It wasn’t long before Vector left Tails…I mean, my Master and I alone in his lab. Finally…I had him to myself again. It was hard to see the others take the time from the only thing I now cared about. I knew that I had pleased my Master…but I also knew the more slaves he accumulated…the less time he would have for me.

I shook away my jealousy quickly and remembered that the Master would not accept any doubt of his plans. I would just have to ensure that he would want me to continue as his right hand even as he brought more slaves under his control. I would never rest…I would ensure he was always happy…always protected.

I walked up to the Master and put my hand on his shoulder. He was furiously working on his virus that would turn Nichole into his personal computer and Sally would be none the wiser. I wished I was even half as smart as the Master…I wanted to be useful so badly.

The Master turned when he realized I was touching him.

“Geoffrey? Don’t worry, as I will soon have more work for you to do.”

I smiled. “I await the chance to show my worth to you again my Master.”

Tails…my Master stood up and put his hand on my face. My knees almost buckled at the touch. I couldn’t believe he was touching me…I was nothing…he was the only thing in my life that mattered and he was showing me affection. How had I lived so long without Tails as my Master? Why had I been showing the Princess all of my loyalty and affections when my Master had been here the whole time?

I didn’t know the answer to that, but it didn’t matter.

Nothing mattered but implementing the Master’s rule.

I had to show everyone how amazing this felt…but the Master didn’t want us to show ourselves yet.

“You have already proven your worth to me Geoffrey. That isn’t something you should be concerned about. Just make sure that you don’t let me down.”

I shook my head furiously. “That will never happen Master…I would kill myself before accepting failure.”

The Master laughed. “I’d kill you myself, but I know that won’t ever happen. You were loyal to Elias and the crown and I know that loyalty is now mine.”

I puffed up in an attempt to look strong. “Indeed M’lord…my loyalty will never falter! Never!”

“That’s good, because I’m going to need your help to get into the mainframe tonight. I don’t have the security clearance nor the clout to enter after hours…but you do.”

I nodded. “I can get us in there with no issues. No one will question why I was there. No one ever seems to question what I do.”

“That’s because you are right under Sally and Elias. Even if someone wanted to question what you were doing they’d never dare. That is why I wanted you to lead my army of slaves. Sonic is the fastest thing alive, but he doesn’t have your smarts or tactical mind.”

“Sonic is smarter than you think, Master. We must be careful when he returns. I have known him a long time. He will figure out what is going on if you give him enough time.”

The Master glared at me for a few moments and it made me feel sick. However, the anger quickly subsided and he smiled at me.

“You are right Geoffrey. The more I think about how many times Sonic has returned from insurmountable odds with little more than a scratch…that couldn’t have always been luck. He had to know what he was doing.”

I sighed. Thank the Gods he believed me. I’d served with Sonic…I’d even fought with Sonic. I knew his power. He held back…and not many knew it.

But I did and I knew the true…scary strength of that blue hedgehog.

“We’ve still got time until he returns. We’ve got new slaves to create before then. Drago should almost be back with Marcos and Canus. I will send Marcos upstairs with Drago…then I will take his caretaker’s mind. Once we have Canus, you will bring Marcos back to me and then he will be ours!”

I nodded. “Whatever you desire…I will obey. I will always obey.”

The Master rubbed my chest and I let out a small moan. I couldn’t help it. The Master had me fully under his magnificent power.

“It seems like with each passing minute you become more and more enthralled to me doesn’t it?” The Master said.

It was true. What little of my free will still existed was almost gone…and I did not care. It made life a lot simpler if I just had to obey.

“Yes, Master…and I am eager to become more loyal to you. Soon, my mind will be fully yours”

Suddenly the Master looked at his watch and smiled.

“It is time. Drago returns.”

I turned and followed the Master into the small living room that connected to his lab. Drago rang the bell and I opened the door for the three wolves.

The youngest of the wolves ran into the house and embraced my Master, I felt jealous and angry, but I had to keep myself under control. The Master had a plan and I had to ensure it did not fail.

“Wow! You’ve sure gotten a lot stronger since the last time I saw you! I’m impressed!” The young wolf said with clear surprise in his voice.

Did that wolf pup not think my Master could become strong and powerful? How dare he!

No…No…don’t get angry.

Follow the plan.

Obey the Master.

Calm down.

Tails looked to Drago. “Drago, take Marcos upstairs and show him where he will be staying.”

Drago nodded. “Of course…Come on Marcos!”

Marcos and Drago went upstairs and out of earshot. I looked towards the Master and knew it was time to act.

“Tails, it was kind of you to invite Marcos to stay here for a few days. He has been quite lonely since we went back into the wilderness to protect our homelands.”

“No problem Canus. However, I think we are going to need you to stay as well. I need you and your strength to join me.”

Canus looked at me and then to Tails.

“I cannot. I am needed with the wolfpack. I am sorry Tails…I must protect Lupe and the rest of the pack.”

The Master looked dejected, but it was clearly an act. The Master pulled out one of those mesmerizing gems…I almost lost myself in it all over again…but I had a job to do.

“This is for you, Canus. A gift from the freedom fighters.” The Master said as he handed the gem to Canus.

The wolf looked at the small rock and smiled. “Thank you Tails…it is beautiful.”

“Look deep into the gem and see all of the colors inside. The true beauty is inside.” I said with a smile.

Canus looked at me as if he wasn’t going to go for it, but then finally raised the gem and looked even deeper. Within a few seconds the gem began to glow and the light from the gem entered his eyes.

Canus’s hand dropped to his side and the stone dropped to the floor. I picked up the softly glowing stone and handed it over to our Master. Canus was one of us now and I was pleased to have another friend on our side.

The Master walked around the enchanted wolf and rubbed his hands on the wolf’s powerful arms.

“Canus…you must do what I tell you from now on…do you understand?” The Master said in a commanding and firm tone.

Canus nodded slowly as the Master’s voice seemed to envelop him.

“Yes…I understand…I will follow your orders.”

“We are your clan now Canus. You will no longer care about your former pack.”

“You are my clan now…I no longer care about my former pack…”

“You will love Geoffrey and me more than life itself. We are your only reason to exist now.”

“I will…love you….both…only reason to exist.”

“Now, when you wake up you will have your personality, but will obey my every command. You are to not leave my side unless commanded. When other freedom fighters are around, you will act normal. No one except those under my thrall can know the truth.”

“Yes…Master…” Canus droned. “I will obey…I must…obey…”

“Good. Now wake up and become one of us.”

Canus growled as he woke and became our Master’s newest slave. He was strong and would be as loyal as I. Wolves already had a code they lived by and I was sure it would be modified by the Master’s control.

“Master…thank you for opening my eyes.”

The Master put his hand on the large wolf and smiled. “My pleasure Canus…are you ready to serve me for the rest of your life?”

“Yes…for the rest of my life…” Canus said in a drifting voice. “My body is yours…forever.”

The wolf knelt before my Master…I could tell he was fully under his control now.

“Please…command me Master…I only want to make you happy.”

Tails rubbed Canus behind the ear and made him stand.

“My dear wolf…you will soon have all the commands you will ever desire. For now you and Drago are to stay with me. You will tell the wolfpack that you are needed for an extended under cover mission with Geoffrey. He will back your claims if needed.”

“I will obey…I will contact Lupe…I no longer wish to be part of their clan…only your clan.”

The Master pointed towards me.

“Canus…I am your Master…however your clan is led by Geoffrey. Do you understand?”

The wolf nodded. “Yes…I understand.”

The wolf put me into a large rib crushing embrace.

“We are brothers now. I hope that you can help me become the warrior I need to be.”

“I…will…do my best!” I gasped. The wolf was ridiculously strong and I could feel all of his muscle when being crushed.

I watched as the wolf went into the lab. I assumed it was to contact the wolfpack so he could start his new life with us.

“Geoffrey. Get Marcos and Drago. I will be ready for them in a few minutes.

I walked upstairs and found Drago helping the wolf child unpack his clothes. Soon the child would no longer care about these personal belongings…he would only want to obey.

I gave the Master a quick salute and headed for the stairs.

***

I watched Geoffrey walk upstairs to follow my commands. Once again it seemed things were going smoothly. Canus had been an easy target for me and soon one of my few actual friends would be under my control as well.

Our numbers were growing steadily and so far no one had even been able to figure out what I was doing. However, Geoffrey had been right. Sonic was smarter than I ever gave him credit for and Elias was far more clever than even he was. It wouldn’t take long before they’d catch on to what I was attempting to do.

Canus returned from my lab and knelt in front of me.

“Master…the pack has been informed that I am staying here for an extended amount of time. They have accepted this without question as I have worked for Elias and the Freedom Fighters several times in the past.”

I rubbed behind the wolf’s ear and received a pleased growl in response.

“Good boy Canus. You’ve done well. Now stand and join me as I turn your former pack leader’s son into one of my thralls.”

Canus stood and smiled at knowing Marcos would soon be changed.

“Marcos will be an easy change Master. The boy thinks of you as a long lost brother as it is. He was so excited to come here to spend a few days with his only real friend. He will be the most loyal slave you will ever have. This I promise you.”

I smiled. “All of my slaves are loyal Canus. I own your very souls. These stones make you my personal property and nothing will change that.”

I had Canus’s stone in my pocket. I began to move it around with my fingers. I noticed Canus gasp and moan as I did it.

“As I said. I own you all and you will never question me or become disloyal. You are mine!”

“We are yours…and we are happy to be under your control.” Canus said as he shook the fog from his mind.

“Tails, Marcos has finished unpacking and is coming down with Drago as we speak.” Geoffrey said as he sat down at my kitchen table.

“The kid certainly is excited to see you.”

I nodded. “Not many kids our age around. We became fast friends…but Lupe wanted him to stay with the wolf pack and not in Knothole. Soon that will change…and Lupe will have no control over the situation.”

“He did lament to me that he wished he could stay here much longer than only a couple days.” Geoffrey said. “I am sure he will be your easiest catch yet.”

I sat down with Geoffrey at the table and sighed. Canus walked over and stood behind me. I felt his hand grasp the back of my chair.

“What is wrong, Master?” Geoffrey asked.

“I am about to take control of the one person who actually liked me for who I was. If there was any other way…I’d try it…but I know what I’ve got to do.”

I took a new stone from my pocket and sat it on the table. I then looked up to see Marcos and Drago standing before me. Drago pulled a seat out for Marcos and he took it.

“Thank you Drago. I am quite happy to see you’ve come to your senses and joined back with the Freedom Fighters.”

“Tails allowed me to have a second chance at life. I am forever in his debt.” Drago said with a wink toward me that Marcos did not see.

“So, my friend…what are we going to do today? I am so excited to see you again.” Marcos said with a smile. “Is Sonic around? I had hoped to see him before I leave.”

I smiled. “Sonic is on a mission for the crown. He will be back sometime tomorrow.”

Marcos clapped his hands. “Great! I will get to see him as well!”

I leaned back in my chair and stretched. I needed to start the process, but I kept hesitating.

This kid was a good friend…and he was innocent.

“Brother…has it really been so long since the last time I was here? You are as big as I am now!”

I smiled. “I’ve had some help.”

Marcos looked to Drago and Geoffrey. “Both of your friends here have discussed how they’ve helped you become stronger. I would love to spar with you while here…that is..if you would.”

I nodded. “Of course I would spar with you. Although I’m sure I’d lose.”

Marcos howled and leaned back in his chair. “I’m sure you would as well! A fox should not beat a wolf in combat!”

“Perhaps not…but before we do anything else…I have something to show you. Something I’ve found while exploring Knothole.”

Marcos leaned across the table. “Really? What have you found? I’d love to see it!”

I pushed the small stone towards Marcos. When the wolf picked it up I could see the colors inside begin to pulsate and dance. The wolf looked at it in awe.

“Wow…I’ve never seen anything like this before. Where did you find it?”

“In a secret lab that only I know about. I created it there and have allowed it to unleash its gift upon my friends.”

“Gift?” Marcos said with clear curiosity. “What type of gift?”

“Look deeper into the stone and you will know. The colors have already lowered your resistances haven’t they?”

Marcos nodded. “Yes…the colors…so beautiful…never seen anything like…”

Suddenly Marcos shot straight up in the chair as the stone began to glow. The wolf’s eyes went wide and his mouth agape.

Soon he would be mine.

The stone then shot light into the wolf’s eyes. Once the light dissipated and I saw the purple swirling in his eyes I knew he was mine.

“Marcos…can you hear me?”

“Yes…please…brother…don’t…I…I…loved you…trusted you…”

“That’s right Marcos…you did love and trust me…and you still do…more than anyone else in the entire world.”

“I…I do…even now…I still love and trust you…my brother.”

Got ‘em.

“Good boy Marcos…now give me the stone. You no longer need it.”

Marcos slowly handed me the stone and then moaned as I played with it in my hands. I would make him my own personal slave…he had been my best friend and he would always be with me.

“You are no longer part of the wolf pack Marcos…you are now my beta and will join my clan. I am the only Alpha you need.”

“You are now my Alpha…what about mom…and dad?” Marcos asked. “I love them…”

“No more. They no longer matter…only me and my clan matter to you now. We are the only family you will ever need.”

“You…family…” The boy seemed to have given in completely at this point…he had been tougher than we thought. Although it still had been easy…Marcos had already trusted me before the process took hold.

“When anyone not part of our clan is around, you are to act as if you are not controlled by me. No one can know that you are enslaved to me. Is that clear?”

Marcos nodded. “I understand…Master. We are in the minority at this time and cannot reveal ourselves until a more powerful force.”

I was impressed at how much Marcos understood when in this controlled state. The wolf was smart and even my control couldn’t take it all away from him. He already reminded me of Geoffrey and knowing that I’d have two slaves capable of high level thinking made me more pleased than ever with these control stones.

“Marcos, take in everything you’ve been told and fully wake up. It is time to join my clan.”

After a few moments the wolf’s eyes focused and a small smile went across his face. I could see that the purple swirl of control was still in his eyes. He was fully under my control now.

“Marcos, how do you feel?”

“I feel different…not having to think for myself…only wanting to obey…”

The wolf child looked around the room at Drago, Canus and Geoffrey then back to me.

“It also feels amazing to be part of your clan. When will I get to see the rest of my new brothers?”

“Well…Vector is with Elias on a mission, but the others will come by tonight before they end their day. You will get to meet them at that time.”

Marcos seemed pleased that he was part of my clan and he had only been under my control for a few minutes. Either I was becoming more powerful, or he willingly became one of my thralls.

I stood up and commanded my thralls to come with me to my lab. They all quickly and silently obeyed me. Each of them attempted to do it quicker than the others so they could be my favorite.

Geoffrey moved out my chair and I thanked him before sitting down.

I looked up at my slaves and smiled. They were all strong warriors…even Marcos…who was slightly younger than I was.

Drago and Canus were both powerhouses that could be commanded to destroy whatever I desired. Geoffrey was a great tactician and friend. He would be the reason I would be able to take over Knothole when the time came.

Then there was Marcos. The wolf was not as strong as Drago or Canus, but he would do whatever I commanded him to do. He had been a loyal friend when no one else cared about me. If I loved anyone in this world…it was him and Sonic…

Well…Geoffrey as well…he was loyal and loved obeying me…it was hard to ignore how much he’d made this all possible.

Geoffrey knelt before me and the other thralls decided to follow suit almost immediately.

“Master…we have obeyed you and assisted in the assimilation of Canus and Marcos. We await your orders…please…allow us to serve you.

I smiled at my slave…my favorite slave.

“Geoffrey…I want you see if our plants at the base are done with their work. Can you do this for me?”

“Yes…Master.”

It seemed the longer they were with me the more they lost themselves. Geoffrey was acting like I had just taken his soul and not as if he had a personality.

Geoffrey slowly raised his hand and looked at his watch.

“Geoffrey to Jean…if you and the others are done for the day…you are needed here.”

“We will be there within the next five minutes.” Jean replied.

Geoffrey looked up. “It is done…My Master.”

“Good. I have to put my virus on a thumb drive and it will be done. By the time they arrive it will be finished.”

Sure enough, as I pulled the drive from my computer and turned back around I noticed the three other thralls kneeling before me.

“Jean. Has anyone noticed my activity? Our clan is becoming larger and I don’t want them knowing my plans. If anyone is even remotely curious we will be forced to act.”

Jean bowed his head. “No Master…everyone is so busy dealing with the Robotnik threat that they haven’t even noticed what we are attempting to do.”

“So no one has even noticed that I’ve started creating an army…that I’ve grown in size? Nothing?”

“Correct Master. The only person that mentioned your new strength assumed that he’d not seen you in a few months…which was true. You have managed to avoid any detection from the ruling body.

Elias has been kept at bay thanks to Geoffrey's distractions and Dolph and I have been listening in on every briefing we could. Even Swift has been doing his part to keep everyone unaware. We have done everything in our power to serve you as best we can.”

That was what I wanted to hear. I would make Nichole mine before sunrise tomorrow and my thralls would ensure my success.

I would not fail. I would make all Mobians obey me…no one would stand in my way. No one. Not Elias...not Sally...

Not even Sonic. I would be prepared for his return. He would not stop me.