On his new island base, now dubbed Robotnik Island, Doctor Robotnik looked out at the images of Station Square. He tapped the tips of his fingers together, a malicious smile on his face as he imagined all of the dastardly things he had planned for the unsuspecting City.
"My, this world is primitive," Robotnik commented. "I almost feel bad for wanting to take it over. Almost."
"So how shall we go about it, doctor?" Orbot inquired. "Perhaps establishing yourself as an upstanding citizen working your way up in states of power before commencing a hostile takeover?"
"Nah, that sounds like it'll take too long," Robotnik shot down. "I need something more direct."
"Ooh! Ooh!" Cubot began waving his arm around wildly. "I have an idea! Pick me! Pick me!"
"Yes Cubot?" Robotnik prompted
"We send a giant robot to terrorize the city until they surrender out of terror and desperation to survive!"
"No, that seems too cliche," Robotnik dismissed before shooting up. "Wait a minute! I have it! I'll just send one of my robots to terrorize the city until they surrender it to me!"
"Great idea, doc!" Cubot commended. "Wish I thought of that."
Orbot just face palmed as Robotnik opened up his archive of robots.
"Now, I just need to pick the perfect one."
Robotnik brought up a computer screen containing various robot files. He scrolled through them, looking for the right bot for the job.
"Let's see what we have... " Robotnik mused as he continued scrolling. "Catterkiller? Too childish. Buzz bomber? Effective, but only in droves. Hmmm… so many to choose, but none of them have the right power for my first attempt at dominating this world."
"Might I suggest the 'random' button?" Orbot spoke up, pointing to the button.
"Might as well," Robotnik replied, pressing the button.
The screen then rapidly shifted through robots before stopping on a green one. It was a larger model, one that had large missiles instead of hands. Robotnik took one look at it, and grinned widely.
"Missile Wrist. The perfect bot for the job."
…
In Station Square, it was a nice Sunday morning. There was a nice breeze, and some light clouds kept it from being too hot. Several children were out in the Parks playing and having fun. Some older kids were playing basketball at a local Court. However, not everyone was enjoying the lovely day. Down below the city, tromping through the storm drains, were Knuckles and Amy. Knuckles was at the lead, a grimace plastered on his face. Amy was trailing not far behind, starting to show signs of exhaustion.
"Knuckles, how much further? I feel like we've been walking for days!"
"It's only been a few hours. Quit complaining."
"Well sorry! Not all of us are used to just walking around all day! Besides, why are we even walking around down here!? I thought we were trying to find Sonic and the others! I don't think we can find them if we're hiding down here!"
"We're down here because there's nothing but humans up there. Remember, they screamed when they saw us. If I hadn't pulled us down here, who knows what would have happened."
"That doesn't give you an excuse to be so rude. Can't we rest for just a little? I'm exhausted!"
"You can stop if you want, I'm gonna keep moving."
True to his word, Knuckles didn't stop walking. Unwilling to remain by herself down in the storm drain, Amy rushed to keep up.
"Jerk."
Knuckles just rolled his eyes as they kept walking.
"Hey, don't be mad at me," He voiced. "It's Sonic's fault we're in this mess in the first place."
"No it's not! He's not the one who kidnapped Cream and Cheese, he's not the one who stole all the Chaos Emeralds, and he's definitely not the one who caused Chaos Control to bring us here!"
"Maybe not, but his 'run first, think later' attitude didn't hinder the situation at all. If anything, it made it worse."
"So what, he was just supposed to stand around while Eggman did who-knows-what with the emeralds and a kid?! Unlike you, Sonic actually cares about somebody other than himself!"
"Sonic just likes to get into fights for kicks! He let his obsession with Eggman blind him and it got us all stranded here!"
"This isn't Sonic's fault! Why do you hate him so much?!"
Knuckles just growled, turning away in a huff.
"I don't have to explain myself to you, or anyone else. Now, you can stay here and keep griping, or shut up and follow me."
Amy hesitated for a moment, but when Knuckles truly started walking away, she rushed to keep up.
…
At Station Square famous beaches, the Emerald Coast, several families were out enjoying the sun and the surf. There were a few volleyball games going on, a few kids wading in the waves, and more than a couple people just sunbathing. During one of these volleyball games, the ball got hit so hard, it went flying towards the ocean.
"I got it!" a teenage girl called out.
She waded into the water, making for the ball. Unbeknownst to her, a large, dark shadow was rising up from the ocean. When it did, it shocks the girl, knocking her off her feet. She, as well as just about every person on the beach, scared in shock and fear as a massive robot Rose out from the water. If there was any doubt as to whether it was friend or foe, the large missiles on its hands proved that it was the latter. It leveled both of its hands at the beach, firing the missiles. They shot out, smashing into a lifeguard stand as well as a snow cone vendor.
Everyone began screaming, running for their lives to try and get as far away from the robot as possible. This left Missile Wrist to go about its wanton destruction unimpeded. It destroyed cars, more stands that have been set up, and just about anything else that got in his way.
Just above him, Robotnik flew by in his Eggmobile, surveying the carnage on display.
"I've always enjoyed making waves at the beach," he jeered. "Come, Missile Wrist! We've more destruction to cause!"
…
At the Kent household, Sonic, Chuck, and Tails were busy tending to the Tornado. Tails held a hose as Sonic rushed all around the plane, scrubbing and cleaning every nook and cranny as fast as he could.
"Don't forget the rear fins," Tails reminded. "We don't want them sticking like they did that one time."
"Got it, pal."
Sonic sped towards the rear, wiping down the fins as thoroughly as he could. Meanwhile, Cream and Cheese sat off to the side. They were enjoying a nice tea party, courtesy of Ella. They had some nice jasmine tea, as well as some more of Ella's homemade cookies. The little chao seemed to be enjoying the cookies most of all munching on them happily as Cream watched.
"Thank you for the cookies, Ella," Crean said gratefully, "Maybe next time, I can help you make them."
"I would love that niña," Ella told her, gently ruffling Cream's ears.
Sonic glanced over at Cream, smiling at how happy she was. His smile faded softly as he remembered that she had a mother waiting for her back on Mobius. He let out a sigh, turning away and walking towards the edge of the driveway. Tails noticed his drop in mood and quickly followed after him.
"Sonic?" He called out. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine… It's just… I'm wondering how we're going to get home."
"We'll find a way. You know, I was actually thinking about that, and-"
"Sonic!" Keith called out, coming outside.
Everyone turned to see Keith running out into the yard, looking frantic.
"What's wrong Keith?" Sonic asked.
"Remember when you told me that Eggman liked to unleash dangerous robots onto the people of Mobius?"
Sonic felt his stomach drop.
"What happened?"
"You might wanna see for yourself."
…
Once everyone was inside, Keith turned on the TV, showing a broadcast of Robotnik unleashing Missile Wrist on the city. The police were doing everything in their power to try and stop it, but their guns were proving useless against the superior Mobian technology. However, Sonic wasn't focused on the robot. Instead, he was focused on the small, floating vehicle that was hovering above the robot itself. Upon seeing the ever familiar visage of his mortal nemesis, Sonic's gaze hardened.
"That's Eggman, alright."
"I'm assuming he's the reason you disapprove of scientists," Chuck deduced.
"Bingo. Eggman doesn't care who he hurts, or how much destruction he causes. He'll do whatever it takes to get what he wants."
"And what does he want?" Keith asked.
"Everything," Sonic said simply. "He's after nothing less than world domination, and obtaining it by any means necessary. No matter how many bots he has to create… or how many lives he destroys."
Sonic clenched his fist as he turned away, clearly recalling something painful from the past. Tails took note of this and went to comfort his friend.
"But we've managed to stop him before," Tails chimed in, putting a hand on Sonic's shoulder. "And we'll stop him again."
Sonic turned to his friend, a smile returning to his face.
"You bet we will, buddy. What do you say we give Eggman a proper welcome to Earth?"
Tails nodded, holding out a fist. Without hesitation, Sonic took the offered fist bump.
…
Down in the storm drain, Knuckles and Amy were still marching. Amy was even more exhausted, and a little bit of hopelessness was beginning to slip through.
"Knuckles… do you think we're stuck here on this weird planet?"
"No. We'll get back. I don't know how, but we will. We have to…"
Knuckles' thoughts then drifted to home, to Angel Island and the Master Emerald. His fists clenched at the thought of his people's sacred treasure being left unguarded.
"No matter what, I have to get back-"
His thoughts were cut off by an ominous rumbling emanating from above them.
"What was that?" Amy asked, sounding a bit nervous.
"I don't know," Knuckles admitted as his eyes locked onto a nearby ladder, "but I'm about to find out."
He made it to the ladder and started climbing up, with Amy following close behind. They reached a manhole cover, Knuckles carefully lifting it up so he could take a look through the crack. What he saw was Devastation all around, and missile wrist marching down the street. His eyes went wide as Amy climbed up next to him, a similar expression now plastered on her face.
"That- That's an Eggman robot!" She cried out.
"So, Eggman made it here as well. Well, that's just great."
Amy's face then brightened.
"Hang on! Do you realize what this means?! If Eggman is here, then so is Sonic!"
She jumped out of the manhole, Knuckles going wide-eyed when he realized what she was doing.
"Hey, wait! You can't-"
He tried to grab her, but he failed to reach her in time. He was forced to climb out and chase after Amy as Missile Wrist tore its way through downtown. Before long, the police began to arrive, setting up a barricade and aiming their guns at the robot.
"This is the SSPD!" the chief of police declared. "Surrender now, or we will open fire!"
Eggman just let out a cackle.
"Open fire? With what? Your pathetic little peashooters? You'd do more damage with a child's slingshot!"
"You've been warned! Open fire!"
The cops open fire of the robot, their bullets doing little more than bounce off it. Robotnik let out a yawn.
"Missile Wrist, show these buffoons what real power looks like."
Missile Wrist opened up it's chestplate and launched several missiles at the cops, forcing them to retreat. Robotnik cackled maniacally.
"How's that for having a blast! Come on Missile Wrist! Let's go to the rooftops! We can do more damage up there."
He then began flying upward, Missile Wrist walking inside a large building. The people inside all scattered to avoid the massive robot as it fired a grapnel up at the roof of a building. The bot pulled itself upward, smashing through several floors before finally reaching the roof. On the ground, Amy followed after, entering the building and finding a working elevator. She instantly ran into it and pressed the button for the roof, with Knuckles just barely missing her as the door closed.
"Great," He lamented. "Guess I'll just have to take another route."
Knuckles quickly ran back outside and leapt onto the wall, using his spiked knuckles to climb up the side of the building.
…
Back at the Kent residence, Tails had just finished preparing the Tornado for take off and quickly climbed into the cockpit, with Sonic leaping onto the back fin.
"Ready for takeoff, pal?" Sonic asked.
"You bet!" Tails replied.
The Tornado then started taking off down the driveway, gaining greater speed before finally becoming airborne. It took off towards the city, with Keith, Chuck, and Cream and Cheese watching anxiously.
"They're gonna be ok, right?" Keith asked as Chuck placed a hand on his shoulder.
"They'll be fine. Sonic and his friends have clearly handled situations like this before, and I have no doubt they'll be able to stop this hack in his tracks."
"If anyone can stop Dr. Eggman, it's Sonic," Cream reassured as Cheese chirped in response.
…
In the city, Dr. Robotnik looked out over the city as Missile Wrist steadied itself on the roof. Down below, several cop cars, emergency crews, and other law officials began gathering around the building. Rather than be intimidated, the malicious doctor seemed giddy.
"It seems we're drawing a crowd," Robotnik noted. "Let's introduce ourselves, shall we?"
A probe then launched from the Eggmobile, displaying a holographic transmission of Robotnik for the whole city to see.
"Greetings Station Square!" Robotnik addressed. "I am Dr. Ivo Robotnik, the greatest scientific genius in the world, and soon to be your world's new ruler. My demands are quite simple, surrender your city to me, or watch it crumble to dust!"
As Robotnik concluded his speech, SWAT team units began pulling up to the building, men pouring out of the vans with missile launchers and thick armor.
"My my, aren't we getting bold," Robotnik remarked.
One of the men grabbed a megaphone, holding it up to his mouth.
"Alright Robotnik, this is your only warning! Shut down the robot, land your craft, and put your hands where we can see them!"
"How about I put my robot's hands where you can see them instead. Missile Wrist!"
Missile Wrist then launched both of its rocket fists to the ground, smashing the SWAT vans instantly. The officers were forced to scatter as Robotnik just cackled.
"Any further objections?" Robotnik asked.
"Yeah, I got a few!"
Robotnik turned and saw Knuckles standing on the edge of the roof, fists at the ready.
"Well well, if it isn't my favorite knucklehead," Robotnik remarked. "How is that supercilious rock of yours doing these days?"
Knuckles just gritted his teeth in response.
"Cut the chit chat, Eggman! Shut down your tin can before I shut it down for you!"
"You're welcome to try. Missile Wrist, attack!"
Missile Wrist turned to Knuckles and launched it's fists at him, prompting Knuckles to dive out of the way. Knuckles rolled on the ground for a bit before the elevator opened up and Amy came out. She had her pika hammer in her grasp
"Eggman!" She yelled, running towards him.
Both Robotnik and Knuckles turned to see Amy charging at them in full force, swinging her hammer right at the robot. The impact knocked the robot back slightly, but was still mostly undamaged. She growled, and prepared to swing again. Before she could let out another blow, Missile Wrist fired another shot, knocking Amy aside. Seeing this, Knuckles growled before charging at the robot himself. Missile Wrist simply responded by striking him as well. When Knuckles went to punch the Missile aside, it exploded on impact, blowing him away and almost off the building. Robotnik chuckled in response.
"Come Missile Wrist, what do you say we crack some knuckles?"
Missile Wrist aimed it's fist at the Echidna, but before it could attack, it was suddenly fired upon from above. Unlike with the police weapons, these rounds actually left dents in the metal. Robotnik and the others turned to see the Tornado flying towards them, unleashing a barrage of blaster fire in the process. As the plane dipped down near the building, Sonic leapt off and landed in front of Robotnik and the robot.
"Well, look at what we have here," Sonic jeered. "A giant talking egg."
"Sonic," Robotnik snarled. "I knew it was too good to assume you didn't make it here as well."
"What can I say? I know how to keep in touch."
Sonic!" Amy cried out, running over to him, and hugging him. "I'm so glad you're ok! I was so worried about you!"
"I'm fine Amy, take it easy already," Sonic replied, trying to pry her off.
"Best enjoy her embrace while you can," Robotnik taunted. "It's the last bit of affection you'll get before I put the kibosh on you once and for all!"
"You've sung the same song before Eggman!" Sonic remarked as Amy loosened up. "And I'm still standing. What makes you think today's gonna be any different?"
"Call me an optimist," Robotnik remarked. "Missile Wrist… attack!"
Missile Wrist fired both it's fists at Sonic, prompting him to grab Amy and leap out of the way. As they landed on the ground, Sonic set Amy aside as he charged towards the robot. The robot shot out various missiles at Sonic, forcing him to dodge and weave between them in an attempt to avoid being hit. As he ran around the missiles, Missile Wrist shot out a fist near the ground Sonic was running on, causing it to break and send him flying off the roof.
"Sonic!" Amy cried out.
As Sonic fell towards the ground though, the Tornado looped back around and picked Sonic up before arching upwards.
"This things tougher than it looks," Sonic remarked, pulling himself up.
"And it already looks pretty tough," Tails replied.
Back on the roof, Amy and Knuckles picked themselves up and got ready to fight Missile Wrist once more.
"We have to stop that thing before it destroys the Tornado!" Amy insisted.
"Right," Knuckles agreed. "I'll lay out a frontal assault, then you strike from the rear."
Amy nodded as Knuckles ran forward, letting out a war cry as he reared back his fists. Amy came up from behind, hammer raised high. Knuckles let loose a barrage of punches on the robot, denting it, but not completely damaging it. Amy swung her hammer at Missile Wrist with all her might, knocking the robot over. It fell onto the equivalent of its knees, Amy landing on top of it. She raised her hammer for another attack, but that's when a panel opened beneath her, launching another missile. Knuckles ran towards her and tackled her to the ground before the missile launched.
"Just how many missiles does this thing have?!" Amy snapped.
"Knowing Eggman, too many," Knuckles replied.
Up in the sky, Sonic and Tails surveyed the situation from the Tornado.
"Tails, see if you can bring me in closer. I'm gonna try and finish this thing!"
"You got it!"
Tails steered the plane closer to the building, but Missile Wrist caught sight of this, prompting it to fire one of it's fists at them. Tails quickly steered upwards while Sonic leapt towards it. He landed on the fist as Missile Wrist shot out its other one. Sonic then leapt from fist to fist, evading the attacks and even throwing out some taunting gestures like sticking his tongue out and patting his own backside. This caused nothing but annoyance for Robotnik.
"Wise guy. You'll suffer for that!"
Sonic just kept leaping from fist to fist, completely confident that he wouldn't get hit. He was even going so far as to perform an irish jig, hopping from one missile to the next. As Knuckles and Amy got back up, they saw the display and Knuckles even got an idea from it.
"Sonic! Try the old slap on the wrist!"
"Yeah," Sonic realized, staying on one fist as it retracted.
Once the fist returned to Missile Wrist, Sonic pulled down his eyelid and stuck out his tongue in an attempt to mock the massive robot. It worked as Missile Wrist tried swatting Sonic, only for the hedgehog to leap out of the way, causing Missile Wrist to destroy its own arm. As Sonic ascended into the air, Missile Wrist launched several missiles into the air after him. They all connected together and exploded on impact.
"Ha ha!" Eggman cheered. "Yes!"
Sonic however, managed to clear the blast untouched as he spin dashed back down towards the robot. The second he collided with it, he tore right through the bot, causing it to spark with electricity before exploding altogether. Knuckles shielded Amy from the blast as Tails veered the Tornado safely out of the range of the explosion. As the smoke cleared, Robotnik was revealed, covered in soot and surprisingly not that badly hurt. Enraged, he shook the soot off and began flying off.
"You may have won this round, Sonic," Robotnik called out. "But I will have this world! Mark my words!"
"We'll just see about that!" Sonic called back as Robotnik flew off.
Suddenly, Amy rushed over to Sonic, hugging him tightly.
"Sonic! Where were you?! We were searching this city for days looking for you! I was so scared!"
"I'm alright, Amy, I'm alright," Sonic reassured.
"I know, I know, but I was afraid I'd never see you again!"
Sonic gently patted Amy on the back, trying his best to soothe her. As he did, Knuckles just watched silently, neither greeting Sonic or congratulating him on his victory. Instead, the echidna just crossed his arms and glared.
"If you two are done, we're about to have company."
Sure enough, at that moment, the SWAT team came pouring out onto the roof. They aimed their weapons at the trio of Mobians, much to their shock. Sonic put himself between them and Amy, glaring at the soldiers.
"Hey! What's the big idea? We just saved you guys!"
"I don't think they're in a listening mood," Amy remarked nervously.
"Alright you three, get on the ground now!" the SWAT leader demanded.
Knuckles' fists clenched, the echidna barely suppressing the urge to fight. Sonic looked around the roof, trying to figure out a plan. Luckily for him, he was spared the effort by the timely arrival of the Tornado.
"Guys!" Tails shouted, dropping a rope ladder down towards them. "Grab on! Hurry!"
Sonic noticed the ladder and acted fast, scooping up Amy in one arm and grabbing the ladder with the other. Knuckles hesitated for a brief moment, the urge to fight still coursing through him, but eventually turned and ran for the ladder. The second he broke eye contact with the SWAT leader, all hell broke loose.
"Fire!"
The soldiers all began firing on the echidna as he took off for the ladder. He jumped off the edge, grabbing the bottom rope of the ladder. With all three of his friends safely gathered, Tails hit the thrusters into overdrive, making for safety.
"Wait, where are we going?!" Amy questioned.
"Tails and I managed to find a place to lay low!" Sonic explained over the wind. "Cream and Cheese are already waiting for us!"
"Yeah!" Tails agreed. "You're going to love it, Amy! I'm certain Keith and his dad will gladly let you stay! Even you, Knuckles!"
Knuckles looked down, seeing that they were flying over a lush park with a fair-sized lake.
"Count me out," he declared. "Thanks for the save back there, but here's where I get off."
Without further ado, Knuckles let go of the ladder and began falling towards the park.
"No! Knuckles!" Amy shouted.
Knuckles just gave a small salute, diving for the lake.
…
Returning to the Kent household, Amy immediately rushed over to Cream and Cheese, giving them both a hug.
"I'm so glad you two are alright!" She told them before slowly releasing them and turning to Sonic. "I still can't believe we're all here together."
"I know," Sonic agreed as Keith and Chuck approached. "Amy, meet Keith Kent and his dad Chuck. This is their house we're staying in."
"Nice to meet you," Keith said, offering his hand.
"The pleasure's all mine," Amy assured, taking the offered hand. "Thanks for watching out for these three."
"Oh it's our pleasure," Chuck assured her. "Still, I recall there being another one of you Mobians at the fight. A red one if I'm not mistaken."
"Yeah, that's Knuckles," Sonic explained. "He's not coming."
"What?" Keith let out. "Why not?"
Sonic just shrugged, looking out at the horizon.
"That's just the way he is. He does things his way..."
…
In the park, Knuckles shook himself free of the water. Flattening his fur, he looked towards the horizon himself. Straightening his back, he began walking.