At the Kent House, Sonic was sitting on the couch, looking at a World Atlas.
"Looks like I've been just about everywhere on this planet," He noted. "Except the places I'd have to swim to."
In front of the TV, Cream, Cheese, and Helen were watching the last few minutes of Blumpy's show. He glanced up at the girls, smiling at their happy faces.
"Goodbye everybody! See ya tomorrow!"
"Goodbye," the two called back with Cheese chirping along.
About that time, Ella came out of the kitchen, a fresh apple pie in her hand.
"I hope you three are hungry," she called out. "I've got fresh pie for you, but be careful. I pulled it out of the oven."
Sonic grinned, tossing the book onto the couch.
"Thanks Ella," he told her, hastily cutting four slices and doling them out. "Your pie is the best."
"Don't let Amy hear you say that," Ella joked.
"Don't worry, I won't."
Suddenly, a news report popped up on the TV, showing the President standing in front of a large podium with several news crews surrounding him.
"We are broadcasting live from the President's office today for a special report."
On the stage, the President cleared his throat.
"This world is facing a crisis unlike anything it has ever faced before. The threat of Dr. Ivo Robotnik has become too great to put off any longer. And so, I have decided to take action to stop the mad doctor."
All three Mobians were floored, as were Ella and Helen.
"He what?!"
…
On Robotnik Island, the titular doctor was watching the same broadcast, Orbot and Cubot right beside him.
"Mr. President!" Scarlet Garcia called out. "Do you have a plan on how you're going to stop Dr. Robotnik?"
"Given the risk factor of the mission, I cannot in good conscience divulge the details of the plan. However, I can assure everyone that this plan has been months in the making and I am confident that it will rid us of this Dr. Robotnik once and for all."
"Oh boy," Cubot commented. "These guys seem pretty serious."
"Shall I prepare the base for departure?" Orbot suggested.
"What for?" Robotnik replied. "These clowns and whatever half baked scheme they've got cooked up? I say let them try. It will be a perfect chance to show the world the might of the future Robotnik Empire!"
…
Out in the woods, Knuckles stood out on a cliffside, one that was overlooking Station Square. Kat was with him, dressed in hiking gear and checking a map.
"We've gone over all of this sector," she announced. "Not so much as a blip on your magic Emerald sense. You sure there's one out here?"
"We have to be sure," Knuckles replied.
As he said this, the Tornado II went flying overhead. The two of them braced themselves as they watched it passed them.
"Guess we're not the only ones on the trail," Kat mused.
"Right. Let's move."
He jumped off the cliff as Kat went wide-eyed.
"Hey!" she shouted as she scrambled down the rocky cliff. "We agreed no cliff jumping! I'm not as tough as you!"
…
Inside the Tornado II, Tails, Keith, and Amy were on the hunt themselves. Keith happened to glance out the window, smirking slightly.
"Knuckles and Kat are at it again. Guess he's still not big on the whole teamwork thing."
"The fact he lets Kat help him is a surprise in and of itself," Tails remarked. "Still, more eyes looking for the Emeralds is a point in our favor."
"Speaking of eyes, where are your glasses, Keith?" Amy asked. "Why are you wearing those weird ones?"
Sure enough, Keith was wearing a pair of yellow goggles that wrapped around his head, mechanical clamps that acted like speakers around his ears. At the moment, said speakers were filtering out the noise of the wind, making it easier for him to hear.
"It's something Mr. Stewart gave me," Keith answered. "He said they'd be helpful in finding the Emeralds. They've got a scanner and they're even set so they're my prescription."
"Neat," Tails replied. "Maybe I can check them out later and upgrade them."
"I'd like that," Keith agreed. "But let's save that for after we find the Emerald."
…
At the White House, the President was meeting with his aids and commanders, as well as Topaz and Rouge, discussing the plan to take down Robotnik. They were going over the map that the two agents had been able to recover from their mission.
"According to Rouge and Agent Topaz's reports," the commander relayed. "The main power generator is located just underneath the tower itself."
"Seems recruiting you was a good decision," the President said as he looked over at Rouge. "Glad to see you're a bat of your word."
"Hey, once you get past the explosive jewelry, this spy stuff is pretty fun," Rouge replied.
"Now, let's go over our attack plan," a commander declared, approaching a map of Robotnik island and the surrounding waters. "It will be a two pronged attack, with troops coming in from both air and sea."
"What about a robotic counter attack?" The President asked. "We already know he has an entire arsenal of bots on standby for any attempts at attacks."
"These forces are merely a diversion. Robotnik will deploy his robots against the frontal assault while a special forces team infiltrates the island from the other side. Once in, they'll head to the generator room and destroy Robotnik's power supply. They'll be backed by a team of agents led by Rouge. Her firsthand knowledge and experience will be key in ensuring victory.
"How come she gets to lead?" Topaz whispered to the commander.
"You know how these things work Topaz, there's a star in every show. We're just bit players."
"Maybe, but there is one other individual who seems to have more experience dealing with Robotnik than anyone," the President replied. "We need the hedgehog."
Rouge let out a laugh.
"Sonic? After the way you treated him when he first arrived, he wouldn't dream of working with you. Especially when you stuck a kid in a science lab for experiments. Trust me, that's one way to earn that hedgehog's eternal wrath."
"I know our first impressions were… poorly received," the President admitted. "But this is bigger than any personal feelings anyone might have. Robotnik is a threat to everything, and if he isn't stopped soon, it could be doom for us all."
Rouge gave a shrug.
"Just don't expect him to roll over like I did."
"We don't. That's why we're handling this situation as delicately and diplomatically as we can."
…
At the Kent house, several agents, accompanied by one of the President's aids, walked up to the door and knocked on it. Mr. Tanaka answered the door, giving them all his usual deadpan stare, though with an undertone of malice.
"Good afternoon gentlemen. Might I ask what has brought you to the Kent Residence today?"
"Sir, my name is Jerome Wise. I'm the aide for the President, and I'd like to speak with the hedgehog. I believe his name is…" He looked down at a notecard in his hand. "...Sonic?"
Tanaka just remained silent for a minute.
"I am sure I have no idea who you're talking about."
Up on the roof, Sonic took note of what was going on and moved in closer. He peeked over the edge of the porch awning, listening in.
"I understand your desire to protect him. However, you must be aware that we've been watching this house and all of its residents for some time. We know Sonic and a good number of his friends have been living here. However, I want to assure you we didn't come to arrest any of them. I am here as an envoy to the President to ask for his cooperation in the attack on Dr. Robotnik's base."
This bit of information caused Sonic to perk up, prompting him to listen for more.
"Of course, we're not asking him to cooperate for free. If our strategy succeeds, we will welcome him and his friends as honored citizens and guarantee their livelihood. They will be able to walk the streets freely and will no longer be confined to this domicile. I imagine this would be a welcome change of pace given the hedgehog's tendency to go for state-hopping jogs."
"I have found that when it comes to the words of men in power, they are worth very little," Tanaka replied, his tone never changing. "Now I suggest you cease wasting both our time and depart."
"I don't have time for games Mr…" Jerome checked his notes again. "Tanaka."
Tanaka's eyes narrowed.
"I suppose no one told you that spying on people without their consent is ill advised, and in some cases, illegal."
"And yet you allow Mr. Stewart to continue his efforts," Jerome pointed out.
"Mr. Stewart came clean on what he was doing and has agreed to an arrangement that is mutually beneficial to all parties. You, on the other hand, are quickly proving to be nowhere near as agreeable."
Jerome was starting to get annoyed.
"I'm warning you-"
"Oh give me a break!"
The two turned and saw Sonic sitting on the hood of Jerome's car, tapping his finger.
"What's up with all this drama? If you wanted to talk to me, you just had to ask."
Tanaka gave a small bow.
"My apologies, Mr. Sonic. I was unaware you were listening."
"Relax Tanaka. Thanks for sticking up for me, but I am kinda curious about this guy's plan. He's clearly put a lot of work into it if he's reaching out for me."
"Indeed," Jerome confirmed. "The President requested your aid personally."
"Well then, best not keep him waiting."
With that, Sonic immediately ran off, much to Jerome's shock. Tanaka gave a nod.
"You have received your answer. Now, kindly vacate our porch. I have work to do and it is almost lunch time."
He closed the door in Jerome's face, leaving him and the Secret Service on the porch.
…
Back in the White House, Sonic came speeding into the office, sending papers flying as he sat down on one of the couches, right across from Rouge. The bat flattened her fur, looking at the hedgehog in surprise.
"Hey there Mr. President," Sonic greeted. "Heard you were looking for me."
"You actually came," she mused. "Color me impressed. I would have thought you'd tell them to take a long walk off a short cliff."
"Hey there Rouge," Sonic greeted. "Heard these guys were going after Eggman. I want in."
"Eggman?" Topaz repeated.
"A little nickname we Mobians have for Robotnik," Rouge explained. "Sonic came up with it, actually."
Sonic gave a small nod.
"He's egg shaped and he stinks like a rotten egg. Frankly, I say it fits, as does everyone else. It got to the point that some people honestly started to believe that was his name."
"I see," the President replied. "Well, whatever people choose to call him, he needs to be stopped. I asked you to help with that since you seem to have been enemies with him for a long time.
"You have no idea…" Sonic replied as his mind trailed off.
…
Years ago…
Sonic raced through the cliffs of South Island, rushing as fast as he could towards the Green Hill Zone. He sped across two cliffs just as they collapsed and rolled into a ball as he came across a naturally occuring loopdeloop, coming off it even faster. Up ahead, he could see several badniks set up in a triangle formation, almost like bowling pins. He smirked, tucking his legs and spinning into a spin dash. He plowed through them easily before hopping into the air and becoming upright again. He then sped across an old rope bridge before skidding to a stop, a confident smirk across his face.
"Aw yeah!" he let out. "Now that's how we do it, Sonic style!"
"Not bad," an older woman's voice declared from above.
Sonic looked up as a massive Great Horned Owl descended from the sky. She landed in front of Sonic, looking dignified, yet proud.
"Thanks Longclaw. I've been practicing that move. I call it, the Spin Dash."
"It is impressive. Your training has certainly come a long way since I first found you."
"And I can't thank you enough for all you've done. Even when I've given you a hard time."
"You're young, you were designed to give old owls like me a hard time. Besides, I figured if you're going to go off on this foolish crusade of yours, you should at least know how to fight. You have the greatest connection to the innate hedgehog speed gene I have ever seen, making you without a doubt the fastest being on the planet."
"Meaning Robotnik better watch out, huh?"
Longclaw gave a nod.
"Even so, you must be careful. Robotnik is cunning and ruthless. He will not fight fair, and neither should you. Fight to win, Sonic. It's your only chance."
"Don't worry… I intend to."
…
Meanwhile, Keith and the others were continuing their search when the Chaos Emerald began glowing. Tails brightened, remembering the last time it happened.
"The Chaos Emerald's got something!"
"That's great!" Keith let out, tapping the side of his goggles as his scanner activated. "The signals coming just South-southeast of us!"
"Better call Knuckles and Kat," Amy insisted. "They'll be upset if we don't let them know."
"For sure!" Keith replied, fishing out his cellphone.
…
Down in the woods, Kat and Knuckles were taking a break for some water. As they sat on a rock, Kat felt her phone go off. She fished it out, seeing it was Keith.
"Hey, you find something?"
"Think so. Texting you the location. See you here soon."
He hung up as Kat's phone beeped, the coordinates showing up. She quickly put them into maps and smirked.
"Race ya to the truck!" She shouted, bolting out of the woods.
"You're on!" Knuckles replied, chasing after her.
…
Back with Keith and the others, Tails managed to land the Tornado II in a cornfield. Keith looked around for any sign of Robotnik and his robots, but found none. In fact, the only sign of life was a farmhouse off in the distance, and Kat's rapidly approaching truck. She pulled up alongside the Tornado II, Knuckles jumping out and landing on the roof.
"Hey Tails!" he shouted. "Nice work! Looks like we beat Eggman! Now get out here so we can start looking!"
"No need!" Tails called back. "Engaging Cyclone mode!"
After pressing a few buttons, the wings of the Tornado II began to detract as sections of the front folded downwards and formed into legs, with the engine even folding under the plane to form something of a torso.. Everyone both inside the Tornado and out just stared, their jaws on the ground.
"What did you do, Tails?" Amy asked
"I converted the Tornado II into a walker mode so we can search for the Chaos Emerald." Tails then turned to Knuckles and Kat. "Both of you, climb on!"
Knuckles jumped onto the nearby wing as Kat climbed up onto the hood of her truck, jumping on herself. Once the two were settled, they sat back for a ride.
"Nice glasses, Keith," Kat remarked.
"Thanks. A gift from Mr. Teacher-Spy."
Kat blinked a bit, then shook her head.
"Okay dude, don't call him that. It sounds weird when you say it."
"It sounds weird when YOU say it."
"Yeah well, I coined the name so it's mine." She stuck her tongue out at him in a teasing manner. "Speaking of, we should tell him we found another Emerald. We did promise to keep him updated."
"Right. I'll take care of it."
…
Mr. Stewart listened to Keith as he explained the situation. He nodded along a bit, writing some things down.
"A Chaos Emerald, huh? Well, thank you for keeping me updated."
He hung up the phone, then turned to his communicator watch.
"This is Chalkboard Charlie calling Homeroom. I have an update on the situation."
…
Back in the cornfield, the Tornado II continued walking for a while before they finally got close enough to walk out. Tails carried the Emerald in hand as they searched the ground. Eventually, they found that the light was brightest over a certain part.
"Seems the Emerald's underground," Keith remarked.
"Unfortunately, I don't think any of us brought any shovels," Amy pointed out.
"I may have some back in my truck, but it'll be one heck of a walk, even with the Tornado II," Kat voiced.
"No need," Knuckles reassured. "I've got this covered."
Knuckles reached behind him and pulled out two sets of metal mitts, each with a grip and two small shovel-like claws on them. Tails grinned.
"The Shovel Claws! You brought them with you!"
"Never leave home without them," Knuckles boasted.
"You could carry stuff in your fur, and yet I've been lugging around the hiking equipment?" Kat deadpanned.
"I didn't need that stuff, so why should I carry it?" Knuckles retorted.
"He's got you there," Keith admitted, earning a punch on the arm from Kat.
"Find it Knuckles!" Amy cheered. "You can do it!"
Knuckles slipped on the claws, then began digging as hard as he could, leaving a nice trail of dirt in his wake. The others sat back and waited, Tails smiling to himself.
"Man, Sonic's gonna miss us finding the third Chaos Emerald," he remarked.
…
Back at the White House, Mr. Stewart's report on the Emerald had just come in. All of the military personnel were restless, seeing an opportunity at hand.
"Mr. President, we can't let this chance pass," Jerome insisted. "If Robotnik leaves the chase after that Chaos Emerald, we can attack the base while he's gone. It'll improve the odds for our success."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Sonic spoke up, standing up in his seat. "You want to use my friends as bait to lure Eggman?"
"Once Robotnik learns of an active Chaos Emerald, he won't be able to resist going after it for himself," the commander reasoned. "Leaving the base open for attack."
"Yeah, and sending him after my friends who aren't prepared for him and without me to help them out. More than that, Keith and Kat are with them, and they're just humans."
"Your friends, human or otherwise, have proven themselves capable of protecting themselves," Rouge pointed out. "Heck, I'm pretty sure they've saved your tail a couple of times. Have some faith in them."
Sonic crossed his arms in annoyance, hating to admit the validity of Rouge's point. He sighed, then leaned back in a huff.
"Fine… but do not make a habit of it. I do not like my friends being used as bait."
"If it makes you feel any better, the Birnbaum girl and the rabbit were not among the search party," The President offered up.
"It does… a little."
"Then it's settled," the commander declared. "Mr. President, we're ready."
"Alright then. Let's get this job done."
…
On Robonik's Island, Orbot and Cubot were in the media room, watching a romantic comedy on the hallmark channel. Cubot seemed absolutely enraptured by it, sighing longingly whenever the two main characters would embrace.
"I wish someone would show me affection like that."
"Don't look at me," Orbot told him. "I'm not programmed for affection."
Robotnik came into the room, looking annoyed when he saw what was on the TV.
"Are you two watching this garbage again? I'd tell you it'll rot your brain, but I think that ship sailed a long time ago..."
"Aw come on, Doc," Cubot replied. "Is it too much to hope that somewhere out there, there can be robot women who love us for our minds and aren't interested in looks or money?"
"Yes. Because even if there were robot women out there, they'd sooner self destruct then go out with you."
Before the conversation could continue, the screen began to devolve into static.
"They found a Chaos Emerald buried in a corn field in Tingalin Villa," a voice declared.
All three viewers both paused, turning to the screen.
"What was that?" Robotnik let out.
"It appears Sonic's friends are in the middle of uncovering the third Chaos Emerald out in a cornfield in Tingalin Villa," the voice repeated before the static parted and the romcom returned.
"A Chaos Emerald, huh?" Robotnik mused. "I can't pass this up, but there's no way I'm leaving the place when those military bozo's are set to attack at any moment."
"But sir, you have to go!" Orbot pointed out. "If you don't, then Sonic and his friends will have two Chaos Emeralds!"
Robotnik pondered for a moment, before suddenly sprouting a sinister smile across his face.
…
Outside the base, a group of agents were watching the base, other members stowing a signal hijacker they'd used to deliver the report. As they watched, a secret runway unveiled itself in the side of the cliff. From this runway emerged a massive robot that seemed to be shaped like a rooster, but with a ginormous fan for a torso. Large wings spread out on either side of it as it took off into the sky, Robotnik following behind in his eggmobile.
"There he goes," one of the agents called out. "Get ready to mobilize."
…
Back at the base, several jets began taking off towards the island, heading out in droves. Sonic found a plane he liked and hopped on, taking a seat on the top. One of the pilots looked up at him, preparing to shout at him to come down. However, Rouge stopped them.
"Don't bother," she warned. "I've never seen him sit inside a plane like a normal being, not even with his friend Tails. He'll be fine."
"Trust me, I will be," Sonic agreed, settling in for the flight with a determined look. "Just get me in close to Eggman HQ, and I'll take it from there."
…
Years ago…
Sonic was out on another run in the Green Hills, pushing himself faster and faster. As he reached the big loop, he went as fast as he could, managing to clear the entire loop without falling. He made it to the end and skidded to a stop, punching the air.
"Yes! Finally!"
Just then, a large shadow started flying over him, prompting him to look up and see a massive winged fortress hovering menacingly over the area. The massive insignia with Robotnik's face made it quite clear who this metal monstrosity belonged to.
"Robotnik," Sonic snarled.
He looked around, finding a cliff with a high enough ramp that he could launch himself into the air. Zooming back a ways, he shot forward, zipping up the ramp and into the air. As he flew upwards, he tucked into a ball.
"Time to see if my homing attack works."
He then shot upwards in a burst of speed, reaching the winged fortress and grabbing onto the outside. He latched on, then began scooting along the side until he found a vent cover. He quickly kicked it in before leaping inside. He landed inside the cold metal interior of the winged fortress, looking around.
"I'm not gonna let you hurt anyone else, Robotnik," he swore as he rushed across the massive pipes. "Count on that."
…
Meanwhile in the corn field, Knuckles continued digging for the Chaos Emerald, but had yet to find anything. The others were sifting through the dirt as well, trying to find any sign of it.
"Man this thing must be deep," Keith remarked.
"Is it normal for the Emeralds to end up so deep underground?"
Kat asked.
"Sure," Tails answered. "When the Emeralds scatter, they end up in the most random of places."
"Old ruins, strange pocket dimensions, the garbage somewhere," Amy listed off. "They've ended up just about everywhere."
Knuckles stuck his head out of the dirt.
"Stop yacking and keep digging," he snapped. "We have to find that Emerald before Eggman realizes it's here."
Just then, the sound of a jet engine reached their ears. Everyone looked up as a massive shadow overtook them. They all gasped when Funfun landed right behind the Tornado II, Robotnik descending right next to it. Kat then turned to Knuckles with a deadpan stare.
"You just had to jinx us, didn't you?"
"Hey, don't look at me!"
Tails kept quiet, flying up into the Tornado II and reinstalling the Chaos Emerald. As he did this, Robotnik looked around at the group, smirking.
"Sorry to disrupt your fun, kiddies," Robotnik remarked. "But I was just wondering if you found my Chaos Emerald yet."
"Forget it, Eggman," Tails responded, turning the Cyclone towards him. "We're not gonna give it to ya!"
"You got that right!" Amy agreed, pulling out her hammer.
"Very well then," Robotnik replied. "I'll just take it from you! Funfun, have some fun!"
"Just try it!" Tails shouted. "I'll show you the full power of the Tornado II!"
With a pull of a level, Tails switched the Tornado II back into flight mode, aiming right at Funfun. However, the robot just activated its massive fan, which created winds so strong it caused the Tornado II to stall in midair before crashing to the ground. Corn and corn stalks were whipping around wildly, an entire row being ripped up from the ground. Amy was sent flying, though the teens were able to get down in time, clinging to the edge of the hole Knuckles had dug. The Echidna remained firmly entrenched in the hole, unable to move or get out.
"Good work Funfun!" Robotnik cheered. "You're blowing those brats away!"
The winds seemed to be getting stronger, with a powerful gust blowing down a nearby barn as a result. Inside the Tornado II, Tails tried to get the plane to stand up, but the force Funfun was sending out made it impossible.
"The control stick is jammed!" Tails let out.
Keith and Kat just held on for dear life as the winds continued to push at them.
…
Meanwhile, the assault on Dr. Robotnik's base was underway. With several fighter jets flying in close to launch the first wave of missiles. Some accompanying battleships shot off their arsenal as well, but the missiles just ended up hitting a massive energy shield.
"No!" A commander shouted. "He was ready for us!"
Sonic, who was watching from his perch on a jet, noticed something about the shield. It seemed to flicker with each hit, which caught his attention.
"Hang on!" he called out. "Keep firing at the shield! It's weak and if you keep up the attack, it could fail altogether!"
"You heard the hedgehog, keep firing!"
The military continued their barrage, the shield getting weaker by the minute. Soon, it fizzled out altogether, the barrage finally doing damage on the building itself.
…
"Oh no," Cubot let out. "The force field failed!"
"Then we'll just have to go on the offensive," Orbot decided. "Launch counter attack!"
…
Outside, several missile launchers sprang up from around the base, opening fire on the attacking planes and ships. Sneezer, Beakon, and Guardbot were all unleashed as well, the three bots going out and attacking. Sonic leapt off the plane he was on and quickly dashed through several missiles, causing them to go off prematurely. He caught sight of Beakon and leapt up into the air, performing a precise homing attack on the aerial robot and blowing it to bits.
Down on the ground, Rouge and her team were watching the ensuing battle play out.
"That hedgehog sure knows how to put up a fight," She remarked. "Now, let's knock out the power."
Topaz, who was part of the group, gave a nod as Rouge pulled a mask over her face. Together, they all moved in on the base.
…
Back in the White House, the President was preparing to make an announcement regarding the attack on Robotnik's base.
"My fellow civilians," he rehearsed. "No, I mean, my fellow citizens. Today our milinary-. No no, military."
"We go live in fifteen seconds, sir," the cameraman reminded.
The President then cleared his throat and straightened his tie, getting ready to deliver his address.
…
Back at the Kent house, Cream, Cheese, and Helen were eating some sandwiched prepared by Ella, the cook watching over the three with adoring smiles. The TV was playing a different children's program before it switched over to the President's address. Scarlet Garcia was on the screen at the moment, addressing the audience.
"We interrupt our regular broadcast to bring you this live emergency address from the President."
"My fellow citizens, today our military forces launched an all-out assault against the headquarters of Dr. Robotnik. Despite repeated warnings, Dr. Robotnik has continued to threaten the peace and well-being of our nation."
"They're attacking Eggman?" Helen questioned. "Is that a good idea?"
"It'll be okay," Cream insisted. "Sonic is with them. They're sure to win with him on their side."
Cheese chirped in agreement as the President continued.
"This conflict is unfortunate, but we cannot allow Dr. Robotnik to achieve his goal of world domination! We must stop him now before it is too late!"
…
Back on the island, Rogue and the squadron she was with set up a bomb at the bottom of the building. Getting far enough away, they blew a hole in the side. Checking their work, they were all happy to see they'd blown all the way through. With a wave of her arm, Rouge urged everyone to enter.
…
Back outside, Sonic continued leaping from missile to robot, smashing through both as he kept moving closer and closer to the base. As he leapt onto one missile, he ran across it before revving into a spin dash right at the thruster, speeding off and causing the missile to blow up as he jetted towards the base. He crashed through the wall of the base, landing with a skid as he looked around.
"Nice place you got here, Eggman," Sonic remarked. "Hope you got it insured, cause it's about to be a crater."
Sonic then sped off down the hall, unaware that he was being observed via a camera.
…
In the control room, the entire situation was being surveyed by the malicious eyes of Dr. Robotnik himself.
"So, Sonic decided to come and play after all, perfect."
"Quite fortuitous, I must say," Orbot commented.
"Oh quite. Not only do I get to crush this little assault and collect the Chaos Emerald at the same time, but now I finally get to rid myself of that meddlesome hedgehog once and for all."
"How ya gonna do that, doc?" Cubot asked. "Another robot duplicate of yourself?"
"Something like that…" Robotnik replied, looking to the side and seeing several machines working on what appeared to be a robotic hedgehog.