Tails the Fox Chapter 03 - Escape From Death Row Stage 02 - Death Row 2BIT: Sonic the Hedgehog and related characters are (c) SEGA and Sonic Team. You knew that, right? Much earlier that day, at 2:15 in the morning, a blue object raced through GUN's newest prison compound, code named "Death Row." The blue object looked like Sonic the Hedgehog, except it wasn't Sonic. It was Metal Sonic, who had not been seen since the incident with Eggman's air fleet. He was headed for a particular cell in the prison complex. Meanwhile... "Time is short.... I must complete my mission..." thought the creature pacing in the cell. Outside his cell, a small squadron of GUN robots made sure nothing could get out. There was even talk about a secret guard that was watching the cell diligently, but Sargent Gunner wouldn't confirm anything about this rumor. Still, every thought of the imprisoned creature was bent on escape.... Then, his opportunity arose. The door blasted open, and the robots jumped into action. An alarm blared, "Intruder alert!" but was quickly silenced by precision shots by the intruder. Metal Sonic burst into the room, wielding one of Eggman's laser weapons, and made short work of the guards. "Foolish humans!" Metal Sonic said, "No matter how many there are, they cannot hope to challenge me!" Metal Sonic ran past the smoldering remains of the robots and turned his attention to the lock on the cell door. "Access denied!" an alarm said, but Metal Sonic tried to pick the lock anyway... Zzzzzzt!!! "Access denied!" Bad idea. Metal Sonic was given a nasty shock. So, he decided to do this the easy way, and blast the door to smithereens! "I hope I have the correct cell this time!" Metal Sonic grumbled. The robot stepped into the dark cell. Metal Sonic couldn't see the creature, but his sensors detected his presence. "Are you... Experiment 2?" The creature stepped forward into the light. Astoundingly, it looked much like the dark fox from Tails nightmares! It was just like Tails, except it was black. Three hairs stuck out over his right eye, and they were colored white. This fox wore blue and white sneakers, and had bright red eyes. His twin tails had scruffy fur, ending in spiky tufts of white. The creature spoke to Metal Sonic with a voice very different from Tails', it seemed darker somehow. "Who are you, and how do you know my name?" "I come on behalf of my master, Dr. Eggman." Metal Sonic said. Eggman had wiped Metal Sonic's memory after it betrayed him, and replaced it with a new memory. Metal Sonic could only remember being loyal to Eggman, and an enemy of Sonic. Experiment 2 had not heard of Eggman. "An egg person? I don't have time for this!" He walked past Metal Sonic, then surveyed his surroundings. Sure enough, nothing remained of the guards. If this "Eggman" could create a robot like this one, maybe he would make a powerful ally. Experiment 2 disliked robots, but realized he could use some help. "All right. I'll go meet this 'Eggman', but let's find the Chaos Emerald that GUN is holding, first!" Metal Sonic zoomed past him. "Agreed! I will meet you outside!" "And so it begins." Experiment 2 said. "I have no time for games. I must complete my mission, before it's too late!" So, without hesitation, he stepped outside his cell. Outside the cell was a ledge that ran around the compound. In fact, the compound's structure had one of these outdoor balconies on each of its floors. As Experiment 2 stepped onto the balcony, he discovered something. It was raining.... For this was the dark and stormy night that this story began on. Experiment 2's vision was impaired, but he did see two glowing eyes to his left. He turned to approach their owner, thinking it was Metal Sonic. Except something was wrong. These eyes glowed golden! When Experiment 2's eyes adjusted to the light, he saw that it was a cloacked figure. The Doomsayer! "Experiment 2... The dark one!" the Doomsayer said in his raspy voice. "The time is approaching!" Experiment 2 jumped back in surprise. "What! Who are you?! How is it everyone knows my name!?" The Doomsayer hissed at him, in fact it was a hissing chuckle. "You may call me the Doomsayer. Dark one, it is over..." Experiment 2 chuckled back. "What's over? What are you babbling about, you weirdo?" "This world!" the Doomsayer shouted, as thunder struck behind him. "This world is about to end!" "HA! That's no concern of mine! I have my own troubles." Experiment 2 said angrily. "You want the world saved? Save it yourself!" The Doomsayer growled, and lightning struck again. "You fool! YOU WILL DIE FIRST!" "No way! Nothing can stop me!" Experiment 2 grumbled, "You're wasting my time!" "HA!" the Doomsayer was surrounded by ice and hail, which consumed him and then vanished. "Beware, you shadow, of your light counterpart!" Experiment 2 just laughed. "That guy has serious issues." "Who are you talking to?" Metal Sonic asked. "Wha?! Oh, here you are!" Experiment 2 said, turning around. "Sensors detect a Chaos Emerald this way! Follow me!" Metal Sonic said, zooming for the next door on the balcony. Experiment 2 followed. They entered the stairway leading to the lower level of the base. It was a spiral staircase, littered with GUN beetles armed with various weapons. "Watch how a being with true power fights!" Experiment 2 said excitedly. After all, he gets to smash those metal morons! However, he said that too loudly, and a robot signaled the alarm. Lights flashed red throughout the base, and the alarm repeated "Prison break!" over and over. "Who cares?" Experiment 2 remarked. "Now, maybe this'll be a real challenge! Sgt. Gunner heard this alarm, and turned to his security cameras. All he saw was what appeared to be Experiment 2 and a blue hedgehog... "Sonic!!! That traitor! All units, capture our intruders, NOW!!!" To be continued...