Sonic the Hedgehog

Winning Streak

"WHOOO-HOOO-HOOO!" The Doctor bellows loudly as the purity of the emeralds' light shines in his big, gloved hands.

He sits in his high chair in the control room of the gigantic aircraft. Before him stands Team Dark, having just barely escaped a fall that would have cemented their fate along with the island they've just taken out of the sky.

"Count 'em, sycophants!" Eggman says with joy. "Numero dos! Two of the world's most powerful artifacts in the palm of my hands!"

"HARDLY A VICTORY," E-123 Omega remarks. "TOO MUCH SEARCHING, NOT ENOUGH OBLITERATING."

"I think you might have a few quirks that need ironing out," Eggman ponders before he shrugs. "Hmph, one of my creations? Never."

He looks over to Zero who stands in his usual spot to the mad machinist's left, looking more disgruntled than ever. His usual scowl and folded arms are all there, but the difference in his eyes is unmistakable. He is furious. While taking a punch from a living, breathing echidna and still being in good shape is impressive, Eggman can't help but be disappointed in his subordinate's overall recent performance. A thought he is more than happy to vocalize.

"You better count yourself lucky I had the generosity of dragging your worthless, unconscious body back on board, Zero," Eggman says. "While your failure in evaporating the echidna did prove beneficial, your constant inability to do your job is starting to grow tiring. I suggest you prove your worth and fast."

Instead of replying like usual, Zero just looks away without saying so much as a word.

Looks like that Jackal is finally starting to get humbled. Rouge thinks. About time that ego of his was taken down a peg. Maybe then, he can finally do something right. Either way, not my problem.

Rouge looks at Eggman.

"Do I have to keep reminding you, Doctor?" Rouge asks.

"No, as a matter of fact, Rouge, you don't," Eggman says, agitated, as he raises his right hand.

Immediately, a SWATbot walks into the room, its metal arms being the only thing that can so effortlessly and tirelessly carry a bag of jewels as heavy as the one in its metallic hands. The robot walks the bag over to Rouge and she accepts it gladly.

Today was a close one. She thinks as she marvels at the riches in the bag she's holding. I don't like how unpredictable this whole thing is getting. I need to find where he has this stash locked up and make off with them while the madman sleeps. Maybe I'll even be able to snatch those beautiful emeralds on my way out...

"Before you all leave, I have an announcement to make," Eggman says, catching everyone in the room's interest. "You may remember my mention of a potential new ally back when we arrived at the Chemical Plant. Well, that ally will be joining us really soon. When he does, he will accompany Zero on offense and give Team Dark a much easier time securing the emeralds!"

"Who is he?" Shadow asks.

Eggman grins widely.

"Why spoil the surprise?" Eggman says.

Unamused, Shadow turns away and walks to the room's exit. Rouge watches him and an annoying thought materializes in her mind.

I guess I do owe him a thank you for coming back for me.

With everything being adjured, Rouge walks after Shadow who exits the control center. Eggman gets in one more distasteful look at Zero before he goes back to proudly admiring his newly acquired power.

...