All right! Has anyone read the outline for the would-have-been third season of the SATam Sonic show? Well, I did. And I decided to do a short little story about part of it! If you want, you can read the outline, as told to Alessandro Sanasi by Ben Hurst (one of the writers for the SATam show). I got it off Dan Drazen's FAQ. It's at the bottom (Cause it's got SPOILERS!). Ok, I guess the ideas in this story are (c) DIC. However, the story is (c) 98 by me, Allison M. Fleury All "Sonic the Hedgehog" characters and related indicia (c) and TM Sega. Used without permission. Oh yeah, my email is: lupienne@aol.com Send those comments! This document may be freely distributed, as long as it's not altered in any way. Ok, peoples, this story contains: some violence & swearing... just a warning... Just a note: these ~~ indicate thought! "The New Season" By Allison M. Fleury They must've known he was low on SWATbots. It was true, without Robotnik breathing down his neck and the motivation of his fists, Snively admitted, he'd been lazy. He'd slept in late, putting the low-intelligence SWATbots in charge. He knew if he'd used his own brain, his own intellect, the Freedom Fighters wouldn't be here. They were coming in, destroying all the 'bots who stood in their way, intent on the command center. He knew from the glint in Sonic's eyes that they were coming for him. "You try it, hedgehog, and it's the last thing you'll do." Snively's eyes narrowed and his fingers touched the laser rifle leaning against the console. If the hedgehog made it this far, the only way he would get over the threshold of the command room door was to topple over it, a neat laser hole in his head. He watched the surveillance monitors, counting the 'bots as the little brats trashed them. 78...79...the 80th bot fell to a karate kick by Bunnie. He didn't have too many...350 at yesterday's count. And at least a hundred of those were posted away from the command center, not even aware of the hedgehog's presence. A SpyEye floated too close to the action, and Sonic grabbed it, staring into the lens of the camera that sent its transmissions to the command room's surveillance monitors. "Look here, Snobley, you misewell come out now, wavin' the ole white flag. Cause you're going down." Then he turned, throwing the SpyEye at a SWATbot sneaking up behind him. The last thing Snively heard before the camera shorted out was the squeal of metal as Sonic buzzsawed through the 'bot. A frustrated whimper broke from Snively's throat. ~~I can get away, he thought, there's an emergency hover-unit nearby.~~ He knew if caught by the princess, he would be charged with, and indeed he had committed, the crimes of murder, attempted murder, enslavement, child abuse, torture, treason... If the first five crimes didn't gain him the death penalty, the last certainly would; the punishment for treason was always death. There would be no mercy for him. Then he leapt from the chair and ran down the hallway, ran until he reached a huge door. After a thumb-print and retina scan, the door slid open. Robotnik had wanted no chances of anyone unwanted getting in or out of this door; the two scans were required to open the door from both sides. The room he entered wasn't really big. One wall was mostly a window, looking down into a chamber below. On one end of the chamber was a huge, closed door. The entrance to the Void. Behind those doors was the swirling purple and yellow whirlpool, like a black hole, but not black; the wormhole that led to the Void. Snively stared down at the doors, thinking. He hadn't come to this place for a safe haven; he knew the Freedom Fighters could get through the door if they really wanted to. No, rather, he came to this place to bring back the one who'd ruled Robotropolis before. The thought made him growl in anger, and he slammed his fist down on the control console for the Void. Way back, Robotnik had betrayed Naugus, and deleted the retrieval programs that would pull Nagus back out of the Void. But the programs had never really been deleted. Just buried under a load of other files and programs. (Ok: flashback time) A few weeks after the disaster of Doomsday, Snively had discovered that Robotnik wasn't really dead. He had been reading, loving his new freedom, when the monitor in his new room (Robotnik's old room, heh heh) began to blink insistently. Caught up in the book, one of his 'action-romances', Snively hadn't noticed the blinking at first. But his eyes missed little, and he looked over at the screen. "Snively," it read. He stood up, and walked over to the computer. Hesitantly, he typed in, "Yes?" "It's me." "Who?" "Robotnik." Snively gasped aloud, his eyes blinking a few times in disbelief. "No. He's dead." "No. I am alive." "But how?" Snively sat down in the chair, eyes riveted to the screen. "It's Naugus' doing. When the energy from the Deep Power Stones was released by that blasted hedgehog, the Void...popped... for lack of a better word, open." "Yes?" "My hovercraft went crazy. Naugus managed to pull me in. But he didn't have time to get out." "Naugus turns to crystal outside the Void." Snively frowned as his fingers typed in the words. "Yes...but Naugus has discovered a cure. Next time that Void opens he will be able to get out. And he intends to be leader." "In his dreams." "Snively, the retrieval programs were never deleted. I had a back-up copy. You must use them, and get me out of here. Then we can devise a way to keep that Void shut once and for all." Snively tapped his fingers on the desktop for a moment, his frown deepening. Then his fingers were at the keys again. "I seem to recall...Julian, that you left me to die in the Doomsday building, while you took off in that hovercraft. The place was falling apart right on top of us, and you had to get selfish, didn't you?" "Snively..." "Shut up. You expect me to help you? After all the shit you've put me through?" "Snively, how dare you..." "Oh, screw off." "Sniv..." "I'm going." "NO!" An evil smile crossed Snively's face; he could feel the desperation in that little two-letter word. ~~Poor poor Uncle Julian. The fat ass has really got himself in a spot this time, hasn't he?~~ "And why not?" Snively replied. It took a while for Robotnik to reply. "Because Naugus keeps... changing me...into different things...and other unpleasant...things..." Snively shrieked with laughter as he recalled Naugus's magic turning Robotnik into a crow, a pig, a slug... "You'd better not be laughing, Snively." Still snickering, Snively typed, "Why not? It's funny." "How dare you laugh at me?" "How dare you order me around? You are in no position to give orders, Julian." "That's sir to you, Snively!" "Not anymore, Julian. In fact, I believe you should call me 'Lord Snively' from now on." "How dare..." "I dare because I can! You are no longer in power, Julian! Get it through your fat-laced brain!" Through the whole conversation, Snively couldn't stop laughing, a cruel ringing laughter. ~~My my, isn't this just amusing? Lard-ass thinks he can order me? I'm sorry, Julian, but it's my turn now...my turn to humiliate, to wreck you, to make you suffer.~~ "So, how are you contacting me, anyway?" "Well, Sniv..." "Hey!" "What?" "..." "What?" "..." "(Sigh) Well...Lord...Snively, Naugus' magic can create anything in the Void. He created several computers for himself. He's off somewhere now, and I'm using one of them." "Oooh, what if you get caught?" "..." Snively figured Naugus would punish Robotnik in some horrible way. It made him smirk; finally Robotnik was getting what he deserved. Snively couldn't even count the number of times he'd been slapped around by his uncle...and many times he had ended up bleeding, bruised, with broken bones...one time he'd been unconscious for an entire week, and awakened, only to scream from the pain that still racked his body. Now finally...finally, Robotnik was getting his, and although Snively couldn't see it, imagining it gave him intense pleasure. The conversation carried on for about an hour, until finally, Sniv cut it off. After turning off the monitor, he glanced at the clock. 2:00 am. He yawned, stretching leisurely, and slipped under the covers. A sweet satisfied smile graced his face as he fell asleep. But no smile touched Snively's face now, as he stared down at the Void doorways. The Freedom Fighters were coming for him, and the only way he could think to stop them was to bring Robotnik back. The shock of seeing the fat tyrant would make the Freedom Fighters back off. But the thought of Robotnik back in command made Snively dig his nails into his palms hard enough to draw blood. With a deep sigh, he began to search for the hidden retrieval program. After sifting through many files on the computer, Sniv finally found the program. He sighed again, closed his eyes, and pressed the button to activate the program. The doors in the chamber opened, and he peered down into the room. The swirling Void could be seen now. The Void emitted a wind that sucked everything into it, much like a whirlpool. The retrieval programs reversed the wind, pulling everything out. He waited. And waited. Then finally, a large red-clad figure was deposited on the floor of the chamber. Robotnik stood up. Snively noted that his outfit, that terrible gaudy outfit that made his eyes hurt, was torn and ripped, stained with dirt and sweat. ~~I bet he smells just peachy.~~ "Snively!" yelled Robotnik, his voice strangely desperate. "Close the doors!" Snively snickered a little at Robotnik's groveling, but moved to close the doors. But before he could press the button, he heard Robotnik shriek. It was a shriek of fear, and it raised the fine hairs on the back of Sniv's neck. He'd never heard that sound from his uncle before, and although it was creepy, it also sent shivers of delight down his spine. He pivoted around to look down through the window. Another figure was rising to its feet. A strange creature it was, with a single horn, a long white beard and a crab claw. Sniv's eyes widened. Naugus! Then he noticed another figure, laying limp. It slowly sat up. A regal face was bestowed on the third man that had emerged from the Void. His tail, long and luxurious, curled around his feet. He had a neat mustache, that complimented his face, unlike Robotnik's goofy one. Neither Robotnik nor Naugus had really frightened Snively, but this face sent a rush of fear through him, making his teeth chatter. ~~God...by God...it's the king...the king...~~ The king who would punish his traitorous warlord, and his traitorous warlord's nephew most severely. Then Snively shook his head. ~~King Acorn is no longer the king. I'll just have him killed, none of this Void nonsense. And as for Robotnik, once he frightens off those Freedom Fighters with his sudden appearance, I'll get rid of him too. And Naugus along with him.~~ Robotnik tried to run for the door that led out of the chamber. But he was suddenly frozen in place as energy leaped off Naugus' hand. "Seems my cure worked-we are no longer crystal," Naugus said to King Acorn. The King nodded. Naugus looked up. "Ah, it's Shrimpy." "That's Snively." Nagus wheezed in amusement. "That's right. Snively. Adeptly named, that one." Snively scowled, then froze as King Acorn's eyes looked up and locked sternly with his. "Yes. The other traitor." Snively glared down at the king and felt a sense of triumph as King Acorn looked away. Then he turned his gaze on Naugus. "You're not planning on taking over, are you?" The little man's eyes narrowed to slits. "Because you won't succeed." Nagus wheezed again. "Is that so, boy?" "Yes." The wizard laughed heartily. "We'll see about that, small one." Spiderweb-cracks appeared in the glass in front of Snively. He stepped back nervously. Then the entire window crashed down, pieces bouncing off the console. Sniv jumped back, hands automatically flying up to protect his face. Naugus, looking somewhat silly, levitated off the ground, hovering in front of the broken window. Then he floated into the room, his feet coming to rest on the ground. "Cocky now?" he asked. Blue eyes widened, Snively grabbed for the pistol in his belt. But as he drew it out, his hand was struck with pain, as if a knife had stabbed him. He yelped. The pistol clattered to the ground. Nagus didn't usually use physical powers to intimidate, but he couldn't resist. His crab claw hand closed around the throat of Robotnik's little nephew, the serrated edges digging into that delicate skin. A soft gasp escaped Sniv's lips, but he tried to look fearless. Narrowing his eyes, he glared at the wizard. Naugus simply smiled back, his shark-like teeth gruesome, and that claw tightening. Snively struggled for air, feeling the steak-knife-like inside of Naugus' claw gouging his skin, and drops of blood rolling down his neck onto his collar. "So, are you going to challenge me?" asked Nagus. "Fight it out for the leadership?" Squirming in Naugus' grip, Snively tried to pry the claw off his neck. ~~If only I could get away~~...he thought. But then what? But the claw tightened more, and the pain made Snively realize just how deeply the saw-teeth of that claw were digging. If Naugus tightened any more, he was going pierce the vital jugular vein, and blood would spray everywhere, splattering Naugus, soaking his clothes, drenching the floor. Snively went limp in Naugus' grip, his eyes lowered in defeat. Nagus sensed the submissive attitude, and released Snively. Snively's hand flew to his throat, feeling for injuries. He had several deep cuts, oozing blood. But nothing serious. Wheezing, Naugus looked down at Robotnik, who was still frozen in place. King Acorn was leaning against the wall, looking weary. "Now, both of you pathetic former leaders will serve me!" The wizard threw his hands towards the ceiling, cackling maniacally. His shadow, distorted into a massive shape, quivered on the wall. As it fell on Robotnik, the fat man trembled in fear. ************************ "So...Naugus is in charge?" Princess Sally stared at the twisted spire of Robotropolis that loomed in the distance. They had been driven back from the city by powerful bursts of magic, and now stood on the edge of the forest. A gray wasteland stretched from the edge of the trees to the city. "I guess so," said Sonic. "And here I thought we'd have it easy with just Snobley around." The princess's midnight blue eyes were distant. "Sonic...what if...what if my father got out of the Void too...?" "Hey, Sal, that'd be great!" said Sonic. "Yeah. It sure would!" chimed in Tails. Sally smiled ruefully. "Yes, it would, but not if the crystallization side-effect still exists." "Aw, Sally-girl, we'll figure somethan' out. Don't ya be worryin' yar pretty little head about nothin'." "Thanks, Bunnie." Sally smiled warmly at her best friend, who was always there with an encouraging word or smile. *********************** "P...pl...please N...N...Naugus, please... I'm sorry. I'll get to work right away." The groveling tone, combined with Robotnik's deep gravely voice, was an amusing sound. Naugus sat in Robotnik's throne, watching as Robotnik scurried about in front of the giant computer's console, working fervently. Snively was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. Naugus hadn't made him do anything yet. He had been rather entertained by watching Robotnik slave for the past three days. Absentmindedly, he scratched at the white bandage wrapped around his throat, smiling slightly as Robotnik turned to Naugus, trembling. "Master...the second SWATbot factory is back on-line." ******************** "I can't stand it. He treats me like some...some peon, Snively. Like some slave that exists only to work for him. And he casts those confounded spells!" Robotnik's large meaty hands rubbed his...muzzle. His face was transformed into a scruffy-looking dog. Snively had already laughed his head off about the transformation, and now sat calmly, his hands cupped around a mug of warm coffee. Nagus had allowed Robotnik to stop for a short coffee/snack break. The fat man paced the dining room, a doughnut clutched in one hand, his coffee steaming on the table. "Oh really? Now, why does that sound familiar...?" Robotnik glanced at Snively. "What?" "Being treated like a slave." Robotnik's red pupils narrowed. "Oh yes," said Snively, pointing an accusing finger at his uncle. "You treated me like shit, Julian, worse than shit. I wasn't even going to bring you out of the Void, you know." Now that Naugus was in charge, and Robotnik was lowered even lower than he, Snively was no longer afraid of his uncle. What could the fat man do? If he tried to strike Snively, the little man would simply dodge. Something he'd never done before, considering he would have only got in more trouble for avoiding Robotnik. But now Julian was just a worthless, groveling lackey. "You have to help me get rid of him." "Oh, I do?" Robotnik finally lost his temper, lunging for Snively. His tiny nephew was quick though, slipping out of his chair to elude Robotnik's hands. "Come here!" bellowed Robotnik. His order had never failed before, and he expected Snively, shaking and muttering apologies, to come crawling up to his feet. But Snively merely cast him a haughty look and stood motionless. "You don't control me anymore, Julian," hissed Snively. Robotnik's eyes narrowed further at the menacing, openly defiant note in that statement. "I may not control you, Snively, but I can still hurt you!" He lunged again, moving surprisingly fast for such an obese man. Snively was yanked back by Robotnik's hand closing on his arm. His arrogance flew from him, and he yelped in fear. Robotnik slammed him against the wall, raising a fist. A satisfied smile crossed Robotnik's face as his fist slammed into his nephew's stomach, pushing all his air out in a -whoosh-. "What are you doing, slave?" Robotnik whirled around in surprise, eyes widening as he saw Naugus standing in the doorway. "N...n...nothing." "Release him." Robotnik let Snively drop to the floor. "Now get back to work!" Naugus raised his claw-hand threateningly. Robotnik trembled, feeling dreadfully weak and cowardly. He looked back at his nephew, who seemed to be recovering from the blow to his stomach. He realized now why Snively was such a freakin' little pansy. Because he was terrified. No wonder the little jerk had constantly stuttered and stumbled over his words in Robotnik's presence. Because fear had numbed his mind, making it hard to think and convey what he really wished to say. Naugus' brow knit together, annoyed by Robotnik's hesitation. The fat man saw, and quickly hurried out the door. Naugus watched Robo scurry down to the command center. Then he turned to Snively. "You, pointy-nosed one, have opened the Void, thus releasing me, and for that I am grateful. But not too grateful, mind you... You try anything against me, little one, and I'll see that you suffer." A faint light glowed around Naugus' claw and Snively felt his ribcage tighten, squeezing against his lungs. He fought for air. Then Naugus waved his hand, and the pressure disappeared. "You understand?" Naugus' breathy voice sounded like an old asthma-ridden man, but Snively knew better than to laugh. "Yes." "You stay out of my way, and I shall not bother you." Naugus' eyes glowed red for a moment, then he turned and left. Snively sighed, rubbing his sore stomach. Naugus was indeed intimidating, but there was a certain...stableness...to him that Robotnik lacked. Naugus wouldn't just fly into a rage and attack. ************** For the next few days, there was nothing amiss. Robotropolis slowly recovered from the Freedom Fighter attacks that had followed after the Doomsday explosion. Robotnik was rapidly learning the art of groveling, and Snively was growing increasingly bored. Snively never thought he'd actually WANT to work, but now that there was nothing to do, he was going crazy. Naugus gave him no tasks, and he simply wandered around, or read his books. He had more time to sit down, eat a snack, drink some coffee, but that only made it worse; the caffeine making him high-strung. Robotnik, however, regularly dented the walls of his new tiny room every night. The frustration of being a mere lackey, when he was once supreme ruler, made him furious. At first, he rebelled against Naugus, cursing at him and refusing to work. The wizard knew many spells...and most of them were worse than that shape-changing gag. The pain made Robotnik scream, made him beg, and whimper apologies. After Naugus released his magic, Robotnik was quick to do whatever Naugus had told him. Whenever he passed Snively in the hallway, his nephew would smile sweetly, blue eyes sparkling, and casually raise his middle finger. If Robotnik tried to lunge at him, Snively would simply duck under his arms and run down the hallway, laughing hysterically. ~~I can't stand it! I MUST get rid of Naugus! Once and for all...I will kill that wretched wizard!~~ **************** King Acorn paced the cell, deep in the bowels of Robotropolis. "Ah, my dear Sally...where are you?" His pale blue eyes watered slightly, and the squirrel gently brushed the tears away. He peered out the tiny cell window. No consonance came to him from that view; it was just more metal buildings and smog-filled skies, all reminders of what had happened to his beautiful city. "Ah, my darling Sally!" he cried again, the image of his daughter strong in his mind. If only he could hold her, if only he could hear her voice. He had seen his daughter briefly, about six months ago, when he and Naugus had escaped the Void with the help of Sonic. Outside the Void, they had discovered the crystallization side effect, and he had to reenter the Void, leaving his daughter behind. But for that brief time, he had seen how tall she'd grown, and how strongly her features had resembled her mother's. Her hair was no longer styled in a ponytail, but in a shorter cut that framed her beautiful face. And her voice had lost the high pitch of childhood, gaining a strong, sure, womanly quality. He sighed heavily, tears flooding his vision. He had missed years and years of his precious daughter's life... A raspy voice broke King Acorn out of his reverie. "Ah, Maximillion. So glad to see you again. Isn't it splendid to be free from the Void?" The squirrel crossed his arms over his chest. "Why are you keeping me here, Naugus?" Naugus laughed wheezily. "Because, you will not be leader." King Acorn's eyes narrowed. "Let me out, Naugus." "I think not," said the wizard. He turned to somebody standing down the hallway. "Bring me a drink!" "Yes master." King Acorn listened to the heavy footsteps that faded away down the hall. "Wasn't that Robotnik?" "Yes," said Nagus. "But that's not important." A cruel smile sat upon the wizard's toothy mouth. "I have a plan for you... Maximillion Acorn...involving you and your Sally." "If you hurt her..." "Not to worry, I only wish to capture her." Robotnik came running down the hall, panting. He handed Naugus a can of oil. "What is this?!" "A drink, master," groveled Robotnik. Naugus popped open the can. Then he turned and emptied the contents of the can over Robotnik's head. Sputtering, the fat tyrant backed away as energy glowed around Naugus' claw. "You may drink this, slave, but I DO NOT!! Get me something REAL to drink!" Robotnik nodded, and ran off. Maximillion stifled a laugh. ************** "Something real, something real...I'll show you something real!" Robotnik laughed, as he filled a cup with coffee. Some powdered poison was carefully stirred into the coffee. "Conniving, are we?" Robotnik looked over at the door, to see Snively leaning against the doorframe, smiling evilly. "It would be just awful if Naugus found out about this, wouldn't it?" "You tell him, Snively, and I'll..." threatened Robotnik. "You'll what?" demanded his nephew. Robotnik let out a scream of pure rage. ~~That's it. This little bastard's dead, and then it's Naugus' turn!! How dare they defy me!!!~~ Snively just laughed. "Good luck, Julian...you'll need it." He turned and left. Robotnik frowned heavily, picked up the cup, and returned to the cells. ****************** ~~Hmmm, guess I was wrong...~~ Snively flinched as another bolt of magic hit Robotnik. ~~Guess he does lose his temper...~~ Robotnik begged for mercy. Chest heaving, Naugus' eyes blazed with anger. Magical energy enveloped his crab claw, and he sent another burst at Robotnik. The fat man howled in agony as magic sank into him, frying his nerves--Naugus was very skilled with electrical magic. Snively had been on his way to his bedroom, but had stopped to peer into the command center, hearing screaming. Naugus had drank the poisoned coffee. However, it turned out that the poison, normally fatal to most creatures, only caused Naugus a mild stomachache. The wizard had found out about the poison, and his temper had obviously fled him. He'd been torturing Robotnik for at least fifteen minutes now. Eyes riveted, Snively was peeping around the open door into the huge command room. The screams were unpleasant, and he wished to leave. But his feet ignored him, and his eyes would not be moved from the scene. Robotnik was rolling around like an oversized beach ball caught in a strong wind. Naugus' hideous face was contorted with rage, and his eyes fairly glowed from the power within him. Finally, Naugus lowered his claw. Robotnik was crying, actually crying, on the floor. "Poor baby," muttered Snively, a faint smile touching his lips. Naugus looked over at him. "Do you know what he did, pointy-nose?" Snively's eyes widened innocently. "No." "He attempted to poison me...however, his pathetic toxins had no result on me." "Hmmm." "Did you know about his plan?" "Me?" "Yes, you." "No...I didn't know." Nagus's eyes narrowed. "You knew, didn't you, puny one? And you failed to tell me." Snively shook his head. "I swear, I didn't know" Magic was glowing around the wizard's claw again. "Come here." Those two words brought trembling to Snively's body...so many times had those words resulted in him being brutally beaten. But he obeyed, walking shakily into the command center to stand before the wizard. Nagus gripped Snively's chin with his normal hand and stared hard into his eyes. "You knew. I can see it in your eyes." "But...but....it didn't hurt you..." "So...you admit you were on Robotnik's side?" "No! That's not..." "Silence!" The magic glowed brighter. "I warned you about mutiny, little one. I have no use for you. Robotnik I shall keep, scheming as he is, but you...there is no need to keep you alive." Snively's eyes widened. "You can't..." Then Naugus' claw clamped around his neck, glowing with blue energy. An agonized howl broke from Snively's throat as electricity flowed from the claw to him, ripping through his body mercilessly. His fingers flexed uncontrollably, every muscle tensed up painfully, and he screamed for Naugus to stop, oh God, please stop... Naugus released Robotnik's nephew after a few minutes. The tiny man slid to the ground, unconscious, face still frozen in an expression of pure anguish. "One more chance then, pointy-nose. One more chance for you." The wizard sank down in his throne. Robotnik hurried about, working furiously. ********************** "Sally, you can't just rush in!" "Sonic, that's my father." "But Sal, it's a trick! We need a plan." Princess Sally turned to Sonic, crossing her arms over her hest. "Since when have you ever needed a plan?" "Since now." Sally clutched a piece of paper in her hand. It was soft and damp from her sweaty grip, but the words were still legible: Dear friends, Naugus is still in charge. I thought it was funny at first, but it seems Naugus is possible more crueler than Robotnik. Robotnik tried to poison him the other day, but Naugus found out. He punished Robotnik real good. Naugus was going to kill Snively (because he knew about the poison, but didn't tell Naugus), but he just fried him with electricity until he passed out. Believe me, it is not a pretty sight down here. But, that's not the important news. The important news is that King Acorn was also brought out of the Void. Naugus plans to use him to bait a trap. I believe he wants to catch Sally, and possibly Son' as well. If you come in to get him (he's in the cells), please, be very very careful...Naugus is a dirty one. ---Love, Uncle Chuck "Chuck said Naugus 'plans to use him'. Which means, he hasn't come up with a plan yet. Sonic, if we can get him out NOW, then we don't have to risk traps." "Fine," said Sonic. By the gleam in Sally's eyes, there was no way of talking her out of this. They headed towards Robotropolis. ******************* "Nagotropolis. Now that's original." Sonic twirled around, kicking down the sign at the edge of the city. "Ah must say, Ah like Mobotropolis the best." "We all do," sighed the princess. They moved into the city, slipping quietly through the alleyways. They made it to the cells with no problem. Seemed Nagotropolis was still low on SWATbots. At the sight of her father, who was sleeping in his cell, Sally practically jumped with joy. But they moved down the hallway, where the panel to the cells was located. On the panel was a hand-shaped touchpad, which preformed a hand-scan that was required to unlock the cell. The touchpad only recognized the hand-prints of Robotnik and Snively. A voice recognition was also required. Sally took out NICOLE. "NICOLE, play RBUNLOCK." "Playing Sally," responded the computer. There was a click and Robotnik's voice growled out of the speaker. "Unlock." "Voice recognized as Doctor Robotnik. Hand-scan required." "NICOLE, play RBYELL." "Playing Sally." There was another click and from NICOLE's speaker, Robotnik screamed, "Open up, you blasted thing, or I will personally rip out your motherboard!!" "Hand-scan unnecessary," droned the panel. The cell had no door really, just bars of electricity. The panel deactivated the electricity, leaving the cell open. King Acorn had awakened at the sound of Robotnik, and noticed his cell was open. Cautiously, he approached the hallway and looked both ways. A huge smile spread across his face as he saw his daughter. "Sally!" "Daddy!" squealed Sally, running down the hall. She launched herself at her father, who caught her and lifted her off the ground in a fierce embrace. He set her down, beaming. "My little Bean! God, am I happy to see you." His expression turned serious. "But it's dangerous here. Naugus is planning a trap." "We know, daddy. Uncle Chuck told us." "Sir Charles? I thought he was roboticized." "He was. But he got his free will back. Now he works as a spy for us." "He's extraordinary. I'm sure that makes you happy, Sonic." King Acorn looked over at the hedgehog. "Yeah, your highness, it does." "Hallo, yer Majesty," said Bunnie, curtseying. "None of these formalities, child. Is Knothole still intact?" "Yeah." "Good, good." The king looked anxious. "Let us go." ***************** Outside the command center, the group of four crept from shadow to shadow. Two SWATbots emerged from around a building and caught sight of them. "Master, the hedgehog has been spotted!" Naugus looked at the surveillance monitors. "Ah, he of the incredible speed. Fantastic!" Robotnik smiled nervously. "Well, slave?! Capture him!" "That is no easy task, master." Naugus frowned in annoyance. Feeling very lackey-ish, Robotnik quickly turned back to the control panel. "He's going all out today, isn't he?" asked Sonic, as they ducked into an alleyway to evade a group of SWATbots. "Oh poopy!" Another SWAT group came into the alley entrance in front of them. They whirled around, and sure enough, the robots behind them were blocking their rear exit. "We're trapped!" cried the king. "Don't worry," said Sonic. "I'll bowl right through 'em." He curled up for a spin-dash attack. A glob of green slime came out of one of the lead 'bot's gun. Drenched, Sonic found himself stuck to the ground. "Megamuck!" he yelped. "Damn," swore Sally, grabbing Sonic's arm. She struggled to pull him free. "Come on, help!" Bunnie and King Acorn grabbed ahold of Sonic also, but he was stuck fast. "Come on, guys!" yelled Sonic. The SWATs moved closer. "Unnnn...ugh...uh...come on..." growled Sally, the muscles in her arms bulging. "Surrender." The SWATs lifted their guns. **************** "The SWATs have him trapped, master," said Robotnik gleefully. "Good! Do those metal men have uh...those guns that bring sleep?" Robotnik thought for a moment. "Stun guns?" "Yes. That's it." "Yes, they do, master." "Tell them to use those. I want him alive!" Robotnik contacted the lead 'bot through the com link. "SWAT leader, switch to stun." "Confirmed." There was a high-pitch whine as the guns warmed up to stun. King Acorn hugged Sally to him as the guns took aim. Then the lead 'bot stood still and droned. "Priority one-hedgehog, Overridden. Revert to Priority Two-return to stations." The robots nodded at each other, and then left. "What the hoo hah?" asked Bunnie. "Who cares?" shrugged Sonic. "Grab on!" Sally leapt into his arms. "Grab onto Sonic, yer Majesty," said Bunnie. The King did so, and Bunnie clutched the king around the waist. "You ready?" asked Sonic. "Ready!" "Hold on tight!" Sonic revved up, and then took off. Robotnik gasped. "That does not sound good," snarled Nagus. "What has happened?" His eyes sought out the surveillance monitors. "The metal men are leaving-why?" "They've received a signal," Robotnik said nervously, watching Sonic and Co. disappear out of the city. "They're reverting to Priority 2-to guard their stations." "Did you give the signal?" "No, master. Of course not." "Where has this signal come from?" "It came...from some sort of remote control. Like the one Snively..." Robotnik's voice trailed off and his eyes narrowed. ~~I knew I should've taken that remote away from him...he's using it to get me in trouble!~~ The small red remote could control most of the robots in Robotropolis, and Snively usually carried it around in his pocket. He used it to zap disobeying 'bots and had once fried the circuits of Robotnik's beloved pet chicken, Cluck (he had received a severe beating for that!). "So," said Naugus, scratching his beard, "So, this is the doing of the pointy-nose?" "Yes, yes it is," growled Robotnik, his fists clenching. ~~Ooh Snively, the camel's back is broken from this last straw. When I get my hands on you, dear dear nephew, you'll be the one who's broken! I'll crush your little skull, I'll rip your lungs out of your chest, I'll castrate you, you little bastard!!~~ ***************** Around the king's feet, joyful bodies knelt and gazed up at the monarch happily. "Come now," said the king, smiling. His eyes wandered over the landscape of Knothole. "Please, rise!" The citizens of Knothole clambered to their feet. "For now, I am not king and I require no special attentions. Rather it is you I should kneel before--you are brave, strong; the noblest group I have ever encountered." He smiled again. "And I am proud to call myself a Freedom Fighter!" The crowd cheered. " "Your Majesty, should we still call you king?" asked Rotor. "It is not necessary. You may call me Max, if you wish." ***************************** Sliding on his belly, Snively crawled through the air duct tunnels that ran along the ceilings and through the walls of the main egg-shaped building. He had been in here for hours, hiding out. The remote was in his pocket. ~~God, I have to pee.~~ Squirming on his belly like this put maddening pressure on his bladder, and it took effort not to wet his pants. Besides that, he was still in pain from the electricity Naugus had fried his nerves with, and tremors shook his body occasionally. He wiggled down the tunnel, and saw light streaming up from a grate. The grates were scattered around everywhere in the tunnels; they let air travel out of the air ducts and into the building. He looked down through the grate, and saw a bedroom. Who's bedroom it was, he couldn't tell. He saw only the corner of a bed. There was no noise from below. "Should I go down?" he whispered. "Or not?" Naugus, and probably Robotnik as well, would seriously maim him after that little trick with the remote early that morning. But his need to find a bathroom, and quickly, made his decision for him. He grabbed the grate with both hands. He pulled up. Nothing happened. He gave it a hard downward push, expecting it to resist. But it flew out, clattering onto the floor below, and the force of his push made him fall through the hole. "Ahh!" he yelped, dangling half-in, half-out of the hole. He wiggled his legs inside the tunnel, trying to get his front half back into the duct. Then the door opened. Robotnik entered his room and immediately stopped. Hanging upside down from the opened grate in the air duct was his nephew. Then he ran over, reached up, and grabbed Snively by the arms, pulling him out. "There you are! I'm going to kill you!" Snively struggled, but Robotnik's hands were closed around his chest, holding him firmly. "Let go! I've got to piss!" said Snively. That was about the only thing on his mind at the moment, trying as he was to hold it in. "Then piss," growled Robotnik, drawing back a fist. He slammed it into Sniv's stomach, and then dropped him to the floor. There was a sense of vast relief, as the force of the blow was too much on Sniv's poor bladder, causing it to spill its contents. Then shame as Snively realized he was soaking wet. And then finally, fear, as he looked up and saw his very angry uncle, fists clenched, glaring down at him. "You little bastard," said Robotnik. "What the hell were you doing?! Trying to get me in trouble?!" "No..." said Snively. Now that he thought about it, he had no idea why he'd saved the Freedom Fighters. Robotnik bellowed in fury and lunged at his nephew. But Snively skittered out of the way, pushed open the door, and ran off down the hallway. Robotnik pursued him, but stopped, panting. "I'll -pant- get you some other time, Snively. Whew..." Robotnik wiped sweat off his brow and returned to his room. Snively stopped by his room quickly. After changing his soaked clothes, he grabbed a few things and shoved them into a bag. "I've got to get out of here before Naugus finds me," he muttered, slinging the bag over his shoulder. He crept out into the hallway, casting hunted glances around. Two SWATbots spotted him on the lower floors, but they were not programmed to pursue him. Not yet, anyway. Out in the streets, he felt a bit more vulnerable. SpyEyes whirled about everywhere, and they had the habit of sneaking up behind someone and following them around. If one started to tag along behind him, then he was sure to be spotted on the surveillance monitors. He avoided the floating cameras by staying in the shadows. One headed his way, and he panicked. But then he remembered the remote in his pocket. He pulled it out, aimed it at the SpyEye, and pressed the button. The camera changed course. "Whew," he sighed. ***************************** "Ah reckon, that Naugus is up to no good. But Ah shore hate guardin' these posts, 'specially late at night. Oh well, ole Rotor'll be here pretty soon." Bunnie was staring out the tiny window in the guard post that sat on the eastern boundary of Robo...er Nagotropolis. The landscape outside was a few bushes, a stunted tree, and a quiet stream that was a little less than clean. Now that Naugus was there, they had to be extra careful; keeping an eye on Nagotropolis at all times...they didn't know this wizard's style yet. Over the years, Robotnik had grown more or less predictable. He surprised them every once in a while. But even with Doomsday, they had known about it months before it was even completely built (thanks to Uncle Chuck). But this Naugus...he was different, and his next move was a mystery. Bunnie sighed, and moved her eyes up to the stars, which were partially obscured by thin gray clouds. The moon was half-full, and dim eerie shadows were cast on the mostly bare ground outside. The air here was tinged with pollutants, making Bunnie twitch her nose and sneeze occasionally. Outside, she noticed a shadow that moved. It wasn't the shadows of clouds over the moon, or shadows from the rustling leaves on the tree. No...this was something alive. "Rotor?" she called. "Is that ya out there?" There was no answer. But the shadow on the ground froze. The upper part looked back and forth. "Rotor, are ya playin' a trick on me?" She moved towards the door and pushed it open. Her robotic feet clinked softly against pebbles at her feet. She made her way through the sparse bushes. Then she saw the figure standing, tense, trying to hide behind the tree. She ran towards it, knowing that it was not Rotor. The clouds blocked the moon, and the figure lost any definition. But Bunnie was not frightened; her legs flashed as she raced after the fleeing creature. Panting, the creature tried to elude her by zigzagging through the bushes. But Bunnie was not slowed. She simply leapt over the brush. She reached a hand out, and clamped it down on the figure's shoulder. Spinning off balance, they both went down. Fists lashed out at her, but Bunnie grabbed the wrists of the figure, and yanked it to its feet. "Uhhh...let go..." it whined. "Let me go!" The voice was unmistakable. Bunnie peered into her captive's face, seeing large frightened eyes in the dim light, and a sharp pointed nose. "Snively?" "Let go!" was his response. "Ah don't think so," she said, dragging him towards the guard post. "Let go!" he repeated, trying to break free. But her hand tightened on his arm hard enough to make him cry out in pain, and he ceased his struggle. The guard post was dark inside, so Bunnie turned on the small oil lamp that sat on the table. Normally, she didn't want to risk having the light on so close to the city, but she wanted a better look at her captive. "Sit down," she said, letting go of Snively, after closing the door. He obeyed, plopping down in a rickety wooden chair. She crossed her arms over her chest, looking down at him. "So, what are ya doin' here?" she demanded. He raised his eyebrows, and looked up at her silently. "Well?" He rose up, still silent, and moved to the door. She watched as he turned the knob. "Ahem." The door swung open. "Um...Snively," she said. "Come back here." He sighed loudly, and returned to the chair. Then he put his head in his hands and let out a peculiar half-sob. "Where would I go, anyway?" he whispered. "Aw, whatsa matter?" she cooed. He looked up at her. "Everything, Ms. Rabbot." "Like what?" Bunnie was staring at Snively's face as if intrigued, and indeed, she was. She leaned her face further into his, so her pink nose nearly touched his pointed one. "Ya know, Ah've never seen a human up close before," she stated suddenly. "I've never seen a rabbit up close before," he replied. "That's rabbot," she said, a touch of bitterness in her voice. "Thanks ta Robotnik, Ah'm stuck between robot an' animal." "That's too bad." "So, what are ya doin' here?" she asked again. He leaned back in his chair, trying to distance himself from her. She was making him nervous, staring at him with those thick-lashed green eyes. "Getting away from Naugus," he said. The chair slid and he nearly fell backwards. But Bunnie grabbed him by the shoulders, pulling him back up. He winced under her grip, biting back a whimper. "Are ya hurt?" she asked. "When am I not hurt?" he muttered, then raised his voice. "Nah ..Naugus just electrocuted me the other day, that's all." "Ya poor thang." He sighed. "Yes, I ran to get away from Naugus, and now I'm caught by you. I suppose you'll take me to the princess, I'll be charged guilty for my crimes, and before I know it, I'll be swinging from the rope." "Ah don't know. We don't kill that often." He narrowed his eyes, looking intently at her. "Really, Ms. Rabbot, you think a pitiful creature like myself with get any mercy? After the crimes I've committed against you? I've betrayed your king, killed your kin, I've destroyed your families, I've tortured your children, and you know what? I liked doing it." "Ya didn't." "I did." She leaned her face in, close enough to kiss, and hissed. "Ya didn't like it, Snively. Ah can see it in yer eyes." He closed them. "They lie." "Eyes don't lie." "Mine do. They've had to." Then his eyes flew open, startled, as Bunnie suddenly grabbed his hands in her paws. Her roboticized hand was cold against his skin. "Look, Ah ain't pretendin' ta like ya or anythang. But Ah know ya ain't evil. Ya don't have it in ya." He pulled his hands away. "You don't know anything. But, shall I tell you my reason for coming out here?" "Yeah, of course." "I wanted to join the Freedom Fighters." Her mouth opened in a round 'o' of surprise. Then she snapped it shut. "Ya see, ya ain't evil." "My motives are hardly pure, Ms. Rabbot," he said, with a chuckle. ~~What a wicked little snicker he has~~, she thought. "I thought it out. I join you. After you kick Naugus and Robotnik out of there, I'll resume my position as leader, and crush you once and for all." He said this with his eyes locked directly on her face, and she felt suddenly uneasy by the coldness in those blue depths. But she laughed. "So, we let ya help us, an' after we beat Naugus an' them, then we lock ya up. Simple as that." She giggled again. "Not wise ta reveal yer plans, little one." "By then, you will have forgotten this conversation, Ms. Rabbot," he said, staring off into the distance. ~~He looks stoned~~, she thought, and that thought set off more giggles. "Yes, yes, go ahead and laugh," he growled, momentarily losing his I'm-high look. "Bunnie!" The rabbit's ears perked up. She ran to the open door of the guard post. "Rotor!" She smiled cheerfully at the walrus as he made his way through the bushes. "Hey Bunnie! Brought you some tea." Rotor indicated the two thermoses he was carrying. "Got me some coffee." "Why thank ya, sugah." "No problem." He strode into the guard post, and set the thermoses on the table. "Oh, hiya, Snively. Wasn't expecting you." Then his eyes widened, and he turned to Bunnie. "Um...what's he doing here?" "He wants ta join us," said Bunnie. "What?" Rotor stared at the human, who stared balefully back. Although he was much bigger than Snively, Rotor still took a step back, made uneasy by the malicious gaze. "Him?" whispered Rotor into Bunnie's ear. "Last time I checked, he was an enemy." "Yeah, but seems he hates Naugus more than us," she whispered back. "I don't trust him." "It ain't up ta us, sugah. It's up ta Sally an' the king...er... Max--Ah ain't ever gonna get used ta that name!" "The king?" asked Snively, who had been eavesdropping. "He's in Knothole?" "Of course," said Bunnie. She saw a flicker of terror in the small human's eyes, but he looked away, trying to hide it. "Ah, told ya, we ain't gonna kill ya. Unlike that uncle of yers, we do believe in mercy, sugah. We forgive mistakes...we won't beat ya up fer them." He looked indignant. "He never..." "Don't give me that. We all know that Robotnik beat the crap out of ya." "No..." Rotor shook his head. "Are you sure about this, Bunnie?" "Dead shore. He's comin' with me." Rotor sighed, then finally nodded. "But blindfolded, ok?" "All right." "I won't give away your precious village, walrus," said Snively. "I'm against Naugus." He looked at Bunnie for a moment. "And Robotnik." She walked to the door. "Ya goin' be ok here, Rote?" "Oh yeah. Sure you can handle him by yourself?" "Yep." "Ok. Bye." "Bye." Bunnie beckoned towards Snively, and he stood up, walking over to her. Rotor handed her a bit of cloth, and she tied it around the human's eyes. "Jest in case," she said. ************** "Sally, come here," said Bunnie, waving from her hut. "And bring King Acorn." "That's Max," called the king gleefully, who had been trailing behind Sally. "Whatever. Jest come in here." Sally and Max entered. They saw Bunnie, brushing out her headfur while peering into her mirror. Curled up in her chair, reading, was Snively. Max briskly strode over, and grabbed him by the collar. He shook him fiercely. "Traitor! What are you doing here?" Snively's eyes widened. Bunnie laid her hand on Max's arm. "King...er...Max, Ah brought him here." Max released Snively. "Why? He is a traitor. And dangerous to us." Snively straightened his shirt with an indignant sniff. "He wants ta join us," said Bunnie. Sally laughed. "I'm sure." "It's true," said Snively, but shut up as King Acorn jabbed his nose. "Silence!" The king's brow wrinkled into angry folds. "You will be judged most severely, traitor." Max snatched Snively up again, and slammed him against the wall. "You know the punishment for treason?!" he bellowed. Bunnie reached out towards the king, but Sally grabbed her arm. "Don't Bun. He's angry...but he'll calm down on his own." "Do you?" yelled King Acorn. If Snively had an animal's ears, he would've flattened them flat against his skull; the loudness of King Acorn's voice both hurt and scared him. He whimpered pitifully, avoiding the king's eyes. "Look at me," growled the king, gripping his chin and staring into his face. "Do you know the punishment for treason?" "It's death," whined Snively. "God, you're going to kill me..." His eyes suddenly filled with tears. "Go ahead, kill me. Right now." "I should. But I am not the total ruler anymore. It is up to the court of Knothole to decide your punishment." "I deserve death," whispered Robotnik's nephew. King Acorn gazed hard at him. "Do you wish for death?" "I...I don't know." Tremors shook his body, and the tears spilled over his eyes, running down his face. "Bah." King Acorn threw Snively down onto the bed. "I shall have the court assembled tomorrow. Bring him to the jail, Bunnie. You should've done that before." "But he wasn't tryin' ta escape..." "Doesn't matter. He's a clever one. As is Naugus. This could all be a very elaborate trick." Max turned and looked again at Snively, who was wiping the tears from his cheeks. "Remember when you came into the Void the first time?" "Of course," said Sally. "Well, Naugus imitated me. He shape-shifted. Who's to say that that is not him?" He pointed at Snively. Bunnie nodded. "Of course, Yer...Max." She held her hand out for Snively, who took it. She pulled him off the bed. ********************* She locked the jail cell, then peered through the bars at Snively. "Sorry. Jest precautions, ya know." "Yes. But I'm not Naugus." He laughed bitterly. "Ah believe ya." She raised an eyebrow. "Do ya really want ta die?" He stared dully at the floor. "No. I don't why. My life is certainly not worth living." "Life is precious." "Don't give me your 'inspiring quote of the day' bullshit. Life sucks." He looked over at her, eyes narrowed. She sighed. "Ya jest haven't been livin' it right, honey. Ya jest have taken some wrong turns, that's all. But ya can get on the right path, ya know." "The shining path of righteousness, eh?" He rolled his eyes heavenward. "I just love fighting for peace and justice, don't I? I mean, I'm a perfect angel here, no sins on this soul." She sighed again. "Ya obviously need some help. That sarcasm don't cover up yer goodness, ya know. It shows in every part of ya. Ya can't hide it-ya are not evil, no matter what ya do, ya are not evil." "Shut up." He closed his eyes wearily, leaning his head against the stone wall. "I'm tired." Bunnie left the cell, after checking to make sure the door was locked. He was a hard-ass alright. He would admit openly that he was evil, but he wouldn't admit that he had been beaten into it. Born evil, that was it. But never, ever, had he been forced into it. ~~Well, I know ya ain't evil. Ya might act evil, sound evil, but that's cause yer afraid to be good. Ya've forgotten how, but not completely. Ah know it was ya who saved us from those 'bots. It had ta be. Well, Ah will work on ya, little one. Robotnik ain't around to hurt ya. Ya don't have ta cover up yer true nature anymore. 'Cause yer true nature is good, and no one around here's gonna punish ya for bein' good an' kind. Don't ya worry. Ya'll realize how true my statement is. Life is precious. An' finally, ya'll get ta live it.~~ Um...yes. This is the end (Is it sappy or is that just me?). My story was kind of the 'pilot episode' for the third season. So anyone can make stories after this one. Naugus is in charge, Robotnik's his lackey, the freedom fighters are going strong, complete with their king, and the Sniveler is going to be judged (and made a Freedom Fighter) yes, surprise surprise! Anyway, send me comments, or I'll have Naugus send electricity through your phone, completely frying your modem! BWWAAHHHAA...hack... cough...wheeze.... And here's the outline (for the third season)! This was told to Alessandro Sanasi by Ben Hurst (the writer for the third season), and no, it's not the exact words. The red eyes (the Doomsday episode) you saw were Naugus, the sorcerer trapped in the Void. At the moment the Doomsday machine was destroyed, Naugus was able to exploit the energies from the destruction and the Deep Power Stones and pull Robotnik into the Void. Snively takes over Robotropolis during the first two episodes, he battle the Freedom Fighters. Without Robotnik's cunning, however, he finds himself on the brink of losing everything. Meanwhile, Naugus is having a delightful time 'torturing' (the shape-changing stuff) Robotnik while plotting his escape. He discovered the magic which will enable him to leave the Void without turning to crystal. But Robotnik has found a means to communicate with Snively, telling the little guy his location. (Now, this is where I started my story) But then, as the Freedom Fighters are on the brink of taking over Robotropolis, Snively opens the Void, releasing Robotnik, and accidentally releasing Naugus and Sally's father. Now Naugus is in charge. Robotnik is his lackey and Snively becomes a nobody. Naugus uses the King to bait a trap to catch Sally. Robotnik plots to regain his power and Snively defects to the Freedom Fighters. Too bad the third season never happened. It sounds like it would've ruled.