User:Jcfreak16/Sonic Origins

This is an origin story based off of the Sonic the Hedgehog videogames. Ever wondered why Dr. Robotnik was on South Island? Ever wonder how Sonic met Dr. Robotnik? Then you'll probably enjoy this fanfic.

Chapter 1: The Egg Cracks
February 25, 4113

“Dr. Robotnik!” A voice cut through the Doctor’s thoughts causing him to look up from his notes. In front of him across his tidy desk stood a middle-aged professor, one of the doctor’s coworkers.

“Yes Dr. Rost, what is it? I’m rather in the middle of something right now,” Dr. Robotnik replied impatiently. He had been working all night and had almost cracked the genetic code. He returned to his notes as he half-listened to Dr. Rost.

“I’m afraid I have some rather grave news,” Dr. Rost replied nervously as he pushed up his glasses. He was in his mid 30s, not part of the younger interns, but not quite one of the experienced doctors. His specialty was chemistry and had worked a few times with Dr. Robotnik. They were complete opposites in physique. Where Dr. Rost had jet black hair to his shoulders, Dr. Robotnik’s head was bald. Not a single hair grew on it. On the other hand, his mustache was the biggest in the entire compound, where Dr. Rost’s face was perfectly clean shaven. Dr. Rost’s body was lean and slightly muscular, where Dr. Robotnik’s body was morbidly obese. Dr. Robotnik was also nearly thirty years older than Dr. Rost. Though Dr. Robotnik was older and larger, he was in good shape, possibly better shape than Dr. Rost. He often said his obesity was genetic, along with his baldness. He wasn’t ashamed of it however, he seemed to lord it over everyone else.

Dr. Robotnik noticed Rost’s nervousness and smiled ever so slightly. Robotnik was a man to be feared. Known for his short temper and the grueling work conditions he placed his coworkers under. “Well, are you going to tell me this grave news?” He asked almost mischievously.

Dr. Rost looked down and bit his lip. “Sir, the Board of Directors has decided to…. to let you go.” He shuffled his feet nervously.

Dr. Robotnik paused and looked up from his papers. He gazed at Dr. Rost through his tinted pince-nez glasses and replied coldly, “And just what do you mean by that, Dr. Rost?”

Dr. Rost was practically shaking. “Doctor, I had nothing to do with! It was the Board’s decision! They got wind of your projects and—”

“And just how did that happen?” Dr. Robotnik asked as he stood up to his full height, a towering six feet. He was at least half a foot taller than Dr. Rost, which he used to his advantage. “How did they find out?” He asked coldly as he leaned over his desk into Dr. Rost’s face.

Dr. Rost was visibly sweating. “Honestly sir… it wasn’t me… I said nothing. I had nothing to do with you being… fired. I… I…” Dr. Rost faltered and looked down again. Dr. Robotnik sat back down in his chair. He looked up and Dr. Rost and nodded his head. “Very well. I will have left by this evening.” Dr. Rost looked up, surprised. “Umm, Dr. Robotnik, the Board said you could stay on until the end of the week. But you’re not…. You’re not angry?” “Why would I be angry Dr. Rost? It was clearly not your fault. And I will be gone by this evening. I will take all my work with me,” Dr. Robotnik said coolly. Dr. Rost smiled nervously as he wiped his sweaty hand on his lab coat. “Alright then. Goodbye, Dr. Robotnik,” He said as he backed out of the room. Dr. Robotnik dipped his head as he watched him leave the room. As soon as he was out of sight, Robotnik stood up and walked briskly to the door, shutting it firmly and locking it. He then began to gather his notes together. “I should have known this day would come,” Robotnik muttered to himself. He pulled some boxes out of the corner and stacked his notes neatly inside. “I need to take all my notes and hopefully I can get some of my research subjects. My Egg Flyer should be able to hold a good bit. Let’s see, some quick plans,” He found some empty paper and began scribbling furiously. As he scribbled, his mind wandered.

1 year ago, March 08, 4112

“Please welcome our Scientist of the Year, Dr. Robotnik!” The audience applauded loudly as the Doctor walked on stage, grinning widely.

“Thank you, thank you!” He said bowing slightly. “Although I expected to win this award, I didn’t expect to be the only one people would vote for!” Dr. Robotnik wasn’t known for his humility. He knew he was the smartest person in his group of scientists. Scratch that, he was the smartest person in the world. Who else could possibly have an IQ as large as his? The IQ charts topped at 300, but Robotnik thought he was even smarter. “I know no one else in this room has an IQ of 300, no one in the world has an IQ of 300, except me anyway,” He said laughing. Robotnik enjoyed bragging on himself, rubbing it in that he was better than everyone.

“It is on this night that I wish to showcase my latest work. I have brought with me a holographic viewer to aid me,” He said as he pulled a small object out of one of his pockets. “Can someone turn out the lights?” The lights shut off one by one. Robotnik smiled and pressed a button. A large image instantly jumped out in front of him. “This is my latest invention. I have dubbed it, the Roboticizer.” A flurry of excited and confused whispers swept through the room. “I will explain it for you all. This process turns flesh into metal. Now before you say anything, let me tell you the benefits of this process.” The image began to provide visuals for Dr. Robotnik’s speech.

“Imagine your Mother just learned she had developed cancer in her left lung. Now there are things we can do to help her, but they take time and money. My process is almost instantaneous and is relatively cheap. We place your sick Mother in a large tube. I designed it to resemble older technology such as CAT scans. I wish to keep how the process works a secret. It would not be good if someone stole this technology to use for more self-serving purposes,” He said as smiled knowingly. The others nodded in agreement, keeping their questions to themselves for now.

“I hope to have this complete within the next six months. I certainly don’t want to make any mistakes with this life-saving device.” Dr. Robotnik bowed and turned off his projector. The lights came back on and everyone began to applaud loudly. Robotnik swelled in pleasure of being in the limelight. He soon stopped them though as he held out his hands. “I’m not finished yet. Yes,, there’s even more. I am also working on getting approval to begin research on the Chaos Emeralds,” Robotnik said with a flourish. The room visibly stilled. Some people looked down nervously. No one could look at Dr. Robotnik. “Now I know that it is illegal, but I need your full support. Imagine the things we can discover! The Chaos Emeralds are a source of nearly unlimited power! Just think—”

“That will be enough!” A voice rung out through the room. Everyone turned to look at the man who dared to interrupt Dr. Robotnik. He looked each person in the room in the eye until they lowered their heads in shame. “We will hear no more of such nonsense,” The Head Director replied as he stepped into the middle of the room. He looked up at Robotnik on stage. Robotnik refused to budge as he stared the Head Director down, frowning. The Head Director wasn’t the best scientist; Robotnik knew that title belonged to him. But the Head Director had something Robotnik didn’t, money. He was one of the richest men in the world and owned almost all of the scientific research centers around the world, including the one Dr. Robotnik worked at. He wasn’t physically imposing, but his demeanor carried a lot of weight. His slicked back hair offset Robotnik’s baldness, as did his cold eyes. His word was law, whether he was right or not. Those who crossed him mysteriously vanished, leaving no trace of their existence behind.

“You and your Grandfather both. Both infatuated with the preposterous idea there are gems out there with unlimited power!” The Head Director seethed. Dr. Robotnik bristled.

“My Grandfather found the Chaos Emeralds! He used it with—”

“Of course, Project Shadow. The mythical project your crazy Grandfather supposedly worked on!” The Head Director was shouting by now. This argument wasn’t new; he and Dr. Robotnik had been fighting over this for years, ever since Robotnik first joined the company.

“He wasn’t crazy! He did create Shadow!” Robotnik was screaming, trying to outdo the Head Director.

The Head Director stepped forward. “Then where is he, hmm? Where is this Shadow?” The Head Director sneered as Dr. Robotnik lowered his head. “You don’t know? Maybe it’s because HE DOESN’T EXIST!” He shouted. He then spun around dramatically and left the room. Everyone looked around, embarrassed and confused. They slowly began to shuffle out until Dr. Robotnik was left alone in the room.

“No, no! This is my night, this is my….” Dr. Robotnik looked down angrily, refusing to let a tear slip through his eyes. “My Grandfather was brilliant, perhaps even more so than me. I know he found the Chaos Emeralds, and he finished Project Shadow. But why didn’t he leave anything for me?” He mumbled sadly. He slowly left the building, leaving his forgotten trophy behind.

 

Six months ago, October 22, 4112

Dr. Robotnik sat staring numbly at his success. His notes lay scattered at his feet where he had dropped them in shock. A smile began to appear on his face as a small giggle escaped his lips. His smile spread and his laughter grew until anyone who walked in would have thought they took a wrong turn and ended up in the mental institution. Robotnik threw back his head and laughed raucously. “Yes!” He cried. “YES! I’ve finally done it!” He ran up to his machine and peered in. There it lay, in all its metallic glory. His first complete roboticization. The animal lay inside, lifeless, waiting for the signal from Dr. Robotnik. Dr. Robotnik practically skipped over to the console and typed in his commands. The Roboticizer opened with a hiss and the lifeless form inside rose unsteadily. It stepped out, and fell over face down on the floor. Robotnik grimaced. Well, the programming might need more tweaking. “But at least I have finally done a full roboticization! Just some more programming and he will be a perfect worker drone!” He said gleefully.

He stooped down to his creation and examined it closely. What was once a helpless rabbit was now a cold, steely robot. It resembled a ladybug, except it was much larger, at least 18 inches tall. It also had large claws on the front of it to defend itself in case it ever got into trouble. “I think I will dub you... Motobug! Yes, that’s a very nice name. You will soon do any work I tell you to do, and hopefully, after I fix the bugs, you can find Chaos Energy signatures,” Robotnik said proudly, “and your living battery can provide you with a nearly limitless supply of energy! Oh, I’ve outdone myself this time! Once your bugs are worked out I can make more of you and others suitable for different situations.” He walked over to the main computer console and began typing madly far into the night. Finally, he sank into his chair and sighed.

“Well, that should take care of any programming errors. Now all I need is another animal to test it out on.” He stood up and walked across the room to pick up his Motobug. “You may never serve any purpose, but I think I will keep you. My very first success. Partial anyway.” He quickly tucked Motobug away in one of his many compartments throughout the room and stepped out of his laboratory.

It was on his way down the halls that he met one of the new transfers. “Ah, you there. What is your name young man?”

“Dr. Jeremy Rost sir. And I know who you are. You are the great Dr. Ivo Robotnik!” Dr. Rost replied heartily as he took Robotnik’s hand and shook it vigorously.

Dr. Robotnik quickly withdrew his hand and smiled widely. Now here was someone who recognized true talent! “Tell me Dr. Rost, where have you transferred from? Another one of our Head Director’s labs I assume?”

“You mean Robert? Yeah, I came from one of his labs up near Empire City. Nice place, but I think he’s planning on closing it soon personally.”

Dr. Robotnik shook his head. “Alright, first? Never mention the Head Director’s real name. Always call him Head Director. I don’t know how they did things in Empire City but here in Golden City we do things differently.”

Dr. Rost frowned slightly then shook his head. “I apologize. Guess I got to get used to all the new quirks here.”

“Well don’t worry, Golden City Labs is one of the finest in the country and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it here. Have you been assigned a job?” Dr. Robotnik asked as a plan formed in his mind.

“Actually I have, but it’s not much of one. I’m supposed to get used to the new surroundings by being assigned to a scientist already working here,” Dr. Rost sighed, “Makes me feel like an intern.”

Dr. Robotnik smiled and began laughing gleefully. “Well then, I suppose this is a lucky day for both of us! You see, I was just going to ask the Director if I could have an extra pair of hands around my lab. A sort of helper you see. You’ll be more than just a plain office boy though, as you’ll have the ability to do scientific investigations and the like. Under my supervision of course. Policies and all that, you understand of course. So Dr. Rost, what do you say?” Robotnik extended his hand in a show of good will.

Dr. Rost paused for only a moment then took Robotnik’s hand and shook it warmly. “Wow, thanks. This will really speed things up. Maybe I’ll be getting my own lab soon! Wouldn’t that be something!”

“Yes, yes, I’m sure it would,” Robotnik mused absentmindedly. “Well, it’s getting late, so what I’ll do is file for your new position and hopefully you can start tomorrow! Good evening,” Dr. Robotnik said as he turned and walked briskly away, leaving Dr. Rost puzzled for a moment. He soon shook it off and left to his own home.

Two months before, December 24, 4112

“Come on Doc, put away those toys and join the party!” Dr. Rost sighed as he paused at the door on his way out. It was Christmas Eve, and the entire laboratory had thrown together a party to celebrate. In the two months Dr. Rost had been there, he had learned many of Dr. Robotnik’s quirks. One of them was his engrossment in his work, especially when their seemed to be something more interesting going on. Right now he was busily engaged with his latest robotic development, something Robotnik had dubbed a Buzzbomber. It reminded Rost of a hornet, only metallic and bigger. Rost wasn’t sure what it was supposed to do, other than fly around annoyingly. But Robotnik had been giddy over it for hours and he still refused to leave it.

“Doc, seriously. You’ve been working long enough now. There’s a party downstairs! I heard the team up in the third floor actually made the tree with left over bits they had from their experiments. And there’s music, and beer, and girls! Come on now, one of those you have to be interested in!” Rost said winking as if he knew something.

“No, I really couldn’t care less about any of those,” Robotnik said suddenly straightening up from his work. The Buzzbomber began flying around the room, seemingly studying its surroundings. “I don’t care for parties Rost, you know that. The only music I enjoy is the sounds of work and machinery. Beer is one of the worst things mankind has invented, and women only serve to break your heart. No, work is the only thing that really matters to me,” Robotnik smiled and shook his head. “But, tell you what, I’ll go with you, but only for a while. I need something from downstairs anyway.”

Downstairs it actually was much quieter than Dr. Rost had made it out to be. There were only a few dozen people, and most of them were standing around in groups talking to each other. Occasionally a burst of laughter would break out, but for the most part it was rather subdued. In the middle of the room was a tree, or rather a sculpture of some sort composed of bits of metal scraps and wiring. “See Doc? Told you there was a party!” Rost exclaimed as he stepped into the room. “Hey! Come on fellas, let’s get crazy!”

Dr. Robotnik shook his head at his fellow worker’s antics. Rost had been a good worker, always helping about Robotnik and never seemed to mind too much of their differences. He also didn’t seem to mind to continue working with Dr. Robotnik. True, Robotnik usually worked by himself, but Rost had proved to be a good friend. He had even promised to not tell people about his research into the Chaos Emeralds. Robotnik hadn’t turned up any leads yet, but he had a few threads he was grasping at. He quickly retrieved what he needed and headed back up to his lab, pausing to tell Rost not to do anything foolish.

Robotnik worked far into the night as he listened to the ever noisier party downstairs. He soon tuned it out and focused solely on his Buzzbomber. He was hoping he could build an energy beam into its tail to fire out, in case it ever needed to defend itself. It wouldn’t really hurt anyone, just stun them and maybe mildly burn them. Soon he would be asking for some field work, if his latest threads didn’t fall through. Some unexplained disturbances had been noticed on a small island out in the Great Western Sea, dubbed South Island. It was only a small, tropical and uninhabited island. It would take awhile to figure out whether the disturbance was a known disturbance, such as something magnetic or electrical. Dr. Robotnik sighed happily. Soon he would find the source of Chaos Energy, the Chaos Emeralds, and then the whole world would look up to him! He could have the labs pursue real science and show people wonders beyond their imagination. Why, he might even become president! Or maybe even the ruler of the whole planet!

“Now that might be thinking too far,” Dr. Robotnik laughed aloud, “Perhaps I’ll just stick to the whole world praising me and declaring me the greatest man who ever lived. Yes, no reason to think too grand of yourself now.” Robotnik paused for a moment and wiped his brow. It was then he suddenly noticed how quiet it had become downstairs. “Strange,” Robotnik thought, “it’s only a little after midnight. Surely they haven’t already left?” He wiped the grease off of his hands and headed for the door.

Right as Robotnik reached for the door, it suddenly burst open as nearly a dozen armed men burst into the room. Robotnik stumbled back in terror as they stood around the door in a semicircle formation. Emblazoned on their uniforms was the three letters G.U.N. which stood for Guardian Units of the Nation. It was a military organization that served the United Federation. But what they were doing here Robotnik had no idea. Until the Head Director stepped into the room along with them.

“Director! What is the meaning of this... of this intrusion?!” Robotnik stammered in exasperation.

“Dr. Ivo Robotnik,” the Director said icily. Robotnik felt as if the warm air had been sucked out of the room with those three words. Dr. Robotnik’s mustache prickled as his stomach began to churn. “It has come to my attention that you are using our funding to pursue your own wasteful exploits!”

“I-I don’t understand,” Robotnik stuttered fearfully.

“Ah, but I think you do. You see, your drunken coworker began mumbling at the party something about your secret experiments. After coaxing him a bit, he easily spilt the truth. You, Dr. Robotnik have been conducting illegal experiments concerning the Chaos Emeralds!” The Director nodded to the G.U.N. agents and they stepped forward.

“Wait! You can’t kill a man for conducting research that could change the world!” Dr. Robotnik cried as he stepped back. He bumped up against his table and he felt the cold, metallic skin of his Buzzbomber. He clutched it tightly, determined to take something with him if he died.

“Kill you Doctor? No, that would be far too barbaric. This is the 41st century after all. I think we can be more civilized than that. No, I will only confiscate all of your experiments,” the Director said smiling, gazing at Robotnik with his cold eyes. The agents began grabbing anything they could carry and strolled out of the room, arms full. “Just take everything to the incinerator boys and don’t leave anything behind now!”

Dr. Robotnik could only gaze in numb horror as his Buzzbomber was ripped from his hands forcefully and carried out of the room. It wasn’t long until the last agent left, carrying an armful of papers and blueprints. “My... my work... everything...”

“Yes, everything. I even took the liberty of having them upload a virus to your computer system effectively erasing any files you may have had on there. All your tools have been cleared away as well. Tomorrow, after Christmas, you can come back here and find your lab back to its normal conditions.” The Director folded his arms and studied Robotnik’s expression.

Robotnik gazed around the room numbly. Everything, everything of his was gone. Even his trash bin had been emptied. “Why?” Robotnik thought to himself. “Why is this happening? Because of this insane man’s infatuation with destroying me? Partly, I suppose. And my friend... my friend betrayed me. The one person I actually trusted...” His eyes turned toward the Director as his expression became cold. Deathly cold.

The Director tensed slightly, barely visible except to the trained observer. “I trust you have no problems with this change in your schedule? After all, you brought it upon yourself. I could have fired you or made sure you never worked in the science industry again! But, I consider myself a civilized being, so I withheld myself. But it was only for the best. Such pursuit of worthless matters was likely to take your time from real sciences. Why, you should be thanking me!” The Director said contemptuously as he stifled a smile.

Dr. Robotnik refused to look away from the Director. “Well then Doctor,” he began coolly, “perhaps I should thank you.” The Director was taken aback and his gaze faltered for a moment, but only for a moment. He quickly recovered and nodded his head. “Yes, perhaps I should devote myself to more worthwhile achievements. I have no problem with these changes. Good evening Director,” Robotnik said as he continued glaring at the Director.

The Director himself refused to give way to Robotnik’s glare, so there they stood for several long moments. Finally, the Director admitted defeat and turned away. “Well, good evening Doctor. And a merry Christmas to you.” He walked out and left Robotnik alone in his room.

Robotnik stood there for a moment then walked toward the door. Locking it, he then turned back into the room and looked for a place to sit. But the G.U.N. agents had been meticulous, not even leaving a chair behind. Robotnik walked to the far wall and slid to the floor, leaning his bulk against the wall. He sat there for several long minutes that soon stretched out into nearly half an hour. All the while his mind working, thinking. “The Director may have destroyed everything of mine, but he forgot the most important part. He did not take my brain. With my photographic memory I should be able to reconstruct my blueprints flawlessly and start anew. But,” Dr. Robotnik’s thoughts paused momentarily. “But, I will not trust anyone. Not even Dr. Rost. I, and I alone am the only one I can trust my work to. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go to South Island at all. Unless...” Robotnik’s mind went into overtime, thinking rapidly far into the morning.

Chapter 2: On an Island is a Hedgehog
February 25, 4113

Robotnik gathered the last of the blueprints he needed and stashed them in his Egg Flyer. He stood back and glanced around to see if he had forgotten anything. Finding nothing of value, he opened the door on his Egg Flyer and got in. His Egg Flyer was another one of Robotnik’s great machines. It was capable of hovering farther above the ground than any normal hovercraft using prototype anti-gravity fields coupled with electromagnetic generators. Robotnik had outfitted his perfectly round Flyer with many options, including countless compartments to keep his items and a weapons storage bay. The top half was open so Robotnik could always have a good view of his surroundings, but there was a windshield installed so he would be partly protected. Robotnik flipped a switch on the console before him and his Egg Flyer hummed to life. Pressing a button, an enormous skylight opened above him. Working the controls, Dr. Robotnik flew out of the laboratory and into the dusky sky.

Pausing, he turned around and looked down at the laboratory he had worked in for the past decade. In the months following the confiscation of his original plans, he had rebuilt his Roboticizer and robots, only to have Dr. Rost discover them. He was sure Rost was the one who had told the Director, who in turn used the Board to fire him. “No one could have known of my experiments! It had to have been that traitor Dr. Rost! And I once called him a friend,” Dr. Robotnik thought to himself angrily, “but no more! I have learned my lesson now! I will retreat somewhere where I can study whatever I like, whenever I want to! Those readings came through positive for South Island. I’ll go there and build an empire! And then these humans will be sorry for turning their backs on me and my research! But not before I leave them something to remember me by.” Robotnik flipped a switch on the Egg Flyer’s console and silently turned away, heading for the Great Western Sea. Behind him, a large explosion filled the air, destroying the Golden City Labs and everyone in it and around it. Refusing to look back, Robotnik silently left humanity behind.

February 26, 4113

It was well into the morning when Robotnik finally reached South Island. Looking down at it from above, Robotnik could see that it was a very small island. Coming closer he could see large, checkered loops dotting the landscape and crystal clear lakes in between them. “Beautiful place this island. Soon it will be even more beautiful with my machines running alongside them. And so peaceful too! Not a human or Mobian in sight! Why it’s... what is that?” He was close enough now to the land that he was able to pick out the smaller details. Right now, Robotnik was peering at a loop he was certain he had seen something in. “What was that... that smudge? Blur? Bah, I probably just need to clean my glasses.” He brought his Egg Flyer down on the ground and stepped out. He looked around for a few minutes, savoring the peace and quiet.

“It will take a while to build up a base, but with the help of my robotic companions I should be able to complete one quickly,” He said aloud as he opened one of the compartments in his Egg Flyer and brought out his Motobug. “Motobug! You are built primarily for speed. With you I will easily be able to capture my living batteries to roboticize for new workers.” Robotnik smiled proudly and started him up, sending him scurrying off.

“Next is Buzzbomber!” He cried as he opened another compartment producing his large hornet-shaped robot. “You of course can fly and have been built for scouting. Go along with Motobug and help him out. With your built-in laser stinger you can eliminate any resistance you find.” He sent Buzzbomber after Motobug and turned to pull out his latest robot.

“Now you, you are built for harsher environments! You can withstand much more than the other robots I have built and you have the ability to shoot energy balls out of each of your claws! Yes, Crabmeat! You will also go along with Motobug and Crabmeat! If any resistance is encountered, you can easily eliminate them,” Robotnik said excitedly as he set the mechanical crablike robot down. Crabmeat glanced around then scurried off after Buzzbomber and Motobug.

Dr. Robotnik watched proudly as his little robots went off, following his orders to the letter. It wouldn’t be long now. As he watched them, he felt as if someone was watching him. Robotnik didn’t consider himself paranoid, but he couldn’t shake the feeling he was being watched. “Strange, but it’s probably just that I’m not used to this new environment. A few days here and it should pass.”

Robotnik may have thought he wasn’t being watched, but he was wrong. In the bushes not far from him, a figure stood, still as a rock. His large eyes peered out at the strange new creature that had invaded his territory. “What is that thing? Man, whatever it is, it is ugly. Looks like a freaky egg with arms and legs,” He thought as he stifled a giggle, “I better keep a sharp eye on it to make sure it won’t hurt anybody or anything.” He watched the creature a little while longer then sped off into the jungle, leaving a sudden gust behind which startled Dr. Robotnik momentarily.

March 1, 4113

Dr. Robotnik sat in his partly completed base, overjoyed at his success rate. He was sitting in a type of control room, where he could constantly keep an eye on everything happening on the island using his video links. His main base was already well on it’s way to completion plus he had begun work on several factories. The animal conversion rate was continually growing and his robots were being built faster than ever. Nothing unusual had happened yet, which was good and bad in a way. If nothing unusual happened, there was a good chance there were no Chaos Emeralds here. “Still, even if I never find any Chaos Emeralds, I still have a beautiful base on my own private island! It’s paradise here! Sunshine, palm trees, lakes, and of course, my machinery,” Robotnik thought happily as he examined the screens on the wall. “My underwater factory will hopefully be finished within the next few days and construction on my personal city and my personal casino is just beginning. They both have lovely views of the night sky. Perhaps I can name my city Starlight Zone or something similar?”

Robotnik had so far divided the island into six different ‘zones’ based on their geography. The first zone, where he had landed, he had named the Green Hill Zone after it’s rolling green terrain. The next zone’s ground had an interesting marbled look to it. It also was filled with lava pits and remnants of some long-forgotten civilization. He had decided to call it the Marble Zone. The next zone was to be his casino, which he hadn’t named yet. After that was his underwater factory, which he also had not named. He was still deciding on what to name his city, but he probably would go with Starlight Zone. And of course his base, which he had dubbed Scrap Brain Zone. It was where the brain of his empire, himself, lived and where the scraps of his robots went to.

Dr. Robotnik was reluctant to admit it, but many of his robots had been showing up as scraps lately. What came was in pieces, without its living battery. Searching the video databases, he could find nothing unusual happening to them. “It is strange that they all seem to disappear off camera,” he mused to himself. He flicked through the videos and groaned. “These stupid rings keep getting in the way! This place is literally crawling with these infernal things!”

Rings were fairly easy to find out in wilder places and South Island was definitely one of the wildest. Some people were trying to get it started to use them for currency, but with little luck. Most people saw them as too strange and unknown, especially with their absorbing properties. Dr. Robotnik was once working on a theory that bodies could absorb rings and gain more stamina. However, it never seemed to work on humans. Only the Mobians could seem to do this. Robotnik guessed it had something to do with their unique DNA structure, but he wasn’t entirely sure. He also noted the rings seemed to have some weak Chaos properties. If nothing else, he might be able to use them to try to locate the Chaos Emeralds.

Robotnik was busy browsing the database when a broken Motobug suddenly puttered in. “Motobug! What’s wrong?!” The Motobug suddenly exploded and out popped a small white rabbit, which quickly scampered off. “That was certainly strange. Something is very wrong here,” Robotnik mused as he picked up what was left of the pieces. As he was picking them up, he was surprised to find a small blue quill along with the pieces.

“What is this? Only a few animals have quills, so it is narrowed down. Perhaps I could figure out in using a DNA scanner.” Robotnik quickly placed it inside his machine and eagerly waited for the results. It came out moments later as, “Hedgehog, Mobian”.