Morning.
For most, a calming start to a new day. For me, it's just more anxiety. A new day could mean a new threat, a new issue, or a new problem. I wake up early in the morning to prepare my usual tea and breakfast, only to find my loyal advisor and good friend, Gardon, waiting. Gardon is a silver koala, always sporting his blue vest and hat and his sword tied to his hip. He seems rather happy this morning.
"You seem to be in a good mood," I comment.
"Why yes, your highness! I prepped a special surprise for you this morning." He began to walk out of the kitchen and toward the dining room.
I followed, not knowing what to expect. As we went further in, I heard voices, some I recognized and some I wasn't too familiar with. I walk a little slowly.
"You prepared a surprise banquet? I appreciate the offer, but I would have liked a warning in advance. You know how I am with crowds." I began to fidget with my hands.
"This banquet is for you, for over 10 years of protecting us!" He opened the door to the dining hall, expecting a crowd.
"I appreciate it, really. I'll put on a-"
My smile immediately falls. The table looked like it stretched for miles, and only a handful of seats were occupied by guests.
"Did... did you invite my friends?" I continued.
"Well, it's a bit difficult to invite them without getting there, your highness. But I assure you, I would have if I could." Gardon looks so disappointed in himself.
I kneel to him and take a deep breath.
"It's alright. I'll make the most of it. You did all you could."
Right as I was ready to sit down with the guests, a cloaked figure burst open the door. Its steps were light, yet they made metallic clicks as it walked. Something didn't feel right.
"The door was unlocked, guest. You are welcome to join us, stranger." Gardon said.
It then stopped, looked me right in the eyes with its glowing orange optics, and threw off its cloak in a dramatic fashion. Behind the cloak was a crude robotic variant of me, with glowing orange eyes, as stated before, as well as a ponytail made of flames and a pointed nose. It has sharp claws built into its hands and springs built into its legs. The purple and silver metal were polished and looked brand new. I quickly sprang into action, as did the doppleganger.
"Gardon, get everyone out of here, fast!" I yelled out, adrenaline already pumping.
"But what about you, your majesty?"
"I'll be fine, I'll handle the robot. I need to make sure it doesn't hurt anyone else. It's after me." I could see it in its eyes.
We both launch at each other at the same time and clash. We crash onto the table, food and dishes flying everywhere. I use one of the dishes and burn it into a flaming disk, which it catches and destroys. With each kick I try to deliver, it gives me a stronger one back. It really was like fighting myself. I had a sinking feeling as to who made it. The robot seems to know I'm trying to protect rather than fight, and it begins to burn the dining room.
"NO, LEAVE THEM OUT OF THIS!" I scream out, my flames combusting around my body.
I launch into a fiery charge, tackling it to the ground. It was already too late; most of the dining room was scorched. This only made me furious. I follow my attack with a speedy barrage of kicks and punches, a little trick I learned from Sonic. It quickly grabbed my leg and slammed me onto my stomach behind it. I groan, and as I slowly try to stand, I see Dr. Eggman Negative rushing through the palace.
"HEY, STOP!"
I rush to my feet and try to run after him. The robot pulled me by my tail, pulled me onto my back, and pinned me under its metallic foot. I growl and yank its leg off, tearing it off. Now that it's off me, I rush to the safe. Before I could even make it in time, the doctor had already acquired the Sol Emeralds and had broken the safe open.
"Looking for these, princess? I'm sure you enjoyed your little tussle with Metal Blaze. What a thief I am, leeching off my lesser self, but it's brilliant. And mine is better. Now, if you excuse me-"
I rush at him to try and grab the emeralds back, but I am quickly grabbed by my ponytail by Metal Blaze. I desperately try to get free. It kicks me in the back, forcing me to my knees. My nightmares are coming true.
"I'll stop you, madman. I PROMISE IT!" I say, my voice shaking with genuine fear. Is this how it all ends?
I watch as the doctor's madness begins to corrupt the Sol Emeralds, making them more muted in color. He laughs like a maniac as a shadow whirls around him. The palace begins to crumble as the shadow storm builds. I kick the robot off me and try to escape. It keeps pulling me back, forcing me to watch as everything I've gained is slowly being destroyed. It picks me up, slams my forehead against the wall, and the gem on my forehead shatters. I didn't even know it COULD shatter, and it was the most painful feeling I'd ever had. Everything went dark, and Metal Blaze tossed my exhausted form out a nearby window.
This is it. I failed...