OMG IT’S HAPPENING

OMG IT’S HAPPENING

"You can't rely solely on something outside of yourself to get what you want, you know. Wishes are nice and all, but at the end of the day, only you have the power to shape your life the way you want." Tails frowned, taking his words to heart as he reflected on them. "But what if I can't do that?" Sonic's grin gentled as he ruffled Tails's fur. "You can do anything you put that big brain of yours to, kid. But if you ever need help, just remember you can always count on your big bro to have your back." - The world says that Sonic the Hedgehog is dead, but Tails knows that isn't true. With only himself to rely on, he breaks down the boundaries of time and space to get the help he needs to save his big brother and the world—even if the help he gets isn't exactly who he expected. A rewrite of Sonic Forces

Chapter 1: Best Laid Plans

Present Day

The red insignia of the Eggman Empire grinned against its steel canvas, empty eyes overlooking empty prison cells. Numbered placards mounted above each barred cage counted down from zero to six. At first glance, they all appeared vacant. Whatever had been kept captive once upon a time now long gone. Though, ironically enough, the cell marked "0" was the only one to contain something.

A door to the prison block opened with the press of a button. Confident footsteps echoed off the corrugated floors while two robots hovered in their wake. Dr. Eggman paused at the doors to the first cell. Sporting a smile to rival his own logo, the doctor peered into the darkest corner of the cell.

"I knew there was something special about you from the moment I saw you," he declared in lieu of a greeting. "Comes with the territory when you're a genius. You'll find very little actually surprises me."

A shadowed lump of fur sat still and silent in the dark. Staring sightlessly at the wall barely two feet from his snout, he didn't acknowledge the doctor's presence. A collar choked the creature's neck, not enough to cut off airflow, but the pressure was a constant reminder of his capture. 

Of his humiliation.

"If you think catatonia will get you out of this, you'll only find yourself disappointed." Eggman stroked the whiskers of his mustache as he considered his captive. "I have big plans for you, JS-00. Oh yes. Once the testing phase is complete, we can proceed to the main event. I think you'll enjoy the challenge. After all, it's not for the weak."

Eggman chuckled as a pointed ear flicked in his direction. There were no other indication he was fully cognizant, but there didn't have to be. He was still listening.

"Piqued your interest, have I?" Eggman chuckled.

"… the mask."

Eggman arched a brow. "Hm? What was that?"

"… give me the mask."

[Continue at AO3]