Fanfiction:Dimensional Chaos Part 16

''On the previous chapter of Dimensional Chaos, Espio the Chameleon, Vector the Crocodile, and Honey the Cat ventured through the Stoneopolis area on Ringstar Island in search of the Lunar/Elemental Emerald. However, the Earth Goddess, PG-001/Stonia and a group of Cyber Sonics managed to beat them to the punch. After encountering one another, the trio took on the group of Cyber Sonics and managed to defeat them with ease. However, just before the trio was able to engage Stonia in battle, EG-001/Squash showed up to challenge her counterpart instead. The two Goddesses fought a close, evenly-matched battle, which eventually ended in a draw when the group explained Dr. Nega’s true intentions to Stonia, which in turn, prompted her to relinquish the emerald.''

''Meanwhile, at Breeze Valley, a similar situation occurred during EG-004/Storm, Heavy, Bomb, E-123 Omega, and Mecha Amy’s encounter with PG-004/Tornada and her group of Cyber Sonics. After managing to outsmart and overpower Tornada, Storm explained to the former that she, her sisters, and Luna had been manipulated by Dr. Nega all along. After finally realizing that the heroes meant no harm, Tornada handed over her emerald, as well.''

''Elsewhere, in a remote location from Ringstar Island, Luna led Sonic, Knuckles, Dr. Robotnik, and company to the Lunar Dimension’s equivalent of the Hidden Palace Zone. Knowing that Dr. Nega was after them, they decided to leave the emeralds at the shrine for safekeeping. Although Luna was worried that Nega would find the Hidden Palace, Robotnik assured her that Nega’s radar does not work beyond Ringstar Island’s range, just like his own.''

''After storing the emeralds, the group decided to resume their search for the last three, which are currently in the possession of Squash and Storm, as well as the dangerously chilly locale, Mt. Frostina. Speaking of Frostina, will the group of heroes over in that area have what it takes to defeat her and/or convince her that she’s been used by Nega all along? Find out in this exciting chapter of Knuckles’ Chaotix: Elements of Power, Episode 4: Dimensional Chaos!''

Meanwhile, at the Astral Ruins workshop…

*Music Cue*

Metal Sonic 3.0: …! *Sits up and looks at his hands* (I’m…alive?) *Looks around* (Where…am I? This place… I don’t recall ever being here before, but at the same time, it seems familiar to me for some reason…)

???: Oh, so you’re awake now!

Metal Sonic 3.0: *Faces the tigress’ direction* (Is she…the one who repaired me?)

???: I found you lying around outside while I was going for a walk in the jungle. You were pretty badly damaged, but once I got your auto-repair system functioning again, I was able to get you fixed up a lot sooner than expected.

Metal Sonic 3.0: (I suppose that answers the question…)

???: I’m Julia, by the way… Julia Prowess, but some people call me “Stripes”. What’s your name?

Metal Sonic 3.0: (Julia, hmm? Come to think of it, she also looks familiar. She seems to bear quite a resemblance to that two-tailed fox child…)

Julia: Uh, hello? Is anybody there?

Metal Sonic 3.0: (Ah, that’s it! She must be his dimensional counterpart! If that’s the case, then that would certainly explain this place’s familiarity… It’s this dimension’s equivalent of that workshop in the Mystic Ruins!)

Julia: Oh, I see. You can’t talk, can you?

Metal Sonic 3.0: I’ll let you be the judge of that.

Julia: Oh, so you can talk, after all!

Metal Sonic 3.0: Yes, I can. I was merely…lost in thought for a moment. What were you saying before?

Julia: Oh, that? I was asking what your name was.

Metal Sonic 3.0: I am Three-Point Zero… Metal Sonic Version 3.0, that is.

Julia: It’s nice to meet you, Metal Sonic!

Metal Sonic 3.0: Likewise, but I would very much prefer to not be addressed as “Metal Sonic”.

Julia: Well, is there something else I could call you for short, then? Something like “Zero”, maybe?

Metal Sonic 3.0: I suppose that will suffice, just as long as I can continue avoiding confusion with the likes of him.

Julia: “Him”? Who?

Metal Sonic 3.0: The original Metal Sonic… That obsolete scum…

Julia: I’m guessing that he’s the reason why you were in such bad condition?

Metal Sonic 3.0: No. At least, not this time. It was…another model. One that was…specifically built to replace me. My creator…he was under the erroneous assertion that I betrayed him, so he created two newer models to replace me. Metal Blaze, whom I defeated days ago, and then there was Version 4.0, whom I narrowly managed to defeat in the end…

Julia: Oh, I see…

Metal Sonic 3.0: It’s already vexing enough, having to live with the shame and humiliation of being toppled by a previous model that I’ve been built to surpass, but to think that I, Metal Sonic Version 3.0, the ultimate combat robot, would be replaced and tossed aside like common outdated trash! All over a misunderstanding on Doctor Nega’s end!

Julia: “Doctor Nega”… That’s the name of your creator? Exactly what happened in order to give him the idea that you “betrayed” him somehow?

Metal Sonic 3.0: *Explains what happened in the third chapter of the first Christmas Special*

Julia: So, you saved those two Chao from getting eaten by a monster? Ah, don’t feel bad! In fact, you should feel proud!

Metal Sonic 3.0: Hmph, why should I?

Julia: Because… You saved those little guys’ lives! That’s a good thing!

Metal Sonic 3.0: Yes, for what good it did! The data that I obtained from those little vermin turned out to be utterly useless! My efforts were in vain!

Julia: Don’t say things like that! Your efforts weren’t in vain… You did accomplish something! By saving those two Chao from getting eaten, that monster wasn’t able to gain additional strength, and that made things a lot easier for all those who were fighting it! In short, you saved the entire world by doing what you did, Zero! You’re a true a hero!

Metal Sonic 3.0: Me, a hero? Don’t make me laugh. That’s the absolute last thing I’d ever consider myself or aspire to be. Justice, peace, heroism, whatever… Those things are meaningless to me. Who’s the strongest? That’s my only concern. Anything else is nothing more than a delusion for the weak.

Julia: …

I just…wow. I don’t even know what to say to that, Zero. Is this truly what you believe?

Metal Sonic 3.0: Without a shadow of a doubt.

Julia: If that’s the case, then I pity you…

Metal Sonic 3.0: Why is that? There are no improvements to be made to my design. I represent technological advancements at their pinnacle!

Julia: That may be true. You’re definitely the most advanced robot I’ve ever seen, I won’t deny that. However, there’s definitely something big you’re missing, here, and that “something” is love.

Metal Sonic 3.0: …

Julia: From the way you described your creator, he seems like a pretty evil guy, so I guess it’s only natural that someone like him would have failed to give you feelings.

Metal Sonic 3.0: For that, I am thankful. I’m far better off as I am, without such a debilitating weakness.

Julia: Well, don’t you at least have friends?

Metal Sonic 3.0: I’ve had my share of allies and acquaintances, but as far as me ever being friends with any of them? I’d very much prefer to distance myself from that as much as possible. It would do nothing more than hinder me.

Julia: There’s a lot more to life than just fighting, you know…

Metal Sonic 3.0: Pffft. Whatever. Are you finished yet? I have better things to do than to stand around and be lectured, let alone by a mere child. *Turns around and starts walking away*

Julia: Don’t forget, Zero… This “mere child” saved your life!

Metal Sonic 3.0: … *Stops*

Julia: I could have easily just left you in the woods to rot, but I instead chose to drag you all the way to this workshop to have you repaired, and that wasn’t easy, considering how heavy you are! Not to mention the fact that all your circuitry was beyond anything I’ve ever worked with before! In short, I went out of my way to do YOU a favor! The least you can do is show me some kind of appreciation for it!

Metal Sonic 3.0: *Turns around* …Very well.

Julia: That’s better. Now, as I was saying, there’s a lot more to life than just fighting. You may be as advanced as you say, but if being “the strongest” is truly all you have to life for, then you’ll only wind up miserable in the end, because remember this, Zero… No matter how powerful you are or may become in the future, there’ll always be someone stronger out there.

Metal Sonic 3.0: …

Julia: I know we only just met and everything, but I’m only saying this out of concern. After all, in a way, the two of us aren’t so different.

Metal Sonic 3.0: What do you mean?

Julia: I mean that I happen to be a loner, just like you are. The only difference in my case, however, is that I didn’t have much of a choice on the matter. I’m…kind of an outcast, you see. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m rather gifted for someone my age. Not everyone sees it that way, though. For the most part, I’m often looked down on, and labeled as a “geek”, “dweeb”, a “nerd”, or something else to that effect. Not only that, but, well… This is rather embarrassing for me to admit, but I also get teased…for being…afraid of mice.

Metal Sonic 3.0: What’s so embarrassing about that? There’s a multitude of other individuals who are also fearful of rodents.

Julia: Yeah, but it’s different in my case. Felines, let alone tigers, aren’t supposed to be scared of such things…

Metal Sonic 3.0: Ah, right, of course. That is rather unusual, now that you mention it.

Julia: True, but I just can’t help it, though! They’re really creepy to me! Just hearing the squeaking sound they make, or anything like it is enough to make me wanna scream!

Metal Sonic 3.0: …

Julia: Whoops, sorry. I got a little carried away there, didn’t I? Going back to what I was saying before… Since we’re both kinda…friendless at the moment, maybe the two of us can experience the joy of friendship together! What do you say?

Metal Sonic 3.0: …

Julia: It’s entirely up to you. I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do. If you’d rather not, then that’s okay. I completely understand.

Metal Sonic 3.0: …Very well. I suppose I can accompany you a bit longer.

Julia: Do you truly mean it!?

Metal Sonic 3.0: Of course. You did save my life, after all. Plus, I have plenty of time to spare now that I’ve defeated Version 4.0, so why not?

Julia: Alright! *Hugs him*

Metal Sonic 3.0: …

Julia: I can tell we’re gonna be good friends from here on out, Zero!

Metal Sonic 3.0: (I feel almost as if I’m babysitting…)

Meanwhile, over in that very same area in Sonic and company’s dimension…

*Music Cue*

Madonna: …! *Stops and gasps*

Nack: Ey, wayda minute! I remembuh you! You’re ‘dat broad I was holdin’ up ‘da uddah night!

Madonna: *Glares*

Nack: *Notice the emerald* Whatcha got ‘dere?

Madonna: *Hides it behind her back* None of your business, that’s what.

Nack: Y’know, toots, I think it’d really be a wise decision on ya part if ya’d answer my question, capeesh?

Madonna: …And I think it’d be a wise decision on your part if you’d take your wanna-be mobster accent and get out of my face.

Bean: *Snickers*

Nack: *Glares*

Bean: Yeah, sorry, couldn’t help but laugh at that one.

Nack: *Faces Madonna again* Still quite ‘da smartass, I see. *Takes out his gun and points it at her* Foist thing’s foist… Numbah one, you’re gonna hand ovah ‘da emerald you’re hidin’ behind ya back! Numbah two, you’re gonna tell me where ‘de uddah seven are!

Bean: Uh, Nack? There are seven of them in total, so besides the one that she has, there are only six others.

Nack: Wudevah, ya know what I mean!

Bean: Yeah, but still… That’s basic math, man. You should’ve known that one off the bat.

Nack: Oh, yeah? Well ansa me ‘dis then, Mistah Math-Whiz: Howda ya explain ‘da eighth one on ‘da detecta readin’s? Howda ya explain ‘da eighth one from ‘da fightin’ toinament we were in a while ago?

Bean: Well, uh…

…

You know, that’s a pretty good point, actually. So you do have a brain, after all!

Nack: What’s ‘dat ‘sposed ta- *Catches a glimpse of Madonna sneaking away, at the corner of his eye* Hold it, blondie! *Points the gun at her*

Madonna: *Comes to an abrupt stop and faces his direction*

Nack: Don’t even try sneakin’ away from us, y’hear? ‘Cause I’ll pump ya guts full o’ lead, right here ‘n’ now!

Madonna: …

Nack: Now, ‘da Chaos Emerald… Go ahead ‘n’ hand it ovah! Right now, before I lose my patience!

Madonna: …Alright, you win. It’s all yours. *Holds out the emerald*

Nack: Smart choice. I guess you ain’t so dumb, afta all! *Starts walking toward her*

Madonna: (Yes, come right on over…) *Smirks*

Nack: *Reaches for the emerald*

Madonna: (Alright, it’s now or never!) *Kicks him in the groin and runs off*

Nack: GAAAAAAH! *Kneels down*

Bean: Pfffft…!

Nack: ‘DAT WENCH! ‘DAT DOITY, STINKIN’, DOUBLE-CROSSIN’ WENCH! *Picks up his gun, aims at her from far away, and fires*

*The shot misses as Madonna takes off on the trolley cart that leads to the jungle*

Bean: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! *Falls to the ground* I CAN’T BREATHE, I CAN’T BREATHE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Nack: AH, SHADDAP ‘N’ GO AFTAH ‘ER ALREADY, WILL YA!? OTHAWISE, SHE’S GONNA GET AWAY WIT’ ‘DE EMERALD!

Bean: HAHAHAHAHA-… Oh, right! *Runs after her*

Nack: *Checks the radar* Well, whadda ya know? ‘Da rest o’ ‘de emeralds… ‘Dey must be in ‘dere! *Points to Tails’ Workshop* ‘Dat musta been where what’s-‘er-name was comin’ from!

*Nack walks over to the entrance, opens the door, and finds Spangle and Spike pointing pistols at him*

Nack: Gah! It’s ‘da two o’ youse again! ‘Dem cops from ‘de uddah night!

Spangle: That’s right! Don’t think you’re givin’ us the slip this time, ya hear?

Spike: You got it! Fang the Sniper, you’re under arrest. You have the right to-

Nack: *Slams the door in their faces* HA! Not on ya life, pal! Ah’m bussin’ outta ‘dis joint! *Runs off in the direction that Bean and Madonna took off in*

Spike: Hey! He didn’t even let me finish my sentence!

Spangle: Don’t worry; you’ll get that chance as soon as we catch up to ‘em. C’mon, let’s go after ‘em before they get away again! *Rushes out the door*

Spike: *Does the same*

*Music Cue*

Black-Hog: *Hovers down, flapping his wings* Hmm… I haven’t the slightest idea of what’s going on, but whatever’s happening, it’s of little consequence to me. In the meantime, I think I’ll go ahead and help myself to those Chaos Emeralds! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA…

*Black-Hog enters the Workshop and finds both the Chaos and Sol Emeralds inserted into the Tornado Time Twister (one of which happens to be the fake emerald that Tails created)*

Black-Hog: Hmm, what’s this now? All seven Chaos Emeralds, plus another unknown set of emeralds…left entirely unguarded? This is almost too good to be true! Something’s definitely afoot, here. It’s either these are duplicates, or there’s some kind of trap that’s been set. If it’s the latter, I’d best proceed with caution… *Starts to slowly walk toward the machine*

A little while later…

Black-Hog: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! So far, so good! Now, for the moment of truth… *Leans against the machine to grab the emeralds, accidentally pressing one of the switches in the process*

*The machine suddenly begins to glow*

Black-Hog: Huh!? What’s going on, here!?

*A dimensional portal appears shortly afterwards, which ends up pulling him in*

Black-Hog: UHHHHHHHHHHH!

Meanwhile, at Mount Frostina within the Lunar Dimension…

*Music Cue*

Frostina: *Notices a shining object within the snow* Ah, that must be it! The Elemental Emerald! *Picks it up* I guess this means my work here is done. It’s time to head back to-

*A warphole suddenly appears*

Frostina: Huh?

Black-Hog: *Falls through, accidentally knocking Frostina over, landing on top of her in the process*

Frostina: AAAAAHHH!

*An awkward moment of silence occurs shortly afterwards*

Black-Hog: *Quickly gets up* …Sorry about that.

Frostina: It’s alright. Accidents do happen. *Gets up* Where did you fall from, exactly? Was that some type of portal I saw a little while ago?

Black-Hog: Yeah, it was. (That portal… Did it simply take me to a different location, or am I in a different dimension altogether?)

Frostina: (I wonder… Could he possibly one of the “dimensional invaders” that Dr. Nega spoke of? No, wait… He showed us what they looked like on his computer, and I’m pretty sure this guy wasn’t one of them…)

Black-Hog: Would you mind telling me where I am?

Frostina: This place? We’re on “Mt. Frostina”, which is located on Ringstar Island.

Black-Hog: I see.

Frostina: My name’s Frostina, by the way. Frostina, the Goddess of Snow. Who might you be?

Black-Hog: I’m Black-Hog.

Frostina: Ice to meet you.

Black-Hog: It’s…”ice” to meet you, too.

…

Wait a minute… Did you just say that you were a Goddess?

Frostina: Yes, I’m one of the seven, soon to be eight, Elemental Goddesses. Each of us controls a different element. Mine, as you’ve probably guessed already, is ice and snow.

Black-Hog: Ah. Come to think of it, are you the one that this mountain was named after?

Frostina: Possibly. Having been sealed up for many years, there’s some slight memory loss on my part, so I can’t remember whether or not this mountain was named after me or it was the other way around.

Black-Hog: …

Frostina: So, what about you? You aren’t from around here, are you?

Black-Hog: As a matter of fact, I’m not. Why do you ask?

Frostina: I was just curious. I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but hedgehogs of your…kind aren’t exactly common around here.

Black-Hog: Understandable. After all, in addition to not originating from this dimension, I’m not even from this planet.

Frostina: Ah, so you’re an alien?

Black-Hog: Yeah, I am. Somehow, you don’t seem too bothered.

Frostina: Why would I be?

Black-Hog: It’s just as you said… Extraterrestrials, such as myself, aren’t exactly common among this region. It’s the exact same way in the dimension that I originated from. Ever since my arrival, I haven’t exactly been greeted with a warm welcome.

Frostina: I’m sorry to hear that.

Black-Hog: Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t exactly looking for pity or anything.

Frostina: “Icy”, but just so you know, Black-Hog… That kind of thing doesn’t matter to me in the least.

Black-Hog: It doesn’t?

Frostina: Not at all. To me, everyone is the same, regardless of what race or species they are. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Black-Hog: …

Uh, thanks. That’s…rather decent of you.

Frostina: You’re most welcome.

Black-Hog: (Wow, this is a first. For once, I’m not being treated as if I’m some sort of-…) *Notices the Lunar Emerald* By the way, I’m curious… What is that gem that you’re holding?

Frostina: This? It’s one of the seven Lunar Emeralds that a friend of mine protects. According to legend, they contain unlimited powers.

Black-Hog: Interesting… (Could these “Lunar Emeralds” that she speaks of be this dimension’s equivalent of the Chaos Emeralds?) Are these jewels, by any chance, capable of creating dimensional rifts? If so, then I may be able to use their powers to return to my own world.

Frostina: Yes, I’m pretty sure they can.

…

Oh, that reminds me! There’s a group of “dimensional invaders” that will be coming here to cause trouble pretty soon. Would you mind lending me a hand?

Black-Hog: Come again?

Frostina: I’d hate to trouble you, considering the fact that we only just met and everything, but if you help me stop them, then I’ll see what I could do about helping you get back to your own world. What do you say?

Black-Hog: Hmm… (If this is truly the only way I’ll be led to the other emeralds, then I suppose I don’t have much choice in the matter.) Frostina, I’m willing to take you up on your offer. Consider them dealt with!

Frostina: Thank you, I appreciate the help.

Black-Hog: Don’t mention it.

Elsewhere on Mt. Frostina…

*Music Cue*

Silver: Brrr…! Man, it’s freezing out here!

Blaze: Definitely. It’s the total opposite of the kind of temperatures in our world.

Slush: You’re saying that it never snows over there?

Blaze: It does, but very rarely.

Silver: Yeah. Plus, it should also be taken into account that our world was once destroyed by Iblis, which is why we’re used to much warmer temperatures than this one.

Slush: Makes sense.

Bark: Yeah, you got it.

Silver: I don’t see why not. After all, we don’t have any other clues.

Blaze: Alright, then let’s get moving.

''*They take off*

''Elsewhere on Ringstar Island…


 * Shadow approaches the heroes*''

Rouge: Hey, Shadow. I’m guessing Three-Point Zero pointed you in this direction at some point?

Shadow: Yeah.

Oceana: …Three-Point who?

Metal Sonic: Metal Sonic Version 3.0. Like all the Cyber Sonics you’ve most likely seen, he, too, is a copy of my design, but with a black and gold color scheme. Speaking of which, here is he, anyway? I don’t believe I’ve seen him at all since we’ve arrived in this dimension.

Rouge: The last time we saw him, he was at the Astral Ruins, and was damaged pretty badly after barely winning that fight with Four-Point Zero.

Knuckles: Yeah. As to whether or not he’s still alive… I don’t know, and quite frankly, I really don’t care.

Metal Sonic: That makes two of us.

Shadow: So, exactly how many of those emeralds have you all found so far?

Luna: So far, we have nearly all the emeralds stored at the Hidden Palace Zone except for three. According to Dr. Robotnik’s detector readings so far, all signs seem to point towards it being at Mt. Frostina.

Charmy: “Towards it bee ing”. *Snickers*

Marine: *Snickers, too*

Luna: …

Charmy: Hee hee, sorry. I’ll stop now.

Marine: Yeah, same here.

Shadow: *In response to Luna* Ah, I see. That’s also where Three-Point Zero’s detector readings were pointing. It’s nice to know that I wasn’t sent on a wild goose-chase, after all.

*The Celestial Emerald starts to glow*

Luna: Huh?

Oceana: What’s this? Could it be that we’ve gotten closer to another of the emeralds?

Robotnik: Yes, two of them, in fact. The signal is coming from that direction. *Points*

*Espio, Vector, Honey, Squash, Storm, Heavy, Bomb, Omega, and Mecha Amy approach them*

Robotnik: Ah, so you’re the ones with the emeralds! That would certainly explain it.

Storm: Yeah. It wasn’t easy, but we got them.

Luna: Great, awesome! That now makes six of them! Just one more and we’ll be all set!

Oceana: You said the last one’s at Mt. Frostina, didn’t you? Seeing how you’ve been there yourself, I probably don’t need to remind you of how cold it is over there…

Luna: Ah, yeah, of course. *Looks toward Scorch* Hey, Volcana, I mean, uh… What did you say your name was again?

Scorch: Scorch, the Goddess of Fire.

Luna: Well, Scorch, like Oceana was just saying, Mt. Frostina is known for being one of the coldest places on the planet, and we’re going to need to equip ourselves with fire shields before going over there. Would you mind doing that for us, please?

Scorch: Sure, why not? *The Fire Element Gem in her forehead glows for a brief moment, and everyone is surrounded by fire shields seconds later*

Sonic: Looks like we’re all set! Come on, let’s blast through with sonic speed!

*They take off*

Elsewhere…

*Silver, Blaze, Slush, and Bark approach Black-Hog and Frostina*

*Music Cue*

Slush: *Notices Frostina* Huh!?

Frostina: …!?

Black-Hog: …There are two of you?

Frostina: I… I really don’t know what to say to this! Am I looking in a mirror, or what?

Slush: Trust me, there’re no mirrors around. You must be Frostina, am I right?

Frostina: That’s me. Do I know you?

Slush: Not exactly. I just heard about you ahead of time before crossing into this dimension. I’m your dimensional counterpart, Slush, the Goddess of Ice.

Black-Hog: So, are these the “invaders” in the question?

Frostina: *Looks around* Slush and the polar bear, I’m not so familiar with, but these two on the other hand… *Points to Silver and Blaze* …I’m positive that they’re the same ones that Dr. Nega warned my sisters and I about! He showed us exactly what they looked like on his computer, so I’m certain that they’re the ones!

Silver: Wait a minute, did you say Dr. Nega!?

Slush: So, you’re allied with him, are you? I should’ve figured…

Blaze: Seeing how Volcana’s aligned herself with him, I suppose it isn’t too much of a stretch that one of her sisters would do the same.

Frostina: I’m going to ask you once to please leave this island!

Silver: Yeah, sorry, but we can’t do that. We’ve got some unfinished business to take care of.

Frostina: Fine, then you leave us no choice…

Silver: W-Whoa! *Resists the currents*

Blaze: Ghhhh…! *Does the same*

Bark: *Does the same*

Slush: Two…can play at that game! *Creates a blizzard of her own, and blows it in Frostina and Black-Hog’s direction*

Elsewhere at Mount Frostina…

Vector: Holy crap! You weren’t kiddin’ about this place, Luna!

Charmy: Yeah! It’s really, really cold!

Storm: Yes, and it doesn’t exactly help that these blizzard winds are most likely being generated by not one, but two Ice Goddesses!

Luna: That would definitely explain why the winds have gotten a lot stronger than they were since I was here a few days ago!

Meanwhile at Dr. Nega’s base…

*Music Cue*

Nega Robotnik: Hmm, how strange…

Metal Blaze: What’s strange, Doctor?

Nega Robotnik: My detector is only picking up readings from three of the Elemental Emeralds that have been scattered throughout this island. For unknown reasons, the signal from the other four just mysteriously vanished out of thin air!

Metal Blaze: I see…

Nega Robotnik: This could only mean one of two things. Number one, my N.E.G.A. computer is busted, or number two, the emeralds were taken elsewhere, away from this island. I’m leaning towards the latter.

*A beeping sound is heard*

Nega Robotnik: *Takes out his communicator and answers it* Yes?

Mechameleon: Dr. Nega, it’s us, the Mechaotix. We’ve been stealthily following Luna’s movements as you requested, and we’ve uncovered some important information that may be of interest to you.

Nega Robotnik: Really, now? Go on, I’m listening.

Beedroid: Hee hee, “may bee of interest”. *Snickers*

Mechadile: Be quiet, will ya?

Mechameleon: According to the information we’ve gathered, there is a secret teleportation device on this island that leads to a secret shrine called the “Hidden Palace Zone”. Luna and her friends have been storing them over there for safekeeping, since this place is apparently quite distant from Ringstar Island.

Nega Robotnik: Ah, is that so? That would certainly explain the detector readings I was getting shortly before you contacted me! Eee hee hee hee hee! Excellent work! I knew all along that I could count on all of you!

Mechameleon: I’ll send you the coordinates the moment they return with the final emerald.

Nega Robotnik: Eee hee hee! Yes, I’ll definitely be looking forward to it! *Hangs up*

Once again at the scene of the battle…

*Slush and Frostina stop the blizzard(s), and simultaneously launch a colliding ice blast at each other*

Black-Hog: Hmm… While Frostina takes her on, I suppose that means I’ll be dealing with the three of you personally.

Silver: You don’t truly believe you could take on all three of us, do you?

Black-Hog: One challenger or three, it doesn’t make a difference to me! Quality and quantity are two different things!

Bark: So, what’re you trying to say?

Black-Hog: I’m saying that the three of you are outmatched. No mere Earthlings could equal me in power!

Blaze: Awfully full of yourself, aren’t you?

Black-Hog: Not necessarily. It’s just that I know an easy win when I see it.

Silver: Yeah!? Well, how ‘bout this!? *Catches him in a telekinetic grip*

Black-Hog: Ghhhh…!

Silver: Take this! *Flings him into a nearby wall*

Black-Hog: Uhhhhhhh! *Gets buried underneath the rubble*

Silver: HA! How’s that for an “easy win”!?

Frostina: Oh, no! Black-Hog! *Gets knocked over by an ice blast* Oooooof!

Slush: (Whew… That was close! If she hadn’t turned her attention to their fight, then that would’ve gone on forever!)

Frostina: *Sits up, and abruptly blasts Slush with another ice beam*

Slush: Uhhhhhh! *Falls over*

Bark: Slush!

Slush: Don’t worry, I’m okay. *Gets up*

Frostina: *Summons ice crystals and launches them in her direction*

Slush: *Creates an ice wall to block them*

Black-Hog: So, you’ve mastered the art of telekinesis… Not bad! *A dark, fiery aura surrounds him as he bursts with the debris*

*The rock chunks fly in Silver, Blaze, and Bark’s direction and hits them*

Silver: Uhhhhh!

Blaze: Ahhhhh!

Bark: Whoa!

Black-Hog: However, I haven’t even begun to show you the true extent of my power!

Bark: Looks like it’s clobberin’ time! *Cracks his knuckles*

Black-Hog: Go ahead. Come at me, if you dare.

Bark: You asked for it!

*They charge toward one another*

Meanwhile, again at Dr. Nega’s base…

*A knock on the door is heard*''

*Music Cue*

Nega Robotnik: It’s open.

*Volcana and the PG Experiments enter*

Nega Robotnik: Welcome back. I see you’ve come empty-handed…

Volcana: Uh, about that…

Nega Robotnik: That’s okay, though. You needn’t try to explain. I’ve already been informed of the emeralds’ whereabouts, and the moment the last Elemental Emerald has been obtained, I intend to go after them myself.

Everyone: …

Nega Robotnik: I can’t help but notice how quiet most of you have been since you got back. Is something troubling you?

Stonia: Dr. Nega, we need to know… What do you really intend to do with those emeralds?

Nega Robotnik: I intend to use them to power PG-005, now known as Goldra, the Goddess of All Elements. Using her powers, I intend to destroy my enemies and undo the damage that they caused by unleashing the Ifrit into my homeworld!

Woodra: Or so you say, but as it turns out, we’ve all been getting played!

Nega Robotnik: Come again?

Electra: We’ve met the so-called “invaders” you’ve been going on about, and we’ve come to learn that none of them were planning to destroy this island at all!

Nega Robotnik: Nonsense! Of course they were!

Stonia: Yeah? Well, we heard differently. Someone was trying to release the Ifrit alright, but we know for a fact it wasn’t any of them!

Nega Robotnik: …

Tornada: Please, Dr. Nega. Just tell us the truth.

Nega Robotnik: …

You want the truth? Very well then. Yes, it was I who intended to unleash the Ifrit upon the world! It was all part of a brilliant world domination scheme of mine!

Everyone: …

Stonia: So, that’s what we were created for? To help you take over the world…?

Nega Robotnik: That’s correct.

Tornada: But…why would you want to do such a thing?

Woodra: Yeah, bro. Now that’s just low!

Electra: Yeah, and not to mention crazy!

Stonia: I’d say that “psychotic” is more like it!

Nega Robotnik: Under normal circumstances, yes, but please hear me out. I am a descendant of the Robotnik family, which has a long lineage of brilliant scientists. Somewhere along the way, that lineage ended up getting disrupted by one of my ancestors. The ancestor in question is Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik, whom I told you about days ago. Due to his constant failures, my family name ended up getting slung through the mud!

The mere fact that I was related to him ended up causing me to become a laughing stalk! As such, I was not taken seriously by the populace. Ever since I first got into the field of science and robotics, all I wanted was for my work to be recognized. I wanted to do something that would make a difference in this world, but unfortunately, that would never come to pass. Instead, I was basically shunned and spat upon…

Tornada: *Tears begin to fill her eyes* That’s such a sad story!

Volcana: Yeah, Doctor N. I had no idea things have been that bad for you…

Woodra: Neither did I, I tell you no lie…

Stonia: Basically, everything they said.

Electra: Yeah…

Nega Robotnik: Yes, that’s how it all began. I got fed up with it after a while, so I’ve decided to do something about it. In addition to seeking revenge upon those I’ve been wronged by, I merely wished to change the outcome of my future.

Stonia: I understand, but couldn’t you have just told us this from the get-go?

Nega Robotnik: You’re absolutely correct. So now that you know the truth, you’re free to do ask you like. Whether or not you choose to stay by my side is entirely up to you. I won’t force you to do anything that you aren’t willing to do…

Volcana: You needn’t worry about me, Doctor N. I already told you that I was indebted to you for helping me. I gave you my word on that one.

Stonia: Well… If this is really a case of you simply trying to gain recognition for your work, then I guess I could still lend you a hand.

Woodra: Yes, if what you say is true, then I don’t mind sticking by you.

Electra: Yeah, I mean, you did create us, after all. I think that alone deserves some praise.

Tornada: That’s right.

Nega Robotnik: Thank you. I’m glad you understand. (Eee hee hee! Had I made up this story as I did with the other one, that’d have been a little too easy!)

Elsewhere, again at Mt. Frostina…

Black-Hog: *Flaps his wings and hovers into the air* Feel the power of darkness! *Holds out the palm of his hand, launching dark, flaming meteorites at the trio*

*They dodge*

Silver: *Catches a few of them with telekinesis and launches them back*

Black-Hog: *Dodges, and dive-bombs into Silver, knocking him over*

Silver: Whoa!

Blaze: *Attacks Black-Hog with a fire spin*

Black-Hog: Uhhhhhhh!

Bark: *Grabs him by the wings and slams him on the ground*

Slush: *Charges up another ice blast at the palm of her hands* Ready for round two?

Frostina: *Doing the same* Oh, I’m ready!

''*They both simultaneously launch ice blast and get into another “beam struggle”*

Minutes later…''

???: Frostina, wait!

Frostina: Hmm?

*Luna arrives, along with Knuckles, the Chaotix, and company*

Frostina: Luna! What’s going on?

Luna: We’ve been tricked, that’s what!

Frostina: Huh!? What do you mean!?

Luna: You know these so-called “dimensional invaders” that Nega told us about? It was all a lie!

Frostina: Wait, what!? Am I missing something!? I could’ve sworn these were the same ones that he showed us on his computer! He even showed us ice-solid proof of what would happen if they were to unleash that Ifrit creature in this world like they did to that other one!

Luna: Yeah, but the “proof” that he showed us was nothing but an illusion! My eyes were finally opened after getting their side of the story, and as it turns out, Nega completely spun everything around! These guys aren’t the ones who’re aiming to destroy this world, it’s him! They only crossed into this dimension to stop him! In short, that scumbag’s just been using us to do his dirtywork for him!

Frostina: …!

Black-Hog: …

(What have I gotten myself into, here…?) *Scratches his head in confusion*

Shadow: *Notices him* …! Black-Hog!? I didn’t expect to find you, of all people, in this dimension…

Black-Hog: I could say the same about you.

Frostina: You two…know one another?

Black-Hog: Yes, unfortunately.

Rouge: So, what’re you doing here, anyway?

Black-Hog: Not that it’s any of your business, but I’ve crossed into this dimension purely by accident.

Squash: Pffft. That’s a load of crap, and you know it!

Black-Hog: Believe what you want, I couldn’t care less, but that’s the truth.

Shadow: In all likelihood, there may actually be some truth to what he’s saying. There are only two known ways he could have possibly gotten here. Number one, he could have gotten here by using Nega’s camera, or two, he could’ve used the Time Twister. If it’s the latter, then he most likely activated the machine by mistake while trying to make off with the emeralds!

…

Yes, of course! Now things are starting to make sense! That’s why you weren’t fighting me seriously! Your plan all along was to steal the Chaos Emeralds while everyone was away! Does that sound about right?

Black-Hog: …

Frostina: Is…this true, Black-Hog…?

Black-Hog: …Be that as it may, I came here for no such purpose.

Frostina: …

Black-Hog: Also, this “Nega” person you’ve been going on about, Frostina… I don’t know much about him personally, but since he’s obviously an enemy of yours now, I’m still willing to stick by your side and lend you my help in dealing with him. Again, the one thing I ask for in exchange is to be able to use the Lunar Emeralds to return to my own world. Nothing more, nothing less.

Frostina: That’s fine by me. Is that okay with you, Luna?

Luna: …I suppose there’s no harm in that.

Black-Hog: Then it’s settled. As for you, Shadow… This changes nothing between you and I. Once I’m finished taking care of business here, I still intend to even my score with you.

Shadow: Fine. Do what you want.

''At last, the seventh and final Lunar/Elemental Emerald has been obtained! Additionally, the heroes have gained not one, but two new allies in the process! However, can Black-Hog truly be trusted to stay true to his word of simply using the Lunar Emeralds to return to his own world, or does he, perhaps, have other plans? Speaking of untrustworthy individuals, Dr. Nega has most likely been given the coordinates to the Hidden Palace Zone already, and is probably on his way to reclaim the Elemental Emeralds right now, as we speak!

Should PG-005/Goldra go down the destructive path that he intended for her, it may very well be the end of Ringstar Island and the Lunar Dimension as we know it if the deranged doctor gets his hands on those gems! Will our heroes have what it takes to defend them from his evil grasp? Find out on the next exciting chapter of Knuckles’ Chaotix: Elements of Power, Episode 4: Dimensional Chaos!''

To “bee” continued…

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