At the White House, the President paced back and forth in front of his window in the Oval Office.
"Robotnik back on the loose," he dreaded. "The press will have a field day, especially with this recent appliance scheme. And I can't say I blame them. We had the greatest threat to this world in our grasp, and we let him slip through our fingers. Now he's back out there, planning his next sinister scheme to rule the world. We have to find him before he strikes again."
Just then, the door opened, allowing Christina to enter.
"Sir, they're here," she informed him.
"Good. send them in."
The doors opened up, allowing Topaz, Rouge, Shadow, Chessie, and Omega to enter. The massive Goodnik had to duck to fit through the door, but he managed. The three Mobians took their seats as Topaz and Omega stood behind them.
"Sir!" Topaz let out, saluting properly.
"At ease, Agent Topaz," the President insisted, waiting for her to stand down before sitting at his desk. "Thank you all for coming."
"Thank you for sending us an actual invitation," Chessie replied. "Given what happened with the ARK, I expected GUN troopers kicking down my door to get to Shadow and Omega."
"Sonic and his friends explained the ARK situation. How Shadow gave his life to help save the planet. Or, so we thought. Though, I was a little surprised by the… what did you call it, Rouge? A Goodnik?"
"That's the term Chessie coined for him," Rouge confirmed. "It's kinda catchy."
"Designation: E-123 Omega," Omega announced.
"He's on our side," Chessie promised. "He wants Eggman gone just as much as the rest of us."
"Indeed," Shadow agreed. "The doctor has much to answer for, and while I may not remember the crimes I committed, there is much I must atone for as well."
"Which is why I called you all here," The President confirmed. "I want the five of you to work as a specialized task force to track down Robotnik and bring him to justice. Having individuals with your unique abilities and skill sets just might give us the edge we need over him."
"I'm assuming Topaz here will be our handler," Rouge remarked, gesturing to Topaz with her thumb.
"Indeed. Given the fact that she has history with Mobians, and Rouge herself, it was only logical."
"I have a question," Chessie spoke up. "Would there be housing provided? My apartment is… cramped to say the least, especially with two new roommates."
"I'm sure we can set something up for all of you. We'll provide housing and whatever resources you need."
The team exchanged looks, then Shadow crossed his arms. "I'm in."
"Ya got me," Rouge added.
"If Shadow's in, then I am too," Chessie declared.
"These organic life forms would perish immediately if I was not there to assist them," Omega stated.. "I shall lend my assistance in the downfall of Dr. Eggman."
"That's… great to hear," the President replied.
…
Outside of the high school, Keith and Kat made their way out the front door, the latter stretching as they walked.
"Finally, another school day is over," she declared.
"So, got anything big planned?" Keith asked.
"Nah. Knuckles is looking into the whole Mobius/Earth connection and is world hopping. Since it's getting close to the end of the semester, Dad doesn't want me to leave the continent, so I'm mostly guarding the Master Emerald and studying."
"Sounds like fun."
"Dude, I'm sitting in front of a giant glowing rock reading about the biology of a frog and polynomials. What part of that is fun to you?"
"Well… at least you get to read. I doubt Knuckles had that."
Kat shrugged. "Fair enough. What about you? You got any plans with Sonic today? Or are you gonna help your dad with that Acorn village greenhouse thing?"
"Neither. Dr. Birmbaum asked me to watch over Helen and Cream today, and Miss Vanilla is working to get a permit for her clinic in town. So, that's what I'll be doing. Though Cream did say she was bringing Emerl."
"Oh yeah, the weird robot Knuckles told me to stay away from." She let out a breath. "Good luck with that. I need to flag a helicopter. Bye!"
"See ya!"
With that, Kat went off and Keith went to meet up with the girls.
…
In a park across from the high school, Cream and Helen were having a small picnic, with Emerl watching over them. Cream was showing him how to make a flower crown out of the dandelions around them.
"Remember, be sure to go slowly," she instructed. "So you don't break the stem."
Emerl obliged, carefully threading his own crown. He occasionally glanced over at Cream, his eyes glowing blue as he scanned her.
"Like this?" he asked, his voice soft like Cream's, but with a masculine timber.
"Yeah, that's perfect," Helen told him, threading one for herself. "You're a quick learner Emerl."
Emerl rubbed the back of his head, much like Cream does when she's being bashful.
"Hey girls!" Keith called out, approaching them.
"Hi Keith," Helen greeted. "We're teaching Emerl how to make flower crowns."
"That's good to hear." He turned to Emerl with a smile. "I hope you're having fun."
"Yes, I believe so," Emerl answered. "Making flower crowns with Cream and Helen is very enjoyable."
Keith chuckled a little. "Honestly, I'm a little unsure why Knuckles is concerned about you. You seem alright."
Keith prepared to sit down to join them, but then something caught his eye. Over in the center of the park, where a large tree could be found, he spotted the familiar figure of Mr. Stewart. He seemed to be looking the tree over as if trying to find something.
"Mr. Teacher-Spy?" he let out. "What's he doing here?"
Helen and Cream all looked over. Emerl followed their gaze.
"What is a Teacher-Spy?" the little robot questioned.
"Oh, that's just a nickname we gave to Mr. Stewart, our teacher. He works for GUN, so maybe he's doing some sort of mission for them."
"Maybe he's trying to find Eggman," Cream suggested.
"Maybe. Hold back for a sec. I'm gonna check."
Keith walked towards Mr. Stewart, with Helen, Cream, Cheese, and Emerl holding back. Meanwhile, Mr. Stewart knocked against the trunk of the tree, hearing a small echo as he did so.
"The trunk of the tree is hollow. Perhaps Robotnik is inside." He shook his head. "No, not him… but given the proximity to the school… I'd bet my badge he's got scouts keeping an eye on Keith and Kat."
Deciding to give it a test, he knocked on the side of the tree, putting on a fake, deep voice. "Pizza delivery!"
"Oh boy!" Cubot's voice declared from inside the tree. "Pizza!"
"Cubot!" Orbot's voice chastised.
"I mean… nobody here but us squirrels."
Mr. Stewart smirked, but before he could do anything, Keith chimed in with his own reply, complete with his own deep voice. "Well, I guess I better return this double-stuffed acorn pizza!"
Cubot suddenly poked his head out of a strategically placed knothole.
"Oh boy! Double stuffed!"
"Oh for pete's sake," Orbot lamented, grabbing Cubot by the arm and pulling him out of the tree.
The two made a break for it, hovering away as fast as they could.
"It's kinda surprising how easy that was," Keith chuckled before turning to his teacher. "You on the hunt for Eggman's latest base?"
"Yes," Mr. Stewart confirmed. "The President's made finding Robotnik our top priority. And if those two were here, then I must be getting close."
"Well, I've got the afternoon off and a robot that's copied the powers of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails. I can help you if you want. The only catch is that Helen and Cream get to come too."
Mr. Stewart paused for a moment. "I'm not sure I feel comfortable bringing them along."
"They may be young, but they can hold their own. You should have seen them take on Metal Sonic. Plus, Emerl and I will keep an eye on them."
"Well… alright. But no unnecessary risks."
"Sounds fair." He turned back to the picnic blanket. "Cream! Bring Emerl and Helen over here! We've got a mission!"
"Ok!" Cream called back, Cheese chirping in agreement.
Keith then reached into his backpack, pulling out his visor and switching it for his glasses. "Now, those two dumbbots flew off in this direction. So let's start there…"
…
In a small book shop not far from the part, Robotnik was whistling to himself as he perused the various tomes in the history and geography sections. He plucked a couple from the shelves, flipping through them for a moment before adding them to a growing pile being stacked on the clerk's counter.
"Did you find everything you were looking for?" the clerk asked, lost in his own book and not even looking up to see the mad doctor.
"Oh I'd say so," Robotnik replied. "I'll just leave the cash on the counter."
"Alright, that'll be 127.89."
Robotnik just set a twenty on the table.
"Keep the change," Robotnik replied, chuckling as he grabbed his books and walked outside. "Yo, taxi!"
A cab suddenly pulled up to the curb, allowing Robotnik to slip inside.
"Where to, pal?" the cabbie asked, looking in the rear view mirror and going wide eyed at the sight of Robotnik.
"Just drive until I say stop."
"Uh… sure. I don't want any trouble."
"Just go and you won't get any."
The cabbie began driving off, unaware that Keith had spotted him in his visor.
"Eggman just hopped in a cab!" he shouted. "We gotta follow him!"
"My car's on the street," Mr. Stewart told them. "Come on!"
He took hold of Helen's wheelchair, pushing her towards his car as everyone else rushed to keep up.
…
Meanwhile in the Rockies, Sonic and Tails were putting the finishing touches on a specialized biosphere for the Acorn village.
"How we lookin, buddy?" Sonic asked.
"I just need to adjust the humidity variations to properly match the tropical climate these trees are used to, and we should be good to go.
Tails then proceeded to punch in the necessary data into a computer terminal on the side of the biosphere. Once completed, the biosphere began to whirr slightly, and an artificial atmosphere began to descend. The temperature began to slowly rise, and a warm rain began to fall. The citizens all cheered at the sight of rain. Sonic and Tails just looked on with a sense of accomplishment.
"Nice work, pal," Sonic commended.
"Aw, no biggie," Tails replied.
Just then, a beeping started to sound from Sonic's watch, prompting him to see it was Chuck and answering.
"What's up, Chuck?"
"Dr. Birnbaum just called me and said that Keith's looking for Dr. Eggman. Apparently, Helen and Cream are with him, along with Emerl and Mr. Stewart. She said they spotted him downtown and are tailing him as we speak."
"I'm on my way," Sonic replied before turning to Tails. "Tails, think you can finish up here?"
"I got this, Sonic. Go help Keith with Eggman."
Sonic nodded before taking off.
…
Back in Station Square, the group continued following Robotnik's cab, making sure to keep a safe distance so as not to be spotted. The cab then turned down an alleyway, prompting Mr. Stewart to slow his approach. Robotnik then got out of the cab, prompting it to drive off. By the time the cab was gone, Robotnik had seemed to have disappeared, much to everyone's surprise.
"Where'd he go?" Keith asked.
"I'm not sure…" Mr. Stewart admitted, killing the engine. "Still, he couldn't have gotten far."
Everyone got out of the car, walking out towards the alleyway to look for possible clues.
"There aren't any fire escapes in this alley," Helen noted, "and I don't see any doors."
Cheese came fluttering down after flying around the rooftops for a bit.
"Cheese didn't see Eggman's Eggmobile or any sign of him up above us," Cream told them.
"Well, if he isn't above us…" Keith considered. "Then maybe he's below us."
"Underground, of course!" Mr. Stewart realized. "No wonder we haven't been able to locate him."
Keith set his visor for X-Ray, taking a look around the street. He was able to pick up Robotnik's figure as he walked down a flight of stairs towards what could be assumed was his latest base.
"Yep, he's down there," Keith confirmed. "Now we just need a way down too."
Emerl's eyes were glowing as he scanned Keith, his own optics adjusting to include the filters on Keith's visor. The little bot looked around for a moment, then pointed around the corner.
"There is an open drainage junction down this way," he announced in a pixilated facsimile of Keith's voice. "He must have gone this way."
"That's… a little jarring," Keith let out, "but lead the way."
"Hold up," Mr. Stewart insisted. "Let's take the car. It'll be safer, especially for Helen."
Keith nodded as the group returned to the car, with Emerl directing Mr. Stewart towards the drainage junction. Once there, Mr. Stewart drove them down the stairs, causing the passengers to get jostled around a little before hitting the water. Mr. Stewart then hit a button on the dash, causing the wheels of the car to retract and the holes for them to seal up. The hood then narrowed at the end and a large fin appeared on the back, indicating that the car had transformed into a boat.
"Whoa," everyone let out.
"Sweet ride," Keith commented.
"Working for the government has its advantages," Mr. Stewart admitted. "Now hold on!"
Mr. Stewart hit the gas and the boat went jetting forward. Keith switched his goggles to thermal imaging, hoping to find any sign of Robotnik. Emerl did the same, both searching.
"Any sign of him, Emerl?" Keith asked.
"Not yet," Emerl replied, still using Keith's voice.
"Keep your eyes peeled," Mr. Stewart insisted. "He's got to be down here."
The boat continued moving, its occupants doing their best to keep an eye out for Robotnik. Suddenly, Cream's ears began to perk up, hearing the familiar noise of Eggman's Eggmobile engine powering on.
"I hear something!" she announced. "I think it's coming from Dr. Eggman's Eggmobile!"
"Which direction?" Mr. Stewart asked.
She pointed down a tunnel to the left. Mr. Stewart turned the car down the tunnel, hoping of catching up with Robotnik. As they continued down the tunnel, they finally caught sight of the Eggmobile.
"There he is!" Keith called out.
Mr. Stewart put the pedal to the metal as they gained speed. A fact that Robotnik was quick to catch up on.
"It seems we have some unexpected company," he noted. "They've seen my robotics work. Time to show them my net work."
He pressed a button on his console, causing a panel on the back of the Eggmobile to open up and a net to shoot out, ensnaring the boat. Seeing this, Keith tried using his watch to call for help, but couldn't get a signal.
"Drat," he cursed. "No signal down here. Looks like we're on our own…"
…
Up on the street at a quaint little cafe, the members of the newly formed Team Dark were enjoying some lunch. Well, most of them were. Omega was just standing there, and Shadow's leg was bouncing like crazy in the booth
"You keep that up and you're gonna knock the table over," Rouge remarked.
"I just feel that instead of eating, we should be out there looking for Dr. Eggman," Shadow commented.
"Relax, Shadow," Chessie reassured. "We'll get on him soon enough."
"Trust me," Rouge chimed in. "Eggman's not one to avoid the spotlight forever."
"Rouge has a point," Topaz admitted. "We just need to be patient until Eggman makes his move and reveals his hand."
"Besides," Chessie insisted as she slid Shadow's plate towards him, "this is the first meal either of us have had that wasn't instant ramen. Enjoy it."
"Yeah," Rouge agreed. "Even Ultimate Lifeforms need to eat."
Shadow looked down at his plate, about to take a bite when a blue blur rushed past the windows. He stood up immediately.
"That looked like Sonic." Before anyone could stop him, he ran after the hedgehog.
"Should… we go after them?" Topaz questioned.
"Nah," Rouge shot down. "If Sonic was doing something big, we'd see his little friends trailing behind. Odds are, he's just off on one of his runs. Let's just make sure Shadow's food doesn't get cold."
…
With Sonic, he kept trying to reach Keith on his communicator, but wasn't getting a signal.
"Come on, Keith," he let out. "Where are you?"
"Looking for something?"
Sonic looked to his side, seeing Shadow speeding to catch up and smirking.
"Long time no see, huh faker?" Sonic remarked.
"So, what brings you here?"
"I'm looking for Keith."
"Your human friend? What about him?"
"He was looking for Eggman in the city, but I haven't been able to reach him. Helen, Cream, and Cheese were with him too."
"The girl in the wheelchair and the young rabbit. I remember them. Do you need any help?"
"Just keep an eye out and let me know if you see anything."
"Fine. You just be sure to do the same."
Sonic nods before speeding off, leaving Shadow to double back and meet back up with the others.
…
Down in the sewers, Robotnik stood cackling towards the group as they stood locked in a small cell.
"So, you thought you could get the drop on me, did you?"
"The thought had crossed my mind," Keith remarked.
"You'd best leave the thinking to those with the higher brain power, boy."
"You can't be referring to yourself, can you?" Emerl quipped, taking on Sonic's cocky voice and demeanor.
"You would be wise to mute that walking trash can of yours!"
"I don't know, he makes a good point," Keith admitted.
"Excuse me," Helen spoke up. "Why were you buying so many books earlier?"
"Well if you must know," Robotnik responded. "I'm doing a bit of research for my latest take over the world scheme."
"Oh great," Keith lamented. "What are you up to this time?"
"Now that would be telling. Just know it stands the chance to be my most diabolical scheme yet."
"Doctor," Orbot spoke as he and Cubot entered, the former carrying a briefcase in his hands.. "We searched the car like you asked and found something interesting."
Orbot then dumped out the briefcases contents, including listening devices, some tracking dots, a set of high tech binoculars, and even a camera. Mr. Stewart went wide eyed at the sight.
"It must belong to him," Orbot surmised, pointing to Mr. Stewart.
"Wow," Cubot let out. "He must be an insurance salesman!"
"No, Cubot. He's a spy."
"I'm a school teacher!" Mr. Stewart insisted.
"As if a school teacher would carry that equipment," Eggman shot down.
"It's my stuff," Keith lied, crossing his arms. "My dad made me this stuff so I could help Sonic find you. Mr Stewart's only here because he didn't want to leave me, Cream, and Helen alone with the likes of you."
"My aren't we courageous. It'll only get you so far, kid, and this time, Sonic isn't here to bail you out. I'd love to stay and torment you, but I have places to go and worlds to conquer."
With that, Robotnik took his leave, leaving Orbot and Cubot alone with their prisoners.
"So… what can you tell us about Dr. Eggman's plan?" Cream asked.
"Ha!" Cubot boasted. "You'll never get us to talk! Our voices boxes are kept at mute."
"For once, Cubot is right," Orbot agreed. "We will never betray Doctor Robotnik's absolute faith in us."
"Eggman hasn't told you a thing, has he?" Keith guessed.
"Not at all," Orbot admitted in defeat. "I mean, keeping Cubot out of the loop I can understand, but I do have a working processor."
"We work our transistors off for that guy, and he doesn't even give us an inch of respect," Cubot lamented. "It's downright, criminal, I tell ya."
Both of them lowered their heads before floating away in dejection.
"Those two need their bolts tightened," Mr. Stewart remarked.
"Tell me about it," Keith agreed. "Now we need a way to get out of here. Unfortunately, Eggman took my gloves so we're going to have to try something else."
Mr. Stewart went over to the cell door, looking over the lock. It was pretty standard, with a basic lock instead of anything electronic. He smirked, then turned to Helen. "May I borrow one of your bobby pins?"
"Sure," Helen replied, pulling one out of her hair and handing it to Mr. Stewart.
Mr. Stewart took it and used it to pick the lock of the cell door. It took a minute to work, but he succeeded in getting it open. He didn't notice Emerl scanning him as he did..
"Alright, let's move," Mr. Stewart motioned. "But quietly."
…
The group continued moving down the tunnel, hoping to find an exit back to the surface. Unfortunately, as they continued to move, they came face to face with a large metal door with Robotnik's face on it.
"Should have known it wasn't going to be that easy," Keith lamented.
"Indeed not," Mr. Stewart admitted. "However, I see a junction box just over there. If we can overload the circuit, the door should open."
Keith and Mr. Stewart both went over to the junction box, the latter prying the case open as Keith looked inside.
"Alright, let me see if I can do this…"
He cracked his knuckles before scanning for which wires he needed to pull. He managed to pull one out before looking around and spying another. He pulled that out and carefully moved the two wires together, causing a spark of electricity. Keith stepped back as the box shorted out and the door slowly slid open.
"Way to go, Keith!" Cream cheered.
"And without your Nitro Gloves too," Helen remarked.
"Heh, it was nothing," Keith insisted. "Now, come on!"
The group quickly took off down the hallway, hoping they were finally on their way to freedom. Unfortunately, their relief was short-lived. Only a few seconds after making it through the door did they come face to face with a second door identical to the first one. And this time, there was no visible junction box.
"Great," Keith let out. "What do we do now?"
Mr. Stewart went up to the door and saw a computer terminal on the side.
"It looks like this door is password protected. Although, I shudder to think of what would happen if we were to guess wrong."
"It's not like we have a lot of options," Keith argued before suddenly looking up. "Huh?"
"What?" Mr. Stewart followed his gaze.
"Up there. It's Bokkun."
Sure enough, sleeping at the top of the door was Bokkuun.
"Do you think he could help us get out?" Cream asked.
"But he's one of Dr. Eggman's robots too," Helen argued.
Emerl scanned the sleeping robot, his eyes flashing slightly as he did. When he spoke, his voice had Bokkun's high-pitch tinge to it. "He's a messenger robot that can be swayed into compliance easily. All we need is the proper motivation."
"Motivation, huh?" Keith considered, thinking for a moment before snapping his fingers. "I got it. Hey Bokkun!"
Bokkun's eyes suddenly snapped open, prompting him to look down at the group.
"You guys escaped?!" he let out. "I'm gonna tell Dr. Robotnik on you!"
"But if you do that, we'll miss dinner," Keith continued in a playful tone. "And Ella's making Apple Pie tonight."
"Apple pie?" Bokkun repeated, taken in by the thought of dessert.
"That's right," Helen agreed. "I don't know how she does it, but Ella makes the best Apple Pie in the world!"
"It's amazing!" Cream agreed with Cheese chirping in agreement.
"Really? Uh… do you think… I could have some?" he twiddled his fingers in an innocent demeanor.
"Sure," Keith agreed. "Just head to my house and tell Ella where we are and that I said you could have some."
"Oh boy!" Bokkun let out before taking off. "Apple pie here I come!"
Mr. Stewart watched the robot fly off, absolutely dumbfounded. "I can't believe that actually worked…"
"Once he tells Ella where we are, she'll tell Sonic," Keith explained. "We just need to hold out until then."
…
Up on the street, Bokkun slowly lifted a manhole cover and poked his head out. Seeing that no one was around, he climbed out and was about to fly off. Suddenly, something zipped by him so fast it caused him to spin. After a moment, the speedy thing veered back around, revealing itself to be Sonic as he skidded to a stop.
"Bokkun?" Sonic let out, placing a hand on his head and causing him to stop spinning. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Uh… I saw Keith in the sewer and he said I could go to his house for pie."
"The sewer?" Sonic looked down at the sewer entrance. "I never thought of looking underground. And if you're here, then Eggman's probably down there too." He turned back to Bokkun. "Since I have you, can you deliver a message to Shadow and his buddies for me?"
"What?! No way!" Bokkun crossed his arms and looked away. "I've already done my good deed for the day. Why should I help you?!"
Sonic smirked at that. "Because if you like Ella's pie, you'll love her strawberry shortcake."
If Bokkun could, he would have been drooling. "Strawberry shortcake… ya think he could make me one?"
"Sure… if you deliver my message."
…
Back at the diner, Team Dark was wrapping up their meal as Topaz paid the bill. Shadow had told them about Sonic's search for Eggman and Keith.
"I'm surprised Eggman is brazen enough to actually hide somewhere in the city," Rouge remarked. "I mean, he's got flying fortresses, island bases, and enough bots to make his own city. Why slum it in here?"
"Maybe that's the idea," Chessie reasoned. "We'd be so focused with more outlandish hiding places, we'd never expect to find him under our noses."
"Either way, this is the best lead we've had on Eggman all day," Shadow responded. "I suggest we don't waste it."
"Affirmative," Omega agreed before perking slightly. "Alert: Incoming Eggman robot."
The group all braced themselves for a fight, only for Bokkun to drop down.
"It's only the little one," Shadow recognized. "What do you want?"
"I have a message for you from Sonic," Bokkun informed. "He's in the sewer."
"Then he must have found Eggman!" Topaz realized, joining the group.
Chessie immediately opened an interface on her wrist, typing away before bringing up a map of the sewer system. "There's a drainage junction just down the way. Let's hurry!"
"New primary mission!" Omega announced before blasting a hole in the street. "Locate and destroy Dr. Eggman!"
Omega leapt down the hole, leaving the other Team Dark members staring at the hole.
"The president is going to regret letting us team up," Chessie bemoaned.
…
Back down in the sewers, everyone was trying to come up with a plan.
"Emerl," Keith tried, "can you use Knuckles' strength to get us out of here? Or maybe Sonic's spin dash?"
"I can give it a try," Emerl replied, sounding like a mix of Sonic and Keith.
Emerl rolled into a spin dash and charged at the door. Unfortunately, this did little more than make a dent in it.
"No," Emerl lamented, sounding like Sonic and Knuckles. "I'm not strong enough."
"It's alright, Emerl," Keith insisted. "You did your best."
"Keith's right," Cream reassured, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You tried, and that's what matters."
Emerl said nothing, merely placing a hand over Cream's.
"There's no escape for any of you!" Robotnik called out, getting everyone's attention.
Everyone turned to see Robotnik piloting a large mechanized spider along the walls of the sewer.
"My new Egg-Spider should be able to squash you all like the insects you are!"
"Fat chance, fatso!" Keith declared. "I'll have you know Sonic will be here any second to turn your toy into scrap metal."
"Is that right? Sorry to burst your bubble but nobody's coming to save you this time!"
Robotnik then shot out one of his mechanical claws towards the group, Mr. Stewart instinctively stepping in front to protect everyone. Just then, something struck the Egg-Spider from behind, causing it to keel over. To Robotnik's annoyance and everyone's delight, Sonic landed between the two as cocky as ever.
"Then just call me nobody," Sonic remarked.
"Sonic!" Cream and Helen called out happily.
"Man, that was fast even for you," Keith noted.
"I was in the neighborhood."
Robotnik grumbled as he got his mech back on its feet.
"You just have to keep sticking your nose where it doesn't belong…" he snarled. "I look forward to the day I can finally be rid of you for good…"
Robotnik then shot out one of the Egg-Spider's claws at Sonic, prompting the hedgehog to leap towards it and roll into a spin dash, shattering it instantly. Robotnik didn't waste a beat as he whipped the Egg-Spider around, sending its other claw right at Sonic and pinning him to a wall.
"Sonic!" Keith called out.
Robotnik chuckled as the Egg-Spider's claw pressed against his chest. Sonic tried to free himself, but he was stuck tight.
"Looks like you've ran yourself to your end, Sonic," Robotnik remarked.
"Hang on, Sonic!" Topaz's voice called out.
"Sonic and Robotnik looked down the tunnel to see Team Dark quickly approach. Omega laid down some suppressing fire on the Egg-Spider as Shadow leapt into the air.
"Chaos Spear!" Shadow declared, bombarding the Egg-Spider and causing it to stagger back. This allowed Sonic to free himself and spring off the wall, allowing him to spin dash through the spider leg. Robotnik shot out another claw, but Rouge quickly spun into a screw kick, taking it out.
"I've had it with that hog!" Robotnik yelled. "Fire!"
Just then, several missiles launched out of the Egg-Spider, forcing Sonic and Team Dark to scatter. After leaping out of the way of one, Shadow skidded on the ground near the group. He turned to the others, suddenly going wide eyed upon seeing Helen.
"Y-you…"
Helen looked around, then pointed at herself. "Me?"
"Oh yeah," Chessie landed next to Shadow. "I don't think we got the chance to properly introduce you to Helen during that whole business with Neo Metal. Granted, you were pretty distracted back then."
Shadow remained silent as he stood up, his mind flashing back to a girl that looked similar to Helen. He rubbed his head as the beginning of a headache formed, which made Helen worried.
"Are you okay, Mr. Shadow?"
His eyes snapped back open, seeing a missile heading straight for them. Acting on instinct, Shadow grabbed Helen and leapt out of the way, leaving her chair to be destroyed as a result. Chessie leapt towards the Egg-Spider and whipped her cables towards one of the legs of the Egg-Spider. Sonic quickly grabbed hold of Chessie and sped her around the Egg-Spider multiple times, tying up the legs. Sonic then darted forward, allowing Chessie to give the cable a good tug. The spider legs got completely tangled up and the bot pitched forward.
As the group fought, Emerl began to scan each of them, taking note of their techniques, tech, and mannerisms. Taking it all in, Emerl charged forward towards the downed mech, mimicking Rouge's screw kick as he plowed right through the front. He came out and landed, taking on a cocky pose similar to Rouge's usual demeanor.
"Now that's how you stop a robot," he declared in a male, pixelated version of Rouge's voice.
Robotnik ejected his Eggmobile just as the Egg-Spider exploded. Omega took this opportunity to blow down the metal door, allowing the others to escape.
"Everyone, this way!" Mr. Stewart ushered.
Everyone started making their way towards the exit, with Shadow running up to Sonic with Helen still in his arms.
"You two ok?" Sonic asked.
"Uh-huh," Helen nodded, leaning into Shadow. "Mr. Shadow got me out just in time. I'm gonna need a new wheelchair though."
"I'll talk to Topaz about getting one sent to you," Chessie offered, swinging along on her cables.
"Sonic!" Robotnik called out, getting everyone's attention. "I always knew you were a sewer rat!"
"Eggman," Sonic snarled. "What are you up to this time?!"
"Now, now, Sonic. That would be telling."
"Whatever it is, you will be stopped," Shadow swore.
"Bold words coming from a fake."
"What's he talking about?" Sonic asked.
"Nothing," Shadow replied. "He's just trying to mess with my head. It wont work!"
"No matter," Robotnik scoffed. "Feel free to leave with your little friends. In the end, I will emerge victorious! Till next time!"
Robotnik shot some millies out at the ceiling, allowing him to make his escape as Sonic, Shadow, and Chessie made a break for it. They quickly made their way outside, joining back up with the others.
"Everyone ok?!" Sonic asked, coughing slightly from all the smoke.
"We're okay, Sonic," Cream answered.
"Thanks for the assist," Keith told him before turning to Team Dark. "All of you."
"Don't mention it," Shadow replied, handing Helen over to Sonic. "Glad to help."
"Let us know when Eggman makes his reappearance and we'll consider this even," Rouge declared.
"Count on it," Sonic replied. "Gonna hold you to that new chair for Helen, by the way."
"Fair," Shadow replied, giving Helen another look, the images of the other girl returning. "...take care of yourself… Helen."
Helen smiled in response, prompting Shadow to do the same as he and the rest of Team Dark left.
…
"So from there, I managed to overload the junction box to get the door open," Keith explained, recounting everything that had happened to Sonic as they walked home after dropping off Helen, Cream, and Emerl. "Unfortunately, we couldn't figure out how to open the second door until we remembered how easily Bokkun was swayed by food."
"Oh yeah," Sonic agreed. "It's how I got him to agree to give the message to Shadow's team. Good thinking."
"I'm just mad Eggman got my visor and gloves."
"I'm sure Tails and Chuck can whip you up some new ones. Maybe you can even add some upgrades. You seemed to trick out the old ones pretty well."
"Heh, maybe. For now, let's just head home."
They made it to the Kent Mansion, where Mr. Tanaka was waiting for them at the door. While the butler was usually a stoic man, he seemed particularly irritated.
"Master Keith," he let out. "Where in the world have you been?"
"It's a long story, Mr. Tanaka," Keith replied.
"I hope that story includes why a certain robot showed up at our door demanding pie and cake."
"Uh, that's on us," Sonic answered. "It was the only way he could help us."
"Normally I wouldn't be too upset. But it has been hours and he's still here."
"What?!" Keith and Sonic let out.
They both rushed into the dining room, seeing Bokkun stuffing his face with pie and cake. He looked up to see them both, waving happily while he laughed.
"Hi you guys! You were right! Ella's apple pie and strawberry shortcake are the best!"
The two of them were dumbstruck by the sight, with Sonic chuckling slightly.
"I guess this is what they mean by getting your just desserts."