VELA NOVA

". . ."

It is heavy heart that I must apologize for not being born in the Sol Dimension, nor finding means to get there before your current arch-nemesis. Despite his "advanced" weaponry, it has become clear to me that he cannot utilize it properly and thus has never given you a proper challenge, nor given you a chance to grow.

My time spent in your world has led me to realize how challenging and unique it would have been to take on the task of conquering it. Its gorgeous beaches would have made a perfect vacation home for my family as we take over the world.

I must also apologize for the burden of being intrinsically linked with our world's most annoying burrowing animal. You did not deserve to be associated in any matter with Sonic the Hedgehog, and yet you are anyway. I must repeat what I've already stated before— From your elegant flames to your regal demeanor, you are better than Sonic in every way. Do not let his friendship corrupt you.

I am looking forward to our battle. I hope this letter serves as good evidence that I am indeed keeping to our deal, and leaves me in high standing with you.

Doctor Ivo Robotnik.

   Though they had made their little agreement, Blaze had yet to consider the fact that she might be one of the recipients of Eggman's 'apology' letters. She was already expecting some sort of foolish drivel from the walking definition of hubris. Little did she know, this letter would well-exceed her expectations.

   With a small motion of a clawed finger, and another motion to don a pair of reading glasses (a very little-known detail about her), she quickly found her face scrunching slightly with contempt. Contempt, disgust, scorn, odium, and various other words that weren't fitting of a princess.

   Oh, you WOULD pull some nonsense like this.

   Were Blaze any less hateful toward her own universe's Eggman counterpart, she would already consider writing him a thank you letter merely for not being like this. Maybe her own Eggman was on to something with his extreme vitriol towards his counterpart.

   Despite her detestation towards the dastardly Doctor, she couldn't help but be mildly amused by his apology on behalf of Sonic's existence. Again, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride over being considered better by none other than Sonic's own arch-nemesis, though it'd be a cold day in her veins before she'd be willing to give Eggman that satisfaction. She couldn't help but also subconsciously nod at Eggman's suggestion of not letting Sonic corrupt her demeanor.

   Needless to say, the letter quickly found itself up in flames after she had finished her begrudging reading of it. Sure, high standing. High standing over the edge of a volcano, perhaps. Hopefully, Sonic and his friends don't have t—

   ...Ah. Right.

If Doctor Eggman could hold her attention for even a minute, he would consider it a good-enough victory. Luckily, the animals were very readable creatures. So even if they frowned and snarled and hissed, as long as he knew where to look, he’d always have an edge. Unfortunately, that edge was worthless when you were just pathetically picking a fight. And so, the flick of a tail only gets the smallest smirk.  

… Logically Challenged? He could let the snide comment slide for the fact it was followed up by a bargain. The Doctor paused, clearly caught off guard for a moment. Eggman wasn’t entirely sure what he could offer this private pyromaniac, but he wasn’t about to back down either.

“ At worst? I could offer my world two weeks of peace. Absolutely nothing. ” The Doctor was really grasping for straws on this one, as silence continued for a better offer. Hm. “ At decent. I … I guess I could write Sonic apology letters? ” Gaia, strike him down. He really is desperate. “ Wear a Sonic costume for a month? Dye my mustache pink? I don’t know what you’d want from me. ”

   By all means, it was easy to say that even considering the offer was an awful idea. On the other hand... One simple, planned-out battle in exchange for the Doctor backing away for a total of two weeks? Sonic and friends would most likely appreciate it, considering this headache of a man generally shows up on a daily basis. Chances are they’d even praise her! Not that she wanted it or anything. You’d have to be truly out of your mind to assume that.

   She definitely mulled over the Sonic costume and pink mustache, the amusement she felt not quite matching the daggers she’d been shooting through her eyes. Perhaps some heels to go with that look? She certainly knows Sonic would give absolutely anything to see that. Unfortunately for Sonic however, Blaze was a practical feline.

   “Two weeks is... acceptable. However, I expect there will be no preparing for your return during this time.” On one hand, she knew he wouldn’t hold up to that rule completely. But on the other hand, she also knew his own ego was too strong to be blatant about it, were he to make the agreement. “AND, I expect your two weeks to come first.”

   Oh, yeah, sure, this may as well happen. She visits Sonic's dimension after WHO KNOWS HOW LONG, only to be hurled into the third most embarrassing moment of her life. And now, here comes Captain Egotist in his stupid little floating teacup trying to challenge Blaze to, what, a few rounds in the ring? Some gentlemanly fisticuffs?

   Were she less dignified, this would be the part where she threatens to stick her high heel SO FAR UP Eggman's Doomsday Zone that he'll need to design his next machine without seats. Instead, she opted for what was quite likely the worse option.

   “So, would I have an alternate out there, or am I simply an alternate full-stop? Or would I have an alternate of an alternate? Or are Sonic’s alternates MY alternates by proxy? And why are none of them cats—”

     “Well, Metal Sonic holds the top spot for sure. Dude’s persistent, dude’s tough. That is the Sonic copycat right there. Hate Eggman, hate his guts, but he really struck gold on that one. 

     Then there’s Mecha Sonic for… personal reasons.It was one of the few version of Sonic’s metallic replicas to genuinely achieve a super state, so that’s some big bonus points too. Its survivability is also nothing to sneeze at. Honestly, I’d say Mecha Sonic would beat out Metal Sonic if it wasn’t for the latter’s multiple transformations. The guy has a lot he can become when undergoing fitting energy sources. Neo Metal Sonic is a real, proper threat, and it’s what’s keeping him the top spot for now.

     Third is the Baja Blast Sonic   Scourge. Since he’s the Zone-alternate of Sonic, his skills are genuinely on-par with Sonic, even capable of surpassing True Blue if the circumstances are correct. Usually it’s with the help of home-field advantages, but a win’s a win, y’know? 

     Main downside is that his Zone’s alternate to Chaos Emeralds are absolutely garbage. Sonic’s acceptance of different types of energy is what keeps him so malleable and capable. Adaptability in the face of different opponents is a genuine factor, but Scourge has that ‘hit it until it stops moving’ mentality. Hurts the strategical mind a bit, needs to learn how to think out of the box, and it’s what finds him laid out more than less.

     He has put a surprising amount of thought into this.It must have been really, particularly, mind-numbingly boring on Angel Island as of late.

   “Oh, please.” Uh oh Knuckles, that was not the answer she wanted to hear. “Not that I’m actively trying to take Sonic’s place, but the fact that you wouldn’t have ME in a high placement seems inaccurate, speaking as Sonic’s, ahem, counterpart.” 

Oh boy, her pride has fully overtaken her social ineptitudes.

   “I’ll have you know, that I have managed to defeat many of the same threats that Sonic has, completely on my own. And that’s not to even begin on our own Eggman being significantly ahead of the curve, despite his shortcomings in regards to being an intimidating force.