Author's Note: Starting next chapter, I plan to shift to a second person perspective. Emphasis on, plan. Please, please! Review! I haven't gotten a single review for two chapters. Be it good or bad, a review is always appreciated.

Disclaimer: Sega owns all things of and pertaining to Sonic. I own bupkiss.

In the ocean surrounding West Island, the sea churned, the waves crashed, and all manner of sea life sought the safety of deeper water. This was no longer a storm.

It was a hurricane. Perhaps the worst seen in over a decade.

But, amidst this havoc and turmoil there was one being who held no fear of these things. Deep below the surface, hidden in a chasm of the deep, surrounded by his own, personal, Metal Storm, this being not only didn't fear nature's fury.

He welcomed it.

-Unknown POV-

'It has been a long time,' I muse, sitting in my master chair overlooking operations of this base, 'since I felt this alive!' So much so, that I could practically feel myself shaking in anticipation.

But of course, why wouldn't I be excited? Within twenty-four hours, I would make the first step in taking what should rightfully be mine. Namely, the world.

Oh sure, it wouldn't be easy. My methods would seem unorthodox to some, insane to most, but the more I thought on it, the more I was convinced that the world needed, no, had to have me lead it into a new era.

This world was corrupt and, despite G.U.N. attempts to hide this fact, it was slowly but surely falling apart. Conflicts of interest, between mobians and human alike, have spawned more conflicts than the world could handle, especially so soon coming off a seventy-five year conflict between these two factions.

Less than twenty years had passed since an uneasy truce was formed, but tension was still high among them both. I could see that, for the majority, they truly didn't accept one another, despite G.U.N. efforts to placate them.

I smile at that thought, if anything G.U.N's continued attempts to placate would only ignite the mobian population even further against humans. Did the human government really think that mobians had forgotten G.U.N's responsibility for the death of thousands of mobians during the war? That such travesties could be forgiven so easily?

Apparently so if they put them in charge of the majority military affairs. Then again, maybe someone had wanted the war to continue and thought that such tactic would incense the mobians into starting the war anew.

Of course, once I assumed control, I would undoubtedly be able to settle this continued friction. After all, with the technology available in the new society I would build there would be little to no cause for confrontation.

Of course, G.U.N would have to go, although, some of the reasons for doing so would be more personal than practical……

I drag myself back to the present. Counting eggs before they hatched was foolish, I needed to take this one step at a time.

But, looking at the screen that showed my assembled armada, I couldn't help but think that it was less of a step I was making, and more of a leap.

In varying sizes each ship was capable of independent function and loaded with both heavy artillery and self defense systems composed of smaller assault robots. It was truly a force to be reckoned with.

But, even so, they weren't the key to my success as my eyes strayed, as often they did to a separate screen.

At first, one would assume the screen showed some kind of odd ball, as spherical as it was in shape. But then, one would notice how large it actually was by how small the robots crawling over it, making last minute adjustments, looked in comparison. On one part of it spherical surface were two large craters, between which was a long antenna structure, and three extended panels on either side of the sphere. It, rather, looked liked the face of it's creator.

To have my visage looking down on the people of this world, like some angry god, was immensely gratifying.

With a quick flip of my wrist, I turn on the com to inquire the Master Computer. "How are the preparations to the SH2-1121?" Mentally, I scoff at the assigned name for my greatest project, vowing that I would find a more suiting name before the operation began.

"All is going according to schedule, Master Robotnik," answered a monotone voice.

-Metal Sonic's POV-

For the tenth time, I contemplate smashing my cranial unit against the wall. At least it would be quicker than this unbearable waiting.

Again, I curse my creator for making me so much like my organic double. I curse Sonic for being so impatient. I curse myself for my insistence on not shutting down. I curse the rain, the cave, everything!

I did all this mentally, as my body remained completely motionless, on standby.

I was just considering taking my body out of it's reverie so I could vent some of my pent up frustration on the walls, when my sensors picked up the sound of something moving further in the cave.

Immediately, all my frustration evaporated like it had never been and I focused all my sensors in that direction, even while remaining immobile. Inwardly though, I get in one last curse at myself for not securing the cave beforehand.

Soon, I saw a dark shape further in and turned on my night eyes to get a better visual.

In a way, I wish I hadn't.

It was an extremely large bear, half as big as the cave itself. My data banks classified it as Ursa Rex, a rare species of bear that only lived here on West Island. It had dark shaggy fur, small ears, a long muzzle, long deadly claws, a powerfully built body, and bright small eyes.

And, as would be my luck, this particular specimen looked soaked and extremely miffed. Probably, it had fled flooding from the deeper parts of the cave.

I quickly evaluate my options. I could engage, I had had more than enough time to repair myself, but I didn't much like my chances. The cave was tight, and the bear's bulk would severely limit maneuverability. Not to mention, those very long claws that clicked against the floor with each step.

I could flee, but it was doubtless I wouldn't be able to find another refuge in this weather. Staying outside wasn't an option.

I could also keep doing what I was already and keep completely still. The bear would probably think I was some piece of scrap someone had left behind, give me a cursory sniff, and decide I wasn't a threat. I would easily be able to escape once the storm stopped.

I opted for the third.

But then, life threw me a curveball. Instead of the bear checking me out, a much smaller bear slipped around it, and proceeded to push into me with both muzzle and paws.

The big bear was apparently a she and had a cub. More apparently, I had a problem.

I quickly reevaluated my options and decide to remain still. The little bear wouldn't be able to damage me much, and attempting to prevent him would be suicidal.

So, I stayed motionless as little bear poked and prodded me, and kept my attention on big bear who lied down in a corner.

This continued for a few minutes, before little bear dragged me over to and then onto big bear, by one ligament, and preceded to cuddle up next to me as if I were some stuffed, false animal.

This was not my day.

-Sonic's POV-

It may have been an eternity, it may have been only a few minutes. It was still storming outside, though when I woke up, the constant rap a tap tap of rain striking the roof somehow hypnotic. I really don't even remember falling asleep, and, since I don't have a watch, I haven't a clue if it was morning or night.

Careful, as to not wake the kit who had fallen asleep curled up against me, I consider everything that had happened in such a short time. How circumstances had fallen into place, so perfectly. Me taking the Tornado out for a spin. Being caught in this storm. Having to make a crash, emphasis on crash, landing. And happening into that cemetery.

I consider the kit beside me, and wonder how anyone could do the things the kit said they had done to him. In the dim light, he looked so innocent, seeming to glow with a light of his own. A small smile creased his face and, listening carefully, I could hear him mumble, "I have a brother." A smile of my own broke through.

Then, I considered the source of light. The small jewel that lay on one of the many book lined shelves near us, glowing with a warm white light. It may have been my imagination, but I could swear that it's light seemed softer somehow, more comforting. As I looked into it's many facets, I even thought it was smiling, as if glad for what had happened to it's young ward.

All of this I considered as the kit slowly stirred beside me, and I decided nothing could ruin this moment.

And nothing did.

-Tails POV-

I hesitantly roused myself awake, halfway afraid that if I awoke I would learn that everything had been a dream. That I would find myself all alone again.

But then I felt that my head was resting on someone, and, as I opened my eyes and saw Sonic's face, I couldn't help the surge of emotion that rose as I again realized that I wasn't alone anymore.

"Hey Bud," said Sonic. "You good?"

"Yeah," I answered, "thanks." For everything, that word meant.

"Sounds like it's still pouring out there," he comments.

I hadn't noticed it before, but I could tell he was right. The sound of wind and rain constantly beating against the church becoming so prevalent that I had tuned it out.

I shrug as I tell him, "It rains here a lot."

"Hmmm…." he murmurs, giving a somewhat uneasy look. "If that's the case, than I hope you don't mind moving, Bud."

I give a small laugh as I answer, "I definitely don't!" I might miss the old chuch a bit, but there really wasn't much else here for me.

Assuming I could bring the books, of course.

He grin grows at that, but then he gives me a more thoughtful look. "You know, I gotta call you something besides Bud."

I nod a that and think about it for a minute. I still didn't like my real name and I still didn't want to tell Sonic what it was. Then I remembered how he had said that Sonic was the perfect name for him. Thinking on it for a moment, I open my mouth and tell him, "Call me Tails."