I was alone.

All alone.

I had been left behind...not on purpose...but it didn't hurt any less knowing the others had moved on and I was left with no friends...no family.

I had been too afraid when Robotnik attacked Knothole. I had been pushed into an underground base that I had never seen with the other young-lings, but I should not have been lumped in with them. Sonic had no idea where I was and I was not able to help him in a desperate time. I had to watch as they were all taken from us. Robotnik took them all...Sally, Elias...Knuckles...Sonic...my brother...all gone.

When Antoine and Bunnie took the young-lings away I refused to go. I wanted to help our friends. There had to be a way to save them. I knew there had to be a way to bring them home...turn them back into Mobians.

Five years had passed since I stayed behind. There had been little activity in the area for years. I assumed that Robotnik thought he cleaned out Knothole, so he didn't check the area more than a few times a year. It allowed me to plan...to come up with ways to get help. Finding the genome serum created by the Uncle Chuck had been my first success. It made me strong...smart...and able to survive.

I needed more help...but I didn't know where to look. I had started sending out small drones and found some of Robotnik's troops that were still Mobian. A group that I was not sure how to convince to join me.

There had to be a way to make them join me and make them help me. Keep me from being alone...I was starting to lose my mind being alone...

I looked for those five long years...looked for a way to bring those who hated us to our side. We had to have a way...

I kept searching the computer systems until I finally found what I was looking for...mind control...that would get them on my side. They would obey me and I would use them to get my friends back.

I had the ability to make this control chip...but I would only be able to make two or three...but who would I take? How would I lure my choice here?

I knew that Drago wolf was with them...he had betrayed us...that had led to me being left alone...he would be my choice. I would have him. He would serve me...

I created the chips over a period of three weeks and set one into a collar. I didn't know how I would get it around the wolf's neck, but I would figure it out. I was strong...I would be able to stop him.

I knew he hunted game for his clan several miles from here...I could wait in the trees and stun him. I could then bring him back here and make him mine. We had plenty of old weapons here...they just were not strong enough to take out Robotnik's army...but they'd knock out a Mobian for several hours.

I put on my body armor and grabbed one of our stun rifles. I then took off into the forest to find Drago. He'd be out there somewhere and I would find him.

I had created my own palm pilot that was a lot like Sally's Nichole, but I could not recreate the AI...which meant it was not self aware. However, It did help me track Drago down by scanning his tracks. I then calculated his path from the prints I was able to locate around the forest.

I hid in the trees and waited...it took Drago a few more hours to reach my location than I thought. I figured that I had miscalculated his location...I would remain alone...

This idea had been bad...I was going to get caught.

Suddenly I heard the screech of a forest animal and the roar of a wolf.

He was here. I pulled out the stun rifle and waited.

I held my breath and aimed...the white wolf was here...

If he saw me I'd have seconds to switch tactics before he ran.

I closed my eyes...it was now or never.

I fired and watched the wolf's eyes roll back in his head. He had no idea what hit him. He collapsed to the ground and I jumped from the trees and made sure I hadn't accidentally killed him.

I checked the wolf's pulse and it was faint...I had done it.

I picked up the wolf and slung him over my shoulder. Damn was he one heavy wolf! Even my enhanced strength was barely enough to help me in this case.

I took me a few hours to get the wolf back to base, but I managed to do it before he woke up. The wolf did not stir while I tied him to a chair in my command center. I made sure that the wolf would be unable to break his bonds before I decided it was time to wake him up.

I threw water on the wolf to wake him up and he snarled in anger.

"Where...where am I?" The wolf growled in anger. "Who are you? Where am I?"

"I am Tails Prower...do you not remember me? Because...I remember you."

The wolf's eyes widened as he remembered me.

"You were that little fox that followed Sonic around...aren't you?"

I nodded. "Yes. I was that little boy. Left alone because of your betrayal."

"You couldn't be that fox...he was no where near as big as you. I mean...the eyes are the same, but we killed or roboticized all of you. I was there and I know what Robotnik's army did."

"Typical of hired goons, you did the job, but you didn't do it well. Several of us survived and I chose to stay behind."

Drago struggled against his bindings, but I had ensured they were strong enough to keep him bound. Although, I was certain I could beat him in hand to hand combat. He wasn't that smart and I could find pressure points to take him down quickly.

The wolf smiled at me and then began to laugh.

"What is so funny Drago?"

"You...you think you can fight me and win. I see it in your eyes. Let me up and I'll prove you wrong little man."

I didn't want to fight, I just wanted him under my control so I ignored him and watched him struggle in the bonds.

"Nice try Drago, but I'm not stupid. I already beat you once tonight and I don't need to prove anything to you."

"My dear boy...that was with a gun...I am talking hand to hand combat...I know you want to hit the one that sold out Knothole...come on..."

I clenched my fists in anger.

"I'm not the little boy you left for dead, Drago."

I turned and punched the wolf as hard as I could in the face. It knocked him out cold. Blood began to drip from his nose.

I went about my business until I heard the wolf moan and attempt to touch his face. He grunted once he remembered the situation he was in.

"That was low Tails. Real low...you should let me go and join our group. You'd fit in well."

I turned back and did not answer the wolf at first. He didn't seem to like me ignoring him.

"So...tell me Drago...do you know where you are?"

"I assume in Knothole, although I do not have a clue where this would have been located."

I smiled. "That's because Sally kept it hidden from prying eyes. I didn't even know it was here until the destruction of Knothole. I was able to stay here, because you all assumed everything was destroyed. I've been safe here for years."

"Wonderful. Shame I don't care. Although...I have a question for you."

"Go on." I said with a smile.

"Why? Why am I here? Why didn't you just kill me and move on?"

"That's easy Drago...I need you. I want you to join me."

The wolf howled in laughter.

"Why would I join a whelp like you?" Drago said. "I only help Robotnik because it is convenient. He allows me to do what I want in exchange for my services. What can you offer me that he hasn't? I want for nothing!"

"Perhaps...join wasn't the right word. I think I meant to say...serve."

The wolf laughed again. "You are nothing but I child...I would never obey you...you are no alpha."

"I may not be an alpha, but you will soon not care. You'll only want to obey."

Drago tried to break his bonds again and sighed.

"Tails, I think you've gone nuts living down here alone."

That made me laugh.

"You may be right Drago...you may be right."

I walked up to the wolf and put the collar I had created around his neck; avoiding the wolf's sharp teeth as he attempted to snap at my hands.

"What in the hell is that?" Drago growled. "Get it offa me!"

"I'll tell you what it is Drago, but I think you'll start to get the idea soon enough."

I took out my pocket computer and began to initiate the programming in that chip. I saw Drago wince, which let me know that the chip had been imdeded into his neck.

"Ow...damn it what is this thing?" Drago growled. "If you are going to kill me, then kill me. Don't waste my time with whatever this is."

"That prick in your neck was a microchip connecting with your nervous systems. Soon you will join me and nothing else will matter."

"You will have to kill me Tails. I will never join you. I have no reason to do so. You can give me nothing...I've already told you."

I watched as my computer made a small chime to let me know it was ready control. I pressed the activation button and looked up at Drago.

"Yeah...you did tell me you'd never join me, but that is about to change. You won't care about anyone else...I'll be more than a friend or an Alpha...I'll be your Master."

The wolf's eyes widened. "Master? What in the world is wro-"

The wolf stopped in mid sentence and shook his head.

"What...what is happening to me?" Drago growled. "What did you do to me?"

"I am going to control your mind my dear wolf...that chip is going to take away your free will and make you mine."

"Never! I am strong! You won't control me! You won't..."

The wolf's eyes slid halfway shut and his ears drooped.

"What were you saying Drago?"

"You...won't...I'm...too...strong..."

"Sure you are Drago...you are strong...you are a strong wolf. But you are tired. You've never been more tired."

"I'm...so...tired." Drago growled.

"You are tired...but you will be filled with energy again if you stop fighting. Just give in."

"Give...in?"

"NO! What is happening to me?" Drago tried again to break free, but was far too weak now to ever break his bonds.

"Look into my eyes Drago...look and fall deep into them. They will calm you down. Look into my eyes Drago."

The wolf looked up and and locked eyes with mine. His were tired and defeated. It was time to end this.

"Drago...I want you to repeat what I tell you. When you repeat my words, they are ingrained in your mind. Do you understand?"

Drago growled and shook his head.

"Drago...do you understand?"

The boy's eyes became glassy as a tear dropped from his right eye.

"Yes...I understand." Drago said in a almost robotic tone.

"Good boy...that is what I wanted to hear." I smiled as I increased the chip's control. Soon it would inhibit all of his own thoughts. He would be mine.

"Now...Drago, listen to me. I want you to forget your past."

"Forget...past..." Drago repeated.

"Good boy Drago. You have always been with me. We've been together our entire lives."

"I've been with you my whole life?" The boy questioned. "Yes...I have been with you as long as I can remember."

"Robotnik is your enemy Drago. You hate him with your entire being."

"I hate Robotnik...I have always hated him..." Drago repeated.

"He is my enemy?" Drago asked softly.

"Yes Drago. He is our enemy. He has killed many of our friends. We are all alone."

"Alone...only you and I are left..."

"Yes Drago..." The boy's mind was reprogramming better than I thought it would. I had put some basic memories into the chip and it seemed to be working.

"Now Drago...here is what you must remember from now on. I want you to pay full attention to me."

Drago's eyes focused and he nodded.

"I am your Master. You are my slave."

Drago's eyes clouded and remained focused.

"You are...my Master...I am...your slave."

"Do you know what that means?" I asked.

"Yes..."

"Yes what?" I said.

"Yes...Master...I know..."

"Tell me."

"I am bound to you...must obey...your every word. I no longer have my own mind. You control all aspects of my life..."

"That's right Drago. You obey me now and only me."

"Obey...you and only...you..."

I cut the bonds and Drago did not move from his seat.

"Come to me Drago. Kneel before your Master."

"When you are reprogrammed, you will no longer be the Drago you were before."

"I will obey this command...tell me what you expect of me."

"You will only want to please me. You will think of me as Master and Alpha of your pack. Nothing anyone says will change your mind as you only obey me."

The wolf tried to fight me. I could see a small spark of revolt.

"I...I...only...want..." The wolf tried even harder to fight me, but finally failed.

"I will think of you...as...as..."

The boy shook his head and looked at me pleadingly.

"Please...don't...don't do this to me...don't...take...my...will..."

Drago...I am your Master and your Alpha...you will obey me and me alone!"

"I will...obey...You are...my...Master...and Alpha...of my pack..."

Once Drago said those words, I knew he was mine. It had worked.

"Your other friends are gone from your memories. I am all that remains!"

"I have no friends...only...Master remains..." Drago droned. I did notice another tear. His mind was ravaged...it had worked.

"When you look at me, you feel love and admiration for me."

"Yes...Master..."

"You will act as you would normally, except with all given commands. I want you to have a personality...however I can take it at anytime with a snap of my fingers."

"I hear and obey...I will act as I did before you took control...but all commands will be remembered. I will call you Master and I will obey."

"Good boy Drago...now...wake up and serve me!"

I watched as the wolf's eyes became focused and the fog lifted...However they did not return to their ice blue color. They were a cold grey. I assumed that was the mind control at work.

The wolf almost collapsed and I caught him before he began to fall.

"Drago? Are you ok? You blacked out on your feet."

The wolf growled and rubbed his head.

"Drago? Can you hear me? Are you ok?"

"I...I feel...so strange..." Drago said softly. "Head...spinning...need to sit down."

I sat the wolf down the chair he had been tied to only a few minutes ago. He didn't seem to notice, which told me those memories had been wiped like I had commanded him to do.

Drago bent over and put his hands on his face and growled.

"I have a massive migraine...I am not sure why I feel so bad...but it will pass. I already feel much better."

Drago sat back up and looked at me for the first time. I watched as his ears perked up and he suddenly leaped from the chair. I thought he was attacking me and that I had failed. I put my arms up to block the attack that never came.

The wolf stopped in front of me and tilted his head in confusion.

"Master? Why did you flinch at my excitement in seeing you? Am I not good enough of a slave for you?"

The boy's ears lowered and his tail dropped to the ground. He began to whimper. Something the old Drago never would have done.

"What is wrong Drago? I didn't mean to push you away...I've been on edge. I'm sorry."

I extended my hands to the wolf and he bounded into my arms and embraced me in his massive arms.

"Master...I love you so much!"

I snapped by fingers and the boy's arms fell to his side and he was fully under my control again.

"What new orders do you have for your slave?" Drago droned.

The boy's eyes had become distant and glassy once again. He swayed slightly off balance as well. It was clear that this wolf was under my full control now.

"Master? Do you have new commands for your slave to imprint in its mind?"

"I looked over the wolf once more and smiled.

"Yes. I wish to adjust your memories again."

The wolf nodded. "I am listening and will imprint your words."

"Good boy. Now that you think you've been my slave for your entire life, I want you to also think we've been best friends our whole lives as well. We lost our families and we are all that remain. Without each other we are nothing. You never will have any questions of what I command you to do. We are inseparable and you will never want to leave my side. You love serving me and love being a slave to me. You want nothing but to be enslaved to me."

Drago's eyes flashed and he nodded.

"This...will be done."

After a few seconds the wolf growled. "It is done. Do you wish this vessel to return to normal, or do you have more commands to imprint?"

"You may return to normal Drago."

The wolf nodded and before I could even blink, I was back in a crushing embrace...it was like he'd never stopped.

"Master! I love you so much! Do you love your slave?"

The wolf let me go and I rubbed him on his powerful chest.

"Yes Drago...I do. We have been like family for many years."

Drago nodded and his tail wagged in happiness.

"Yes! I have been your willing servant for many years now! I am so lucky to have a Master as kind and loving as you!"

"What would you do if Robotnik or someone tried to take you away from me.

Drago's ears drooped and he let out a small whimper.

"Take...me away?" Drago clinched his fists and began to growl.

"Kill...I would...kill them all...nothing...nothing will take me away from you. I am yours and only yours...I never want to leave your side...I would rend...claw...kill...them. In the name of my Master...they would die."

"What if they were former friends from before?"

Drago tilted his head in confusion.

"I have no other friends...only you. Master...I am a lowly slave...I have no friends."

I smiled at that comment. He had gone farther with this than even I thought he'd do.

"What if someone tried to hurt me?"

Drago went into a fighting stance and howled.

"They would die! My Master must be protected at all times!"

When Drago went into his stance I noticed his vest had a sigil on it that might trigger his old memories. It worried me that he'd ask questions about it and snap out of my control.

I snapped my fingers and the boy went ramrod straight.

"Yes my Master?"

"Remove your vest and sandals."

The wolf did so and handed them to me and I took them to the trash and got rid of them. I heard them fall deep down into the compactor and smiled at what I had done.

"You never wore those clothes Drago. Ever. You've never worn clothes unless commanded to do so."

Drago nodded. "As you wish."

I commanded Drago to wake and he grabbed his head again and almost fell. I grabbed him again and he smiled at me.

"Strange...I don't ever...remember...having these blackouts before...I...I am sorry Master..."

I helped Drago to the table I had in the room and put him down on it. He sighed.

"Thank you Master...sorry that I've been under performing today."

"It is ok Drago...you are just tired. That's all."

Drago nodded. "Yeah...tired...that's all."

I began to massage the boy's shoulders and he growled in happiness.

"Master...thank you...I am undeserving of this treatment. I should be giving you a massage..."

"No, its ok. The more I massage, the deeper my control...do you feel my control deepening?"

Drago moaned very slightly.

"Yes...Master...but...I...already serve you with every fiber of my being."

I know...but you can fall deeper into my control and I want you to think of nothing but pleasing your Master and being a good slave...nothing else.

"Yes...deeper...nothing...but...pleasing...my Master..."

I stopped and then rubbed the wolf's chest. The wolf arched up to my touch...it had happened...the wolf was no longer Drago. He was a slave. My slave. I then rubbed his abs and back up to his chest. Drago's body lifted into my hand and he growled if I took my hand away.

My slave, your body is very strong...how did you make yourself this fit?

"I am a wolf Master...we are all strong...it is expected of us to better our bodies...to be good hunters...to be strong."

I stepped away and I heard the wolf whine as he sat up on the table.

"What is wrong Drago? I can't sit and do that all day."

Drago shook his head.

"I know Master...I am lucky that you'd even do that at all for someone as low as me. I am just a slave after all."

I rubbed Drago's face.

"You are a slave...but there is something that you forget."

Drago's head tilted at my statement. "What do I forget?"

"You are mine and that makes you a cut above the rest. You are strong...agile and you are mine.

You are quite important to me...so you are not just a 'lowly slave'".

The boy smiled. "Thank you Master!"

I was embraced again...I was sure my back cracked this time.

"Drago...air...supply..." I said between gasps. The wolf gasped and let me go.

"S...sorry...I just was happy that you feel I am worthy of you...you are so nice to me...I know we've always been friends...but...something inside tells me most people were not nice to me...tried to hurt me...but you...you have been different."

"I think it is because I was small...weak...I know what its like to be different...people made fun of me for my Tails...only..."

I stopped. I hadn't said his name out loud in years.

"Only what?" Drago said as he looked at my curiously.

"Sonic...you should remember him...even if only vaguely."

Drago nodded. "I do have knowledge of the one named Sonic."

"He treated me with respect. Took me in when my parents died. I have done everything I've done the past five years to try and save him and the others...I think they are still alive..."

I had to sit down...the emotion of thinking about Sonic was too much. I didn't notice Drago until I felt him kneel beside me and put one of his powerful arms around me.

"That's why we have each other my Master. We are not alone. I know you love me and there is nothing in the world I love more than you...I will always be there for you m'lord."

I finally had someone that loved me again...this one loved me unconditionally (although not by choice) and didn't care about my oddities...it was a wonderful feeling to be loved again.

I put my hand on the wolf's and turned. "Thank you Drago. I am lucky to have you."

The wolf nodded and smiled.

"I am tired Drago...this has been a long day for me. I need to rest."

The boy helped me up and walked me to my room. I went and sat down on the bed and put my head in my hands. I had done it. Drago was mine...but how long would it last? He was a strong wolf...he would eventually break and I would have to kill him as he'd never listen to me after being controlled against his will.

I had to stop his old gang...wipe out any bad Mobian forces and prepare to break into Robotnik's lab...but how would I do this?

I looked up and Drago was standing by the door watching my every move. He was guarding me without being asked.

"Drago, I do not need guarded...you may leave me. Your room is right beside mine."

Drago's ears drooped.

"I...I..." Drago said as he looked at me and then out the door.

"What's wrong Drago? It isn't that I don't appreciate you...I just want you to be fresh for our journey tomorrow."

"My...programming...I...I...can't...no...WON'T...leave you...ever...please...don't tell me to leave...it hurts my mind...I want to obey you...but I can't...the pain in my head...please..."

Drago growled and grabbed his head. He started stumbling around the room and fell onto my bed howling in pain.

I jumped up and tried to calm the howling wolf.

"Drago...its ok...you don't have to leave me! You can sleep in here! Calm down...you are ok...I am sorry!"

The wolf's howling stopped and his breathing slowed.

"Calm down Drago...I'm sorry I contradicted your programming. I didn't mean to do it."

Drago opened his eyes and looked me with a small smile.

"Its...its ok...I'm good now...really."

The wolf sat up on the bed and I sat down beside him and gave him a small hug.

"I really didn't mean to hurt you. Go get your bed and bring it in here."

Drago looked me and whimpered. "Can...can I sleep with you Master? I don't want to be anywhere but with you...please...I was programmed to never leave your side. Let me sleep with you."

This was not something I had anticipated...I had wanted him to be loyal...but this was a bit much. However...it was clear his programming made this acceptable to him.

"You can sleep here...but go ahead and keep guard for an hour or so and then you may rest."

The boy shot up and ran to the door. He went back into his guard stance and smiled at me.

"Thank you Master. I will keep you safe. Nothing will hurt you while I am here."

I nodded and got into bed. "I am glad to hear it. I will see you in the morning Drago."

"Goodnight my Master."

I heard nothing else, but I did feel a hand across my arm at some point in the night that woke me up. I rolled over and saw Drago's arm draped over me and the boy as close to my body as he could get. He was doing his best to protect me even when resting. It was comforting...at first I had been concerned...but it was clear...he just wanted to keep me safe. I felt sleep coming again and fell asleep with the wolf's warm body near mine.

When I woke, noticed Drago was in the same place I'd left him the previous night...had the late night all been a dream?

"Drago? Did you not sleep?"

"Of course Master! But I woke early in order to keep protecting you. My energy levels are at acceptable levels to me."

I nodded. "Very well...let's get something to eat and I'll give you your commands for the day."

Drago nodded and followed me to the food replicator. I had our food created and we ate quickly.

The food was not good and had no taste, but it kept us alive and that was all that mattered.

"You need to allow me to hunt...this food...is not acceptable for my Master. I can find you real food!"

"It is ok...I've lived off it a long time Drago."

"Alright Master...what am I to do for you today?"

I turned to the wolf and clinched my fists.

"Today we attack Kage Von Stryker...does that name sound familiar to you?"

Drago thought for a second and shrugged. "Should it? I don't have much in the way of memories m'lord."

"Well...he is in charge of most of this quadrant of Mobius. His base is nearby...but it is full of former freedom fighters...dingoes and parts of the old wolf pack."

Drago's eyes shined at the mention of the wolves.

"I remember...wolf pack..." Drago said. "They are my enemy now?"

"Yes. They are no longer good...none of them are."

Drago nodded. "How do we get in? They must have incredible security."

"They do. I've never managed to break in. That changes...today."

Drago nodded. "M'lord I will follow you. Lead the way."

As we made our way to the base exit, I stopped and grabbed armor for me and Drago. The wolf nodded and I helped him get it on.

"Thank you Master...I'm not a fan of clothes, but if you want me to wear them, I will."

I handed him a blaster rifle as well. "You'll need this as well."

I picked up a satchel that kept my palm pilot and the newly completed slave collar that had been finished over night. I could bring one more to our side...but I wasn't sure who...or if I'd even be able to do it.

We left the base and the sun almost blinded me. It was a wonderful day, but the woods were quiet.

I heard no birds...nothing. I feared that Kage was one the move.

"Drago, let's go...its too quiet out here."

The wolf nodded. "I agree, my enhanced hearing picks up almost nothing."

I ran to the north and after a few hours, Drago grabbed me and threw me down.

"Drago? What the hell?"

"Shh...I hear something Master. Please...be quiet...we must hide."

I pointed up and I got my Tails moving. The wolf's eyes went wide as I took Drago's hands and landed in the tree.

"Master...you...you can fly?"

I nodded. "Yeah, not for too long a distance, but I can."

"That is amazing...you are so wonderful m'lord."

Suddenly the boy stopped growled.

"M'lord...they are coming. Be still."

I kept silent as Von Stryker and his horde marched by. Over two hundred men. All of them willingly helping Robotnik. This was insane. However, this told me that the base was at its weakest now. We had to hurry.

After the horde passed us by we jumped to the ground and ran towards the base. We were close...so close.

Soon the base showed up on the horizon...it wasn't as big as I remembered...but there were a ton of guards...far more than I expected at this time of day.

"M'lord...there has to be a way...but what do we do once we get in."

I opened my satchel and showed him a thermal detonation device.

"We will blow the base...take out their tech. It won't stop Robotnik, but it will give us time...time to figure out how to get more people on our side."

"Master...what if your...no...our friends are killed in the blast."

I grunted.

"They are not here...I know...Robotnik keeps them..."

Drago whimpered.

"Oh..."

I scanned the base and noticed a part of the fence that was well hidden by trees and bushes. We could get in there. Drago could rip the fence and we'd be in. However, Drago seemed to notice something and ran off. I about commanded him to come back, but I trusted his judgement oddly enough.

Within a few minutes the wolf came back with two uniforms.

"We will look less suspicious with these costumes."

"Uh...how did you get those? I said.

"Killed the owners and dumped their bodies in the river." Drago said simply.

"Oh...that works. Thank you Drago."

I put on the uniform and it was a snug fit, but not nearly as snug as Drago's was.

"Sorry Master...they weren't that big...but I had to get what I could."

I smiled. "It's ok, from a distance no one will notice."

We walked over to the bush line and I told Drago to rip the fence enough for us to get in.

"Master, we aren't small...this will take a minute."

I stood in front of the bush and tried my best to look like I was on a patrol. I hoped to the gods that no one came to see what I was doing.

"Hey! You there!"

I watched a guard walked up and looked me over.

"Did they use hot water on your uniform soldier? It looks like it shrunk a bit."

I nodded. "Yes sir...that or they gave me the wrong one. I didn't have time to check this morning."

The guard nodded. "I see. What are you doing over here? There are no guard patrols supposed to be in this area for another twenty minutes."

"I had to take a piss...this looked like a good place to do it. Off the beaten path."

The guard raised his gun and was about to fire when I saw Drago leap from the bush and tackle him to the ground.

"Master...do you want to control or kill this one?"

"Kill him Drago...quietly."

Drago snapped the guard's neck and searched the body for any useful items. He came up with a Key card and an ID badge. I took both and then took the man's pistol and holster. I ordered Drago to take the body away and my old stun rifle as well.

We'd killed three already...stunning was not going to happen today.

Drago slung the body over his shoulder and ran off. Within a few minutes he returned with a smile.

"M'lord...so glad to see you again...it is hard to leave you...but the programming to protect you allows it in this case."

"Good...did you finish the fence before this ordeal happened?"

Drago nodded. "Yeah, allow me to go first and then I'll pull you through."

Drago squeezed in and then pulled me through. We attempted to bend the metal fence back in hopes no one would notice and we headed for the back of the base.

"We will go in the back...then head for the command center. Once this happens we will blow the center and get the hell out. If we happen to find someone to control, so be it...but killing will probably be required. We will have to hide bodies in lockers in hopes they won't notice."

Drago nodded. "I will do what is necessary to keep you safe M'lord."

We made our way down the backside of the base and managed to run into little to no resistance. We had to kill one soldier, but we were able to do it silently and quickly. Drago shoved him into a garbage can, but only because it was a smaller Mobian type.

"It fits Master...all of these Mobians are trash for joining Robotnik."

I nodded and we hurried towards the back. Time was running out and Kage would return. I was glad we had an ID as it was required to open the door. I swiped the ID and we entered the door. I opened my pack and looked at my palm pilot. I had a blueprint saved and found the fastest route to the command center.

"Drago, we need to head up the stairs and head towards the radar room located here." I pointed at the map and showed Drago the goal. He nodded.

"Let's go. I am getting concerned for your safety."

I sneaked up the stairs and slowly opened the door into the main area of the base. It was clear. Thank the gods.

I motioned for Drago and we acted like we belonged in the base. Several soldiers walked by, but ignored us. We made it to the command center and I attached my palm pilot to the door and bypassed the access code.

"Drago. Guard the door."

Drago nodded and I walked down the stairs and saw all of the computers running and controlling Robotink's drones all over Mobius. Those running the computers were Roboticized and did not notice me in the room. I dropped the detonator and kicked it under a desk. I would activate it once we were a safe enough distance away with my computer.

We'd done it...now we had to get out.

"Drop your weapon...Tails Prower."

I raised my hands. "I have no weapon in hand to drop." I said sarcastically.

I turned and saw that a former friend was pointing his weapon at my head.

"Hello...Elias...you are looking well for a dead man. If you are really Elias."

Elias laughed.

"Same to you...now...why are you here? What were you planning? You had to know you'd get caught."

I shrugged. "Ya know, I was just sight seeing...but I think I've seen enough."

Elias clicked back the hammer on his pistol and lowered the weapon to my knee...and shot me.

The bullet tore into my knee and I went down to the floor. Gods...that hurt...really really hurt.

"You missed me..." I said through gritted teeth. "That was probably a mistake."

I quickly pulled the pistol I had been given and shot his weapon out of his hand.

"Impressive...but now its time to die." Elias said as he grabbed for my pistol.

I suddenly heard a roar from the top of the stairs and watched as Drago leaped down and landed on top of the former Prince.

"Drago? What the hell? You are on my side! Get up and help me finish this loser off!"

Drago's rage increased at hearing him insult me.

"My Master is not a loser and I am not on your side!"

Drago put Elias into a headlock and turned to me.

"Kill him m'lord?"

I pulled the collar from my satchel.

"No...not this time."

I put the collar around Elias's neck and pulled out my computer. I quickly activated it so we could deal with getting him out of here. He would not be fully under my control, but he would listen to commands. This would do until I could get us home.

"Elias, your only command is to follow Drago and escape from here."

"As you wish. Please...release me...and I will obey."

Drago let him go and the boy pointed to the back of the room.

"Exit...here...quicker...safe..."

"Show us Elias..."

I couldn't stand...he had really torn up my knee. I was in trouble. Of course, I would have been had Drago not been here. He picked me up and slung me over his shoulder.

"Master, I'll get you out of here. Don't worry."

Elias took us to an escape tunnel and within a few minutes we came out of a stump in the forest. We were out of the base and far enough away to survive the blast.

"Stop...let me down Drago..."

Drago shook his head..."Master...you are hurt...I must get you home..."

I snapped by fingers and the boy stopped in his tracks.

"Let me down."

The boy silently let me down and stood at attention with Elias.

"Thank you Drago."

I turned and activated the bomb...

"Ok Drago...wake up."

Drago gasped and looked around and wondered what had happened.

"Master? Did I j-"

The bomb then blew the base. Drago grabbed me and Elias followed behind.

I had done more today than I had done in five years. The bots would be down for weeks and many of Robotnik's followers were dead or deactivated.

Although I had probably lost a lot of speed today. My knee was shot...literally. I would have them put me in the healing chamber...but wasn't sure if it would mend bones that had been obliterated or not.

"Master...are you still ok? You aren't talking and your breathing is shallow."

"I'm ok...thinking...just get me home..."

We got home a few hours later and Drago took me to my room.

"Don't put me on the bed...don't need blood...there."

I was starting to get tired. Lost a lot of blood.

Drago put me in my chair and knelt beside me.

"What can I do to help you Master?" Drago whimpered.

"There is a chamber...in command center. Turn it on...put me inside..."

I looked over at the almost zombified Elias and felt the control would hold for now.

"If...Elias breaks control...kill...him."

I didn't hear the answer as I blacked out.

I opened my eyes and saw Drago staring at me. I gasped in surprise.

"Master! You're awake! Thank the gods! I thought it didn't work and you went into a coma...or died...then I would have had no Master...and I don't know what I'd have done!"

My mouth was dry and my mind was still a little foggy.

"My knee...is it...fixed?"

Drago grabbed my leg and lifted it up. I gasped in preparation for pain...but none came.

"Your knee is almost fully healed! See?"

"I see Drago...thank you." Drago let my leg go and I sat up in the bed.

"How long was I out?"

Elias stepped over at that question.

"Sixteen hours."

I looked at Elias then back at Drago.

"Has anyone come this way looking for us?"

"No...no one. It has been quiet. They probably haven't had time to mount a full search yet."

I growled. "Kage will send out a raiding party eventually. We have to hope they don't find us."

"Kage?" Elias said.

"Yes...he will be furious and will try to find me."

The boy began to shake.

I looked at his belt...he had a gun...no...

"Kage...is...my...Master..." Elias droned. "Kage must be obeyed. I must kill Tails Prower. I must kill anyone that goes against Master Kage."

Elias pulled the gun and raised it. I closed my eyes. I was still too weak from the healing process...this was it.

"No! Master! Drago grabbed the boy's arm and kept him from shooting me."

"Drago...you...should obey...Kage...not...this boy."

Elias punched Drago and shot him in the chest. I gasped.

The boy looked stunned as he slumped to the floor.

I slid out of the bed and picked Drago's weapon off of the floor. Elias shot at me, but missed the first time and hit me in the shoulder the second time. I almost didn't notice the wound...I was enraged.

"Join me...Tails...join Kage."

I aimed and shot the drone in the head. He dropped to the floor and I scrambled to Drago and held him in my arms.

"Master...help...me..." Drago cried. "I...I...am...pretty sure...wound...fatal..."

I hugged the wolf. "Shh...Don't talk...just stand up...let me take you to be healed."

"Master...I failed you...I was...careless...I knew...sensed...Elias was bad...but too focused on you...and ignored my senses."

I picked up the wolf and he walked with me slowly towards the command center.

"Drago...you are not going to die...I can heal you...the wound is bad, but it can be fixed."

"Master...so...cold...is...this...death?"

"Shh...come on Drago...almost there."

"Death is scary...but...at least you are here with me...I don't have to die alone."

Drago was about to die...why was it taking so long! I put the dying wolf in the chamber and quickly activated the machine. It filled with the healing gel and Drago was scanned for injury.

The chamber beeped loudly and indicated that Drago's life energies were almost depleted.

"Come on you stupid machine...you've fixed me more times than I can count."

I winced and remembered that Elias had shot me again. My shoulder was on fire and I was dizzy. I hadn't been out of this chamber long myself. I stood up and went to my medical cabinet. I took out a small pain killer shot and felt better almost the second I injected it.

I ran back to the healing chamber and Drago was still not out of the woods. I sat down in front of the chamber and waited.

I suddenly thought I heard something coming.

Kage? No...too soon...he didn't know about this base.

I pulled the gun from under my work bench and checked it. Loaded. Good.

I knelt down behind the control center and waited. It was clear only one person was coming...and they were coming slowly.

The chamber beeped another warning, but I was unable to check...I didn't want to be in the open...

Then the intruder came into the room.

Elias.

Wait...Elias...

Sure enough he was up and he looked pissed. The wound in his head had healed up...but his eyes were blood red.

Cybernetic creature...the real Elias had been dead after all.

The collar...it was still on him...there was a chance I could fry his brain...or reprogram him for real...

Where was my computer...damn...

I looked around and found my satchel lying on the chair by the healing chamber.

I shot the cybernetic creature in the head again and dropped it. It gave me time to grab the computer and attempt to control this thing.

I opened the palm pilot and put the control chip at its highest level. I hoped that when the creature woke it would fall under my control.

The cybernetic Mobian slowly stood back up and I watched the bullet wound heal again.

"Tails Prower...give up...you cannot escape. I must take you to Master Kage. I...must..."

"What's wrong Elias...are you feeling the effects of my control collar?"

"What...is...happening...to...me...?"

Elias raised his gun and pointed it at the healing chamber.

"No! Don't! Please!" I screamed.

Elias shot and then dropped the gun.

I ran to the healing chamber and it began to overheat...no...Drago...my poor wolf...he couldn't die...just couldn't. I loved him...he was my only friend.

I opened the door and took the wolf out of the chamber. His wound was partially healed, but not fully. I put him on the table in the back of the room and waited. Would the boy wake up or had I blown it...

The Elias cyber being walked over to me and I ignored it for now.

I took Drago's hand and held it tight.

"Wake up Drago...please...don't die. I need you..."

I cried for the wolf. I hadn't cried in years. I needed this boy...I needed someone in my life...and that new slave would not do it. I needed Drago...

"M...master?" Drago said softly. "Did...did I stop you from being hit? Are you ok?"

I hugged the wolf and kept crying. "Yes...you did your job Drago. I'm ok and Elias is back under our control. Good job my slave..."

"My chest really hurts..." Drago said with a whimper. "My head hurts too...I...I'm not sure what happened to me when I was in that chamber...but..I think I fought having my mind returned to me. I wanted to be with you...I wanted to stay your slave. We are both alone...we need each other."

"I can free your mind..." I said. "I'll let you go...even if it will kill me."

"No...Master...I am yours forever...I am your slave and I'm not going anywhere. I love you and you saved my life."

The wolf sat up on the table and groaned.

"Master...don't let me get shot again. That really hurt."

"You got it Drago...no more getting shot...for either of us."

I heard a noise and turned. Elias seemed to be functional again.

"What...are...commands?" Elias suddenly said. "I must be given commands..."

I turned and looked at the controlled being. It looked saddened, but it was clear that it was fully under now.

"I want you to have Elias's personality...but you must still be my slave and only obey my commands. Kage is no longer to be obeyed. Only me."

"The personality of Elias is inside this unit. Do you want it be unaware it is a cybernetic version of Elias?"

"Just be Elias if he were under mind control...nothing else."

"As you wish."

Elias's eyes flashed and the boy looked at his hands...then around the room.

"Where...where am I?"

Elias looked at me and a smile went across his face.

"M...master? Master! it is you! Oh gods how I've missed you!"

Elias ran to me and embraced me. I gave a hug back...and I heard Drago whimper behind me.

I waved over Drago and hugged him and Elias both.

I was no longer alone...for the first time in years...two people loved me unconditionally.

I wasn't alone...and now...I had people to protect again...and I would...

Today was a brand new day and for the first time, I felt a glimmer of hope.