Sonic the Hedgehog

Zero Effort

To most, coming so close to death can be a jarring experience. To Sonic, it's nothing more than an exciting close call. And right now, he thinks just that as he stares at the sizzling metal a few feet away from him. Had he been slow, the laser would have evaporated him down to the last atom. But that's the thing. He's not.

His mysterious, would-be murderer stands proudly on the neighboring building in front of him. A tall Jackal with black attire. A bit of curiosity and excitement begins brewing in the hedgehog's chest as he eyes his current opponent.

I wonder who this guy is. Sonic wonders. That weapon of his has Robotnik written all over it. Whoever this is, he better be a challenge!

Sonic can't calm his aching body itching for any sort of action. Ever since the Metal War, there hasn't been much to do in Mobius but run. The war hero sometimes finds himself daydreaming of the days when danger was the game. The peaceful present he and other brave souls fought for was definitely worth it. But with this new situation comes new opportunities to get his adrenaline kicking.

Another laser beam shoots forward without warning. Not as if Sonic needed one. He speeds out of the way, arms folded, as the floor beside his is burnt to a crisp.

"Not much for standing still, are we?" the attacker remarks.

"Maybe..." Sonic says as he fakes a yawn. "Or maybe you're just a bad shot."

"Ah, confident, I see." the Jackal replies, but Sonic sees through his calm exterior.

He's getting worked up.

"So, what are you?" Sonic asks. "Some Eggman lackie or something?"

"Ignorant fool," the Jackal says, confirming Sonic's hunch. "I am Zero! Former leader of the Jackal Squad."

"And I assume this all-powerful leader got a gracious promotion to... drum roll, please... Eggman lackie."

Another laser, another easy dodge. It takes much strength for Sonic to hold in his laugh. Is this really what Robotnik has sinked down to after all these years? Some nobody with a rifle? A part of him is surprised to see the old Doctor relying on people instead of machines, but maybe he's saving the big guns.

Something in the distance catches the amused hedgehog by surprise. In the night sky to his left, multiple blips of light flash in what looks like some sort of firework display. Then a delayed BOOM finally reaches his ears. Above the explosion, some figure seems to be flying into the sky.

Is that one of Robotnik's machines? If so, where is it going? There's nothing up there-

Sonic jumps out of the way of another laser and turns to Zero with a cheeky smile.

"That's a little dirty, don't you think?" Sonic says.

"Never take your eyes off your opponent," Zero responds.

"Unless it's you," Sonic retorts. "On a serious note, can you tell me why you're working for Robotnik, Mr... Zero? Surely, you know what that nutcase wants for Mobius's future. YOU'RE helping him achieve it. Why?"

"After my squad was wiped off the map by GUN due to an operation at Station Square going south, Doctor Eggman recognized my potential and recruited me," Zero answers. "By helping him eradicate bothersome pests like you, I am guaranteed a spot by his side during his New World Order."

"What an interesting story!" Sonic says. "I'm sure GUN would like to hear all about it and what Eggman has planned once you're detained."

"I've heard enough from that undisciplined tongue of yours, Sonic the Hedgehog. Die."

Zero takes aim.

If I can't hit that pest while he's stationary, perhaps I can while he's moving. Zero thinks. All I have to do is unload onto the rooftop and one of these shots is BOUND to hit him. He can't dodge all of them.

With the squeeze of a trigger, a wave of blue lasers unloads onto the rooftop below Zero. A sinister laugh escapes the proud jackal as he undoubtedly shreds his enemy to pieces with the full power of his weaponry, no, his skills as a raider. After the barrel overheats, he examines the rooftop where the hedgehog once stood. All of it is stained with burn marks. There is no one anywhere in sight.

I must have completely vaporized that cocky ant!

"I got you!" Zero yells in triumph.

"I wouldn't be too sure," Sonic says behind him.

Before the startled Jackal can fully turn around, his face is met with a powerful kick that sends him tumbling back. His rifle drops to the chemicals below as his now free hand grab onto the edge of the building to keep him from falling.

That brat! Zero thinks with a seething fury. He must have sped away and got behind me without me noticing! But how? My eyes never left the rooftop! Is he really that fast?!

Sonic approaches the ledge of the building and extends a hand to Zero.

"Hey, I don't know about you, but those chemicals down there don't look too safe for a late-night swim," Sonic says. "Do yourself a favor and grab on."

To Sonic's confusion, Zero wears a face of boundless rage.

HOW DARE HE! HOW DARE HE OFFER ME MERCY! I am Zero! I'm the one who offers mercy, only to crush it in the face of my prey! Do I have to retreat? DO I, ZERO, SERIOUSLY HAVE TO RETREAT?

The Jackal nearly lets go to allow himself to be consumed by the radioactive lake below. But instead, he begrudgingly grabs the teleportation remote Eggman gave him, and after the press of a button, he dematerializes completely, much to Sonic's surprise.

"Huh, that was strange," Sonic thinks aloud.

He looks over and sees Tails flying over to him. A smile forms on the hedgehog's face.

"Oh well, no use wondering about it. If that guy is all the help Eggman has this time, well, this whole thing should be a piece of cake. What a bummer."

...