"I told you, Sonic. I have all the aces," the sick freak grinned.
This isn't happening! Eggman is going to blow himself up with the city and those fighting for freedom! Sonic had mere seconds to save everyone, including himself.
"Would you stay to watch the fireworks?"
With that said, Signature Omega grabbed Sonic's arm and pulled him closer. "I insist."
Struggling to break free, the hedgehog watched Eggman laugh loudly. Every time he would pull to get out, the grip would tighten. Sonic hissed in discontent. He wouldn't let the vile murderer get away with it. Robotnik would not take countless lives of innocents. Tails, Amy, G.U.N. – everyone joined forces for this final assault on Eggman's headquarters. No! This would not be the price.
Thirteen seconds left. Disgusted by the insane doctor's satisfaction, Sonic thrust his free hand straight at the man's face in a mean punch. It felt so incredibly rewarding to feel the soft tissue ram into that clenched fist. Eggman's silent whine made the sensation even sweeter. The hero pummelled his depowered opponent until he could no longer laugh. Tears spilled from Sonic's eyes as he felt it wasn't just his spite. His whole body required release. Hatred that man accumulated in Sonic all these years, that delicious urge to destroy and win. What delight Sonic felt while brutalising the fallen enemy. For a moment, his senses seemed to vanish. The only things Sonic felt was the painful grip on his arm and a continuous dull response from Eggman.
The man was crying. But not for mercy. Robotnik stared at him during every hit, and a snide curve just wouldn't disappear from his lips. With one powerful kick, Sonic thought he would bring an end to Eggman's cocky attitude. The claw let go.
His remaining eye turned blue. A large dent in his nose showed it was broken. The old man's skin was cracking in bloody streaks, and yet, even after the kick, he could still manage to glare back.
"Foolish animal… Despite all, you never learn. You cannot destroy Robotnik…as Robotnik will destroy you," the man said in a lisped whisper, making Sonic cringe.
So that was it! T-that thing was just waiting for him to lose it. What had he done!? Blinded with anger and regret, Sonic completely forgot everything he stood for. Instead, he wasted time on massacring a sad old invalid. And he had no more to waste.
Eight seconds.
Jaw trembling, he stared at the floor. The hero has done to Robotnik just like the insane, twisted, vile, evil man would have done to him. So small was the difference between light and dark at that point. However, the hedgehog would not be conquered in spite. Collecting his thoughts, Blue Blur faced his nemesis again.
"You wanted to die on your terms, Eggbutt. Fine. But you won't take more than life gave you," Sonic said grimly. An apology was evident in his tone, flattening the smile on Eggman's face.
Sonic approached him, the emerald in hand. Evil would not win… "Chaos Control!"
Chaotic bright light made Eggman grumble irritably. His master plan would not be foiled. Not so easily…the plan was flawless! Robotnik's plans were always flawless.
The duo teleported to a desert. Cold winds stroked the barren land. It was dark, the moon being the only source of light. This would remain in equilibrium for the next four seconds.
Sonic looked at the malfunctioned robot pitifully whilst the timer ticked down. "We die alone. Others don't."
His moody expression faded once the hedgehog turned from the doctor. Gazing up at the moon, not wanting to see the man's agony anymore, Sonic sighed.
Two seconds left.
"Chaos Control!"
Eggman smiled. The instance a portal opened to take Sonic to safety, the machine extended its metal claw, grabbing the jewel. His enemy hadn't even noticed theft before disappearing.
"Never leave without saying goodbye."
And then the timer hit zero. Though, the heavily anticipated cataclysmic explosion had never occurred. Robotnik had successfully inserted the Chaos Emerald back in his socket and took a deep breath. Power returned to his body. Cells multiplied and grew to heal his wounds. Pain ceased to exist. Signature Omega stood up, taking balance on the cool sands.
Laughter disturbed the nightly peace.
"You did it!" Amy cheered, jumping at Sonic happily.
Her squeeze was almost too much, as the hedgehog still felt a tad mangled after the long battle. Sonic gave the pink female a thumbs up and smiled. Not for long, since Amy decided to snog her idol.
"My hero! I love you! I love you, I-love-you!" she squeaked endlessly.
Despite being charmed by her loving touch and fragrance, her care wasn't what he really needed. A worried look on Tails' face troubled him greatly. Quickly, albeit gently, Sonic unglued the rabid lover to meet a certain twin-tailed fox.
The foxboy gazed up in the afternoon sky. His muzzle looked several shades paler than usual. Speechless, he pointed up at the sun.
What caught his attention was a tiny black dot in the middle of the shiny obelisk. Time passing by, the dark speck grew and grew, soon engulfing more than half of the yellowish circle.
Tails ran to his computer, hidden next to the Tornado plane. Sonic followed. Walking up slowly to his nervous sweaty friend, he would see the fox's fingertips type something up at a heated pace. The computer beeped a few times before showing a larger picture of the black particle. Sonic's friend turned the screen towards him, letting his eyes do the talking.
It was Eggman's space fortress, the Death Egg.
"I'm going," Sonic whispered. Grasping what should have been a Chaos Emerald, the hero noticed he had been holding a sand stone the entire time. "He's still alive." The rock crumbled in his fist at those words, seeping out between his fingers.
Looking timidly at Sonic's moody expression, the fox stuttered to speak. "I have another emerald onboard the Tornado…" he smiled weakly, looking at Sonic's shoes.
The hedge flashed a grin at him and winked cockily. "Thanks, Tails… You've saved us all."
Before the cerulean male could speed off, though, Tails tugged on his glove to ask for attention. "S-Sonic? I…heard what happened to them," the foxboy murmured, and gave him an earpiece along with a few rings. "Take these. I would only be a burden."
His friend's crippling look weighed down on Sonic's shoulders. The hero would not give in. A farewell had to be cheerful...not camped with sulking. He lifted the buddy's chin, trying to look mischievous as their eyes met. Tails made a blatant attempt at escaping Sonic's exciting brotherly gaze.
"Just smile, Tails. I'll be back in a blink!"
Flushed with embarrassment, he wanted to ask for a hug, but couldn't find an excuse. "O-okay! I'll get some schematics to-"
And the moment Miles "Tails" Prower turned to show his understanding comrade the details, the said comrade decided to make leave.
"Chaos Control!"
"-guide you," the fox finished, a finger raised to care for nobody in particular.
He blinked confusedly.