Tails continues to take over Knothole...one rebel at a time.

I woke up feeling like my body had been through the ringer while I slept. I got out of bed and stretched…I was sure I felt more bones crackle and pop than ever before.

I was nineteen going on fifty apparently.

I groggily went over to my dresser and put on my uniform. I then checked the small bag I was carrying to ensure the stones were still there and to help me realize this had not been a dream.

The three stones that held the will of Geoffrey, Drago and one of our royal guards were glowing softly. Several other stones were also there waiting to be used.

I looked up at the mirror and saw Geoffrey and Drago standing in my doorway. I gasped and dropped the bag onto the drawer.

“How long have you been standing there?” I asked angrily.

“You told me to come here for orders before heading to the base. I have done as you wished, Master. I have only been here for an hour or so.”

“An hour? You just stood there staring at me for an hour?”

Drago pushed in front of Geoffrey and puffed his chest. “If that impressed you then you’ll be really happy with me as I stood here watching over you the last five hours!”

I turned and shook my head. “Well…I did tell you to come here for new orders…and Drago has to stay with me for now…so I guess I can’t get mad. It just scared me to see two people staring at me.”

I started to brush my hair when I actually looked at myself in the mirror. I dropped the brush and my mouth dropped. I looked at least five years older now!

That serum had still been working on my body. My uniform had gotten a lot tighter and made it obvious that I was stronger...

I opened my dresser and found one of my coveralls that I wore when working on the Tornado. It wasn’t that warm out…and everyone knew I worked on the plane…yes this would work until I got a new bigger uniform.

“Master…I do not wish to rush you, but I am expected at base in twenty-six minutes…I am always at least ten minutes early.”

I flipped back around as I put on the coveralls over my uniform.

“Huh…oh…OH!” I said as I realized that he was waiting on me to command him. I’d forgotten after seeing myself in the mirror.

“Sorry Geoffrey…I am still getting used to doing this. I apologize.”

The skunk shook his head.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Master. I should have not stood in your door waiting for you to wake up. I should have waited downstairs.”

“Nah, we don’t need people seeing how long you were here. It’s fine. Really.”

I walked over and put on my boots. I was finally dressed and looked normal enough.

“Geoffrey…I want you to report back to me every three hours with anything you hear today. Begin thinking of which freedom fighter we should bring over to our side. Find out which fighters are low enough to not attract attention, but are important enough to assist us in our goals.”

The skunk smiled. “I can do this for you my Master…thank you for allowing me to assist you in your plans to take control of Knothole.”

I put my hand on the skunk’s face and looked into his enchanted eyes. It felt good knowing that he’d never betray me…and hung on my every word. This feeling of power was certainly intoxicating and seeing this once proud Mobian under my hand helped quench my thirst for power…if only for a short time.

“Thank you for being a loyal soldier, Geoffrey. You are valuable to my plan… There is no way that I can do this without you.”

The skunk took my hand in both of his hands and put it on his chest.

“My heart beats only to serve you Master…I have never felt so peaceful and happy in my entire life. That is all because you came into my life and gave me a new purpose.”

The skunk sighed and a frown quickly formed on his face.

“I must go now Master…I hate to leave you…but I must begin my day…I will obey your orders and I will contact you at noon.”

The skunk turned and left the room. He turned back for a second and sighed before walking down the stairs and out the front door.

Man…he is really under my control…like even more than yesterday! This was going to work better than I could have ever imagined.

“Master…I have an idea of how to be useful to you.” Drago said softly. “May I tell you about my idea?”

I nodded. “Of course. Please tell me your plan.”

The wolf nodded. “Well…I know other wolves…and we are strong warriors that could be useful to you…I just wanted to know if I could go search for a few of my former pack and bring them to you to be changed? I want them to be able to feel like I do! I was a bad wolf until you changed me…I am so happy now…I just want my friends to have the chance to obey you too!”

I was impressed that these two wanted to spread their enchantment to others…Drago had not been commanded to do this…or really anything at all yet.

“Sure Drago…I’ll let you try this, but I need to get you a communication device. Follow me down to the lab.”

The wolf silently followed behind me as I searched for my old communicator. After a few minutes of frustration I felt a tap on the back.

“Master…is this it?” Drago then extended his hand and showed me exactly what I’d been looking for.

I grabbed the communicator and smiled. “Yes, thank you Drago.”

I took the communicator and made a few quick adjustments that would allow him to directly contact me without the signal being picked up by Freedom HQ and Nichole.

I also grabbed a backpack for the wolf. He would need supplies.

“Ok Drago, follow me…I will get you a few supplies.”

“Master…I will forage for any supplies I need. Please leave all supplies for your own needs. I do not wish to burden you in any way.”

I shook my head and pulled a few bottles of water and a couple rations and put them in the backpack.

“Here. There is some food and water. Keep the communicator on your belt and make sure to keep in contact with me. Once you have someone let me know and then you can return. If you don’t find anyone in a few days you need to come home. I will not treat it as a failure if you don’t find anyone. Do you understand?”

“I do…thank you Master.”

I took a small blaster and gave it to the wolf as well.

“Protection. You must defend yourself from any attacks.”

The wolf took the weapon and attached it to his belt.

“You honor me with your trust, Master. If only I had been treated this way before…maybe I would have turned out different.”

“Do not make me regret the trust I put in you. Go and hurry back!”

The wolf opened the door and turned back once to look at me again.

“I already miss you Master.”

The wolf then closed the door and ran towards the forest.

I sat down and wondered just who I wanted to join my cause next. There were many people who had taken me for granted…but who would I love to turn for my enjoyment?

I pulled out my tablet and began to look at my schedule for the day…what a shock…I only needed to send out patrols for the week…and that wasn’t until nine thirty. I still had plenty of time to make a decision on who would be my next slave.

Then I knew exactly who I’d go take…I would take one of Knuckle’s friends. Vector…he wouldn’t be too hard to convince and would be a good set of eyes into the Chaotix. I would eventually want Knuckles and Mighty as well…but the gator would be a great start.

I put away my tablet and looked at my watch. It was 9:00. I would go ahead and do my job and then head down to the secret lab to begin my actual work.

I made my way into Freedom Fighter’s HQ and went right to the ready room. Elias, Geoffrey and Jean-Claude, one of Geoffrey’s elite soldiers, were waiting on me. I saluted the Prince and went to my seat.

“Miles. It is good to see you.” Geoffrey said. “I was just telling Elias about all of the training I’ve been giving you.”

Damn…that skunk is a clever bastard. He was already making sure our being seen together would make sense and that my stronger looking physique would also be understood by everyone…well except Sonic anyway.

“Yes…I am ever grateful for all of the time you’ve been willing to spend on helping me.”

The skunk sat down across from me.

“Well, we all know you want to go on missions. I personally think you are ready, but for some reason the Prince doesn’t think so.”

Elias cleared his throat. “Sonic and Sally both think he is too young…while I personally no longer agree with them myself. Tails has proven to be a top notch tactician and would be valuable in the field.”

Holy crap…really? I thought to myself. The Prince actually thought I was useful?

That was new.

Well it was because of Geoffrey of course…it had been a great idea to turn him first. I was glad I randomly ran into him.

“Tails if you look at the file I sent you…”

I took out my tablet and uploaded the file and saw the known Robotnik patrols and the locations of our troops.

“As you can see, we have more than a few groups out in action right now. What I need from you is a route that can get them all home safe.”

I stared at the map for a few minutes and saw the obvious choice that would bring everyone home alive…which would ensure more slaves for me.

I took out my digital pen and made the routes for each patrol and sent it back to Elias.

“Prince Acorn…it is completed. Do you need me to do anything else this morning?”

The Prince studied the map and smiled. “Very good my boy…you are free to go. I will relay this to each team.”

I stood…saluted and watched as Geoffrey and Jean Claude followed me out. I figured I knew his choice. My other fox guard was waiting for us when I opened the door to the briefing room that held the secret door to the lab. I closed the briefing room door and watched as the fox and Geoffrey grabbed Jean by the arms.

“What is this?” The guard said as he pulled against them in vain. “What are you doing?”

I pulled one of the soul stones from my bag and held it up in front of Jean Claude.

“My friends…or should I say…slaves chose you to be next Jean…you should feel honored that they feel you are worthy to be my slave.”

The chipmunk tried to break free, but could not. “This is madness! Geoffrey! You’ve been my friend for years…how could you do this to me?”

“Just be quiet and look at the stone Jean. You’ll understand why soon enough.”

Geoffrey took one of his hands and forced Jean to look at the stone in my hand. Within seconds of locking eyes with it he could no longer look away. His fight left him almost immediately and allowed Geoffrey to let him go.

“Jean…look deeper into the stone…as deep as you can until the colors and light swirl and dance.”

“Look…deep…stone…” Jean mumbled as his eyes focused on the stone and only the stone.

“Do you see the light? Once you see it you must focus on the light.”

“Light…can’t…no…” Jean said as he attempted one last time to free his mind.

The stone then flashed and I watched the light enter his eyes. His will had been drained…his soul and mind were mine.

I put the stone in my bag and looked at my new slave. Being part of Geoffrey’s Royal guard had made him strong and his body was in amazing shape. He wasn’t much taller than I was, but I knew better than to think he was weak. His mind was weak, but his body was much stronger than it looked.

Jean’s eyes were also filled with the purple swirl. It was official at that point…That I was now in control.

I opened the secret door and the four of us made our way into my new base. The fox guard saluted me and puffed his chest.

“Master. I have been drafted into a three day patrol. Do you permit this or should I go AWOL to obey your commands. I do not wish to be away from you for three days…but will obey the command if you tell me to do so.”

I nodded. “You cannot shirk duty right now. I can’t have you disobey your subordinates until I take more of them over. Then you can be moved to my own battalion and will never be away from me again.”

The fox nodded and I thought I saw a tear fall down his cheek.

“I will…obey…even if the pain it causes me to be away from you is the worst pain I’ve ever suffered.”

The fox embraced me and sighed. “Master…I love you…I will not fail.” He then ran his hand across my face before turning and running out of the room.

He’d only been under enchantment for a day and was that attached? That was insane, but important to know. They weren’t fighting me at all…each day less of their own will survived and was replaced by the urges to obey me.

I turned to Jean as he was still under trance. It was time to complete my control.
“Jean Claude…you are no longer free. You are now my slave and will obey my every word.”

“I am…your…slave…will obey…every…command?”

“Good boy…you learn fast. You will obey me, but must still go about your everyday life. No one but Geoffrey knows the truth at this time. You will become my eyes and ears just like he has done. You will spy for me…always doing what you are told and then reporting to me what you’ve been told to do. If I deem it to not be in our best interests then I will tell you to disobey them.”

“I…spy…will…not…let…know….slave…”

“My control makes you feel pleasure like you’ve never felt. The more you obey me…the better you will feel. Your main goal is to find others to turn and make into slaves like yourself. Each night and each morning you will come to me for debriefing and new commands. You will also keep in contact through watch communicators every few hours."

“Pleasure?” Is all Jean said as he shuddered.

“Who do you now serve?” I said.

“You…my Master.”

“Excellent…now wake up and take your place as one of my servants.”

Jean groaned and almost collapsed, but Geoffrey caught him.

“Geoffrey…thank you my friend…I…I am so dizzy…but I feel…wow I feel so good…better than ever…is that how it is supposed to be now?”

Geoffrey nodded. “Yes…the feeling his control gives is euphoric. I never want to think for myself again as he knows what is good for me.”

“Yes…it really does feel wonderful to serve our Master…everything is so clear now.”

The guard regained his balance and knelt in front of me. His eyes never left mine and I watched the purple swirl take full control.

“Master…your commands are clear. I will become a spy and report all findings to you each day. Each morning I will come to you for my new command and will follow them all to the letter. I am to act as if I have not been changed when in the presence of others as Geoffrey is the only one who knows the truth. I will search for the best recruits and inform you of my choices. Finally, I am to keep in communication with you during the day at three hour intervals.”

“Do you have any other orders for me Master?” Jean Claude asked. “I only wish to please you now.”

I extended my hand and helped the guard to his feet. He closed his eyes and sighed. “Thank you Master…I don’t deserve you.”

Jean was certainly a strong soldier. Even his grip was incredibly powerful. Geoffrey had done a great job in choosing him to be changed.

“Master…I have noticed your increased strength…please allow me to teach you some of my fighting moves after hours. I want to make you strong and be useful in any way I can.”

I put my hand on Jean’s face and the boy’s feet almost buckled.

“Of course you can teach me what you know. I’m a fast learner now…I would like to see your fighting style…it might be useful to me…now get back to your job and don’t fail me.”

Jean nodded slowly. “Of course Master…I will never let you down.” The guard turned and went to follow his orders and left Geoffrey and I alone.

“Does Elias have you doing anything for the next hour or so?” I asked.

“No Master…he only needed me to brief one of the patrols going out and I did that first thing today. All I am expected to do is patrol the outskirts of the town for an hour or so after lunch.”

I smiled. “So you can assist me then. Good.”

Geoffrey smiled. “What do you require of me, Master?…I will do whatever you ask!”

“I know Geoffrey and that’s why I’m glad you aren’t busy…because I have chosen my next target. I want you to bring Vector to me. I will be waiting for you both in my lab within the next twenty minutes. Find an excuse to get him there.”

Geoffrey nodded. “Of course Master…I can do this for you. I will leave now.”

I didn’t even watch Geoffrey leave as I needed to replicate more stones. Four had been used already and a fifth would be needed within the next hour.

After picking up five more stones I rushed out of Freedom Fighter HQ and back to my house. I hoped that Geoffrey would be able to convince Vector to come here.

Suddenly my Nichole appeared on my tablet and it scared me so much that I almost threw the thing across the room.

“Nichole! Holy crap, you scared me!” I said truthfully. “Is something wrong? Elias said he didn’t really need me anymore today.”

“I am aware that you have performed your duties. According to Geoffrey and Elias your newest plan not only kept our forces out of harm’s way, but allowed Sonic’s group to take out an entire SWAT-BOT battalion.”

“Really?” I said as if I didn’t know my plan was good. I was becoming the smartest Mobian on the planet…of course my plan would work.

“Thank you for letting me know, Nichole. I’m glad my plan worked and kept everyone safe.”

That was true as I needed everyone alive…they would all serve me eventually.

“Elias wanted me to inform you that they would be voting to increase your rank at the end of the week. If you are considered for this advancement then you will be put on active duty. I know you have wanted this for a long time…Just keep patient…soon you’ll get your wish.”

I was patient…that is why no one knew that I was slowly enslaving the town.

“Thank you Nichole. Is there anything else?”

“Not at this time. I will see you at HQ tomorrow.”

My tablet went dark and the lynx disconnected. I sat down and stared at the tablet while I sat and came up with a plan of action. I knew I’d have to reprogram her…but it would take time…and I’d have to avoid alerting anyone…Sally especially. It would be difficult…but I knew I could do it.
I looked at the temperature on my tablet and saw that it had reached over eighty today. No wonder I was so hot. I would have to get a bigger uniform before tomorrow.

After taking off my coveralls and unzipping my uniform tunic I went into my lab and began to work on a virus that I could put into Nichole’s CPU. It would be undetectable and would give me access to her without anyone else knowing. I cracked my knuckles and began to type out the code when my watch began to beep.

It was Drago. He was probably just checking in with me.

“Master? Come in Master…”

“Drago. Do you have anything to report? Where are you?”

“I’m about ten miles out of Knothole. I have stopped to eat and regain my stamina. I will then continue traveling towards the wolf pack’s headquarters. I’ve seen nothing so far…it seems like your friends at Freedom fighter’s HQ have been doing their jobs. I haven’t even seen signs of Bots yet.”

“I changed things around…you shouldn’t see anything related to Robotnik the entire way. Get rested up and get on your way to the pack. Let me know when you arrive.”

“As you wish, Master. Drago out.”

I smiled at my reflection from the computer monitor. Even ten miles away Drago was unable to resist my enchantment. Amazing! Perhaps those soul stones really did give me complete control over them for the rest of their lives.

That in itself made my smile even bigger.

I was able to work on the computer virus meant for Nichole for almost a half hour before Geoffrey sent a video message to my tablet.

“Master…most of the Chaotix is on a mission with Knuckles…I was able to obtain Vector for you…He plans on meeting me at your lab in twenty minutes. I hope this pleases you. I will meet you back at your lab within the next five minutes.”

I put down the tablet and went back to coding my virus. Geoffrey had been a godsend to my plans. That skunk was more loyal to me than even the crown…and that was saying something. I would ensure Geoffrey would be rewarded when the time came.

I heard a knock at the door and then footfalls as Geoffrey came up behind me. I felt him put his hand on my shoulder as he looked to see what I was doing.

“Master…is that some sort of code?” Geoffrey said. “I am not great with computers, but I can tell that it looks complicated.”

I turned my chair around and nodded. “It is a virus. I am going to infect Nichole so she will assist us with taking over Knothole.”

The skunk smiled at this. “Master…you are so impressive…is there anything you can’t do?”

“Well…until yesterday I couldn’t do much of anything.”

“We were foolish to ignore you Master. I am so happy to serve you now.”

I turned as I heard a knock at the door.

Vector was here. It was time.

“Alright Geoffrey…I want you to bring him here. I will act as if I’ve found something and I’ll turn around and show him the stone. If it doesn’t take him instantly then I want you to force him to look. This is vital to our success.”

My slave nodded and went to answer the door. I took one of the stones from my bag and laid it on the desk. I continued to work on the code while the two rebels made their way into my lab.

“Yo Tails! Geoffrey told me that you had something to show me…that Knuckles and the others would be interested in knowing about some vital information. So…what’s this big thing you gotta show me?”

I turned around and stood up. The Gator backed away a bit.

“Wow Tails…you’ve grown up a bit since I saw you last! Been hittin’ the gym?”

“Sorta…but I want you to look at this stone I found. This is what I wanted you to see. What I want everyone to see.”

The Gator took the stone and looked at it for a minute and began to hand it back to me before he started to look at it again a bit more deeply than before.

“What is this thing?” He asked.

“Just keep looking Vector…deeper…deeper.”

The Gator’s tail went limp with a loud thud as he was enchanted by the stone.

“Deeper…” He said. “I…can’t…look…away…”

“No…you can’t.” I said. “You are mine.”

“No…” Vector said weakly.

“Oh yes…” I said. “I am the only thing that matters now.”

The stone flashed and I watched as the gator’s will was drained into the stone. I then took the now glowing stone from his hand.

“You are…the only thing…that matters…” Vector droned. “I am yours to command…”

“That was fast!” Geoffrey said as he looked at the now controlled Vector.

“He wasn’t exactly the smartest Mobian. His will was not strong, but that no longer matters…does it my slave?”

Vector looked up at me and tilted his head to the side.

“No…I rely on you…for…everything…”

“That’s right…you no longer are in control.”

“I’m…no longer…in…control…”

“Vector…listen and obey. You are now part of my brood of slaves. Your only goal is to help me create new slaves and obey my commands. However, as we are few in numbers you must act normal around anyone that hasn’t been turned. Your goal is to help me take over all of your friends. You are to work on getting Mighty to come here and see the truth. You want him to be like you don’t you?”

“Yes…I want…friends…to see…truth…to feel…good.”

“How do you feel?” I asked.

“So…good…at peace…”

“Don’t you want everyone to feel like you do?”

“Yes…my friends…must…feel this way…must obey you…”

“Who do you obey at all times?”

“Master…I obey Master…only Master…”

“Good…now wake up and become one of us!”

The gator shook his head and growled. The swirl in his eyes took full control as he stood to full height.

“Thank you for allowing me to see the truth my Master…I feel…so…wonderful…all I want to do is obey…I want to please you…nothing else matters anymore…God I feel so great!”

“So, will you help me change the rest of the Chaotix?” I asked.

“Yes! Oh yes Master! I want them to know what this FEELS like! I will do whatever you ask me to do!”

“Then it is up to you to make them trust me. Once they have some level of trust, you can bring them…one by one to me. Start with Mighty…then Espio…once we have them I will update your commands.”

“They are not here…they went with Knuckles on a mission…but once they return I will obey…Mighty will soon be one of us…this I promise you…”

“I know you will not let me down…You can stay here with me until your friends return.”

The gator smiled. “Thank you Master! I will do that!”

Geoffrey was standing by the lab entrance. He had been keeping an eye on the door while also ensuring that I was safe.

“Master, no one was aware that Vector came here. His enchantment is known only to us. It will be easy for him to obey the commands you gave him. I will also ensure that Mighty and Espio are brought into our fold. They must see the truth like we have and your commands allow me to assist in their assimilation.”

Geoffrey looked at his watch back to me.

“Master…Jean Claude has another subject. He is coming this way now.”

I nodded in acknowledgement. Another Mobian would be mine.

There was a knock at the door and then Jean stepped through the door. He had brought his partner with him…I thought his name was Dolph, but I wasn’t sure.

“Commander St. John…Jean said you needed to see me?”

“Yes…I wanted you to come and meet Tails. He is one of our new commanders.”

The soldier walked over to me and extended his hand.

“It is good to meet you, Tails. I have heard a lot about you.”

I took the hand and shook it. “Pleasure is all mine…but soon pleasure is all you will feel.”

I grabbed hold of the soldier and forced him to look into the stone I had hidden in my other hand.

“What are you doing? Geoffrey! Jean! Help me!”

Jean came up and put his hands on Dolph’s shoulders. “Calm down…look at the stone…become one of us.”

“No…what has he done to you? Geoffrey…please…make him release me…I promise I won’t tell anyone what I saw here.”

Geoffrey shook his head. “I have been commanded to make others see what we see and that is what I must do. Look into the stone and obey.”

Geoffrey once again forced a former friend to look at the stone. His mind only took seconds to break and his soul was soon mine.

We released the now controlled Mobian and I walked around him. Both he and Jean were quite built…they would serve me well over the next few months.

“Dolph you are to obey every word I say. You must go about your daily life, but you will check in with me at least twice a day. When with any normal Mobian you will not act enslaved…but you will always obey and will always look for others worthy to turn.”

“Yes…Master…I will…obey…”

“You may wake up now and serve me.”

The soldier looked up and smiled as he looked at me.

“You were right…this feels wonderful my Master…thank you for making me one of your servants.”

It was done. I now had Geoffrey and three of his soldiers, one of the Chaotix and a member of the wolfpack on my side. Soon I’d have the heartbeat of Knothole on our side as well…I only had to finish the virus and Nichole would be mine.

“I want Jean and Dolph back at the base. I need you to ensure that no one has realized what I’m doing. Find…”

I realized I didn’t know that fox’s name.

“Geoffrey, what was that fox soldier’s name?”

“Swift, my Master.”

“Thank you…I want you both to find Swift and join up with him. I’ll be here most of the evening working on my next plan. When you are done for the day you can come back here and report any news.”

The two slaves nodded and were off to obey their commands. I was left with Vector and Geoffrey as I sat back down to work on the virus.

The two slaves walked up and stood protectively over me as I worked. Neither spoke, but I could hear their breathing as they were in perfect rhythm with each other. The sense of safety I felt with them nearby was real. This was what it was like to be truly loved by someone…It felt wonderful to know I was their everything.

My tablet beeped as Drago contacted me. I pulled over the tablet and saw Drago standing with a much younger wolf that I recognized immediately.

“Marcos wants to come see you Tails. He has missed you and asked to travel back with me so he could spend a few days catching up. Canus said that he would come get him in a few days. How does that sound?”

“Pleeeeease say yes Tails! I have missed you! I would love to catch up and just hang out…there is nobody around here my age and I’m lonely.”

Drago had done well. I was super impressed with him.

“Of course you can come back here for a few days! I’ve missed you too! Come on back with Drago! I can’t wait to see you!”

The boy ran off and Drago smiled. “Did I do well Master?”

“You did. I am proud of you.”

The wolf shuddered. “Thank you Master…I don’t deserve you or your praise.”

“Get Marcos back here Drago…as quick as you can.”

“Canus will bring us by speeder. It won’t be more than an hour or so.”

I laughed. “Even better. Inform me of when you are close.”

Drago nodded. “Of course Master. Drago out.”

I quickly finished the section of code I was working on and saved the program.

I then spun around and faced my slaves.

“You will have another join you tonight. I am so excited…this is going so well.”

Vector frowned. “Master…I am supposed to go on an exploratory mission tonight for the Prince. I need to meet him soon. If I do not show, he will know something is up.”

I nodded. “Of course. Go and help Elias to the best of your ability.”

The gator nodded. “As you wish.”

Vector walked towards the door and turned back before leaving.

“Master…I don’t want to leave you.”

“I’ll be fine. You have your orders.”

Vector sighed and left. I knew he was upset, but he couldn’t miss that meeting…nothing could change…Elias would figure it out if I didn’t plan this out…but he wouldn’t have a chance if I could get Nichole on my side…but I’d have to hurry. Sonic and the others would be back tomorrow…