Out in the field, Funfun continued his windy assault of the Emerald seekers. Tails was struggling to keep the Tornado II from being turned to scrap, Amy had been blown away, Knuckles had been forced to retreat underground, and Keith and Kat were clinging to each other as they clutched the ground, unable to move.
"This wind's got us pinned!" Keith let out.
"Really?! I hadn't noticed!" Kat shouted back.
Keith and Kat then looked up and saw Amy moving towards them, hammering stakes into the ground so she could get closer.
"Amy!" they both let out.
"Don't worry!" She called back. "I'm almost there!"
As she pulled herself back towards the group, Tails struggled to try and get the Tornado II back into cyclone mode. After struggling with the lever for several minutes, he finally got it back up as he turned to Robotnik.
"I'm not gonna lose, Eggman!" he shouted.
Robotnik just cackled at the declaration.
"You honestly believe your tiny plane stands a chance against my robot?!"
"Let's find out!"
"Let's." Robotnik then snapped his fingers, prompting Funfun to increase the intensity of its fan. "I imagine it won't be long before Funfun knocked the wind out of your puny little plane. Face it Tails! You're in way over your head!"
Tails fought to keep the Tornado II upright, but it finally buckled under the strain and was blown away.
…
All across Station Square, citizens were watching the President's address, as well as footage of what was going on on Robotnik Island. Al sat in his living room, clutching a photo of himself and Kat. Chuck paced in his lab, the report playing on his computer as he restlessly listened. Mr. Stewart sat in his apartment, his expression stony and unreadable with every passing moment.
"My fellow citizens, the assault against the headquarters of Dr. Robotnik has begun. Our military forces will press on until Robotnik is no longer a threat to the world. We will not fail. Dr. Robotnik must be stopped now!"
…
Inside the base, Sonic rushed through the halls, making his way deeper. As he rounded a corner, he found himself staring down a platoon of Egg Pawns and Buzz Bombers.
"Ah, breaking out the classics, I see," Sonic noted, leaping up and dashing towards the badniks. "Been years since I've seen you guys. Guess his supply of lesser bots is a bit limited."
He plowed through the Egg Pawns fairly swiftly as he zipped around the Buzz Bombers blasts. He quickly leapt up and grabbed hold of one of the Buzz Bombers stingers, causing it to shoot several others before throwing it to the ground and smashing it. As Sonic ran off, several Motorbugs drove up alongside him, trying to take him down. Sonic just rolled into a ball, ramming alongside them and taking them out.
"All too easy," Sonic remarked, straightening out and running off. "Then again, weren't they always?"
…
Years ago…
Sonic made his way through the Winged Fortress, spotting several Badniks rushing to stop him. His eyes narrowed at the sight as he sped up to confront them. He leapt over the Buzz Bombers blasted and used his Homing Attack to take them out before rolling onto the ground in a spin dash to play through some Motorbugs. As he straightened out, he came face to face with several Swatbots, black humanoid robots with blasters, but was undeterred as he plowed through them, destroying them instantly.
"Hope you can put up a better fight than your cronies, Robotnik. Cause you're next!"
Sonic then ran off to the command bridge, planning to end the mad doctors schemes for good.
…
In another part of the base, Rouge and her group moved through the fortress as fast as they could. As they ran though, Rouge suddenly called for them to stop.
"Hold it, everyone," she warned.
"What's going on?" Topaz asked.
"The welcome wagon's on its way."
As if on cue, Behemoth rounded the corner, approaching the group with a menacing glint in its optics. Rouge's eyes narrowed as she took to the air.
"Leave this tin can to me!"She proclaimed as she took off towards Behemoth.
"Rouge!" Topaz called back.
…
Back in the corn field, Tails and the Tornado II went crashing to the ground in another part of the Field. Funfun began closing in on the remaining Emerald hunters, fans showing no sign of slowing.
"We have to get out of here!" Kat screamed over the wind.
"How?!" Keith asked.
"I don't know, but we can't stay here!"
She tried to push past the wind to get to her feet, but instead, the wind picked up and blew her into the air. Acting quickly, Knuckles burst out of the ground and grabbed her by the hand, pulling her back down into the safety of the hole.
"Stay here! I'll take care of this!"
He pulled out his Shovel Claws and began digging, going back underground and disappearing. Meanwhile, Tails was coming to, having been knocked out cold by the sudden descent of his plane. As he opened his eyes, he let out a scream, seeing Funfun stomping down on the plane in an attempt to crush it.
"That's right, Funfun. Show that furry urchin who's in charge!"
Funfun continued pressing his foot on the Tornado II, the sound of metal on metal grating at everyone's ears. Suddenly, Knuckles burst out of the ground and leapt up to the robot, using his Shovel Claws to slice the blades of the fan before punching it back so it would back away from Tails. As Funfun stumbled back it bumped into Robotnik, sending him careening off into the field where he fell with a hard crash.
"Yeah!" Amy cheered. "Way to go, Knuckles!"
With the wind gone, everyone was able to finally get up, each of them covered in dirt, bits of corn, and other debris.
"Everyone ok?" Knuckles asked.
"Yeah, we're okay," Keith assured him. "Tails! You still alive in there?!"
Tails hoped out of the Tornado II, breathing a sigh of relief.
"I am now. Nice work Knuckles."
"I just hope all this wind didn't blow away the Chaos Emerald," Knuckles admitted.
"Let's find out," Tails replied as they went back to the hole they were digging.
Once they got back to the hole, everyone kept shifting around in the dirt trying to find their prize. Finally, Tails managed to unearth the yellow Chaos Emerald, grinning as he unearthed it.
"We got it"! Tails proclaimed.
"Why Tails!" Robotnik's voice suddenly called from the sky. "You shouldn't have!"
Just then, a metal claw was shot out and latched onto the Chaos Emerald, yanking it from his hands. Everyone looked up, seeing Robotnik now holding the Emerald. He was a bit dirty and the Eggmobile was dented, but what was most shocking was that bits of his face were missing, revealing a mechanical skeleton underneath.
"An Egg Robo!" Tails shouted.
"The bastard couldn't even be bothered to come get it himself!" Knuckles snarled.
With an evil laugh, the Eggrobo took off.
"No!" Knuckles shouted. "We need to get that Emerald back!"
"Right!" Tails agreed. "Let's move!"
Everyone climbed into the Tornado II, Amy getting behind Tails as Keith and Kat took the wing seats. Knuckles settled himself on the outside of the plane as Tails took off. As the group flew after the Egg Robo, Keith's cell phone started going off. Keith fished it out of his pocket, seeing that it was his dad calling.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Keith! Finally! I've been trying to reach you for hours!"
"Sorry dad, I was out of range."
"Listen, are Tails and the others with you still?"
"Yeah. Why do you-?"
"Whatever you're doing, drop it and get to Robotnik Island. The military's launching a full scale attack, and Sonic's with them!"
"What?! Are you sure?!"
"I've been watching live coverage from home. The military seems outmatched, even with Sonic's help."
"We're on our way!" Keith promised, hanging up and turning to Tails. "Sonic and the military are attacking Eggman's base!"
"Of course they are..." Knuckles grumbled. "That idiot is always running headfirst into danger."
"We need to go back him up!" Tails insisted. "Everyone hold on!"
Tails pulled a lever one the control console, causing the plane to rocket forward.
…
Back in Robotnik's base, Rouge continued to duke it out with Behemoth, dodging and weaving around the robot's claw strikes.
"Hurry!" Rouge called out. "Set the charge!"
Topaz nodded as she ran to the base of the robot and placed a bomb on its foot before getting out of the way. Once both she and Rouge were clear, Topaz pressed a button, triggering the bomb and causing the robot's leg to explode, along with part of the floor. The robot fell through the cracks in the floor and down to the level below, crashing upon impact. Rouge and Topaz high fived before proceeding with the mission.
…
"Wow, those guys are pretty good," Cubot commended.
"Aren't you a little concerned about the state of things, Doctor?" Orbot asked.
"Hardly. It's only a matter of time until these trivial troopers are trounced. Now, all I have to worry about is-"
Suddenly, a large crashing sound filled the air as the door was smashed open. Robotnik and his robots turned to see Sonic standing in the doorway.
"Looks like the Doctor is in," Sonic quipped. "Lucky me."
"Ah, Sonic," Robotnik greeted. "Nice of you to drop in."
"Thought you were out on an errand?"
"And miss out on one of our lively chats? Perish the thoughts. I decided to send one of my Egg Robo's to deal with your friends."
Sonic's cocky smile instantly turned into a scowl upon the mention of his friends. Just then, a beeping noise appeared on Robotnik's computer.
"Ah, it seems the old boy's returned with my Chaos Emerald," Robotnik noted. "I can only wonder what he's done to your friends."
"If he's hurt any of them Eggman, you're gonna regret it."
"There's the bravado I know so well. Even from the beginning, you couldn't steer away from the dramatic."
"What can I say? You just bring that side out of me."
…
Years ago…
Robotnik stood at the bridge of his winged fortress, surveying the landscape of South Island.
"Such a charming island dwelling," Robotnik mused. "It will serve as the perfect staging ground for mass robotization. Prepare the roboticizer!"
"Right away, doctor!" Orbot responded.
Just then, the entrance to the bridge exploded, causing Robotnik and his robot assistants to turn and see the head of a Swatbot rolling into the room, followed by the battle ready figure of Sonic.
"There a doctor in the house?" Sonic remarked.
"Wow," Cubot let out. "The rats on this barge are really getting out of hand."
"What on…" Robotnik let out. "Who are you?! How did you get aboard my vessel?!"
"The name's Sonic. Trust me, you'll learn to hate the name."
"I doubt that, because you'll not be leaving this fortress alive!"
Just then, a ton of turrets sprouted from the walls, all aimed at Sonic. The blue hedgehog just remained stationary as they took aim.
"Fire!"
They all fired at once, leaving only laser burns on the floor where Sonic once stood.
"That was all too easy."
"You sure you got him?" Sonic asked as he leaned right next to him.
"Positive, I-" Robotnik suddenly caught himself, realizing who he was talking to. "YOU!?"
"Me."
"There he is, doc!" Cubot called out. "You can get him!"
"Actually," Sonic replied, speeding over to him. "I'm over there."
"No you're not."
"You sure about that!"
Cubot suddenly looked over and saw Sonic standing on the far side of the room.
"Wait, but how did… I mean he was… what?!"
Cubot's head began sparking trying to comprehend what was going on.
"Remind me why I made you two so stupid?"
"Because you didn't want any machine of your to surpass your intelligence and threaten to take over your empire?" Orbot recited.
"Oh, that's right. Just shoot the hedgehog!"
"You heard him," Sonic replied, suddenly appearing in front of Robotnik. "Shoot me."
"No! Wait! Not now!"
It was too late however, as the turrets opened fire. Sonic sped out of the way as Robotnik dove for cover, causing the turrets to hit the control console, causing the systems to malfunction. Robotnik went wide eyed, scrambling to try and regain control. Sonic just laughed, curling into a ball and flying out the window.
"Sorry about your ship, Robuttnick! I don't think body shops cover that!"
Sonic managed to land on a nearby cliff as Robotnik's winged fortress started crashing into the water.
…
"We've been doing this song and dance for years, Eggman. You try and take over the world, I stop you. You throw robots at me, I scrap them. So tell me, what makes this confrontation any different?"
"Well, you are right on one thing Sonic, you and I have been doing this for a long time, and I've kept track of every battle, every defeat, every ounce of speed you've thrown against me. To that end, I have devised the perfect robot to finally rid me of you once and for all. One just as fast and as powerful as you."
With that, Robotnik pushed a button on his console, causing a hole in the center of the base to open up. Sonic stepped back as a platform began rising out of the hole, and on it appeared to be a robotic version of himself. It was sleeker and a bit more angular, spines gathered in razor sharp points and massive, red eyes that glared back at Sonic. Sonic cocked an eyebrow at the presence of the robotic replica.
"Say hello to my latest and greatest creation; Metal Sonic."
Sonic shook it off, reclaiming his confident personal.
"So you make a cheap knock off? Big whoop."
Sonic took a stance before he charged right at Metal Sonic, planning to take him down. Before he could even touch him though, Metal Sonic quickly moved out of the way, much to his surprise.
"As you said, Sonic, we've been at this for years. Years I have spent studying your speed, your skills, and your fighting style. All of that data has gone into my greatest creation, which will finally bring an end to your annoying meddling!"
Sonic turned to Robotnik in fury, unaware of Metal Sonic appearing behind him, raising his leg and spinning around, kicking Sonic in the head and knocking him into a wall. Sonic shook his head in pain as Metal Sonic came charging at him. Sonic quickly leapt out of the way, making Metal Sonic crash through the wall. Sonic leapt down and saw Metal Sonic come to a sudden stop, slowly turning towards Sonic with its eyes glowing brightly. Sonic instantly charged towards Metal Sonic, prompting the robot to charge towards him in kind. The two clashed hard, causing a massive shockwave that rippled throughout the base. Robotnik just watched on in malicious delight.
"Before long, Metal Sonic is going to turn that blue blur into a blue stain on the floor."
"I'll get the mop then," Cubot volunteered.
…
Meanwhile, Sonic and Metal Sonic sped throughout the base, clashing back and forth repeatedly. They both seemed pretty well matched in speed, with each one trying to get a lead on the other, but their foe easily moved out of the way just in time. Sonic landed on a wall and bounced off it in an attempt to spin dash him, but Metal Sonic managed to raise an energy shield to block the attack. Sonic tried to power his way through the shield, but Metal Sonic easily batted Sonic aside, causing him to skid across the floor.
"Ok… you're good… I'll give you that. But you're still nothing more than a carbon illuminum copy."
Sonic instantly ran towards the robot, only for Metal Sonic to knee him in the chin, knocking him upwards. Metal Sonic instantly flew upwards and punched Sonic in the face, sending him flying.
…
"The attack on Dr. Robotnik's base appears to be failing," Scarlet reported, much to the dismay of those watching. "The robotic forces show no sign of letting up, and-"
Just then, an explosion suddenly appeared from the side of Robotnik's base, with Sonic and Metal Sonic moving their fight outside.
"Wait, what's that? Quick zoom in on that!"
The camera zoomed in, showing Metal beating the snot out of Sonic.
"While this reporter can't confirm anything for certain, it seems the blue hedgehog that out ran the S-Team months ago is fighting against Dr. Robotnik's forces, and unfortunately appears to be losing."
Everyone watching was on the edge of their seat. Chuck was clutching the edges of his labcoat in worry. Al was muttering under his breath, probably a prayer. Mr. Stewart remained motionless, clenching his fists in silent worry.
…
Back in the fight, Sonic and Metal Sonic continued to duke it out, with both of them matching blows at super speed.
"When! Did! Eggman! Figure! Out! What! He! Was! Doing?!"
Metal Sonic then kicked Sonic onto an oncoming missile, causing him to roll across it as Metal Sonic dove towards him. Thinking fast, Sonic leapt off the missile as Metal Sonic collided with it, causing it to explode. Sonic landed on a nearby plane and watched the smoke cloud dissipate, revealing Metal Sonic completely unscathed.
"Oh, come on."
Metal Sonic then charged towards Sonic, prompting him to knock on the cockpit and get the attention of the pilot.
"Uh, you might wanna eject. Like, now!"
The pilot did so as Sonic leapt off the plane just before Metal Sonic plowed through it. Sonic barely got a reprieve as Metal Sonic darted up and grabbed Sonic by the throat. Just as Metal Sonic was about to finish him off, he was suddenly set upon by a barrage of blaster fire, prompting Sonic to look over and see the Tornado II flying towards them.
"Sonic!" Tails called out.
"Alright!" Sonic called back, planting both feet on Metal Sonic's chest and springing out of his grip. Sonic managed to grab hold of one of the Tornado II's wings as it came around.
"Nice of you to finally show up," Sonic remarked.
"Sorry, an eggrobo held us up and stole a Chaos Emerald!" Tails explained.
"We'll get it back. I'm just glad you guys are ok."
"So, who's your new friend?" Knuckles asked, gesturing to Metal Sonic.
"Just another tin can I'd love to recycle. Rouge and her team are already inside trying to take out the power. You guys help them, I got this guy."
"No offense Sonic, but if you could take this guy by yourself, you would have by now," Keith pointed out. "Let us help you."
"I'll deal with the Emerald," Knuckles offered. "I can handle that by myself."
"You think you're going without me?" Kat questioned. "I'm coming with you, Knux."
"Alright, but you'd better hang on!"
Kat opened her cockpit and wrapped her arms around Knuckles. He then leapt off the plane with her and landed on one of the missiles launched at the base. He cheered and she shrieked as they went flying towards the base.
"Hold on tight!" Knuckles told her.
"Why stop now?!" Kat called back.
Knuckles then leapt off the missile and climbed onto the side of the base.
…
Back with Rouge and her team, they were making their way though the base, their destination dead ahead. Once they arrived in front of a large metal door, another Behemoth came smashing through, stopping everyone in their tracks.
"Another one?" Topaz let out.
"Don't sweat it," Rouge reassured. "I got this one."
"Everyone else, follow me!" Topaz commanded as Rouge flew off.
Rouge swiftly flew around Behemoth, trying to confuse its programming. Unfortunately, an entire platform of Guardbots began rising up from the floor, blocking all entrance to the Generator room. Topaz and her team stopped dead in their tracks as the robots all aimed their guns at them. Meanwhile, Rouge was struggling against Behemoth.
"Missed me, slowbot!"
Just then, one of Behemoth's claws reached out and grabbed her. Enraged, she delivered a massive kick that sent the robot reeling back. As the robot toppled over, Rouge turned to see the team under fire from the robots.
"Topaz!" she shouted.
Suddenly, the outer wall exploded as Knuckles and Kat came smashing through. Kat released the Echidna, hitting the deck as he tore through the Guardbots like they were made of tinfoil.
"Knuckles?!" Rouge let out as Knuckles toppled the last of the Guardbots.
"Rouge," he greeted civilly.
"Nice one, Knux," Kat commended, offering her hand for a high five.
"Thanks for the save," Topaz commended, walking over to them. "Gotta say, we didn't expect any of Sonic's friends to be here."
"Sonic told us you guys were trying to take out Eggman's power generator," Knuckles explained. Figured bat girl here wouldn't be able to do it on her own, so we came to give you a hand."
"Thanks for the help," Rouge replied. "But we've got this covered. We were just on our way to the generator room right now."
"Yeah, and you would've been killed if I didn't show up," Knuckles reminded.
Kat turned to Topaz, offering a hand.
"Kat Winters, Knuckles' companion."
"Agent Topaz. I take it that those two know each other?"
"Oh they have history, none of it good."
Meanwhile, the two mobians just kept at it.
"And you think we'd stand a better chance with you around?" Rouge guessed.
"I know it," Knuckles confirmed. "Besides, I'd love to see Sonic's face when he finds out I took down Eggman's base while he was getting his clock cleaned by some robot double. That'd take the wind out of his ego."
"Sounds like someone has an inferiority complex."
Knuckles suddenly perked up in confusion.
"I have a what?"
"Oh nothing Knuckles. Never mind."
"Come on, let's just go," Kat insisted. "While we're there, we can look for the Chaos Emeralds too."
…
Meanwhile in Robotnik's control room, the Egg Robo returned with the Chaos Emerald in hand.
"Excellent work my duplicitous double," Robotnik commended, taking the Chaos Emerald. "Between this and Metal Sonic dealing with Sonic, this is turning out to be my lucky day."
"Now if only we could get these invading military forces to leave," Orbot commented.
"Maybe if we promise to never take over the world again, they'll go away," Cubot suggested.
"How about something more on the destructive side?" Robotnik suggested. "I'm done holding back on these primitive fools. Time to show them the full might of Dr. Ivo Robotnik!"
…
Outside, just about every weapon Robotnik had on the island was launched. Everything from badniks to lasers to missiles and more began launching out of the base and at the invading force. The planes started swerving out of the way, including the Tornado II.
"What's going on?!" Keith shouted.
"Eggman's fighting back hard!" Amy replied.
"The military's gonna need help!" Sonic recognized. "You guys help them! I need to take care of Metal."
"That thing nearly killed you!" Tails recognizd.
"Any suggestions then?" Sonic asked. "This things as fast as me!"
"Well if its got your speed…" Tails pondered. "Then maybe it'll be just as arrogant as you."
Sonic perked up upon hearing that.
"Tails, you're a genius! Try and stay alive until I get back!"
Sonic leapt off the plane and leapt from jet to missile to jet until he reached Metal Sonic, spin dashing him and knocking him back towards the base.
Tails meanwhile transformed the Tornado II into X-battle mode, ready to engage Robotnik's forces.
"Everybody, hold on!"
Tails swerved around the barrage of missiles, shooting a few down in the process. He then opened fire on the various badniks trying to attack, blasting them out of the sky.
"Alright!" Tails cheered as more badniks came flying in close. "Brace yourselves!"
Tails began spinning the Tornado II into a barrel roll, unleashing a barrage of blaster fire that obliterated all the attacking robots.
"Way to go Tails!" Amy commended as the plane leveled out.
"Don't go commending me just yet! Fight's not over!"
…
Down below, Sonic and Metal Sonic crashed down on the beach, with the latter wondering where his organic adversary had gone. Suddenly, a rock hit him in the head.
"Hey, metal head!" Sonic called out as Metal Sonic turned to him. "That the best you can do?! I've seen turtles move faster than you! Come on, step it up!"
Metal Sonic's eyes began glowing brighter, zeroing in on Sonic.
"Well, you coming or not?! I'm waiting!"
Metal Sonic's thruster then fired up, sending him rocketing towards Sonic. Sonic just steadied himself as the robot charged at him.
…
"It is… unclear what the hedgehog plans to do here. But in this reporter's opinion… I doubt he'll survive."
…
"Come on, tough guy. Come on…"
Seconds before Metal Sonic made contact with him, Sonic leapt over him and grabbed hold of his leg before forming into a spin dash. The constant spinning caused Metal Sonic to make contact with the ground several times before his leg broke off completely, sending him tumbling on the ground. As Metal Sonic slowly got back up, Sonic spin dashed past him, damaging him. Sonic then leapt off a nearby rock before doing so again. He went back and forth on the robot, hurting it more and more before delivering a final blow that caused it to crash hard onto the beach.
Sonic finally landed on the ground as he walked towards Metal Sonic, who was trying to crawl his way away from the coming tide. As Sonic came up to him, he saw something glowing from inside his chest.
"So that's how Eggman made you so fast," Sonic realized.
He then jammed his hand into Metal Sonic's back, pulling out the cyan Chaos Emerald inside.
"Nice try pal, but there's only one real Sonic."
Metal Sonic's eyes suddenly went out, causing him to go limp as the tide washed him away. Sonic then held the Emerald aloft, waving it and grinning.
…
"He did it! He won! The hedgehog known as Sonic was victorious. Now we can only hope he stands a chance to defeat Robotnik once and for all."
…
"Time for one last piece of business," Sonic declared, rushing inside to confront Robotnik.
…
Years ago…
Sonic continued watching from his cliff as the winged fortress sank further into the water.
"That was almost too easy," He commented.
"Don't think you've got rid of me that easily!" Robotnik's voice proclaimed.
Sonic turned around and saw Robotnik in his Eggmobile hovering over him. Sonic sighed, facing the doctor.
"You really are a tough guy to crack. You just keep coming back like a bad penny or a rotten egg."
"I was contemplating saying something similar about you, but once I'm done with you, you'll barely be able to crack a smile, much less stand in my way."
"Whatever you say, Mr. Eggman." Sonic chuckles a little. "Hey, Eggman. That's a good name for you."
"Do NOT call me that..." Robotnik growled.
"Sorry EGGMAN! I didn't hear you, EGGMAN! Could you repeat that, EGGMAN?"
"ENOUGH! I'm going to finish you, once and for all!"
Robotnik's Eggmobile suddenly fired several lasers at Sonic, prompting him to dodge and evade as fast as possible.
"That's it, hedgehog, run. It seems to be all your good for."
"Alright, Eggman. You wanna get fast, let's get fast!"
Sonic then sped off, prompting Robotnik to give chase. Robotnik continued to shoot at Sonic, but he easily evaded the blasts. Robotnik snarled, then noticed a village coming up on the horizon.
"You may be fast enough to avoid my attacks, but I highly doubt THEY are!"
Robotnik then fired several missiles towards the village, much to Sonic's dismay.
"No!" Sonic let out.
Sonic dashed forward, leaping from one missile to the next to take them out, even kicking one so it would soar upwards, exploding harmlessly. Still, there were several more on a collision course with the village. Thinking fast, Sonic ran towards the village and started evacuating everyone from the village, moving them to a small clearing nearby. Sonic managed to get the last of the villagers out just as the missiles touched down, causing an explosion that sent the hedgehog flying back.
He tumbled on the ground as the villagers looked concerned. They all stepped back and fear though as Robotnik began lowering himself towards him.
"Where's your bravado now, hero? Talked a big game before, but now you're in for a crushing defeat."
Suddenly, from the underside of Robotnik's Eggmobile, a checkered wrecking ball dropped down, with Robotnik ready to use it to crush Sonic.
"You know, I couldn't help but think that we had met somewhere before, and then it hit me. Your Sir Charles' little snot nosed nephew. I can only wonder what he'd think if he saw you now."
Sonic then snapped awake, moving out of the way just as the wrecking ball made contact.
"Wrong thing to say, Eggman," he snarled. "Now, you're in for it."
Robotnik swung the wrecking ball again, but Sonic easily avoided it, making contact with the Eggmobile. The entire ship rocked, the ball swinging wildly and almost hitting Robotnik. After seeing this, Sonic got an idea. He then sprang towards the Eggmobile hitting it again, and again, and again. Each strike caused the wrecking ball to sway back and forth, nearly hitting Robotnik.
"I'm warning you now, Eggman. If you ever do anything to threaten Mobius or its people, you're gonna have to deal with me. And I play to win!"
With one last dash, Sonic hit the Eggmobile so hard that the wrecking ball swung back and stuck it, causing it to go flying upwards, off the island.
"This isn't over, Sonic! You've not seen the last of me!"
"Believe me, I know," Sonic said to himself as the villagers cheered him on, a smile sliding onto his face.
…
Sonic continued running through the halls of the base, coming across a large set of doors. Instantly, he busted through them, coming face to face with Robotnik.
"That's far enough you speedy rodent."
"Hi ya Eggman. How's tricks?"
Robotnik ignored him, too pissed for banter.
"You may have survived Metal Sonic, but your luck has just run out."
Just then, a large set of doors labeled "E-18" opened up, revealing a massive humanoid robot with red fins on the chest. Robotnik easily slid his Eggmobile into the top of the robot, priming it for battle.
"Ready, hedgehog?"
"Bring it, Egghead!"
Robotnik wound his robot for a punch and brought it down on Sonic, who easily leapt over it.
…
Meanwhile, the command team lead by Topaz were in the Generator room, everyone planting charges. Once they were all done, one headed over to Topaz with a report.
"The charges are set, ma'am"
"Good work. Looks like we're ready Rouge." Topaz looked around and saw no sign of here. "Hey, where'd she go?"
"Up here!" Kat called from the room above.
Everyone looked to see that the two had climbed up through the hole in the ceiling and into the adjacent room. This was the room where Rouge had seen the Chaos Emerald, but now it was nowhere to be seen.
"Eggman must be keeping them elsewhere now," Rouge lamented.
"Of course he is, look around," kat pointed out. "This place is trashed. Why keep an emerald in somewhere so unsecure?"
"No one likes a smart alec."
"Maybe that's why you don't have any friends," Kat retorted, leaving Rouge wide-eyed as she heads over to the hole. "Hey Knuckles! Can you come up here?! I want to see if your Emerald senses pick up anything!"
Knuckles climbed up towards the two, trying to sense around. Meanwhile, Topaz was looking at the time with more than a little trepidation.
"We need to get out of here now!" she warned.
"Relax," Knuckles assured her. "This'll only take a second."
…
Up in the control room, Orbot and Cubot were monitoring the situation and saw Knuckles and Kat with the command team.
"It seems we have some undesired intruders," Orbot noted.
"Yeah, and there are some guys who shouldn't be here also."
"We'd best lock them up for Dr. Robotnik to deal with."
…
Down in the generator room, several large metal doors slammed shut around every entrance. Everyone jumped at the sounds, rushing towards the doors.
"No!" Kat let out as they ran up to the door. "We're locked in!"
"Not for long," Rouge reassured, rushing up to the door and trying to kick it open.
She tried several kicks, but they didn't do much good. All she had to show for her efforts were a few small cuts and a serious lack of breath.
"I can't get through…"
"Leave it to me!" Knuckles proclaimed.
Knuckles ran up to the door and began punching as hard as he could. He ended up just hurting his fist and leaving a minor dent.
"You idiot, that's not gonna work!" Rouge snapped. "The doors made of Megatal!"
"Megatal?" Topaz repeated.
"The toughest metal in all of Mobius," Rouge explained. "Nigh impossible to break through."
"How much time do we have on those charges?" Topaz asked one of her soldiers.
"Less than ten minutes."
"Please tell me that's enough time to shut them off," Kat pleaded.
"I'm afraid not."
Everyone looked horrified. Kat dropped to her knees as Topaz gently put a hand on her shoulder to try and comfort her.
"Topaz, Knuckles, is there any way to get through?"
"Maybe..." Rouge said softly. "Knuckles, we need to attack the same spot over and over. The repeated attacks could weaken the metal enough for us to bust through."
"Better than standing here and waiting for the big bang," he declared. "Let's do it."
The two of them quickly got to work, punching and kicking at the exact same spot to weaken the metal. All the humans just watched, each praying this plan would work.
…
Across the base, Sonic continued duking out with Robotnik and his E-18 robot. He dashed right at the robot, only for it to kick him into the ceiling. As he fell back down, the robot slapped him into a wall, his pain accentuated by an evil laugh from Robotnik.
"So this is what it looks like when you lose! It's a good look on you, Sonic!"
"I'm not through yet, Eggman…" Sonic swore, leaping off the wall and dashing towards him.
Robotnik then quickly grabbed Sonic and smashed him against the ground, pinning him.
"Is that so? From the looks of it, I am clearly emerging victorious."
"I've gotten out of… tighter squeezes!"
"Perhaps so, but this time, I daresay you've met your match. Metal Sonic did a great job of tenderizing you, making you ripe for the picking of my E-18 robot!"
As Sonic struggled, he felt the Chaos Emerald in his fur beginning to get warm. Cyan light began emitting from it, something it only did in the presense of a Chaos Emerald. Sonic quickly put two and two together, grinning.
"So, that's where it is..."
"I've waited a long time for this Sonic. Finally, I can put an end to your pathetic-"
Just then, a phone started ringing, much to his annoyance.
"Sorry, can you hold for one second?" Robotnik answered the phone. "Dr. Robotnik, your master of disaster."
"Sorry to bother you, Doctor," Orbot spoke. "But we've detected some intruders in the power generator room. We've sealed them in, but they are attempting to escape."
Robotnik activated a monitor on his Eggmobile, showing Knuckles and Rouge attempting to escape.
"It's that infernal Knucklehead. What can they be up to down there?"
"From what we've been able to determine, planting demolition charges."
"They what?! Get down there and stop them before they blow us all to kingdom come!"
…
There were five minutes left on the charges. The Megatal doors were beginning to show wear and tear, but were nowhere near breaking. The soldiers were all sweating bullets and Kat was clinging to Topaz in fear.
…
Knowing what he had to do, Sonic began using all his strength to try and lift E-18's hand off of him. Once he broke free of the robot's grip, he took off. He then kicked off the wall, heading right for the robot. Robotnik saw this and growled.
"Stop him!"
E-18 attempted a second kick, but Sonic skidded to a stop, jumping up and onto the leg. He ran up it, launching himself towards the robot's chest. He busted through the chest, only to come out the other side with the yellow Emerald in hand. He landed, pulling the cyan one from his fur and clutching both of them in his fists.
"No!" Robotnik shrieked. "My Emeralds!"
"You want 'em? You got em!"
Sonic then started glowing with a strange energy surrounding him. He then rocketed right at Robotnik's robot, tearing right through it. He then flew in and out of the robot, turning it to scrap metal as the Robotnik looked on in fear.
"I'm done for!" he cried out.
Cutting his losses, Robotnik ejected his Eggmobile, beating a hasty retreat. Sonic continued flying in and out of the fortress with the power of the Emeralds.
…
By now, the entire building was starting to shake, debris falling everywhere. The timers were now reading less than three minutes.
"We're running out of time!" Topaz relayed.
"We're trying as hard as we can!" Knuckles insisted. "But no matter how hard we hit, it doesn't seem to be-"
All of a sudden, Sonic came blasting through the weakened door, shattering it to pieces. He went shooting through the other wall, leaving the way open as he continued his destructive warpath.
"Was that…?" Kat began to ask.
"Sonic," Knuckles confirmed.
"Well, this is one gift horse I'm not looking in the mouth," Rouge declared. "I'm outta here!"
She spread her wings, taking off. The soldiers all poured out as well, Kat grabbing Knuckles as they did. They all bolted for the exit as the last few seconds counted down. Just as they made it clear, a massive fireball erupted across the base. It engulfed the island, destroying the weapons and robots all around.
…
Back at the Kent house, Chuck, Ella, Tanaka, Helen, Cream, and Cheese all watched the events unfold on TV, cheering when the place blew up. However, Chuck then remembered something vital.
"Wait… Sonic was in there..."
"He'll be alright," Helen hoped. "Won't he?"
"Absolutely," Cream declared, Cheese chirping in agreement.
…
Back on the island, the crew of the Tornado II watched in anticipation as smoke bellowed out of the base.
"Come on Sonic…" Keith let out.
Just then, out of the smoke, Sonic sprang out, still carrying the Emeralds. The light around him began to die as he began falling. Luckily, the Tornado II swooped in for a well timed catch.
"Hi guys," He greeted.
"Sonic!" they all cheered.
…
All around Station Square, people cheered as loud as they could. People chanted Sonic's name, screaming his praises. Cream and Cheese danced around Helen, laughing happily. Al leaned back on his couch, letting out a long breath. Mr. Stewart smiled, adjusting his glasses.
"Well done, Sonic. Well done."
…
"He did it! Dr. Robotnik's base is destroyed, and his threat is neutralized. Thanks to the heroic efforts of Sonic the Hedgehog.
…
Underneath the base, Dr. Robotnik surveyed the situation, furious at the outcome.
"Enjoy the glory while you can, hedgehog… I'll be back."
…
At the bottom of the ocean, Metal Sonic's eyes flickered for a moment, then they fully turned on, pure rage in their cold, red glare...