revivalproject | The Enemy of My Friend is My...Frenemy?

Honestly, Sonic's happy to get this over with as soon as possible, even if this trip was pretty short notice. He'd spent the ride over sitting in one spot, silently staring out the windows while Donnie napped. It was basically torture, by the time they get off the train all Sonic wants to do is run a few laps around town, but he can't even do that thanks to his bum leg. Well, he could, but it would hurt and people keep nagging him not to make it worse.

But he does have his new crutch! Donnie is MVP. Sonic's annoyed that he's forced to hobble along so slowly, but at least he can get out and move around.

Now if only his destination wasn't the most annoying place literally in the world.

"That's fine, rolling in unexpected might make this more entertaining."

Yeeeeahhh it might be fine. Eggman might say something sarcastic, but he's not gonna attack Sonic with robots no matter how annoyed he is by the hedgehog showing unannounced.

Donnie smirks a little at that. It still is kind of hard for him to picture Sonic and Dr. Robotnik as arch-enemies or something, so he doesn't think he'll be that necessary to mediate things. He supposes he'll find out soon enough.

As they near the woods, he keeps his eyes peeled for Eggman's security bots at work or any of the local wildlife. He's more concerned about the latter, honestly. Those giant tracks didn't make themselves!

"Well, guess we'll see how this goes."

"It'll go about as annoyingly as it can, but I highly doubt it's gonna get violent. He'll probably make cracks about my leg, but there's a chance that he could be on his best behavior so he doesn't look like a jerk in front of you. Not that he usually cares what anyone else thinks of him. I dunno, this could go down so many ways."

All of which will probably be annoying, but he can deal with it. He can even deal with this slow pace, but he sure does look like he's not loving the walk.

"Does he get violent?" Donnie has to ask.

Sonic's pacing is another matter, and the turtle is only reluctant that he can't offer the hedgehog a ride with his flight shell. This version isn't built for passengers like his usual one. The trip is slow-going and it only means he has more time to think about ways he could have improved things.

"Eh. He can throw hands if he has to, but he's more likely to unleash an army of robots on me first. Which he doesn't have here, so I'm not too concerned."

It's all good, Donnie Sonic can deal with not going fast for once.

"His place isn't that far, is it?"

"An army of robots for one little you?" Donnie grins. "He must really like you."

Shading his eyes as he squints ahead, he points vaguely, waving his hand about in the general direction they'll eventually be heading. "It's closer to the opposite end of the city but at least the train station is located in the middle than clear on the other side. He's by the power station."

Edited 2023-11-11 03:02 (UTC)

"Several armies of robots for one little me, all of which I've turned into scrap. If he likes me, he has a funny way of showing it."

Now if Eggman would just dedicate all the time he puts into building robots into making better, more deadly traps, Sonic would be having some real fun.

Except not right now because it's walkies time.

"Of course he would set up shop by the power station," he says, with an exasperated sigh. "Whatever, so long as he hasn't decked the place out to look like some kinda psycho carnival, I can live with it."

As Sonic and Donatello move closer towards Eggman's workshop, they'll likely find more than a few Coconuts badniks in the trees. Donatello had helped Eggman with their construction, but their deployment was something he opted to do himself.

They're eerily silent. Slowly moving up and down the trunks of the trees and watching the duo carefully. They don't make any attempt at an attack, but Sonic is more than likely familiar with their aim. For now, they just watch and try to blend in with the jungle scenery.

Eggman, for his part, hadn't been paying attention to any data they'd sent back. He was refining some plans for two drones; one aerial (based on his long since dated Buzz Bomber) and a driller (based on the ever reliable Grounder). Their resources were limited so simple was likely best. Though, he'd considered using Cater-killer for their tunneling foray, a drill just messed with its aesthetic. No, he'd consider Cater-killer for something else.

Eggman's workshop was an almost nondescript in its trappings; a run-down apartment building within spitting distance of the power plant. While the mad genius had a sort of flair, he couldn't justify the use materials and power to build something closer to his tastes. It's downright modest compared to what he's used to. But there is the telltale mustachioed emblem of his empire painted on the door, denoting the space as uniquely his.

When they approach the door, a rudimentary proximity sensor notifies Eggman and he stands, cracking his back.

It was time to be amicable. Donatello was honestly useful and, though he was loathe to admit it, it was refreshing to have company that wasn't trying to 'fix' him or best him. He heads to the door, combing his fingers through his auburn mustache and throws it open.

"Welcome, Donatello! I hope you're ready to get to—"

And then he spots Sonic. And his mustache practically droops in frustration and annoyance. If they were here together, there's no doubt the blue buffoon clued Donatello in to their shared history.

"Oh. You brought him. What business do you have here, rodent?! If you're here to chaperone our work..."

He lets the threat hang. No sense bothering with an act now.

Yeah, Donnie still didn't get Eggman's aesthetic when it came to his robot designs. But it's nice to see them up and running, weird as it is seeing metal monkeys in trees on an otherwise completely foreign planet.

He has the decency to look a little sheepish when Robotnik steps out to greet them. "Surprise..?"

The shift in the good doctor's mood is amazing, and he has to stifle a laugh as the man all but grumbles about the unexpected tag-along.

"Well you see, it was kind of convenient timing. You should at least hear things out."

Edited 2023-11-11 06:41 (UTC)

Y'know, weird as it is, it was kind of nice seeing familiar little stupid robots chilling in the trees. Not that he'd admit that, but y'know.

He's about as happy to see Eggman as Eggman is to see him, but Sonic can still find some joy in annoying the piss out of the Doctor simply by existing within five feet of him.

"Easy, Eggman. We're all on the same side here, remember? No need to get your moustache in a twist, I'm not here get in your way or break anything, I couldn't cause a lot of damage right now even if I wanted to."

"Hmph! Honestly, I'd wish that whatever maimed you finished the job if not for the fact it would deprive me of the pleasure myself!"

He shoots Donatello a glare from behind his glasses. Was he feeling betrayed a little right now? It was difficult to assess. Either way, the odds aren't entirely against him here. Sonic was wounded and while he hasn't ascertained Donatello's combat prowess, his build suggests he's at least comparable to Sonic or maybe even that dunderhead of an Echidna.

No, this made sense. He'd noticed that the Hedgehog tended to pal around with Donatello. It would frankly be a tremendous misstep if Sonic hadn't clued him in before now. Which...begs the question...how much did Donatello know and for how long? Was he still helping him despite knowing his relationship with Sonic?

Something to pick apart in this meeting, perhaps.

He steps aside. He doesn't invite them in and merely barks at Sonic.

"Don't touch anything or your hand will match your leg."

The turtle teen does shrink back a little at that glare. He really liked working with someone who was genuinely interested and impressed by his work and hoped this didn't throw any wrenches into anything.

Robotnik steps back, and Donnie takes that as much of an invitation as anything. He sets his hands on Sonic's shoulders to maneuver him inside. Right, mediator. Ugh.

"He won't touch anything, right? We're here to talk about the thing you brought up yesterday." One can practically hear the intended underlines in his tone as he tries to keep the conversation moving forward.

Sonic was about to make some snarky remark, but Donnie putting his hands on his shoulders snaps him out of it. Right, right, he's here to make nice, not start petty arguments. He lets Donnie steer him inside, then pulls the bag off his back that he's totally been carrying this whole time and I forgot to mention until now.

"Yeah, yeah, I won't touch anything. I'm not here to start trouble."

Which he might sound a little disappointed about, but such is life.

Eggman slams the door behind them with a little more force than was intended. Of all the people to be brought to his workshop! Now, not only does Sonic know where to find him, but he didn't even have any death traps ready! No defenses! Not even a lousy tilt-a-whirl/blender death ride! The ignominy of it all!

Though, despite his lack of preparation for this, Eggman's clearly been busy. He's taken apart a considerable amount of the abandoned bots found scattered around Sh'Ka and is clearly attempting to build up his badnik hoards once more. Though, Sonic might notice a few changes to their designs. There's less obvious weaponry; they're clearly designed for more reconnaissance and recovery than anything else. And while he's clearly been working hard, there's only so much he can do without the luxury of automation. These badniks are all built by his hand, which might give them a more personal, vintage look to them.

He's scrounged up several mismatched monitors that he's set up overlooking what appears to be the makings of a large command console, atop which is a small, intricately built model of Metal, his prized automaton. Beyond that, the workshop is spartan. It's not even entirely clear that he sleeps here.

"The Chaos Emerald." He turns to Donatello.

"I assume Sonic has informed you of what it's capable of. Though, I suspect that not even he's aware of its potential aside from making him golden and particularly unkillable when he has all seven?"

Thankful that he's steered Sonic back on track, Donnie pats the hedgehog's shoulder, letting go once they're inside. He jumps at the sound of the door slamming behind them, giving Robotnik an exasperated look before reminding himself that this is probably behavior they should have anticipated. Okay, okay. Just. Keep them focused.

"Yes, the Chaos Emerald!" Donnie says, snap-pointing at the man. "See, that is why we are here. Because while you have this...whole situation going on, he admits that if there's anyone that would know how about what further uses could be had with a Chaos Emerald, it would be you. You both acknowledge that it's a source of immense power."

He looks to Sonic then, since he's the one with the bag that's totally been on his person the whole time.

Sonic is suddenly reminded of a time that Eggman had said something that had really annoyed him before the storm. 'You'll be my greatest critic and my strongest advocate, Sonic...whether you like it or not.' Welp, here's that prediction coming true, and Sonic has decided that he definitely does not like it, to the point where he actually looks uncomfortable for a moment.

Or that could be his leg bothering him. He'll never say! But what he will do is pull that emerald out of his bag and wiggle it in Eggman's general direction. With a dramatic sigh, of course.

"With the limited tech here, and the whole data points system slowing us all down, I figure there's only so much damage you can do with this if you decide to start trouble."

Eggman arches an eyebrow. Sonic deferring to his genius was rare, but it still pulled the corners of his mouth from a scowl into a sneer.

He strides over and plucks the emerald from Sonic's hands and holds it up.

"So, you came to your senses then. Not quite as quickly as I would have liked, but I'm keenly aware of the fact that the only thing quick about you are your feet."

He had to play this carefully. He only had one chance to prove that he could be trusted with the emerald. And just because Sonic didn't think he'd be able to do much...Donatello on the other hand was sharp. Likely even more so than the Twin-tailed Tot that clung to Sonic's slipstream. If Donatello knew the potential of the Emerald, he especially would see just how dangerous leaving it in Eggman's hands would be.

He adjusts his glasses.

"Regardless of the interminable delay you've caused, I can indeed see several uses for the Emerald. I'd have to test it first, however. Given what I've learned of the storms on this world, I need to ascertain if the already chaotic nature of the emerald's energies have not been altered, provided they have been taken away completely."

Donnie eyes the two like a pair of unsocialized cats, half-wishing he had a giant spray bottle on him.

He folds his arms, watching as Eggman takes the emerald in hand. "Excellent suggestion. If you already know what the baseline should be for a single emerald, then it'd be good to figure out if this world has any lasting effects. It's already been through one storm, and whether it's merely a power source or power-capable regarding ability, it's likely that it will be affected the same as everything and everyone else."

Donnie it's FINE they're both totally behaving!!

Also I lied Sonic is cranky and he's about to be snippy. He slings his bag back over his shoulder and crosses his arms.

"Yeah, I probably would have been by sooner if I wasn't so busy getting eaten by monsters last month."

Yeah he's about 80% sure that Eggman's probably just going to ignore him, and that's fine for now. It gives him a chance to take a look around and take in Eggman's boring little workspace. And his adorable little Metal Sonic. Well all right then.

Eggman turns and leans back slightly against one of his many workbenches, bringing the emerald up to eye level to scrutinize it.

"Beyond that, I find it interesting that one arrived here at all. A single Chaos Emerald is good but the set adds some unique benefits beyond a singular golden annoyance. Was it the Agrii sending this to us as a resource? Or was it something else?"

He's not above thinking this was a trap. After all, there's hardly better bait. And honestly? It's what he would do.

"I've posited that the Agrii are utilizing our own unique emotional gravitational signals; that we as living beings have a sort of ambient gravity that pulls people and objects into our immediate orbit. After all, I'm far from what one would deem 'heroic' and yet the Agrii pulled me here all the same. I can't help but believe it's the years of cat and mouse that I've played with this buffoon that the Agrii honed in on, thus bringing me here. The emerald could be more of the same."

He turns to Sonic.

"Oh, you're still here. You've secured the emerald and proven to be useful for once. I'll allow you to sit on the floor, out of the way, while more competent minds are in conference."

He flips his gloved hand dismissively at Sonic.

This headache surely hasn't existed before they all stepped into this room.

Donnie rolls his eyes at Sonic but he nods at Robotnik. "It's not unheard of for the Agrii to drop 'gifts' off I guess, and literally, it seems. I don't think you're the first one that's had one land on your head," he says, glancing at his friend then.

"They said they don't have control over who comes and goes. The tech they're utilizing isn't even theirs. I can only assume there's some sort of broad search scope that they've got plugged into their system and it picks up on certain qualities and doesn't really run background checks."

He barely manages to hold back a sigh as Robotnik dismisses Sonic. Is this going to go on through this whole visit? He was invited to be mediator, not babysitter!

Useful for once, he says. Eat butts, Eggman.

Sonic rolls his eyes, but to his credit he does refrain from smarting off again. Instead, he leans his crutch against the wall and takes a seat on the floor next to it, just crossing his arms and settling in for a nerd show. The brains are talking shop and Sonic's going to try to absorb as much information as he can.

See Donnie, best behavior.

As annoying as it was to have Sonic here, at least he's quiet and out of the way. That, at least, makes things much more tolerable. When it comes to maturity, Donatello was clearly a head and shoulders above the Hedgehog. Something that didn't escape the good doctor's notice.

"Then I suppose that sort of uncontrolled chaos was just what the Emerald needed to be brought to us."

He tugs on the end of his mustache idly while in idle consideration when another thought pops into his mind.

"Have either of you told anyone else about the emerald?"

He looks more pointedly at Sonic because Sonic tends to run his stupid mouth.

That Sonic's not mouthing off is a relief, and Donnie relaxes a little.

"I don't know if I'd bet on such circumstances to consistently provide a Chaos Emerald. I figure it's better to be thankful for whatever we do manage to get around here."

He shakes his head at the question. "I barely found out yesterday. It's probably safe to say that we were all pretty preoccupied with the storm."

"Yeah, the storm kinda took priority. I've only told Donnie about it, made a point of keepin' it off the network. I don't know enough about most of the people here to know if they can be trusted with it, and I double don't trust the Agrii with it."

The Agrii may not be the bad guys here, buuut they did kind of kidnap everybody and dump them on a death planet and then expect the people they'd kidnapped to fix their problems for them.

Also the Atroma are apparently a thing, as if there weren't enough weird aliens to worry about.

"I'm impressed that you had the foresight, Hedgehog."

Still, this was good. He could work with this.

"Given the nature of the storms, using the emerald to power anything large or consistently is out of the question. However, I do believe I have an idea that would be for the...er...betterment of the community."

He places the emerald down on the table and turns to Donnie.

"Donatello, you created rechargeable batteries for the filtration masks, correct? Utilizing your designs, I believe we should construct additional, multipurpose batteries. Then, using the emerald as a means to charge them, we create an overstock of the batteries. Going forward, any devices we design will abide by this universal rule: they must be compatible with the Chaos Batteries!"

With that reminder, Donnie takes a moment to pull out the mask he'd brought for Robotnik, holding it out for him.

"That...sounds like a pretty good idea, actually. If the Chaos Emerald is its own infinite power source, then we'd just need something to transfer it. I wonder..."

He taps at his chin, then digs around his bag again before pulling out a metal canister, unsealing it to dump out a couple of glowing crystals into his hand.

"This is the raw material that's used for creation of the energy rods used around Temba and Sh'Ka. Unfortunately the means to make them seems to be only in Temba's power plant. I've had these ones a while so they're not at full charge since they'd been pulled from the source, but I wonder if they'll still cause a reaction or react in turn to a Chaos Emerald."

Man Sonic can't decide if this all sounds like a good idea or not. Instinct tells him not to trust any of Eggman's ideas, but he's managing to keep it to himself. He's just going to chill here and listen along, y'all have fun being nerds.

"Hmmm..."

Eggman leans in to examine the crystal shards closely.

"Are you proposing a means of energy transference? A crystal's molecular structure is a highly ordered, repeating pattern. Introducing chaos energy could shatter them. Or it could mutate them into something wholly new...perhaps something more amenable to the influx of power."

It could also make them unstable. But it was intriguing and Sonic can probably hear the grin on Eggman's face.

"We also need to determine if the chaos batteries will withhold a charge even in the midst of one of those pesky energy storms. I can run tests on the emerald and these shards if you're willing to part with a few."

If they can build up a stockpile of batteries and control them, there's no telling what he'd be able to do or arrange with some of the more enterprising castaways. Having power means having a bargaining chip as well as a means of furthering his goals.

But...that brings him back to a point he needed clarification on.

"...Tell me, Donatello. What exactly has Sonic told you of the nature of our...history."

"More like energy amplification. These crystals at their source can boost power. When it comes to something like technology though, it's a toss-up as to whether it will still render it useful or not. Now, the crystals themselves, like these, do not quite do the same thing as they are now, and whatever energy they hold slowly degrades over time. They can however be recharged if they're in the vicinity of unharvested crystals."

Oh, he's in infodump mode. But Robotnik strikes him as someone willing (maybe too willing?) to listen, and Donnie is only all too happy to indulge. Sorry Sonic, he's a middle child and all he wants is attention.

"Circling back to the charge itself- it's not just energy that it juices. The crystals can amplify supernatural abilities, which is when I first heard about the Chaos Emeralds from Sonic, and that was before we ever expected one to just come and bean him from the sky. Waiting for a storm to happen is going to be the real pain, but in the meantime you're welcome to these."

Ah, but then comes a question unrelated to science but one Donnie supposes he should have expected. His face scrunches slightly as he thinks about it.

"Well...only that you are apparently his mortal enemy and- wait, are you the one who left an entire army of robots on an island and forgot about them??!"

Did you guys hear that? That's the sound of a record scratching somewhere. DONATELLO NINJATURTLE do not tell Eggman about Scrapnik Island!??? I mean he probably knows that it exists seeing as his old Death Egg is there, but the odds of him knowing that there's a nice little community of chill ex-Badniks there is pretty slim. If he cared he would have probably reclaimed anything useful by now.

Anyway. Sonic's heart skips a beat upon hearing Donnie's question. Hooo buddy he'd forgotten that he'd told Donnie about that, otherwise he would have warned him not to bring it up, hahaaa! He grabs his crutch and thumps the floor with it (hopefully getting Donnie's attention shhh bro), then uses it to help himself stand back up.

"I told him everything, okay? Do you think I'd bring him over here without tellin' him what you're all about? Let's focus on the emerald science, huh?"

Smooth.

Eggman takes the crystalline shards carefully and deposits them in a pocket of his jacket for now. He'll have to examine them for trace contaminants before he exposes them directly to the energy of the emerald. He's already got a few working ideas...especially if energy amplification is in any way possible. And since he doesn't have to worry about the Security data point hindering his ability to make weapons...

He's shaken from his gleeful scheming by Donatello's question. His other eyebrow arches when he sees how vehemently Sonic cuts in.

"Forgot them? You seem to be confusing something. "Forgetting" about them implies I cared about them. Their continued existence has long since surpassed their usefulness to me."

But Sonic's interruption paints an entirely different picture. There's something there.

"Does that bother you, Donatello? Do you not disregard a tool that's been broken? That has no purpose? Do you get sentimental over a plasma cutter that no longer shears metal or a stripped gear that no longer turns?"

Donnie does look at Sonic then, but he's hardly psychic so he has no idea what's supposed to not be mentioned. He frowns a bit, looking dubiously at the hedgehog once the other is getting to his feet. "I'm pretty sure you didn't tell me everything," he starts, because he's totally helping here.

But now Robotnik's following up in his interrogation and the turtle frowns as he looks back at him.

"Yes, it bothers me- but not in the matter of sentiment! There's so much that can be repurposed! Broken tools might not have much ability to be repurposed but parts can be, and if nothing else, well, there's still the metal! Look, I don't know where you get your material from but I've had to salvage and scavenge everything for anything I've ever built."

Well no, he didn't tell Donnie everything, but not because he's trying to hide anything. It's because Eggman has pulled so many stunts that he'd have to write a freakin' essay. An entire book.

He has a feeling that Donnie isn't picking up what he's poorly putting down, but Eggman isn't pressing for specifics so it's probably fine? But knowing Eggman he definitely took notice of the whole Buuut now the nerds are arguing about resources and brroooo everything's getting so off track. Should he just let them go at it? He just... grumbles to himself and lets the nerds go at it.

Eggman looks honestly surprised.

"Not in the matter of senti— ...Gehehehehe...Gahahaha...GAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

He reels back and lets out a true, mad cackle. And when he's done, he places a large, gloved hand on Donatello's shoulder.

"Oh, Donatello! I knew there was something I liked about you! You're quite right! When resources and materials are at a premium, one shouldn't squander! I suppose the gift of abundance has left me to lack appreciation for my roots. I do hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive my wastefulness."

Slowly, he turns his gaze to Sonic, his sinister sneer widening.

"When we find our way back to our original worlds, I'll be sure to revisit this island and rectify my mistakes."

That last bit is said more to Sonic than it is to Donatello.

Having someone abruptly break into a mad cackle and it's not you- oh, so that's why everyone looks at him funny. Donnie is probably making the same, slightly uncertain look that his brothers do whenever he gets a little too enthusiastic about some science thing. He blinks as his eyes slide towards the hand weighing on his shoulder before looking at Robotnik himself.

"I...guess?" Look, no one ever asks for his forgiveness, this is weird. Also, it's difficult to tell how sincere the doctor is, especially with that expression.

He has a sinking feeling at whatever promise the man is undoubtedly making to hang further dread over Sonic's head and it makes the guy's hand feel even heavier.

He gives Eggman the most unamused look ever. Sigh.

"You, cleaning up after yourself? If you ever actually get around to that, I'll be shocked."

Maybe not so much now that Eggman knows that Sonic doesn't want him finding this island, but Sonic's still gonna just act natural and mouth off. Just be cool, don't let Eggman know that he's gotten under his dumb hedgehog skin.

"I think we're getting off track. Shouldn't you be inventing Chaos Batteries or something?"

"I already did, you Needle Noggined Ninny! That was the entire point of our mine and Donatello's conversation earlier! And as he has already pointed out, we don't have the means to assemble them en masse! Inspiration happens in a flash but execution?"

He raises a hand to slide his glasses further up the bridge of his bulbous nose.

"Execution is meant to be a process. It takes a steady hand, unwavering conviction, and the technical mastery necessary to make sure everything is flawless."

He takes a few steps over to Sonic. His eternal nemesis, standing there wounded. And he leans down nice and close.

"And you do know what I always say. If an execution can't be perfect, why bother at all?"

The threat fills the air, the pressure viscous like motor oil.

But he stands and claps his hands once, as if trying to disperse the tension he himself caused without sparing a thought.

"Now then! I presume we are in agreement! You'll be leaving the emerald with me, yes?"

Donnie casts an awkward glance between them. He is not nearly as good at reading people as...well, any of his brothers, really. But the exchange between Sonic and Robotnik is familiar enough. Sounds about right for mortal enemies.

He probably shouldn't be amused at Eggman's alliteration when it's being used as an insult towards his friend, but secretly he'd have to admit it was a good one. There's a moment when he tenses, wondering if he'll have to step in as the other looms over Sonic. Jumping in on his pal's behalf would be a no-brainer at least, but then Robotnik backs off.

He doubts leaving the emerald with Robotnik is something Sonic would approve of, but Donnie at least doesn't have to try lying when he puts on a pout. "I was kind of hoping we'd be able to work on things together..."

That really was a good alliteration and it manages to annoy Sonic a lot more than Eggman trying to be all tall and imposing. Stupid clever wordplay! Why couldn't Eggman have just been an evil poet? He'd have been great at it!

But boy, does he want to point out how very imperfect almost all of Eggman's plans have been. How great can they really be if they can all be stopped by one small, stubborn blue furry? Please. But no, instead Sonic waves a hand dismissively when Eggman's done menacing at him. He will continue to mostly behave.

"We're in agreement if you agree to work with Donnie on it, and not be a big jerk to him. Also, you can expect me to pop in periodically to make sure you aren't doing anything sketchy with it, so don't like build turrets to blow me up or anything. If you agree to those conditions, then yes, I'll leave the emerald with you."

And Eggman knows that Sonic wouldn't have any trouble taking it right back.

"I would never. Donatello has been nothing but a welcome asset to my work and has helped considerably by guiding me through the adjustments to my newfound, but hopefully temporary home. Rest assured, he and I get along famously. It's refreshing to find that you've made friends with someone so brilliant while also not bending the knee to things such as ethics or morality."

He levels an open hand in front of Sonic, palm outstretched in an offer to shake.

"You have nothing to worry about, Sonic. I have no intent of destroying you with something so humdrum. No, my victory over you will be complete and devastating. Shooting you is easy. Breaking you is so much more challenging. And cathartic, I might add."

That...smooths out easier than Donnie would have expected. Should he be concerned? He's never been stuck between two people that have such an intense dislike for each other and has decided he does not at all like it here. But if they've got something of a truce going, then he supposes that counts as some sort of win. Plus! Robotnik has such nice things to say about him!! Gah, this is so conflicting. Despite all these very clear and obvious threats that the doctor lays out, at least he's not trying to hide it? That's...better, right?

And then there's the whole issue of the Agrii not allowing any of their precious He Rows hurting each other but Donnie figures he doesn't have to mention that part right now.

"Uh... Sooooo we're all good then?"

"We're all good," Sonic says, perhaps a smidge snippier than he'd intended. Sorry, Donnie, it's not you.

He turns his attention back to Eggman, taking his hand and giving it a firm shake.

"I'd argue that shooting me isn't easy considering I can dodge anything you fire at me, but whatever. Try to break me when we get home, just focus on getting us there."

Eggman squeezes with a little too much strength, but relinquishes his grasp on Sonic's hand once he's satisfied.

"Now, with that settled, I propose we decide our priorities. I suggest that, for the time being, Donatello, you focus on constructing additional batteries. I will run tests on the emerald in conjunction with the shards you've provided for me. In the interim, I will move forward with out drone plans."

He pivots and points out the familiar (to Sonic, at least) badniks of Grounder and Buzz Bomber. Their weapons have been removed on the schematics, but Sonic should be keenly familiar with them.

"As for you, Sonic...considering your current state, you're rather useless. So, unless you can propose a role you'd like to fulfill..."

He'll take Sonic's word for it, only because he doesn't want to go through another round so abruptly.

With tasks delegated, Donnie tries not to look too disappointed at being assigned to battery duties. "If it's for use with a potential Chaos Emerald charge, maybe we should first figure out if it'll actually transfer power," he suggests. "I'll also need to have an idea of what exactly we're considering powering, although at least I know some of the equipment we've made still uses the standard-sized energy rods." So he can still get started on something at least, but batteries are hardly fun!

A sigh does slip from him as Robotnik takes to needling the needle-headed one again, but Donnie's going to let Sonic deal with that. Instead he lifts his left arm to tap at the bracer clasped over his forearm. "Speaking of those drones, I did draw up some quick schematics of my drill design," he says, tapping at the interface to project the screen so they could all see it.

Sigh yes he knows he's useless right now, you don't have to remind him.

"Yeah, nah, I got nothin'. You want me to wait on you, Donnie?"

Cuz otherwise he's gonna dip because being around Eggman makes him annoyed. He has nothing to add to the nerd talk, he's totally out of his element, his leg hurts and it's making him cranky.

"Astute observation, Donatello. I can show you what I'm working with and give you a 'Chaos Primer' if you will. The Chaos Emeralds are truly wondrous gems and the applications of their power are only limited by your imagination and the scope of your intellect. I would be interested to see what ideas you come up with."

He turns to Sonic then and he offers his most non-threatening grin.

"Will you be able to make it back to Temba in that condition? If you'd like, I can make sure my Coconuts sentries keep an eye on your path."

His tone and grin are so saccharine it's twice as scary as when he's being a full on megalomaniac.

Donnie glances at Sonic. "I know how much you love waiting around," he says with a bit of a smirk. "You can head out if you want. I don't want to make you wait."

Given how easily he gets caught up in his work back in Temba, there's no telling how long Donnie might stick around. He looks more than eager to learn more about what all the Chaos Emeralds can do, especially from a scientific viewpoint. "That'd be fantastic. I can't wait!"

Too eager to dive right into SCIENCE?! Naaah. Robotnik looks to be on his best behavior now so Donnie's sure Sonic will be fine.

Sonic half wishes Donnie would have asked him to stay if only to exist in the same space as Eggman out of pure spite, but also he doesn't want to exist in the same space as Eggman at all right now. Especially after that fakey fake concern, which Sonic finds far less scary than he does infuriating. It's a reminder of what maybe could have been, if Starline hadn't butted in and reminded Eggman that he was a giant douchebag. It made Sonic just feel bitter about it all over again, and between that, the way his leg is throbbing, and his general annoyance with this situation and with himself, yyeeahhhh he's had enough.

He refrains from telling Eggman just where he can shove those Coconuts sentries, and waves over his shoulder as he heads for the door.

"I'll manage. Don't let him talk you into any wild world domination plots, Donnie."

The Enemy of My Friend is My...Frenemy?

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