SWNOVELXO Chapter 1: one
In an undisclosed, damp underground lab, barely lit by a sickly green hue from a myriad of cloning vats, the figures of five individuals loomed around a central vat. Algae clung to the walls, painting the scene in shades of green and gray. Amidst the vats, one in particular drew their attention—a humanoid figure floated within, suspended in a rich, nutrient-dense solution, a mask strapped over its face feeding it oxygen and sustenance. The figure had blue, spiky quills that pointed downwards, contrasting sharply against patches of brown fur across its chest and lower face.
Each of the five individuals, who looked starkly different from one another, seemed equally fixated on the creature within the vat. They were distinct polybodies of Dr. Robotnik, each a part of his mind and personality, yet manifesting in different bodies. It was as if they embodied the best of his intellect across five contrasting forms.
"Look at it," muttered a 50-year-old man with tan skin, dark brown eyes, and streaks of white running through his otherwise brown hair. His voice was a warm, steady baritone, laced with a grandfatherly cadence that felt out of place in this grim setting. Despite his age, he bore the physical appearance of someone closer to 35, exuding both wisdom and strength. "The culmination of all our knowledge, all our effort. Our 'Sonic,' if you will. I say we keep him pure—a Sonic without the burden of too much power."
The young Russian girl, barely ten, with pale skin, blonde hair, and piercing green eyes, leaned forward, her face full of mischief and curiosity. She giggled, pointing at the Sonic clone floating within the vat. "He should be fast, super fast!" she exclaimed, her accent thick, her voice high-pitched with a hint of childish excitement. "But imagine if he could punch like Superman! Faster than Sonic, and stronger than Kryptonian!"
"Let's not be hasty, Natasha," interjected a dark-skinned woman with an air of calm and authority, likely around 30. Her intense blue eyes scrutinized the clone with a mixture of fascination and caution. She wore her hair short, her expression reserved yet thoughtful. "We need to consider the consequences. Mixing Kryptonian or Doomsday DNA might be… dangerous. This isn't merely about power."
The grandfatherly man nodded in agreement, casting a gentle, approving glance at the woman. "Exactly, Kamaria. We're creating a new entity here, not just a weapon. He should have the speed, yes, but temper it with precision. Perhaps no more than… fifty percent of a Kryptonian's strength?" He paused, contemplating. "Just enough to grant him resilience without tipping him into uncontrollable levels."
Another voice chimed in, carrying an edge of impatience. A man in his late twenties, wiry and alert, with olive skin and hazel eyes, stepped forward. His voice was sharp, analytical. "Look, we need more than just speed and some durability. We need adaptability." He gestured at the Sonic clone in the vat. "Imagine if he could learn from his surroundings like Doomsday. He'd be an ultimate survivalist. The perfect counter to the heroes."
"But what about his mind?" questioned the final figure, a man around 18 with an intense stare, light brown skin, and sharp, dark eyes that gleamed with quiet ambition. He was the most aloof among them, leaning back against a wall, arms crossed as he gazed at the clone with a smirk. "We don't want a mindless brute who's all strength. Imagine if he could strategize like us. A Sonic with our intellect and his speed would be… unstoppable."
The young girl, Natasha, rolled her eyes dramatically, placing her hands on her hips. "You all think too much. He's supposed to be a speedster, no? A blur that's impossible to catch." She made a playful zipping motion with her hand, her green eyes alight with a childish glee. "Let him be fast and strong! Who cares if he breaks stuff?"
Kamaria smiled slightly, her eyes softening. "Natasha, this isn't just about fun. We're crafting something—someone—who could change the world. We need to make sure he's powerful, yes, but controlled. If we add any Kryptonian cells, they must be limited. We don't want to create a threat we can't stop."
The Australian polybody, still restless, shrugged. "Control is overrated. Let him loose, see what happens. With enough speed and power, no one will catch him. And if he can adapt? Even better."
The Japanese young man nodded thoughtfully. "We don't need to make him a powerhouse. Intelligence, speed, and resilience—enough to win battles without becoming a mindless weapon."
The grandfather figure looked at Natasha with a kind smile. "Natasha, what if we compromise? We'll make him fast, faster than anything, and give him just enough strength to endure tough battles. He'll be strong, but not out of control."
Natasha pouted but relented. "Fine, but he better be faster than anyone!"
As their voices fell silent, they all turned their gaze back to the floating figure in the vat. Their minds, fragmented yet united, shared the same ambition. Together, they were creating something unique—something beyond the heroes and threats of this universe. A clone, born from their collective knowledge and vision, yet destined to carve its own path.
Kamaria's voice, calm and measured, broke the silence. "Let's proceed cautiously. The world isn't ready for what we're about to unleash."