In the Station Square park, Helen and Cream were playing in the grass, the former holding up a Blumpy the Dancing Monster doll.
"Good morning, children!" Helen said in a goofy impersonation of Blumpy. "Come on, it's time to play!"
Cream and Cheese laughed in response, then an ominous shadow passed overhead. They all looked up, Cream immediately grabbing Cheese in fright.
"It's Eggman!" she cried, Cheese chirping nervously in her arms.
"He's back?" Helene questioed. "What's he want?"
"I don't know, but I'm scared..."
Suddenly, Sonic blew right through the park, startling both girls.
"Sonic!" they both shouted.
…
Onboard the Egg Fort II, Kat was slowly waking up, realizing almost immediately that she was trapped. Metal brackets secured her to the wall across her chest and legs, effectively immobilizing her. Orbot and Cubot were tightening the bolts, and a dead-eyed Chessie was standing guard.
"What the- Eggman?! Let me go!"
"I don't think so. Today is about to mark my ultimate triumph, and you're my honored guest."
"Dr. Robotnik sir," Orbot spoke up. I hate to interrupt your ranting, but Sonic is gaining on us."
"Sonic!" Kat cheered. "So much for your 'ultimate triumph'! He's gonna scrap this ship and send you packing!"
"He's more than welcome to try. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a Chaos Emerald waiting for me."
…
Meanwhile at the White House, Jerome and another aid, Christina, were meeting with the President. They had a map of Station Square, with which they were tracking Robotnik's ship.
"He's currently heading south across the city, though his current destination is unknown," Jerome reported.
"Have the civilians been evacuated?" the President asked.
"Yes sir," Christina replied. "The entire southern region is currently empty and the situation is under control. At least, for now."
"I've been dreading something like this," the President dreaded. "But now that the time has come, I just hope we're ready for him."
A third aid gets off the phone, turning to the President.
"Area 51 has just released the Beetles. They're being sent to intercept Robotnik as we speak."
"Very well then. Now there's nothing more we can do but prepare for the worst… and hope for the best."
…
Meanwhile, Tails, Amy, Keith, and Chuck all flew in the Tornado II. Chuck was listening to a radio scanner, trying to pick up any chatter from the military. Keith was scanning the skies with his goggles, trying to find any sign of Robotnik. As they flew, his goggles buzzed with a call from Sonic.
"Sonic, did you reach Eggman in time?"
"No such luck. Eggman's got all the Chaos Emerald, and he took Kat hostage!"
"WHAT?!" He exclaimed. "How is that possible?! Is Knuckles okay?!"
"He's pissed off and worried, but otherwise alright. Listen, Eggman's found the Seventh Emerald at a landfill and is on his way to collect it. I'm following him now, but I don't know if I can stop him and save Kat. I need your help now more than ever."
"You can count on us!" Keith declared, turning to Tails. "Make for the landfill! Sonic needs our help!"
"On it!" Tails replied.
…
Meanwhile in a military chopper, Rouge and Topaz were sitting next to each other. The bat hat a jewelry box in her hand, a gift from her partner.
"Topaz, it's gorgeous."
"It's… okay."
"I can really have this? It must have cost you a pretty penny."
"If you want it. I- I don't know much about jewelry, so I just asked the sales clerk to pick something out."
"Well I love it. It's the best piece of jewelry someone's ever given to me. Thank you, Topaz."
Topaz turned a little red.
"You deserve it. I just wanted to thank you for your help."
Rouge just smiled at the gesture. Unbeknownst to either of them, Knuckles had hitched a ride on the underside of the copter, hoping it could take him straight to Eggman and Kat.
"Just hang on, Kat..." he said to himself. "Help is on the way..."
…
At the landfill, Lucky was standing on top of a pile of trash, holding the Chaos Emerald up and waving it around as the Egg Fort II came flying in.
"Ah, there's my little good luck charm," Robotnik gushed. "I knew you wouldn't let me down."
"I'm surprised he didn't drop it or anything," Orbot commented.
"Yeah, for a guy called Lucky, he's a bit of a clutz," Cubot added.
"Still more capable than you two," Robotnik retorted.
A claw then extended from the Egg Fort II, reaching for the Emerald before Sonic came barreling through it, smashing it to bits. This also sent Lucky and the Emerald flying.
"Sorry Egghead, there's been a change of plans! Now let Kat go!"
"Sonic?!" Robotnik exclaimed. "Urgh, why do you always have to ruin everything?!"
"Sonic!" Kat screamed. "Forget about me! Get the Emerald!"
"The only thing that hedgehog is gonna get is an early grave!" Robotnik swore.
Meanwhile, Lucky landed on an old mattress, relatively unharmed. Sonic ran over to him and helped the robot up, giving it a smile.
"Hey little fella. You mind if I hold onto that gem you've got?"
Lucky, unused to being treated so nicely, instantly held out the gem. However, before Sonic could take it, a giant robot beetle rolled over the garbage towards them. Both Sonic and Lucky moved out of the way as the Beetle came in, flanked by several others.
"Nice try, Doc!" Sonic called out. "Ya missed me!"
"For once, Sonic, the robots aren't mine." Robotnik turned to Orbot and Cubot, pointing an accusatory finger at them. "Did one of you do this?"
"We're not programmed to command robots like that," Orbot reassured.
"I don't even know what the word 'command' means," Cubot insisted. "Or quac. Or stairs. Or-"
"Alright, I get it. If they're not mine, then whose are they?"
Inside one of the Beatles, two pilots were lining up their weapons.
"Beetle 1 to Beetle 2, we're in position," the first pilot declared.
"Hang on. Sonic's in the line of fire," his co-pilot pointed out.
The pilot nodded, grabbing a radio and calling out to Sonic.
"Sonic, this is an official government operation. Please stand aside. I repeat, stand aside. We are launching an attack."
Sonic's eyes went wide and he began waving his arm wildly to try and stop them.
"Hey, you can't do that! I've got a friend in there!"
"I'm sorry Sonic, but we can't waste anymore time." the pilot hung up the radio, turning to his co-pilot. "Open fire!"
The Beetles opened fire on the Egg Fort II, much to everyone's surprise.
"Those fools!" Robotnik let out. "How dare they!"
"You gotta listen to me!" Sonic insisted. "My friend Kat is-"
The Beetles disregarded Sonic's pleas as they opened fire on the Egg Fort II, the culmination of laser fire almost blinding everyone. Sonic screamed Kat's name over the noise, but as the light finally settled, the Egg Fort II was revealed to be completely untouched, a ray shield protecting it. Sonic let out a sigh of relief.
"I never thought I'd be happy to see Eggman surviving an attack..."
…
"My my, that was close," Robotnik remarked.
"If we hadn't put the shield up in time, we would have been destroyed," Orbot let out.
"Yeah! And we would have died too!" Cubot cried out.
Kat let out a breath.
"That was a lucky break..."
"Well their luck is about to run out," Robotnik declared. "Now, let's see what these new mean machines are made of."
Robotnik proceeded to scan the Beetles, displaying the internal schematics of the machines. Much to his shock, the designs were very similar to his own bots.
"What in… those government hooligans stole my designs! I worked hard to build each and every robot, and they're using my designs without my permission! Open all gun ports! I'll destroy them along with Sonic!"
"But what about Lucky?" Cubot pleaded. "He's still down there!"
"And with a Chaos Emerald, no less," Orbot reminded.
"With his dumb luck, he'll come out without a scratch," Robotnik replied. "Now open fire!"
…
Outside the Egg Fort II, dozens of missiles shot out towards Sonic and the Beetles. Sonic quickly shot off running, doing his best to avoid being shot. Lucky did the same, weaving all around the beetles while chirping frantically.
"Hey! Cool it, Eggman!" Sonic snapped. "Somebody might get hurt!"
"That's the idea, Hedgehog!" Robotnik responded. "Launch Egg Beam Cannonball!"
From the bottom of the Egg Fort II, a large energy ball began to form in a massive cannon. It was launched at the ground, causing a massive explosion that blew Lucky away. The shockwave ripped through the landfill, utterly decimating the place and ionizing a lot of the garbage piles.
"SONIC!" Kat cried out.
"I'd say that did the trick," Robotnik remarked.
"Don't you think that was a bit overboard?" Orbot asked.
"How'd you like to be overboard?" Robotnik retorted.
"Not at all, thank you."
"That's what I thought. Now then, let's go get my Chaos Emerald."
The dust began to clear as Robotnik began searching for Lucky. However, he was shocked to see that each and every one of the Beetles was still intact.
"Wow," Cubot let out. "Those new robots look just like the old ones."
"They are the old ones," Orbot told him. "Dr. Robotnik's a better genius than we thought."
"I wonder if it's possible to be too good of a genius for your own goon," Robotnik pondered. "Hey wait a minute, what do you mean 'than what we thought'?!"
"They mean you're a moron!" Kat snapped. "Honestly, how have you not ended up dead in a ditch somewhere by now? For a supposed 'evil genius', you are as dumb as a post!"
"I don't have to take this from a teenage twit like you!"
Kat looked past him, then grinned.
"Then don't take it from me. Take it from him."
Robotnik turned outside to see Sonic standing amidst the wreckage, completely and totally unharmed.
"What?! How did he survive my Egg Beam Cannonball?!"
"Like I said, Eggman," Kat snorted. "dumb as a post."
"That's it! Chessie, gag her!"
Chessie grabbed a piece of cloth, gagging Kat with it. The girl growled into it, but fell silent once more.
"Now that our hostage is finally shutting up, let's get back to collecting my Chaos Emerald."
"Where is Lucky anyway?" Orbot asked.
"Why don't we ask that flying squirrel bell?" Cubot proposed pointing outwards.
The three looked out and saw Lucky flying through the air.
"After that flying robot!" Robotnik declared.
…
The Egg Fort II took off after Lucky, much to Sonic's dismay.
"Looks like Eggman's on the hunt for that Chaos Emerald. Not if I can help it!"
Sonic instantly took off after the Egg Fort. The Beetles followed not far behind, unwilling to let Robotnik get away again. To Sonic's surprise, each of the beetles sprouted rocket engines, lifting off into the sky. This gave the blue hedgehog an idea.
"Hope you don't mind if I hitch a ride?" Sonic called out, leaping onto one of the Beetles. He then started leaping from Beetle to Beetle.
Meanwhile, Lucky was still flying through the air.
"Just how much further is he going to fly?" Robotnik wondered.
"I'm more worried about how we're going to catch him," Orbot spoke up.
"Yeah! What if he drops the Emerald?!" Cubot exclaimed.
Kat spat into her gag, sneering at the doctor.
"You're lucky I can't understand you!" Robotnik snapped.
She gave him two twin gestures with her hands.
"You cut that out!"
…
Sonic meanwhile kept jumping from Beetle to Beetle. On his last one, he took a running start before leaping high into the air, much to the amazement of the Egg Fort II crew.
"Wow," Cubot let out. "Heck of a leap. Maybe he should compete in the Olympics."
Sonic managed to catch up to Lucky, scooping up the tiny robot in his arms.
"Hey little guy. I know this is a bit of a pickle, but I was hoping I could still have that Chaos Emerald you have there. It's really important and I need it real bad."
Lucky's eyes went wide as he chirped happily and excitedly. The wings on the sides of his head began flapping wildly, allowing him to fly with Sonic still holding on. Kat gave a muffled cheer as Robotnik growled.
"There goes your lucky robot, Doctor," Orbot lamented.
"Maybe you should have given him the power of loyalty too," Cubot suggested.
"Quiet! Both of you! How dare he betray me! It's time to show both of them what happens when they cross me!"
"Wait a moment, Doctor," Orbot let out. "Are you thinking what I think you're thinking?"
"I think he is," Cubot replied. "And I usually don't think."
"Good thinking. It's time that I, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, transform this battle station into the most powerful robot ever created. I hoped to save it for when I had all seven Chaos Emeralds, but why put it off any longer? After all, I'm feeling lucky!"
"Wow, this would be a great season finale!" Cubot commented.
"Begin Egg Fort II transformation!" Robotnik ordered.
The three parts of the Egg Fort II separated once more. Robotnik's part pulled in a good chunk of its lower hull, opening a connection point. Orbots part tucked in its fins and Cubot's part completely split in half, forming two large parts of legs. Robotnik's part touched down on the top of these legs, locking into place. Orbot's part flew down, connecting with the top of Robotnik's part, the two main engines forming arms and sprouting metal hands. When it was complete, the Egg Fort II was now a massive, intricate robot.
"You dared call me Eggman, Sonic! Now, here's the instrument of your destruction: The Eggsterminator!"
The robot touched down in the water of the Station Square Pier, Sonic watching it approach from the shore alongside Lucky.
"So you made a big robot?" Sonic remarked. "It may be strong, but I'll bet it's just as slow!"
Sonic then ran towards the Eggsterminator, running all along the outside.
"Come on, Eggman! Show me what you got!"
"You asked for it, chump!" Robotnik responded.
A panel then rose up, containing the six Chaos Emeralds Robotnik collected. Kat went wide eyed at the sight, horror washing over her.
"The best part about my little beauty, is that it runs off Chaos Emeralds. I think for this first bout, I'll just take the power of one."
One of the Emeralds lowered into its slot, charging the Eggsterminator.
"Aw, what the heck. Let's go with two!"
A second Emerald lowered, giving the Eggsterminator even more power. The robot managed to lock onto Sonic while he was running at high speeds. Kat's eyes went wide as she screamed into her gag, trying to warn Sonic. It was in vain as Sonic leapt towards the Egg-sterminator, only for it to vanish before his eyes.
"What the-"
Just then, the Egg-sterminator appeared behind him, punching Sonic so hard it sent him careening through several buildings.
"HA! See that?! That's the work of genius! Who's dumb as a post now?!"
Sonic meanwhile, grunted in pain as he pulled himself out of the wall.
"Alright, that was one heck of a right hook..."
Sonic then leapt to the ground and ran back towards the Eggsterminator, much to Robotnik's annoyance.
"Still alive, I see? Then why don't we show him what this baby can do at full power!"
The remaining four Emeralds lowered into their slots, overcharging the Eggsterminator. Kat screamed again, actually beginning to cry from desperation as she struggled against the metal bands holding her in place. The Eggsterminator charged towards Sonic, pounding him into the ground.
…
The Tornado II managed to arrive on the scene, its occupants horrified by what was happening.
"Sonic…" Keith let out.
"Tails, we gotta do something!" Amy insisted.
"There's not much we can do, Amy," Tails admitted. "Without a Chaos Emerald, I can't even transform into Cyclone mode."
"Then let me out so I can pummel that thing!" Amy insisted.
"Amy, are you insane?!" Tails exclaimed. "Sonic's getting creamed out there!"
"All the more reason for us to help him!"
"No! If you go out there, you'll just get killed! Sonic's already distracted enough with Kat being on that thing! Going out there will just make things worse!"
Amu held back, knowing Tails was right.
"You're right…"
"Tails, look out!" Chuck warned.
Tails quickly veered out of the way as the Beetles arrived to fight the Eggsterminator.
"Target in sight," a Beetle reported.
The Beeltes opened fire on the Eggsterminator, but it quickly vanished before their eyes.
"Wh-where'd it go?!" another Beetle pilot let out.
The Eggsterminator then appeared right behind them, smashing through the machines with a single punch. With a series of devastating blows, the Beetles were utterly decimated. Robotnik cackled maniacally in response.
"Now this is my kind of bash!" He began laughing even harder, holding his belly from his hysterics.
"The boss is really going all in on this one," Orbot noted.
"He might actually win," Cubot realized. "For once."
"Eggman!"
Robotnik stopped laughing to look down and see a heavily beaten Sonic limping towards the Eggsterminator as he held his arm.
"Listen up… I'm taking Kat… don't try and stop me…"
He collapsed to his knees as Robotnik looked on gleefully.
"My, Sonic doesn't look so good. What do you say, my dear? Shall I put him out of his misery?"
Kat was honestly crying at this point, struggling with all her might and screaming into her gag. Despite her voice being muffled, it was clear she was screaming Sonic's name.
"I was hoping you'd say that. Eggsterminator, exterminate him!"
The Emeralds started glowing, causing the Eggsterminator to change into a glowing gold. It brought down a fist at Sonic, only for him to leap out of the way. A second punch managed to connect, plowing him into the ground. The Eggsterminator continued punching him relentlessly as military copters arrived on the scene.
"Can you move in closer?!" Topaz requested.
"No, it's too dangerous!" the pilot replied.
"With all the Chaos Emeralds Eggman has in that thing, there's nothing any of us can do," Rouge lamented.
Outside the copter, Knuckles felt helpless as he watched the robot pummel Sonic.
"Sonic…" he let out.
Finally, the Eggsterminator finished pounding Sonic, proceeding to pick him up by the quills.
"I've waited a long time for this…" Robotnik shared as he smiled maliciously. "At long last, Sonic the Hedgehog… DIES!"
The Eggsterminator then dropped Sonic and gave him a hardy kick, sending him careening into the water below. The crew of the Tornado II were devastated by the sight.
"SONIC!" Amy let out.
"No!" Tails shouted.
"It… it can't be…" Keith mustered.
…
Kat screamed from behind her gag as Robotnik let out his most insane laughter yet.
"I did it! I finally got rid of that meddlesome hedgehog! This world is now mine to rule!"
Robotnik continued laughing as energy from the Emeralds began to spark across the hull. Orbot and Cubot both received rather nasty shocks, as did Chessie. Her eyes cleared as she grabbed her neck, gasping for breath. Now in control of herself once more, she quickly took stock of the situation. When she saw Kat's trapped form, she summoned one of her whips, severing the bands holding her. Kat dropped, yanking out her gag and rushing towards the front of the ship.
"EGGMAN!"
Robotnik turned, just in time to see Kat dive over him, grabbing the six Chaos Emeralds in her arms. They were all glowing hot and instantly began burning her, but he just clutched them all to her chest as she went sliding down into a space between the windshield and the console. The glow around the Eggsterminator began to die, its main power source now ripped away.
"You're not… using… these emeralds… again..."
"Why you little-"
"Kat!"
Everyone looked up to see Knuckles landing on the windshield, punching a hole in it and landing inside. Seeing the Emeralds burning her arms and chest, Knuckles punched open another hole and knocked the Emeralds out of her hands, sending them plummeting into the sea.
"No!" She cried out, reaching out for them feebly. "The Emeralds..."
"Would've killed you," Knuckles retorted.
"But… but you'll never... get home… Angel Island… the Master Emerald… You'll… never see them again..."
"It won't mean anything if I lose my friend."
Kat looked shocked at Knuckles' words, then just clung to him as she sobbed.
"Enough of this!" Robotik declared.
Before he could do anything, Chessie charged at Knuckles and Kat, using one of her cables to grab them both. She then tossed them both out the broken window, following after them.
"Don't worry! I've got you both!"
Before they could get very far, the Eggsterminator's hand came out, grabbing Chessie, and in turn, the two people she had in her grip.
"I may not have my Emeralds, but the Eggsterminator still has more than enough power to crush you clowns!"
The robot's hand began tightening, causing the three of them to cry out in pain. Just then, a bright light suddenly began emanating from the water. The crews of both the Eggsterminator and Tornado II saw this and were in shock.
"Is that… Chaos Control?" Keith let out.
"No..." Amy let out, her face brightening. "It's Sonic!"
Sonic began rising out of the water, but he was looking completely different. His quills were all standing on end, their usual blue hue replaced with a fiery gold color. His green eyes had turned a bright amber color, and power seemed to be radiating from his body.
"Sonic!" Orbot let out. "He's alive!"
"And all glowly," Cubot noted. "He's like a…"
"Super Sonic?"
"No, that's not it."
"I don't care how powerful he is!" Robotnik snapped, "He's finished!"
The Eggsterminator tried bringing its other fist down on him, but Sonic just smashed right through it, destroying it. He then did the same to the other fist, freeing Knuckles, Kat, and Chessie.
"This might be a problem," Orbot dreaded.
"We have a bigger one," Robotnik recognized.
"What's that?" Cubot asked.
"As we speak, all seven Chaos Emeralds are mingling at the bottom of the sea. The moment we've been waiting for has arrived."
"You mean…" Orbot realized.
"Let Chaos Control begin!"
Super Sonic quickly zoomed off to grab Kat, Knuckles, and Chessie, dropping them off on the pier.
"Chaos Control…" Knuckles recognized as the energy began to build.
"Your wish is gonna come true, Knuckles," Super Sonic told him. "Stay here. I've got some unfinished business to take care of."
Knuckles, who was still holding a now unconscious Kat, just gave a silent nod. With no more words wasted, Sonic shot towards the Eggsterminator, colliding with it over and over again. It soon exploded, Chaos Control beginning in earnest as the ever-expanding sphere of light stretched outward.
"Chaos Control..." Rouge let out from her spot in the helicopter. "It's finally happening."
"Oh no!" Tails cried out. "Chuck! Keith! You'll be pulled back to Mobius with us!"
"Don't worry about us," Chuck insisted, looking back at his son. "Whatever happens to us, we'll be okay."
"As long as you get home, it'll be ok," Keith reassured.
…
Back at the park, Helen, Cream, and Cheese could see the expanding ball of light.
"It's Chaos Control!" Cream realized. "I'm going home!"
She then turned to Helen, who looked at her with tearful eyes. The two then held one another as the light enveloped them.
…
In a large sea of white, in a place outside of space and time, Super Sonic hovered over an unconscious Kat. He looked over the Emerald burns that covered her skin, waving a hand and erasing them. She let out a small grunt, slowly opening her eyes.
"Sonic..." she let out. "You're… golden..."
"Thank the Chaos Emeralds for that."
"Then… you're finally going home… it's over."
"Sure looks like it…"
Kat looked down, tears rolling down her eyes.
"Tel Knuckles… Tell him it's not gonna be the same without him… Tell him he's the best friend I ever had, and I'm gonna miss him..."
"I will. Tell Keith that it's been a heck of a ride… and thanks for everything."
"I will..."
Sonic slowly started fading away, the whiteness of everything eventually fading from view…
…
As the light of Chaos Control died away, everyone was left reeling. Knuckles blinked spots out of his eyes, looking out on the horizon in shock. Before him, he could see a massive, fog covered landmass out in the ocean, dark clouds hovering above it. Even more shocking, he could see the familiar sight of Angel Island hovering miles above the Ocean.
"Angel Island… home…"
The Tornado II circled around the landmass, all of its passengers looking down.
"What… is this place?" Keith let out.
"It's the Mystic Ruins..." Tails gasped. "We're.. home..."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Chuck noted. "Look."
Everyone turned and to their surprise, Station Square was still there, the sprawling city stretching out as far as the eye could see.
"We're still on Earth..." Amy realized. "The Mystic Ruins just transported here instead!"
"Then… it didn't work?" Keith questioned. "I thought Chaos Control was supposed to send you home? Why did it bring part of Mobius here?"
"I have a better question," Chuck chimed in. "Where are Sonic and the others?"
…
Back on the ground, Knuckles was slowly walking towards Angel Island, still in awe of the sight. Suddenly, a shower of golden light coalesced next to him. He turned, instantly taking on a fighting stance before the light faded, revealing an unharmed Kat. She blinked, rubbing her eyes before looking down at the Echidna.
"Knuckles..."
"Kat!" Knuckles ran over and hugged her. "You're ok!"
"Aw… she let out, holding her friend tightly. "Didn't know you cared…"
They released one another, allowing her to look around.
"What is this place?"
"The Mystic ruins… and that-" he pointed upward, "is Angel Island..."
"Then… we're on Mobius? I got transported too?"
"Quite the opposite. Somehow, they were transported. We're still on Earth..."
"How… how is that possible?"
"I don't know… but we'll find out together." he held out his hand, giving her a grin. "You with me?"
Without any hesitation, Kat took the hand.
"You bet."
…
Meanwhile, Robotnik, Orbot, and Cubot crashed into another part of the jungle, nursing their various dents and injuries. As Robotnik picked himself up, he noticed a particular stone tablet resting on the ground next to him. It depicted a large, fierce looking dragon, prompting him to stroke his chin in contemplation.
…
Not so far away, Sonic looked over the vast reaches of the Mystic Ruins, looking it over in consideration. He had lost his golden glow, now back to his normal blue self.
"Wonder how much of home came over…" he wondered. "I better find out, for all our sakes."
Instantly, he leapt down to the ground and took off running, unsure of what he would find next.