One sunny day, everyone was gathered in front of the Kent house. Dr. Birnbaum had just dropped off Helen, Cream, and Cheese, all three carrying overnight bags. Kat was there as well with Knuckles in tow.
"This is going to be so much fun!" Amy declared. "I can't wait to get to Emerald Coast! I hear the sunsets are spectacular!"
"I'm glad my mother's letting us come," Helen added.
"It's going to be so much fun once we get to the Kent's villa," Cream reassured. "Right, Cheese?"
Cheese chirped happily in response.
"Almost ready here guys," Tails informed. "My flight plan will take us right to the villa."
"Remember guys," Keith told them, "you gotta stay on the grounds of the villa to avoid being seen."
"Relax Keith, I'll keep an eye on them," Kat assured him.
"I still don't see the point is us going to some beach when we should be looking for the Chaos Emeralds," Knuckles insisted.
"We can't hunt for the Emeralds all the time," Amy insisted. "We need a break every once and a while."
"Besides, it's a chance to get out of my room," Kat pointed out. "You were complaining about being cooped up."
"True," Knuckles admitted.
"I just wish I could come with you guys right away," Keith lamented. "Instead, I'm stuck attending the Emerald Coast Resort's grand opening."
"Oh how hard your life must be," Kat teased, dramatically pressing the back of her hand to her forehead as her voice dripped with sarcasm and a dramatic posh accent. "Rubbing elbows with bigwigs and aristocrats. Truly yours is a life of anguish and hardship."
"Oh knock it off."
Kat broke character, snorting before breaking out into laughter.
"Relax Keith," Chuck comforted. "It's only for a little while. Besides, we promised your mother we'd be there in her place since she couldn't make it."
"I know, I know."
"Besides, once the opening ceremonies die down, you can join the others at the villa."
"We'll have a barbecue and everything waiting when you get there," Kat promised. "I'll even throw some extra sausages on the grill for ya."
"Sounds great," Keith replied.
"Welp, I hope you all enjoy yourselves," Sonic told them,
The others turned to Sonic in surprise.
"Wait, Sonic," Amy spoke up. "You mean you're not coming with us?"
"That's right," Sonic confirmed. "Any vacation that takes place near water is no vacation for me."
Kat crossed her arms, looking annoyed.
"What's the matter? Scared of a few waves?"
"I just don't like water, that's all."
"Oh he's totally scared," Knuckles confirmed. "Put him near even a puddle and he freezes up like a deer in the headlights."
"Hey!" Sonic let out indignantly. "I am not that bad!"
"The last time we fought, you had a panic attack being in an inch of water."
Kat snorted again, covering her mouth with her hand as she laughed some more.
"Hey, lay off guys!" Keith insisted, coming over to Sonic. "Don't let them get to you, Sonic. Lots of people are afraid of water."
"Whatever," Sonic replied dismissively. "You guys have fun, I gotta run."
Sonic then sped off, leaving the group in the dust.
"Well, now that the chicken's flown the coop, let's get this bird in the air," Knuckles declared.
…
Not much later, Keith and his dad drove off, as the Tornado II took off into the air. Kat was taking her truck and volunteered to take Helen's chair so she could ride in the Tornado II with Cream and Cheese. Knuckles rode on the outside of the plane as Amy looked down at the ground with a somber look on her face, one Tails took notice of.
"Everything ok, Amy?" He asked.
"Yeah, fine," Amy replied. "I just wish Sonic would come with us. These kinds of things aren't as much fun without him."
"I know, but we can't change how Sonic feels about water. We'll just have to make the best of it without him."
"I guess so…"
…
Sonic meanwhile, had found himself a nice valley to relax in. There were flowers as far as the eye could see, and not a single drop of water. He sighed, leaning back in the grass.
"Now this is my kind of vacation. Who needs the ocean?"
…
Later, the group arrived at the Kent's villa in Emerald Coast. It was a secluded building surrounded by palm trees and extending out onto the beach. Tails parked the Tornado II on the dirt road leading to the villa, Kat's truck pulling up right next to it. Kat pulled out Helen's chair as Tails picked up Helen and flew her over to it. Once she was safely in her chair, Kat pushed her inside.
After depositing their stuff into their chosen rooms of the villa, everyone got changed into their preferred swimwear. Once they were all ready, then went down to the beach. Kat set Helen down at the surf so that the waves would wash over her, then set up an umbrella for herself. Cream and Cheese waded near Helen, all three laughing happily.
"Let me know if the tide gets too high for you, okay Helen?" Kat called out.
"Okay!"
Knuckles meanwhile was lying on the beach near the water, trying to get some rest. His efforts were thwarted however when Tails used his twin tails to send a stream of water right at Knuckles, waking him up.
"Hey!" he shouted. "What's the big i-!"
He was cut off by Tails splashing him once more, prompting Knuckles to dive into the water and splash Tails himself. Tails laughed the entire time, using his tails like a motor to get the advantage.
Amy, meanwhile, went for a dive under the water, amazed by the reefs and underwater life she came across. As she came up for air, she removed her goggles, turning to her friends.
"This place is absolutely gorgeous! It reminds me of the Blue Marine Zone back home!"
"It's pretty incredible," Tails agreed. "I'm really glad we came."
"Just wait til Keith gets here," Kat insisted. "Then the fun will REALLY begin."
…
Across the water on a man-made island just beyond a cliff, the Emerald Coast Resort was full of people. Daytime fireworks were going off as music played and food was passed around on silver trays. While everyone else was chatting it up, Keith was bored out of his mind, tugging at the collar of his suit.
"I still can't believe I have to wear this," He commented. "It's gotta be like, 90 degrees outside."
"I know, I know," Chuck told him. "Just smile and try to look interested. We do need to make a good impression after all."
"I know I know… I just wish I didn't have to do that while baking like a fish out of water."
"Apt metaphor."
This merited a chuckle between the two.
…
Along the beach, Amy was enjoying a nice leisurely stroll.
"This really is such a lovely beach. I'm sure Sonic would enjoy himself if he just tried. He wouldn't even have to get in the water. We could run along the sand, gather sea shells..." she turned read as she pictured herself doing all this with Sonic. "Oh, it would be just lovely."
All of a sudden, a coconut dropped from a tree and fell on her head, knocking her to the ground. She grunted, then glared down at the coconut, summoning her pika hammer.
"You ruined my fantasy!" she yelled, using her hammer to knock the coconut away.
The coconut skipped across the water about five times, then it hit something metal and finally stopped. Amy didn't seem to notice, still fuming as she rubbed her head. After a minute, her anger subsided and she sighed.
"Unfortunately, that's all I'm ever gonna get… a fantasy. Sonic wouldn't even dream of coming to the beach… even with me."
Amy then just plopped onto the ground, flicking the sand aside with her finger. As she dug a small hole, she dislodged a small shell. She looked at it, recognizing it as one that was often used in jewelry. She inspected it for a moment, then she got an idea.
"I know! I'll make Sonic a shell bracelet! Once he sees some of the good things about the beach, I'll be able to talk him into coming with me!"
…
Later, Amy had collected enough shells and began making them into a bracelet. Helen, Cream, and Cheese had gotten tired of the water and had moved further up the beach to make a sand castle. Kat was sitting in the surf, enjoying the water as Knuckles leaned against her back, attempting to get that nap Tails ruined earlier. Meanwhile, the two tailed fox was helping the girls with their sand castle, helping them get the right ratio of water and sand. As he brought another bucket of sand over, he glanced over at Amy.
"What are you working on, Amy?" He asked.
"It's a bracelet for Sonic," she told him, holding it up to the sun. "Do you think he'll like it?"
"I-"
Before Tails could finish, the ground began shaking violently. Everyone looked around, spotting a large plume of smoke coming from the resort.
"Oh no!" Kat let out. "Keith!"
…
At the resort, a large octopus like robot emerged from the water and began wreaking havoc. Patrons began fleeing in earnest as Robotnik came flying in on his eggmobile.
"Hello happy beach goers!" Robotnik greeted. "I would've been here sooner, but my invitation must've gotten lost in the mail. No matter, I'm here to make my contribution to the Emerald Coast Resort. First, let me summon my Deconstruction Bots."
Robotnik pressed a button on his console and several robots began emerging from the water, each of them equipped with hammers and drills in addition to their claw hands. They charged towards the resort and began tearing it down brick by brick until the whole building completely toppled over.
Oops," Robotnik let out sarcastically. "Oh well. Since the resort's gone, I'll just have to build a new one. Welcome to Robotnik's Scream Park! Where your first visit is guaranteed to be your last!"
Amidst the destruction and chaos, Keith stared in horror at Robotnik. He moved to grab his cell phone and call Sonic, but the evil scientist noticed him in time. A laser blast struck the phone, knocking it out of Keith's hands.
"Nice try kid," Robotnik replied. "No calling for help today. You're my guest of honor!"
"Swell," Keith let out nervously.
Chuck got between Robotnik and Keith, glaring at the doctor.
"You lay one finger on my son and I'll make you regret it!"
"Bold words, sir," Robotnik replied. "Though I doubt you've got the brains or brawn needed to back up that particular boast. So why don't you two just stand aside and let me do my work."
…
Back at the Kent house, Sonic returned with some flowers in hand.
"Hey!" he let out as he opened the door, only to see the entire place was empty. "Oh, right. Everyone's gone but me."
He walked inside and placed the flowers in a vase.
"Who needs the ocean? The mountains are far superior."
"Sonic!" Ella cried out. "Oh Sonic! You're finally back! Por suerte!"
She looked absolutely horrified as she came into the living room.
"Ella? What's wrong?"
"See for yourself!"
She turned on the TV, which showed a news report on Robotnik's attack.
"A gang of robot destroyers has begun wrecking hotels and resorts all along the Emerald Coast. With the situation ever increasing by the hour, authorities have begun issuing mandatory evacuation orders."
Suddenly, the screen shifted, the broadcast being taken over by none other than Robotnik himself. He gave his trademark laugh before addressing the audience.
"The owners of the Emerald Coast Resort didn't think it wise to invite me to their grand opening. So I decided to knock it down, and build my own resort instead. It's now Robotnik's Scream Park!"
"And he calls me a rat," Sonic remarked.
Just then, the familar sound of Bokkun's laughter reached his ears. He turned around just in time to see the devilish robot placing a large bomb on the table.
"I've brought you your personal invitation to the Doctor's park. Your friend Keith is already there! Come by soon! I promise it'll be a blast!"
The timer on the bomb began counting down as Bokkun flew off. Thinking fast, Sonic grabbed the bomb and kicked it out the window, causing it to fly near Bokkun. He looked up and screamed just before the bomb made contact, blasting him away. Ella shook her fist, cursing under her breath.
"That little diablo."
"Tell me about it. Now, if you'll excuse me."
Sonic then rushed out the door, leaving Ella alone in the house. She sighed, then closed the door.
…
Back at the coast, the others gathered on the cliffside overlooking the resort. Using a set of binoculars found in the villa, Kat looked out at the resort, cursing slightly.
"It's Eggman," she announced. "He's building some sort of insane theme park."
"Let me see!" Amy insisted, snagging the binoculars and looking for herself.
She saw Robotnik ordering his robots around as they moved around the resort, seemingly building something.
"What do you think they're working on?" Amy asked.
"We'll find out in a minute!" Tails declared as he pulled the Tornado II forward.
Knuckles climbed on the outside as Amy got in the passenger seat.
"Kat, you need to stay here with Helen and Cream," Amy insisted. "We'll stop Eggman and protect Keith."
"Go you three," Kat told them. "And Amy, give that fatso an extra whack for me, will ya?"
"Will do."
With that, Tails hit the accelerator and the plane took off into the air.
…
At the resort, Robotnik's robots were hard at work, creating massive and deadly amusement park rides for any unwilling guests he could come by.
"Build faster!" Robotnik ordered. "Don't use too many nails and bolts, and be sure you water down the cement! I want these rides to be the most dangerous in the universe!"
All of a sudden, a blue blur zipped up one of the half constructed rides, plowing through one of the construction projects. Due to the shoddy workmanship, it crumbled almost instantly,crushing the various robots working on it. As the dust settled, Sonic appeared, sporting his signature smirk as he stared down the mad doctor.
"Hi ya Doc. What's up?"
"Sonic!" Keith cheered. "You actually came!"
"Beach or not, there's no way I'd let Eggman hurt my friends."
"How noble of you," Eggman remarked as the Octopus robot from earlier approached. "But what you don't realize is that this was my plan all along. I know you can't swim, so I staged an oceanic ambush. Octoron! Grab him!"
Octoron's tentacles instantly shot out, prompting Sonic to run towards the giant monster. He dodged between the tentacles before leaping up over it, hoping to kick it in the head. However, the bot intercepted him instead, bringing up a tentacle. His kick just stretched the rubbery hose that made up the tentacle before it grabbed him completely.
"Ha!" Robotnik cheered. "I have you now!"
"Oh yeah?" Sonic replied. "We'll just see!
Sonic struggled to free himself as Octoron dragged him to the edge of the dock, but it was to no avail as Octoron dunked Sonic in the water. Almost immediately, panic set in for Sonic. He began flailing wildly, trying to free himself from the tentacle. Unfortunately nothing came of his efforts. Robotnik just sat back as he watched the events unfold, a sinister smile gracing his face.
"Sonic!" Keith cried out. "Let him up! You'll drown him!"
"That's the idea, kid!" Robotnik replied. "I'm giving Sonic a choice. Either forfeit the battle, or forfeit his life."
After about a minute, Sonic was pulled back up again. He coughed and wheezed, spitting out a good amount of water. He looked like a drowned rat, dangling in the grip of Octoron as he tried to regain his senses.
"Well Sonic? How do you like the ocean now?"
Rather than answer, Sonic remained limp. Robotnik looked confused.
"Set him down, Octoron, but keep a tight grip. I don't want our little friend getting away."
Octoron lowered sonic to the ground. The second the hedgehog felt his feet touch concrete, he took off, pulling the tentacle still attached to him as far as it would stretch.
"Don't let up, Octoron! Drag him back into the ocean!"
The robot started moving into the water, dragging Sonic along with him. Sonic struggled to keep from being dragged in, but it seemed to be to no avail. Just as Sonic was about to take one final dip in the ocean, the Tornado II came in overhead. Seeing that Sonic was in danger, Amy quickly got out of her seat and leapt towards the robot.
"Amy, wait!" Tails called out.
"Is she crazy?!" Knuckles responded.
"Let him go!" Amy declared.
She had her hammer out halfway through her fall, bringing it down right on the tentacle holding Sonic. Because it was pulled as far as it could go, it was vulnerable, and thus snapped almost instantly. Sonic went flying, barreling right into Keith, and Octoron splashed down in the ocean.
"You little brat! You wrecked my robot!"
"Well you should keep your rotten robots away from my Sonic!"
Keith helped get the remainder of the tentacle off Sonic, looking him over with a worried expression.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"I am now," Sonic replied, getting back on his feet. "Now, I better go help Amy."
He quickly dashed up one of the roller coaster tracks, getting himself enough momentum to roll into a spin dash. He then plowed right into Octoron, puncturing it's hull and crashing around inside like a pinball. He then busted his way out as Octo-ron fell into the water, exploding with a powerful splash. Sonic landed on the ground safely just as Amy came running over.
"Sonic! You're okay!" she cheered, hugging him tightly.
"Lighten up Amy," Sonic insisted. "Sheesh."
Above them, Robotnik began growling, slamming his fists on his console.
"This isn't over, Sonic! Not by a longshot!"
"Yeah, keep telling yourself that!" Sonic called back as Robotnik flew away, allowing him to turn back to Amy. "Amy, that was crazy, what you did back there."
"Yeah, but you make me do crazy things." Amy perked, remembering her little project before fishing into her pocket. "Hang on, I made you something."
She held out the seashell bracelet, offering it to Sonic. He looked at it, cocking his head slightly.
"What's this for?"
"It's so you know that there's more to the beach than water. I thought if you had something positive to associate with it, the beach wouldn't be so intimidating for you. I… hope you like it."
Sonic looked down at the gift, genuinely surprised. Before he could take it though, the entire island began quaking. Amy dropped the bracelet as she fell into Sonic's arms, both of them just trying to remain upright. Once Amy realized she'd dropped the bracelet, she immediately scrambled to try and recover it. Before she could though, a metal the deconstruction robots began descending on the island. They smashed the bracelet as they formed up into a massive, mechanical serpent. Amy pulled her hand back, staring at the broken bracelet in disbelief.
"No..."
"Didn't I tell you I'd be back?" Robotnik asked mockingly as he descended menacingly once more. "My deconstruction bots have merged to form Serpenter, and it's ready to strike!"
"So your smaller robots made one giant robot," Sonic remarked. "Very impressive."
"Laugh while you can, hedgehog. You'll need more than speed to deal with this robot."
"Is that so? Well let's just see how tough it is."
He sped forward, preparing to take on the snake robot. As he lured it away from Keith, Chuck, and Amy, the latter bent down, picking up the remains of her bracelet. Tears started forming in her eyes as she clutched the bracelet. Then, she stood up, picking up her hammer, and turning towards the robotic snake with fire in her eyes.
"You're gonna pay for that!" She yelled, charging at the robot.
Both Sonic and Robotnik turned in surprise as Amy came charging at Serpenter, screaming the entire time. She brought her hammer down hard on the robot's tail, causing it to turn towards her. She then began mercilessly swinging, knocking the robot down to size section by section. Chuck pulled Keith back, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire. Sonic backed away as well, remembering just how terrifying Amy could be. Robotnik gulped hard, beginning to question his strategy.
"I think I've done enough evil for today," Robotnik decided, slowly putting the Eggmobile in reverse.
Once Amy was down to the head, she smashed it and leapt onto it, bringing her hammer down on it again and again. Suddenly, the head sprung off the robot, launching Amy into the air towards Robotnik. He barely had time to react before Amy smacked him with her hammer, knocking him down towards the ocean. As he shook his head in pain, he looked up to see Amy falling towards him, yelling in anger as she readied her hammer to strike again.
"Take this!" She screamed.
Robotnik let out a panicked scream as Amy smacked him as hard as she could, causing a massive pillar of water to rise up in the wake of her attack.
"AMY!" Sonic shouted.
Acting on instinct, Sonic took a deep breath and dove in after her.
"Sonic, wait!" Keith tried to reach out for him, but he was too slow. "You can't swim!"
Up above in the Tornado II, Tails and Knuckles saw what had happened and were shocked to say the least.
"I can't believe Sonic did that," Tails let out.
"Neither can I," Knuckles replied. "Get me close to the water. I'm going in after them!"
Tails nodded, bringing the Tornado II as close as he could. The second he was in range, Knuckles dove into the ocean to save the two.
…
Amy slowly came to, finding herself laying on a deck chair back at the Kent Villa. Chuck was checking on her, smiling when he saw she was awake.
"Well, look who's up," he said.
"Chuck?" She let out weakly. "What happened?"
"You almost drowned, then Sonic tried to rescue you."
Amy went wide-eyed, immediately searching for Sonic. She didn't have to look very far because she soon heard the sound of someone getting punched.
"You idiot!" Knuckles shouted. "What were you thinking?! Jumping into the ocean like that when you know damn well you can't swim!"
Amy moved to the edge of the deck, looking over the railing to see Sonic sitting on the ground, rubbing his head as Knuckles berated him.
"Wow Knuckles," Sonic replied. "I didn't know you cared."
"I care when I have to be the one to pull not one, but two drowning idiots out of the ocean! Why would you even do something so reckless and stupid?!"
Sonic gave a small laugh, placing a hand on his wrist. Amy blinked, seeing what looked like a small piece of shell sticking out from under his glove. She blushed, putting a hand over her mouth in delight as Sonic just shrugged.
"What can I say? Amy makes me do crazy things."