Episode 4: Techno-Robotic Control Terror Part 2

Recap on what happened, The Iron Queen and Snively have returned to New Mobotropolis for an attack. She was able to control Bunnie's robotic limbs to attack them. Monkey Khan is able to stop and help, but now has fallen under the control of the Iron Queen's Techomagic, becoming Iron Khan. And is aiming her attack on the Freedom Fighters and some of the Chaotix.

Sonia cries out, "Ken! Listen to me! You have to fight her control!"

Ken turns his eyes towards Sonia and the others.

"I am the divine weapon of the Iron Dominion," Iron Khan says.

Then speed past the Freedom Fighters, "And I am glorious!"

Soon Iron Khan aims for Sonia and some of the kids. He swings his bat to strike.

Sonia screams, "Ken! Stop! STOP!"

Before he can strike, Eve arrives and uses her sword to prevent the attack. Sonic then speeds over and gets Sonia and the children to safety.

Sonic gets them to a safe distance, "Why does it feel like I'm doing today is snatching people up and carrying them around?"

"Sonic!" Sally calls out.

Sonic turns to see Sally hurrying towards them.

Sally stops and asks, "Sonic, is Bunnie?"

"Resting at Freedom HQ… safe and sound," Sonic says.

Suddenly, Eve calls out, "Sonic, how about giving me some help?!"

Iron Khan then swings his bat at Eve, but Eve continues to use her sword to repel the attack.

"Sheesh. Gone one minute, and Monkey boy has gone bananas," Sonic comments.

Sonia glares at Sonic, "You had to say that did you."

Sonic shrugs his shoulders in reply.

One of the children asks, "Did Mister Khan become Evil!"

"No. Of course not. The Iron Queen got complete control over him," Sonia says.

Then Sally says, "Snively took his Power Ring crown and left him prone. The Iron Queen used the same technomagic she used on Bunnie to take control of him."

Sonic turns to see Eve continuing to fight against Ken. He remembers what Eve explains to him about what happened the first time the Iron Queen has taken control of him.

"So he needs to be contained. Got it. This should be fun," Sonic says, getting serious.

Sonia worriedly asks. "Don't… don't hurt him!"

Sonic then speeds to Iron Khan as he says, "'Don't hurt him,' She says."

Iron Khan then swings his bat again and this time, knocks Eve down.

Sonic speeds over, "Hey, not cool attacking my sister!"

Iron Khan swings his bat, but Sonic ducks under and reaches Eve who is able to get up.

Sonic turns to Eve, "Is this what it's like when the Iron Queen first took control of him?"

"Yeah. But Ken has gotten stronger now," Eve says.

Iron Khan then begins to swing his bat at the two hedgehogs.

"Last I remember, You're too stubborn to let her voodoo work on you! Snap out of it, Khan!" Sonic calls out.

Meanwhile, Snively and the Iron Queen are seeing Sonic and Eve fighting Ken.

The Iron Queen laughs and says, "You're wasting your time, dearies! His cybernetics are too extensive! My control is absolute!"

"This Power Ring may have offered some protection as his crown," Snively says.

Then uses the claws to put pressure on the crown, "... but now it's gone."

With that, the crown snaps and shatters into pieces.

"Aww. Too bad," Snively mock.

"My little Monkey Pawn will destroy you Freedom Fighters! And then your city will burn!" The Iron Queen says, and maniacally laughs.

During the fight, Iron Khan then strikes the end of his bat at Sonic's stomach. Eve then fights him with her sword, as both weapons strike at one another.

Sonic dodges as he says, "So that's the game you like to play…! Thanks for giving me a plan, though."

Sonic speeds to Sonia and Sally.

"When we first met Khan. He didn't have a crown, right?" Sonic questions.

"Right. He took the Power Ring that was there and it transformed," Sally says.

"I remember that too. When the Iron Queen first had Ken under his control, he didn't have it. I think it acts as a protection from the Iron Queen's magic," Sonia says.

"But thanks to the Iron Queen and Snively, he needs a new one," Sally says.

"Exactly! Stall him while I swing by the Lake of Rings, and…" Sonic says.

Then electricity begins to get close making Sonic yelp, "Yow!"

"Look out!" Sally panics.

Iron Khan then swings his bat to attack, but this time Antoine intervenes with his sword.

"I am suggesting you are getting ze move on, then," Antoine says.

"Wow, 'twan. I'm on my way," Sonic says.

Just then, Shadow then kicks Iron Khan away from Antoine. Iron Khan swings his bat, but Eve intervenes.

Eve turns to Sonia, "Sonia, go with Sonic. We got Ken from here."

"But…" Sonia worriedly says.

"No buts…" Sally says, and activates her ring blades.

Then says, "We got this."

Sonic picks up Sonia, "Come on, we need to get to the lake, fast."

Sonic then speeds off. At the same time, Antoine, Eve, Shadow, and Sally are fighting against Ken.

"You tell us nothing useful about ze enemy, or that you are ze liability…"Antoine angrily says.

Then repels the bats attacks, "And if I lose my wife. Eet is because of you!"

Eve then punches Ken in the face, "Wow Antoine! I'm surprised you out of all Mobians will say something like that."

"Oui. I'm just worried about Bunnie," Antoine says.

Ken then swings his bat to attack them both.

Sally kicks Ken in the face, "Blast it, Ken! Fight her, not us!"

Ken then trips her with the staff, "All for the glory of the Iron Queen!"

Just then, Vector and Mighty grab a hold of them.

"Ha! Gotcha! I told 'Su the princess was right! We don't need her!" Vector says.

Then Ken makes a dark cloud and flies in the air with the two Chaotix hanging on.

"Then again…?" Mighty nervously says.

Vector angrily says, "Rrrgh! Why don't you slow down?! It's a cloud for cryin' out loud!"

"Sorry friend, but you're not leaving me a choice," Mighty says, hanging on to Ken.

Suddenly, Ken growls in anger, "Tumultuous thunderclap of enraged!"

"Uh-oh!" Vector and Might reply, worried.

Back at the Power Ring Lake, Sonic and Sonia are waiting for the next Power Ring to come out. As usual, Sonic is being impatient again.

Sonic walks around in circles as he says, "C'mon c'mon COME ON! This is the Lake of Rings, Nicole. Why am I not seeing any rings!"

"Sonic, you know that the Power Ring comes out every twelve horse. And we're here a few minutes early," Sonia says.

"Plus, the rings are a byproduct of energy conservation from Robotropolis' nuclear falling. It takes time," Nicole adds.

Suddenly, they see two targets being thrown from the sky.

"Uh Nicole, maybe you can see…" Sonia asks.

"Alright on it," Nicole says, and disappears.

Suddenly, Iron Khan begins to fly right towards them and angrily says, "Prepare for judgement, worm!"

"Here he comes!" Sonia panics.

Sonic turns to Sonia, "Sonia, get the ring. I'll distract him!"

"Okay," Sonia says.

Sonic then speeds over and spin dashes Ken. Iron Khan then swings his bat at him. Knocking him down. Sonia waits patiently for the Power Ring to come out of the lake. Sonic continues to fight against Ken, and kicks him in his stomach. Iron Khan then uses his bat to release lightning to strike at him. Sonic dodges the attack and punches him in the stomach. Sonia waits until something glowing appears in the water. Then with a small bursting geyser, the Power Ring comes out of the water.

Sonia quickly grabs it as it jumps out, "Got it!"

During the fight, Ken ends up kicking Sonic away and makes his way towards Sonia.

Sonic cries out, "Sonia, look out!"

Sonic quickly turns her head as Ken tackles her and they both fall into the lake. While the two are under the water, Sonia quickly puts the ring on Ken's head, and the Power Ring glows. Without thinking, Sonia then pulls Ken to him, and gives him a kiss. The Power Ring glows as the Iron Queen's power disappears.

Sonia thinks, "The Power Ring. Either made by science or magic, it is an energy given form. The Power of the Ring can enhance strength, great insight, or empower one's deepest wish. In this case, Monkey Khan needs all three."

Soon enough, under the water, the control the Iron Queen has on Ken has completely disappeared. Suddenly, Ken ends up hugging Sonia and kisses her back in return. Soon enough, both of them rise back to the surface as Sonic hurries over to them. Sonic decides not to intervene, thinking this is something they both need. Sonia and Ken end their kiss and look at each other.

"Are you okay, Ken?" Sonia asks.

Ken sadly answers, "... not really…"

With sadness, Sonia says, "This is why you were not happy when we were planning the celebration. This is why you… you were being depressed and hard on yourself. This is also why you think it will be best you come here alone. This is why you got well, bent out of shape' about being 'king'."

Remorse, Ken answers, "Yes. It's all my fault."

Then hugs Sonia, "And it's my fault that you were put in so much danger. "

Sonia then hugs Ken back.

Above, the Iron Queen and See what is happening.

The Iron Queen chuckles as she claps her hands, "That's that, then!"

"That's it? We're pulling out?" Snively says, confused.

"They know not to challenge me and all their faith in Monkey Fuzz is shattered. Now…" The Iron Queen says.

Shen leans to Snively and taps the tip of his nose, "Let's go home."

Mmm… yes, dear," Snively answers with a smile.

The Iron Queen and Snively pull back for now. At the lake, Sonia is able to help Ken get back to shore, but Ken feels very remorseful about what happened, among other things. Eve, Shadow, Sally, and Antoine are able to find them, but Antoine is still not happy.

"I… I thought I could control myself with my Power Ring Crown. I got angry… again… and… lost my focus. My team back at the village was able to help me break free from her control a second time, but not before all the damage I've caused, just to mess with me! I tried fighting them on my own, I really did…" Ken says.

Then says, "But I'm weak. I can't do it alone… can't be alone… like that. It's like being back in the vault."

Suddenly, Antoine grabs Ken by his vest with a scowl look on his face, "So you choose now to be telling us?! Now zat my wife is nearly lost. Did you not theenk she would use you like that again?!"

"Antoine! Cool it!" Sally sternly says.

"No. He's right," Ken says, reluctant.

Suddenly, someone says, "No. He's not."

The Freedom Fighters turn their heads to see some of the children.

A bear cub says, "Well, I mean. Not totally."

"We lost our parents to Dr. Robotnik's war. Sonia told us on how you lost your parents and your home," A pup mobian says.

Cream walks over to Ken and hugs him, "It's okay. It must have been hard for you after what happened. I kind of understand. During the war against Robotnik, my father decided to stay and fight while my mother had to take me away when I was a baby. We never saw him again after that. I haven't known him, but I still miss him."

The black kitten says, "Sometimes we felt like it was our fault. We're too little and weak to help fight."

The bear cub says, "But Rosie says we all help in our own way. Um… so we have to help each other.

"And then we're all strong because everyone else is," The kitten says.

The pup says, "Yeah."

"So we'll be strong for you, and you have to be strong for us, deal," The bear cub says.

"Deal…" Ken says.

Sally says ,"We all made our mistakes and have missed chances. But we can't lose sight of who the real enemy is, and who our friends are."

"Thank you Sally," Ken says.

Ken and Antoine then shake hands.

Ken asks, "Can' I'm sorry' be a start?"

"Oui. And I am sorry for my frosting-ness!" Antoine says.

"I was about to say. Remember your old yellow streak," Sonic says with a smirk.

"Pui. I recall it all too well," Anotine says.

Sonic nudges Antoine's shoulder, "Because I totally could bring it back up right now."

"I know," Antoine says, annoyed.

"I've got a list," Sonic says.

Antoine says, "Stop eet."

Sally turns to the kids, "I'm going to check on Tails. Come on kids, let's find Roise and get Cream home."

Anoine leaves the scene, "And I am heading to ze Freedom HQ to check on Bunnie."

"I'll give you a lift… in just a sec, T'wan," Sonic says.

Shadow then walks away while Sonia, Sonic, and Eve remain with Ken.

"So… to make sure I've got this straight… We've got the Iron Dominion running the Eggman Empire, plus the Four Houses of Ninja Clans. And they got two bases… both the Egg Dome and the old base in the Dragon Kingdom. Am I missing anything?" Sonic asks.

"No. That's about it," Ken says.

"Coo… Then we've got our list of butt-to-kick all set up," Sonic says.

Then speeds away, "I'm going to check on everyone. Have fun trying to find your atom-bat in the lake."

"Oh… yeah…" Ken replies, looking at the lake.

Sonia walks to Ken, "I can help you find it."

"Thank you Sonia," Ken says.

Eve says, "I'm going to head home. Gotta make sure things are okay back home."

"Okay. See you tomorrow," Sonia says.

Eve then leaves the scene leaving Ken and Sonia alone.

Back in the Egg Dome, Snively walks over to the door to see where his uncle is locked up, who is still sleeping from the last battle with Sonic and Eve.

Snively says, "It's a pity you're practically gone, uncle. I'd like you to appreciate how well things are going without you. The hedgehogs' been beaten twice in many days. We have a sizable army, even if it isn't made by robots. And I'm treated decently for once! Princely! I've found love. You dominering oaf!"

Since Eggman is sleeping, he can't hear a word Snively says, and begins to mutter in his sleep.

He then leaves the area, irritated, "Oh, forget it. No point in gloating when you can't hear me."

Suddenly, Eggman begins to wake up as he mutters words that are hard to pronounce or make scenes of. Outside of his cell, suddenly, the lock is suddenly unlocked, and the door knob begins to turn.

Sometime ago on Angel Island, Espio has Knuckles on the ropes, or Dreadlocks to say, and Espio could even drop Knuckles into the ocean or strike him with his kunai knife.

Knuckles says to Espio, "So this is it? You really have betrayed the Chaotix. You really joined the Iron Queen and all those other ninja… things… You'd really steal the Master Emerald. You'd really give her that much power and drop the entire island into the ocean? You'd really do that?"

"... I would have to do this, right? I'd have to destroy you before you would let me take the Master Emerald," Espio says, holding the knife.

Knuckles glares at Espio, "Do you even need to ask? Of course you will. I'll give up everything to stop you."

There is a moment of silence between the two.

"Then I have conflicting orders. I am unable to act for now," Espio says, and pulls Knuckles back from the ledge and back on to land.

Confused, Knuckles asks, "Orders from who? Espio, you have to tell me what;s going on. You have to give me some kind of clue. The only chameleons I know about live in Angel Alley. I can't help you if you don't help me understand."

Espio remains silent for a moment.

Then turns to Knuckles, "There might be a way… but you would have to break the hold of the Brides of Houses."

"Okay, hold on. That's the Iron Queen, right?" Knuckles asks.

"Yes. The Title of the leader for a Clan is 'Bride.'" Espio says.

"Okay… so brides are the bosses. And if the Iron Queen is the 'Bride of Four Houses' She's the boss of the four clans?" Knuckles says, confused.

"Exactly. All of them mortal enemies, but now bound to her will," Espio answers

"Okay, i've got it. Then all we have to do is get them to break away and you can do whatever you want again, right?"

"No. Then I would only serve the Shinobi Clan and the Bride of Constant Vigil," Espio answers.

"Huh?" Knuckles says, confused.

Then asks, "And Lightning Lynx?"

"Former exile from the Raiju clan. His Bride of the Conquering Storm serves the Iron Queen in Megaopolis, Just… watch out," Espio says.

Then Espio begins to leave.

Knuckles quickly says, "Wait! I'm getting all turned around again .What are the other Clans?"

"I've said too much," Espio says.

But Knuckles asks, "Then answer me this? How come Rouge and Eve's mother became involved in all this? I think Eve has the right to know, since it's her mother who has been abducted."

That's when Espio stops and then walks to Knuckles.

Espio then answers, "I don't have all the details, but we all were aware that Eve's mother was once the daughter of a clan in the Dragon Kingdom called the Hayai Kaze meaning Swift Wind. The Iron Queen found a small village that was actually left of Obsidian's clan. She plans to explain her army by making Obsidian the Bride of the Swift Wind, and use her to gain control over the Clan."

"I see. And Rouge?" Knuckles asks.

"That is an even shocking information, but I gain a little more about it, but to put it shortly, Rogue was supposed to be the next heir to the Yagyu Clan," Espio says.

"What?" Knuckles says, shocked.

"Yes. I was having trouble believing it myself. The Yagyu Clan lord confirmed it. Apparently, the lord and the bride were unable to have children of their own. The Former Bride's younger sister had a baby girl who was named Koyuki, because of her white fur. That baby was Rouge. She was kidnapped and her parents died when she was a baby, and the Clan weren't able to find her since. The Iron Queen must have found out who really was and planned to use her for an addiction control over the clan. Of course, it's difficult, especially on Rouge, who had no clue of any of this," Espio says.

"That… has to be hard on her," Knuckles says, surprisingly concerned for Rouge.

"It was. I must go. I've already said too much to you. But Rouge and Obsidian are safe, for now. That is the only other thing you need to know," Espio says.

Then makes himself invisible as he leaves the scene.

Knuckles sighs and says, "Good luck out there, my friend. And be careful."

Back in Freedom HQ of New Mobotropolis, Sally and Nicole are discussing something important that needs to be taken care of.

"Are they sure that they saw him and a Dark Legion Branch over there?" Sally asks.

"Yes. Walt confirmed it, they saw him along with the Dark Egg Legion Branch in Downunda. They figure it will be good to inform you right away," Nicole says.

"Thank you. I've decided to send a team over there to investigate the matter," Sally says.

That's when Eve, Jazz, Fiona and Nic walk in.

"Hey Sally, Nicole contacted us and said you need to see us," Eve says.

"Yes. I need you three to go to Downunda and meet up with the Downunda Freedom Fighters as soon as possible," Sally says.

"What is it?" Fiona asks.

"We just received a report from Walt Wallaby," Sally says.

"There's a branch of a Dark Egg Legion in the Great Crater of Downunda," Sally says.

"Dark Egg Legion? I thought they only had Echidnas," Nic replies.

"Not anymore. Apparently, Eggman has been gathering different allies all over Mobius and some are starting to make themselves known. I need you to go meet up with the Walts' team and investigate," Sally says.

"Right. We'll head there right away," Fiona says.

And before you go, they also mention seeing someone with the Legion. And I hate to say it's someone we're too familiar with. You need to be careful while he's around," Sally says.

Eve and her team become concerned to hear this.

Meanwhile, somewhere at Downunda's Great Crater Rim, a Dark Legionnaire is seeing Angel Island heading towards the area. Suddenly, a Warp Ring opens up.

The Grandmaster says, "You were right, Doctor. Angel Island will be over us by tomorrow."

Just then, a familiar banged up leg with gold rings around the ankles step out of the portal.

And a familiar voice says, "How are you handling the anticipations, Grandmaster?"

And finally stepping out of the portal is Dr. Finitevus as he says, "Personally, I'm dying to see Knuckles again."