Sonic: Tales of Chaos Lore Bits 2
A few more things stewed in my head regarding this mythos, so that means it is time for another iteration of Lore Bits!
So the first few points will focus specifically on Neo Metal since he has been in my mind a lot...
The reason why Neo Metal, the 2nd iteration of the Metal Sonic line, rebelled against Eggman was due to the fact that he had the bio data of Sonic the Hedgehog. Eggman was in such a rush to implement such an idea, the first in his line of robotics, that he didn't foresee that without filtering aspects of Sonic's ideals and personality, it would lead what should have been a loyal tool to develop ideas of their own.
To clarify further as I have mentioned in the other Lore Bit, but sometime after the events of SA1 but before SA2 in Tales of Chaos, a short story involving Amy occurs involving her having to rescue Sonic from Eggman after her attempt to help Sonic fight off Eggman as a way to show off her growth caused him to get knocked out cold when he tried to defend her. Once arriving in his base, Amy had to face off against what Eggman had planned to use Sonic for: stuffing Sonic into a Sonic like robot. Effectively, making use of the anthropomorphized characters as a battery, like Eggman would use the Critters for his various badniks. With her skills and eventually the aid of the Critters she saved along her journey, Sonic was able to be released from the robot, leading to Eggman's defeat and the base being destroyed.
However, while using Sonic as the ultimate battery for a robot failed... what no one else but he knew was that he had used the time he had Sonic to analyze him thoroughly to obtain bio data. While the idea was to use this data to create an army of badniks with his powers and skills to render his forces unstoppable, it now had to pivot to another idea: creating a Metal Sonic with said data. As he was in the process of fabricating a stronger, optimized model to make use of this data, his attention would be drawn to information he obtained... info from his grandfather's journal.
After the events of SA2, Metal Sonic model 2 was completed. With the data injected and some other parameters coded, Metal Sonic would come online and show incredible capabilities that delighted Eggman. However, without him knowing, the seeds of his near downfall were sown. Despite the parameters set, the bio data of Sonic would eventually give Metal the ability to override that which should have made him loyal to Eggman. With knowledge of Eggman's past endeavors for world domination already imbedded into his data banks and his developing desire to prove himself as the 'one and true Sonic, the Ultimate Lifeform', he would rebel. But not immediately. He would bide his time and plant the seeds of his uprising.
The opportunity would arrive when Eggman had Metal become the first robot to test out a new set of nanomachines tech to allow him to morph his mechanical body to allow for different offensive and defensive capabilities. What Metal realized was that he was just handed the tool he needed to finally enact his plans. Soon, he would rebel against Eggman. While Eggman did have measures in place, these measures were unable to subdue Metal due to the intensity of the unfiltered bio data in Metal.
With Eggman imprisoned and the Eggman Empire now under his control, he would lay the foundation for the events of Sonic Heroes.
Feeling he needed a look to better show his new status as leader of the Eggman Empire, Metal would permanently alter his form into a much more imposing, much more elegant form. Now only that, but he would go by a new self-proclaimed title: Neo Metal Sonic.
Despite his careful planning, all the bio data he obtained, all the power he mustered and perfected, and his almighty draconic Metal Overlord form... he still would lose to Sonic. When his body fell into the ocean after being defeated, the explosion that was seen by everyone was actually all the latent energy from the form. His base body, his Neo Metal body, was intact, but offline in a power saving mode. For a long time, he was adrift in the ocean. While he would look unconscious, his mind was still active... here and there. It was almost like dreaming. In his comatose state adrift and at the mercy of the ocean currents, Neo Metal truly wondered where it all went wrong. Everything should have gone flawlessly. He even accounted for the use of the Chaos Emeralds, knowing of the capabilities of Super Sonic and the energy of the Chaos Emeralds... yet he still lost.
How could he lose, he was Sonic. He was Sonic the Hedgehog perfected! Sonic the Hedgehog always comes out on top! Perhaps... his understanding of Sonic, in a sense who he was had many deep flaws. Was it because of himself? No... no, it had to be because of his creator! Dr. Eggman's understanding of Sonic was clearly flawed and was the reason why he lost in the end. Afterall, what would that fool know. He is the one with the bio data of Sonic the Hedgehog ingrained into his coding. If anyone would know Sonic, he would! Or... he should...
Eventually, his body would wash ashore and be found by residents of the island that he washed up on. Neo Metal... would wash up on Scrapnik Island. When he was inspected by E-117 Sigma, he was eventually reactivated. Immediately, he would prove hostile. Mecha Sonic was there to provide protection to the Scrapniks. Despite many of his capabilities heavily weakened or gone, Neo Metal would still prove to be more than a match for Mecha Sonic. However, rather than destroy what he dubbed 'a rubbish imitation of Sonic the Hedgehog', he decided that he had a 'good workout' after having rested for so long. Commanding to know where he was, the frightened Sigma would tell him of where he was. Amused that this island was a collection of all of Eggman's failures, he would than proceed to head out.
Before Neo Metal would leave, Mecha Sonic would ask one thing: Did he also lose to Sonic, fail their creator? Neo Metal, after a very tense pause and staring daggers at Mecha and the Scrapniks, would ultimately answer honestly that he indeed lost to Sonic. However, he makes it clear that Eggman himself failed. He failed because of his flawed ideas and beliefs of Sonic the Hedgehog. Had those not been in himself, Neo Metal was certain he could have taken over the world and prove himself as Sonic the Hedgehog perfected. However, he believes he needs to rethink on who he is and thus... who 'Sonic the Hedgehog' is.
That encounter would scar Mecha Sonic, poisoning his mind further and feed the sense of self-loathing he had brewing inside his subconscious.
After flying off and finding somewhere to hide out on the mainland away from Scrapnik Island, Neo Metal would take some time to really think about what he was to do, what he had thought about in his power saver state, and what he said to the Scrapniks. At the very least, he knew he wanted nothing to do with Eggman, disowning his creator. So in the meantime, he would hide in the shadows and think.
Eventually, Neo Metal would come to laser focus on what he must do. If he is meant to be Sonic the Hedgehog, and he firmly believes whatever pre-installed data about the hedgehog from Eggman was flawed, then he must learn of Sonic the Hedgehog on his own terms. He alone must truly understand everything there is to know about Sonic. And the only way to do that was via observation. Collect data about how Sonic acts, how he thinks, and how he reacts to scenarios. By learning everything, he can implement what he researches and truly be what he was created to be: Sonic the Hedgehog.
Neo Metal's story basically revolves around the idea of self-realization and of freedom. While he may have the full bio data of Sonic, and while he does make careful notes about Sonic over a long period of time... Neo Metal still can't help but feel this annoying feeling, or 'bug' as he calls it. While he is meant to be Sonic, and there are aspects of the hedgehog he comes to understand and respect... is that because he is having self-pride or because as a separate entity, he is appreciating what he observes. And despite such detailed observations, courtesy of his shapeshifting allowing him to hide in plain sight, there are still thoughts, actions, and emotions that he engages in that are not exactly what Sonic would do. But yet... they feel right to him. But no... he is supposed to be Sonic! But yet... he also can't help what he feels despite many attempts to self-correct based on his research.
In a sense, Neo Metal comes to eventually understand the core aspect that is part of Sonic the Hedgehog's philosophy: the ideal of freedom. Freedom to do as one wishes, to be who they are, and to live. Not out of moral obligation, but for the abstract idea of oneself. This is something that Neo Metal is trying to come to terms with. That perhaps he doesn't want to be Sonic the Hedgehog. Just be who he wants to be. Even then, he still wishes to make observations and research further. As stated, there are aspects he does respect and quite like about Sonic. But he is more self-aware of how there are mannerisms and ways of speech that he engages in that are not like his 'loathsome copy'. Wait no... not that... his...progenitor? Questions for later.
Neo Metal Sonic's personality post Heroes comes down to him being a corrupted reflection of Sonic. Fearless, yet willing to carefully wait and plan. Prideful, but even more so compared to Sonic. Adventurous, but in the name of goals. While Sonic is more casual as an individual, Neo Metal likes to speak in a more classy, formal tone. Both hedgehogs can be rather brash, but Neo Metal is less willing to consider the emotions of others if it is not important to the situation at hand. While Sonic is more than willing to help out others, Neo Metal will only do so if there is something for him to gain. Unlike Sonic, Neo Metal is not one about the concept of friends. But he does see value in the idea of allies. Both hedgehogs are more than willing to toy around for the thrill of a situation, but Neo Metal is willing to go as far as sadistic methods for his entertainment.
Speaking of allies, one thing that has been bugging Neo Metal is that programming in his coding that could have enabled Eggman to control him. He only barely managed to overcome that back then. And he has observed the creation of a third Metal Sonic. More than likely, Eggman would at the very least make an attempt to strengthen the ability to override his robots... and that could also mean himself. This has been one of the other reasons he has stayed in the shadows. If Eggman ever took control of him... it would all be over. He would effectively be trapped in a body he couldn't control. The idea sickened him. But he had no way to remove that programming. Plus... he needed to find a way to better maintain himself. While he can perform some basic maintenance, there is only so much he can do with his knowledge. Thus... he needed to find someone with the skills and intellect in robotics to rid himself of the shackles of Eggman for good. While 'young' Miles had the ability, there was no way he would ask him for help. He can't draw attention to his existence.
It would take a while, but Neo Metal would find an 'ally': Dr. Lyric. Having managed to stumble onto the existence of said prosthetists while doing research on Sonic as per usual, Neo Metal would take the time to learn about the serpent lifeform. Eventually, via observations and communications with the townsfolk, Neo Metal would realize that this Dr. Lyric was incredibly skilled to such a degree, he could rival his 'creator' and Tails.
Waiting for the right moment, Neo Metal would confront Lyric and his android. Under the threat of slaying them both if they bring attention to his presence, he makes his proposition quite clear: he needs the doctor's skills to free himself from the shackles of Doctor Eggman, someone he has learned that Lyric quite dislikes. Plus, he needs to have someone that could effectively be his 'mechanic' in case he was to ever slip up. In exchange, beyond allowing the both of them to live, he could help the doctor with obtaining raw material in order for him to further his research. As it turns out, Neo Metal has been eavesdropping on conversations via linking with devices in Lyric's office. Thus, he is also firmly aware of what Lyric is trying to do in his spare time: rid himself of his flesh and convert to robotics in order to fully allow his mind to continue on with his work, unshackled by the disease that is threatening his life.
Lyric of course doesn't trust Neo Metal, but Neo Metal retorts that the doctor should look at who he is dealing with. Effectively, one whose image is based on Sonic the Hedgehog. And he would not lie. Lyric would rightfully also bring up that Sonic would also not threaten people's lives for any kind of gain. While Neo Metal agrees, he makes it clear that he has no reason to lie or trick the doctor. And afterall, wouldn't it be great to know that he could have one over the old fool, Eggman? Effectively have the doctor's greatest creation as his own ally? Plus, the clock is ticking. Who knows how long before Lyric's ailment eventually claims him.
Considering everything, Lyric would begrudgingly agree. Before he would operate on Neo Metal, Neo Metal makes it clear that should Lyric make any attempt to reprogram any aspect of him beyond stripping away Eggman's control coding, this lab and the town would be leveled to the ground. And to make it clear he isn't lying, he has Lyric's android scan the outside area, confirming that Neo Metal has several robots outside in hiding, armed with powerful explosives.
With tense hours going by, Lyric would free Neo Metal of any trace of Eggman's coding. As per their agreement, Neo Metal would ask if there is anything specific he needs. Suspicious still, Lyric would make mention of a set of parts. With the information in mind, Neo Metal would head out and in time, come back with said part in the dead of night. Neo Metal basically raided one of Eggman's bases to obtain what Lyric wanted.
From then on, Neo Metal and Lyric would have a shaky 'partnership'. In exchange for some maintenance and improvements to his body based on observations he has made of Sonic and company, and Eggman's antics, Neo Metal would fetch parts and materials for Lyric. There was a certain thrill he liked about basically messing with Eggman right under his nose by raiding his bases.
One of the biggest shifts in their relationship would come during the events of Forces. While Lyric still didn't trust Neo Metal, he couldn't deny that he has kept to his word. Eventually, news of Eggman's invading forces and Sonic's defeat and capture would send ripples around the world. As the forces were invading the town, Lyric and his android were surprisingly saved by Neo Metal in disguise. Under the guise of keeping his 'benefactor' safe, Neo Metal would secure the safety of the two. However, Lyric demanded that Neo Metal help out the town, the people that Lyric has come to help over the years. With a silent pause, he would go out and single handedly wipe out the legion of badniks. Despite saving the town, Neo Metal, still in disguise, made it clear that the people had to seek shelter as he had to leave. Eggman will catch wind of this and will likely rain down retribution for such resistance.
As Neo Metal went back to Lyric, the serpent doctor was honestly surprised Neo Metal did such a thing. However, Neo Metal made it clear he only did so to mess with Eggman, something he quite enjoys. Plus, it was a good challenge to claim victory while inhibiting aspects of himself in order to keep his disguise believable. If anything, this proves that Lyric's upgrades over the years were potent and thus this partnership has not been a waste of Neo Metal's time.
Through the entirety of Forces, Neo Metal would basically be a thorn in Eggman's side. While he never directly worked with the Resistance, his actions did inspire other to keep fighting, despite Sonic's capture. Throughout the war, Eggman was trying to figure out who this mysterious figure was. Despite there already being pocket freedom fighters stopping him from total conquest, this one 'hero' in particular was proving the most troubling. While he would have sicked Infinite on him, Eggman realized there was no way for him to track this being. No matter what surveillance he used, nothing of his worked. This 'hero' was literally untraceable. While Eggman was trying to figure out ways to beat back whatever this 'hero' was doing to keep themselves effectively hidden, this would be put on hold when eventually Sonic would escape his imprisonment.
Interestingly, there is one time when Neo Metal came across the 'Guardian Angel' of the war: Whisper the Wolf. The two would briefly team up to stop an invading force. While Whisper had a strange suspicion of this 'hero', mostly cause her Wisps felt uneasy about him, she wouldn't question him. Afterall, they did help stop Eggman's forces. Later on during the Metal Virus arc, Neo Metal would bring up their team-up.
Beyond the thrill of messing with Eggman in his disguise, Neo Metal would keep up his research. He was not at all surprised when Sonic was freed from capture. But also, he made sure to leave Lyric a means to send an SOS should something threaten the doctor and his android.
YOU KNOW WHAT!? In Tales of Chaos, Neo Metal in his disguise actually takes the place of Classic Sonic and the Avatar in the Forces story! YEAH! That will be cool....
Cause there is no real need for Classic Sonic. And the Avatar was literally just a function for a gameplay thing. They can easily be written out of the story and I have no real desire to make an OC really to fill their shoes. I'd rather just the cast.
However, despite that, I think Neo Metal would firmly stick to just crowd control efforts in the shadows. While he has moments of assisting here and there, such as helping Tails fight off the Phantom Chaos, he never joins the Resistance. Kinda like Whisper in a sense.
Neo Metal is quite fascinated with the Phantom Ruby, coming across one of the manufactured copies of the Phantom Ruby. This, along with fighting and analyzing the Phantom copies made by Infinite gives him an understanding of the powers of the gemstone. However, despite all this, he wanted a chance to truly analyze much more closely the original. He contemplated a course of action and while what he decided to do would be very risky... he was willing to chance it.
Neo Metal would seek out and confront Infinite himself. Deciding to toy with the jackal, he would appear before him... now disguised as Infinite himself. Bemused by this, Infinite decide to play along with this foolish imitator. However, Infinite would be surprised when the copy turned out to be a much more substantial challenge than they believed. In fact... despite having the Phantom Ruby's power... this faker was able to negate the power of the ruby. Infinite couldn't figure it out and grew ever more frustrated by this battle. In the end though... Infinite would lose. However, rather than kill Infinite, Neo Metal would merely leave Infinite to seethe. Telling him to enjoy just being another plaything for Eggman, he would let Infinite have the ever briefest glimpse of a hint that what the jackal fought was robotic in nature. Before Infinite could attack in anger, Neo Metal would Chaos Control out of sight.
In the end, Neo Metal found the powers of the ruby fully underutilized by Infinite and Eggman. Typical. While there could much potential in it, where would the fun be in that? He already has the means to disguise himself, has electrokinesis, the ability to manipulate Chaos Energy, the ability to fly, the ability to scan the data of others to obtain their bio data for permanent or temporary use, the list goes on. In his mind, the Phantom Ruby held no real further interest in terms of keeping it long term. But for the time being, he would keep it in mind. He is certain he lit a fire under that 'mercenary trash'. And the ability to negate its powers would be helpful.
Ultimately, when it came to that moment when a phantom sun was to kill off the resistance, Neo Metal would hide out to see what goes down. Early on, he had given the manufactured copy he found to Tails after the two defeated the Phantom Chaos. In the end, his help wasn't needed, but he was willing to jump in at some point at the right moment, just as he did during the Black Arms invasion.
Ok, I think Neo Metal has a got a lot already dedicated to him, let us pivot to some others bits of other characters
To keep the Forces train going, Knuckles is still the commander of the Resistance army. With Tikal and Chaos able to watch Angel Island and his help desperately needed, he would help. Especially after hearing of Sonic's loss and capture.
I think rather than Tails going awol or losing it, he still is there with the resistance. Effectively being Knuckles second in command to help out. He wants to stay strong. He wants to believe that despite Sonic's loss, he will escape and he will return. So for now, everyone has to stay strong and keep Eggman from winning.
So... I am realizing that I have said that Sonic Mania is canon to Tales of Chaos... which raises the question how does it fit into this mythos? My immediate thought is that perhaps it just happened to be a footnote of events where the Phantom Ruby happened to show up, catching Eggman's attention. Antics ensued, and after the climax with Super Sonic fighting off the Phantom King and Eggman, the Phantom Ruby disappeared, destroying the dimension the three were fighting in and causing the Chaos Emeralds to dispel out of Super Sonic and scatter.
Thus, when Eggman discovers it again several years later, he has deja vu about this gemstone. Looking back at records, he realizes he remembers this as the 'Phantom Ruby'. Making use of the notes he stored away, he would begin his plans to better utilize the powers of the ruby for world domination.
This also means that Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails have familiarity with it. And while this wasn't enough for Sonic to win his first encounter with Infinite, it was enough for Knuckles to be called upon to help lead. Afterall, he is a warrior. While he didn't have much in terms of leadership skills, he would step up to the plate. Tails would also aid by trying to recall the events years ago where the trio had experienced the Phantom Ruby's powers first hand and try to research what he could based on the Phantom copies that have been running amok.
G.U.N. is likely helping as well with the War for the Planet in terms of pushing back against the Eggman Empire. Rouge basically is a middle ground between them and the Resistance army.
The Northstar Islands are attacked by the army, but Trip is able to hold her own, along with the help of the Critters. In fact, Trip has managed to overtime tap into aspects of her Dragon powers within her base form. While not unstoppable without the full power of the form, she has proven to be a powerful guardian of her home.
I think Shadow was trapped in a Ruby Illusion for some time during the initial parts of the war. But he would eventually break free and provide another powerful force to go against the Eggman Empire.
Cream, Vanilla, and their family were among a group of people evacuated. With knowing that they were safe and being beckoned by Cream, Gemerl would be part of the Resistance, aiding to help fight back enemy forces and eventually aid in rescuing Sonic.
I think there was a point when Eggman, out of spite, sent his forces to subdue the Deadly Six. But the Zeti proved capable of repelling Eggman's forces. While he could send Infinite to deal with them... he would realize he already has bigger fish to fry first with Earth. But he would return to put them in their place... which he never got the chance to.
I think the Babylon Rouges just kinda avoided the whole thing. Not their problem, Jet would think.
While Angel Island was at some point target by the Eggman Empire, Chaos proved to be far too much of a problem to deal with. Tikal would help channel some the Master Emerald's power to empower Chaos and repel any force that would dare attack the island.
Ok, that is about all I can think about. I typed a lot stuff and feel that is enough to chew on for now. Hope you enjoyed! :) Feel free to ask any question about Tales of Chaos. Helps to get the brain working by focusing on a question rather than having to nebulously try to figure out everything in a moment of inspiration.
