on the woes of alternate realities

[acornprincess]

You want to do what with me? I've never heard the word used that way before. Nicole, analysis please!

[Analyzing, Sally...in the language of mundanes in this context, a 'game' is a long-term mission located in a location far from a Mobian's home world. Participation is involuntary, and symptoms of distress are common among selectees.]

These 'games' are other missions? I'm afraid I have to decline. We've finally beaten Robotnik, and Mobius is free again! Our war is over. I'm sorry, whoever you are, but you'll have to enlist someone else. My friends and I need to rebuild our world.

[Participation is involuntary, Sally. Sonic and Tails have been enlisted previously. Origin: alternate reality.]

Alternate reality? That means there's a chance they won't recognize me, doesn't it?

[Chance of recognition: zero percent.]

Zero. Well, thank you for not sparing me the bad news, Nicole. I think I've heard enough for one afternoon. Now I just need to escape before the deployment.

Comments

[waypastcool]

You're sayin' you're gonna get saddled up with some other version of me, Sal? Sounds like a mondo pain.

[acornprincess]

If he's like you at all, we'll have enough of a 'mondo pain' to last a long while.

But I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll miss you.

[waypastcool]

Hey, if he's anything like me, you'll be in good hands. Just sounds like a headache waitin' to happen with the whole different universes thing.

[Then again, he's learned about that himself after dealing with broody the hedgehog-- er, Shadow.]

But I'll miss ya too, Sal. You hang in there, okay?

[acornprincess]

I'm sure we can figure it out. Tails will help. He's growing up into quite the genius.

[She can't keep the smile off her face.]

You take care of yourself too. We want you home in one piece, Sonic Hedgehog.

[waypastcool]

Hey, soon as I figure out how to get back to Mobius, I'll be there in a Sonic second!

[A beat.]

After I get the ol' juice back, anyway.

[acornprincess]

What do you mean, your juice? You don't have your speed?

[waypastcool]

I've still got some speed, but I still feel like a slow-mo. Can't even hit 100 miles like this.

[He groans.]

But everyone's in the same boat where I'm at. Anyone with powers got 'em replaced with somethin' way weaker, and I'm lucky I'm still a hedgehog.

[acornprincess]

That's horrible! Oh, Sonic. But you're a Freedom Fighter for a reason. I'm sure you're helping them as best you can.

Are they being roboticized over there?