Introduction
My fifth fanfic... I hope this one will leave you in awe. I want this one to seem as though it was written by a professional novelist. I'm not even going to hint at the storyline in this intro, you should have read my first two books anyways, but that's beyond my control, so you can read this one first if you really want. As for thanks, I need to give a lot of it, so here I go:
- God
- Mom
- Dad
- Vanessa
- Lemmy Koopa
Once again, I strongly recommend you read through the other two books before you read this... it will save you a lot of confusion.
Copyright
All copyrights used without permission.
Super Mario and all related characters, names, and places are copyright
of Nintendo. Sonic the Hedgehog and all related characters, names, and
places are copyrights of Sega. This book may not be used for profit by
any means. This file may be stored, printed, or distributed freely so long
as it is kept in its complete and unaltered form. This story and scenario
is copyright of Adam Butler© 2005.
Prologue: Cronos
"I feel bad about this," said a young, feminine voice. "We've kept this from them for so long."
"It is good to see you again, my young friend. Trust me, they will be able to stop him," said a masculine voice.
"I'm just not sure about this. I mean, if Metal Sonic can control time, can't he alter the future as well as the past?" the girl asked.
"Trust me," said the man, "for us to stop Metal Sonic, we must first let him succeed. In case you forget, Chaos could not be tamed 'til he was in his fiercest of rages."
"So when shall we reveal ourselves to them?" she asked./ "I don't like keeping secrets, they always seem to end up causing more pain."
"They will know the truth soon enough," he answered. "We will reveal ourselves after they have heard our message."
"So it begins today," the girl cried. "The end of it all... not even they can stop Cronos Sonic, it's impossible."
"Yes, it is impossible," the man laughed.
"But doing the impossible is what makes them heroes! Do not worry, my young
friend, they will succeed, but we cannot tell them until it is time."
Time, yes, that is the key to all of
this... that, and space... the two constants. You see, there is not one
universe, but a multiverse, each of them with different laws of physics,
different logic, and so forth. However, time and space remain unchanging
throughout these universes, and the one that controls both time and space
could easily control the multiverse...
Chapter 1: Dark Prophecy
Everyone had taken refuge in Robotnik's new base, located in the Mystic Cavern. Everyone knew that Metal Sonic would strike soon, all that was holding him back was the fact he was still trapped in the Factory.
Robotnik had fashioned an area of the cave into a mining facility, and another part of it into a fortress.
"You guys don't have to do this," Knuckles said to Team Chaotix. "After all, you do realize you're not getting paid for this, right?"
"Yeah, we know," Vector said. "But as long as Robotnik owes us money, he's not leaving our sight. And besides, what use will money be if Metal Sonic rules the world...? We've got to make sure that doesn't happen!"
"He struck down Smithy with a single blow," Bowser complained. "And we're still planning on fighting him?"
"What else can we do?" Mario asked. "He still has the Chaos Emeralds, and the IDMET!"
"Not to mention the Master Emerald," Sonic said. "Gramps is more dangerous than ever, and if we don't do something about it quick, nothing will be able to stop him."
"The real question is, how do we stop someone who controls time?" Luigi asked. "If Metal Sonic gets his hands on the Cronos Engine, it's all over."
"That's exactly why we can't let that happen," Prof. Gadd said. "Furthermore, the Cronos Engine is the only means we have of countering the power of the IDMET. Without it, he'd be able to teleport anywhere he wants using the IDMET."
"That brings a question to mind," Tails said as he turned to Dr. Robotnik. "When did you make the IDMET? You didn't have the resources to do so in the Mushroom Kingdom, or the time."
"Well then, I'm surprised that you haven't figured it out," Robotnik laughed. "Remember the Death Egg? As you remember, there was no way for it to liftoff, the combined gravitational field of the Death Egg and Mobiüs made it impossible, no matter how powerful the engines were, as I found out the first time I tried to launch it. Tails’ bombs may have sped things up a bit, but the Death Egg would have crashed only a couple of minutes later if those bombs never went off. Well, it turned out that even the Master Emerald didn't have enough power to get the thing to liftoff, and the engines on the Death Egg weren't designed for liftoff, as I never intended to land the Death Egg. When I discovered this, I thought up of a new power source, one that would be able to create more energy than it used. However, I still needed the Master Emerald to initiate this power source... and once I had it, I quickly powered up the IDMET, then used the Master Emerald for its secondary purpose, the EggTitan!"
"Wait a minute, if the IDMET is so powerful, why didn't you use it again?" Amy asked.
"When I discovered that my invention was disrupting the time-space continuum," Robotnik started, "I had no choice but to stop using it. However, as with any machine that manipulates time or space, it cannot be shut down; with an infinite power source, it would destroy all of Mobiüs, and everything else unlucky enough to be in this dimension. So, I kept it with me, waiting until I was forced to use it. Even I don't want this universe to be wiped from existence, I simply wish to rule it with an iron fist!"
"So, do we have a plan?" Princess Toadstool asked. "There has to be something we can do."
"With four geniuses here, we better have some sort of plan," Espio said.
"There is no plan to counter the IDMET," Tails explained. "It's like trying to escape your own shadow."
"Perhaps we cannot avoid Metal Sonic," Ludwig said, "vut we ceratainly zould ve able to defeat him."
"And you call yourself the smart one," Larry said. "Smithy, dead, one shot!"
"Quit your whinin', whimp! I ain't afraid of Metal Sonic," Roy said as he made a fist. "But there are four reasons he should fear me!" [The Koopalings only have four claws to a hand, remember?]
"We should check the shrine," Knuckles said. "It may have a prophecy about this."
"Just like the prophecy that Chaos would destroy a great city?" Sonic asked. "In case you forget, that didn't exactly prove true."
"Actually, it did," Tails said. "Station Square was pretty much in ruins after Chaos struck, just because it was rebuilt doesn't mean it wasn't destroyed."
"Fine, let's go," Sonic said.
"We should stay here, build up some defenses," Robotnik said. "We can't afford to leave. We'll be far too vulnerable in the Hidden Palace."
"He's right," Sonic agreed. "And besides, we've never been able to decipher the prophecies in the temple until after they've come true, so what good would it do us?"
"Wait, that's it!" Robotnik said. "While Wario was getting the Master Emerald, he stopped and read a strange poem. I heard him over the radio, and yet he deciphered it somehow!"
"Wario, decipher hieroglyphics?" Mario asked. "He can barely read English, there's no way you're convincing me he actually understood and translated an ancient dialect from an entirely different dimension."
"Believe what you want, but I've still got the recording," Robotnik said. "Anything heard on the EggCarrier was relayed back here, and stored for future reference."
"Well, it's the only lead we've got," Gadd said. "Let's hear it."
"Just allow me to get the file from the main computer," Robotnik said as he headed for a small console, then pressed a button.
Wario's voice could be heard on the speakers, "...lead me to treasure! Let's see, this says:
"To those of you of higher virtue, we warn and beg you pay heed to, this warning which we now give, so that all worlds may live. The son of the mother must fall, or else he shall be the doom of us all if ever he comes, two warriors we need, to make sure the evil will never succeed! Signed...
"Oh great, I can't make out the last line!" The speakers played back Wario sighing, "Oh well, it didn't sound like it was leading me to treasure anyways... 'son of the mother,' what whacko wrote that moronic poem?"
"It's all written out," Luigi said, "That says it all..."
"What do you mean?" Robotnik asked. "The only part that sounds anything like our current situation is 'two warriors we need’, and that doesn't tell us much of anything!"
"You don't understand," Luigi said. "You don't know who the poem was referring to as the 'son of the mother'. Wario was wrong to think that the person that wrote that made a mistake in writing that, but it makes perfect sense to me!"
"We've got four geniueses in this room who don't know what you're talking about," Mario said after looking at Gadd, Tails, Robotnik, and Ludwig. "You might as well just explain it to us."
"The ancient Greeks referred to Gaia, a goddess that was believed to be the earth itself, as the Mother, and in addition to many monsters and giants," Luigi explained, "she was also mother to thirteen well known gods and goddesses, known as the titans. The youngest of the titans was named Cronos, who eventually became the ruler of Olympus..."
"Never doubt the Hidden Palace!" Knuckles snickered. "Told ya it would have some information about what was going on!"
"Yeah, and by the time we would have found that message and come back, the Cronos Engine would be in the hands of Metal Sonic!" Sonic still argued.
Just then, an alarm went off, and the room was sealed by doors made from steel a foot thick.
"How right you are..." Robotnik said as he tried to see the outer passages of the cave through a security camera. "We've already lost all security cameras, and these doors won't hold up for long..."
Everyone prepared for battle, getting
ready to stop Metal Sonic at any cost...
Chapter 2: Out of Time
The doors never fell down, no... rather, Metal Sonic used Chaos Contol to warp into the middle of the room.
"I applaud this fortress, as well as your attempt to stop me," Metal Sonic said. "With only the time since you got back from the Mushroom Kingdom to build up your defenses, it's actually quite an impressive feat... You have been caught in a checkmate, and yet still you hold the trump card... But that all ends now, this is your final hand, so play it well!"
With that, Metal Sonic used the Master Emerald and the Chaos Emeralds to transform into his Hyper mode.
"Big deal, so you look like a light bulb, it's not like we haven't taken you out before," Sonic said. "Besides, we've still got the Power Stars!"
"Your little toys do not frighten me, and even the Chaos Emeralds are nothing compared to what I seek!" Metal Sonic laughed. "Now give way to your ruler!"
Knuckles tried to punch Metal Sonic from the back, but Metal Sonic caught the fist and snapped Knuckle's wrist. Knuckles stepped back and fainted from the pain.
Metal Sonic then held up the Mastrer Emerald, and shouted, "Chaos Nova!"
There was a blinding flash of light, and everyone looked around.
"Everyone, be on your guard!" Sonic shouted. "I've never even heard of the Chaos Nova before, and it certainly doesn't sound good..."
Just then, another blinding flash blinked, and everyone fell to their knees.
"How did he do that?" Mario asked as he struggled to get up.
"He used Chaos Control to freeze time around him," Robotnik started, "and then he used Chaos Blast on each of us while time was still frozen... The flash was created by the rip in time that sent him hurtling ahead of us by a few seconds. To him it didn't exist, it would have appeared to him as though he’d never left."
"And how did you figure this out?" Gadd asked.
"Oh, I didn't exactly figure it out," Robotnik admitted. "It's simply a theory."
"Perhaps you are as smart as you claim," Metal Sonic laughed as he stepped towards the middle of the room and grabbed the Cronos Engine, "but I highly doubt it. However, it matters not, for I now have what I came for. Now I shall make all of you suffer for all the trouble you've caused me in the past! Perhaps you'd like to see an encore of my last trick!"
With that, Metal Sonic used another Chaos Nova. The attack was too much for Tails, Larry, Junior, and Charmy as they passed out from exhaustion.
Metal Sonic laughed. "You know what they say, third time is a charm!"
Most everyone fainted after the third attack, with only Mario and Sonic still retaining consciousness.
"And to think, I defeated you so easily without the power of the Cronos Reactor," Metal Sonic mocked. "If I were a fool like Robotnik or Bowser, I might let you live just to make you suffer through the world I rule, but I'm above that. I destroy my enemies before they become a threat to me!"
With that, Metal Sonic prepared to use another Chaos Nova on the two remaining heroes, when suddenly, a protective barrier appeared around them, shielding them from Metal Sonic's attack.
"What kind of trick is this?" Metal Sonic shouted.
"Don't know, and right now, it could be from Smithy for all I care," Mario said. "As long as it stops you."
"Agreed," Sonic concurred.
"Fine then, while you cower in your force fields, I'll just destroy your friends!" Metal Sonic said angrily, then started to activate his, "CHAOS NOVA!"
After the first flash appeared, more protective barriers appeared, protecting everyone in the room. After the second flash, everyone else was gone.
"What in the world is going on?" Sonic asked.
"Come quickly!" said a female voice as the doors opened.
"Tikal?" Sonic asked, "Thanks for the help back there."
"You won't escape me so easily!" Metal Sonic shouted as he used another Chaos Nova.
The barriers shattered, and Tikal cried, "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, you did your part, now I must do mine!" Geno said as he stepped into sight. "Geno Whirl!"
The attack forced Metal Sonic to his knees, but he did not let go of the Cronos Engine.
"Geno, it's good to see you again," Mario said as he and Sonic rushed out the door with Geno quickly following.
"It has been a long time, my old friend," Geno agreed,."But now is not the time for reminiscing. We must now take our leave, Metal Sonic is only stunned."
"I never run away from a fight," Sonic argued as he stopped.
"Fine then, call it a tactical retreat," Mario reasoned. "He has the Cronos Engine, and it's only a matter of time before he fuses it with the IDMET. We need to fall back and formulate a plan!"
"Fine, whatever," Sonic sighed. "You're right, we'd be crushed. Where's Tikal?"
"She's in the Hidden Palace," Geno explained. "She's been assisting us from there. Tikal, do you have enough energy left to get us back to the Hidden Palace?"
"Yes, but you'll have to stand still," she replied. "I'm too tired to bring you here if you're moving."
The Mystic Cave seemed to fade away as though a thick fog had filled the dark passageways, and when it faded away, the three of them were in the Hidden Palace, with everyone safe and sound.
"It will take a short while for Metal Sonic to fuse the Cronos Engine and the IDMET to finish the Cronos Reactor," Geno explained. "We must be prepared for the worst, as nothing that either of you have encountered before can prepare you for the battle ahead."
"Is anyone else awake?" Mario asked.
"No," Tikal said, "but they'll be fine, they just need to rest."
"It is good to finally meet you in person," Geno said as he extended his hand towards Sonic. "My name is Geno, I am a guardian of Star Road."
Sonic shook Geno's hand and replied, "Thanks for the help back there."
"Likewise, I am honored to meet you, Mario," Tikal said as she curtseyed. "My name is Tikal, I am somewhat of a guardian of the Master Emerald."
"Thank you for protecting our friends," Mario said. "I just can't believe how easily Metal Sonic defeated us."
"Do you know anything about the prophecy?" Sonic asked. "The one that warns of the coming of Cronos?"
Tikal giggled, and Geno explained, "Of course we do, we wrote it."
"You knew about this the whole time?" Sonic asked. "And neither of you bothered to warn us?"
"It is not our place to interfere," Geno said. "If we act too soon, all will fall to desolation."
"So we are the two warriors that the prophecy speaks of," Mario said in a quizzical manner.
"Well, not quite," Tikal said. "Only one of you is of the two it spoke of."
"Which one of us?" Sonic asked.
Chapter 3: Rise of Cronos
"Well, it's kind of difficult to explain," Tikal started. "But Mario, you are not one of the two of whom the prophecy spoke!"
"Mamamia!" Mario shouted.
"Mario does play a vital role in bringing this madness to an end," Tikal explained. "However-"
"However, the fall of Metal Sonic will not be by his hands," Geno interrupted. "I am afraid that is all we may reveal for the time being."
Geno gave Tikal a cold stare.
"What's wrong?" Mario asked. "Is there something else we should know?"
"No," Geno replied quickly. "There is nothing else."
"You two should get some rest," Tikal suggested. "You must be worn out from that battle with Metal Sonic."
"That sounds like a good idea, but perhaps we should sleep in shifts," Mario said, "just in case."
"We'll wake you when anything happens," Tikal said.
Mario nodded in consent, and lay on the cold stone floor of the temple, using his hat as a pillow.
"Thanks, but I'm not tired," Sonic said. "I'm going to go up to the rim of the Volcano Reef and stand watch."
"Are you sure?" Geno asked.
"I can't sleep right now," Sonic explained, "too much excitement."
"All right, but don't wear yourself out," Geno warned. "We all need to be at our best for when Metal Sonic attacks."
After Sonic left, Tikal apologized to Geno.
"They must not know Mario's part in this," Geno said. "If they do, Metal Sonic will prevail, and all will be lost."
"But we don't know if they'll survive!" Tikal cried. "What if-"
"It would be better for one of them to fall than for Metal Sonic to destroy the multiverse," Geno said. "Hope is all we have left, so for now, we trust the prophecy."
"Fine, we'll wait," Tikal agreed, but
she didn't stop crying. "But I still think they should be warned."
Finally, after all these years, I have it! Metal Sonic thought to himself.
He was standing over the ruins of the DeathEgg, holding the IDMET in his left hand, and the Cronos Engine in his right.
Now, at last I shall rule! Metal Sonic thought as he activated both of the machines.
He brought his hands together, and a flash of light appeared, and could be seen from anywhere on Mobiüs, even in the deepest darkest depths of the Mystic Cavern. When he could see again, Metal Sonic was holding the Cronos Reactor in his hands.
Now to put this pitiful excuse for a battle station to good use, Metal Sonic thought as he absorbed the remains of the DeathEgg, as well as the Cronos Reactor. By the time he was finished, he no longer looked like a hedgehog. Rather, he resembled a great dragon, as he had once before. This time, however, he was much larger, about fifty-stories tall (the DeathEgg was thousands of times smaller then the Death Star, spanning only a couple miles in diameter), he had the Cronos Reactor as one of his eyes, and his whole body was made from a special metal which never before existed in any universe. The metal was harder then diamonds, yet lighter then air. The metal could conduct electricity, yet would not short-circuit in water. It could resist the heat of the sun, yet would not freeze at absolute-zero. It could bend like rubber, yet was sturdier then any mountain. It was made of both matter and anti-matter. It had infinite mass, yet created no gravitational pull. All in all, it defied all possible restrictions of both time and space.
Now to show those fools the full
extent of my power! Metal Sonic thought to himself as he teleported
himself to Angel Island.
"Did you see that flash?" Sonic asked.
"Only one thing could create a flash that bright," Geno said in a monotone voice. "It has begun."
"I'll wake the others," Tikal cried as she ran to do as she said.
Metal Sonic appeared out of nowhere, towering above the trees.
"For far too long, you have been a thorn in my side!" Metal Sonic laughed. "You, Sonic the Hedgehog, shall be the first to witness my power! You shall bow in defeat to I, the lord of time and space! You were a fool to think you could ever stop me!"
"Metal Sonic! Pay heed to my words!" Geno shouted. "If you truly believe that time and space can be controlled, then there is only one fool in our midst! By trying to tame that which devours itself, you will bring about your demise! Stop this madness at once!"
"Geno! My, how long has it been since you were last here in Mobiüs?" Metal Sonic asked.
"You know of me?" Geno asked in a worried manner.
"You know as well as I do how I know your name! I can see what you are going to say before you say it! I am incapable of reading your mind, but I can easily tell what you are about to do!" Metal Sonic laughed. "But no longer am I made of metal, so do not refer to me by my former name! Call me by the name of the god that I am! You shall address your master by one name alone: Cronos Sonic!"
"It matters not," Geno said, "I shall die before I call you master! You think yourself a god? Then tell me, why is it that you do not strike us down with the blink of an eye?"
"Such foolish impudence!" Cronos Sonic laughed. "What irony, that a doll should try to play with people, but I'm afraid that playtime is over for you!"
Cronos Sonic stared at Geno, and all of the sudden, a bubble appeared around him, and wiped the doll from existence.
"You'll pay for that!" Sonic shouted as he ran towards Cronos Sonic.
Cronos Sonic blinked his lower eye, and froze Sonic in time.
"Your friends will watch you suffer," Cronos Sonic said. "I can wait, I have all the time in the world!"
Just then, Cronos Sonic felt something tugging on his tail. It was Mario, who had everyone else behind him, ready to fight.
"Every bit as foolish as my grandson," Cronos Sonic said as he wrapped his tail around Mario. "It's a wonder you survived your childhood with such rash actions!"
"It's laughable that someone who is willing to attempt to control time would bring up rash actions," Mario said as he tried to break free.
"Attempt?" Cronos Sonic laughed. "You greatly underestimate me if you believe the Cronos Reactor is beyond my control!"
"Your overconfidence will be your downfall!" Mario shouted, still struggling to get free.
"Your faith in you friends shall be yours," Robotnik joked.
"Could you make up whose side you're on?" Luigi asked.
"I was just quoting the emperor," Robotnik quirked. "Mario started it!"
"Silence!" Cronos Sonic shouted, then removed Mario from his tail and held him in his hand. "Your personality is nothing like Sonic's; he lacks every hint of maturity, you're both from completely different universes, and yet in battle, the two of you fight as though your minds are the same!"
Cronos Sonic grabbed Sonic in his other hand, and allowed the flow of time around him to return to normal.
"What just happened?" Sonic asked.
"I was going to just finish both of you off, but first, I must know," Cronos Sonic shouted, "just how well would you two fare if you were forced to endure the hardships of one another?"
"What is Gramps talking about?" Sonic asked.
"You will see soon enough!" Cronos Sonic laughed.
Cronos Sonic closed his fists, and when he opened them, both of the heroes were gone.
"What have you done?" Princess Toadstool asked.
"Hey! I'm supposed to kill Mario!" Bowser shouted.
"Sonic!" Tails shouted.
Cronos Sonic laughed, then stared straight up. The Cronos Reactor glowed brightly, and let out a strange light, making everything look as though it was a film negative. Everything stopped. The rivers ceased to flow, the wind stopped moving, the world itself stopped spinning. Time itself was frozen...
"Now to enjoy the show," Cronos Sonic
laughed as he warped to a different time.
Chapter 4: A Mile in my Shoes
Sonic opened his eyes to find himself lying on the floor.
Where am I? Sonic asked himself as he stood up.
He looked around, and saw that he was on a strange platform, flying through space.
You've done well to make it this far! said a voice in Sonic's head, but I'm afraid you won't stop me this time!
"Who's there?" Sonic asked, then noticed his voice was different. "Why do I sound like Mario?"
Sonic looked down, and didn't see any fur on him. He didn't only sound like Mario, he looked like him too.
So that's what Gramps meant, Sonic thought to himself.
Just then, a giant hand appeared in front of Sonic.
"A giant glove?" Sonic asked. "Is that supposed to scare me?"
Well, you're still as defiant as ever! said the strange voice in his head. You will acknowledge me as your master, or die!
"Who's doing that?" Sonic shouted. "Speak to me face to face if you have something to say to me!"
That's it! I was going to wait for my brother, but your mockery has convinced me to do otherwise! said the voice. Mario! You will fall by my hand this day!
Just then, the hand shot two golden Bullet Bills at Sonic, who tried to outrun them. The Bullet Bills knocked him to the ground.
As Sonic got back up, the hand landed on the platform, and "walked" towards Sonic with its index and middle fingers. Sonic tried to get behind the hand, but it used its index finger to "kick" Sonic to the ground.
Great, not only do I have no idea how to stop this thing, Sonic thought to himself, but I've got no idea how to fight as Mario! He can't move nearly as fast as me, so I'll have to figure something else out... He seemed pretty good at jumping, maybe I can step on this glove...
Sonic got back up again, and saw the hand was know trying to slap him, much as one would swat an insect. Sonic jumped over the hand, and turned around.
Well, I may not be able to attack
this thing, but at least I can make sure it can't hit me! Sonic
thought to himself. Luckily, Mario didn't seem to tire easily when I
fought him, so I should be able to keep this up long enough to think of
something...
Mario wasn't sure what had happened. He got up and looked around. He seemed to be on a long, twisting road, one that seemed to defy the laws of gravity with portions that looped and other parts that went completely vertical.
Did Metal Sonic send me to the F-Zero Grand Prix? Mario asked himself as tried to figure out where he was, No, this road is paved from asphalt, Captain Falcon told me that all tracks in the F-ZGP were made of metal.
Mario went over to the edge of the road and looked down, and saw a large statue of Dr. Robotnik.
"Well, at least I..." Mario started to say when he noticed his voice.
He scratched his neck, but noticed that it wasn't as wide as normal. He looked at himself and saw what had happened.
"So that's what Metal Sonic plans to do with us," Mario said. "This must be somewhere one of Sonic's adventures must have taken him."
Just then, Mario heard what sounded like a large jet flying in the distance. He turned around, and saw Robotnik in the EggCraft with Metal Sonic standing just below it. Mario tried to practice using Sonic's body a bit before making himself known; he saw a pair of loops in the opposite direction, and tried using it to practice running.
So I was right, Mario thought to himself, Metal Sonic didn't just make me look like Sonic, I'm actually in his body, and I have his abilities, but that probably means I can't do things that I'm used to doing so effortlessly in my own body.
Mario tested that out as well, and tried to do a triple jump. The first jump, he did fine, and the second jump went flawlessly, but when he tried to jump a third time, he tripped over Sonic's legs.
Glad I didn't wait until battle to find that out, but I still don't know if this actually affects the time stream or not... just in case, I better act like Sonic, Mario thought to himself. I just hope I'm ready for this.
"Robotnik! Gramps!" Mario shouted. "What are you doing here?"
"How did you figure it out?" Robotnik steamed. "How could you have figured it out?I"
"He didn't know yet?" Mario asked.
"Who?" Robotnik asked.
"I meant to say 'I didn't know yet'," Mario said, remembering that he was in Sonic's body.
"Well I thought you were under the impression that your grandfather was dead," Robotnik shouted. "That was supposed to be part of the irony, I was going to mention it to you here and now. I mean really, I left no clues!"
"Well, he doesn't look that different from when he was a hedgehog," Mario said, trying to recover.
Robotnik and Metal Sonic gave Mario a strange look.
"Um, just kidding," Mario chuckled nervously. "So, I see who the real mastermind is behind your plan now! Gramps must have tricked you into doing all of this for him!"
"What on Mobiüs are you talking about?!" Robotnik shouted, "Or, actually, Little Planet..."
"What did you say?" Mario asked. "We're not on Mobiüs?"
"Of course not!" Robotnik shouted. "We've been on Little Planet for almost a week now! And- wait a minute! Do you have Short-Term Memory Loss?"
"No, just a huge bump on my head," Mario said.
"Well, either way, this takes the fun out of things... now there's no point in him saying it," Robotnik complained.
"I wasn't going to say it anyways," Metal Sonic said in an annoyed manner.
"Why not?" Robotnik asked. "It would be the perfect irony!"
"I don't go around sprouting off lines from movies," Metal Sonic complained. "They are a pointless form of entertainment, and provide no appeasement for one such as myself."
"But it's such a wonderful line!" Robotnik complained. "Say it anyways!"
"You command me as though you believe yourself to be my master." Metal Sonic laughed. "Do not forget, I'm going along with your crazed plan because I chose to do so."
"Say the line!" Robotnik shouted.
"If you must hear it, then say it yourself," Metal Sonic sighed. "I refuse to degrade myself by doing such."
"Fine... but it doesn't have the impact of when it's true!" Robotnik complained, then started to breathe heavily in a failed attempt to imitate Vader. "Sonic, I am your grandfather!"
"All the fuss over that?" Mario asked,
"It's a wonderful line! It's one of the greatest ironies ever conceived by the human mind!" Robotnik shouted. "Why, even I couldn't come up with something that wonderful!"
"You're worse then a questy!" Mario laughed. "And I should know, I live with one!"
Robotnik sighed, then shouted, "Just hand over the Time Stones, and nobody gets hurt!"
"Do you have someone hostage?" Mario asked.
"That's how we lured you here in the first place!" Robotnik shouted. "We have that girl, what was her name again?"
"You're asking me?" Mario said. "In case you didn't notice, I've got no clue what's going on."
"Fine then, just give us the Time Stones, and the girl lives." Robotnik laughed.
"And what guarantee do I have that you won't be a backstabbing liar after I give them to you?" Mario asked as he searched himself for the Time Stones, finding them in Sonic's shoes.
"Please, would I lie to you?" Robotnik smiled.
"My memory isn't that bad," Mario sighed.
"Can't blame an evil mastermind for trying," Robotnik grumbled. "Now, if you won't give me the Time Stones, then you'll have to participate in a little race I have planned out for you."
"Let me guess, winner gets the Time Stones?" Mario sighed. "Typical, fine, I accept."
"Well, that's not exactly what I had in mind." Robotnik laughed. "Winner escapes with their life!"
"And the rules?" Mario asked.
"Simple, I've attached a laser to the bottom of my EggCraft capable of destroying just about anything," Robotnik explained. "I'll chase you and your grandfather towards the finish line, which, by the way, is the only safe haven from me. The loser, on the other hand, well, you'll have so much fun either way, it'll be a blast!"
"Not too original," Mario mocked, "but I accept."
"Fine then, the gate up ahead is the starting line. On my third blast of the laser, it will open. Get into position," Robotnik said.
"You're sure quiet," Mario said to Metal Sonic. "I thought you'd be happy to see me after all this time."
"If you think I am truly a slave to Robotnik, then you are a fool." Metal Sonic laughed. "And if you think that you will survive this, then you are sadly mistaken."
"So much for the joyous reunion," Mario sighed. If only I knew more of what happened. How did Metal Sonic get captured, and why does Sonic feel it's his fault?
Robotnik fired three blasts from the EggCraft and shouted, "Go!"
With that, the gate opened, and Metal
Sonic shot out in front. Mario quickly started running, trying to catch
up. He was already behind, and he wasn't gaining much ground...
"Hold on a minute!" Sonic said, holding his hand out to signal Master Hand to stop.
Sonic shot out a fireball by accident, not even realizing it.
"So that's how Mario does it," Sonic said. "Okay, never mind."
You dare to command me? the voice boomed. I, Master Hand, shall take no orders from an ordinary human!
"Wait a minute, you mean you're the giant glove?" Sonic asked. "It's not some robot?"
Who else would be speaking to you telepathically? Master Hand asked. You already defeated my Mewtwo clone! [Ironic, no?]
"Whatever, at least now I know what I'm up against," Sonic sighed. "Where are we anyways?"
Oh, yes, I forgot to mention! Master Hand cackled. Welcome to my new home, take time to get comfortable, as it will be your Final Destination!
"Well, bring it on, butter fingers!" Sonic mocked as he jumped up and punched Master Hand.
Master Hand took a few hits, but slapped Sonic to the ground. Master Hand then flew up like a rocket, and zoomed towards Sonic. Sonic jumped up, and landed on top of Master Hand. Sonic tried to use the fireballs to burn Master Hand, but they had little effect on him.
"You're made of silk!" Sonic shouted. "You should be ashes by now!"
You really thought it would be that easy? Master Hand laughed. You vastly underestimate me! Mario! Prepare for oblivion's embrace!
Master Hand flicked his wrist, sending Sonic flying towards the ground. Master Hand then came flying down, using himself as a drill. Sonic rolled out of the way, narrowly dodging the attack. Sonic then remembered seeing Mario charge up his firebrand. Sonic tried holding back his hand, and then released it as Master Hand was trying to recover. He unleashed a devastating blow against Master Hand.
Well, at least I'm not defenseless, Sonic thought to himself. I'm starting to see how Mario was able to present such a challenge when we were fighting.
Master Hand returned to a neutral position, and then spread out his fingers.
So you've got some new tricks up your sleeve, but so do I! Master Hand laughed as he released lasers from his fingertips.
Sonic had to jump, duck, roll, and slide to dodge the numerous beams that were being shot at him. He was quickly running out of room, until he jumped up and gave another barrage of punches to Master Hand.
So, you present yourself just as much a challenge as last time! Master Hand laughed. But it matters not!
Just then, Sonic heard another telepathic voice, but it repeated only one word, over and over again: Destroy! Destroy! Destroy!
"Great, as if this wasn't enough." Sonic turned around and saw another giant glove.
Mario, allow me to introduce you to my twin brother, Crazy Hand! Master Hand laughed. While I love to create these vast worlds, he has only one purpose in life... to destroy everything! Now, be polite, and shake hands!
Crazy Hand snatched Sonic up, and started to crush him. Sonic struggled to get free, and after a bit of difficulty, he did so, but felt as though something was weakening him. He realized a strange flower was attached to his forehead, and draining him of his energy. He plucked it, and threw it to the floor.
"Two against one? How unfair... There's only two of you!" Sonic mocked. "Come on, if you think that your dirty tricks will work on me, then just try them!"
Crazy Hand rocketed into the sky, and shot himself at Sonic.
"Your brother couldn't pull that one off, what makes you think you can?" Sonic said as he dodged the attack.
However, Crazy Hand shot back again, and knocked Sonic to the ground. Sonic got back up, just in time to see Master Hand and Crazy Hand both shooting lasers at him. Sonic jumped up and tried to use a barrage of punches on Crazy Hand. Crazy Hand quickly used a backhanded slap to knock Sonic back to the ground.
Great, as if trying to learn how
to fight all over again wasn't bad enough, Sonic thought to himself,
now
I have to do it while I'm outnumbered!
Mario had caught back up to Metal Sonic with relative ease.
"I thought you were trying to win this thing," Mario said. "And yet you allowed me to catch up to you... Tell me, you don't really want to fight me, do you?"
Metal Sonic glanced over, and stopped flying, slowing himself to a run. He kicked at Mario, who rolled under the attack. Metal Sonic then grabbed Mario by the arm, and sent a large bolt of electricity through his body. Mario was slowed down by the attack, and Robotnik wasn't far behind.
"So much for that theory," Mario said as he tried to catch back up.
Mario tried to keep his head low, and ran as fast as he could. [Actually, he ran as fast as Sonic could.] Mario caught back up to Metal Sonic, and this time, he threw the first punch. Metal Sonic caught the fist, and twisted Sonic's wrist.
I hope Sonic doesn't find out about this, Mario thought to himself. I don't want anyone after me for letting their arm get twisted.
Mario, once again, fell behind. He decided to try using a spin dash. He rolled up into a ball and started to spin in place. When he released himself, he stood back up, and started running towards Metal Sonic. This time, instead of trying to attack Metal Sonic, he simply ran past him.
That wasn't too hard, Mario thought to himself. Actually, that was pretty easy... too easy…
Mario turned his head to see Metal Sonic flying at him with a strange shield surrounding him. The blast knocked Mario to the ground, and made him lose precious time. He got back up, and used another Spin Dash to avoid Robotnik.
Things aren't going too well, Mario thought to himself. I just hope that Sonic's faring better as me... As long as he's not fighting Smithy, he shouldn't have too much trouble.
"Oh really?" asked Metal Sonic.
Mario looked over, and noticed that it wasn't the Metal Sonic he was racing that said that.
"Don't bother looking for me, you fool, I'm not really there! I'm simply watching you through a portal in time," Cronos Sonic explained. "And don't worry, my grandson isn't facing Smithy, but yet, someone is handing him a great defeat nonetheless! Perhaps you are incapable of solving each other's problems."
I'll manage, Mario thought. I've been in worse situations, and I've always managed. So you can read minds now, don't think this means we can't stop you!
"Perhaps you should pay less attention to my present, and focus on my past; it seems as though you are about to lose the race!" Cronos Sonic laughed.
He's right, Mario realized. If
I don't think of something quick, I'm finished!
"Having a little trouble are we, Sonic?" Cronos Sonic laughed.
"Gramps! Where are you?" Sonic asked. "Show yourself!"
Who are you talking to? Master Hand asked. Have we hit your head too many times?
"Don't bother looking for me, I'm not there," Cronos Sonic explained. "And those hands can't hear me either. This fight gave Mario a bit of trouble, but he wasn't made to look like such a fool!"
"He's had about thirty years to practice in this poor excuse for a body!" Sonic shouted.
You've lost your mind! Master Hand laughed. I knew that my brother would be more then you could handle, but I didn't think it would be this easy!
"Shut up!" Sonic shouted as he shot some fireballs at Master Hand.
"Don't bother speaking, I can read your mind," Cronos Sonic said. "Besides, you need to concentrate on the matters at hand! You know, you shouldn't feel too bad, Mario's doing just as poorly trying to keep up with me!"
You're fighting him? Sonic thought. Wait a minute, you don't mean-
"Yes, our little reaquaintance." Cronos Sonic laughed. "I don't recall being able to twist your ankle when you raced me!"
We'll get through this, trust me Gramps... You aren't going to get away this time! Sonic thought, then jumped up and started to use a Mario Tornado on Master Hand.
Master Hand got out of the way, then signaled to Crazy Hand.
"Great, what are they doing now?" Sonic asked himself aloud.
Crazy Hand then slammed into Sonic, and crushed him into Master Hand's palm. When they released him, Sonic felt as though he was about to collapse. That's when he saw it, Master Hand and Crazy Hand were paralyzed from the attack as well.
That's it! Sonic thought to himself. "Why don't you try that again? Bet you can't pull it off twice!"
Master Hand ignored Sonic, and hovered closely, pointing at Sonic with his index finger. Master Hand then tried to poke Sonic, who slid under Master Hand and towards Crazy Hand. Crazy Hand then started dropping large bombs from above, scattering them everywhere. Sonic jumped on top of one of them, and then used them as stepping stones to reach Master Hand. Sonic then landed on Crazy Hand, and started to punch rapidly at him. Master Hand plucked Sonic up, and threw him to the ground. Sonic caught himself, and landed on his feet. Master Hand and Crazy Hand went to opposite sides of the platform, and held their palms straight up.
Now's my chance! Sonic thought as he awaited their attack.
Master Hand and Crazy Hand started to clap rapidly, creating a large cloud of dust. When it cleared, they shook off the numbness. As they were doing so, Sonic used a coin punch to finish off Master Hand.
You may have stopped me, but you can't defeat my brother! Master Hand complained. How can you destroy that which is destruction? It's impossible to do such!
"Chaos, the god of destruction," Sonic said. "Try telling him that."
Destroy! Destroy! DESTROY!!!
Crazy Hand laughed maniacally.
Mario saw a couple of vertical pathways up ahead with Metal Sonic flying over them. Mario ran straight up the first wall, then used the small flat area before the second one to charge up a spin dash before flying up the ramp. Mario then saw Metal Sonic had slowed down in the distance.
He keeps letting me catch up... I don't like this, Mario thought to himself as he rushed towards Metal Sonic.
Mario could see the gateway in the distance. Mario spotted a box of rings immediately up ahead, and used a homing attack to collect them. Mario then saw several platforms hanging over the main course.
Now this is something I'm more used to! Mario said as he ran and hopped from platform to platform.
Mario was gaining on Metal Sonic, but it still looked bleak.
"Give it up, you've lost!" Cronos Sonic laughed.
"Not quite," Mario said as he jumped back down to the main part of the speedway.
Mario had nearly caught up with Metal Sonic, but Metal Sonic still went into the gateway first. The door quickly started to fall.
"You're done for!" Robotnik shouted as he zoomed towards Mario.
Mario ran towards the gate, and slid under the door just as it closed.
"Well, this is becoming quite interesting…" Cronos Sonic laughed. "I don't remember this happening the first time!"
Metal Sonic turned around, and started walking towards Mario.
"You just don't know when to give up, do you?" Metal Sonic asked.
"I've been known for that." Mario chuckled. "It's one of my best flaws."
"You seem different," Metal Sonic said. "Your racing style, it's completely unorthodox, like nothing I've ever seen on Mobiüs... and I've seen quite a bit."
Mario ignored the comment, trying to avoid explaining himself.
"So be it," Metal Sonic laughed, "but I can see the truth plainly."
Mario stepped back, and thought to himself, How do I go about avoiding this? I don't think explaining the truth will help at all.
"Tell me, who are you?" Metal Sonic asked.
"That's not important," Mario said.
"So be it." Metal Sonic laughed. "You'll die an enigma."
Mario tried using a spin dash, but Metal Sonic simply flew out of the way.
"Sonic!" shouted Amy, who was tied up on a lamp post. "You came for me!"
Oh great, Mario thought to himself. Not only do I not know her name, but I'm not even sure if Sonic likes her or not.
"My grandson finds Amy to be little more then a pest," Cronos Sonic explained. "However, being one of his mind set, he refuses to let Robotnik remove her nonetheless."
So now you're helping me? Mario asked.
"This match has become quite intriguing." Cronos Sonic laughed. "I simply don't wish to see it end so soon after this much tension!"
Metal Sonic used his jets to ram into Mario, knocking him to the ground, and almost knocking him off the speedway. Mario got back up and ran towards Metal Sonic, then used a roundhouse kick to reach Metal Sonic's face. The attack hit, but seemed to have little effect on Metal Sonic.
"Flesh against metal... you stand no chance!" Metal Sonic laughed.
Metal Sonic grabbed Mario, flew up, and threw him to the ground. Metal Sonic then began to dive down towards Mario, who quickly rolled aside. Mario decided that the direct approach wasn't working, so he waited for Metal Sonic to come to him. Metal Sonic activated an electrical barrier, and slowly floated towards Mario. Mario slid under Metal Sonic, then turned around. Metal Sonic tried using his jets to ram into Mario again, but Mario jumped on top of Metal Sonic, knocking him to the ground. Metal Sonic recovered, and laughed.
"I applaud your efforts, and it seems we are evenly matched." Metal Sonic continued to laugh. "We shall consider this a draw for now."
Just then, a large explosion appeared around Metal Sonic. When it cleared, Metal Sonic was gone.
"That was unexpected." Mario sighed. "Alice, are you alright?"
"It's Amy," Amy explained, "but you can call me Alice if you want."
Mario chuckled, then started to walk
towards the lamp post to untie her. Before he could do so, however, he
was teleported to the next challenge...
Crazy Hand rose up, and spread out his fingers. Crazy Hand then unleashed lasers from each of his digits. Sonic tried dodging them, but they were too fast for him. He was hit.
This would be easy if I could use my own abilities. Sonic sighed. There has to be some way to take this guy out...
Crazy Hand tried to swipe Sonic up, but he quickly jumped back and threw a pair of fireballs at Crazy Hand. Crazy Hand got on the floor and started to tumble around at random.
"And odd method of stop, drop, and roll," Sonic joked. "It's not going to do you any good though!"
Sonic jumped up and stomped on Crazy Hand. Crazy Hand then used a backhanded slap to send Sonic flying. Sonic then used instinct, and jumped on the air. He missed the edge by just a couple of inches. Sonic started to fall, when he tried to jump again. He grabbed hold of the edge, and pulled himself up.
"Crazy Hand, you may not be the most intelligent creature I've ever fought, but I have to say, I can't remember the last time I've had this much trouble taking down something that wasn't the size of a skyscraper!"
Sonic then jumped up, and used a spiraling downwards kick to stun Crazy Hand. In the midst of the confusion, Sonic jumped and used an uppercut to finish off Crazy Hand.
"Very good…" Cronos Sonic laughed. "However, that was but one of my challenges! Let's see how you fare against this!"