Chapter 6: New Age, New Heroes.
Clutch was drinking a Coke, the carbonated drink entering her mouth through a straw, while she held the plastic container in her right hand. The weather today was cloudy, with black storm clouds covering the skies, a few flashes of lightning, and a light drizzle now covering the outside. For her part, she found it funny that despite the day having just begun, it was as dark as nighttime, or almost. She was grateful that the Babylon Rogues had offered to help guide the caravans of spectators to the next and final stage of the race.
It was then that she heard someone kick open the doors to her office and enter casually. Clutch didn't even turn to look, mostly because she immediately identified who it was just by hearing Surge's voice.
"CLUTCH!" she shouted, as if the place belonged to her or if she were the boss.
"I really, really, REALLY value the first Coke of the day, so I hope you have a good reason to interrupt me," Clutch said calmly, not even turning to look at her and Kitsunami, just staring at the storm clouds.
"Damn, we have it!" Surge replied haughtily.
"We quit," she said confidently, with Kitsunami supporting her, both hands on her hips, defiant of their boss.
"Are you sure?" Clutch asked, without turning around, his gaze focused on the clouds outside, as the light drizzle gave way to a heavy rain, he took a sip of his Coke.
"I mean it, Old man, We're serious!" Surge protested, approaching to try to turn him around, but at that instant, he stuck out his hand in a gesture for her to stop where she was.
"Don't go any further, dear. Let's be professional." Clutch said in a calm tone, while using his free hand to place his glass of coke on a table next to the chair where he was sitting.
"First of all, let me congratulate you on your growth and achievements during your time with Sweep Clean Inc. You both have shown significant progress and development, not just as individuals, but also in your teamwork and effectiveness as peacekeepers."
Surge's eyes narrowed slightly, taken aback by Clutch's unexpected praise. "Well, thanks, I guess," she said, still standing her ground. "But that's not why we're here.
We've decided to move on," Surge said, her voice firm and determined. She exchanged a glance with Kitsunami, who nodded in agreement.
Clutch finally turned to face them, his gaze shifting from Surge to Kitsunami and back again. He leaned back in his chair, his tail twitching thoughtfully. "I see. And what makes you think you're ready to strike out on your own?" he asked, his voice calm and even.
Surge bristled at the question, her lime green spikes standing on end. "We've been doing your dirty work for months now.
We took down the Phantom Rider, we protected the city from countless threats, and we even managed to work together with that egotistical Jet the Hawk," Surge said, her voice dripping with disdain. "We've proven ourselves time and time again, and now it's time for us to move on. We want to set our own path, find our own way."
Clutch's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered their words. "And what makes you think you're ready for that? The world is a dangerous place, Surge. Especially for someone with your... temperament," he said, his voice laced with cautious concern.
"You've made great strides in controlling your aggressive tendencies, but there's still a long way to go. Going out on your own could be... dangerous."
Surge crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with defiance. "Don't underestimate us, Clutch. We can handle it."
Clutch tilted his head, examining Surge and Kit with a keen gaze. "I'm not underestimating you, Surge. I'm simply stating the facts. Besides, well, let's just say you might be at more risk if you leave now," Clutch said, grabbing his cane and using it to help him get up from the chair.
He walked over to the window and looked out at the storm.
"What do you mean?" Surge asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Are you threatening us?"
Clutch shook his head. "No, Surge. I'm simply stating a fact. You're valuable assets to Sweep Clean Inc., and there are... certain elements who would like to see you taken out of commission. Permanently."
Kit's eyes widened in fear, and he huddled closer to Surge, his fur standing on end. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Breezie!" Clutch called, and instantly something descended at thunderous speed in front of Surge and Kit, but landed with terrifying elegance.
An indigo-colored, spiked hedgehog dressed in a reddish formal suit appeared from another door on the opposite side from where Surge and Kitsunami had entered.
"Surge, meet Breezie and the new project we've been creating..." Clutch paused his introduction and leaned toward Breezie. "What was the name of this thing?" Clutch asked.
"Technically, its name is Metal-IX, but Metallix sounded better, so that's it," Breezie replied.
"Well, Metallix, our new proposal to replace the heroes," Clutch said, circling Metallix, who looked like a larger, more imposing mechanical version of Sonic himself.
"The plan is to, well, present it tomorrow during the last circuit of the race, people will see what it's capable of and we'll begin mass production, every street in every city will have a Metallix to protect them from any type of threat" Clutch explained with a somewhat egotistical smile. "We will no longer depend on Sonic or his friends or any other aspiring heroes that appear, since the Metallix will be able to solve any threat" Clutch said, palming one of Metallix's metallic forearms.
"With the power and potential of this new model, we will make the world a safer place for everyone."
Surge's eyes widened in disbelief and anger. "You're... you're replacing us? With some metal doll?" she snarled, her spikes bristling with rage. "We've been doing your dirty work for months, and now you're just going to toss us aside?"
Kit shrank back, his fur puffing up in fear as he looked at the towering metallic figure. "Surge... I don't think we can take this thing on," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Breezie smiled and stepped forward, her heels clicking on the polished floor. "Metallix is designed to be a top-tier peacekeeper, capable of handling any situation that arises. With his advanced AI and adaptive capabilities, he's the future of law enforcement and security," she explained, her voice confident and proud.
Surge scoffed, her eyes narrowing into slits. "Future, my ass. He's just another one of your fancy toys, designed to replace real people. And what happens when something goes wrong?
What if the AI decides it doesn't want to follow orders anymore?" Surge demanded, her voice echoing through the room. She looked at Clutch, her eyes burning with intensity. "You can't just replace us with some machine, Clutch. It's wrong, and you know it."
Clutch sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I understand your feelings, Surge, but you have to see the bigger picture. Metallix is a game-changer. He can do things that no organic being can, and he'll make the world a safer place. Think about it – no more innocent people getting hurt, no more devastating attacks.
With Metallix on the job, we can finally have the peace and security we've always wanted," Clutch said, his voice filled with conviction.
"But at what cost?" Surge countered, her eyes never leaving Clutch's. "What about the people who'll lose their jobs because of this... this thing?"
Clutch's expression softened, and he took a step forward, lowering his voice. "It's not about replacing people, Surge. It's about evolution. About moving forward and adapting to new challenges. Also, we won't be replacing you, you'll still hold positions at Sweep Clean Inc. obviously in administrative positions, maybe as instructors, but we'll secure a job for you," Clutch said, moving towards Surge, leaning slightly towards her to stroke the spikes on her head. "That's why you can't leave, dear. The age of heroes is ending, and it's best for you to stay with us to secure your future and that of your little friend," Clutch said with a smile and a casual, calm tone.
Surge's suspicions were aroused, but Kit looked down, blushing. He wasn't so much afraid of the metallic giant as he was of Clutch's ability to manipulate her.
"I'm not sure I want to stay in a world where I'm no longer needed," Surge said, her voice quiet and almost sad.
Breezie, however, saw this as an opportunity to show off her creation. "Metallix can do everything you can, and more! He never gets tired, never makes mistakes, and he's always ready for action," Breezie said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Surge looked at Metallix, her eyes narrowing as she processed Breezie's words. She knew the hedgehog was right, but she also knew that nothing could replace the human touch, the emotion, the raw power that came from being alive.
"And what about feelings?" Surge asked, her voice soft but firm. "What about the love of a job well done? The thrill of the chase? The pride of knowing you made a difference?
Can a machine understand that?" Surge asked, her voice filled with emotion. She looked at Metallix, her eyes searching for any sign of life, any indication that there was more to him than just his programming.
Clutch sighed and shook his head. "You're overthinking this, Surge. Metallix isn't meant to replace you completely, just to make your job easier. Think of him as a tool, a resource to help you do your job better."
Surge scoffed, her tail twitching with irritation. "A tool? A resource? I'm not a machine, Clutch.
And neither is Kit. We're living, breathing beings with our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. How dare you reduce us to just tools and resources?" Surge snapped, her eyes flashing with anger.
Kit nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with uncertainty. I don't want to be a tool. I want to be a hero, like Shadow and Sonic," he said softly, his voice barely audible.
Clutch's expression softened, and he sighed. "Look, I understand where you're coming from. But the world is changing, Surge. People want safety, and they want it fast.
Metallix can provide that. He's just... a means to an end," Clutch said, his voice calm and reasonable.
Surge's expression darkened, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Clutch. "So, what, we're just supposed to bow down and accept this? Just hand over our positions to a bunch of metal monstrosities?" she snarled, her spikes bristling with anger.
Clutch took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, his expression serious. "No, Surge, that's not what I'm saying. I'm just trying to tell you that the world is changing, and we need to adapt.
We can't keep relying on the old ways of doing things. The heroes we knew and loved are either gone or getting too old to keep protecting us. We need something new, something better," Clutch said, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and resignation.
Surge's expression hardened, and she crossed her arms over her chest. "So, what are you saying? That we should just give up and let the machines take over? Is that it?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief and anger.
Kit shivered and huddled closer to Surge, his eyes wide with fear and confusion.
"But... but we want to be heroes, like Sonic and Shadow. We want to make a difference, not just... not just be replaced by machines," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Breezie rolled her eyes and sighed. "You're both being drama queens. This isn't about replacing you, it's about making your jobs easier. Think about it – with Metallix on the job, you'll have more time to do what you really want to do. You can focus on the things that matter, the things that only you can do," she said, her voice reasonable and calm.
Surge's eyes narrowed, and she took astep back, her spikes bristling with anger. "And what, exactly, is that supposed to be? What are we supposed to do while your metal pet runs around playing hero?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Breezie shrugged, a smug smile playing on her lips. "I don't know, but I'm sure you two can come up with something."
Surge scoffed and rolled her eyes.
As tensions escalated, Clutch intervened. "Anyway, the idea isn't to completely abandon you, Surge. You'll enjoy several privileges at our side, so I don't want you to resign," Clutch said, then returned to his seat.
"But... if you're sure, you can announce your resignation tomorrow, of course, after Metallix makes their first public appearance," Clutch said, sitting down and sipping his coke from the table next to him.
Surge's eyes narrowed, her tail twitching with anger. "I want to quit, not put on a show for you and your new toy," she growled, her voice filled with venom.
Clutch sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Surge...." Clutch was about to speak, but at that moment he was interrupted by Metallix. "If I were you, I'd take you up on that offer, Surge, after all. It's just the fact that we're both on the same side that's the only reason I'm holding back on my rematch against you..." Metallix said, arms crossed, his engines beginning to roar with suppressed excitement.
"Wow, what do you mean by rematch?" Surge asked, somewhat confused before recognizing Metallix. "Metal Sonic?!" she was impressed, not having recognized the robot due to the enhancements Breezie had given him.
"Yes, even though I hate my old name, I still retain the memory of my old body," Metallix said with that robotic, synthetic tone, which nevertheless seemed more alive now.
Surge smiled; she had beaten Metal Sonic before, and she thought his change now was merely aesthetic. "And you think you intimidate me? Remember when I kicked your robotic ass months ago," Surge mocked, but in the blink of an eye, he lost sight of Metallix before feeling the back of a cold metallic fist connect with the side of his head.
"I guarantee you, I'm much stronger than the version of me you once faced," Metallix said, and by the time Surge turned around, Metallix had already returned to his original position in front of her.
"You're bluffing," Surge said, rubbing the side of her head, a sly grin on her face. "You can't beat me."
"I'm not bluffing," Metallix insisted. "With my enhanced speed, strength, and endurance, I'm confident that I can take you down."
Surge's grin widened, and she cracked her knuckles. "Alright, let's see what you've got, Metal-IX."
Metallix's optics narrowed, and his engines began to hum with anticipation. "Very well. I'll give you a head start.
Consider it a prize for besting me in our last encounter." Metallix offered, his voice calm and collected, yet filled with a controlled anticipation that was almost palpable.
Surge's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "What do you mean, head start?"
Metallix approached her, grabbing her by the jacket and lifting her like a lightweight doll. "Chaos Control," Metallix said, and they both teleported outside to the outer courtyard of the enormous ship, where rain lashed the air. Metallix threw Surge to the floor of the ship. "Same conditions, water. You used Kitsunami's water to increase the effectiveness of your electrical powers, so now we're surrounded by water," Metallix said, as raindrops rained down on his blue chassis. "Let's see if you can beat me with this small advantage," Metallix said in a robotic voice, as Surge got back to her feet.
Surge grimaced, her eyes narrowing. "You're cheating," she said. "I don't need any advantage to beat you."
Metallix tilted his head, his optics glowing as he processed Surge's words. "If you say so," he replied while from his chest he ejected what looked like a smoking emerald, which fell to the ground in a dull gray, smoking. "I already spent one of my fake chaos emeralds, it lasted longer than I expected" said Metallix as he crushed the smoking diamond with his robotic foot, before advancing on Surge, at a speed that she could not continue eating a kick that would have thrown her out of the ship, if she had not been intercepted by Metallix himself, who returned her to the deck throwing her by the head.
"You're cheating!" Surge said indignantly, rubbing her head as she got up from the ground.
"I'm not cheating, I'm just trying to make this fight more interesting. Besides, I'm sure you can handle it, right?" Metallix said, his optics glowing with excitement.
Surge's eyes narrowed, and her spikes stood on end. "I don't need any advantages to beat you," she growled, her voice filled with determination.
Surge ran and leaped toward Metallix, the tenrec's body covered in an electric aura so powerful it seemed to merge with the static in the air.
Metallix blocked Surge's spinning kick, grabbing her leg and spinning, throwing her back to the deck before lunging at her.
"Damn!" Surge growled, unleashing bolts of energy into the sky that caused the clouds to flash.
"Interesting," Metallix said, descending into the ship's courtyard. Surge lunged at him, ramming into him. The two struggled briefly, but Metallix quickly won. Surge tried to electrocute him, as she had in their encounter when Metallix was still Metal Sonic, but the electricity seemed unaffected. Surge was launched into the air with a kick to the abdomen, then intercepted with an elbow to the back that sent her sprawling back to the floor of the ship's deck.
She landed hard on her side, her breath whooshing out of her. She quickly rolled over, her eyes narrowing into slits as she stared daggers at Metallix, who stood stoically a few feet away.
"What the hell is this thing made of?" Surge growled, pushing herself up to her feet. She felt a trickle of blood running down her side where she had landed on the hard metal. "You're not supposed to be this strong."
Metallix tilted his head, his optics glowing with interest. "I told you, I'm not the same as I was before. Breezie has made several enhancements to my systems.
I am far more advanced than my previous incarnations," Metallix said, his voice filled with cold, calculated precision.
Surge gritted his teeth and lunged at Metallix, unleashing a barrage of punches, punches, kicks, and even spindashes, all charged with high voltage, against Metallix's blue chassis, but the attacks seemed to simply bounce off the robot without any effect.
Metallix remained static, seemingly unharmed, unfazed, as evidenced by his punch, sending Surge slamming against the edge of the ship, nearly sending her tumbling into the void.
Surge managed to grab onto the edge with one hand. It felt like a mountain had rolled over her, pain shooting through her torso as she tried to raise her left arm for a better grip. At that moment, she felt Metallix's metallic hand grab her by the wrist and pull her up. "As I said, you should accept Clutch's offer and stay on our side, let's be... allies, it's not good for you to be my enemy, nor for your friend Kit" said Metallix, while keeping her elevated on the edge of the ship.
"I could easily... remove you from this ship and send your corpse to the depths of the ocean," Metallix said, his optics glowing with an almost clinical curiosity.
Surge clenched her jaw and grimaced, feeling the pain through her entire body. She looked at Metallix with a mix of fear and anger in her eyes.
"You're not going to get rid of me that easily, metal-head," she spat, her voice filled with defiance.
"Then call it off, Surge. Give up and stay with us.
Your skills are highly valued, and I'm sure we can find a way to work together," Metallix said, his voice almost friendly, but with a chilling undercurrent that sent shivers down Surge's spine.
Surge narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth, trying to ignore the pain that was radiating through her body. "I'm not afraid of you," she growled, but her voice lacked conviction. She knew she was outmatched, both physically and in terms of firepower.
Metallix tilted his head, as if considering her words. "I'm not trying to scare you, Surge.
I just want you to understand that there are consequences to your actions. You don't have to be my enemy. You can choose to be my ally. Together, we could do great things," Metallix said, his voice almost soothing, yet with a cold undertone that made Surge's hackles rise.
Surge glared at Metallix, teeth gritted against the pain. "I won't be anyone's ally, especially not yours. I'm my own person, and I'll do what I want," she snarled, her voice filled with determination, even if it was tinged with fear.
"If not for yourself, do it for him. You don't want him to get hurt, do you?" Metallix said, his eyes pointing at the window where Clutch, Breezie, and Kitsunami were watching the confrontation. Kit looked terrified and desperate to help her, banging on the glass to get outside.
"I know that deep down, you love him a lot, like a little brother, the same relationship Sonic and Tails have. I'm sure you can take a beating, but him?" Metallix asked in that robotic, threatening tone, one of his hands transforming into a machine gun barrel.
"He's just a little fox, what could he possibly do against me?"
Surge's eyes widened, realizing that Metallix was right. Kit was no match for the enhanced metal monstrosity. She couldn't let him get hurt, not if she could help it.
"No... don't hurt him," Surge said, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes pleading with Metallix. "Fine, I'll stay, I'll work for you, but promise me you won't hurt Kit," Surge demanded. Despite being injured and defeated, she stood firm against Metallix, who threw her to the deck floor, but more gently.
"He won't be hurt, as long as you keep your word," Metallix said, grabbing her by the head and flying back to Clutch's office. Clutch opened the window to let Metallix and Surge in. Surge fell and was left next to Kitsunami.
"Surge... are you okay?" Kit asked, his voice shaking with fear. Surge had a black eye and a cut lip, her fur was matted with rain and dirt, and her lime green spikes were disheveled, but she managed a small smile for Kit.
"I'll be fine. Just a little bruised, that's all," she said, trying to sound tough, even though she was hurting all over.
Clutch sighed and poured her a drink from a flask he had in his desk. "Here, this will help with the pain," he said, handing her the flask.
Surge took a sip, feeling the burning liquid slide down her throat. She coughed, her eyes watering.
"What is this stuff?" she asked, her voice hoarse.
"Just a little something to take the edge off. Consider it a... welcome back gift," Clutch said, smiling thinly.
Surge glared at him but took another sip, feeling some of the tension in her body dissipate.
"So, what now?" she asked, her voice no longer filled with defiance but rather resignation.
Clutch sat down in his chair, steepling his fingers. "For now, go rest, Surge. I'm sure after this little... interview, you'll be exhausted," Clutch said, when Metallix suddenly intervened.
"Alert, the ship has been infiltrated," Metallix said as his visor began scanning in one direction. "Three intrusions, identified: Amy Rose, Miles Tails Prower, and..." Metallix paused, as if deeply affected by the recognition of the third intruder.
"Who else? Metallix," Breezie asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Belle... my sister... in a way..." Metallix said. It was strange for him, the first time he felt anything other than coldness towards Belle.
"Sister?" Clutch asked with interest.
"We're both creations of Doctor Eggman, but she was created when Eggman was Mr. Tinker, his good side, so to speak," Metallix said, crossing his arms, thinking for a moment, before moving forward. "I'll go after all three of them," Metallix said, but Breezie stopped him.
"No, no, we can't risk Amy suspecting you," Breezie said.
"Surge, darling, why don't you take care of those intruders?" Clutch said, continuing to stare at the storm.
Surge rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll get rid of them," she said, standing up. Her body ached, and she was exhausted, but she was not going to let some intruders get the best of her. "Kit, come one let's go" she said, giving him a soft nudge with her elbow.
Breezie typed something on her keyboard, and the glass window behind them turned into a door, revealing the deck of the ship.
Kit looked at her with concerned eyes. "Surge, are you sure? You're hurt," he said, his voice soft and worried.
Surge smiled at him, her eyes filled with determination. "Don't worry, Kit. I'll be fine. Besides, I can't let those intruders run wild on the ship, can I?" she said, giving him a reassuring wink.
As they made their way towards the door, Clutch called out to them. "Be careful, Surge.
We need you in one piece," Clutch called out, his eyes still fixed on the storm outside. Surge nodded, her expression serious. She knew that Clutch was right, but she also knew that she had a job to do.
Meanwhile...
Tails, Amy, and Belle had encountered the two custodians of Jewel's office, whom they had come to look for. These were the skunks Rough and Tumble, disguised as the cartoon mascots of Sweep Clean Inc.
Despite being outnumbered by Tumble, Amy managed to send him flying with a hammer blow from her Piko Piko hammer, sending the skunk crashing into one of the walls. Rough, even in his crab suit, struggled to contain Tails and Belle.
"We have more infiltrators, right outside the Director's door," Tumble announced over his radio, while trying to recover from Amy Rose's hammer blow.
Rough backed away from his brother after receiving a kick from the wooden robot Belle, which, along with a double-tailed swipe from Tails, made him grab his radio to call for reinforcements. "We're outnumbered, send everyone in!" Rough called over his radio, receiving a cold reply.
"On the way," said Surge, who arrived almost instantly thanks to her super speed. Next to her was Kitsunami.
"Damn," said Amy, holding the hammer as she looked at Surge, who was standing behind them at the end of the hallway.
"You better run!" said Rough, and without thinking twice, Amy, Tails, and Belle ran out of the room, pursued by Surge and Kitsunami.
When both skunks made a move to get up and chase the pink hedgehog, Breezie, accompanied by Metallix, stopped them.
"Nope, go repair your suits and return to your posts," ordered Breezie, sitting on Metallix's right shoulder pad.
"We'll handle this."
Rough and Tumble looked at each other, then at the large, blue robot looming behind their boss. They quickly decided that discretion was the better part of valor and scurried off to do as they were told.
Surge followed the intruders at high speed, her spikes glinting in the harsh fluorescent lights of the ship's interior. Kit struggled to keep up, his small legs working double-time to match her pace.
Kitsunami was right behind her, his hydrokinetic tails helping him propel himself at high speeds, enough to be right behind Surge and support her.
Tails turned around, rotating his tails like a helicopter to maintain high speeds and leave Surge and Kitsunami behind. "Kitsunami, we thought you were one of the good guys," Tails said, before Surge caught up to him, passing him by to go after Amy, who was ahead. Kitsunami took care of Tails, standing next to him.
"Nothing personal, Tails, just doing our job," Kitsunami said before using his tentacles to try to hit Tails. Tails avoided the first three blows, which resonated against the metal corridors of the ship, shattering them in their wake. But the fourth took him by surprise, sending him tumbling to the metal floor before the water wrapped around his torso. Surge, for his part, went after Amy, easily standing next to her.
"You know they're using you, right?" Amy said as she ran alongside Surge. Although she had no chance of outrunning her, her best option was to reason with her or surprise her so she could land a blow with the hammer that would knock her off balance.
"Yeah, I know, but you know what? I don't care," Surge said with a smile as he rammed Amy, knocking her against the walls and causing her to stumble and fall to the floor. "I like being loved, and if I have to do a few dirty jobs to be called a hero in public, then that's fine by me," Surge said as he waited for Amy to get up. "But, in honor of our past friendship, pinky, I'll give you the option of coming with me peacefully. After all, I have nothing against you and I like you better than your blue boyfriend," Surge offered, her hands lighting up with an intense electric aura.
Amy, who had managed to get up, looked at her with a stern look. "I'm not going anywhere with you, especially not against my will," she said, holding her hammer tightly, prepared for a fight.
Surge nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Suit yourself," she said, her body trembling with anticipation. However, to her surprise, she was hit from behind by a powerful kick from Belle, which made her fall to the ground, momentarily disoriented.
Amy took advantage of the moment to attack Surge with her hammer, causing a significant amount of damage to the side of the ship. Kitsunami, who was slamming Tails against the walls, noticed Surge was disoriented and launched one of his water tentacles at Amy Rose, catching the hammer mid-swing and giving Surge a chance to recover.
"Surge, behind you!" Kitsunami shouted, his eyes wide with concern.
Surge managed to dodge Belle's follow-up attack and turned to face her. "You little rat! What the hell are you doing?" Surge snarled, her electric aura intensifying.
Belle looked at Surge, her wooden eyes filled with sadness. "I can't let you do this, Surge. I know you're better than this. You don't have to be a part of this. You can come with us and make things right," Belle said, her voice steady and calm.
“I know what it’s like to be manipulated, to be used as a tool. But you have a choice, Surge. You can break free from their control.”
Surge sneered, her electric aura flickering. "You think I don't know that? I never wanted any of this. I just wanted a place to belong, a way to fit in," she growled.
Amy stepped forward, her hammer held at the ready. "Then come with us, Surge. We can help you. We can find you a better way," she said, her voice firm yet understanding.
Kitsunami looked at Surge, his eyes pleading.
But at that moment, Metallix appeared, grabbing Belle by the shoulder. "She's my business, you two take care of the other two," Metallix said before teleporting out of sight.
"Suit yourself, Tin," Surge said, a little annoyed, but grateful not to have to deal with a two-on-one battle right now.
"Belle!" Amy yelled, trying to go find Belle, but Surge grabbed her arms and spun her around.
"Your problems are elsewhere, friend. In this case, me and Kit, who seems to be entertaining himself with Tails," Surge said, watching as Kitsunami used his tentacles to drag and slam Tails against the ceiling, floor, and walls of the corridor.
Amy struggled to break free from Surge's grasp, her fiery spirit refusing to give in so easily. "Let go of me! Belle needs our help!" she shouted, trying to kick Surge with her free leg.
Surge smirked, tightening her grip on Amy's arms. "Sorry, sweetheart, but you're not going anywhere.
Metallix's orders," she said, her electric aura buzzing in anticipation of the fight.
Amy snarled and headbutted Surge, managing to break free from her grasp. She quickly turned to face Surge, her hammer ready.
Kit, seeing Amy free, quickly took advantage to launch a water tentacle at her, aiming to catch her by surprise, but Amy was ready and intercepted the attack with her hammer, breaking the water tentacle into small droplets.
"I said I'm not going anywhere without Belle!" Amy growled, her voice filled with determination. "You can't just keep us here against our will!"
Surge chuckled, her electric aura intensifying. "You think you can stop us? Come on, give it your best shot," she taunted.
Amy charged at Surge, her hammer swinging wildly.
Surge ducked and weaved, her electric aura flashing as she avoided Amy's attacks. Kit watched from a distance, his eyes darting between Amy and Tails, who was still in the midst of his own struggle with Kitsunami.
"You're good, I'll give you that," Surge said, admiration in her voice as she dodged another hammer blow. "But you're no match for me."
Amy gritted her teeth and spun around, using the momentum to send her hammer crashing into Surge's shoulder. Surge grunted in pain and stumbled back, but quickly regained her footing.
"Nice hit," she conceded, her eyes narrowing as she held her injured shoulder. "But that's all you got?"
Amy smiled, a hint of cockiness in her expression. "Come on, I'm just getting started," she said, her hammer spinning in her hand.
Surge grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She loved a good fight, and Amy was proving to be a worthy opponent. "Bring it on, then," she said, her electric aura flaring as she charged at Amy.
The two clashed again, their attacks and counterattacks flowing like a dance.
Surge's electric powers crackled against Amy's hammer, each strike missed only by inches. Kit watched from the sidelines, his tail curled nervously around his body as he kept an eye on Tails, who was still struggling with Kitsunami.
Amy parried a powerful blow from Surge, sending sparks flying through the air. "You're fast, but I'm not going down without a fight," she panted, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Surge smirked, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I never said you were. But you're fighting a losing battle here, Amy.
Face it, you're outmatched," Surge taunted, her words dripping with arrogance as she lunged at Amy again.
Amy gritted her teeth and managed to block Surge's attack with her hammer, but the force of the blow sent her stumbling back. She clenched her jaw, determination burning in her eyes. "I'm not giving up. Not until I've done everything I can to stop this madness," she vowed, spinning her hammer in a blur of motion as she prepared to face Surge once more.
Surge chuckled, her eyes glinting with anticipation. "I admire your spirit, I really do.
But you're fighting a losing battle here, Amy. Just give up. You don't stand a chance against me," Surge taunted, her electric aura pulsating with each word.
Amy glared at Surge, her breathing heavy, but her determination unwavering. "You're right, I don't stand a chance against you. But I'm not fighting you for myself. I'm fighting for Belle, for Sonic, for everyone you're trying to hurt. And I won't give up until I know they're safe," she declared, her voice steady and resolute.
Surge hesitated for a second, long enough for Amy to take advantage and almost land a devastating blow. Surge only reacted when the hedgehog's mace was millimeters from his face, but the blow didn't land, as something grabbed Amy by the chest and slammed her to the ground with enough force to instantly knock her out.
"Amy!!!" Tails shouted, before recognizing the perpetrator, Furnace Sonic, his dark shell, his elongated body, and the burning flame from the engine that powered him from his chest glowing with renewed vigor as it grimly circled around the unconscious Amy.
Surge quickly stood beside her. "Hey, Tin, that's it, she's unconscious, I'll take her from here" said Surge, looking defiantly at the killing machine, which just remained silent before focusing its attention on Tails, whom Kitsunami had already subdued and knocked out.
Furnace Sonic turned his gaze to the orange-furred fox, his eyes glowing with a cold intensity. "You're lucky, fox. I'll leave you to my metal brother. You're the one who should be worried," Furnace Sonic said in a voice that was almost a growl, before turning back to Surge.
"Hey, Kit, let's get the two of them to Clutch. It's time we end this and get back to our quarters," Surge said, her voice lacking the usual mocking tone, but still rough and aggressive.
Kit nodded silently, his eyes darting between the unconscious Tails and Amy. He felt a pang of guilt and pity for them, but he knew better than to show any emotion in front of Surge.
He bent down and gently picked up Amy, cradling her limp body in his arms. Surge, meanwhile, grabbed Tails and slung him over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Together, they made their way back to Sweep Clean Inc.'s headquarters, leaving the cold, lifeless metal shell of Furnace Sonic behind.
As they walked, Kit couldn't help but steal occasional glances at Surge.
She looked tired, her spikes were disheveled, and her clothes were torn and dirtied from the fight. But it was the look in her eyes that worried him the most. There was a darkness there, a coldness that he hadn't seen before. Kit asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Surge glanced at him, her expression softening slightly. "I'm fine, Kit. Just a few bumps and bruises," she said, her voice tight with pain.
Kit bit his lip, looking away.
"I know you're hurt, Surge. But... but this isn't right. We shouldn't be doing this," he said softly, his voice filled with concern.
Surge looked away, her jaw tensing. "We do what we have to, Kit. It's not like we have a choice," she said, her voice rough.
Kit shook his head. "But... but we do have a choice. We could leave. We could go somewhere else, start over," he suggested, his voice filled with hope.
Surge snorted, her eyes flashing with irritation. "And do what, Kit? Beg for scraps on the street?" Surge clenched her fists as she leaned Amy over her shoulder. "No... you don't deserve that..." Surge said, before continuing, ending the topic with a stomp down the hallway toward Clutch's office.