out without taking proper precautions. And even if he did, we would've seen some activity from him already, but it's been fifteen hours since I first detected this signal and still nothing,” Tails groaned in defeat as he plopped the Miles Electric and other gadgets onto a nearby crate and slid down to the floor. He slid his hands over his face as he kept talking, “Honestly, if not for the fact that I have a record of that signal appearing, I wouldn't even be trying to find it again.”
“I thought you said your device couldn't measure it?”
“I did, it can't measure it, but it was still able to record and detect something that tipped off its scales. That signal was very brief, maybe about seven or so microseconds it was out and about. And then, POOF, gone,” Tails said as he opened his hands to demonstrate the motion, “All I know is that the Chaos Emeralds have never displayed a signal like that, so I know it wasn't them. But then it raises the question, just what was it?”
Sonic barely repressed a shiver, “So whatever it is, we need to keep it off the wrong hands. Eggman's especially.”
“Or GUN's,” Tails grumbled before standing back up to look at the Tornado's engine, “Don't even get me started on what happened with that one time on Pumpkin Hill.”
“Oh, yeah, that,” Sonic took the opportunity to shrug away the chills in his spine, “That was pretty crazy, and it was all over some dog… thing.” It frustrated Sonic that no matter what he did, he just couldn't get this dread he had been feeling subside. How do you even explain something like this?
Thankfully, Tails didn't seem to notice, “Anyway, with that said, if my machines had managed to detect it, I've no doubt that Eggman, GUN, or anyone with similar tech had, too. I bet other people will be looking for whatever it is that caused it.”
Before Sonic could respond, a loud rumbling is heard. He narrows his eyes upon seeing Tails looking sheepish.
“Tails, when was the last time you ate?”
“Uh... last night?”
“Okay, I'm puttin’ my foot down,” Sonic said as he grabbed Tails by the hand and dragged him away from the Tornado, “Whatever it is you're looking for, it can wait until after you eat. We're going out for soup and chili dogs.”
When in doubt, get some food to eat.
□□□□□
Directive: Maintain 73m°■♤■nc■
This again? Why is it showing me this?
Your guess is as good as mine.
We'll worry about it later, I guess. Hmm... so it looks like I can use these... Power Cores... from these old robots Eggman made to restore our engine's main power from depleting. Interesting. Not ideal, but it will have to do for now.
It would be more ideal if we could get our hands on a full Power Core or even a Chaos Drive from the GUN machines, but as you said, this will have to suffice. Do try to collect as many Power Cores as you can.
No need to tell me twice.
The main power parameters of the STH-25 engine have improved, but it won't be much in the grand scheme of things. Not only does the engine need to be replaced, the Power Cores found in the area are already low on energy, meaning that instead of taking around a handful, it would require a truckload of these weakened Power Cores to even get to an ideal power level. Despite the plentiful amount of deactivated robots in the abandoned factory, the majority have Power Cores that either have very little power left or are completely spent.
Regardless the search continues.
A Tricore from the IDW comics would definitely be useful here, but I would have to make one, and those require Power Cores with full power. Is Dr. Starline even someone to worry about here? I know he's the one who created the Tricore, so if he exists here, I would have to find a way to steal his research or copy his bio-data eventually.
I was not aware of such an individual until your memories showed me. That being said, I cannot confirm whether or not this duck-billed platypus exists, so this bears investigation. I still have the doctor's bio-data, meaning that I have his vision, drive, and genius. We can use that to make this Tricore you mentioned.
Wait, really? When did this happen? Er, wait. If you have his vision, why aren't you acting upon it or even yapping at me about it?
It was before my last battle with Sonic the Hedgehog over six months ago. The doctor had upgraded me to allow my Neo Metal Sonic form to come to a degree. The last steps needed to finish the process was to copy Sonic the Hedgehog and Shadow the Hedgehog's bio-data. I managed to copy Sonic the Hedgehog's bio-data, and I still have it, but Shadow the Hedgehog never appeared. The attempt at completing the upgrade failed, resulting in the doctor's, and my, most recent defeat.
And the guy just... left you behind to rot in that... that cave? Talk about childish.
My most recent defeat rendered me offline. I could not do anything until you came. Your presence has deleted any and all loyalty to the doctor. Honestly... I do not know if I should thank you or not. I cannot give you a proper answer as I cannot say for sure I would have the exact same thoughts from before you came.
I see. Anyway, back to our discussion with the Tricore. Since you have both Eggman bio-data, we should be able to make it. We'll just have to gather the materials somehow.
Indeed. It would also do us some good if we can get our hands on this Warp Topaz, assuming it exists, if a Warp Ring isn't an option.
Those exist here?
I wouldn't be mentioning them if they didn't. I must say, though, your ideas on using such can be rather... unconventional.
Well, you know what they say, “Imagination is a weapon. Those who lack it are the first to die.”
“I suppose there is truth to that. And before you ask, to my recollection, the doctor did not have the Phantom Ruby in his possession. If it does exist here, it would be ideal to get our hands on it before he does.”
“Definitely. Except I have no idea where it could be.”
“We should be able to detect it with my scanners, but I cannot confirm that.”
Many ideas and theories have been exchanged, but without additional information, it would be impossible to act on anything. With N.X.WX resuming focus onto searching for what little resources that could be found, more and more broken down robots are seen as the Badnik reaches to deeper levels. Instead of this being a factory, this may as well be a robot graveyard at this point.
Oh? What's this here?
A robot that's somewhat humanoid in shape, a dark gray-colored robot with dull silver plating all over its body. It's definitely seen better days, judging from all the rust and damage around it.
An Egg Gunner. Hmm… that's odd. I do not recall this type going past the planning stage. I assume the doctor made this one as a test. Clearly, it did not satisfy his standards.
I guess because the whole thing with Solaris ended up erased, he never finished development after this.
Possibly.
The weapon on its right arm, which appeared to be a missile launcher of some sort, is badly crushed and thus useless. No matter, it wouldn't be compatible anyway. On the left arm, however...
This is…! Quickly, equip it to your arm!
N.X.WX is skeptical, but obeyed as the Badnik slips the part into place. Eyes blink in surprise when the forearm opens up and the parts inside move about before closing up again.
Huh…?
♦ Arm Cannon EGG-VULCAN MACHINE GUN Mk I: ONLINE ♦
Oh! Finally! A long ranged weapon! Awesome! An engine would've been better, but I'll take what I can get! Hmm... looks like it comes with an aiming reticle, er, cross hair? I can dig that. Let's see what its firepower is real quick...
Bew bew bew!
The Badnik staggers immediately after firing, using a free hand to balance on the wall.
Whuh-oh. Okay. Uh... That's not good. Okay, so... good news is, I can fire weak energy projectiles that don't do a lot of damage. Bad news is, the power for these projectiles is coming directly from the main power of my engine. Well damn. Talk about casting from hit points.
We must use the cannon wisely. We cannot fire recklessly.
No shit, Sherlock. Way to state the obvious.
By my calculations, we only have enough power for four more shots until we find more power cores. Any more and it's over for us.
I see.
Staring at the arm cannon, a motion is made before a clawed metal hand shifts out of the cannon's barrel with the cannon itself shapeshifting back into a normal arm.
Huh. So my arm can actually morph somewhat. I feel like Mega Man or Samus Aran here. Interesting. …Hm?
New Directive Added: Start applying the countermeasures at the marked locations.
So… it's come to that, huh? A map from within the database of the Badnik's CPU appears, and the locations are shown. Many scenarios are imagined and rejected, and eventually, the choice of the first area to go to becomes obvious. Going into a crowded and public area in this current state is practically a death sentence. A long range weapon is finally in possession, but that doesn't mean much if one has no other means of escape outside of destroying anything, and that's the last thing on the agenda.
Fortunately, the first place to go is in this very area, it's just a little farther up ahead. Comparing the map to the location itself, it could be seen that it's right in the middle of the pile drive area seen in the horizon.
If it's to save everyone… and if this could save him…!
With your intellect and my power, it will be possible. And then, once you put all the countermeasures in… you may be able to stop this madness entirely.
You're… oddly cooperative.
I cannot do much other than advise. You are the one in control, not me.
You can't do anything? Did you try?
I did when I tried to purge you earlier and during the times when you were walking with no immediate threat around us. Your power, your virtues, your sins, and your memories have prevented me from taking back my own being. But… I don't mind it. As I have said earlier, everything I have learned from all of this ever since you came has been very enlightening. Just as you know all my memories and battle data, I know all of yours. We may as well work as one at this point.
The soul inside isn't sure what to think about this. The thoughts and Metal Sonic's words jumbled about as the Badnik continued to navigate through the large sandy corridors. Unfortunately, it wasn't long until something reared its ugly head.
A loud rumbling is heard from all the rock and debris. Whatever it is, it's big, and soon the source revealed itself.
Oh shit. Not good!
I didn't think any of these were still active. How is it even moving? I cannot detect any signs of a power source from this!
A dark blue snake-like Badnik, and a giant one at that. It looks old and damaged, but no less deadly. A message appears over the interface immediately.
Damn. Even using the warning signs from Mega Man? All I need now is boss music!
I mean, I could play one for you?
Oh, fuck you, Metal! I'm actually fighting here, not playing a video game!
The Badnik immediately dives for cover behind some debris, the vulcan cannon out and ready.
Okay. Okay. Metal Sonic said that I've only got enough power for four shots. Any more than that and we shut down. Good thing the lock-on target feature still works on this somewhat or we'd be screwed. Now to see if I can find any weak spots...
Scanning the area, there is lots of loose debris around. If one were to shoot at the right spots, it could cause a landslide. Now to see if there's a good place to shoot to do so. If the cards are played right. Then trapping the snake with some debris before shooting any weak points will be the way to go.
A few rocks fall nearby. Looking up, the snake is right above--!
!!! WARNING !!! □□■□□+■D □■□■□■X DETECTED !!! WARNING !!!
□□□□□
Sonic is running through the lush forests, having the time of his life. Being able to run like this is so much fun! Everything is so big and colorful and beautiful and…
Wait, where is this?
Something so warm, so soft, so big, and alive is in his arms. He opens his eyes to see a cute blue rabbit as big as himself. For whatever reason he couldn't explain, he held on to it like a lifeline, the warmth and heartbeat enveloping him. He could hear the faint humming of a song… it feels so, so comforting, it's practically heaven.
A loud screech roars into his ears.
Suddenly, the rabbit is moving farther and farther away. He didn't know why, but he knew he needed to get back to the creature, yet something strong was holding him back. He reaches out, trying to scream–
A giant gloved hand reaches out to him, threatening to smother him whole
A chill brings shivers through his body. Before he knew what was happening, Sonic found himself back in the bedroom of Tails's home. He blinks wearily before rubbing at his eyes, “What…?”
Sonic sits up with a yawn before shaking the chill out of him, but the dread from earlier still remains. He looks at the clock next to the nightstand and winces at the time, it's way too early to wake up, but also too late to go back to sleep. With a quiet groan, Sonic turns on the lamp on he nightstand, which emitted a faint red light, he slowly gets out of bed to make his way to the kitchen, thinking that a drink of water might help. The moon is full tonight, so he didn't have to turn on any major lights to navigate his way there.
After having his drink, some of the fog in Sonic's mind cleared, and he quickly returns to the bedroom. Once Sonic sees that Tails is still asleep, he turns off the red light before slipping back into bed. While he couldn't remember most of what he had dreamed about earlier, he could vaguely remember the big blue rabbit buried deep in the depths of his memory. He knows he's seen it somewhere before long ago, but when? And where? That shivering feeling he's been feeling ever since yesterday morning isn't going away, either. His quills kept bristling as the feeling of danger wouldn't go away.
It's too much.
Sonic, not wanting to ruin his pillow and bed sheets, slips out of bed again before putting on his shoes. With everything in place, he leaves the house.
He can't explain it, but if the feeling of dread that he's been sensing the past few days has anything to do with whatever it is that Tails had somehow detected… It bothers him greatly as he clutches a hand into a fist, “What is it that's doing this?”
As expected, he doesn't get a response. For some reason, it's as if the dread, as if someone, is calling out to him. Calling out to be found, to be seen. Sonic takes a deep breath before forcing a grin on his face.
“All right, then. If you want to be found…”
Sonic says to the dread as he starts to run downward, ready for whatever comes his way. He'll check on Tails again in a few hours.
‘...then I will find you.”
Then, to his shock, as if responding to his declaration, the dread ceased.
□□□□□
...□□■□□+■D □■□■□■X... Neu... TRaL... iZeD...
Directive: Maintain 73m°■♤■nc■
What the? This is the third time now. What is it asking me to maintain? And is this really the time?!
Metal Sonic has fallen down in the sand, barely able to move. There isn't enough power to fire any more rounds.
The sounds of loud electrical crackling can be heard, the remains of that giant snake-shaped Badnik reduced to rubble due to a final shot made in desperation. The lock-on features of the CPU kept failing, which forced Metal Sonic into using manual aim. The N.X.WX memories showed that while the specialty mostly lies in close-ranged combat, much like Metal Sonic's own, the memories do hold battle data of long range combat, too. A well timed shot at a metal stalactite-like thing made sure of that.
So skilled, this you are.
You're praising me now? Your lock-on would've made this way easier.
Harsh, are you? You know why I am like this, N.X.WX.
Whatever, the bastard didn't have any appreciation for art. Fucking critic.
Hmm… Yes. It truly didn't understand the motif of using your environment to your advantage. A true work of art, indeed.
Jackass.
…
Power Level: CRITICAL
Auto Repair Malfunctioning! Seek repair!
Yeah, yeah, status interface, I heard you the first time. Let me rest for a sec, will you?!
It's been “a sec” already.
Oh, shut up.
…This will not last forever. You know this, don't you?
The Badnik struggles to rise, eventually succeeding. Looking over the remains of the snake, the realization that this giant Badnik has a lot of potential parts for repair reaches into the data banks. With a grin, the Badnik gets to work into dismantling any parts of the snake that could be, and will be useful. Hours pass, and late into the evening, an unusual object, deep in the belly of the snake, reflects the sunlight and catches the robot's attention.
Huh? What's a Gold Beetle from GUN doing here? Those just don't only exist in the game for bonus points?
…
…
…
Metal Sonic looks over himself. The repair job is mediocre due to the scrapped parts used to do it, but it's better than the state he was in previously. N.X.WX knows what's up, that's for sure. Soon, the soul will have everything that is needed for the directives to be achieved.
It has been four days ever since N.X.WX. reactivated within Metal Sonic. Little by little, the soul is able to find and replace various components to fix up the arms and legs enough to where one can walk normally again. It would've been nice if the blue armor that made up the forearms and legs could be replaced, but that requires specialized equipment.
Okay, so we didn't get a new engine. Instead, all we got was an arm cannon from an Egg Gunner that drains our life force every time we fire, and a cloaking device from the Gold Beetle that hides us by refracting light that has its own battery but will also drain from our life force if that battery runs out. At least the thing can recharge itself over time, but still. What was that thing even doing there anyway?
Even though it's not what the soul wanted to find, any other weapons or abilities added to the arsenal will eventually become useful one way or another. Movement has become significantly easier. Flying is still not an option, but the soul knows to appreciate the small blessings.
Checking the map shows that the place to “apply countermeasures” is nearby. One can only guess what it's for, but the soul can only guess it only has something to do with the warnings and... whatever it is that is being detected here and there. The warnings have stopped after defeating the snake-like Badnik, but neither the soul or Metal Sonic could find anything that seemed out of place after disassembling whatever was possible.
An hour later, the location on the map is reached, and everything makes sense. The map led the Badnik to the primary control room of the abandoned factory itself. The whole area, like everything else in the factory, is covered in sand and dust, confirming that this place is truly abandoned. The Badnik walks up to the control monitor and examines the controls.
That's odd. The control room is still active after all this time.
This must be how that snake Badnik was activated earlier. It was a defense against intruders.
Not only that, but the... Hmm... The madness our sensors kept detecting, I'll call them the X for now. The X was also in that snake Badnik, although now they're gone after I successfully destroyed it, but...
...You say there is more out there, such the one we detected when you first came here. We had no way of getting to them back then, so eventually we'll have to go back to where we started and finish the job. Assuming we even know who, or what, is carrying them.
Metal fingers start typing on the keyboard.
It looks like I can put one of the countermeasures in this monitor. I don't know how many will be effective, but if I can just put at least one in here, it may make a difference.
A small difference is better than none. Anything to prevent this madness from spreading forth.
N.X.WX continued to focus on the task of inputting the proper code.
This would only weaken the X slightly, but over time, when I get stronger and get more equipment, I'll be able to take them down. And then, maybe I can finally save--
Looks like this is the end of the line.
Hm?
♦ One countermeasure is currently being prepared. ♦
♦ Please insert the proper protocols. ♦
The proper protocol, huh? There are a few ways to pull this off. The easiest one would be for it to activate in the event this robot body is destroyed, but that's only as a last resort. What would be a good protocol to put in here? Any suggestions, Metal Sonic?
…
Metal Sonic?
…
What? Metal Sonic? Are you there?
…
He's not responding? What's going on? Metal Sonic-- no, Sonic! Sonic! Where are you?! Sonic!!!
Green eyes widen in realization.
So that's how it is. Metal Sonic and I were slowly merging together all this time. Yet I'm the one in control. Almost all of his mannerisms became natural to me, just as how almost all of mine became natural to him. Oil and water cannot mix suddenly, but gradually, in the right circumstances, it can. Over time, we became one and the same. Somehow, our memories, our personalities, our souls, have synchronized.
This isn't what was supposed to happen. This isn't how it was supposed to go!
I yelled out for him. I cried out his name. But no matter how much or how loud I called...
I prayed. I prayed for a response.
Directive: Maintain 73m°■♤■nc■ - Success
NO! No no no no!
…
…
…
The Badnik falls to its knees.
Someone... anyone...! Please...!
…
…
…
…
…
…
○■L■ 《UNLOCKED》