A brisk wind blew through the peaks of the rocky mountains. The silence of the moment was cut short as the blue blur known as Sonic sped by. He traveled over one mountain after another, feeling the wind rushing across his face as he did. He smiled as he looked out, taking in the majestic scenery. Suddenly, he caught sight of something, causing him to stop dead in his tracks.

"What the…"

He took off running again, making it to the edge of the cliff as he looked down and saw a massive cluster of trees in a nearby clearing, each one sporting a well crafted treehouse on top. On some of the houses was a flag that bore a very familiar crest.

"The Acorn crest?" Sonic realized.

He instantly ran down into the village, hoping to find some answers. Once he got there, he was greeted by many Mobian squirrels, all of whom instantly began cheering his name and running to greet him.

"Sonic!"

"It's Sonic!"

"He's back!"

"Whoa! Whoa!" Sonic called out. "One at a time! First of all, is everyone alright?"

"We think so," one of the squirrels replied. "It just happened so suddenly. One minute we were minding our own business, the next there was this blinding light, and our entire village ended up here."

"More Chaos Control?" Sonic wondered.

"Chaos Control?"

"It's a long story. How have you guys been situating yourselves here? I can only imagine a treehouse village in the mountains isn't exactly ideal."

"The trees have thankfully taken root, but we've been completely cut off from New Mobotropolis and Castle Acorn. More than that, the temperatures here are much colder than even the winter months back in the Archipelago."

"And there's no telling how well the trees can last in this climate. We need a way to keep them strong long term."

"But how?" another squirrel asked.

"I know some people who might have some ideas. Just hold tight and let me talk to them. In the meantime, stay close to this area. There are some things about this planet you need to know about."

"Alright, Sonic," the first squirrel replied. "Thank you."

Sonic nodded before rushing off.

…

Back at the Kent house, Keith was laying in bed, having come down with a bad cold. He groaned as he rolled over in his bed, fumbling for a box of tissues. Ella came in to check on him, bringing him a bowl of chicken soup and some cold medicine.

"And how are we feeling today?" she asked.

"A little better," Keith responded before sneezing.

"Pobrecito niño…" Ella set down the soup tray on Keith's lap. "Here, get some food and medicine in you, then try and get some more rest."

"I'll try."

Keith took a sip of soup as Ella went out of the room.

…

In the lab, Chuck and Tails were looking over Emerl after Helen and Cream had brought him over. They had cleaned him up and had run some scans and diagnostics. Thankfully, he seemed to be doing alright. He was online, and just seemed to be watching everyone work.

"Everything appears to be functional," he recognized. "But I can't pull up any data from his CPU unit."

"Same here," Tails concurred. "Whatever damaged this guy was so intense, it seemed to wipe his memory banks. All I could pull up was his designation, Emerl."

"I almost feel silly for asking at this point, but is there a chance this is one of Eggman's robots?"

"It doesn't look like any we've encountered, but unless I can recover his crashed files, there's no real way of knowing."

"I don't think he's an evil robot," Cream declared, reaching up and taking Emerl's hand in her own. "I think he's like Mr. Gamma or Mr. Omega. A Goodnik."

"She may be right," Tails responded. "Even if this was one of Eggman's robots, there's nothing in its programming that would make it hurt us."

"It's possible," Chuck responded. "Still, we should keep a close eye on Emerl over the next few days. Just to be safe."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Mr. Kent?" Tanaka's voice called out.

"Yes Tanaka?" Chuck replied as Tanaka came in.

"Telephone for you sir. It's Miss Lindsey."

"Oh, really?" Chuck took the phone. "Lindsey? Hi, how are you?"

"Miserable, darling. The director and producer have been in constant bickering about the script of our latest picture and the entire production has been put on hiatus. I felt like checking in to see how everyone's doing."

"Not much to report on, I'm afraid. Although, Keith's come down with a bit of a cold. If you have a few days, I think a visit from you might be just what the doctor ordered."

"Perfect. I'll be right over."

…

Meanwhile across town, a man walked into a repair shop to see a skinny gentleman with glasses and a mustache at the counter.

"Ah, welcome to Kintobor repairs," the man greeted. "How may I help you?"

"I'm here to pick up a repair order for Michael Gallagher."

"Of course. One moment."

Kintobor quickly went into the back before coming out with a drawing tablet.

"Here you are. Aspiring artist?"

"Hope to be one day. Especially thanks to Sonic. I have a few ideas for some comics I'm thinking of pitching.

"Sounds exciting. Well, I hope it works out for you."

Michael nodded, paying for his tablet and leaving. Once he was gone, Kintobor walked into the back, where he was suddenly greeted by Robotnik.

"Personally, I find anyone inspired by Sonic downright comical," he remarked. "Wouldn't you 'Kintobor'?"

"Indeed, doctor," Kintobor replied, walking over to a large terminal that looked something like an airport metal detector. Several wires came out of it, attaching to various ports hidden in the man's clothes. "Entering recharge mode."

"Excellent."

"I must say Doctor," Orbot commented. "This little repair shop you set up is quite ingenious."

"Of course it is. I thought of it. It's a good means to make up for the false fleet Metal Sonic created during his hostile takeover, and it's the perfect basis for my next ingenious plan."

"Ooh! You're gonna use the shop to corner the market in repairs?! Creating a repairman empire the likes of which this or any world has ever seen?"

There was a beat of silence.

"Not even close," Robotnik replied. "Let's just say I've done more than just repair the appliances brought into this shop. I've given each one of them a little improvement. If all goes according to plan, Sonic the Hedgehog will be nothing but a distant memory."

…

Meanwhile, a car pulled up to the Kent house, with Tanaka standing outside to greet it. He walked over and opened the door, allowing Lindsey to step out.

"Welcome home, Miss Lindsey," he greeted.

"Thank you, Tanaka. How is Keith doing?

"Better than yesterday. Though he is still under the weather. Ella has been tending to him with soup and medicine."

"Excellent. And has anyone brought him his school work? I'd hate for him to fall behind."

"Miss Kat volunteered to bring it by this afternoon. And Miss Amy said she would bring some soup to help him feel better."

Lindsey smiled at that, feeling a bit of ease wash over her. "Oh I am so happy Keith has such wonderful friends he can count on."

"Indeed," Tanaka replied as he got her bags out of the car, unaware of Sonic's quick arrival and leaping over the fence. "They are-"

"Whoa! Incoming!"

Tanaka looked up to see Sonic hurling towards him, unable to move before he plowed right into him and caused the bags to go flying into the air. Looking up, Sonic quickly dashed towards one of the bags, catching it before it fell. He then noted another, setting the first down before leaping up to grab it. Finally seeing the third one, he quickly sped over and slid across the ground to reach it, only for Tanaka to grab it before he could.

"While it is good to see you Sonic," Tanaka greeted, "perhaps you should consider the phrase 'look before you leap'."

"Uh… right. Sorry about that, Tanaka. Kinda in a rush."

"Is everything alright?" Lindsey asked. "I hope it's not that Robotnik character causing trouble again."

"Fortunately, not this time," Sonic confirmed. "Just need some help with some new arrivals," he then turned to Tanaka. "Are Chuck and Tails still in the lab?"

"Indeed," Tanaka answered. "They've become quite fascinated with that robot Cream and Helen brought to them."

"Well I hope they have the time for a side project."

"Oh, Sonic!" Lindsey called out, reaching into the car and grabbing an envelope. "Before you go, I was hoping to talk to you about something."

"Oh?" Sonic let out, turning back to her. "What is it?"

"Well, one of the producers of my latest film heard about my connection to you and they wanted me to ask your input about a new project they're working on."

"Why would they want my input?"

"Because it's about you."

"Wait, a studio wants to make a movie about me? That's… kinda cool, actually."

Lindsey smiled at that. "Indeed. In fact, the director even gave me a copy of the character drafts for the movie."

Sonic took the envelope and opened it up, taking a look at the drafts. His face changed from intrigue to disgust in an instant.

"Uh…" he began before taking the paper and crumpling it up. "Tell them to keep working on it."

He tossed it aside before running inside, prompting Tanaka to take it and flatten it out to see for himself.

"I… do not believe hedgehogs have teeth like that," he commented.

"Oh dear…" Lindsey let out.

…

Sonic made his way to the lab, finding Tails and Chuck still looking over Emerl.

"Hey guys," Sonic greeted. "How's the bot?"

"Still a conundrum I'm afraid," Chuck informed.

"Well, I was hoping I could get your help on another project. More Mobians got ported here through Chaos Control."

"Anyone we know?" Tails asked.

"Doesn't look like, but their entire village seemed to get ported into the rockies. A village of treehouses."

"Wait, treehouses? Did the Acorn Kingdom get teleported?"

"Some of it at least. But I don't know how long those houses will last in that environment. I was hoping you two geniuses could help me figure something out."

"Hmm," Chuck pondered. "Perhaps we could construct a sort of greenhouse enclosure around the trees. It could help to keep the trees alive."

"I knew I could count on you guys."

…

Up in Keith's room, Keith blew his nose into a kleenex, tossing it into the trash before rolling over under his covers. Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?" Keith asked.

"It's me, sweetie," Lindsey answered. "May I come in?"

"Mom? Yeah, come on in."

Lindsey entered the room, walking over to him.

"Your father told me you were under the weather so I came right over. How are you?"

"Fine. Just a little groggy."

"Well, you just get some rest. Tanaka said your friends Kathryn and Amy will be by later with your school work and some soup. And just so you know, I'm taking time off work until you're better, especially since Sonic seems to be roping your father into something Mobius related."

"Mobius related? Is everything-"

"Now don't you worry about it. You are to stay in bed and rest up. They'll be plenty of time to save the world once you're all better. Understood?"

Keith sighed in response. "Alright."

"That's better. Now you just rest up."

…

Down in the living room, Ella was in the midst of vacuuming the living room when a knock came from the door. Hearing it, Ella shut off the vacuum and set it aside before heading to the door. Once her back was turned to it, the vacuum actually straightened up and began moving of its own volition. It made its way over to the TV, using its handle placing a small chip on the side of it, before moving into the kitchen and doing the same to other appliances.

…

Ella opened the door, revealing Kat and Amy in the doorway.

"Oh hello you two," Ella greeted.

"It's good to see you, Ella," Amy greeted, holding a tupperware bowl in her hands.

"So how's Keith doing?" Kat asked, looking a bit concerned.

"Still under the weather, I'm afraid. He should be resting right now, but you're more than welcome to go see him. I'm sure he'd be delighted to see you, nina."

Kat nodded at that, then slipped upstairs. Amy carried her bowl into the kitchen, believing Keith wasn't up for more soup at the moment.

"Maybe we can make him some pasta," she suggested. "That should be light enough for him to handle."

"That sounds like a great idea," Ella commended.

As Ella went to the pantry to get the necessary ingredients, she didn't notice the blender sparking ever so slightly.. All of a sudden, it started turning on, spinning its bladess faster and faster. Hearing the commotion, Ella turned to see the blender sprouting metallic legs, almost like a spider.

"What in the world?!"

The blender then leapt at Ella, forcing her to move out of the way. Amy caught sight of this, pulling out her hammer and running at it.

"Ella, stay back!" she called out, taking a swing.

She managed to hit the blender, sending it crashing into a wall and causing it to break into pieces.

"What do ya suppose that was all about?" Amy pondered, lowering her weapon.

Just then, more appliances started to rise up, sections separating to become legs and wires becoming deadly weapons.

"Cielos!" Ella exclaimed.

"Ella!"

…

Up in the lab, Sonic perked up at the sound of stuff being smashed.

"What the heck was that?" he wondered.

"No idea," Chuck admitted. "But it sounds like something's going on in the house."

"I'll check it out," Sonic decided.

He quickly took off, with Emerl taking special note of Sonic's speed and form as he left. His eyes flashed blue, providing him an in depth analysis of Sonic's speed, and his form. Suddenly, he started running right after Sonic, practically vanishing.

"What in the world?" Chuck let out.

"Emerl!" Cream called out, immediately giving chase with Cheese following close behind. "Where are you going?!"

"Cream, wait!" Tails called out as she left. "'We'd better make sure she's ok."

Tails began spinning his tails and flying after, with Chuck following right behind him.

…

Down in the kitchen, Amy continued smashing at any appliance that came close to her. She brought her hammer down on a toaster before spinning around and smacking an oncoming electric beater.

"These things just keep coming," Amy let out.

Unbeknownst to her, the toaster she had smashed managed to pick itself up, pulling in its broken pieces and putting itself back together. With Amy's back turned to it, the toaster leapt towards her, only for Sonic to come busting in with a spin dash, completely demolishing it.

"Alright!" he let out, skidding to a stop. "Looks like that toaster's toast!"

"Thanks for the save. I don't know what happened. All of a sudden, everything but the kitchen sink started trying to attack us."

"Freaky," Sonic commented.

Just then, a trio of screams emanate from upstairs, getting their attention.

"Keith!" Sonic let out, rushing off.

…

Up in his room, Keith, Lindsey, and Kat were being confronted by an amalgamation of Keith's TV, game systems, stereo, and other associated electronics. Kat instantly ran forward, taking a swing at the creation with her bat. Bits of machinery were knocked off of it. Unfortunately, some wiring shot out and grabbed the fallen machinery, pulling them back onto its body. Kat took another swing, but the machine monster grabbed the bat and tossed it aside.

"Oh boy…" Kat let out.

The creation raised a fist about to strike, but a fast moving blur similar to Sonic's spin dash busted in and plowed right through the creation, shattering it to pieces. The three humans all let out a sigh of relief.

"Nice timing Sonic," Keith commended. "For a moment there, I-"

Keith was cut off by the realization that it wasn't Sonic that came to their rescue, but Emerl. Sonic ran in not long after to check on everyone.

"Is everyone all-" Sonic began to ask, seeing the wreckage on the ground. "What happened here?"

"Emerl," Keith answered. "He did that spin dash move of yours."

"No way," Sonic commented.

Just then, machines started putting themselves back together. Sonic saw this and he and Emerl quickly spin dashed at the creation, destroying it.

"Nice tag team, guys!" Kat commended.

"There's still more of them!" Lindsey noted, pointing to more appliances moving towards them.

Trying to think of a solution, Keith looked around the room, eying one of his gloves on a nearby table.

"Sonic, my glove!"

Sonic saw it and ran over, grabbing the glove and tossing it towards Keith. Keith put it on and activated it, throwing an electricity ball up towards the sprinkler system. The sprinklers activated, shorting out all the controlled appliances and causing them to collapse. Just as things began to wrap up, everyone else came running into the room.

"Is everyone alright?" Chuck asked.

"We are now," Keith confirmed.

"What on Earth could have caused this?" Lindsey commented.

Ella looked around and saw the vacuum laying on the ground in pieces.

"Oh dear. And I just got this back from the repair shop too," she lamented.

"Repair shop?" Tails questioned.

"Si," Ella replied, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a receipt. "It's a place that opened up a while back. They're always speedy with the repairs, if a bit on the pricey side."

"Can I see that?" Tails asked, with Ella promptly handing the receipt to him. "Kintobor repairs… why does that sound so familiar…?"

Keith took a look at it, then something clicked. "Hey Tails, let me try something."

Tails held out the receipt and Keith took it, opening his closet to reveal a mirror. He held the receipt up to the mirror, looking at the reversed script: ЯOᗺOTИIꓘ

"Robotnik!" Keith realized.

"I should have figured Eggman was behind all this," Sonic snarled.

"If Eggman's started some kind of repair shop, he could have infected countless appliances throughout the city," Chuck rationalized. "We could be headed for serious trouble."

"At least we know water can short them out," Keith reasoned.

Just then, the sprinklers stopped working, much to everyone's surprise.

"That doesn't look good," Amy dreaded.

"They must have found a way to shut off the water supply," Chuck realized.

"Then we gotta work fast," Sonic decided. "Tails, you and I will head into the city and stop any more of those mean machines. Chuck, you and the others work to get the water back on. Kat, text Knuckles. We're gonna need all the help we can get."

Kat whipped out her phone, sending an SOS message. "I'll be of more use on the field with the appliance smashing. Let Keith handle the water."

"With Keith still under the weather, he'll need someone to watch his back," Sonic argued. "Go with him and keep him safe."

Kat glanced over at Keith, then nodded. "Alright, but you guys should have some back-up before Knuckles gets here."

"I think we got that covered," Sonic replied, looking towards Emerl. "Time to see what you're made of, little guy."

Sonic and Tails quickly took off, with Emerl following close behind.

"So, what can we do to get the water running again?" Keith asked.

"Our best bet is to head down to the water plant and try to undo whatever Eggman's machines did," Chuck replied.

"We'll take my truck," Kat offered. "Tanaka can drive while Keith and I stay in the bed and keep the appliances off our trail."

"Keith, are you sure you're up for this?" Lindsey asked.

"I'm feeling a little better," Keith answered. "I can do this."

"Just make sure you don't exert yourself too much," Chuck insisted before turning to Tanaka. "Bring the truck around. We've got a city to save."

…

Out in the city, Sonic and Tails sped down the street side by side, Emerl trailing behind as they came across a group of rogue appliances. Sonic quickly spin dashed into some of them as Tails whipped his tails at a few more, knocking them to the ground. Emerl did his own spin dash to take out some appliances that were threatening civilians.

"Everyone ok?" Tails asked as he and Sonic ran up.

"We're fine," one of the civilians replied. "Thanks to you. Who's the robot?"

"Not important right now," Sonic replied. "Waters the only thing that can stop these things. Grab whatever liquid you can get ahold of and let em have it!"

"Will do, Sonic!"

"Soak it to 'em, guys!"

Sonic and Tails quickly took off, Emerl stopping for a moment. He observed their mannerisms and fighting styles, his eyes glowing as he meticulously analyzed them. After a moment, he took off again, looking to catch up with them. Meanwhile, Sonic and Tails quickly made their way into a nearby fire station and informed the chief about the situation.

"I'll get every fire engine in the city on the lookout," the chief reassured. "We'll do what we can to wash these things out."

"Thanks chief," Sonic replied, giving a thumbs up.

"Sonic!" Tails called out. "It looks like there's more heading down the street!"

"Come on!"

The two took off, Emerl finally catching up to them.

"Thought we lost you back there," Sonic noted as they ran towards more appliances.

"Like some dumb, two-bit appliances can stop me," Emerl replied in a pixilated rendition of Sonic's voice.

That caught both Sonic and Tails off guard.

"Did… did you just talk?" Tails questioned.

"I sure did." This time, Emerl's voice sounded a bit more like Tails.

Sonic and Tails looked at each other in surprise, unsure of what to make of this.

"We'll sort this out after we save the city," Sonic decided.

"Agreed," Tails confirmed.

A loud crash a bit further down the road drew their attention. The two looked up to see Knuckles smashing his way through various appliances in rapid succession.

"Knuckles! Heads up!" Sonic called out.

Knuckles quickly ducked as Sonic plowed through several appliances, quickly coming to a stop behind him.

"I was wondering when you guys would show up," Knuckles remarked. "I've been attacked by everything but the kitchen sink!"

As if on cue, a detached kitchen sink came running at him, its garbage disposal spouting dozens of sharp, whirling blades.

"You have got to be kidding!"

Before he could make a move, Emerl ran up and plowed into the sink, shattering it to pieces. Knuckles was surprised by the action.

"What the heck is that thing?"

"It's a robot that Cream and Helen found," Sonic answered.

"It looks like it can copy abilities it observes," Tails added. "It could even talk like me and Sonic."

"That's…" Knuckles paused, thinking for a second before shaking his head. "Doesn't matter. We still have these things to worry about."

"Water's the only thing that can stop them," Sonic informed. "The fire department's working to shut them down, but we have to hold out in the meantime."

Just then, an all too familiar maniacal laughter filled the air, prompting the trio to look up and see Robotnik hovering over them.

"Well I was just out for a jaunt to see the destruction my army of attacking appliances was performing and who should I find but my favorite trio of hapless heroes."

"Eggman," Knuckles snarled, unaware of Emerl staring and scanning him as he spoke. "Of course you would be behind this half-baked scheme."

"Half-baked? You've been spending too much time with that bat wielding nutcase."

"Count yourself lucky she's not here to hear you say that. I doubt that pretty face of yours would survive."

"I don't know Knuckles," Sonic chimed in. "I think the good doctor could use a makeover."

"Ooh, such confidence," Robotnik remarked. "A fool's substitute for intelligence."

"And yet, you're one of the most confident people we know," Tails added, getting a high five from both Sonic and Knuckles.

"Enough!" Robotnik declared before pressing buttons on his Eggmobile. "Let's see how funny you three are after my mean machines get through with you!"

An antenna then raised up from the Eggmobile, sending a signal out that summoned every single appliance in the vicinity.

"Looks like we got company!" Knuckles called out.

"We just have to hold out until the others get the water back on!" Tails declared.

…

Meanwhile, the others pulled up to the reservoir, Tanaka quickly slammed on the brakes and pulled the truck to a stop, allowing Kat, Keith, and Amy to climb out. Amy rushed forward and smashed an oncoming washing machine that was coming towards them. Kat used her bat to swat away a set of massive subwoofers before they could go off.

"Kat, don't you have any more hydro balls?" Amy questioned.

"Ran out on the way here," Kat answered. "The tank's dry."

"Then let's hope we can get the water back on," Keith replied, throwing some electric balls at a flatscreen. "And fast."

The group quickly moved inside, with Chuck instantly making his way over to the controls and beginning to undo the damage done.

"Please tell me some good news," Lindsey insisted.

"Well, I'm able to restore the water supply system itself," Chuck replied. "But it appears something's blocking the man sluice gate."

"Is there anything you can do?" Amy asked.

"The only thing we can do is get to the sluice gate and open it up so the water can flow again."

"Then we had best hurry," Tanaka declared.

…

Back in the city, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Emerl continued fighting against the rogue appliances. Sonic spindashed into a group, knocking them down easily just as Tails flew up and grabbed his hand, spinning him around at high speed, kicking away any appliances that came close. Once they were down, Tails tossed Sonic aside, landing behind Knuckles as he punched down a refrigerator. Sonic then grabbed his wrist and spun him around, launching him and sending him crashing into another group of rogue appliances. As he landed, he uppercutted an oncoming washing machine before punching a vacuum, shattering it to pieces. Emerl then came shooting past him, ramming right into a group of appliances and taking them out.

"Man, Emerl is really letting them have it," Tails noted, spinning his tails at an oncoming stereo.

"You sure it's a good idea to just let this thing run loose?" Knuckles questioned. "Do we even know where it came from?"

"No clue," Sonic replied, kicking a blender aside. "But he's helping save our skins right now, and that's good enough for me!"

Knuckles grumbled, but couldn't refute the argument. Up above, Robotnik was watching the fight play out, with Bokkun flying up to him with a tub of popcorn in hand.

"So, how's it going?" Bokkun asked before shoving a handful of popcorn in his mouth.

"Sonic and his pals seem to be holding their own, but it's only a matter of time before they wear down. And when that happens, my machines will tear them apart!"

"I can't believe it…" Orbot let out. "We're actually winning."

"Eh, I give it 23 minutes, at most," Cubot declared, waving a hand dismissively.

"When I want your opinion, I'll program you to repeat mine," Robotnik replied.

"Say…" Bokkun let out, squinting at the screen, "that bot sure looks familiar…"

"Robotnik looked down and saw the robot plowing through the rogue appliances in rapid succession. His eyes went wide in surprise.

"It can't be!"

…

Meanwhile, the others used the X-Tornado to get to the top of the dam, rushing towards a valve resting on top.

"Alright, everyone," Chuck declared. "The only way we're gonna be able to restore water to the city, is for us to open up this valve. Everyone, grab hold!"

Everyone grabbed a hold of the valve, gripping it as hard as they could before turning it . It wasn't budging at first, but slowly, it began to turn. More and more, the valve began to move, raising the gate below and releasing the water.

"It's working!" Kat called out.

…

Back in the city, the three Mobian heroes were starting to tire from fighting off wave after wave of robotic baddies.

"I don't know how much longer I can keep this up," Tails admitted.

"I hear ya, pal," Sonic conceded, barely punching a vacuum back.

"I've still got some fight in me," Knuckles insisted, even though it was clear he was nearing his last leg.

Robotnik couldn't help but cackle at the sight.

"Looks like Sonic's finally run his last race."

Just as the appliance army was closing in, a stream of water shot out, hitting the appliances and shorting them out. The three looked over to see a fire engine parked behind them and several firemen aiming their hoses.

"We got your back, Sonic!" one of them called out.

"Alright!" Sonic replied.

"Perfect timing!" Tails declared.

"Heh, looks like they got the water on," Knuckles noted with a smirk.

"It appears your plan is all washed up, sir," Orbot noted.

"I don't need a play by play," Robotnik snarled. "You may have won this round, Sonic! But I'll be back!"

"Second verse, same as the first!" Sonic called out as Robotnik flew away.

"Now that that's taken care of," Knuckles spoke up, turning towards Emerl, "let's get back to the subject of this thing."

"Hey, I'm not a thing," Emerl retorted in a pixelated version of Knuckles' voice, all while crossing his arms in a similar manner. "My name is Emerl. Ask Cream."

Knuckles was taken aback by that.

"Yeah, he does that," Sonic responded.

"That's… that's not possible…"

"What do you mean?" Tails asked.

"I mean your robot friend… might be a Gizoid."

"A what?" Sonic and Tails said in unison.

"A Gizoid. A technology developed by ancient Echidnas centuries ago."

"Whoa," Sonic let out, looking Emerl over. "You're just full of surprises."

"How'd you learn about this, Knuckles?" Tails asked.

"Ever since our battles with Chaos, I've been interested in learning more about my culture. So, Kat and I have been exploring the island, digging up old ruins and archives. Among the things we found were records of a battle with the ancient Nocturnus Clan, and their army of Gizoid Robots. The robots were nigh unbeatable because of their ability to perfectly copy their opponents, right down to their mannerisms and speech patterns."

"That lines up with what we've seen Emerl do," Sonic confirmed. "He might have come through by Chaos Control. It's already pulled more of Mobius over."

"Well wherever he came from, be careful," Knuckles warned. "The archives were incomplete about what happened, but I get the feeling they might have contributed to me being the last of my kind."

"We'll keep an eye on him," Tails confirmed. "Don't worry."

"Alright. In the meantime, this is just the latest connection we've found between Mobius and Earth. They're starting to pile up."

"You think there's something to all this, don't you?" Sonic surmised.

"Of course I do," Knuckles insisted. "Think about it, Sonic. Eggman's grandpa lived here on Earth, but somehow he ended up on Mobius. Shadow being an artificial Mobian created 50 years before Chaos Control. The Chao gardens, the fact that Chaos Control is bringing more and more of Mobius here… it's too many coincidences to ignore."

"Point made," Sonic conceded. "Question is, what does it all mean?"

"I don't know. But we need to find out… before something worse happens."