Sonic the Hedgehog and all characters and locations used in this story are trademarks and properties of Sega of America and Sega Enterprises. Used without permission. You wanna sue me? Well that all depends...just what does this "Sue" look like? (nudge, nudge...) HEAVY METAL Chapter 5: Chaotic World Knothole Village...empty. Some dried leaves blowing in the night breeze make the only trace of a stir in the silence. However, the Knothole Village Council Building in the center of town drastically contrasts the rest of the quiet atmosphere...inside, Princess Sally and the entire population of Knothole discuss what to do about what could well be the greatest threat the planet Mobius has ever seen...Robotnik with the infinite power of a Chaos Emerald at his command. We join the meeting currently in progress. Hamlin slams a gavel onto the table. HAMLIN: Order! There will be order in this court! SALLY: Hamlin...what do you think you're doing? HAMLIN: Nothin', I just always wanted to do that. Sally swipes the gavel away from Hamlin and gives him a disapproving look. HAMLIN: What? SALLY: The most obvious tactic would be to steal the Chaos Emerald from Robotnik before he gets a chance to utilize its power. KNUCKLES: Why don't we just nab a Chaos Emerald for ourselves? ROTOR: That would be way too risky. Only as a last resort plan. HERSHEY: But isn't Robotnik risking his own security by attempting to use an Emerald? HIP KANGAROO: Yeah, why don't we just let Robotnik destroy himself with the power? DULCY: I'll buy that. ANTOINE: Oui! I theenk eet would be a much wisair decezion to wait! Zat way, noone gets hurt... SONIC: The only thing that's hurtin' around here is my head! Why don't we just go and total the stupid Emerald? SALLY: Whoah, slow down! Although it is very possible that Robotnik could destroy himself with the uncontrollable power of a Chaos Emerald, we don't know that for certain. CYRIL EAGLE: The Princess is right. We have no remote idea of the incredible technology Robotnik controls. SONIC: What about my idea? ARCHIMEDES: Are you crazy? Try to destroy the Emerald? The last time something like that happened, we got Enerjak! SONIC: Who? CHARMY: That's a long story for another time. Let's stick to the problem at hand. SALLY: Unless anyone has any better suggestions, the official plan is simply to steal the Chaos Emerald from Robotnik before he can use it, or if he's already begun the process, prevent it from going any further. No matter what the cost...because no matter what we stand to lose, we stand to lose much more should he succeed. Any nays? Sally scans the crowded room. Sonic and the other freedom fighters...Rosie with the children in the corner...Knuckles and the Chaotix...Hip and Hop, the twin kangaroos...Hamlin and the rest of the freedom fighter trainees...Cyril the Bald Eagle, Larry Lynx, and Ari the Ram...Seargent Doberman and Ojisan the Owl...no arguments. SALLY: Excellent! Then it's settled! I'll contact the other freedom fighter groups immediately, and we'll launch a full-scale attack on Robotropolis in the morning. This meeting is adjourned; you may return to your homes. Sally knocks the table with the gavel, and the congregation commences to exit. Ari Ram stands up. ARI: If I may speak, Princess... SALLY: Huh? But-- ARI: I know I am not allowed to speak as a member of the council, that is why I waited until the meeting was adjourned. I must implore that ALL available fighters join this battle. SALLY: Would you elaborate, please? ARI: Although I don't like to think about it, a mission such as this cannot go without casualties. Every available fighter will be needed. SONIC: I don't like to say it, but Ari's right. What we don't have in power we need to make up for in numbers. SALLY: What do you mean? Surely you don't expect me to command the sick or elderly into combat? ARI: No, ofcourse not. I had another idea... Back in Robotropolis, Crabmeat greets the return of Robotnik and Snively in Robotnik's personal landing bowl. As the hoverpod lands, Crabmeat types something into a computer and the short bar-wall surrounding the landing bowl lowers into the ground. Robotnik steps out first, and hastily strides toward the enterance to the Robotropolis main HQ with an extremly satisfied look on his face. CRABMEAT: Welcome back, your sphereness. Robotnik picks Crabmeat up, jolting the little badnik. ROBOTNIK: Did oo miss me Crabmeat? How bout a lil kiss for Eggy? Crabmeat stares at the smoochie-face Robotnik is making for a few seconds, then slaps him. ROBOTNIK: Uh...ahem. *Putting Crabmeat back down* Did anything happen while I was away? CRABMEAT: Nothing much. We did discover Sonic and two of his freedom fighter companions trying to break into the central roboticizing building, but Metal Sonic chased 'em off. Crabmeat figured it best if Robotnik never knew about Sonic's near-death at the hands of Metal. ROBOTNIK: Very good, very good. Snively! Will you hurry along with that Emerald? Snively steps out of the hoverpod with the stolen Chaos Emerald, but trips over the step. The Chaos Emerald flies out of his hands. SNIVELY: Oops! CRABMEAT: Yikes! In what seems like slow-motion, the Emerald falls toward the ground...and shatters like glass. But nothing else happens. SNIVELY: I didn't hear a boom! Are we dead? ROBOTNIK: Look at all that glass...*tsk*...Crabmeat, will you have that cleaned up before someone cuts themself? CRABMEAT: Glass? SNIVELY: Glass! ROBOTNIK: Of course...I had a Ringleader fly in hours ago with the REAL Emerald. I couldn't risk the chance that the hedgehog might be watching us. SNIVELY: *Getting up off the ground* Very clever, sir. You left no chance to take. ROBOTNIK: Not when dealing with a force of this power, Snively. There's no such thing as being too careful. Inside the control center, Metal Sonic moves a chair back into place, vainly attempting to communicate with the mysterious voice. METAL SONIC: Heeellllllooooo? .... Are you still here? .... I'd like a few answers, please... STRANGE VOICE: The answers lie within yourself. Find them. METAL SONIC: Look, I've had a bad day! I'm in no mood for cheesy dialogue... *No response* METAL SONIC: And will you quit tuning out on me like that? It's getting on my nerves! At this point, Robotnik walks in surrounded by Snively and Crabmeat. ROBOTNIK: Metal Sonic, who are you talking to? CRABMEAT: Um, Metal's had kind of a bad day, your eggness. *whispering* He's been hearing voices, too...he needs a bit of repair work... ROBOTNIK: I see...well, Metal, you can take the rest of the night off. METAL SONIC: There is nothing wrong with me... CRABMEAT: *tsk* That's what they all say before they get trotted down to the funny farm... METAL SONIC: Look, I don't have to take this lip from a mechanical crustacean! ROBOTNIK: Look, I'm in a good mood! Let's not spoil it! Snively, bring me a tall, cool glass o' the good stuff! Snively walks off to fetch a glass of "the good stuff", as Robotnik speaks into an intercom microphone. ROBOTNIK: Ringleader 45C! Report to central control stat now! METAL SONIC: Dr. Robotnik, would this little 'celebration' happen to be about the "Heavy Metal" scheme? ROBOTNIK: You are perceptive, even in your...unfortunate...state. Crabmeat smiles, as Metal flashes him a dirty look... METAL SONIC: The plan is to harness the power of a Chaos Emerald and program the file into all the computers of Robotropolis, am I correct, sir? ROBOTNIK: That's right. I don't know what Crabmeat is talking about... you seem to be working fine to me. METAL SONIC: Thank you, sir. I assume this also means that I will be programmed with the "Heavy Metal" file as well? ROBOTNIK: Ofcourse! Everyone will get a turn! Metal Sonic hesitates, as Crabmeat realizes the question that's about to be asked. CRABMEAT: *nervously* Uh...I think I smell something burning in the generator plant! Bye! Crabmeat swoops out. METAL SONIC: If I may have the choice sir, I'd rather not have the "Heavy Metal" program installed in me. ROBOTNIK: Why not? METAL SONIC: Well...I just don't think it's safe to attempt harnessing the power of a Chaos Emerald. ROBOTNIK: But Metal, with the power of a Chaos Emerald burning inside your circuits, you would be invincible! You are already my most powerful badnik, so with the force of a Chaos Emerald you would be unstoppable! METAL SONIC: Please, Dr. Robotnik. I really don't want to be involved with a project this dangerous. Robotnik gazes into Metal's eyes for a few seconds, then walks over to his floating chair. ROBOTNIK: I'm afraid you don't have a choice, Metal. METAL SONIC: Sir, I wish you'd take this situation with a little more caution. There is no way to possibly predict or control a Chaos Emerald's force. ROBOTNIK: I am well aware of the danger involved. This is about power, Metal Sonic. If I can't have it in unlimited supply, I'd rather not have any at all. METAL SONIC: Sir, you are letting the possible rewards blind you to the fatal dangers! I must implore that you discontinue this whole project before -- ROBOTNIK: You WILL have the "Heavy Metal" program installed in you; you have NO CHOICE in the matter! Is that quite clear? Metal Sonic backs down. METAL SONIC: Yes, as you wish sir. Metal's eyes flash as the fire of rage burns silently within his soul. (Look, guys! More cheesy dialogue! Yay!) At this point, Snively returns with a glass of "the good stuff". SNIVELY: Here you are, sir. Robotnik takes a sip as the Ringleader flies in. RINGLEADER: I assume you want the Chaos Emerald, huh sir? ROBOTNIK: Ofcourse. Do you have it with you? RINGLEADER: No sir, I put it in a safe storage room down this hall! ROBOTNIK: Excellent! Take me there. RINGLEADER: Yes sir, your roundness! Follow me! The Ringleader leads Robotnik down a hall to a room and proudly opens the door. The small closet is empty except for a bare pedastal in the middle. Robotnik throws his glass of "the good stuff" over his shoulder. ROBOTNIK: I've had too much of this... RINGLEADER: Something wrong, sir? ROBOTNIK: I can't seem to see the Chaos Emerald, Ringleader... The Ringleader turns around, only to see what Robotnik does... nothing! RINGLEADER: What? How could? I don't...I'm sure it was...I know I put it- ROBOTNIK: Snively! Snively, will you please get over here for a moment? Snively runs up. SNIVELY: Yes sir? ROBOTNIK: Look into this closet and tell us what you see. SNIVELY: Um...an empty pedestal, sir. ROBOTNIK: So, you see no Chaos Emerald on it? SNIVELY: Yes sir, I see no Chaos Emer--I mean, NO sir, I see no Chaos... I mean, I don't see any...OH, I SEE NOTHING!!! ROBOTNIK: Thank you, Snively. The scream that followed echoed throughout Robotropolis. Back in Knothole Village, Princess Sally turns the key to a medium-sized one-story building. The key unlatching makes a louder noise than usual, as the sound echoes against the trees in the brisk night air. She enters the Knothole Village Jail Compound with Sonic and Ari. SALLY: I really don't know if this is such a good idea...these men are criminals... ARI: Under the heavy breath of evil, the wall of moral differences fades as the people put away their disagreements and combine forces for the good of all creation. SONIC: Ooh...profound...or confound...the world may never know. SALLY: Speaking of CON... The threesome walked up to the first cell, containing Wess Weasely, convicted on numerous charges of false advertising and several illegal money-making schemes. WESS: I simply must complain about this food! It taste like that fish by-product I was trying to pass as Super SPAM, the energetically-charged meat spread... SONIC: Well, that's what it is... WESS: Ooh, you people put a whole new meaning on the cliche "Eat your words"... SALLY: That's not what we came here to see you about, Wess... WESS: I am not to be held responsible for any deaths due to the patented Twistie Rib-Tickler. It's in the fine print on the sales documents. Wess slaps a piece of paper into Sally's face from behind the bars. Sally tosses the paper. SALLY: Wess, we came here to free you under temporary custody. WESS: Huh? *smiling* This is a joke, right? Am I on TV? Where's the hidden camera? Wess pulls out a pair of shades and a polka-dotted pair of boxer shorts, and begins mindlessly moving around the room looking for a hidden camera that isn't there. WESS: While I'm here, I'd like to tell all of you watching at home about the exciting new Bungee Shorts! SONIC: Only Wess Weasely could turn Candid Camera into QVC... SALLY: Wess, will you please get hold of yourself. You're NOT on TV. WESS: You made me waste that perfectly good sales pitch on stone walls? SALLY: We've come to get your help in a dire situation that concerns the fate of the planet. WESS: Oh, no! The shopping network went off the air! My hopes and dreams have been smashed! SALLY: No. Robotnik has obtained a Chaos Emerald. WESS: Oh, is that all? You gave me a real scare there, palsies! ARI: We're willing to offer you a reasonable price for your services... WESS: Ooh, now you're talking my language! Sally opens the cage as Sonic slaps a pair of handcuffs on Wess. WESS: What's up, palsies? Don't ya trust me? ARI: Merely security precautions. WESS: This guy talks in big words...bad for advertising... Sonic, Sally, Ari, and Wess walk down a few cells to the next occupied one. Inside is Drago, a former member of the Wolf Pack who was convicted of treason on a grand scale and assault & battery, among smaller charges. Drago does not acknowledge the foursome, but just stands silently in a shadow in the corner. SALLY: I really think we should reconsider this before it's too late. ARI: The only way we'll know when it is "too late" is when the entire planet of Mobius lie in ruins from Robotnik's overwhelming destructive power. SONIC: Translation: It ain't over 'till the fat lady sings, and Drago ain't a fat lady. WESS: Neither is Robotnik. SONIC: No, but he's fat...one outta two is better than zip outta two. SALLY: Somehow, your logic doesn't seem very reassuring... SONIC: C'mon, Sal...go for it! Like you said, no matter what we stand to lose, we stand to lose much more if ol' Egg-Belly succeeds. Sally hesitates, sighs, then opens Drago's cell. Drago does not budge. SALLY: Drago, Robotnik threatens the entire planet of Mobius with the power of a Chaos Emerald. You are hereby ordered to fight in this battle as a service to the kingdom. Drago speaks not a word, but gets up and allows Sonic to handcuff him without the slightest hint of resistance whatsoever. ARI: We appreciate your cooperation. DRAGO: I consider this small punishment after being spared the wrath of my original sentence to the Devil's Gulag. SONIC: Ooh...more cheesy melodramatic dialogue...who's writing this anyway? Sally uneasily stares at Drago. SONIC: And I know just who's in the next cell! Please, Sal! Let me do this one! SALLY: Sonic, don't bothe- SONIC: Don't mind if I do! Sonic zoomed up to the last cell and begins speaking before looking. SONIC: Well, if it isn't my old pal Nack the Weasel- Sonic suddenly notices that the cell is empty and the door is unlocked. SONIC: Hey! Where's Nack? SALLY: I guess you didn't hear, Sonic. Nack escaped two weeks ago, and noone's found him yet. SONIC: Say what? I didn't hear about that! ARI: Not even steel bars will stand in the way of a wandering soul. SONIC: Yeah, Nack's a slick one...lead sneakers couldn't hold him in place... Nack the Weasel lies back against a palm tree in the Great Turquoise Zone. The moon reflects on the quiet water lapping up on the coast. Far across the bay, the city lights of the Casino Night Zone can be seen, illuminating the horizon. When not searching for treasure or hiring himself out as a bounty hunter, Nack was most likely in the Casino Night Zone, gambling away his riches without a care in the world. Nack is currently thinking to himself... NACK: Well, Nack...you've scored alot of great booty in your time, but today...today you outdid yourself! Nack walks over to his air bike, the Marvelous Queen, and opens the basket in the back. His face is illuminated with a green light, as he lifts a gem...it's a Chaos Emerald. NACK: A Chaos Emerald! Snatched right from under the Eggman's nose! Now, comes the ultimate decision. Sell it back to Eggy, sell it to the highest bidder, or use the power for myself? *** End of Part 5 ***