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“I must admit,” Sonic remarks, staring at the two scientists “I can definitely see the resemblance.”
No one for sure knows why Eggman’s grandfather miraculously appeared on Bygone Island, but you don’t look ‘gift horses’ in the mouth. ‘Gift horse’ was not an accurate description, however, as Gerald Robotnik seemed to be a gift to absolutely no one. Eggman had been desperately trying to hide his villainy from his grandfather for the better part of the visit, something Sonic plans to take full advantage of.
Sticks finishes her tenth roundabout of the old man, sniffing violently as if she’d uncover the aliens by severely straining her nasal cavities. “You smell like GOVERNMENT!” She screams, pointing as accusatory finger directly in the old man’s face.
“Ah.” Gerald replies. “That would be because of my former affiliation with the government. Bunch of ninnies if you ask me. You only get good grant funding when they want a weapon of mass destruction.” Sticks’ eyes quite literally sparkle as she hastily writes down this info.
“Thoughts on Aliens?” She asks.
“Popular demonic imagery likely originated from a particular species I’ve made contact with. They drop by every 50 years or so and if you can get yourself a big enough laser you’ll be able to destroy their vessel before the invasion reaches full swing. Although it is entirely possible that demons are just that species. Their leader looks the part.” Sticks gives a grunt in acknowledgement, scribbling something on her notepad. If someone were to look at the contents of this notepad, they would find completely illegible chicken scratch writing.
“Is it possible to genetically engineer a hedgehog?” She says, looking up at the scientist.
The old man does not get a chance to respond, however, as Shadow proceeds to appear, grab Gerald by the scruff of the neck, and disappear. Eggman makes an unknown noise of acknowledgment.
“Welp. Seems like my grandpa is functionally dead. Who wants to help me forge a last will and testament to transfer all his wealth to me?”
Tails raises his hand. “I’ve always wanted to try fraud.”
-(0)-
Hours later, Gerald reappears outside Tails’ workshop, where the fox kit and mad scientist work on fabricating documents. Both geniuses freak out upon seeing the old man, Eggman letting out a rather high pitched scream while Tails grabs the nearest weapon (a flamethrower) and burns the evidence. A large bucket of water hanging from the ceiling empties onto the fox and the flaming table. Sonic speaks up from a non-charred table he was sitting on.
“Congratulations on… not getting killed by Shadow?” He slow claps at the old man, vaguely confused.
“We just had the most heartwarming reunion!” Gerald announces.
“Ah.” The rest of the conversational participants say as if any explanation was provided.
Gerald examined the charred remains on the table. “Forging documents are we?”
“I thought you might as well be dead.” Eggman replies, rightfully guilty.
“Y’know who might as well be dead? My grand daughter.” The old man wiped away a tear. “She got fridged, you see.” Tails raises an eyebrow.
“Like the narrative device in which someone close to a character dies in order to give character development or a reason for their behavior?” He asks.
“She’s been in cryosleep stasis on a government stronghold for years now.” Gerald turns to look at the fox kit, somehow deadly serious. “But yes that is the name of that particular trope.” He rubs his chin, pondering. “I probably should’ve used a different word.”
“So… why are you on the island?” Sonic decides to ask.
“Well I’m gonna go recruit Shadow to help me in raising Area 69 on Prison Island. And then I’m moving into this nice little hamlet!”
“whAt” Eggman almost screams.