The mockery of an old friend stood in front of her, holding out a misleading hand. Ignoring her current trepidation she refused to take his handshake, jutting out her chin in defiance. He frowned almost imperceptibly but she really couldn't care. Winona still had no idea why he was here or how he managed to slip into her office. There was a strange low vibration behind her and her head snapped back to find the source. Behind the church like window that gave her the view of the sea was a ship. With his face on it. Wow that was pretentious.
"Did you really have to surround me? I'm not going to shatter the window that I paid good money for." She huffed, spinning her chair back around to face him. The Dr. Don't look alike was WAAY closer than he was a moment ago, still despite the clarity he gave her with his approach she could not tell where he began and her old friend started.
"I'm aware." He replied coolly, reaching out to adjust one of the jars on her desk. The one full of eyes, not from mobians, well, not anymore, that was a phase, but the sea monsters of No Place. "It's meant to assist you with picking your options."
"I have options now? For what?" He nodded at that. No explanation. Jerk. "I don't think you understand who's territory you're currently stepping in right now, buster." Winona snapped, kicking her feet up on the table and narrowly missing him.
The imposter yanked his hand back from the jar. He huffed, clearly holding back a few unkind words no pirate around here would hesitate to say. "I'll cut to the chase, Ms. Fletchindale, the crystal in this world, the Devil's Lighthouse, whatever you call it, shares an energy signature with you. Through the process of.. 'common sense', my co-workers and I figured you aren't from here either, are you? Especially with all of the.. egg symbology you coincidentally have in the area."
She couldn't help but stiffen. Typically the people she goes up against don't know a lick about her, on the rare occasion they do it's only but that funny little title she's been gifted, Patron Saint of The Hunt. Or simply Eggman's right hand. Seeing as he doesn't exist here however it's just that first title. Yet Not!Don't knew her. Basic information that wouldn't do much in the long run, sure, but that was enough to make her stomach twist uncomfortably.
Plus he was saying it with such familiarity that was under no circumstance reserved for him.
"His Eminence has an offer, you board our vessel and use your expertise to find the rest of the shards. In return, we bring you home." She scoffed. Like they knew how to work with the prism. That otherworldly gem could be understood by no one except her.
...Which is probably why she's also going to come along in the first place. It's not a hard decision, figuring it out herself is more favorable then letting Other Sonic muck around doing nothing actually helpful. Reluctantly Winona stood up, quickly realizing that she was still taller then him. He's short in both universes. Wow.
"That's it? Really? No catch? I must say, Don't, you're getting predictable–"
She blinked once or twice. That probably wasn't his name. She turned away, hoping to hide the embarrassed flush on her cheeks.
"Forget I said anything."
"Alright..? I had more to say, but if you're so sure about your agreement, then we should depart. That rat won't stay down for long."
Rat? That could only mean Sonic. Or Tails. She'd prefer it to be Tails. God does she HATE that fox.
"Of course. Give me a moment, will you? I have affairs to sort through with my crew. I'll even help you bump off the hedgehog if the opportunity hits, just quit being such a wet rag."
He lingered a little too long, watching as she stood and dusted off her coat. She wondered if he recognized her from another life. Maybe, if she was lucky. Could she really get close to him again though?? After that first loss??? He'll be erased just like the actual Don't did. Along with the rest of the council that presumably exists when she walks out of her lair. Gee wizz this is gonna suck so hard.
I got inspired randomly. Episode 9 was TRULY a gift. Anyway, more Winona being haunted by the stupid gamer. This surely won't effect her later in the future and definitely won't make her fear Sunny in some strange way whaaaat nooo??? @unreadgorgon575
