"The Roads Taken"
Authors: Robert Brown-Francis Tolbert
Disclaimer: This story uses characters created and copyrighted by Sega of
America, Inc. and Archie Comics (except where noted, in which case
they were created and copyrighted by us). The authors hereby give
permission for this story to be downloaded and/or printed at 1 copy
per user as long as (1) no changes to the story are made without our
express written(not e-mailed) permission and (2) no attempt is made
to profit from this story. If either or both rules are violated,
it will be considered a violation of copyright law.
Author's Note: I've given up trying to get Francis here to type this note, so
I'll do it this time. It seems Francis prefers to be the "power behind the
scenes". That's also why I end up answering most of the fanmail. In fact, he
probably wouldn't even want his name on these stories if I didn't insist on it.
However, I want to be on the record that this story is mostly his idea, and
only those parts directly concerning Sondra and Tanis are my doing. We've
received a few pieces of e-mail about his character, Donovan. It seems many
people are confused about him. Donovan is indeed a very complex character, but
this story will answer many, if not all, questions. Till next time, happy
reading!
Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)
Princess Sondra Acorn***
Bunnie Rabbot
Miles "Tails" Prower
Princess Sally Acorn
Sonic Hedgehog
Tanis Shi-rat***
Rosie
Antoine D'Coolette
Dulcy
Rotor
Uncle Chuck
Snively
Metal Sonic
Donovan###
Dionti Osaya###
Nancy Osaya###
Fiorar D'Pardieu***
Dr. Robotnik
#8
Sondra sat in the hut she shared with her sister, staring out the window
at the moonlit sky. She had never felt so alone as she did now. Winter was
approaching rapidly, and everyone was making preparations for it. There was
also a party being planned for a couple of nights after the solstice. It was
an event known as "Christmas". But other than its name, Sondra knew very
little about it. She knew it was a joyous time, marked by decorating a tree
and giving gifts, but there were surely other things involved.
A tear fell from her eye. It was times like this that she regretted her
origins. She'd always felt cheated that she had never had a real childhood.
She had been created from the stuff of the Void; not born, but created. She
had no real family, no real heritage. Everything that made her up was either
made up or given to her. She knew she was different from everyone else, and
knew they knew it too.
Her head lowered on her arms, crossed as they were on the sill. Most of
the animals in Knothole had been nice to her, but it had always seemed like a
forced niceness, especially after she had revealed her true origins. Now, it
seemed, some people had gone so far as to hate her. But there were always
Sally, Tails, and the other true friends she had.
Sondra smiled for a moment. They were the only ones who had never treated
her like an outsider. Sally had always considered her a member of the family.
And Tails, well, he loved her. And she loved him. Sonic, Antoine, Bunnie,
Rotor, and Dulcy would always be her friends, and she would do anything for
them, and they for her.
"What's botherin' you, sugah?" A voice asked near her head.
Sondra looked up and saw Bunnie standing by the window. "Oh, nothing,"
she lied, wiping her eyes.
Bunnie half-smiled. "I know that look," she said. "Hell, I've worn it
enough."
"Oh, and what might that be?"
Bunnie wrapped her coat a little tighter around herself. "You got that
look like you feel you're alone in the world."
Sondra shook her head. "Is it that obvious?" she asked.
"Not really. Like I said, I've had that look before. Anything you wanna
talk about?"
Sondra sighed. "Bunnie, I hope you don't take this question the wrong
way, but I need to know. Before you got your wish, did you ever feel like you
didn't quite belong here?"
Bunnie nodded. "Oh, definitely. For almost eight years I felt like a
freak and an outsider. But you always feel like that when you're different."
"That's not what I mean. Lately, I've been getting looks from some of
the animals here."
Bunnie's face became serious. "What kind of looks?"
"Fear, hatred, loathing. And that's just what I can recognize. I mean,
everyone knows about me, and knows that I have no real past. Hell, I don't
even have a birthday."
Bunnie frowned. "Does Sally know you been feelin' like this?"
"No, I don't want her to worry."
"Well, sugah, I guess I can give you some advice. Your story and powers
are hard to understand. There are always gonna be some idiots who fear what
they don't understand. And some of those make that fear into hatred. But
don't let it bother you. I know it's hard, but you got animals who love you
and care for you. Come to us for support; we'll always be here."
Sondra's face brightened. "Thanks, Bunnie. This means a lot to me."
"Anytime. Now I better be going. Antoine's waiting for me; we got some
more preparations to make for the party coming up."
"All right. See you later?"
"Of course. And do me a favor. From now on, call me 'Aunt Bunnie'."
Sondra smiled. "OK, Aunt Bunnie."
Bunnie waved as she walked off. An idea was forming in her mind, one that
could solve some of Sondra's problems, but she'd need everyone's help to get
it done.
A week passed, and Sondra had nearly forgotten about the talk she had had
with Bunnie. She had been told that the party was tomorrow night, which
seemed a bit odd considering that tonight was Christmas Eve. But then, it was
probably another nuance she had failed to pick up on.
But something seemed a bit off. They had been trying to get her involved
in the preparations up until about a week ago, then suddenly stopped. She
didn't really consider it odd. Besides, she was intensely practicing to
recover her powers. She could create any kind of crystal she chose, but it
was a tremendous strain on her. Before, she drew on the power of the Void.
Now, it had to come from within. She was getting stronger, but it would be a
while before she was near what she had been.
Sondra checked the clock. It read 9:30. She shook her head wearily.
She had spent the entire day practicing with her powers. It was still fairly
early, but she needed the rest. Tomorrow there would be a celebration, and
she wanted to make sure she was up to it. She lay down on her bed, not even
changing into her nightclothes, and was almost instantly asleep.
Sondra was suddenly awakened by the feeling that someone had entered her
hut. She peered through half-closed eyelids and saw a shadowy figure moving
silently toward her. In the pre-dawn light, she could tell that it was not
Sally. That meant that this animal did not belong here. She glanced over at
Sally's bed and saw it empty.
Her pulse pounded in her ears and her breath came more quickly. The
figure moved until it stood beside her bed. It reached out a hand, grabbing
for her. She grabbed the animal's wrist and sat up, twisting it painfully.
The animal yelped in surprise and pain, then lifted her off the bed with
a familiar swishing sound. "Let go, Sondra!" Tails yelled.
Sondra let go, falling back on to the bed. "Miles? You know better than
to sneak up on me while I'm sleeping."
"I forgot," he said, rubbing his arm.
"What are you doing here so early anyway?" she asked, stretching.
"I came to get you for the party," he said, landing beside the bed.
"I thought the party was tonight," Sondra said, confused.
Tails shook his head. "Nope, it's now. You coming or what?"
Sondra looked down at her disheveled appearance. "Can I get showered and
changed?" she asked.
"You look fine to me," Tails answered, smiling. "But then again, you
always do."
Sondra got out of bed and pushed Tails out of the hut. "Come get me in
fifteen minutes," she said, closing the door.
Exactly fifteen minutes later, she stepped out of the hut into the chill
air. A heavy snow had fallen the night before, and it covered everything in a
layer of white. The sky was still cloudy, and it looked like it could snow
again at any minute. Sondra pulled her coat more tightly around her. "Miles?"
she called, looking around.
"I'm here," he said above her. "Come on, everyone's waiting!"
"They don't have to wait on my account," she said.
Tails looked as if he was going to say something, but kept his mouth shut.
He had a very mischievous look on his face. Sondra knew that meant he was up
to something, but had no idea what.
Tails started off and Sondra followed close behind. "So where is the
party, anyway?" she asked as they walked.
"The War Room," Tails answered. "It's the only indoor place big enough."
"Makes sense," she agreed. They continued in silence until they came in
sight of the War Room. Sondra suddenly stopped. All the windows were closed
and the door shut and locked. "What's going on here?" Sondra demanded of
Tails, but he was gone.
A cloth suddenly covered her eyes. Sondra struggled to get it off. "No
you don't, Sondra," Tails said, tying it securely. "Sally said she wanted you
blindfolded."
"What?!"
"Just humor us, all right?"
"Hunh...!" Sondra grumbled. Tails took her hand and led the way into
the hut. He positioned her in a specific spot on the floor and backed away.
All around, she could hear animals mumbling and chuckling. Sondra began to
get apprehensive about this, fearing this was not what she thought it was.
"OK, Sondra, you can remove the blindfold now," Tails called.
Sondra snatched the cloth off of her face. "SURPRISE!" everyone there
yelled as she opened her eyes. "Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Sondra!"
Sondra just stood there, stunned. "Say what?"
Sally walked up to her sister and hugged her. "Bunnie told us how you
were feeling," she explained. "We decided that you should have a birthday to
try and help you feel better. The only problem was choosing a date."
"That's where I came in," Sonic said, hugging them both. "See, I
realized we were already making plans for this party, why not do both at once?"
"Now Sonic, that's not what you told us," Sally joked.
Sonic shot Sally a glance, but Sally kept an innocent look. "OK, the real
reason is that I thought you were special enough to have a really special day
as your birthday. I couldn't think of a more special day than today."
Tears filled Sondra's eyes. "I don't know what to say!"
"Don't say anything yet," Tails said, smiling. "After all, you haven't
opened your presents yet!"
"But, I don't have anything for you," Sondra protested.
"You've already given us more than enough," Sally said. "I have a sister,
Tails has a girlfriend, and the rest of us have another princess. I'd say that
covers it."
"Well..."
"Oh, come on!" Tails said, pulling her toward the tree in the center of
the room. "This is supposed to be a party! Let's have some fun!"
The party started up, and music started playing. Sondra stood in awe
looking at the tree. It stood at least ten feet tall, and was decorated with
many different bows, ornaments, and strings. Little globes of light hung
from the tree, making the tree seem to glow of its own accord. Brightly
wrapped boxes were placed under the tree, waiting to open. "It's beautiful,"
Sondra said quietly to Tails.
"Yeah," Tails agreed. "We really outdid ourselves this year."
"I might have had something to do with that," Tanis said. "Those
little lights are my doing; a spell I know that comes in handy this time of
year."
"It's beautiful," Sondra repeated.
"Christmas was originally one of the most religious holidays of the year,"
Tanis said. "But over time, it became more of a general holiday; it no longer
was observed by only one religion. If you're interested, I could explain
about this holiday's origins as well as some others which occur this time of
year."
"I'd like that," Sondra said. "Maybe after the party?"
Tanis smiled and turned around. Suddenly he froze, surprise and fear
evident on his face.
Sondra looked to see what had spooked him so, and saw Rosie staring at
him. Her jaw had dropped open and she seemed to be hyperventilating. "It
can't be," she mouthed. "It can't be."
"Oh no," Tanis groaned, starting to shake.
One of the globes on the tree exploded brightly, causing everyone to
shield their eyes. When Sondra's vision cleared, she saw Tanis was gone.
Rosie was also looking around for him. A determined look crossed her face.
"Not this time," she said, grabbing her coat and storming out of the hut.
Sondra was about to follow her, but Tails stopped her. "Hey, you can't
leave your own party." he said.
Sondra looked after Rosie for a second, then shrugged. "OK, Tails. Now,
tell me about more of the traditions of this holiday."
Rosie stomped over to Sanctuary, heedless of the cold. She climbed the
steps and tried to open the middle doors, but they were locked. "Open these
doors, Tanis!" she yelled.
No answer. "Fine, then I'll just sit out here until you do!" Rosie sat
down in front of the doors, never taking her eyes off them.
Inside the church, Tanis knelt in front of the altar. "Almighty One, what
am I to do?" he prayed. "I did not even think that she would be there, else
I would have worn my hood. Is the damage done?"
He waited for an answer, but none came. "I am on my own in this, it
seems. I must decide, but I cannot rush into it. Perhaps she will just
leave."
An hour passed, and Sondra learned much about Christmas traditions. She
especially liked when Tails demonstrated why mistletoe was hung from the
ceiling. So much, in fact, that she asked for a few repetitions of that
demonstration. "Attention, everyone," Sally announced. "The time has come
to exchange gifts. Everyone gather around the tree."
Everyone sat around the tree and Sally and Sonic started handing out the
presents. Everyone seemed to be happy with what they received. Among other
things, Sonic and Sally received matching outfits from Antoine and Bunnie,
who in turn received plans to build a hut where Bunnie could give formal
classes in the martial arts and Antoine could teach fencing. Tails received
some tail warmers and a new pair of sneakers. Dulcy got a portrait of her in
mid-flight. Rotor got an organizer to help in cleaning his closet, if he ever
got around to it. And Uncle Chuck, who had dropped by, got a plateful of
Sonic's best chili dogs, even though Sonic swore there were less then had
been before.
Sondra waited for her presents, her anticipation growing. When everyone
else had opened their presents, Sally turned to her. "Now it's time for the
birthday girl."
"Open mine first!" Tails exclaimed, pushing a small box into Sondra's
hands.
Sondra tore the wrapping and opened the box. Inside was a small book with
the title "Poems". "I wrote all these especially for you," he said shyly. "I
hope you like them."
"Why you little romantic," she said. "Later, I'll have you read them to
me."
Tails blushed. "Please to be opening ours next," Antoine said as Bunnie
handed her a large box.
Sondra opened it and took out a portrait. It was of her, garbed in a
royal dress the same shade of brown she was now wearing with a tiara that
bore the symbol on her ring in its center. "I hope we got it right," Bunnie
said.
"What do you mean, 'got it right'?" Sondra asked as Sally handed her a
long box.
"You'll see," Sally answered.
Sondra opened the box and saw the very same dress and tiara she was
wearing in the portrait. Sally smiled. "Rosie helped me sew the dress and we
used the outfit I'm to wear at my coronation as the guide."
"Oui, we figured if you are to be a princess, you should look the part,"
Antoine explained.
"This is more than I could have hoped for," Sondra said, wiping away a
tear.
"We ain't done yet!" Sonic said, handing her a box. "This one's from
me."
Sondra opened it and saw a golden bracelet inside. But when she touched
it, she felt a surge of power from it. "You got it," Sonic said, seeing
Sondra's look. "I asked Uncle Chuck if there was a way I could change the
size of the power rings and concentrate the power. That bracelet should have
enough power to last till next Christmas."
"Wait a minute, didn't that deplete the Power Stone?"
"Nah. The generator collects the energy given off by the stone. When it
has enough, it forms a power ring. I just got Uncle Chuck to get it to store
up enough for this bracelet. Besides, when I showed Uncle Chuck the stone, and
told him I gave half to Griff, he said it hasn't gotten any smaller since he
found it."
"And speaking of me," Uncle Chuck said, stepping forward with Rotor,
"Rotor and I put our heads together on this one."
In this box was what appeared to be a smaller version of Nicole. "This
computer was built from a combination of what was in Rotor's closet, and
things I stole from Robotropolis. It's about five times faster than Nicole
and can hold five times the memory. I downloaded all of the files in Nicole,
so you have access to everything Sally does. I would have used those parts to
upgrade Nicole, but the circuitries are incompatible."
Sondra put on the bracelet and opened up the computer. "Does it talk
as well?" she asked.
"Yes, I do, Sondra," the computer answered in a voice very like Nicole's,
but a somewhat higher pitch, as Sondra's voice was to Sally's. "Before we go
any further, mind giving me a name?"
Uncle Chuck shrugged. "It seems that she got Nicole's attitude as well."
"No, mine's worse," the computer answered. "I've never known anything
else."
Sondra smiled. "I think we'll get along just fine then, Nadia," she
said.
"Nadia...I like it. Very well, Sondra; Nadia it is."
"Here's something from me," Dulcy said shyly, handing Sondra a little
box. "It's not much, but I hope you like it."
Sondra opened the box and took out a small stone. As Sondra touched it,
she could feel it heating up. "I found it near a volcano one day," Dulcy said.
"It's just the thing to warm you up on a cold day."
"Thank you," Sondra said, placing the stone in her pocket. "Thank all of
you. You've done so much for me; I don't know how I can repay it."
"That's the beauty of Christmas," Tails said. "It's a time of giving,
without expecting any return."
Sondra grabbed Tails and hugged him tight. "Group hug!" Sonic yelled and
suddenly all her friends were hugging Sondra.
"Um, guys, I can't breathe!" Sondra yelled.
Everyone let go, laughing. Sondra laughed to, once she caught her breath.
"OK, back to the party," Sally said as the music started up again. Everyone
began mingling, leaving Sondra alone with her thoughts. Well, almost. Tails
stayed behind to be with her.
"I got so much stuff!" Sondra said. "This is better than I could've
dreamed."
"We all love you, Sondra," Tails said. "And I love you most of all."
"I love you too, Tails." She looked around. "I think Sonic's calling
you," she said, pointing.
"I'll be right back," he promised, walking off.
Sondra opened up Nadia. "So, exactly what are your capabilities?" she
asked.
"Well, without going too technical, I should be able to do most of what
you ask of me," Nadia answered.
Sondra thought back to a talk she had had with Sally. "Nadia, show all
files that are restricted by an access code."
"Hold on a sec." Nadia beeped a few times. "On-screen display or
holographic?"
"Holographic, please." A list of filenames appeared in the air in front
of her.
"Hey, Sis," Sally said, sitting down next to Sondra. "What are you up
to?"
"Remember that talk we had, about all those access-restricted files?"
"Yeah, what about them?"
"Ever try accessing them with Donovan's access code?"
Sally shook her head. "I'm not quite sure what you mean."
"Nadia, try accessing these files with access code omega-four-three-niner
and display separate lists of accessible and inaccessible."
"Processing now," Nadia answered. "This'll take a while."
Sally stifled a laugh. "I was so upset about there being an access code
I didn't have that I totally forgot Donovan had basically given me the code.
But how did you know about it?"
Sondra winced. "Oops. Well, anyway, don't you think this is a great
party?" she asked lamely.
"You were outside Sanctuary that day, weren't you? You spied on me!"
"I wasn't spying on you," Sondra said defensively. "I was following you
to make sure you weren't attacked on your way to Sanctuary or your way back.
That's not covered in the covenant."
Sally considered that. "Can't argue there," she admitted. "All right,
but next time tell me about your concerns. You could've put us all in danger."
"Promise, Sis," Sondra said.
"Analysis complete, Sondra," Nadia said. "About 75% of the files could
be accessed. The rest require a different code."
"I wonder how we can get into those," Sondra said.
"Well, Nicole has a password algorithm. Maybe I can apply it to these
files," Sally suggested.
"Maybe I should. Knowing Donovan, those files may be failsafed against
unwanted access. Too many wrong codes might destroy the files. Keep your
originals safe, in case I need to re-download them."
"Good idea. Now I need to find Sonic. I have a special present for him,"
Sally said with an evil grin. "Keep me informed on your progress."
"Will do, Sally," Sondra said as Sally set off to find Sonic. "Nadia,..."
"Already running program, Sondra," Nadia said.
Sondra smiled. She was about to say something when voices caught her
attention. "I'm telling you, this is a bad idea," she heard someone say
through the wall.
"Why though?" Another voice, this one distinctly female, asked. "She
seems like a nice enough hedgehog."
"That's why," the first voice, probably male, answered. "We both know
she's not a real hedgehog; she said so herself!"
Sondra realized with a start that they were speaking about her. She
tuned out the party and concentrated on the voices.
"So what if she isn't?" the female asked. "She's more than proved
herself."
"But she's different from us. I mean, I've always had a bad feeling
about her. I don't mind telling you I was privately glad when she didn't come
back from the Void."
"But she is back, and she is a princess."
"That's the worst part of all! I don't know what Sally could have been
thinking, accepting her as her sister."
"But she bears the royal signet!"
"So? Maybe the king wasn't in his right mind when he gave it to her, and
I don't think Sally is either. I tell you this, if this had occurred before
the coup, I would've joined it."
"Hush!" the female yelled. "That's treasonous talk!"
"Yeah, well maybe it's time another coup occurred, this one here at
Knothole. Seems the House of Acorn is no longer fit to rule."
"I'm not listening to any more," the female said, her voice growing faint.
"Sondra is decent, and I'm glad she's here."
"I'm not the only one who thinks like this," the male yelled before
walking off.
Sondra's hands started shaking so badly, she could no longer hold Nadia
and had to close her up and put her on her boot. "They're starting to turn
against Sally!" she thought, pressing her hands to her forehead. "And it's
because of me!"
"Hey Sondra!" Tails called cheerfully, walking back over to her. "Miss
me?"
Tails' expression immediately became one of concern when he saw her
shaking. "Sondra? What's wrong?"
Sondra stared at Tails, tears streaming down her face. She started to
say something, but then just stood up, pushed Tails out of the way and ran out
of the hut. "Sondra!" Tails yelled, going to the door. "SONDRA!"
Nearby, a figure looked from behind a tree and smiled.
Sondra ran on, not feeling the cold despite the fact that she left her
coat at the party. "I can't risk Sally's downfall," she thought as she ran,
"even if it means I can never go back!"
She ran for what seemed like hours. Suddenly, a black arm shot out from
behind a tree, grabbing her. "Well, well, well," a nasal voice said. "Looks
like I was wise to wait until now to do my Christmas shopping."
Sondra turned her tear-streaked face and saw Snively gloating. "I advise
you to let me go, Snively," she said in a thick voice. "I really don't think
you want to mess with me right now."
"I don't think so," Metal Sonic said, stepping into view with about two
dozen SWATbots. "You see, we need some more worker-bots, and I'm pretty sure
you'll fit the bill just fine." He walked up to her and put metal bands on her
legs, rendering them useless.
Sondra fists clenched. Her bracelet glowed brightly, surrounding her with
light. "What in the--" Snively began.
The bands on Sondra's legs disintegrated. She grabbed the arm of the
SWATbot who held her. Immediately, crystal started covering the robot. She
broke free of the arm and hid behind the robot.
"All SWATbots, open fire!" Snively commanded.
Sondra crossed her arms in front of her chest. Her hands started glowing
with crystalline colors, though her eyes remained normal. When the glow was
strong enough, she stepped out from behind the crystallized robot and pointed
her hands at her attackers.
Thousands of crystal shards leapt from her hands, turning every SWATbot
into metallic Swiss cheese. Snively and Metal Sonic dived behind some trees,
barely avoiding the shards. "This is not the end!" Snively yelled.
Sondra concentrated her shards on the tree, cutting it down in seconds.
Snively and Metal Sonic scrambled for a nearby hover ship. Sondra aimed at
Snively's head, but Metal Sonic took the shards instead. Snively opened the
door and pulled Metal Sonic in behind him. The ship lifted off and headed
for Robotropolis.
Sondra watched them go, then fell to her hands and knees, drained. She
tried to stand up, but did not have the strength.
The wind picked up, blowing snow around. Chills wracked her body and
the already dark sky darkened further. "Another storm's coming," she thought.
"I'll never survive it without shelter."
She took Nadia from her boot as the first snowflakes fell. "Nadia,
search for anything I can use as shelter to survive the storm," she gasped,
opening the computer up.
"There's an uninhabited structure 20 meters west," Nadia said.
Sondra struggled to rise again, barely making it to her feet. Using her
last energy, she called on her bracelet and ran to the building at top speed.
Still being supported by the bracelet, she found the door. She aimed Nadia
at the lock. "Nadia, laser!"
Nadia's laser fried the lock, opening the door. Sondra stumbled inside
and collapsed on the floor. She kicked the door shut. She pulled the stone
Dulcy had given her from her pocket and held it close. She was enveloped by
warmth and soon fell asleep, never noticing a red light blinking on a nearby
computer terminal.
The storm picked up in intensity as Tanis watched from inside Sanctuary.
"Surely she would be stupid enough to remain here in such a storm," he
thought. "But she might be stubborn enough. I'd better check."
He opened the doors of the church and saw Rosie still sitting on the
stairs. "Rosie!" he yelled walking to her and grabbing her shoulder. "She's
half-frozen!" he realized. He picked her up and carried her inside the
church. "Stubborn fool! Just like when we were young!"
He laid her unconscious form down in front of the altar. He grabbed her
chill hands and started chanting, sending his own warmth into her body. "I
have to go slow," he thought, calming himself. "I could really do some
damage if I warm her too quickly."
Sondra came to with a start. She found herself lying on a mattress on the
floor of a strange building. The room she was in was small and unfamiliar.
"How'd I get here?" she wondered. "Last thing I remember was coming inside
a building and collapsing on the floor."
She stood up, stretching. She noticed a black sweat suit had been laid
out next to the mattress. She considered changing into them, but noticed her
clothes had dried thanks to the stone she had gotten from Dulcy. She placed
the stone in her pocket. "Well, I'm glad for this present," she thought, then
felt a pang of remorse.
Sondra shook it off. She reached for Nadia and found her missing. Panic
gripped her. She searched the little room, turning everything upside down in
her efforts to find Nadia, but the computer was nowhere to be seen.
Sounds from the adjacent room caught her ear. She crept out the door and
saw Nadia sitting on a table, monitor blinking angrily. At a nearby computer
console, someone sat with his back to her, typing away. "I am glad to see you
are awake, Princess," he said in a very familiar voice.
Sondra let out her breath, which she hadn't realized she had been holding.
"Oh, it's you, Donovan," she said almost gladly. "I'm sorry I intruded."
Donovan waved it off. "I was wondering if you could answer a question for
me. Do you know why Nicole is acting so unfriendly? I tried to use her, as I
have before, but she just sits there blinking at me."
Sondra smiled involuntarily. "You're only partially right," she said,
walking to her computer. "Nadia, what's your status?" she asked, picking
her up.
"Nadia?" Donovan asked, turning around and facing Sondra.
"All systems A-OK, Sondra," Nadia replied. "Even though squirrel-boy
over there did try to gain access to me using that authorization code you told
me to check against those files."
"What?!" Donovan yelled, standing up.
"Oh yeah, I'd forgotten. How is that password algorithm coming along?"
Sondra asked, paying no attention to Donovan.
"100% of all files have been accessed. Even though one was only a 'ghost
file'."
"A what?" Sondra asked as Donovan let out a small sigh.
"A 'ghost file'. It's a file that has nothing in it. It's really odd,
though, because I needed three passwords to get through. It must not have
come through right when Uncle Chuck copied all of Nicole's files to me. At
least the code should work on Nicole."
"Should?"
"Well, it seems to need a key of some kind." Nadia displayed a hologram
of Nicole with an arrow pointing at one spot. "Seems the code and key must
be entered simultaneously for it to work. I examined the security protocols
on the file and I believe I may know how to get around it..."
"That will be quite enough," Donovan said from beside Sondra. In a flash,
he drew his sword and placed the point of it against Sondra's throat. "I
suggest you tell your computer to abort that program," he suggested.
Sondra looked at Donovan in surprise and fear. "Umm, Nadia, do as he
says."
"Sondra, I could zap him with my laser," Nadia pointed out.
"Just do it!"
"Very well, program aborted," Nadia said with a sigh. "But understand
that all work is saved for future reference."
"You can move your sword now," Sondra told Donovan.
"That computer has a definite attitude problem," Donovan commented,
sheathing his sword and walking back to his chair and sitting down.
Sondra rubbed her neck. "Mind telling me why you 'persuaded' me so
forcefully?"
Donovan shrugged. "I might; if you answer my question first. Why is a
princess, second in line to the throne of Mobius, out in such weather alone and
unprotected?"
Sondra looked away. "It...wasn't this bad when I went out," she answered
evasively.
"I see," Donovan said thoughtfully. "And I suppose it wouldn't have
anything to do with all those scrapped SWATbots I saw outside, would it?"
Sondra colored slightly. "Well, I...that is..."
"Beginning playback of overheard conversation recorded four hours, fifteen
minutes ago," Nadia said.
"What do you think you're doing?" Sondra demanded. "Override playback,
authorization code Psi-three-four-one."
"Normally, that would work Sondra. But I've been programmed with a
special failsafe that allows me to act on my own if I feel you are acting
irrationally. Commencing playback."
Sondra fumed, but she could not prevent Donovan from hearing that
conversation. Donovan listened intently. "Very sly, Snive-ly," he muttered.
Then, when he heard the part about another possible coup, he winced. "Ouch."
Sondra glared at Nadia as the playback ended. "You weren't supposed to
hear that," she told Donovan.
"I can guess what happened next," he said. "You felt that everyone was
turning against Sally because of you, so you decided to leave. When you ran,
you got in a fight with those SWATbots, scrapped them, then came here to rest.
Am I warm?"
"Close," Sondra admitted. "Aside from the two dozen SWATbots, I met up
with Snively and Metal Sonic."
Donovan jumped from his chair. "Have your computer do a search of your
person."
"Do it, Nadia."
Nadia scanned Sondra. "There's an unusual looking chip on your right
boot," she said. "It appears to be some sort of homing chip."
Donovan used his sword to scrape the chip off the boot. "Snively must've
thought you would return to Knothole," he said.
"But how did he know I'd be there?" Sondra asked.
"Let me say this: it's wise to keep your friends close, but safe to keep
your enemies closer. There's a black trenchcoat on my chair," he said, typing
some things on his computer. He placed the chip on the console. "Now, we need
to leave."
"Self-destruct command?" she asked, putting on the trench.
Donovan nodded. He opened a trap door in the floor. "Quickly, through
here," he motioned. Sondra jumped through the door and Donovan followed,
shutting it behind them. "Hurry, we have to make it to the end of this
tunnel."
"Is there a need for speed?" she inquired, replacing Nadia on her boot.
"Considering we have less than thirty seconds, I'd say so."
Sondra smiled. "Then grab on!"
Donovan grabbed on to her waist as Sondra adjusted her bracelet. "This is
no time for that!" he yelled.
Sondra held up her arm as the bracelet started to glow. "Juice time!"
she yelled as the glow surrounded her. She revved up her legs and ran off,
leaving behind a sonic boom.
Halfway across the forest, Rosie was just starting to awake. She was
wrapped in a warm comforter and lay on a bed. She unwrapped herself and stood
up. The room she was in was sparsely furnished, just a bed and a small table.
Through the open door, she saw Tanis kneeling in front of the altar.
She walked silently to where he prayed. She stood behind him for a
moment or two. "I knew you would let me in," she whispered.
Tanis' head lowered. "You are a stubborn fool, Rosie," he repeated
softly. "Just like when we were kids."
"It is you!" she exclaimed. She grabbed his chin and looked squarely
into his face. "Why? Why did you leave?"
"I cannot say," he said, eyelids lowered. "I must keep my vow of
silence."
"Even to me?" she demanded. "You owe me this much! You owe...!"
Tanis caught Rosie as she fell. "You're still weak," he said. "You need
to rest!"
Rosie shook her head weakly. "Not until...you...tell me."
Tanis stood and guided Rosie back to the bed. "I'll tell you when
you've regained your strength," he said heavily.
Rosie allowed him to put her back in the bed. "Promise me."
"I give you my word," he said, tucking the comforter around her. He
kissed her forehead as she drifted off to sleep.
Tanis tiptoed out of the room and back to the altar. "Almighty One,"
he said, resuming his prayers, "I have served you faithfully for over fifty
years. I ask a boon; let me set her mind at ease. She deserves to know.
Grant me a sign, that I may know your wishes."
A warm feeling filled Tanis. "Thank you, Almighty One," he whispered.
He stood and walked to a back room and began preparing a meal for when Rosie
awoke.
"I'm almost at the end, Donovan," Sondra yelled. "You better do something
before we crash into the wall!"
"Keep going," he yelled. "Stop three feet after the tunnel ends."
"After?!" Sondra demanded. Then she had no choice. She closed her eyes
and ran through the wall. Nothing happened. She barely remembered to stop
and ended up scraping her nose on the real wall that was hidden just beyond
the illusory one.
"This way," Donovan said, walking down a passage that led to a small,
dimly lit room. "We should be safe here."
Sondra walked in, rubbing her nose. "Interesting place you have," she
commented.
Donovan shrugged. "About that bracelet..."
"Oh, this was a Christmas present from Sonic," she said, then felt that
remorse again.
"Having second thoughts about it?" Donovan asked.
"Yeah. I mean, so many people care about me back at Knothole, I can't
just run out on them. Bunnie was right; there'll always be some idiots who
fear and hate what they don't understand. I just have to learn not to let it
bother me."
"Well, I can't say I'm not glad to hear that," Donovan said with a half-
smile.
Sondra nodded. "I guess I should let them know I'm OK," she said, taking
Nadia and opening her up. "Nadia, open communication link to Nicole."
"Already standing by," Nadia said.
"You know, I could reprogram that attitude out of her," Donovan said.
"That's OK," she said. "Come in, Sally."
"Sondra, is that you?" Sally's voice came through Nadia's speaker.
"Where have you been? I'm worried sick about you."
"I'll explain when I get back. I just had to leave and got caught out in
this storm."
"What happened? Tails said you were crying before you left."
"I'd really rather talk about it when I get back," Sondra said. She
saw Donovan making a motion with his thumb across his throat. "I have to go
now. This might be traced."
"Traced? Are you in trouble?" Sally demanded.
"Later, Sis. Nadia, end transmission, and accept no incoming."
"Understood, Sondra," Nadia replied.
"You catch on quick," Donovan remarked. "When the storm subsides, I'll
take you near Sanctuary, then you can find your way home from there."
"Sounds good. Now, about our deal."
"What deal?"
"You said you would tell me why you don't want that file accessed if I
told you why I was out here."
Donovan considered. "Two things I'll point out. First, I said I might
tell you. Second, Nadia told me, not you."
Sondra grimaced. "I see. Well, I suppose I know already."
"Whatever," Donovan said, settling into a chair.
"Nadia, access file on the Gem of Enchanted Dreams. You know the code."
"Beginning playback now, Sondra."
"Greetings, Princess," the same voice started. "I am installing a few
programs on the computer your father had Sir Charles design for you, ones I
think you will need at some point in the future. This file concerns a jewel
known as the Gem of Enchanted Dreams."
Sondra ceased paying attention to the recording, concentrating solely
on Donovan. He had turned the chair away from her, but she could still see
that the voice was affecting him. She waited until Nadia was finished before
speaking. "That's your father, isn't it?" she asked.
Donovan lifted a hand to his eye. "What gives you that idea?"
She walked to him and took off his glasses. "Tell me I'm wrong," she
said, looking him straight in the eyes.
Donovan tried to speak, but just looked away. "I thought as much," Sondra
said, tossing his glasses into his lap.
"You don't understand," Donovan said. "No one can know that!"
"Why?" Sondra asked. "What is it that you are afraid of?"
"I...cannot say."
Sondra took off her ring and held it up for Donovan to see. "I, Princess
Sondra Acorn, second in line to the throne of Mobius, do hereby swear that I
will never reveal anything you tell me this day except to he whom I have
promised never to have secrets from, and only then if he swears his silence.
I will also never use any knowledge gained today to my advantage."
Donovan stared at her until she replaced her ring. "And what of your
computer?" he asked warily.
"Nadia, do not reveal anything of what is discussed here to anyone unless
specifically directed to by either myself or Donovan."
"If you insist, Sondra," the computer said, then showed a hologram of a
frowning face.
"Very well," he said heavily, putting his glasses on. "Where do you want
me to begin?"
"Antoine and the others said you disappeared days before the coup. Start
there," Sondra suggested.
Donovan nodded. "All right, but please do not interrupt in any way. If
you do, I may not continue." He took a few deep breaths and began his story,
taking time to choose his words carefully.
* * *
As you were told, Antony and I were great friends growing up together in
Mobotropolis. Even though he'll never admit it, I'm the main reason he became
such a prankster. We had some great times together, even though we did get
into our fair share of trouble. We would get into everything, especially what
the adults never wanted us to. We even knew everything there was to know about
Knothole.
Life was fine those days, but then things started to change. One day,
my father came to me as I was preparing to go on another expedition with
Antony. "Donovan, my son," he said, "I wish to speak to you."
"Of course, Father," I answered innocently.
My father looked at me intently. "My son, whatever happens these next few
days, you must know that I love you. Never doubt that for an instant."
"But Father..."
"Donovan, promise me this."
"I...I promise." My father hugged me, then walked out of our house, going
to his job as Royal Guard, second only to Antony's father. I didn't think
much of it that day. But then, I didn't realize that would be the last time I
ever saw my father as he was.
Later that night, my mother awoke me from my sleep. "Donovan, wake up,"
she whispered.
"Huh...what?" I asked, half-asleep.
"Sssh, make no sound. Hurry and get dressed, we must leave."
"Leave, but..."
"Do as I say!" she whispered forcefully. I did as she asked and we
slipped out of the house and out of the city.
"Where are we going?" I asked as we entered the Great Forest. "And where
is Father?"
My mother could not answer, and it was then I noticed that she carried a
small suitcase with her. We walked quickly through the forest, daring only to
use the moonlight to see. My mother kept casting furtive glances over her
shoulder, as if she were expecting us to be followed.
After a while, we came upon Sanctuary. My mother ushered me inside and
quickly shut the doors. "Tanis, are you here?" she called into the silence.
Tanis shuffled out of a back room, pulling on his robe as he walked. "Who
calls me at such a late hour?"
"It's Nancy."
"Nancy? Nancy Osaya? What brings you here?" he asked, walking up to
us.
"Donovan, stay here. I have something to discuss with Tanis," she told
me, sitting me down on one of the benches. She met Tanis halfway and they
began talking in hushed tones. I tried to listen, but was too tired and ended
up falling asleep on the bench.
I awoke the next morning and found myself in a bed in a room at the back
of the church. I called for my mother, but Tanis answered instead. "Glad you
are awake, Donovan," he said. "We need to talk."
"Sure, Tanis. What's up?"
He looked as if he were struggling with a hard decision. "Your parents
have had to go away for a while," he said finally. "Your mother has asked me
to keep you here until they return."
"How long will they be gone?" I asked.
Tanis shrugged. "I'm afraid she did not know the answer to that, but she
said it might be years."
"Years?!" I exclaimed, incredulous.
"If you want, I will keep you here and raise you according to your
mother's instructions. But if you stay, you must abide by my rules, and the
rules I follow. I assume you know of the covenant of the Tanak' Shi-rat?"
"My father did tell me about that," I admitted.
Tanis nodded. "If you stay here, you will be bound by the same rules of
neutrality that I am subject to. Can you handle that?"
"Would I be able to say goodbye to my friends?"
"No. Your mother made it clear that no one is to know you are staying
here, not even your best friend Antoine."
I thought about it for a while. I honestly thought I wouldn't stay there
long enough to be changed by his rules, so I agreed. Tanis set me to work
immediately. It was by no means an easy life, and I often resisted his
commands, but now I realize he was preparing me for what he knew must have
been an eventuality.
Years passed, and I grew versed in the arts of keeping the balance. On
my tenth birthday, Tanis presented me with a book, saying only that my mother
had left it for me to be read on this day.
I opened the book and immediately recognized my father's handwriting.
"My son," it read, "if you are reading this, then all I feared has come to
pass. It is time you knew what has truly happened.
"In the days before your mother brought you to Sanctuary, I became aware
that a coup was being plotted against the House of Acorn by Julian, leader of
the War Ministry. He stole the plans for a device known as the roboticizer
from Sir Charles Hedgehog and plots to use it to take over Mobius.
"At once, I began work on software that would act as a de-roboticizer. As
I did not know who was involved in the plot, I could trust no one at the
palace. Unfortunately, I was found out. It was odd that I, a guard, began
spending so much time in the science labs. Robotnik, as Julian now calls
himself, sent some re-designed peacebots after me. I managed to escape.
Because his preparations are not yet complete, he cannot afford to come after
me in a public setting.
"I managed to hide the three parts of the main chip to the de-roboticizer
in three secret places. I also programmed Nicole, Princess Sally's computer,
with a few additional programs which I feel she will need if she escapes
Robotnik's tyranny. Listed below are the access codes to these files, as
well as printed copies of all the information contained therein. It is of
the utmost importance that these files do not fall into Robotnik's hands.
"The file on the de-roboticizer is triple access-locked. Also, in the
back of this book you will find a ring. The ring must be placed in Nicole's
access port before the code can be entered. I have also programmed in your own
access code that will allow you to have access to all of Nicole's systems if
the need should arise.
"However, if Nicole does not recieve some sort of transmission from you
at least once every six months starting on your eleventh birthday, all files
will immediately become open to Princess Sally. The frequency for contacting
her is below. Do not let her gain access to the files until she is ready to
understand and use them.
"My time is growing short. I have tried to persuade your mother to stay
with you and Tanis, but she refuses to leave my side. I fear this puts her
life in danger, for Robotnik thinks I pose too great a risk to be simply
roboticized. Pray for me, and for our world.
"Love Always,
Your Father,
Dionti Osaya."
I must have spent an hour reading and re-reading his words. Finally,
when my vision was so blurred by tears, I dropped the book and grabbed hold of
Tanis, hugging him fiercely. Tanis comforted me as best he could.
When my grief had wrung the last tears from me, I let go. "My parents
are dead," I said dully.
"I know," he said gently. "Your mother told me that night she brought
you here. She returned to Mobotropolis to wait with your father for the
inevitable."
"And what of the others? Antony, Silly, Quills, Bonnie, Boomer...all
turned to robots?"
Tanis shook his head. "No, they and a few others managed to escape to a
place called Knothole. Though I cannot take sides in this conflict, bound as
I am by the covenant, I have kept abreast of things as they have happened.
Robotnik has indeed taken control of most of Mobius. There are certain Freedom
Fighter groups scattered throughout the planet who resist his rule, but none
have had much effect."
"Robotnik must pay for what he has done!" I yelled.
Tanis sighed. "I was afraid that it might come to this someday. Three
paths lie before you. You can either join with a Freedom Fighter group, try
to defy Robotnik on your own, or stay here and become a Holy One."
"I cannot remain neutral while he lives. I must avenge my parents'
deaths."
"Then you can no longer live here. This is a place dedicated to peace.
If you are truly set on this path, then you must find your place elsewhere."
I couldn't believe my ears. "First I lose my parents, then my new home,
all in the same day!"
"You can return here whenever you wish and stay as long as you need. But
when you are here, all your anger and thoughts of vengeance cannot pass through
those doors. And until this conflict is settled, I cannot neither support you
nor oppose you."
"Can we remain friends, at the least?"
"Of course. And as your friend, I could suggest someone who might be
willing to train you if you decide to strike out on your own. His name is
Fiorar D'Pardieu. He formerly worked in the Ministry of War under Robotnik
and managed to stay alive, striking at Robotnik whenever he can."
"Where can I find him?" I asked eagerly.
"He lives inside the Forbidden Zone. If you can get to him, he may
teach you."
"May?"
Tanis shrugged. "He has grown bitter and sullen since his family was
roboticized. He comes here once in a while to find the strength to continue."
"He and I already have a lot in common," I muttered. Aloud, I said, "I
believe I'll try to find him."
"Then you'll need this." Tanis gave me a wrapped box. When I opened it,
I found a sword inside. "It was your father's. Your mother told me to give
it to you if you decided to fight Robotnik."
I took the sword and scabbard and tied it on, adjusting it to hide it
under my vest. "I'll be back, Tanis," I promised, walking away. "You'll see."
I gathered together a few of my belongings and made ready to leave. Tanis
waved goodbye as I shut the doors to Sanctuary. I knew then that the innocent
time of my life was over. I had been growing up without even knowing it. All
the work Tanis had made me do would help me to survive on my own. Now, a new
phase of my life would begin.
That night, as I sat in my hastily constructed lean-to, I committed the
entire book my father had given to me to memory. I took the ring from the book
and placed it on my finger. The ring adapted to my finger, changing size to
fit snugly. Then I burned the book, so as to leave nothing behind that could
fall into Robotnik's hands. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but
I knew I must.
After three days of travel, I reached the edge of the Forbidden Zone. I
stood looking out over that desolate place and my will faltered. "Surely no
one could live here," I thought. I turned around, ready to search for a
Freedom Fighter group that would accept me, when I found that I was not alone.
In front of me stood a very large and physically imposing wolverine. He
must have stood at least as tall as Robotnik, and his entire body rippled with
muscles. A huge scabbard was strapped across his back and in his hands he held
a sword so heavy it took two hands to wield. It was stuck point first in the
ground and he leaned on it casually.
I stood there, openmouthed, staring in awe and a growing fear at this
creature. He calmly reached around me with one hand, grabbed the back of my
vest, and lifted me until we were eye-to-eye. "You are trespassing," he
said, his voice dark and menacing.
I tried to stammer some reply, but my tongue had taken that instant to
roll over and play dead. The wolverine's lip curled. "What is your business
in the Forbidden Zone?" he growled.
My heart raced with fear, then everything went black. I suppose I must
have fainted because the next thing I remember is waking up on a small,
uncomfortable cot.
I sat up and looked around. The wolverine I had encountered earlier was
sitting at a nearby table, staring at me. I scrambled off the cot and to my
feet, ready to run, but the wolverine raised his hand. "Forgive my callous
attitude," he said in a more normal voice, "but living out here tends to
harden one's soul."
"Umm...understandable," I mumbled.
"So, let me ask again, what is your business in the Forbidden Zone?"
"I was sent here to find an animal by name Gerard, I think..."
"Gerard?" he asked, seemingly amused. "Are you sure that was the name?"
"It was something like that..."
"Could the name have been Fiorar?"
"Yes, that's it."
"And what is your business with this Fiorar?"
"I want him to train me to fight Robotnik."
"And what business might you have with Robotnik?"
"Robotnik killed my parents, and I want revenge."
"Revenge is a dangerous emotion," he said, standing and walking to a
window. "It can consume your whole life, give you only one reason for living."
I looked at him in sudden understanding. "You are Fiorar, aren't you?"
He nodded. "Before I give you my answer, I must know how you found out
about me."
"A Holy One, by name Tanis, recommended you to me."
"You have friends in high places, young squirrel," he said, gazing out
the window. "Tell me, what is your name?"
"Donovan."
Fiorar walked up to me and grabbed me by my shoulders. He stared at me
with such intensity that my fear rose again. "Yes, you are Dionti's son," he
said finally, releasing me. "A great man, your father. I am sorry to hear of
his demise."
"Then will you train me?" I asked eagerly.
"Perhaps, but I must know you can survive it. Did your father ever tell
you of the Gem of Enchanted Dreams?"
"It was in a book he left me."
"Where is this book now?"
"Burned," I answered, trembling.
Fiorar nodded thoughtfully. "It would seem you already have learned that
you must do things that cause you pain. That is good. I want you to find this
gem and make a wish on it."
"Could I wish for my parents back?" I asked hopefully.
"No, you cannot," Fiorar answered, shaking his head. "The gem can do
much, but it cannot return life to that which is already dead. I will train
you not only if you get to the gem, but also if you make the correct wish.
I will neither train a weakling, nor a fool."
"Where is this gem?"
"It will appear in two days time. You can stay with me until then, and
I will take you there myself. After you make your wish, I suggest you leave
quickly; wherever the gem is located will start to crumble."
"Did you make a wish?" I asked.
"I did. Six years ago, I found this gem and wished to know the date of
my death. I thought if I knew how much time remained to me, I could use it
to live more fully. Also, I would be assured of living through any situation
that did not occur on that date."
"Six years? But my father wrote that it appeared once every five."
"It does, on average. In actuality, it appears every three to seven
years. But enough talk, I will show you where you can sleep until the time
comes."
I was blindfolded and led to a room where I spent the next two days in
isolation. I spent much of that time deciding on what wish I would make.
"What could be the one wish that would allow me the best chance of defeating
Robotnik?" I asked myself over and over. I considered wishing for Robotnik's
demise, but I knew that no matter how carefully I worded it, the gem would
probably find a way to take most of Robotropolis out with him. No, it had to
affect me and me alone.
I thought back to Fiorar's wish. "It must be some comfort to know when
you will die," I thought. "As he said, he is sure to survive anything that
does not occur on that day."
Something clicked in the back of my mind. I looked at the idea from
every angle, checking for any flaw which would give the gem any leverage
against me. Finally, satisfied, I relaxed. I had my wish.
When the time came, Fiorar placed a chip on me. "I will use this to
teleport you to the place," he said. "All I can tell you is that you will face
three challenges, and then answer a riddle before you can get your wish. Are
you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," I said with false bravado.
He took a remote from a table and pushed the button. I was enveloped by
a white light and suddenly transported to a windswept plateau in an unknown
mountain range. Once the dizziness passed, I saw a trail leading up a nearby
peak. Gathering all my courage, I set out upon the path.
Without boring you with the details of my test, I'll just say I made it
to the gem and was posed this riddle:
*What is at the beginning of eternity,
The end of time,
The beginning of every end,
And the end of every place?*
Needless to say, I answered the letter "e". As the gem told me I was
correct, Fiorar stepped into view. "Now, young Donovan, make your wish," he
said.
I smiled. "I wish to be able to get into or out of any situation that I
wish to be in, whether consciously or unconsciously, knowing or unknowing,
without any permanent harm or death befalling me."
*Wish granted,* the gem spoke as the mountain started to rumble. Fiorar
pushed the button on his remote, and we were teleported back to the room he had
given me.
"Well, will you train me?" I asked him.
"You made a very thought out, very smart wish," he said praisingly. "But
you left one loophole open."
My face fell. "And that is?"
"If you ever knowingly put yourself in a dangerous situation without
thought of your own well-being, your wish will not be effective."
"When would I ever do that?"
"A non-lethal fight, perhaps. Or maybe when you risk your own life to
save another's."
"That is true," I admitted grudgingly. "Does this mean you will not train
me?"
"I didn't say that. I just want you to realize what direction your
physical training will take," he said, smiling.
"Thank you," I said, shaking his hand. "But what did you mean 'physical
training'?"
For answer, Fiorar opened the door out of my room and I saw a vast array
of scientific equipment and one of the largest computers I had ever seen.
"Where'd all this come from?" I asked.
"This was originally designed to be an outpost for exploring the Forbidden
Zone," he explained. "As that project was abandoned, it became a science lab
where experiments to difficult or dangerous to be conducted in the palace's
lab. There are many other such labs around the area, but none as large or
sophisticated as this."
"But I thought you were in the Ministry of War!"
"I was," he agreed. "But after the coup, I realized that I could not rely
on brute force to defeat Robotnik. I had read of these places in an old file
and came here to see what could be used. Over the past four years, I taught
myself how to use everything I found here, as well as inventing a few things of
my own," he added, indicating the chip that was on my vest.
"Have you been to any of the other labs?" I asked, an idea starting to
form.
Fiorar shook his head. "I've been too busy here," he said, sitting down
at a terminal. "In any event, I want to test the limits of that wish of yours.
Let's see exactly what you can do."
For the next six months, I trained every day with Fiorar. He trained my
body, making me reach my limit, then pushing me beyond it. He also taught me
to think as I fought, often anticipating opponents' moves before they had even
considered them. As for training my mind, I learned everything he had about
computers, but in one-eighth the time. Soon, I was making my own inventions,
the first of which were my rocket boots, even though I kept upgrading them.
He also carried through on his testing of my wish. At least once a week,
he would either place me in an inescapible situation or challenge me to enter
an impenetrable one. Though I always passed, I almost never did so unscathed.
My wish protects me from permanent harm, and death. But not from injuries
that will heal. Eventually, I learned how to rely on my wish only as a last
resort.
The last test came when he dumped me through a Void portal, challenging me
to get out. Within seconds, the chip on my vest mysteriously activated,
teleporting me back to the base. The change that overcame Miles also started
on me, but I escaped before it completed. As it was, Fiorar did have to lay
out the facts of life for me, which he claimed was harder than any battle he
had ever fought.
Finally, one week before my eleventh birthday, he called me in from my
training. "Donovan, you have exceeded all plans I had when I first agreed to
train you," he said. "The time has come when we should attack Robotnik."
"About time," I said. "I've been very eager to seek vengeance for my
parents' deaths."
"Then let's go wreak some havoc." Late that night, we teleported inside
Robotropolis, landing inside Robotnik's main base(one of the tests had involved
me planting a receiver chip inside the building). After a few minor encounters
with SWATbots, we made our way into the main control room.
"What is this?" screeched an annoying little man when he saw me. He
advanced on me, but quickly backpedalled when he saw Fiorar. "F-F-Fiorar,"
he stammered, "how g-good to see you again."
"I'm touched that you remember me, Snive-ly," he said sarcastically.
"Where is Julian?"
"Dr. Robotnik is sleeping," he said, his voice thin and tight with fear.
"Thanks for the information." Fiorar struck him with the hilt of his
sword, knocking him out immediately. "I'll cause some havoc in here," he said.
"You go find Robotnik and deal with him. But be careful."
I was already out the door when he gave that warning. Based on my
explorations the last time I was there, I knew where Robotnik's private
chambers were. I reached his room safely then crept inside.
Even in his sleep, Robotnik looked evil. He was fatter than I remembered,
and his robotic arm sent shivers up my spine. His face was scowling, as if not
even sleep brought him rest from his evil thoughts. I drew my father's sword
and placed it against his throat. At the touch of the blade, Robotnik awoke.
"What is going on here?" he asked angrily, starting to sit up.
"I wouldn't do that," I said, pressing the edge of the sword down against
his skin.
Robotnik fixed me with a gaze full of hatred and anger, but none of the
fear I wanted to see. "Who dares...?" he began, but stopped as the blade
began to draw blood.
"Don't you remember me? After all, you killed my father!" I yelled.
Robotnik regarded me with curiosity. "Why, it's young Donovan. My, my,
this is quite a surprise. But unfortunately, the surprise is on you!"
At that moment, a SWATbot grabbed me from behind and lifted me up.
Robotnik stood up, rubbing his throat. "Take him to the roboticizer!"
Robotnik snarled. "I want to deal with him personally."
I struggled to escape, but was knocked out with a single blow to the
back of my head. When I awoke, I found myself surrounded by a tube of glass.
"This is an improvement I have recently made to the roboticizer," he said
proudly. "And to think I would have never even thought of it if it weren't
for the fact that that young rabbit escaped halfway through her 'treatment'
with the help of that French fox."
"Score one for you, Antony," I thought, pounding on the glass.
"Oh, don't bother to escape. Nothing can break that glass." He punched
a button on the console.
A purple light enveloped me, but before I changed, it stopped. "What
happened?" Robotnik demanded of a nearby SWATbot.
"POWER FLUCTUATION, SIR," the robot droned. "PROBLEM HAS BEEN SOLVED."
"Now, where was I?" Robotnik asked rhetorically. "Oh yes, dealing with
you, Donovan." He punched the button again.
This time, sparks flew out of the machine. "Now what?" Robotnik yelled.
"SHORT CIRCUIT, SIR," the robot droned. "POWER CAN BE RESTORED IN AN
HOUR."
"Then I guess I'll have to deal with you the other way," Robotnik said,
raising the glass. He grabbed the back of my head and put his robotic arm next
to my temple. I'm still not sure what he intended to do, but his arm
malfunctioned. "Aargh!" he yelled, grabbing his arm in pain.
I tried to run, but he grabbed me again. "Hmm...this is entirely too
convenient to be coincidence," Robotnik muttered.
Just then, Fiorar broke through the door. "Julian!" he screamed,
swinging his sword at Robotnik's neck.
Robotnik ducked, releasing me. I dived for my sword, which Robotnik
had left on a console, as Fiorar sliced two SWATbots in half with his return
swing. Robotnik tried to call for more backup, but I smashed the intercom.
"Now, Robotnik, you pay for killing my parents!" I yelled, raising the sword
high above my head.
"Wait!" Robotnik screamed. "Your parents are not dead."
"What?" I asked, lowering the sword slightly.
Robotnik scrambled to his feet. "I knew that you would one day attempt
to avenge your parents," he said, punching something in on his keyboard. "So
I roboticized them." An image appeared on the screen, one that was burned
into my mind.
I saw my parents, as robots, tied to chairs in a small room. "Mother...
Father..." I whispered. "Why are you showing me this?"
"They are implanted with bombs," he said, picking up a remote control.
"If I push this button, they explode."
I could feel my eyes changing color as I stared at Robotnik. "If you
push that button, you won't live long enough to take your finger off of it!"
Robotnik smirked. "If I wanted, I could force you to be roboticized to
save your parents."
"But you'd explode them as soon as he was roboticized, wouldn't you?"
Fiorar asked.
"Of course I would! But I see that he is somehow charmed. For some
reason, he cannot be harmed. So, I can't do anything about you, but you
can't do anything about me. So it seems we are at an impasse."
"So it would seem," I answered.
"I like to think of myself as a fellow open to compromise, so let me
offer this: As long as you don't oppose me, I won't blow your parents up."
I shook my head. "So what am I to do? Let you take over Mobius?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes."
"But you forget one thing. I have access to all my father's work. And
if I don't let a certain someone know I'm alive, all that work becomes public
knowledge."
Robotnik's eyebrows came together. "So you do have something over my
head. What are your terms?"
"Simply this: I will do nothing to upset the balance of power, in exchange
for my parents remaining alive. However, if the balance shifts in any way,
either more toward you or more against you, I will act to return it to as it
was, if called upon."
"I accept your terms. But how will I contact you if I need you?"
"I'll get back in contact with you on the how."
"Wait a minute," Fiorar interjected. "One thing doesn't make sense. If
you did that to his parents, why not to the relatives of all the Freedom
Fighters that have bothered you? That would assure your victory."
"Very true, Fiorar. I see I trained you well. But unfortunately,
explosives sometimes react very badly with roboticized animals. My third
attempt to install a bomb only netted me some spare parts."
"You are sick, Robotnik!" I yelled.
"Perhaps, but I do love it so," he said, laughing.
I felt the urge to just slit his throat, but Fiorar restrained me.
"There will be another day," he said. He took his remote and we teleported
back to his base.
* * *
"Since that day, I have made it my job to find the other bases, restore
them, and set up surveillance of Robotropolis and every major Freedom Fighter
group on Mobius," Donovan concluded. "It has been hard not interfering, but
now you know why I cannot act of my own free will."
Sondra sat there, letting it all sink in. "I think I finally understand
you, Donovan," she said slowly. "It's amazing how you could have survived all
this time with very few people to support you."
Donovan shrugged. "I had to become like this, or I wouldn't survive."
Sondra nodded. "But tell me, what ever happened to Fiorar?"
Donovan bowed his head. "I'm afraid he is no longer with us."
Sondra grew sad. "I'm sorry. Was it on the day he was told?"
"Yes, in fact, those were the last words from his mouth."
"One other thing. Do you still carry your father's sword?"
Donovan shook his head. "No. After I had struck the deal with Robotnik,
I no longer felt worthy to use it. I returned it to Tanis, until such time as
I might have need of it again."
Sondra stood and stretched her legs. "Don't worry, I won't let anyone
else know of this. Except for Tails, of course, and only then if he swears
to keep it secret. Do you think the storm has subsided?"
"It has," Nadia answered before Donovan could speak.
Sondra suppressed a smile. "Then I guess we should be going."
Donovan stood. "Very well, follow me." He led her up to the surface and
to the area near Sanctuary. "This is as far as I take you," he said, holding
out his hands for the trenchcoat.
Sondra handed it over, then took out the stone Dulcy had given her. "I'll
manage from here," she said. "Thank you, for everything."
"Thank you for listening," he said. "For too long, I have only had Tanis
to confide in. Now I have you as well."
Nadia started beeping. "Don't forget me," she said when Sondra opened her
up.
"Just know that if the balance ever shifts into the Freedom Fighters'
favor, we may be on opposing sides again," he added gravely.
"After hearing your story, I'd expect no less."
"Well, if there is nothing else," Donovan said, starting to turn away.
"Hold on," Nadia said. A disk ejected from her. "You might want to take
this."
"What is it?" Donovan asked warily.
"So mistrusting, Donovan," Nadia said snidely. "Actually, this is a
Christmas present for you. I've noticed how you react every time you hear your
father's voice, and I realized that you probably don't have anything that you
can hear him on, right?"
"What of it?" Donovan asked, though Sondra had already caught on.
"On this disk is a copy of all the files in which your father speaks.
Merry Christmas, Donovan."
Donovan took the disk with trembling hands. "Still want to re-wire her
attitude?" Sondra asked.
Donovan didn't answer. "I have something for you as well," he said. He
took two chips from his vest pocket. "These will allow you and Nicole to
communicate without fear of being traced. Also, make sure you do a scan
whenever something important is to be revealed. Just remember this: the walls
have ears."
Before Sondra could ask what that meant, Donovan placed the chips in her
hand and walked away. "I'm gonna have a fun time explaining where I've been,"
she muttered, walking past Sanctuary and toward Knothole. "But, all in all,
it was worth it."
She plucked a sprig of mistletoe and tucked it into her pocket. "This
will look good in Tails' hair," she thought, "especially seeing as that puts
him under it."
Meanwhile, in Sanctuary, Rosie was just waking from her extended nap and
became aware of a delicious odor floating into her room. She followed it and
found Tanis preparing a small meal. "I'm glad to see you are awake," he said,
placing some food down on the table.
Rosie sat down. "Well, will you tell me now?" she asked.
"There's not much to tell. My older brother, Torin, was supposed to
take over the family's tradition. But he was killed suddenly in a freak
accident. I was immediately summoned here to Sanctuary to begin my training."
"Couldn't you have at least told me you were going?" Rosie demanded.
Tanis shook his head. "I was forbidden to. But I always planned to come
back to you. But when I returned, I learned that you and your family had moved
to Mobotropolis. I thought you had made a different life for yourself, and I
decided not to interfere. And once Robotnik took over, I was sure you had been
roboticized, like so many others."
"I see. Well, there's nothing to be done about the past. What do you say
we start over?"
"Just like that?" Tanis asked, amazed. "You would be willing to forgive
me after all the heartache I caused you?"
Rosie smiled. "For years, I harbored a bitterness toward you. But that
stopped a long time ago. Christmas is a time for forgiving. Neither of us
have many years left to us; let's enjoy each other's company while we can."
Tanis smiled and sat down across from her. "Very well. I want you to
tell me your story now. After all, fair is fair."
Rosie laughed. "Maybe later. Right now, let's eat." And they sat there,
eating and chatting until well into the night. Both knew that all was not
right with the world, yet. But for that night, all was right with them.
===============================================================================
To all you readers out there, we wish you a happy holiday season, whatever
holiday you observe, and a joyous New Year. As Rosie said, Christmas is a
time for forgiving. Let's all try to find something we've held on to for too
long, and let it go. If not, try not to let anything add to it this season.
Till next time,
Happy Reading!--Robert Brown
Peace, see ya later.--Francis Tolbert
(
geocities.com/televisioncity/satellite/6616/sonic) (
geocities.com/televisioncity/satellite/6616) (
geocities.com/televisioncity/satellite) (
geocities.com/televisioncity)