Rise of Heroes: The Grand Adventure

Chapter 12: The Storm

It's been a few days since the incident that happened to Metropolis. While no one was hurt, and damages were minimal, there was still some speculation about how things were handled that day. The commander of HERO, Slade, had made a formal announcement about the events that happened that day to help calm those who were involved or affected by it. While it did work for a majority of the people, not everyone was satisfied.

In those days, many things began to change for the better. After Milley's evaluation, it was determined that she had broken through a barrier of some kind that was limiting her potential and true powers. It was confirmed that she indeed had the power to control and manipulate air and wind to her will, later known as Aerokinesis. She also unlocked the ability to heal herself or others to a certain limit, named Healing Factor. While it's believed by herself and the others there's something more behind these powers, only time can really tell what would come next.

While things did run smoothly, things weren't always going to stay the same. Eventually Slade ordered that Milley and Slay would take on separate patrol routes rather than stick together. So for the past few days Slay has been in a city to patrol the streets, and Milley would take the towns and routes that were in the same areas. It was something they weren't used to since they met and became friends, but it was something they needed to get used to. They both knew it.

That day, Slay was in Central City as he walked down the sidewalk by himself. Instead of doing the usual running and parkour, he decided to take it back a bit and relaxed. As he did, he would take a look around, seeing Mobians in the city happy and talking with others. Occasionally he was stopped and greeted by others who loved his work, wanting to take pictures or something which he allowed. Others weren't so friendly after what happened, but he didn't let it get to him.

Still, as he walked on, he would look up occasionally to see the sky. It was getting late, the sun slowly setting. However, in the distance there were storm clouds heading their way. As Slay watched, his mood changed a bit as he pouted to himself. "Oh c'mon now." He muttered, trying to think about something else to get his mind off it.

"Well, at least there's the feeling of a good day's work." He thought to himself while walking. "Yeah, like being able to keep things in peace. Having fun, and showing that we'll keep everyone safe." He continued thinking, a small smile appearing on his muzzle due to this.

However, he was unaware that he was being watched. Behind him was a small Badnik following him with a hum coming from it. As it followed him, it was recording and at the same time showing Eggman what he was doing. The doctor sat in his personal lab within the Egg Carrier, arm on the desk as he stroked his chin while watching with Orbot and Cubot. At the time it was mostly quiet besides the video feed and the occasional sounds in the Egg Carrier.

"Sir? Why are we spying on the hedgehog?" Orbot asked as he looked over at Eggman. He responded as he looked over at the bot, letting out a sigh before looking at the screen.

"It's something called strategy." Eggman answered as he tapped a few keys on the keyboard to zoom in on Slay. "I've been monitoring that hedgehog and his friends to see what they're next move is as best as I can. Either to steal a Chaos Emerald, or to take them out when they're on their own." He explained before grinning. "And now, we have Slay right where I want him."

"So what's the plan?" Orbot asked.

"The plan is to stop him where he is. Plain and simple really.." Zeno said as he walked in through the door, standing between the two robots behind Eggman. Orbot and Cubot looked up at Zeno in surprise, the hedgehog crossing his arms as he looked at Eggman. "Am I right, Eggman?"

"That's right." Eggman said as he sat up a bit in his chair, not looking back. "However, I don't want you to defeat him right away. I want to deliver the final blow and end him myself." He said before turning towards Zeno.