Winds of Freedom

Chapter 13: Egg-Bullet

{Pre A/N}

Welp, I finally got the new title, and I have to thank Brilliant Battler from Space Battle for that. He gave me an amazing suggestion that I think fits perfectly for the story.

Winds of Freedom

Literary perfect! Thank you so much, and now for the chapter ahead.

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Chapter 13: Egg-Bullet

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Relic Island – Ruined Temple, Morning Hours

The sound of whistles and carnival music from the Egg-Bullet reverberated through the crumbling ruins of the ancient temple. The train, with Robotnik's grinning visage and piloted by two Shang Mu soldiers, charged forward relentlessly, tearing through the ancient structure. Dust and debris filled the air as the temple continued to collapse under the onslaught, forcing the Shang Tu soldiers stationed in the area to flee from the path of destruction.

Neera Li expertly maneuvered through the wreckage, her sharp eyes locked on the train as it barreled through the ruins. From her back, she pulled her Cryo Staff—a sleek, black scepter with a diamond-shaped, icy blue tip that glinted menacingly in the morning light. With a swift movement, she leaped onto an icy path she conjured beneath her feet with her staff. In one fluid motion, she began skating along the trail, effortlessly dodging debris as she pursued the Egg-Bullet.

"Dammit!" Neera hissed, frustration lacing her voice as she watched the train's doors slide open. From within, a swarm of not only Badniks but Shuigang robots as well began pouring out, spreading across the area to vandalize and further destroy the temple. "Gong, get up! We are not letting that train get away!" Neera shouted, thrusting her ice spear forwards to create an even larger ice path that wove through the ruined structures.

General Gong, shaking off the rubble that had fallen on him, grunted as he hauled himself up. "On it... Soldiers, protect what's left of the temple!" he commanded the remaining Shang Tu troops. As they regrouped and prepared to fend off the invading robots, Gong morphed into a giant ball, bouncing and rolling along Neera's icy path at incredible speed. He ricocheted off broken columns and smashed through any Badniks that dared to stand in his way.

The soldiers of Shang Tu, though shaken, quickly rallied behind Gong's command. "You heard the General!" one soldier shouted. "Get rid of these robots!" The rest of the soldiers, some still trembling with fear, raised their weapons and began firing at the mechanical invaders. The sound of battle echoed through the ruins as lasers collided with metal.

Amidst the chaos, Richard cautiously peeked out from behind a shattered pillar. "They're gone, Dexter. Shouldn't we follow them?" he asked, turning to his fellow soldier. But to his shock, Dexter was sprawled out on the ground, snoring loudly, completely oblivious to the destruction around him. Drool dribbled from his mouth as he snoozed peacefully.

Richard's eyes twitched in disbelief. "Don't just start sleeping now, you LAZY ASS!" he screamed, his voice echoing through the ruins as he grabbed Dexter by the shoulders and shook him violently. But Dexter remained blissfully unaware, snoring louder as he adjusted himself for a more comfortable nap.

Meanwhile, the sound of engines roaring and feet pounding against the earth grew closer as a motorcycle, a biplane, and two sets of feet raced past the wrecked temple in a blur, heading straight for the train.

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Relic Island – Relic Woods

In a quiet clearing deep within Relic Woods, a young white dog named Milla was busy stacking crates beside a lonely tree stump. The stump had a crudely drawn face, complete with two eyes and a silly smile, giving it the appearance of a happy, albeit silent, companion. Milla's bright green eyes sparkled with excitement as she opened one of the crates, revealing a trove of glowing blue energy gems.