Hee hee. This is good. 😀

The shadowy form of the cat-beast prowled deep inside the cement-laden corridors of the dam. Its eyes and fangs glittered in the dark, and its bulk betrayed the muscles that bulged beneath its fur. Despite its size, it moved with the sound of a cold breeze at midnight as it stepped into the main generator room. It sniffed at the damp air, heavy with the humidity of the raging waterfall outside of the thick stone walls. It padded around a silver statue of an overly-large feline humanoid with large ears and a fishing rod in one of its hands, a statue that sat in the middle of the floor where it had been laid to rest. Though alert and with a low growl in its throat, the were-creature seemed at ease, as if knowing that it was in control of the situation.

That changed when a purplish glow, accompanied by a low hum, slowly emitted itself from the ceiling. The were-beasts ears perked, and it snarled as it looked upwards and bared its fangs. The hum changed pitch to a sudden whine, and the cat-beast leapt aside as a phosphorescent globe of purple energy shot down from the ceiling and dissipated harmlessly against the cool floor.

Whoa, youre a feisty one! commented Tergonaut as he aimed his blaster arm again, the purple energy of his stun blaster forming another corona of power at its tip. His other limbs were firmly planted against the ceiling, molecular suction cups formed into place along their surfaces to let him stick to it like a spider to a web. Take it easy, big guy, this wont hurt a bit.

The were-beast growled and sprang away from another neural stunner shot, neatly dodging it and flying toward a nearby wall. Instead of slamming into it, the creature dug its claws into the cement before launching itself up at Tergonaut with claws and fangs extended. Caught off-guard, Tergonauts omni-suit detached from the wall just in time for him to be tackled mid-air and forced to the ground. They both rolled together along the ground, Tergonauts arms raised to keep the creatures fangs away from his armored neck. One of the claws caught and tore through the midriff of the omni-suit, and Tergonaut winced as he felt the sharp tip tear into the side of his abdomen. Get off of me! he grunted as he curled his legs underneath him and slammed his feet into the gut of the creature, firing his boot jets at just the right moment to send the creature flying against the far wall with a thick thud.

Tergonaut regained his footing as the omni-suit automatically reallocated nanites to cover the opening in the armor. His right arm, formed into a cannon with a muzzle that shimmered with power as he energized the neural stunner, raised up and shot at the creature as it attempted to recover from the solid pounding it had just received. It let out a screech as the purple blast struck it full in the chest, and it fell over onto its side, every bit of it going limp as its eyes closed.

Tergonaut took a few moments to recover his breath and to analyze the wound he had received through the omni-suits internal readouts. Doesnt look life-threatening, he muttered to himself as he shook his head and returned his gaze to the creature. In that split second, he saw motion, and he raised his gun arm again to-

-point directly at the creature as it shrank.

What the...

He watched as the creatures hair and claws grew inward, every feature shifting in a transformation that seemed wholly impossible as the form became human in shape. The fur had been hiding tattered fragments of clothing that now loosely hung onto the frame of a human woman. She laid there unconscious on the cold floor, completely defenseless. But the part that made Tergonaut freeze, his gun arm still pointed at her face, was that he recognized exactly who it was.

Stahlmansche, he whispered, his voice as hard as the armor he wore.

The freckles, the crimson hair, the well-toned body, all were trademarks of Georgia Stahlmansche. She seemed too perfect to be real, yet here she was.

I knew that she was behind the theft, but I didnt know that she had actually been the thief, thought Tergonaut as he stood there, rage beginning to flood his mental processes as he thought of this woman who cursed his life and threatened the safety of two worlds he loved. But here she is. I could just change my arm into a particle blaster and finish this right now.

The awful thought hung in the air as he struggled with himself. Here was a moment neatly hand-picked, a priceless opportunity where she was not guarded by the legion of robots and technological devices and bodyguards that usually swarmed around her.

I could just say that it was in self-defense...and nobody would ever be able to guess.

He looked at her, thought of all of the terrible things she had done and what she planned to do. His arm shook as he remembered the graves of his parents, of the lifeless horror on Dr. Johansens face in a bloodied laboratory. But of all his memories of this fiendish woman, one of them stood out the most in his mind, the very earliest one that began his rivalry with Stahlmansche...

And Tergonaut fell to one knee as he lowered his arm, gasping for breath. He felt cold sweat break out over his body. I cant do it, he thought, closing his eyes tightly to squeeze out the tears. I promised myself that day, the same day I hated Stahlmansche forever.

Freeze!

Tergonaut opened his eyes as he heard the footsteps of the police officers pound down the corridor and into the room, and soon he was surrounded. The opportunity had passed, and Stahlmansche was protected from justice once again.

Sergeant Prickle stepped up to Tergonaut, glancing from him to Stahlmansche and back to him. Hey, you feelin okay, Tergo? What happened here?

Tergonaut slowly stood up, the tears in his eyes hidden behind the emotionless mask of the omni-suit. Theres your tiger, he said, waving at Stahlmansche with his fingered hand as fields of blue-white energy flowed down the gun-arm and reformed it to have a normal hand again. Fortunately the omni-suit masked his voice, which was a bit shaky. Wrap that statue over there up; its the stolen artifact from the museum. Vector wants it delivered directly to his lab for analysis. Also, keep Miss Stahlmansche here in a powered cell until it can be confirmed that she wont transform into a tiger again.

Prickle nodded to his officers, who began wrapping up the crime scene with all of their practiced precision. So the statue theft and the were-creature were linked together, eh? Never would have guessed it if I didnt see the evidence myself. Good job, Ter-

Prickle turned around in time to see Tergonaut flying down the corridor, the glow of his ion jets leaving a trail behind as he left the scene. The echidna stood there for a brief moment as he considered Tergonauts sudden departure. Take it easy, Terg, he whispered.

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Were going to watch the Chao races!
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp No, were going to watch the weather report!
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Sitting on a couch in the living room of an apartment in one of the suburbs of Sega City, a Chao, bearing the standard lighter blue color with a green Chao ball hovering over her bandanna-wrapped head, was engaged in a tug-of-war match with a similar-sized robot that looked like a metallic version of a chibi-fied Sonic the Hedgehog. The object they were pulling was the remote control for the television set.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp But those are BO-RING, Kaze! complained the robotic hedgehog as he pulled back on the remote control. I wanna watch something with action!
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp You need to learn to have more patience, Chibi Sonic! The reason you always run into so much trouble is because you leap before you look! Kaze yanked the control back in her direction, pulling with all of her Chao might as her Chao ball changed into an irritated spiral.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Chu, maybe we could compromise? squeaked the Pichu that sat on the lap of the human girl on the other side of the couch. The Pichu wore a blue bandanna around her neck, and she bore the yellow coloring and black markings of the Pokmon species she belonged to. The girl wore blue as well, but she also had a Chao ball hovering over her blonde-haired head.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp NO, PIKKU! exploded the immediate response from both Kaze and Chibi Sonic Robo, and Pikku dove away to hide on the other side of the girl.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp No need to shout, chu.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Kaze and Chibi Sonic were distracted enough that they both lost their grip on the remote, and they fell back as the device flew up into the air and landed on the floor. The television turned on, and the scene of two Chao racing along a well-kept miniature racetrack appeared. The Chao moved so fast that they were sending up dust behind them, and then they leaped from a cliff and hovered down to the water below with their little wings fluttering as hard as they could manage.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ha-HA, I win! bragged CSR triumphantly. Kaze grumbled as she crossed her little Chao arms.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Then the image on the TV abruptly changed to that of a news studio, with a business-suited echidna woman with a page of paper in her hands as the words SPECIAL NEWS BULLETIN scrolled across the bottom of the screen. We interrupt this program for a special announcement, said the echidna woman clearly and calmly. The Administration has put out a warning to anyone living in the suburban Districts of Sega City to lock your doors and windows. According to the report, there is a violent vandal who seems to be targeting residential areas. Most of the damage so far has been to industrial and household robots that have been torn up beyond repair, and it is recommended for anyone with household robots to ensure their safety by keeping them indoors or locking them up as appropriate. The vandal has not yet been properly identified, but one eyewitness has been found.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Kaze and CSR were both transfixed by the television at this point, though this was not doing well to help Pikku come out from hiding as she covered her eyes. The screen shifted to the surburbs with an interview with an elderly hedgehog. I saw it last night...it was a big feller, but it looked more like an animal than any person I ever saw. It growled at me when I came out, and it ran off, just like that. Before it saw me, it was chewing on my lawn mower robots that I have keep my lawn so nice and short. Cost me a bundle, they did.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Thats Mr. Thornback, just down the street from here, said the girl quietly on the other end of the couch, the first words she had spoken at that time.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Chibi Sonic snorted disgustedly as the camera panned out over the lawn to show the damage - machine parts scattered all over the lawn, some of them torn in half, others half-buried in holes. The news is getting so graphic these days, showing all of those dismembered body parts on public television, muttered CSR. Keep your eyes covered, Pikku, you shouldnt see this.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp So once again, we advise everyone in the suburban Districts to take special care to secure robots until the vandal has been caught. We now return you to the regularly-scheduled program.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The screen went back to the Chao race, but it was already over as one of the Chao held up a tiny trophy over its head as it stood in the winners circle. CSR hopped off the couch and pressed the power button on the TV to turn it off. Did you hear that, Kaze? The guy going around doing this is messing around in our neighborhood! I think we should teach him a lesson, Chibi Robo Style!
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp But you saw those lawn mower robots. They were torn up pretty bad pointed out Kaze as she hopped down from the couch as well. This isnt any ordinary vandal, if he can tear something made out of metal into pieces.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp But those were just overrated automatic lawn mowers! They cant defend themselves! argued Chibi Robo. Besides, what if this guy attacks people next? If it can do that to machines...
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Kaze looked thoughtful as a question mark formed over her head. You are right. We cant just let something like that run around hurting people.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Then lets get your Chao Walker ready to go!
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Kaze held up her nubby hand. Not so fast, Chibi Sonic. It only comes out at night, so what well need to do is wait until it gets dark, then stake out a likely location where the vandal will strike next.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp And do more waiting. CSR crossed his arms. Youve got a good talent for coming up with plans that are boring, you know that?
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Kaze looked over at the girl sitting with Pikku. Saya, can you take care of the house and Pikku tonight while Im on patrol with CSR?
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Saya simply nodded.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Good. Ill have to get to work on the Walker to make sure its ready for tonight. Hopefully this will be the last night anyone will have to worry about this property damage.

&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Yowdy! This is Justins answering machine. Please leave a message after the tone.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Justin laid in bed as he heard his video phone make the sound effect of a ring being collected from one of the Sonic the Hedgehog games. The blinds were drawn tightly, and the lights were all off, leaving him alone in the darkness. His muscles ached, and he felt a fever running high throughout his body, sticky sweat dampening his bed coverings and pillow. He hardly could summon up the energy to stick his eyes up above his soft fleece-lined blanket, and he stared at the wall as he apathetically listened to the gravelly voice leaving a message.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Justin, this is Vector. There have been more reports of vandalism in one of the neighborhoods by a large cat-like creature since the incident at the dam, and Miss Stahlmansche has been confirmed to be in her cell during those times, so it cant be her. Im a little worried because you havent reported in a few days, so give me a call back so I can give you the rest of the details, okay?
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Justin laid there dispassionately as the video phone went silent once more. Sorry, Vec, Im not feeling well enough to do much of anything now. But I know Stahlmansche was the cat creature, so if it isnt her these other times, it could be someone else in her employ. Maybe to throw suspicion off of her for stealing that artifact. Vec did call...yesterday? The day before? He said something about her having an alibi that she bought it before she found out it had been stolen, but thats gotta be a lie. Shes too smart for that...
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Justin closed his eyes, feeling his heartbeat pounding in his ears as he pressed against the pillow. Been having weird dreams lately, dreams from back then...been sleeping so much that I only seem awake at night...
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Then he let out a hiss of air as the skin on his stomach hurt. His fingers gripped the covers tightly and he tossed and turned, trying to get into a position where the fiery pain was not so bad. A new wave of sweat broke out, and he finally tossed the blanket off so he could feel the cooler air against his bare chest. The injury...I should see a doctor about this, something cant be right here...
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Despite the pain, or perhaps because of it, he drifted into uneasy slumber, his fingers and face twitching and restless.

Night time in Sega City's suburban Districts was little different from that of any other suburb across the Multiverse; though close enough to the city to see the night lights shining from it, the neighborhoods were spared from the relentless activity and noise that city-dwellers engaged in. Instead, only the constant hum and occasional spark from a purple bug lamp at one end of a street could be heard over the chirping of the crickets and their noisy arthropod cousins. The moon overhead, partially enshrouded by clouds left over from the storm days ago, cast a dim light across the modest homes with their lawns and driveways.

The quiet rhythm of the night was disrupted by the clanging of trash cans as they were overturned at the side of one of the houses. One lid rolled down the slope of the driveway and banged against the street, falling noisily onto its aluminum side with a drumroll-ending clash.

"Watch where you're going, Chibi Sonic!" scolded Kaze in a heated whisper as she manipulated the Chao Walker's arms to replace the trash cans where they had been standing by the house. "You're going to give us away!"

"I just slipped," fibbed CSR as he leaned against the side of the house, looking pointedly away in belligerence. "Besides, we aren't gonna catch this creep by sitting around like this. We have to go find him before he does any more damage!"

"This is a stakeout, remember?" asked Kaze, her arm movements exaggerated by the Chao Walker's arms, making her look more ridiculous than the serious tone that came out through the speakerphone. "We have to wait for him to come out, then we can catch him red-handed! His M.O. is to do damage to robots, so this house has to be his next target. They keep fifteen different kinds of robots inside the garage!"

"Yeah, lots of little toys," snorted CSR as he grumpily crossed his arms. "But he's been going after lawn mowers and other robots that are left outside. He isn't going to go through all the trouble to bust into this place just for those robotoy models."

"It's better than wandering around and getting ambushed. This way, we can have the jump on him."

Chibi Sonic uncrossed his arms and suddenly looked less grumpy, a sign that tipped Kaze off that he was thinking of trouble. "Hey, then how about this: I'm a big robot, so I'd be a good target, right? Then I'll go run around and attract his attention, while you cover me! It's the perfect plan!"

"What!? Not on your-"

But she was too late as Chibi Sonic powered up the miniature turbine in his torso and zoomed around the corner in a metallic blue blur. Frustrated by her friend's lack of patience, she placed her nubby hand onto one of the Chao Walker's levers to propel it forward...

"Yikes!!" This shout was followed by a fierce, deep growl.

"That was CSR!" exclaimed Kaze as she drove the Walker onto the driveway, turning ninety degrees to her left as her momentum slid her along the ground with sparks trailing her mech's feet. The combat instrumentality of the Walker activated, and her targeting reticle appeared on the inside of the windshield to begin tracking the situation. But she paused as she saw what the source of the commotion was.
There on the front lawn was Chibi Sonic, who sped out of the way of the sharp feline claws aimed for him by the hunched form of a creature that towered above the diminutive robot. Kaze's Walker measured the creature as standing at seven feet tall when standing upright, and with the light of the moon from overhead, she was able to make out that it resembled a humanoid tiger hybrid, more beast than man. Blue stripes marked the glossy orange fur of the creature, and its chest and chin shared this blue fur. Its head was crested with a mohawk of brown hair, and its tail was long and tufted. Its eyes were dark and angular, completely black except for the turquoise irises that glimmered with menace and hatred as they tracked CSR's movements. A torn pair of shorts was the only clothing this musclebound felinoid wore.

With muscles like those, it's no wonder he was able to tear apart those other robots! thought Kaze as she struggled to get a lock onto the creature with her targeting systems. This was made all too difficult as the were-tiger pounced after Chibi Sonic like a cat after a mouse. That means Chibi Sonic is in real trouble!

"Hey, c'mon, is that your best shot?" taunted CSR as he dodged out from underneath the trapping claws of the were-tiger. "Y'know, you have funny colors for a cat. You look more like a Tergonaut wannabe. Or maybe a Cubs fan!"

The cat creature suddenly leapt back and away from CSR, hissing with a breath of misty saliva highlighted by the light from the yard's lamp post. "Ugh, say it, don't spray it, furball," said CSR, sounding very disgusted. "Giant kitty slobber is gross."

Just hold it right there, CSR, just a little longer, thought Kaze as her Walker's targeting computer calculated the trajectory she needed to lock on to the creature. This "Tigernaut" character is pretty big, so I'll need to hit him with a laser missile set at maximum concussion. That should do the trick!

Tigernaut grabbed the lamp post next to it, its massive hand and fingers wrapping around the shaft with a screech of tortured metal as it gripped the post. With a heave, it tore the post out of the ground and held it like a club.

"Looks like he wants to play ball!" quipped Chibi Sonic as he raced forward, then dropped into a curl as he prepared a spin dash. "Sorry, Garfield, I don't have any yarn for ya, so this'll have to do!"

"Chibi Sonic, no!" yelled Kaze, her hand poised just above the trigger. "You're getting in the way!"

Tigernaut's dark eyes darted over to glare at Kaze, and she saw the calculating intelligence that lingered behind that ferocious face. The feral grin that revealed large pointed fangs confirmed this for her. He understood what I meant! she realized with a chill.

"I can take 'im! He's just a dumb ol' alley cat!" With that verbal jab, Chibi Sonic finished building up his rotational velocity and launched himself at Tigernaut as a rolling blue bladed ball.

Even with the Chao Walker's Heads-Up Display, Kaze's eyes couldn't process just what happened in the next split-second; there was a blaze of sparks as metal crashed against metal, and suddenly Chibi Sonic Robo's head rolled on the ground next to the Chao Walker. Tigernaut stood triumphantly in post-swing, with CSR's headless body twitching in a heap in front of it.

Kaze felt righteous indignation as she thumbed the trigger of the missile launcher. "Take this!!"

The Chao Walker's Chao ball, hovering above the top of the mech like the animal after which it was based, suddenly popped out a charged energy missile that spiraled through the air at Tigernaut. Tigernaut switched its grip on the lamp post and threw it so that it spun, end over end, through the air. The two projectiles impacted, and Kaze's Chao Walker automatically darkened the windshield to protect her from the bright flash, but the Walker fell backward off its feet by the shockwaves from the missile. She braced herself and hung on tightly to the console until the vibrations stopped rolling through her body, and then she slowly picked herself up.

The lamp post was in a million little pieces all over the yard. Chibi Sonic's body was lying on top of the trash can lid that rolled onto the street earlier. And Tigernaut was gone.

Kaze began gathering Chibi Sonic's parts. "Oh, CSR, I tried to tell you," she said, her true concern for her impatient robotic friend showing through. "Let's get you fixed up first, then we can figure out how to stop that maniac."

After loading up Chibi Sonic's broken body into the Walker, Kaze took one last glance at the scene before running off between the houses and into the night.

The following night found Saya walking through the streets of Sega City with Pikku riding on her shoulder. The downtown area, though well-designed with the advanced technology available to Sega City, still felt claustrophobic this late in the evening. The neon lights of the entertainment districts shone brightly in the distance, but it was here in the darker residential district that Sayas feet had led her to.

Why are we here? I thought you were just going for a walk, but this is far away from home, chu, whispered Pikku as she clung to the chao-human hybrid.

Kaze and Chibi Sonic left on patrol again, but they wont find the vandal in our neighborhood. Sayas voice was quiet and hushed as well. Im following the wind, Pikku. Im following where it leads.

But where is it taking us, chu?

Saya didnt answer because she didnt have one for Pikku. The truth was that there was this feeling that she had to leave the house tonight and go deeper into the city. This was the same sort of premonition that had guided her to find Kaze in the first place, and she had learned to trust this inner instinct even when it did not appear to make sense. It was nearly a tiny, whispering voice of its own, and she had to pay close attention or she would not be able to hear the words it spoke.

They walked for nearly an hour in silence on the sidewalks of Sega City before Saya stopped just before reaching an alleyway between buildings. Do you hear that? she asked Pikku, pointing to the alleyway.

Pikkus ears perked up, and her right ear twitched. Yes, chu...sounds like something big and metal. And then she drooped, her tail and ears all combining into the effect. Maybe we should turn around.

Saya pressed herself against the wall and edged to the corner before peeking around it. There, standing with a briefcase in one three-taloned hand, was a massive white-armored robot. Its bulky frame and blocky build were in contrast to the smooth movements it made as it lifted the luggage up and used its other hands flexible talons like tendrils to move the rollers of the combination lock attached to the handle. With a satisfying click, the briefcase fell open, and both Saya and Pikku saw the clear plastic bags with various colored powders inside.

Okay, the stuff looks good, muttered a female weasel who opened a similar briefcase and showed the glittering gold of several thousand rings to the robot. Now lets swap and get this business over wi-eh?

Pikku nearly panicked as she clung to Saya, who had just stepped around the corner into the open. There was no sign of fear in her face as the chao-human girl stood in plain sight at the edge of the alleyway, and she simply stared at the scene as if in wait.

The deals blown! shrieked the weasel as she hastily snapped her briefcase closed and dashed away.

It-its an Armada unit, chu! squeaked Pikku in fright.

The Armada unit paid little attention to Saya and Pikku as it swiveled its upper body around on its rotating torso, raising an arm to aim at the weasel as she fled. Deal parameters broken, droned the Armada unit as the gun mounted on its forearm charged with an audible hostile hum. Initiating elimination of all witnesses.

Saya moved smoothly and quickly as she grabbed a trash cans lid and flung it with all of her might at the Armada units arm. Using her innate wind powers, she channeled the trash can lid to strike the robots elbow with enough force to knock its aim upward just as it fired. The forearm gun belched out a blast of colorless fire that shot up into the air and exploded with a bang against the edge of one of the rooftops, sending a shower of debris onto the robot as well as Saya and Pikku. The rattle of small rocks against the ground echoed in the alleyway.

The Armada unit whirled around, the elongated head focusing its black glass visor on Saya and Pikku. Interference from unidentified forumers, it said as it turned its legs around to match its upper halfs direction. Primary target has escaped. Elimination of primary target will be delayed; priority shifted to secondary targets one and two.

Pikkus voice was shrill now. Its talking about us, chu! She hopped down to the ground and tugged on Sayas leg. Cmon, we have to get away, chu! What are you doing?!

Saya remained where she was, her blue eyes looking the robot back into its visor as if in a staring contest. She didnt blink as it advanced, its every step sending a vibration through the ground into her feet as it raised its hand and the talons stiffened into sharp blades.

Pikku was shaking, and not just from the heavy footsteps of the advancing robots. Refusing to leave Saya behind, she stepped in front of Saya and held out her arms to her sides defiantly, though her eyes were tightly shut and her tiny body tensed like a spring. L-leave us alone, or else!

The Armada unit raised its arm and leveled it at Saya and Pikku as the cannon on its forearm hummed to life. Target hostility rating is minimal. Meson gun charging, fifty-six per-

A ferocious roar pummeled through the alleyway, and the Armada unit raised the arm cannon at something behind Saya and Pikku before a flash of orange and blue shot over their heads and crashed into the Armada unit. The impact forced the Armada unit against the nearby wall, cracking its smooth surface with an audible crunch and leaving sizable dents that deepened as the humanoid tiger pressed the attack and pinned the robots arms.

So that is the reason why I felt I should come here, thought Saya to herself as she scooped up Pikku and took a step back, watching the savagery of her rescuer. I was led to Tigernaut. But what now?

The Armada unit dominated Tigernaut in sheer size, being an entire foot taller, but Tigernauts passionate attack made up for his lack of mass as he bit at the battle robots right arm and tore it across the upper part of the arm just below its armored shoulder. He kept the arm in his left hands grip and bashed the Armada units head in with its own limb, bits of glass and sparks of electricity flying with each smash. Tigernaut released the other arm as the Armada unit became limp, and with another fierce noise punched a hole right into the units crotch and pulled out a series of pistons and servos. Tigernaut stepped back as the units knees buckled, and the massive robot collapsed in a heap to the ground. Saya and Pikku watched as the robots shell reddened with heat for a few seconds, and it melted down into a pile of worthless gray slag.

Tigernaut stood there, his dark eyes looking down at the remnants of the robot with a mixture of contempt and...regret? There is more to Tigernauts motivation than mere hatred of robots, she thought, though she was unsure of exactly where the thought came from. Its almost as if he knew exactly where to strike to do the most damage to that robot...

Tigernaut then turned toward Saya, dropping the Armada units arm with a clatter before approaching the chao-human hybrid. Saya stayed very still and did not move, staring with her sky-blue eyes back into Tigernauts turquoise ones. Pikku had stopped shaking, although she did squeak a little with fright as Tigernaut poked a cold nose against her belly and sniffed loudly.

Its all right, Pikku, hes just making sure that were all right, explained Saya calmly. He saved our lives just now.

I-if you s-say so, chu, stuttered Pikku as Tigernaut stepped back and turned around, stalking away from the scene ever so quietly.

But then Pikku and the tiger-like creature both perked their ears at the now-familiar hum that came from above, and in the next instant Tigernaut had curled around on his heel and leapt at Saya and Pikku, tackling them out of the way of the hostile gray fireball that came from the sky. Saya and Pikku both tumbled away safely out of range of the explosion, though the noise rattled them, and Tigernaut was caught right in the middle of his back by the tremendous blast.

Aberrant creature neutralized, droned the Armada unit as it lowered itself to the floor of the alleyway using the jet boosters built into its legs.

A second one, chu!? gasped Pikku.

Saya picked herself up from the ground and she set her feet slightly apart. Now I know why we were brought here tonight, she said as she raised her hands in front of her, the wind rising in strength as it swirled down the alleyway. Were here to help Tigernaut.

Witnesses must be removed, stated the Armada unit as it aimed both of its arm guns at Saya and Pikku.

NO YOU DONT, CHU!

Pikku hopped forward into the air as thunder rumbled in the sky above. I wont let you hurt us! squeaked the tiny electric mouse Pokemon, and in the next instant a bolt of yellow lightning shot down from the sky and struck Pikku. CHUUU!!

The electricity shot into Pikku, sparking out of her ears and cheeks, and her entire body vibrated from the sheer electrical impulses that ran through her. Then she released it, and the bolt of lightning shot forward and struck the Armada unit, channeling through its metallic shell and blistering its metal shell with the voltage. The entire alley lit up brighter than at noonday with the bright yellow energy.

The lightning blast ended, and Pikku collapsed onto the ground with a weak Chuu Her body was blackened by the singing effects of the electricity, which had been too much for her small body to handle.

But the Armada unit, as much as its outer shell had cracked and bubbled from the intense attack, still stood on its legs. Damage minimalized by EMP shielding. Target two has been neutralized; target one has become a greater priority.

The blast of lightning had covered up Sayas transformation into Sailor Wind, and she now stood in her full Sailor Scout uniform, her face serious and grim as she glared at the Armada unit. You called down the thunder, she said as the wind howled around her, now reap the whirlwind!

She threw both hands down in front of her, and a concentrated stream of hurricane-force winds screamed down the alleyway and into the Armada unit. The robot raised its arms to protect itself, but even its bulk did not weigh it down enough to keep it anchored to the ground, and it flew up into the air before the funnel of air swirled around it and smashed it against the cement of the alleyway. It broke into several pieces, which then heated up and melted like its compatriot.

Sailor Wind fell to one knee as the winds relented to a gentle breeze. She gasped for breath, and it was with some effort that she was able to raise her head up to look at the scene-

Another one?! Whoever is using them must have sent them as a team!

A third Armada unit jetted down the alleyway, its razor-sharp talons on both arms extended. Sailor Wind struggled to her feet, but the effort of her powerful gale left her winded. There was no time to-

But the Armada units blades scraped against the concrete through the empty space where Sailor Wind had been. It pulled up short, the flare of its leg jets spilling over the ground as it righted itself and whirled around. Its visor scanned the area. Target lock lost. Searching for target

Hey, you big bucket of bolts! Try looking over here!
The Armada unit swung back around, and there stood Chibi Sonic Robo, with both Sailor Wind and Pikku safely behind him. CSR used a finger to wipe his nose as his robotic face expressed his typical overconfidence. Yeah, thats right big guy; Im waaay past fast! So what kind of processor does a big ape like you have, an Intel Banana Duo?

Thats the corniest computer smack-talk youve tried yet, CSR, proclaimed Kaze as the Chao Walker stepped into the alleyway to join the others. Good, you got the others to safety. Is that the last bot?

I only checked in a thirty-block diameter, but there werent any there, said Chibi Sonic, putting on his best smoothly-cool voice as he breathed onto his hand and rubbed it against his chest in a modest manner.

Good job.

Multiple targets detected, noted the Armada unit as it raised both arms, aiming with each arm at Kaze and CSR respectively. Maximum force: authorized.

Just relax and take it easy, Saya, weve got this sucker in the bag!

The Armada units guns fired, the report echoing in the alleyway as twin fireballs roared through the air. Kaze yanked the Chao Walker out of range using its secondary boosters to sidestep, and Chibi Sonic Robo ran straight at the projectile aimed at him, only to flip over it at the very last second in derring-do fashion.

But the Armada unit moved too, jetting forward with incredible agility for something of its size. Its speed allowed it to parry the first spin-dash from CSR using its claws, and it fired another shot at Kaze to distract her while it attempted to rend CSR to pieces.

Whatsa matter, you only got two-fifty-six megs of RAM or somethin? taunted Chibi Sonic as he sliced at the Armada unit from thousands of directions in microseconds. Each strike only left a small slash in the battle robots thick white armor plating, but in a single second it was completely covered in them.

The Chao Walker dashed forward and leaned to one side to avoid the meson blast, then Kaze grabbed the control sticks for the arms and raised them high as she rammed at the Armada unit. CSR, hold off for ten seconds!

If you insist! CSR bounced out from under the Armada unit and rolled on the ground between its legs.

The scarred Armada unit caught the Walkers fingerless hands in its own talons, and both mechanized figures strained against each other with a combination of super strength and thrust from their boosters. Kaze gritted her teeth as she felt the strain rattle her mech, and the Armada unit pressed its sheer weight advantage into the equation as it leaned forward.

Your designdoesnt let youshoot a target like thisbut mine does! Kaze pulled the trigger on one control stick, and one of the Chaos eyes blazed with gunfire that spattered against the Armada units front in a spray of sparks and metallic ricocheting sound.

Times up! shouted CSR as he leapt up into the air, curled into a ball, and spun-cut through the Armada units neck, separating its head from the rest of its body.

Kaze shouted wordlessly as she jammed the gun trigger on for a few more seconds, then she pushed back on the Armada unit to send its now-jerking body flying backwards. Her hand slammed the other trigger, and the Chao Walkers ball fired a laser missile that pin-holed the white robot in the open space where its head used to be.

The explosion blew smoke and dust everywhere as the boom reached throughout the city. With a wave of her hand, Sailor Wind caused the dust cloud to dissipate quickly, revealing the slag remnants of the third and final Armada unit.

Whew, thats over with! exclaimed Kaze, picking up the exhausted Pikku in the Chao Walkers arms.

How did you find us?

That part was easy, Saya! Err, Sailor Wind, answered Chibi Sonic as he uncurled from his protective ball form. We got back home, didnt see you guys there, saw the Thunder attack that had to be Pikkus, and we rushed right over! End of story.

Not quite the end, CSR, Kaze said, correcting the miniature Sonic-based robot. Saya, just what were you and Pikku doing out here in the first place?

Sailor Wind pushed herself up to her feet and brushed herself off. We found Tigernaut.

Chibi Sonic looked left and right down the alleyway, his arms crossed impatiently. Really? All I see is that nearly-naked guy twitching and freaking out right there.

Everyones eyes followed the robots gaze, and there, sitting in only a tattered pair of shorts, was a brown-haired human man. His turquoise eyes were wide open, glazed and staring at something no one else could see. M-my fault, he stuttered, shivering and gripping his head in his hands. N-never would have happened if I didnt let them use me

Hey, isnt that Justin Hobbes? He was in some documentary about SEGA a while back.

Thats Segans, CSR! Kaze let out a frustrated noise, then looked as Sailor Wind stepped toward the trembling Justin. Hold on, Saya, we should probably get an ambulance or something. Hes probably in shock after that explosion.

This is Tigernaut, said Sailor Wind simply as she approached him and knelt down by his side. Or was.

I SHOULDNT HAVE HELPED THEM! Justins hands clenched as he lowered them, tears staining his face as he looked up at the sky feverishly.

Whats he talking about? asked Chibi Robo, tapping his foot.

Hes haunted by his past, replied Sailor Wind simply, feeling truly sorry for this pathetic man whose heart was laid so painfully bare.

A-Armada unitbuilt with my own hands, so many people hurt, maybe even dead! And its my fault!...my fault

Justin cried bitterly, unable to stop staring at the horrible images that were reflected in the pain in his eyes. Sailor Wind reached out and gently closed Justins eyes. Its over now, she whispered. Sleep on.

The words worked miraculously on the man, for his sobs quieted and fell silent, and his body relaxed into natural slumber.

The solemnity of the situation left even Chibi Sonic Robo without a snappy remark, and Kaze contacted the medical authorities without delay.

So when I got scratched by Stahlmansche when she was in tiger form, that infected me? asked Justin as he leaned his elbow on one of the tables in Vectors laboratory in the HQ Tower.

Thats about the sum of it, answered Vector. She claims that she bought the item without knowing it was stolen or magical and since both you and her are from the same world, it makes sense that the same magic that changed her into that were-tiger also affected you in the same way. Well, as much sense as magic makes, anyway.

Justin sighed. At least thats over with now. I think Ive finally stopped coughing up hairballs.

Vector laughed in his gruff voice. And the statue is now safely stored away in the HQ Tower vaults, to prevent anything like that happening again. Kaze and the others were properly awarded for their vigilance Ive even got an interview with Kaze tomorrow to discussa career opportunity. She showed cool judgment under fire, impressive from such a small person.

Justin nodded, then pushed himself up from the desk and stuffed his hands in his pockets as he walked toward the door. Something I learned a long time ago was not to judge by appearances. After all, you never know whats under the surface.

Did you learn that before or after you screamed when you first met a talking crocodile?

Justin flashed a knowing smile back at Vector. Maybe a little after. See you later, Vec.

Vector watched Justin leave, and in his own thoughts he recalled the debriefing he had with Kaze, Chibi Sonic Robo, Pikku and Saya. Justin trusts me a lot, but hes never mentioned much about his past before he first became Tergonaut. Did he really build an Armada unit? That would explain why he knew exactly where to strike to disable one. But for what purpose, and for whom? I suppose only Justin knows that for now

The endof this story.
Next is Grave of the Griefbringer!