Last chapter and the setup for some real plot in the next story.

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“I’ve done some snooping around in sealed government records, stuff that they didn’t seem to want to find a public explanation for. I found some cases identical to what you say happened with this women, the kid’s mother,” The image on the monitor was cloaked in shadow and it’s voice was distorted by a voice modulator.

“Well? What did you find, my little mole,” Eggman said.

“It lead me to a private group they’ve kept on eye on for some time called The Watchers that have dedicated themselves to shadowing individuals like what she claims to be and keeping records of their lives. From what I can tell they consider themselves historians keeping the stories of these walking relics alive and ensuring all the history they’ve seen and been a part of won’t die with them.” The voice said.

“I assume you found your way into their records, as well,” Eggman looked up at a copy of the on-scene medical report displayed on one of the other monitors, which also displayed a close-up of the body’s face taken for verification purposes next to a more recent picture taken by one of his spybots later that night of her alive and well. It had picked up most of the conversation between her and the Hedgehog as well.

“You know me to well, when I accessed the records with the name Melinda Prower I found nothing because it had been locked out as an alias, but when I used the other name she gave, Melissa MacLeod I found a great deal of interesting information supporting her story, and then some,” The figure picked up a manilla envelope and waved it across the screen, “I’ll see that a delivery bot gets these copies to you as soon as the usual amount is deposited in my bank account.”

“Do you think she’s as much as a threat as Sonic?” Eggman asked.

“I can’t be certain, she seems to have no special abilities past the whole immortality gig, but if these are to be trusted she’s a damn impressive fighter and has been through a variety of combat training as she served various armies and rebel groups throughout the centuries. It notes she’s good with explosives and mechanic work, must by where the little gearhead got his smarts from.” The figure fiddled with some controls, obviously bringing up information on his screens, “I can imagine she’s proficient with a variety of weapons as well.”

“Looks like I may need a bit of insurance on my side in case she puts her pieces into play,” Eggman said.

“I’ve been waiting for my cue,” a voice rang out from behind the Doctor, causing him to whirl around.

“Who are you and how did you get in here?” Eggman demanded.

“Most people call me Frostbite,” He said, stepping out of the shadows.

It was a mobian fox in pure white clothing to match his fur, his long coat almost trailing on the ground. His right hand from just below the elbow down was cybernetic, as well as most of his left leg. Both artificial limbs were painted a bright blue that stood out against the white fabric of his clothes. The kid couldn’t been older than 16 and his youthful features we’re marred only by an obviously missing eye that had been crudely covered by sewing the eyelid shut. His one good eye was a piercing and cold blue that lived up to his name.

“Mind explaining to me how the hell you got in and what you want?” Eggman asked.

“I overheard you talking about that woman and I figured I’d offer my services in helping deal with her,” Frostbite said.

“How do you propose to do that?” Eggman asked.

“Because I’m an immortal as well, and I have some history with that one,” He smirked at the pictures on the screen, “My my, looks like she still has a soft-spot for mortals despite how fragile and useless they are.”

“I’m listening,” Eggman said.

“You see, we had a little run in a couple hundred years ago because she stumbled upon me enjoying myself and didn’t approve of my kind of fun. As a result we fought and she did all this to me. Took my hand, my leg, my eye. The strangest thing happened though, even has she held her sword to my neck something I can’t explain stopped her from killing me. Maybe she just looked me in the eyes and became afraid of consuming everything I am.” Frost chuckled at that last part.

“What are you talking about?” Eggman asked.

“If I may interrupt,” the voice on the monitor said, “I believe he’s referring to an event called a quicking. When one immortal permanently kills another via beheading they absorb their opponents skill and knowledge, at least according to this.”

“I like you, you’re a fast learner,” said Frost.

“What would you ask in return for fixing my little potentional problem?” Eggman said.

“Nothing but the pleasure of crushing her and all she holds dear,” Frost withdrew a hand-and-a-half sword from his coat and held it up, the mirror-polished blade almost glowing under the fluorescent lighting..

“It’s a tempting offer,” Eggman rubbed his chin.
“You game, or not?” Frost gently ran his fingers up and down the blade.

“How do I know I can trust you?” Eggman questioned.

“You don’t, but it’s not like I can do much harm when I’m already working for pleasure,” Frost answered.

“Okay, you’re hired, but you better not try and pull anything funny,” Eggman held out his hand.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, doctor,” Frost took his hand in a tight grip and shock it.

After letting go he disappeared once again into the shadows, “I’ll be in touch when I’m through with my task, or if I require any services you can provide.”

“Something about that one makes me uneasy, he’s to calm and he seems almost happy to do this dirty work,” The figure on the monitor said, “I also wonder how knew you we’re snooping around and managed to be here just at the right time.”

“Maybe, but I’m curious when he can do and I’m also curious what she can do. Watching them duke it out might provide me answers to both those questions no matter who wins,” Eggman said.

“Very well, contact me if you require further services. The payment for what I already have goes to the usual place,” The screen went blank.

“This just keeps more interesting,” Eggman mused.