Sonic was surrounded by darkness. Sonic ran, trying to escape, but the darkness seemed to have no beginning and no end. Determined to escape he ran faster than he had ever done before, but the darkness was pushing him back. Sonic's breathing became labored, his heart pounding. Just as he was about to collapse from exhaustion, Sonic saw a glimmer. Renewed with energy, he ran for the glimmer.

It grew larger; Sonic could see what looked like window and he could see the lab beyond. He ran faster in, knowing freedom was just ahead, when he ran into something.

Sonic bounced off the object. He got up and approached more slowly. His hands came into contact with a smooth surface. There was some kind of wall blocking him from the outside. He tapped his fingers against it, and could tell it was thick and strong.

Sonic was distracted as the seen from the window changed. It now showed Robotnik and Mephils.

"I am Dark Sonic," a voice said. It seemed to resonate from the darkness itself. It caused Sonic to shiver.

Why did that voice have the same name as me? Sonic thought desperately. What is going on?

Then Sonic realized what was going on…

He was trapped within his own mind and had no control of his body.

"NNOOOOOOOO!" Sonic's screamed into the darkness as his body said. "How can I serve you Master?"

"This even better than I could have hoped," Dr. Robotnik said with glee. "He has enormous power and I have complete control. My worst enemy is now my first powerful weapon. Wait here Dark Sonic, as I decide what your first task will be!"

"Yes Master," Dark Sonic responded. Robotnik left, leaving Mephils and Dark Sonic alone. Mephils approached the floating hedgehog.

"Sonic," Mephils whispered. "I know you can hear me in there."

Sonic glared at Mephils through the wall.

"I hope you enjoy the show," Mephils sneered. "As your body destroys everything and everyone you hold dear. You are powerless to stop it, and my revenge will be complete."

Outside, Manik was the first to snap out the shock that had enveloped everyone.

"We can't give up!" he shouted, standing up. "We can still rescue Sonic! He wouldn't give up on any of us and we can't give up on him!"

"You're right Manik," Sonia agreed getting up to stand next to her brother. "We can't lose hope."

"Everyone! Resume the attack!" Queen Aleena commanded. "We are not going to lose to these traitors!"

With a shout, the Freedom Fighters resumed the attack.

Robotnik sat in his command chair watching the battle.

"Hmm," he muttered to himself. "They wish to continue the fight, so I'll give them a more proper opponent."

He pressed a button on the arm rest.

"Dark Sonic," he commanded. "Report to my command chamber to receive your first mission."

He waited a few minutes before he heard the door open. He turned to see Dark Sonic and Mephils enter.

"Your former allies are still putting up a struggle," Robotnik told Dark Sonic. "I want you to give them a taste of your power."

"As you wish Master," Dark Sonic replied, bowing to Robotnik. He turned and left the room.