Doctor Eggman looked down at Dator Island from atop his Egg Carrier. He did not like the island much; many of its inhabitants were trained warriors. He grinned evilly as he thought of his plan. Those that managed to survive his attacks would be captured and roboticized. Then he'd have their strength on his side.
"Doctor Robotnik, sir." Shade walked up to the evil doctor.
Robotnik scowled. How dare that fool interrupt his thoughts! "What is it?!"
"Everyone's ready for the next attack," the kelpie answered.
The mad scientist rubbed his hands together greedily. "Excellent!"
"Just one question, sir." Shade looked up at Dr. Robotnik.
"What is it?" Eggman looked down at the kelpie.
"What IS our next target?" Shade asked.
"Chiro City," the evil doctor answered, "Chiro is Dator's largest city and the one that is most likely to attack."
The kelpie nodded. "Shall I send the troops out now?"
Robotnik nodded back. "Yes, the sooner the better. We need to strike while they're unprepared to defend themselves."
"Right." Shade walked away from the doctor.
Eggman resumed looking down at Dator Island. 'Soon...' The evil doctor laughed evilly. 'If I can take over Dator, the other parts of the world should be no problem!'
Meanwhile, on Magmus's boat...
Stryke stood at the bow of the ship, looking out at the sea toward the island that was her home. Her body trembled slightly; the memories of the attack grew more vivid in her head the closer the group got to Dator.
"Stryke?" Kinesis walked up to the hybrid and gave her a concerned look.
"Hmm?" Stryke turned her attention to the wolf.
"You were shaking. Nervous about the fight?" Kinesis asked.
The hybrid shook her head. "I'm scared for Wing's father. I don't want the kid to be orphaned..."
The wolf nodded.
Stryke looked down. "No one should have to go through that. Losing your parents at such a young age..."
"Yeah..." Kinesis agreed.
"I need to do something to get my mind off all this," the wolf/fox decided, "No use worrying so much if I can't help anything at the moment."
"How about exploring the ship with me?" the wolf suggested.
Stryke nodded. "If that dragon guy agrees to it."
"I don't think he'll mind," Kinesis replied, "Want to go ask just in case?"
The wolf/fox nodded. "Where's he at?"
"I think I saw him go inside the ship," the wolf answered.
"Okay then." Stryke started to walk toward the door leading below the deck. "Shall we go?"
Kinesis nodded and followed. He looked back at his chao. "You two behave. No giving anyone else a hard time, got it?"
The chao nodded. The two canines walked through the door and down the stairs inside the ship.
Near the middle of Dator Island was a series of deep canyons that were all connected at one end to form a claw shape. It these canyons that Dator's capital city, Chiro, is located. In the canyon walls were several openings; some windows, some doors. These openings were the homes, shops, offices, and gathering places of the canyons' inhabitants, which were mainly bats. Bridges go across the canyon and along its walls to allow those that can't fly or climb a means of getting from place to place. There were also floating platforms to help flightless people get to the different levels of the city. Chiro was made up of mostly civilians, but, like every other city, town, and village on the island, it had its own group of specially trained warriors to protect it.
One of the city's inhabitants stat on the ground above the place where the canyons merge, near the edge. He had white fur, light blue hair, blue eyes, and gray wings. He wore a brown coat, blue jeans, and red shoes. At his side was a scythe with a spike ball on the end of the handle.
The white bat sighed as he watched the sky. 'This place is so boring! I wish something exciting would happen...'
Just then, a large airship could be seen in the distance. The airship flew steadily toward the canyons.
"Whoa, what the--?!" The bat stood up to look at the airship. He rose too fast, however, and lost his balance. The bat fell backwards into the ground, landing hard on his butt.
'Whoa... Next time I'll try not to stand up so fast...' The bat slowly rose back to his feet, rubbing his sore rear. He looked back at the airship, which turned out to be the Egg Carrier. 'I've seen that ship before! This isn't good... I'd better warn the other fighters!' The bat jumped off the edge of the cliff and glided toward a nearby hole in the canyon wall.
An old gray bat with long white hair, brown eyes, and black wings and a young adult bat with black fur and wings, medium-length brown hair, and red eyes greeted the white bat. The old bat wore a long blue robe and carried a walking stick. His wings had several holes and scars from the many battles he had fought in. The younger bat wore metal plate mail with leather armor. A sword rested in its sheath on his back.
"Raider!" The younger bat smiled at the white bat as he flew in. "What's wrong? You look like you've just seen a ghost."
"I saw an airship!" Raider exclaimed. "The same one that destroyed Cana Village! It's coming this way!"
The old bat turned to the black bat. "Eclipse, gather the other fighters. Raider, see if you can get all the civilians out of the city before that airship arrives."
"Right!" The black bat dashed out of the room.
Raider nodded. "You can count on us!" He ran out the door, jumped, and glided through the city, warning the citizens of the upcoming attack.
'It won't be long now, Eggman...' Magmus thought to himself as he continued to steer the boat toward Dator Island. Thanks to that evil scientist, his concert had been ruined. The one thing he hated more than anything was spending hours upon hours preparing for something, then have it all blow up in his face.
"Excuse me," a female voice sounded from behind the dragon.
Magmus jumped, startled, and spun around quickly. He glared at the voice's source. "What?!" His expression softened when he saw Stryke and Kinesis standing in front of him. "Oh, its you. What do you want?"
The wolf/fox looked up at the dragon. "Kinesis and I were wondering if we could explore the ship for awhile."
Magmus nodded. "Go ahead, but don't take too long. We'll be at Dator Island soon."
Stryke smiled at the dragon. "Thanks!" The two canines darted off.
Magmus watched the wolf and the hybrid leave, and then went back to steering the ship. As he drove closer to Dator, he noticed a familiar airship hovering over the island.
'That can't be good news...' Magmus stared at the airship as his ship grew steadily closer to Dator Island. Eventually, he was able to make out enough of the airship's shape to identify it.
'That's the Egg Carrier! We'd better get a move on!' the dragon thought to himself as he drove at full speed toward the island.
"We're all here now. What's going on?" A middle-aged orange bat asked Eclipse. He and several other bats were gathered on a rock platform near the top of one of the canyons. The old gray bat that had been with Eclipse before was also there, ready to explain the situation.
"Yes, what's all this about?" A light blue female bat that appeared to be in her mid-twenties demanded."
"Just look." Eclipse pointed up at the Egg Carrier, which was still approaching the city.
"Isn't that the ship that attacked Cana Village?" A teenage red female bat asked.
The old gray bat nodded. "This time, we seem to be the target."
"How are we supposed to defeat them?" The red bat asked. "Most of Dator's best warriors were in Cana Village and they were defeated."
"The attack on Cana was unexpected. They were taken over before most of them knew what was going on," the gray bat explained, "We have seen the attack coming and had time to prepare our fighters. We should have no problem defending the city."
"Here they come!" A young teal male bat exclaimed as an army of robots of various shapes flew out of the Egg Carrier and headed toward the canyons.
"Everyone spread out and get ready to fight!" Eclipse commanded as the robots flew closer. The bats divided themselves into small groups, glided to different parts of the canyon, and drew their weapons as they waited for the robots to arrive.
Meanwhile, Magmus's boat had reached Dator Island's shore. The dragon stopped the boat, lowered the stairs leading out of the boat and to dry land, and flew down.
Stryke jumped over the side of the boat and landed softly on her feet next to Magmus. The others climbed down the stairs.
The female wolf/fox looked around the island. In the distance to her left she saw the burnt tree trunks she had run between while escaping the huge robot that had chased her off the island. The memory of escaping the island ran through her mind in vivid detail. The hybrid shivered as she thought of the attack on her home village.
"Stryke?" Kinesis looked at the hybrid worriedly.
"Yes?" Stryke looked up at the wolf.
"You gonna be okay?" Kinesis asked.
The wolf/fox nodded. "Yeah, don't worry..." She looked at everyone, and then walked away from the shore. "Chiro City is a short distance this way. If we hurry, we can make it in half an hour's time."
"I didn't know you knew our island this well, sis," Steve smirked at his sister.
Stryke shrugged and continued. She looked back at everyone else. "Coming?"
The rest of the group nodded and followed.
After seeing everyone was right behind her, the wolf/fox began to run in the direction of Chiro city. The hybrid led the group away from the shore, across a plain, and into a forest.
Stryke managed to make it halfway through the forest before she saw a green and pink blur charge toward her from her right side. She skidded to a stop, as did the blur. Stryke glared as she recognized the person that almost collided with her.
That green hedgehog girl!
"You!" The hybrid and the green hedgehog shouted simultaneously at each other.
"What are YOU doing here?" Stryke yelled angrily at the hedgehog girl.
"I'm gonna put a stop to Robotnik." The hedgehog replied. "What are YOU doing here?"
The female wolf/fox shook her head. "If ANYONE'S going to stop Robotnik, its going to be us. You probably don't even know the way to Chiro City!"
"Oh yeah?" The hedgehog smirked. "I betcha I can reach Chiro City before you!"
"You're on!" Stryke smirked back.
"Okay then. Ready...GO!" The hedgehog girl jet-skated away from the group, closely followed by the female wolf/fox.
"Stryke! Wait for us!" Steve started to chase after his sister.
Magmus grabbed the male wolf/fox by the shoulder, stopping him. "Let her go. We'll meet up with her again when we arrive at Chiro City."
"Agile!" Sonar ran through the forest toward the group. "Now where is that girl...?"
"Sonar!" Blade smiled at his friend. "I didn't expect to see you here."
Sonar smiled back. "Blade! This is a surprise. Agile insisted that we help the inhabitants of Chiro City out." He looked at the black hedgehog. "You haven't seen her, have you?"
"She and Stryke ran off that way," Steve answered, pointing in the direction the two had gone.
"Great..." The gray hedgehog sighed. "She's the only one that knew the way..."
"Why don't you join us?" The black hedgehog offered. "We're all going to the same place anyway."
Sonar shrugged. "I guess I could tag along for a bit."
"Great!" Blade grinned. "Now let's hurry. We don't want Stryke and Agile to get too far ahead of us."
The gray hedgehog nodded. "Lead the way."
"I know this area better than anyone. I'll lead." Steve stated. He led the group toward Chiro City.
Meanwhile, Stryke and Agile were racing through the forest toward Chiro. Agile was jet-skating on the ground while Stryke was jumping through the trees and platforms.
The green hedgehog smirked up at the wolf/fox. "What are you, a dog or a monkey?"
"What are you, a hedgehog or a cheetah?" Stryke retorted.
Agile chuckled. "If I was a cheetah, you'dve been left in the dust at the start."
"I don't think so." The hybrid looked down at the hedgehog. "You don't know what I'm capable of!"
"Really?" Agile looked up at the wolf/fox. "Let's see you keep up with this then!" She sped up, now going twice as fast as before.
Stryke leapt through the trees and platforms at full speed, trying desperately to catch up with the hedgehog. The wolf/fox slowly gained on the hedgehog girl.
Agile looked up as Stryke's shadow fell over her. She grinned at the cyborg and sped up some more.
Now, the two furres were approaching a cliff. Stryke jumped away from the trunk of an oak tree, landed on a moving platform, and jumped to the next platform as she approached it.
The green hedgehog, however, was not within reach of the platforms. She jumped from ledge to ledge on the cliff, nearly slipping and falling to the ground below on more than one occasion.
The wolf/fox was the first to reach the top of the cliff. She leapt off the last platform and ran, having no trees or platforms to jump across.
Agile reached the top not long after Stryke. She ran toward the hybrid with a huge grin on her face. "You know what? This is kinda fun!"
"Yeah? Well, just remember: we're here to fight." Stryke kept running, not bothering to look at the hedgehog.
Agile nodded. "Of course."
The two furres continued to run until they reached the canyon.
"Wow... That's deep," Agile said as she looked down at the bottom of the canyon.
"Scared of heights?" Stryke asked, smirking.
"You wish!" The hedgehog girl stuck her tongue out at the wolf/fox.
"Then let's go." Stryke started to climb down the side of the canyon.
"Hold it!" A familiar voice shouted from behind the wolf/fox and the hedgehog.
Stryke turned to look at the source of the voice. "Hey, guys!"
Steve, Kinesis, Magmus, Dracos, Blade, Artico, and Sonar ran to the two girls.
"Agile! There you are!" The gray hedgehog approached his partner. "Why'd you run off on me like that? You almost got me lost back there!"
Agile shrugged. "Hey, you're here, aint'cha?"
"Yeah, no thanks to you!" Sonar replied.
"Bite me!" The green hedgehog stuck her tongue out at her partner.
Magmus shook his head and sighed. "Hedgehogs..."
"Heeeeeyyyyy...." Blade gave the dragon a dirty look.
"Guys? Can we stop arguing and go now?" Stryke asked the group. She pointed at Dr. Robotnik's machines, which were now close to the canyon. "The fight's about to begin!"
Agile hopped onto a floating platform near the canyon wall. "We should split up. Sonar, follow me. The rest of you can do what you want!" She jumped from platform to platform, steadily making her way across the canyon.
Sonar followed the green hedgehog.
"Blade and I will go this way." Dracos walked along the canyon to the fight, followed by his hedgehog friend.
"Dudes, wait! I'm coming with you!" Artico followed the two black furres.
"I think I'll do this on my own." Magmus glided across the canyon.
Stryke looked at Steve. "Why don't you go with Dracos and Blade? They're gonna need your help more than me."
The male hybrid looked down at his sister. "You sure, Stryke?"
Stryke nodded. "I have something I need to do."
Steve nodded and went in the same direction Dracos did.
The cyborg looked at Kinesis. "Now, what about you?"
"I'm staying with you," the wolf replied.
"You sure?" Stryke asked.
Kinesis nodded. "I'm not leaving you by yourself for a second. Besides, I trust you more than anyone else here..."
The hybrid smiled at the wolf. "Thanks, Kinesis..."
Kinesis smiled back. "We'd better hurry. The robots are getting close..."
Stryke looked at the other side of the canyon. Robotnik's machines were close enough to see them in detail. "You're right..." She started to climb down the side of the canyon. "Can you get down here or do I need to carry you?"
"I don't need help, thanks." The wolf jumped down the canyon. His chao flew down after him.
The wolf/fox watched as Kinesis fell slowly to the platform below. She climbed until she was a few feet away from the platform, then let go of the wall and let herself fall the rest of the way.
Stryke walked to Kinesis and looked up at him. "How did you slow your fall like that?"
"Psychic powers," the wolf answered.
"You're psychic?" The hybrid looked up at Kinesis.
The wolf nodded.
"Cool!" The cyborg smiled.
"Yep." Kinesis started toward the other side of the canyon, followed by his chao.
Stryke walked alongside the wolf. "Have you ever been here before?"
Kinesis shook his head.
"Oh really?" The hybrid looked up at the wolf. "Well, if we succeed in defending this place, I'm going to have to bring you back here so you can see what its normally like."
"Yeah," Kinesis agreed.
"Hey, Stryke!" A voice called from above the canines.
The hybrid looked up. "Eclipse? Is that you?"
The source of the voice, a black bat that appeared to be in his twenties, landed in front of Stryke and Kinesis. "Hey, you remembered my name!"
"How can I not?" The cyborg looked at the bat. "Terra only talked about you every moment I was with her."
Eclipse laughed. "Sounds like her. How is she, anyway? Did she make it out of the village?"
Stryke looked down and shook her head. "I'm afraid not, Eclipse..."
The bat said nothing. He just glanced down at the platform the three were standing on.
"Your son's okay though," Stryke replied, "He's in a safe place, waiting for this battle to end so he can see you."
If Eclipse heard the wolf/fox, he didnt show it. The bat growled. "This guy's going down!" He ran away from the two canines.
The cyborg looked up at the wolf. "Let's go."
Kinesis nodded.
The canines and chao ran after the bat and climbed up the other side of the canyon.
Stryke got in a fighting stance; the robots were very close now. Kinesis stood next to the wolf/fox and stared coolly at the machines. Dracos the chao and Phoenix hid behind a large rock.
"Everyone get ready!" Eclipse shouted to the group of bats behind him.
The other bats nodded and assumed fighting positions.
One of the robots, which remotely resembled Dr. Robotnik, hovered toward the wolf/fox and charged up his gun. The hybrid started to jump up out of the way of the approaching blast when the robot's gun exploded.
The humanoid machine looked down at his weapon in shock; it was not supposed to self-destruct.
"You might want to watch where you're pointing that thing." Kinesis walked up to the robot. "You could hurt someone."
The robot tried to fly off.
"I don't think so." Stryke leapt over the robot, landed in front of it, and slashed down at it with the claws on her hands, destroying it.
Two more robots, a SWATbot and a machine somewhat resembling a bear, charged at the group.
Eclipse charged toward the SWATbot, jumped so he was level with its head, and kicked as hard as he could. The SWATbot's head flew off its body.
"That's two down..." The bat stated as the SWATbot's body fell limp to the ground.
Two of the bats near the group ran at the bear robot, firing laser beams from their guns as they did so.
The bear roared at the bats and swiped down at them with its claws.
One of the bats leapt to the side and fired his gun at the bear's eyes, blasting off the eyes and parts of the face around them. The other bat fired a laser into the exposed circuitry, causing the bear to explode.
Dracos and his group walked along the edge of the canyon, looking out for Robotniks forces.
"Where are we going again?" Artico asked as they walked.
"Wherever we find Robotniks minions, ding dong! Argh!" Steve replied angrily.
"Steve... Artico..." Dracos groaned; he was sick of their fighting.
"He started it!" the white cat and gray wolf/fox shouted at the same time.
Suddenly, the group heard some metal clanking and some cut wire sounds. As they ran towards the sounds, they saw a white bat with gray wings, a brown leather jacket, blue jean pants, red shoes, blue hair, and a scythe with a spike ball attached to a chain. The bat was destroying every robotic troop within their field of vision. As they headed over to the bat, they heard more robots behind them. The group spun around in time to see three robots charge at them.
Dracos, Artico, and Blade unsheathed their weapons and prepared to battle.
"Let me handle this!" Steve pulled two shotguns out of the holsters on his belt.
"Uuuum.... Ok...." Blade said to the wolf/fox as he drew his guns.
"YEEHAW!!!! NOW THIS IS FIGHTING!!!!" The wolf/fox laughed like a madman as he rapidly fired at every robot he could see.
"He lost it..." Beads of sweat lines Dracoss face as he nervously watched the trigger-happy hybrid fight the robots.
Meanwhile
"Hmmm... Now ta see where there's trouble." Magmus flew above the canyon, looking to see where he could be of some assistance. "I need a rest as well "
Then, the dragon spotted a nearby forest. Hmm... Now there's a good spot ta rest." He landed in a small clearing in the forest.
Once Magmus landed, the robot that destroyed his concert struck him from behind, knocking him to a kneeling position.
"So... We meet again. This time, I will FINISH YOU!!!!" The robot charged at the dragon.
Thats what you think. Magmus got in a fighting position and waited for the robot to approach.
"Yo, Sonar, wouldja hurry it up?" Agile looked back at her partner after reaching the other side of the canyon. "I'd like to try to defend this place BEFORE the robots arrive!"
"Give me a break! We can't all be as fast as you!" Sonar yelled at the green hedgehog as he made his way across the platforms toward the other side of the canyon.
"You could if you tried!" Agile stuck her tongue out at the gray hedgehog.
"And risk falling down there? No thanks," Sonar jumped off the last platform and landed in front of the hedgehog girl.
"Wimp!" Agile punched the gray hedgehog playfully in the ribs.
"Its not wimpy to refuse to needlessly risk your life when there's a safer route," Sonar replied.
"What's the fun in that?" the green hedgehog asked.
Just then, a white laser beam shot past the hedgehogs' shoulders.
"Never mind, let's just fight," Agile decided.
"Right." Sonar agreed.
The two hedgehogs ran in the direction the laser beam had come from. They met with two robots resembling Dr. Robotnik.
The green hedgehog looked at her partner. "Okay, Sonar, which do you want? Tweedle Dumb or Tweedle Dumber?"
Sonar shrugged. "Whichever."
The two robots aimed their guns at the hedgehogs.
"I don't think so!" Agile jumped toward one of the robots and curled herself into a ball right before colliding with it. The robot was cut into two by her sharp spines.
The other robot fired a laser at the gray hedgehog.
Sonar ducked, curled himself into a ball, and charged across the ground toward the robot. He jumped as he approached the Robotnik look-alike and landed on its head, reducing it to little more than a few wires and bits of scrap metal.
"These guys are wusses," Agile stated as she looked at the two destroyed robots.
Just then, something slammed into the side of the green hedgehog's head, knocking her to the ground.
"What the--?!" Agile looked around to see who had attacked her.
"Ack!" Sonar ducked as a silver blur flew over his head, barely missing him.
A small silver hawk like robot hovered in the air in front of the two hedgehogs for a brief moment before swooping at Agile.
The green hedgehog jumped over the hawk robot and curled up into a ball as it swooped at her again. The robot ran into her spikes, severely damaging it. It fell to the ground, unable to move.
Sonar spin-dashed toward the hawk robot and hit it dead center, destroying it.
"Three down, one fat scientist to go!" Agile exclaimed as she jet-skated away from the canyon toward the Egg Carrier.
"Agile! Wait for me!" The green hedgehog's companion ran after her.
'Those fools don't stand a chance...' Shade thought to himself as he watched the bats, canines, hedgehogs, cat, and dragon fight the robots from his airship, which hovered a short distance away from the canyon.
"What are we waiting around here for? Aren't we going to attack?" A female roboticized jackal walked up to the kelpie.
Shade nodded. "As soon as Dr. Robotnik orders us to." He looked at the robot jackal. "Are the rest of the robots ready, Anna?"
The jackal nodded. "Ready and waiting."
"Good." The kelpie looked at the view screen, which showed Stryke and Kinesis battling one of Robotnik's SWATbots.
Just then, Robotnik's face replaced the battle on the view screen.
"Shade, are your troops ready yet?" The evil scientist questioned the cyborg.
"Yes," Shade answered, "We have been awaiting your orders."
"Good!" Dr. Robotnik grinned evilly. "Do try to keep the bats alive, I need them for my army."
"Right." The kelpie nodded.
The image of Dr. Robotnik's face disappeared and the view screen once again showed the battle taking place at the canyon.
Shade pressed a button on the consol in front of him and spoke into a nearby microphone. "Dr. Robotnik is ready for us. Anna, make sure everyone is prepared. We will be entering the battlefield shortly."
"Will do." Anna's voice sounded from the speakers.
"Good." The kelpie ended the transmission and began flying his ship toward the canyon.
Meanwhile, Stryke, Kinesis, Eclipse, and the other Chiro fighters were fighting three more robots: two SWATbots and a grounder.
Stryke charged at one of the SWATbots and slashed at it with the claws on her hands, cutting through its shell and exposing its circuitry.
The SWATbot raised its arm and started to bring its fist down on the wolf/fox.
"I don't think so..." Kinesis used his psychic powers to make the robot bring its fist down hard on its head, smashing the head in.
Stryke stuck her hand inside the SWATbot and used her claws to slice through the wires inside. She then withdrew her hand and jumped back as the robot exploded.
The grounder moved toward Eclipse, the drills on its nose and arms spinning rapidly.
The black bat jumped over the robot and thrust his sword down in its head. The blade went through the head toward the middle of the grounder, sending sparks flying out of its top. Eclipse landed behind the robot, removed his sword, and then sliced downward at the grounder, cutting it in two.
The two bats that had fought the bear robot before now aimed their guns at the remaining SWATbot and fired.
The SWATbot countered by firing some blasts of its own.
The two bats dodged the SWATbots attacks and charged their weapons. They fired at the SWATbot's head at the same time, destroying it. The robot's limp body fell to the ground.
"Is that all of them?" Stryke asked once the rabbit that had been powering the SWATbot escaped from the robot's body and hopped away from the canyon.
"I think so," Kinesis replied.
Just then, an airship loomed into view. It flew toward the canines and the bats.
The wolf/fox snarled and growled as she recognized the ship. "Shade..."
"Shade?" The wolf gave Stryke a confused look.
The cyborg looked up at Kinesis. "Remember that old enemy of mine I told you about?"
"Ah..." The wolf looked ahead at the ship.
The ship landed only a few yards away from the group.
Stryke took a few steps forward. "Everyone stay back. I'll handle this..."
The bats nodded.
Kinesis looked at the hybrid questioningly. "You sure about this?"
"Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise?" Shade exited his ship and walked toward the wolf/fox.
"Cut the crap, Shade!" Stryke snapped at the kelpie.
"Looks like someone is in a grouchy mood today." Shade smirked at the hybrid.
"And you're not helping." Stryke growled at the kelpie.
"Oh? Maybe you'll feel better after seeing a few of your old friends," Shade said to the hybrid. He signaled to someone in the ship.
"Hello, Stryke. Remember me?" A roboticized jackal stepped out of the ship and walked up behind Shade, followed by several other canine robots.
Stryke stared at the robot for a moment. "...Anna?"
The jackal grinned. "I knew you would recognize me."
Stryke charged toward the kelpie, her claws bared. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?!" She slashed at Shade as she approached him.
The kelpie grabbed the wolf/fox's arms and tossed her several feet away.
Stryke picked herself up and growled. She held her right arm in front of her toward Shade, palm facing down. She balled her hand into a fist as a small panel opened up on top of her arm, close to her wrist. The wolf/fox then fired three purple lasers out of the panel toward Shade.
The kelpie yelped in surprise and ducked as the lasers flew over him, the last one grazing his ear. He then stood back up and growled at the hybrid. "So that's how you want to play... All right, take this!" He fired a long red laser out of his robotic eye.
Stryke leapt out of the way as the laser approached her and ran toward Shade. She held her arm out like before, only this time the panel that popped up on her arm started to glow with a white light.
"I don't think so." Anna charged at the wolf/fox and kicked her hard in the side, nearly knocking her over. She brought her hand back and prepared to punch, but just before her fist was about to connect, her arm stopped moving.
What is this?! The jackal struggled against the unseen force that was holding her arm in place.
Sorry, but I cant let you do that Kinesis said to the roboticized jackal. He concentrated, sending a wave of invisible energy toward Anna and knocking her to the ground.
The jackal growled at the wolf. "You'll pay for that!"
Stryke walked toward Anna. "I'd really rather not hurt you, Anna, but you're leaving me with no other choice..."
The robot jackal laughed and got in a fighting position. "As if you COULD hurt me!" She leapt toward the cyborg and kicked.
"You know Im every bit as capable of hurting you as you are of me." The wolf/fox grabbed Anna's foot and pulled the jackal toward the ground, where she landed with a loud thump.
"I think we've played around long enough." Shade turned toward the robot canines. "Get them."
The robot canines ran toward the group.
Eclipse charged at the canines. "You want a piece of me? Fine, take it if you can!"
One of the canines held his arm out toward the charging bat. His fist and forearm detached from his upper arm and flew toward his opponent.
Eclipse dropped to the ground and rolled as the arm flew past him, then resumed his charge. He swung his sword at the canine that attacked him; cutting off the canine's other arm.
The other bats in the group ran toward the roboticized canines, firing their lasers at the enemy.
Three of the roboticized canines aimed guns at the bats and returned fire. A couple canines drew their swords and charged. The others stayed back and waited in case they would be needed.
Eclipse finished off the canine he was fighting by slicing downward at it, cutting it in half. He then ran toward Shade.
Shade smirked at the black bat. "Surely you don't think you have a chance against me..."
"I don't care." Eclipse swung his sword at the kelpie, aiming for his neck. "Because of you, my wife is dead!"
"So? Because of me, SEVERAL people are dead." Shade dodged the attack and countered with a punch.
Eclipse ducked under the punch and kicked at the kelpie's leg. "And you don't seem at all upset about it."
That's because I'm not." Shade grabbed the bat's leg and pulled him to the ground. "I had my orders. I simply followed them."
Eclipse stood and glared at the kelpie. "You're either a monster or extremely blind then, because you are only killing innocent people." He held his sword above his head and sliced down at Shade.
The kelpie grabbed the bat's sword arm and lowered it so the sword was in front of him instead of above him. "You can believe what you wish, but what the great Robotnik is doing is for the better good."
"Great and Robotnik do not belong in the same sentence." Eclipse struggled to free his arm, but Shade's grip was strong.
The kelpie turned the arm to that the point of the sword was aimed at the bat's chest, and then thrust the arm toward his opponent, causing him to be pierced by his own weapon. Blood gushed out of the wound as Eclipse fell to the ground.
The bat coughed up a mouthful of blood and looked up at Shade. "I...don't know...who...the bigger...monster...is. Robotnik...or you..."
Stryke watched in horror as Eclipse lay there with his sword through his chest. She roared and leapt at the kelpie. "How many lives must you ruin?!"
Shade held his arms out in front of him in an attempt to block the hybrid's attack. "I am only doing what is necessary."
Stryke sliced completely through the male cyborg's right arm, cutting it off just below the elbow. "Necessary for what? Mass destruction?!" She punched at the kelpie, hitting him hard in the stomach.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!" Shade screamed and cradled what was left of his right arm against his chest. "You are going to pay for that..."
Anna held her arm out toward Stryke with her palm facing the hybrid. A panel in the robotic jackal's palm opened and shot a long red beam at the wolf/fox, hitting her in the shoulder. She then walked to the kelpie and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Come on, Shade. Let's get out of here. We can take care of these losers later."
"Not so fast!" Stryke started toward the jackal and the kelpie, but an intense pain seared through her shoulder where the beam had hit, causing her to scream and grab the spot where she had been shot.
"Dont' be foolish, Stryke. You are in no condition to fight," Shade said to the wolf/fox as he and Anna began to walk away.
Kinesis concentrated on the two canines' feet, freezing them in place.
"What the heck?!" Shade tried to move, but his feet were planted firmly on the ground.
Anna stretched her arm out toward the wolf and fired another red beam out of her palm. This one hit Kinesis in the chest. The wolf screamed as he fell back from the force of the beam.
Since Kinesis's concentration had been broken when the beam hit him, Shade and Anna were able to move their feet.
"Don't think its over. We WILL be back!" The kelpie vowed as he and the robotic jackal retreated toward their ship.
Kinesis glared after the two. "Next time we won't go so easy on you!"
Stryke kneeled next to Eclipse, who was still bleeding heavily from his wound. "Eclipse, can you hear me?"
"Y...yes, Stryke..." The bat replied, barely speaking above a whisper.
"Good," the wolf/fox replied, "Hang on, we're gonna see if we can get someone to help you."
Eclipse shook his head slightly. "I...don't think...you have...enough time..."
"Come on Eclipse, you HAVE to make it!" Stryke said to the bat. "Your son is counting on you..."
"Sorry..." Eclipse closed his eyes. His breathing became shallower.
The wolf/fox's eyes grew wide in fear. "Eclipse! Don't even think about giving in yet, you hear me?" The bat's breathing was barely noticeable. "Eclipse!!!" She felt Eclipse's wrist, searching for a pulse. There was none. Stryke pounded her fists on the ground. "Darnit! SHADE, WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU, YOU'RE A DEAD MEAN!!!"
Kinesis walked to the hybrid and put his hand on her shoulder.
Tears slid down Stryke's cheeks. "Everyone I've ever even remotely known is gone now except Steve and Anna, but Anna has changed so much, It's like I don't know her anymore..."
"At least you have Steve. That much is good," Kinesis tried to comfort the hybrid.
Stryke nodded. "Yeah... But what about Wing? His whole family's gone..."
"He has you," the wolf replied, "...And Sylpha, her husband, and I are willing to help you whenever you need it."
The wolf/fox smiled briefly at Kinesis, then looked down at Eclipse, then the bats, which were digging a grave for their deceased friends. "Should we help them?"
The wolf nodded. "Unless you'd rather see if the others need our help."
Stryke shook her head. "They can take care of themselves." She walked over to where the bats were and started digging through the dirt with her oversized claws. The wolf watched for a moment, and then joined in.
The bats and the canines had finished burying Eclipse. Stryke stuck a long stick halfway into the ground behind the grave to mark it. She and the bats kneeled next to the grave and said a quick prayer while Kinesis bowed his head.
Eclipse I regret being unable to save you, but youre with Terra now, so I guess I should be somewhat happy for you, the wolf/fox spoke as if talking to a spirit, Dont worry about Wing, I promise Ill take as good care of him as I can
Stryke Kinesis watched the hybrid as she stood up slowly.
Stryke walked to the wolf. Lets go. We need to find the others and see if they need any help.
Kinesis nodded and looked around. Dracos? Phoenix? Whered you two go?
The two chao walked out from behind the rock they had been hiding behind.
You two ready to move on? The wolf asked. His chao nodded. He, his chao, and Stryke ran away from Eclipses grave toward where Dracos, Steve, Artico, and Blade had gone.
Dr. Robotnik scowled as he watched the various fights from the view screen on the Egg Carriers bridge. After all he had done to prepare his robots, they still lost! Even worse, not a single Chiro warrior had been captured.
Suddenly, the evil doctor heard a familiar voice shouting to him. He looked around, but could not see anyone.
Hey, egg-face! Down here, fatso! The voice shouted.
Eggman looked at the view screen and growled to himself. Dracos, Steve, Artico, and Blade were running toward his ship, their weapons at the ready.
How did those four get through all my robots? The doctor thought to himself. He chuckled after a moment. No matter. They cant get past my new weapon He ran out of the bridge toward the deck.
Yo, Robuttnik!
Whats the matter? Too scared to fight your own battles?
Stop hiding, you obese coward!
Dracos and his group ran until they were almost underneath the Egg Carrier.
If you wont come down to fight, well come up there! Dracos shouted as loud as he could toward Robotniks ship.
The Egg Carrier landed a short distance in front of the group and a large robot emerged. This robot was similar to the one that chased Stryke off the island, only is was silver in color and covered with spikes from the feet to the top of the shoulders, leaving only the head bare. Dr. Robotnik was seated in the robots head.
Crikey! Now THATS a big one! Steve looked up at the robot.
Crap, this is gonna be a tough one Artico stated.
So, whats the plan? Blade asked as he glanced at Dracos.
Ummmmmm . The black fox thought for a moment.
YOU DONT HAVE A PLAN?! The other group members exclaimed in unison.
Hey, Im getting there! Dracos replied.
Yo! Need some help?
The group members turned to see Agile and Sonar run toward them.
Looks like we arrived just in time, the gray hedgehog said as he looked up at the robot.
Well DUH! Artico shouted at the hedgehogs.
Dont these guys ever shut up? Dr. Robotnik watched the group with a sweat dropped look on his face. Hey, are you quite done wasting my time?
Either of you have an idea on how to destroy this thing? Blade asked.
The hedgehog girl grinned. Sure do! She rushed toward the robot, used a nearby spring to launch herself into the air, curled herself into a ball, and charged at the robots head.
Ouch! The green hedgehog uncurled and fell to the ground. Geez, thats HARD
The mad scientist laughed at the hedgehog girls attempt to destroy his creation. You pathetic fools dont stand a chance against me!
Ummm Anyone have a Plan B? Sonar asked.
The robot raised its foot and moved it toward the group.
I do, Artico replied, RUN!
Everyone scattered as the foot fell down on the ground they had been standing on.
Aint this great? Dracos remarked sarcastically after dodging Robotniks attack.
Looks like we have to wait for the others to get here Blade sighed. IF they get here
In the forest near Chiro, the battle between Magmus and Alucard continued.
What is it you want from me? Magmus asked as he blocked one of the robots blows.
My mission is none of your business, but since you wont live long enough to share the information I guess I can let you in on it, Alucard said to the dragon, My mission is to eliminate anyone that poses as a threat to Dr. Robotnik. He extended the blade on his arm to stab Magmus.
The dragon blocked the blade with the bracer on his left wrist. He balled his right hand into a fist and punched the robot. His punch had no effect, however, since his opponent was made of metal. He pushed the blade aside, jumped back, and rubbed his hand. Dang, I forgot punches dont effect robots
Alucard formed his left arm into a machine gun. Eat lead, fire-breath! He fired several bullets toward Magmus.
The dragon flew up out of range of the bullets. Youre right about the fire part He formed fireballs in his hands and tossed them at the robot.
Alucard jumped to the side to avoid the fireballs. Go ahead! Burn the forest down!
Crap, I forgot! Magmus growled to himself. He hovered in the air, trying to think of what to do next.
The robot aimed his machine gun arm at the dragon and fired. Magmus flew away from the island and hovered over the water.
Alucard chased the dragon until he came to the shore. Crap! I cant swim!
See you later, bolt head! Magmus shouted as he flew off.
Come back here, you yellow-bellied coward! the robot shouted as the dragon flew away.
Stryke, Kinesis, and Kinesiss chao continued to run until something green slammed into the wolf/foxs left side, knocking her into the wolf and causing both to fall to the ground.
Ugh How many times is this gonna happen today? Stryke picked herself up and dusted her armor off. She glanced at Kinesis, who was rising to his feet, then looked toward her left.
That green hedgehog again!
You REALLY need to watch where youre going The hybrid said to Agile as the hedgehog stood up.
Agile chuckled and rubbed the back of her neck. Sorry about that
What are you doing out here, anyway? Kinesis asked the hedgehog. Decide not to fight after all?
Me and everyone else are trying to dodge Robotnik until we figure out how to destroy his machine, Agile answered.
Machine? Stryke looked at the hedgehog questioningly.
Look up, Agile told the canines. The wolf and the hybrid looked up and saw the large spiked robot with Robotnik inside.
Looks kinda like the robot that attacked me in Cana, Stryke said as she stared up at the machine.
Howd you defeat that robot? The hedgehog girl questioned.
I didnt, the hybrid answered, I had to get off the island as soon as possible, so I ran
Well if you have ANY ideas, share them because Im fresh out, Agile said to the canines.
Just then, the robot started firing spike balls out of its mouth.
Ow! CRAP! A familiar voice shouted. Those things HURT!
Stryke turned toward the source of the voice. Steve, is that you?
Stryke? The male wolf/fox stepped into view. Its about time you showed up!
Wheres everyone else at? The cyborg asked.
Im right here Dracos climbed out of a nearby tree. Artico, Blade, and Sonar are around here somewhere. Magmus I havent seen in awhile.
Just then, Sonar ran up to the group.
I thought I heard voices over here, the gray hedgehog said as he looked around at everyone.
Hey guys, the dragoon is here! Blade leapt out of a tree a short distance behind the group and landed in front of them.
Dracos looked around at the group. Thats everyone except--
WHOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!! Artico screamed as he flew toward the group, landing face-down in front of Dracos. He stood up and dusted himself off. That thing punches HARD
Okay, were all here now. So what do we do? Blade asked.
Hmmm Stryke looked up at the robot. Anyone try attacking the head?
Yes Agile winced at the memory of hitting the super strong armor.
The robot fired several spike balls in various directions. A couple narrowly missed the group.
The female wolf/fox got an idea. Hey Steve, did you try shooting inside the mouth?
Steve shook his head. Even if I had thought of it, its too high to aim properly
Stryke turned to Kinesis. Can you lift people?
Only if they want lifted, the wolf replied.
Stryke smiled. Great! I hope this works
You hope what works? Artico asked.
Its simple, really, the female hybrid replied, Kinesis will lift Steve up so hes at the same level as the machines head. Then he can fire into the mouth, where theres no armor to deflect the bullets. Robotnik will try to stop him, so the rest of us will have to distract the evil doctor and protect Kinesis and Steve so they can do their job.
How are we gonna distract Robuttnik? Steve asked.
Well, Blade, Dracos, and the hedgehogs can run around, attack, taunt, or whatever, Stryke replied, Artico, you can climb, right? You and I will try to keep Robotnik from attacking Steve.
Sounds good to me. Agile smirked.
Ill do the taunting! Dracos volunteered with a grin. He ran up to Robotniks machine. Hey, Buttnik! Get down here and fight man-to-man, ya tight-wearing weakling?
Robotnik growled and aimed at the black fox. Dracos jumped to the side as a barrage of spike balls were fired his way.
Tight wearing? Artico gave Dracos a confused look.
Long story the fox replied.
Artico, come on! Stryke shouted as she climbed up a nearby tree. Artico followed her.
Yo, Egg-Butt! The green hedgehog shouted at the doctor. You think youre so big and bad because you operate heavy machinery, but you wont last long! Well be serving your butt to you on a gold platter before you can cry for your mommy!
Sonar stared at Agile with a semi-mad look on his face. *I* wanted to say that!
To bad, I thought it up first! The hedgehog girl stuck her tongue out at her partner.
Kinesis looked at Steve. You ready? Youre going to have to hurry because I cant keep you up there for very long
Steve nodded and drew his gun. Kinesis concentrated on the male wolf/fox, levitating him above the ground. The wolf continued to concentrate on raising Steve until he was at the robots face level, then held him there.
Eat THIS, egg-face! The male hybrid shouted as he fired into the machines mouth.
Robotnik growled. How did they know to do that?! No matter. Theyll be dead soon He fired a spike ball at Steve, then aimed at the group on the ground.
I dont think so! Stryke leapt at the spike ball and kicked it off course. Instead of hitting her brother, it sailed harmlessly past his right shoulder.
Another spike ball flew toward Kinesis. Agile and Sonar glanced at the ball, then at each other before running toward the spike ball. They each grabbed one of the spikes and tried to stop it from hitting its target. The spike ball dragged the two hedgehogs until it finally came to rest mere inches in front if the white wolfs feet.
Hey guys, can we hurry this up? Blade shouted as he leapt over the spike balls that came his way.
Right! Steve fired a few more shots. Something inside the machines mouth exploded. The robots head flew off, exposing Dr. Robotnik.
Kinesis lowered the male wolf/fox to the ground, then collapsed, exhausted.
Robotnik pressed a button inside the robots body. Two metal shields came up in front of and behind him, forming a dome.
Try to get through THIS! The evil doctor laughed.
That tin can? No problem! Stryke leapt onto the dome and began scratching at the metal.
Hey, let me do SOMETHING! Artico leapt onto the robot next to Stryke and helped her attack the dome.
Persistent little creatures, arent you? Eggman smirked. Looks like Im going to have to try a little harder to defeat you. The top layer of spikes on the machines armor shot out toward the fighters that were on the ground.
Thats not good! Steve exclaimed as he saw the spikes shoot out. He grabbed Kinesis and dashed behind a tree just before one of the spikes hit them.
What is this guy? Insane? Sonar asked as he and Agile dodged the spikes.
Yes, Dracos answered. He and Blade followed Steves lead and hid behind the trees as the spikes came at them.
While everyone else was dodging Robotniks attacks, Stryke and Artico were slowly making progress on the dome.
It feels like were getting nowhere The cat complained as he scratched at the dome.
Well break through it soon, the female hybrid assured Artico as her claws dug into the dome. After a few minutes, the dome started to give. Ha! Robotnik, youd better be ready to pay for all the lives youve taken! She pressed all her weight against the weakened metal. The dome cracked.
Stryke and Artico ripped the dome off the robot in time to see the evil doctor fall into the machines middle.
Robotnik laughed. Fools! Did you really think you had me?
Just then, the top half of the robot exploded, throwing the clawed fighters to the ground near Steve and Kinesis. The armor on the bottom half of the robot fell off, revealing an eggmobile with legs.
Dracos charged toward Robotnik, his sword drawn. He slashed at the right leg as he approached. He continued to attack the machines right leg while Dr. Eggman tried to stomp on him.
Blade leapt at the machines other leg, drove his lance through it, and leapt back before Robotnik could attack him. He kept this up until the left leg was destroyed, then helped Dracos finish off the right leg.
Robotnik growled and flew up out of reach of the fighters. You may have beaten me this time, but Ill be back! With that, he flew off.
What a coward Stryke sighed and shook her head.
You guys all right? Dracos asked as he and Blade ran up to her, Artico, Steve, and Kinesis.
The female wolf/fox nodded. You know, we make a pretty good team.
Agreed, the black hedgehog replied.
We should continue fighting like this, Stryke said, I dont think we could have ran Robotnik off if any of us was absent. Even Magmus since he got us here.
Why not? Dracos shrugged. Its kinda fun. And its nice having different people with different abilities around.
So, were all a team? The female wolf/fox looked around at each group member.
Sounds good to me, the black fox replied.
Blade nodded. Me too.
Same here. Kinesis replied.
And here. Steve smiled at his sister.
You can count me in, dudes! Artico said with a grin.
What about you guys? Stryke asked Sonar and Agile, who were standing a short distance away.
Thanks, but weve got our own group, the green hedgehog answered.
Well, thanks for your help The female wolf/fox smiled at the hedgehogs.
We werent fighting to help you, but youre welcome. Agile grinned. Smell ya later, fang girl! She ran off.
Hey, wait for me! Sonar ran after the hedgehog girl.
Yo dudes. Artico tried to get everyones attention. Now that were a team, what do we call ourselves?
How about The Dragoons? Blade suggested.
Youre the only dragoon here, Dracos replied.
How about The Champions? Artico asked.
Kinesis shook his head. Sounds too conceited.
I agree Stryke thought for a moment.
How about Sergeant Strykeys Lonely Hears Club Band? Kinesis smirked.
Stryke laughed. How about something thats not named after me?
What about Tempest? Steve suggested.
Hmmm What do you guys think? Stryke asked.
I like it, Dracos replied.
So do I, Blade answered.
Its cool, Artico said.
Kinesis shrugged. Sounds good to me.
Its settled then, Stryke replied, From now on, well be known as Tempest.
This is cool! the white cat exclaimed, Were just like Sonic and Sally and all them!
Not quite, Blade replied.
Well Were a bit like them Artico said.
Stryke started to walk off.
Where ya goin, sis? Steve asked.
Back to the restaurant. I need to get back to Wing, the female wolf/fox answered.
Ill go with you. Kinesis walked up to Stryke.
The female hybrid looked at the others. You guys comin?
Dracos shook his head. We have other things we need to get done here.
Stryke nodded, then turned to Steve. What about you, brother?
Im gonna tag along with these guys for a bit, the male wolf/fox answered.
Okay then. I guess Ill see you guys later, Stryke replied
Dracos nodded. We should meet somewhere soon. Maybe at the restaurant around lunchtime tomorrow.
Sounds good, Stryke replied, Well See ya!
The group said their goodbyes and split up.
Later, at the restaurant
Sylpha and Wing were in a bedroom under the restaurant. The yellow canine had recently tucked the young hybrid in. Now she was watching him as he slept. She smiled. He almost made her want a child of her own.
Just then, Sylpha heard the door to the restaurant open and close, followed by footsteps heading toward the counter. She hurriedly ran out the room and up the stairs, then through the door leading to the main room of the restaurant.
Welcome back! The yellow canine smiled as Stryke, Kinesis, Dracos the chao, and Phoenix approached her. Where are the other fighters you two took off with?
They had other business, Kinesis answered.
I see, the green-haired canine mix replied, So, how did it go?
We defeated Robotnik the wolf/fox answered, But
Sylpha looked at Stryke. But ?
The hybrid looked down. Wings an orphan
Im sorry The yellow canine gave Stryke an apologetic look. What are you going to do now?
Raise him, the hybrid answered, I promised his father and grandfather I would
Well, Im here if you need any help, Sylpha offered. She thought for a moment. Are you needing a place to stay?
Stryke nodded. For now, anyway.
We have quite a few rooms downstairs for employees, the yellow canine replied, And I could really use some help around here
All right then, the wolf/fox smiled at Sylpha, What do you need me to do? Wait tables, do dishes, sweep the floor?
Whatever needs done at the time, the yellow canine replied.
I think Ill leave and let you get settled in, Kinesis started walking toward the door.
Kinesis! Stryke called after the wolf.
Kinesis looked back. Yes?
Youll be back tomorrow, right? The wolf/fox asked.
The wolf nodded. Count on it. He looked down at his chao. Come on guys. With that Kinesis, Dracos the chao, and Phoenix walked out.
So When do I start? Stryke asked Sylpha after the wolf left.
Whenever you feel ready, the yellow canine answered.
The wolf/fox smiled. How about now?
Sylpha smiled back. Now would be great. She handed Stryke a broom and a dustpan. Make sure you get the upstairs too, okay?
The wolf/fox nodded and proceeded to sweep the floor of the restaurant.
You are listening to the Green Forest theme from Sonic Adventure 2. This MIDI was sequenced by John Weeks, composed by Jun Senoue, and taken from vgmusic.com.
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