Story Recap:

I'm Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog!

Well, it's been a few months since my last adventure. Things were getting pretty boring... Until a Genesis Portal appeared in the middle of the city! What came out of it was-to my shock-another version of me named "Zonic"!

After dealing with some weird magic cat, this "Zone Cop" told us that there seems to be some strange Nexus at the source of all these Genesis Portals that have been popping up, and apparently it's an aftermath of Eggman's old Super Genesis Wave!

So we agreed to help him get back to this "Genesis Nexus" and hopefully prevent any more weird calamities from happening… just as soon as we deal with another portal that just popped up in the Metropolis Zone.

Freedom Fighters, let's do it to it!


Chapter 2: Into The Unknown (Part 2)

The Sky Patrol:

It wasn't long before the Freedom Fighters' battleship; the Sky Patrol was soaring through the skies of Westside Island on a direct course for the Oil Ocean Zone, the base closest to the Metropolis Zone with a refueling station.

Within their mobile base of operations however, the Freedom Fighters were now discussing their next course of action...


Inside the meeting room, Sally stood before the assembled Mobians at the main table with Rotor, Bunnie, Antoine, Amy, Tails and Zonic sitting across from her. Big had opted to just stand due to his size, and Cream simply sat on his shoulder.

Sonic, oddly enough, remained off to the side of the entrance, gazing out the window.

"Alright everyone, since we're nearing the Oil Ocean Zone, I think it's a good idea to go back over the plan." Sally began as she sat across from the group. "Team Fighters; Tails, Sonic and I, will accompany Zonic personally to the location of the portal in case any trouble arises. Once there and after any trouble is cleared up, Zonic will stabilize the portal."

"I should warn you all. The process won't be perfect. The portal could spit us out into any point of The Nexus so you need to be ready for that." Zonic interjected. "You're going to need to stick together tightly in order to avoid anyone falling into, say… a world where you're all giant monsters, or cavemen."

"That seems oddly specific," Tails gave Zonic a questioning look. "Is there an actual place like that?"

"Odds are, given everything he's said, probably." Rotor commented. "Infinite zones, infinite possibilities. There could be all kinds of strange versions of people we know."

"A logical statement." Sally nodded in agreement. "And that brings me to the second aspect of our mission."

Suddenly, the small dome-shaped projector at the center of the table lit up as a rectangular holographic screen came on. On display were several square icons on the right, each one containing a picture of the Freedom Fighters. On the left was an aerial map of Westside Island with a small star indicating the position of the Sky Patrol and at the center was Nicole herself, waving at the group.

"While most will be entering the Nexus, it will be more beneficial for us to stay in teams of three." Sally explained.

"All right. So which teams go in?" Zonic asked as he looked over the map.

However while everyone else was listening, Tails on the other hand turned his attention to his best friend, who was still gazing out the window. The two-tailed Fox couldn't help but notice that Sonic hadn't said much since they took off, and wondered what was occupying the blue hero's mind.

"Uh… Sonic? Is something wrong?" He asked as he got up and walked over to his best friend, who remained unresponsive. "Sonic? …Sonic?"

Tails snapped his fingers in front of the blue blur's face. Sonic didn't answer his best friend immediately. His mind was focused on other matters; the least of which being this eerie feeling he'd been getting in his quills since this morning.

Would more aspects of the old world start to appear from the portals? Who else could possibly return from the Nexus? What would become of Mobius if this kept up? Would they all start to remember more parts of their old world and just forget everything about this new one?

'Nothing's making sense,' Sonic thought. But before he could continue his train of thought, he noticed something outside the window…


It… it looked like a city. A big, advanced looking metropolis with various mechanical looking buildings and towers. The city seemed more advanced than anything from the United Federation.

To anyone else, they could look at it and see a technological marvel. To Sonic though, something about it was bugging him. That even looking at it from a distance felt like it wasn't meant to be like this. Was it how deadly quiet it all seemed? How there didn't seem to be anyone around?

Before Sonic could voice his concerns to the others he saw something else. There were three missiles heading straight for it! They were about to crash into the heart of the city and this dome appeared around it and-

*FWOOMF*

Sonic had to avert his eyes from the bright flash of light. When he looked again-

"No," Sonic mumbled in response. For the hedgehog saw was a dome containing a cloud of energy within it. It was... gone.

That entire city… all of it-


"SONIC!" Sonic heard his name shouted as a gloved hand waved in front of him. He looked to see Tails standing in front of him with concern in his eyes.

"Whuh-Tails?"

"You look like you've just seen a ghost. Are you okay?"

Sonic glanced out the window to see the dome wasn't there, just miles of ocean.

"Yeah... yeah, I'm okay." He turned to look back at Tails, although it was clear that the Fox wasn't really buying it. "Sorry, it's been a long day."

[...and thus, in conclusion, the remaining three-Mobian Teams shall be the following.] He heard Nicole explain. Turning his attention to the holographic chart, he saw that his picture along with Tails and Sally's had been placed into a rectangular box titled "Team Fighters", after which Nicole gestured to the remaining picture.

["Team Freedom" shall consist of Rotor, Antoine, and Bunnie, who in turn will accompany Zonic into the Nexus alongside Team Fighters.] The Holo-Lynx stated as she conjured up another rectangle with the Team's name on it before placing all three of their pictures into it. [Are there any questions?]

"I have one in particular. Who iz protecting ze city and kingdom if We Are All away?" Antoine asked. "I do not mean to be a… downer of Debbie as they say but I feel zat is rather something ve cannot let be undefended."

"It won't. Sky Patrol will be the kingdom's main line of defense once our teams leave for the portal." Rotor replied, giving his friend an understanding look. "I promise, we won't be leaving this place undefended if Eggman or his mooks try anything."

[Plus, Amy, Cream, and Big will be tasked with keeping Westside Island safe as "Team Rose".] Nicole chimed in as she then turned her attention to the remaining boxes and created another one. [Not only that, but we've also contacted Gemerl and he's agreed to come out of retirement to help.]

"We'll do our best, Mister Antoine!" Cream said from atop Big's shoulder, her pet Chao cheering in agreement. "We promise!"

"Yeah, and if Eggman or any of his Egg Bosses try anything, we'll send 'em packing!" Amy said with a wink while flashing a "V" for victory sign. "You can count on us!"

[On that note…] Nicole interjected as the Team boxes vanished and the aerial map filled most of the screen. [We will be landing at the Oil Ocean Zone momentarily.]

"Thank you Nicole. Meeting adjourned." Sally stated as she along with the rest of the Freedom Fighters quickly headed for the exit, each one of them planning to make some last-minute preparations before they landed.

However, as she left she couldn't help but notice Sonic lingering near the window for a few seconds before rushing out of the room himself.


Westside Island: Oil Ocean Zone:

"Man, feels like fahevah since we last visited this place!" Bunnie exclaimed as she flew out the hanger and into the open skies.

Zonic looked around as he took a few steps off of the ship's ramp. "Shouldn't Dr. Eggman have control of this facility?"

"He did, but after the whole Dark Gaia incident, we managed to drive the rest of his forces off." Rotor explained, following from behind. "With the Royal Army on hand, most of his bases and facilities on this island have been liberated. Ironically, it's thanks to Eggman that Mobotropolis has more energy and the Sky Patrol can refuel here."

"Well how about that…" The Zone Cop smiled as they made their way over one of the bridges.

Upon getting a good look at the area, he could see that unlike some of the others he'd seen in previous dimensions, this facility appeared to be much more secure. The entire valley had various iron walls and energy shields surrounding it to keep any pollution from spreading across the island or into the sea, and even the interior sections of the refinery were properly shielded to prevent any guards from falling into the oil.

"So you guys managed to reverse-engineer all this? Impressive." Zonic smiled.

"Yep, with Uncle Chuck and Dr. Ellidy's help of course. Although this refueling station was already constructed when we took over the place." Rotor added as they stepped into an elevator. "Apparently the Doctor had been planning on refueling his own Death Egg here."

"A dangerous creation of his in any zone," Zonic commented seriously. "You should feel proud of what you've accomplished."

"We still have the rest of Mobius to liberate, but thanks." The Walrus smiled.

There was a brief lull of silence that lasted until Zonic looked at Rotor. "Out of curiosity, why do you call him 'Uncle'?"

Rotor arched a brow. "Hm?"

"Sir Charles; why do you call 'Uncle'?" The Zone Cop repeated.

"Well, he's like an uncle to everyone." Rotor explained the doors opened. "And given how close he's been in our lives, why wouldn't we call him that?"

"That makes sense… I guess… " Zonic said, mumbling the last part under his breath as they walked down the hall. However, mentally he couldn't help but feel uneasy about that little detail. 'So he's not Sonic's blood-relative in this dimension? That wasn't the case before…'


The Sky Patrol:

Back aboard the ship, the Blue Blur had opted to stay behind in the hangar, casually inspecting his personal Biplane; the Tornado.

However, it was clear the Hedgehog had other things on his mind.

'That vision… it felt so real... almost as if I'd lived through it personally' He thought as he inserted a power ring into the main engine. '...just what happened in the old world…?'

The sound of footsteps snapped him out of his thoughts, looking over his shoulder he spotted none other than Sally Acorn approaching him. "Hey Sal."

"Is… is something wrong, Sonic?" Sally asked in a concerned tone. "Tails told me you zoned out a bit earlier... is something bothering you?"

"Nah, I'm just a bit lost in thought." He sighed as he closed the hatch. "All this stuff about the Nexus and all just seems a bit much, y'know?"

"Considering the last time different worlds were involved, I can hardly blame you." Sally casually remarked, idly glancing at the pair of bracelets around her gloves. "Just one more crisis to face."

"Yeah." Sonic muttered though his mind was clearly elsewhere. "Just another Tuesday for everyone."

Anyone could tell that his comment was half-hearted at best and if you knew Sonic like Sally did, you could tell something was truly wrong.

"Ok Sonic, what's really bothering you?" The Acorn Princess finally asked, stepping closer. "You're acting like you've seen a ghost."

"I'm just... I'm just being cautious, I mean..." Sonic began as he locked eyes with Sally… before taking a deep breath to calm himself. "We're going to a world that's for all intents and purposes, the leftover remains of an old reality. I guess you could say I'm a little shaken up by what we might find there..."

Sally arched a brow at this. "What's this? Something has the Blue Blur himself stumped? Never thought I'd see the day." She replied in a more joking tone, hoping to somewhat ease his tension.

"Well don't go thinking this means we're changing spots, Sally." Sonic said with a smile, causing Sally to chuckle. "I'm still the reckless one who runs in first and thinks later."

"Aw c'mon. You mean I can't move as fast as you this time?" Sally asked with fake puppy dog eyes.

"Can't let ya hog all the fun." Sonic replied. The two then just slowly started laughing after that, feeling a slight sense of odd relief and nostalgia.

[Sally!] Nicole's voice called from her handheld form. The Acorn Princess checked the device, opening it to reveal a projection of the holo-lynx. [Tails needs to see you and Sonic before-oh, there he is.]

"Tell him we're on our way," Sally said to which the holo-lynx nodded before the projection ceased. She tucked the device into her vest before looking at Sonic, who seemed in better spirits than a minute ago. "Another call to adventure," Sally said with a smile as she raised an eyebrow at him. "Think you can handle it?"

Sonic rolled his eyes at her before adopting his trademark grin in response. He stood tall and ready. "Just watch me, Sal."


Westside Island: Oil Ocean Zone:

"This should help you out in the meantime, Zonic." Tails said as the Zone Cop finished putting on a new pair of boots, while his own they were still technically advanced. "You're just lucky Rotor had the prototype extreme gear he made for Sonic during that whole 'Werehog' fiasco."

"The what?" Zonic asked, looking at the Mobian Fox.

"Long story," Tails said simply. "He'll try and get your rocket boots fixed as soon as possible, but given the tech difference, Rotor'll need some time."

"Well, he has my gratitude." The Zone Cop smiled.

"Sorry for the wait, but we're ready to go!" Sonic called out as he rushed out of the elevator, followed by Sally, who was carrying her own extreme gear; the Royal Acorn. "So where's Team Freedom? I figured we'd be heading out all at once…"

[Uncle Chuck needed them along with Team Rose to help him back in the lab.] Nicole interjected from her handheld mode. [They'll catch up later, so for now it's just us.]

"We'll have to scout the area first anyway." Sally added as she hopped onto her hoverboard. "So let's move out."


The Death Egg Mk II:

"What do you mean it's getting bigger?!" Dr. Eggman shouted as he glared at his computer.

[Exactly what I mean, Boss. The source has enlarged exponentially since our last scan.] Orbot explained bluntly. [And to elaborate on this, the local Badniks have either gone offline or utterly vanished from my sensors.]

"Of course they did…" The ovoid scientist groaned in irritation as he glared at the expansive anomaly and started weighing his options. "Hmmm… I can't send any of my robots through it without losing their signal, and if I call up any of my Egg Bosses I'll lose contact with them as well, no doubt." His eyes then focused on the feed from Metal Sonic as the badnik flew in the direction of the anomaly. "If Metal can't last, then I might have to get directly involved."


Westside Island: Metropolis Zone Ruins:

Meanwhile, Team Fighters and the Zone Cop had arrived in the abandoned industrial city.

Sonic wasted no time as he rushed through a large loop composed of several large pipes and jumped off several overturned tanks before grinding down a slanted iron bar. Not too far behind him, Tails flew overhead with Sally and Zonic, both of whom were riding their respective Extreme Gears.

"Yeesh, and here I thought this place was creepy before Eggman's army cleared out…" Tails mused, flying down next to the Blur Blur.

"The effects of an abandoned city, visually it should be occupied and active and yet it's unnaturally quiet." Zonic said, sounding as if he was speaking from experience. While he did keep his attention on following Sonic and Tails, the Zone Cop couldn't help to take notice of all the shadowy places throughout the city. "You never know if we're truly alone or being watched by someone."

"Hopefully not…" Sally muttered as they continued their way through the derelict remains of the city. "Last thing we need is a-wait." She halted her airboard mid-flight as she glanced at a collapsed building on her left.

"Is something wrong, Sally?" Zonic asked as he landed next to her.

"I'm not sure." Sally replied, carefully stepping off of her board. "I could have sworn I just saw a-"

"BEHIND YOU!" Sonic shouted as a Caterkiller burst out of a large pile of rubble behind them. Before the two of them could draw their weapons, the Blue Blur rushed past them, rolling into a spin dash and slamming into the Badnik's head, shattering it to pieces before it could make a move.

But rather than finding an innocent Mobini inside of it… the Caterkiller was completely empty. "Okay… that's a new one." Sonic said with a slight gulp. "Usually an adorable Flicky or Ricky or something powers it. How could this thing even wiggle it's big toe without one?"

[HEDGEHOG: PRIORITY ONE!] A voice droned as a bipedal robotic figure emerged from the shadows, it had a disc shaped head, a red visor, and a wrist mounted blaster.

"A SWATbot?!" Tails exclaimed in confusion as Sally activated her Ring-Blades. "What's an antique like that doing here!? I thought Eggman discontinued these!"

However, before anyone else could say anything, it was soon made clear to them that the city wasn't as abandoned as they had assumed, as many old Badniks made their presence known.

From beneath the streets emerged the mole-like Burrobots, from the shadows emerged the pig-like Ball Hogs, and in the sky were the bat-like Bat Brains.

"Well, that escalated quickly." Tails shuddered as he landed next to Sonic.

"Oh great, I'm reliving my favorite horror movie; 'Night of the Living Badniks'." Zonic scoffed as he drew his Blaster while Tails and Sonic got into their respective fighting stances.

[Sally! We've got a problem!] Nicole shouted from her handheld form as the Badniks surrounded them. [I'm picking up an unstable energy signature… and it's controlling the Badniks!]

"Where's the energy signature coming from?!" Sally yelled, ducking just as an old SWAT Bot tried to blast her. She rushed towards the Badnik and managed to slice it right up the middle with Ring-Blades, but once more to her horror she found it utterly empty.

"They can't just be working on auto-pilot!" Zonic yelled as he blasted a Ball Hog Just as it jumped towards him, but once more it was empty. "These types of machines always have a Mobini or some sort of power source!"

'There's gotta be something we're missing here...' Tails thought as he quickly slammed his namesakes into another SWATbot, smacking it's head clean off. 'We just need to find the source and-wait...' Just then, he noticed something quickly retreating into the shadows behind the shattered remains of the Badnik.

But before he could pursue it, he was cut off by an energy beam from above. The two-tailed Fox glared up at the Bat Brains and noticed something off. 'Wait, they're staying closer to the shadows... and there aren't any Mobini powering them. Which means...'

"Get them out of the shadows! Whatever's controlling them is hiding itself!" Tails shouted as he destroyed the Bat Brains.

[Did ya have to spoil the suspense so soon, foxy?] An ominous voice snarled as Sally sliced through two Burrobots. [Honestly, you have no idea how long I've been waiting for my fourth comeback! To think, I've seen two explosions, got thrown into an ocean, and then got torn, hit, and shot to pieces!]

Zonic, avoiding some Ball Hogs, spotted where the voice was coming from… a Crab Meat?

[And then after that, I wind up a twig in a jar never to be seen again!] The Crab Meat continued as it stood atop some rubble, it's white eyes and posture expressing annoyance. [But this time, oh this time I'm gonna take you and your friends down, Hedgehog!]

"I don't think so," Zonic said, bringing his Blaster up and firing at the Crab Meat. Like before, there wasn't any mobini that emerged. Unlike before, the Crab Meat - still damaged - glared at Zonic who was dumbfounded.

"What the-"

[Shooting me while I'm having a moment? Rude!]

"Okay then, mystery-bot! If you really wanna take a shot at me." Sonic smirked as he started moving his legs at a high enough speed to the point where they resembled a red infinity sign. "Then let's duke it out face to face!" He shouted before bolting right through several Ball Hogs and rushing up the side of a nearby building.

His friends and Crab Meat were all confused by his actions at first... only for the Blur Blur to curl into his signature spin-dash, bouncing off of several Badniks on the way down.

[What on Mobius are y-GAAH!] Crab Meat snarled before Sonic landed… behind him? Suddenly the Badnik started twitching in agony as sparks erupted from its body.

The rest of his allies turned their attention to the main Badnik and saw Sonic standing atop some sort of severed green wire. "Figured if old Crab Meat here was durable enough not to get smashed in one shot, then whoever's powering him was pumping extra juice into this one!" He shouted as he quickly rushed deeper into the abandoned city along the wire. "Now we just have to follow this to the source!"

Another SWAT Bot narrowly blasted Tails before he dodged out of the way and slammed his namesakes into it. Taking off after his friend with Zonic and Sally behind him.

But as they did so more Badniks began appearing and getting in their way from Giant Caterkillers to other more heavily armed SWATBots. [You think that you can keep up with me?! HA! Last time you all could barely able to handle me when I was controlling a few Badniks! Now?! Oooooh Mama, I'm in Badnik Heaven!]

"You can't keep us away, whatever you are!" Sally retorted as she dodged more fire from the SWATBots and sliced through another Buzz Bomber, Zonic traded fire with an Egg Pawn of all things before shooting down a Balkiry as Tails dodged one of the Giant Caterkillers. To the four heroes, the concentration of tougher Badniks were obvious–whatever was controlling them didn't want them to get close.

"Don't fight them, just get around them!" Sonic called out, running past a Skorp and jumping over a Gekogeko. The others quickly followed Sonic's lead, dodging or avoiding any of their mechanized opponents to their shard annoyance it seemed.

Or rather, their singular annoyance.

[At least fight while on the run! You're making this boring!] The voice complained, seemingly coming from all the Badniks. However, it was still a single voice rather than any unison or mixture of voices speaking all at once… and the further the four heroes continued, the more the Badniks seemed to be covered in the green wire.

'Wait… that doesn't look like a wire…' Tails thought only to soon be proven correct as he, Sonic, Sally, and Zonic all reached the center of the city and the source of what was controlling these Badniks…

To say what they saw was shocking and rather freakish looking would be an understatement.

From the center of the city there is a large and lengthy green stem with various vines and spread throughout – deep into buildings and even under the ground with various robotic parts attached to the vines. For instance, closest to the stem's head, which looked less like a venus fly trap and more like a head with a maw full of sharp teeth, were a bunch of Badnik and robot heads.

[Well, congratulations Hedgehog and friends. You've made it to your doom!] The voice continued, its various heads glaring down at the four of them. [You face the new and improved Krudzu Hybrid Hydra!] The center head then proceeded to let out a large roar in challenge.

"Yeesh! And I thought the Tails Doll was creepy." Sonic shuddered as he landed on the ground, his twin-tailed friend hovering right next to him.

"This thing looks like a culmination of a thousand of my worst nightmares!" Tails stated, his entire body shivering at the sight of the horrific mismatch of robots.

"What even is that!?" Sally asked as she turned to the Zone Cop. "Seriously, it speaks as though it's familiar with us, but I'm pretty sure I'd remember fighting something that horrendous!"

[You... YOU DON'T REMEMBER ME?! YOU JERKS! I'M ONE OF YOUR MOST FEARED ENEMIES!] The Krudzu roared at them before trying to smash Sonic. [I DID NOT COME BACK FROM THE NEXUS TO BE FORGOTTEN BY THREE OF MY MOST HATED ENEMIES! ESPECIALLY BLUE BOY!]

"ME?! Dude I'd remember something as ugly as you!" Sonic yelled before dodging and smashing a Crab Meat that tried snapping at him.

[Well in that case...] The Krudzu snarled as his stem started to twist and writhe as the lower half started to expand outwards, almost as if something was trying to break free. [LET ME JOG YOUR MEMORY!] He screamed just as the assimilated object finally made itself visible; a massive robot head that vaguely resembled a Mobian Hedgehog, was crimson and grey in color, and possessed razor-sharp teeth.

"Is... is that Titan Sonic's head-WOAH!" The Blue Blur yelped, quickly dodging as it fired a laser from it's mouth.

[Yeah! Think you remember me now?! I'm the guy who made you all sweat! I can take over ANY KIND of Badnik and make them better!] The Krudzu cackled as he fired another two laser blasts from Titan Sonic's eyes. [And the best part?! Even broken I can make them work! I can fix them! Make them better for next time! You barely survived me last time and you KNEW what I properly was then! Now?! You don't even REMEMBER me! How can you hope to win?!]

"We'll find a way—whoa!" Tails cried out, narrowly avoiding one of the colossal blasts. As the twin tailed fox worked to regain a spot in the air, vines from the Krudzu moved link tentacles. Before any of them could reach Tails, they were quickly sliced away thanks to Sally and her wrist blades. "Thanks Sally!"

"You're welcome." Sally said in turn before dodging fire from various Badnik parts from the nightmarish creature.

Zonic, for his part, set to work trying to return fire as best as he could. However, no matter how much Zonic shot at, it seemed to have little effect as any damaged parts were replaced or seemingly repaired. "Much as I hate to say it, this overgrown weed might have a point." The Zone Cop admitted with reluctance. "How're we supposed to destroy this thing?"

"We'll have to find a way." Tails said as Sonic raced up another building to avoid getting grabbed by vines.

"Then we're gonna need some backup!" Sally replies as she quickly maneuvered through several abandoned buildings with her extreme gear in an attempt to lose some of the vines pursuing her. "Nicole! Send a distress signal back to the Sky Patrol! We need Team Freedom and Team Rose here ASAP!"

[Already on it!] The Holo-Lynx said… only for her head to materialize out of Sally's handheld with a worried expression. [...um, Sally? We might have a problem…] She began as Rotor's face appeared onscreen.


Westside Island: Oil Ocean Zone:

"Bad news Sally, Eggman decided to send in his Badnik Horde!" Rotor shouted as he slammed his fist right through the torso of an Egg Hammer. "We're gonna be occupied for a while!" He added as he turned his attention to the rest of the Freedom Fighters.

Not too far from the entrance of the Oil Ocean Zone, Antoine and Amy were fighting back to back, smashing and slicing apart any Egg Knights that got too close. Amy then jumped into the air and rapidly swung her Piko-Piko Hammer around, creating a miniature tornado filled with pink hearts and launching it at the Horde, blowing away their shields. Antoine, taking advantage of their disoriented state, shot forward before curling into a ball with his sword outstretched and sliced through the Badniks like a buzzsaw.

Up above the battlefield Bunnie was flying as fast as possible while being pursued by several silver Egg Flappers trying to shoot her down, Cream and her pet Chao occasionally slammed into the ones that got too close from behind, giving Bunnie an opportunity to blast a few of them out of the sky.

A loud *slam* got the Walrus' attention and he turned to see that Big in turn was facing off against a Heavy Egg Hammer. Right before he came to his aid however, the scanner on his Miles Electric immediately picked up a new signal. "Aw jeez! Sally, we've just picked a Horde Commander heading for your location, be careful!"


"A Horde Commander? Just what we need-GAH!" Sally complained before swerving to avoid a large robotic arm covered in vines. With no help coming, and a Badnik Horde Commander on top of that, they were in dire straits. 'Given the monster we're fighting, this Horde Commander will be an even bigger hindrance the second it-'

From the sky, someone new appeared and hit the ground, moving through some vines, in a blur. Once the dust settled, there was a familiar black, diamond shaped shield of energy that soon broke away to reveal red, glowing eyes on a black screen.

It was the one, the only, Metal Sonic.

"Oh great," Sonic said from atop a building with his arms crossed. "Another knock-off."

"He sent Metal Sonic…" Sally mumbled, her left eye twitching. "Of course he sent Metal Sonic…"

The robot doppelganger quickly turned his attention to the Blue Blur, holding up the remains of a Motobug head before crushing it with one claw. [HEDGEHOG, PRIORITY ONE-]

[Back off!] The Krudzu snapped, aiming the various robot heads attached to his vines at the newcomer. [The Hedgehog is MINE to destroy!]

"Metal Sonic! Your mission is to eradicate that monstrosity first!" Everyone heard Eggman shouting. Looking up, the Freedom Fighters spotted an Egg Flapper hovering above the battlefield with a megaphone attached to its lower half.

[NEGATIVE!] Metal Sonic protested as he effortlessly dodged the lasers and rushed up the building his organic counterpart was standing atop. [PRIORITY TARGET IS-]

"You can smack around the walking pin-cushion later!" Eggman snapped, just then several sparks erupted from Metal Sonic's body, prompting him to stop mid-flight. "Right now your main target is that overgrown weed, that's an order!"

[…PRIORITY ONE… STRANGE PLANT/BADNIK HYBRID.] Metal Sonic seemed to force out as it turned its attention back towards the Krudzu, who roared in rage.

[ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I WAS CREATED BY YOU! I WAS MADE TO BE YOUR PERFECT WEAPON DOCTOR! AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT MY GRAND RETURN, YOU FAT LAZY BUM?!] The Krudzu roared as it launched a few badniks and tendrils towards the Egg Flapper which quickly hovered out of reach. [THAT'S IT! AFTER I KILL THE HEDGEHOG, YOU'RE NEXT!]


The Death Egg Mk II:

"Hmm, this feels vaguely familiar…" Dr. Eggman mumbled as he adjusted his glasses.

[Uh, Boss? A thought occurs…] Orbot chimed in. [Why not just let that beast deal with the Freedom Fighters for us? Technically it must be one of your creations if it was picked up by the Eggnet.]

"Because Orbot, while it may be one of mine, it's not acting on my orders! And that makes it a liability!" The ovoid scientist stated as he watched his most hated nemesis tear through another SWATbot. "Besides, I have dibs on ending Sonic's life. No one will rob me of that. Not even myself."


Westside Island: Metropolis Zone Ruins:

"So, your solution to deal with this thing, which is made of robots, is to use another robot?" Sonic asked, his voice with sarcasm as he glared at the Egg Flapper. "Not your smartest idea dude!"

"Shut up and fight that monstrosity, rodent!" Eggman said from the flapper as Metal Sonic cut its way through more of the Krudzu's tendrils. "Metal can't take it on by itself. As much as I loathe to admit it, a temporary truce is in order for our own survival."

'Well, that's one headache we won't have to deal with until later...' Sally thought as she quickly sliced through another Buzz Bomber. As Sonic & Metal Sonic rushed back down the side of the building, tearing through more of the vines along the way, she quickly zoomed down towards the Zone Cop and impaled a Slicer from behind. "Please tell me you have some good news," She began as turned her attention to an approaching Motobug. "...even with Metal helping us, this thing is gonna be a chore to take down!"

"As matter of fact, I- GAH!" Zonic began just as he dodged another laser. "I finally pinpointed the portal's location!" He explained, quickly dodging another blast before firing back at the SWATbot head. "Bad news is it's right below this thing!"

[Yeah and good luck gettin' through my body! It's sturdier than anything else you weaklings can throw at it!] The Krudzu laughed as it snaked towards Metal Sonic. [And once I grab that metallic knock off I can become even more powerful and finally kill that insufferable mammal! Maybe even begin taking over this dump of a world!]

"That ain't happening!" Sonic shouted defiantly before running forward before jumping and curling into a spin-dash in midair. However, before the attack could land, the Kruzdu held up a blue Moto Bug-like carapace that had a red spring attached to it like a shield. The end result? Sonic hit the spring and, as if he'd been hit like a baseball, shot backwards before crashing into a building.

[Heh! I didn't think that would work.] The Krudzu remarked, before turning his attention back to Metal Sonic. [Come to papa!]

Metal Sonic sliced a tendril with its metal claws before turning to see the Krudzu's toothy maw bearing down on him. Its eyes flashed briefly to register the large mass of plant and metal.

[STRANGE PLANT/BADNIK HYBRID-] The Badnik began before the Krudzu swooped in and seemingly devoured in a single chomp.

"Well, so much for that," Zonic said bitterly before glaring at the Egg Flapper. "Got any other bright ideas?"

"Plenty," Eggman said, the Flapper's grin perfectly simulating his own. "I made sure to give Metal Sonic something special to whack that weed."

Before any could respond, the Kruzdu's head began to violently spasm, its head wildly crashing into anything nearby as the various tendrils and tentacles twitched erratically. Cracks of light began to peak through its head, some of them almost forcefully.

[Cah-Cah!] The Kruzdu barely managed to get out while in intense pain. [Confound you-!] It let out before it fell backwards, a single figure floating in mid-air. Said figure was Metal Sonic, surrounded in a golden, static light.

[COUNTER-MEASURE: SUCCESSFUL. STRANGE PLANT/BADNIK HYBRID DISABLED.]

"If any of you are going to do something, you ought to hurry," Eggman said as various tendrils twitched. "I don't think that EMP will last for long."

"Just make sure this thing is kept preoccupied." Sally fired back as pulled out Nicole's handheld form. "Nicole, remember that firewall protocol Uncle Chuck was working on?"

[Yes, I can download it immediately.] Nicole replied as her screen changed from green to blue. [But it's functionality is still in beta.]

"Well then, it's time for a test run." She smirked before turning her attention to her twin-tailed ally as he struck down two barely functioning Buzz Bombers. She then whistled loudly, getting his attention. "Tails, follow me!" She shouted before boarding her Extreme Gear.

"Got it!" Not wasting a second, Tails quickly flew down beside her as she rushed down a steep slope.

The Princess quickly maneuvered her board and jumped onto an overturned steel beam stretching out towards one the buildings the Krudzu was attached to. Grinding over the beast's body, Sally then jumped off the beam and drew her Ring Blades, slicing through one of the windows just as the Krudzu recovered. 'Tails and I will do what we can from the inside, just keep him busy Sonic…'

[I have had enough of today!] The Krudzu roared, flailing its vines throughout the city as everyone moved to avoid getting struck either by the creature's appendage or any debris. [I emerged from the Nexus, I infest this island and have my comeback all prepared and what do I get in return? Less than nothing; none of you dolts remember me, the Doctor outfits his badnik with a glorified pesticide, and I'm no closer to killing Sonic than I was last time!]

"Ugh, what a whiner," Eggman remarked as Zonic shot up an already partially destroyed Motobug. "There's no way he could be one of mine."

[I AM, DOCTOR! AND I WILL PROVE IT!] The creature yelled as a mass of vines erupted from a nearby building and headed straight for the Flapper. Metal Sonic didn't immediately respond due to using his black shield and defending against a sizable blast from a giant laser cannon sticking out of a building.

"No! Get away!" Eggman said, as the Flapper tried to move itself away from the mass of vines only for a blue blur to run up a building's side and jump, using velocity and speed to grab the Flapper in the nick of time before the vines could.

"As annoying as your voice is, I'd rather not have Metal use your absence as an excuse to come after me." Sonic explained, landing next to the Zone Cop with the Flapper in his arms.

"Metal! Mulch that overgrown weed immediately!" Eggman shouted as the Flapper propelled itself back into the air.

[COMPLYING.] Metal Sonic's eyes glistened before breaking his shield and rolling into a homing attack to avoid the vines but also strike multiple damaged yet functioning badniks at the same time.

"Well, we can't let him do all the work," Sonic commented before running after Metal. Zonic let out an exasperated sigh, before using his extreme gear to follow as well and switching his blaster to full auto. The three Hedgehogs, despite the Kruzdu's abilities, caused the plant-badnik hybrid an irritation that couldn't be recovered from.


As the three Hedgehogs distracted it, Sally and Tails exited an empty elevator shaft, upon arriving at the bottom floor she skidded to a halt.

And right there before them was the Genesis Portal, with a massive mechanical vine with various mismatched Badnik parts emerging from it and up through the ceiling.

It was then that they took notice of a single Badnik by its lonesome, still mostly intact as it glared up at the fighting happening elsewhere. The Badnik had a likeness to a scorpion in some respects, though it had tank treads instead of legs and a spiked ball rather than a stinger. Sally recognized it as a Skorp, but also as something else.

An opportunity.

"Nicole, get ready." Sally said before she and Tails raced to the Skorp and, in no time at all, severed it from the single vine connecting it to the Kruzdu and plugged the vine into Nicole.

[I'm in, Sally!] The Holo-Lynx exclaimed, the screen on her handheld form changing to deep red as she drew energy from the attached Power Ring. [Initiating Firewall Protocol!] Almost immediately, a powerful jolt of electricity erupted from the device, through the vine, and straight into the main body of the Krudzu.

Tails and Sally could only watch as the chain reaction occurred, various Badnik parts started twitching and short-circuiting as the electricity traveled up the beast's body…


Back up above, the Krudzu was desperately attempting to limit the trio's movements as they scattered in different directions, tearing through every Badnik he sent their way.

"C'mon, is rehashing Badniks all you got?!" The Blue Blur taunted as he sped through another building, easily dodging the vines. "You claim you can take me out when you can't even keep up?!"

[The two of you may be fast… but that one isn't!] The Krudzu snarled before focusing his attention solely on Zonic and firing several lasers from some detached SWATBot arms.

Despite the Zone Cop's best efforts to dodge them, one of the lasers hit the back of his Extreme Gear, causing it to malfunction and send him crashing into a pile of rubble. "Ow…"

[I'm sick of these games!] The Krudzu snapped as he loomed over the downed Zone Cop. [Now to finish this!]

"Aw jeez, ZONIC LOOK OUT!" Sonic shouted as he bolted towards his ally.

[TEMPORARY OPENING DETECTED!] Metal Sonic exclaimed as he swiftly flew towards the Krudzu.

[Gotcha!] The hybrid exclaimed as its vines quickly erupted from the ground just as they got close enough, ensnaring the duo before violently slamming them into the ground. [Take a nice long look, Robotnick! This is the end for both your greatest creation and your sworn enemy at the same time!] He shouted with unrestrained glee as the head of Titan Sonic emerged from the center of his "body", a sphere of energy already charging within its mouth. [Say goodbye, you miserable rodent-RRRAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!]

The Krudzu suddenly started screaming in pain as he was shocked all over , each of the Badniks connected to his body exploding as he twitched and writhed in agony.


"Think that'll work, Sally?" Tails asked as she carefully unplugged Nicole's handheld form.

"It'll be more than enough to slow that thing down, and that's all Sonic needs…" Sally replied before turning her attention to the half of the Krudzu sticking out of the Genesis Portal. "In the meantime, let's uproot this overgrown weed, shall we?" She smirked before drawing her Ring Blades.

"Gladly." The twin-tailed Fox smirked as he curled into a spin-dash and rushed towards the massive vine…


[GAAAAAAAAAAH! WHAT DID YOU INFERIOR BEINGS DO TO MEEEEEE?!] The Krudzu roared in sheer rage and agony, and in doing so let the two Hedgehogs go.

"WOOF! Good thinking to whoever did that!" Sonic smirked as he dodged a tendril that nearly grabbed him.

[CRUSH! YOU! KILL! YOU! HATE! YOU! HATE! HAAAAAAAAATE!] The plant monster roared back at him as it tried to grab the two one more time.

[WEAKNESS AROUND CENTRAL ROOT AREA DISCOVERED.] Metal Sonic exclaimed.

Sonic in turn smirked. "You thinkin' what I'm thinkin' Metal?"

[CORRECTION. YOU PROCESSED LATER THEN ME.] Metal Sonic replied before taking off.

The two Hedgehogs moved, avoiding the increasingly desperate and erratic flailing from the Krudzu as it tried to either crush or hit them. As for Sonic and Metal Sonic, their impromptu teamwork-and how one is an imitation of the other-made for a fierce combination, running and cutting their way to and through vines that constituted as the Kruzdu's "roots" as it were. Though they weren't alone as Sally and Tails did their part below, the four of them hacking away and giving the Kruzdu unimaginable pain; its body practically seizing in response.

[H-HATE YOU-!] It called out as Sally and Tails broke away, moving to rejoin Zonic and the modified Egg Flapper.

"I think that'll do it," Tails said to which Sally nodded.

"Hey Sonic! Mind doing some weed pulling?" She called out from the Krudzu's connections to the portal, which were now easily breakable and in tatters.

Sonic didn't say anything, only giving her a thumbs up and cocky grin as he ran, before looking at Metal Sonic who was racing beside him.

"Up for a challenge?" He asked as Metal kept vigilance over the hardly functioning Kruzdu. Despite only having its Titan Metal Sonic frame-that thankfully hadn't recharged just yet-it was little more than a mass of unmoving green.

[TRY AND KEEP UP.] Metal said in turn before Sonic broke off and ran to another part of the city. Soon enough, both Hedgehogs had their own straight paths right at the Kruzdu and its vines. Sonic began to run in place, one arm on the ground as if to keep him anchored, as he began to build speed. However, as he did so, the velocity he accumulated caused an illusion of sorts, his legs disappearing into a blur that quickly resembled the infinity sign.

As for Metal, he stood as he began to overclock his core and build up a large amount of energy. A yellow colored energy that caused him to start rising off the ground itself with such concentrated power. His eyes were focused solely on the Kruzdu and knew exactly what his target would be.

Then, as if reacting to a non-existent signal, both took off from their respective directions and went straight for the massive creature who–despite just starting to unwind from locking up–found itself grabbed at different ends by each Hedgehog and swiftly grabbed violently forward. Yet, the resulting scream was not out of surprise as this sudden act or how the Kruzdu found itself being pulled through the city it had infested.

It was the fact that, thanks to Sonic and Metal Sonic, it was no longer connected to the portal it emerged from. The force of their respective attacks practically tore the Kruzdu from the tattered remains of its "roots".

[LOUSY-OUCH-INSIGNIFICANT-GAAHH!]

"That oughta keep him occupied for now…" Sally smirked as they watched the duo rush through the abandoned city, purposely dragging the screaming Krudzu through the wreckage and multiple buildings.

"Nice thinking, Princess." Zonic coughed as Tails helped him to his feet. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a portal to stabilize!" He added before leaping into the hole.

*BEEP, BEEP, BEEP*

Right before she could follow however, Nicole's handheld form started going off. "Guys? Is everything alright? Do you still need backup?" She asked as she flipped the device open.

"No worries Sally, we've taken out the last of the Badnik Horde," She heard Rotor explain, much to her relief. "We're about to head for the city-"

"Wait!" Tails interjected, getting everyone's attention. "Rotor, you guys hold your position. Prepare the Tornado and the Twister, Sonic's gonna need the firepower when he gets close enough!" The twin-tailed Fox explained, giving Sally a reassuring wink before flying towards the area Sonic and Metal Sonic had dragged the Krudzu.

"What exactly is Sonic fighting?" Rotor asked in confusion.

"You might have to see for yourself." She replied before boarding her airboard and soaring down towards the Genesis Portal, unaware that the Egg Flapper had made itself scarce…


[LEMME GO!] The Krudzu screamed as it was dragged through the city and multiple buildings. Sonic and Metal Sonic ignored this, or any of the creature's cries of pain. They would have continued this action if not for Tails flying towards Sonic.

"Sonic! Head towards the Oil Ocean Zone!" The young fox said, as he kept up with both Hedgehogs. "I have an idea!"

Sonic didn't say anything as Tails flew ahead of them, only moving to follow his longtime friend. As for Metal Sonic, it took the badnik a mere moment to calculate what this change of trajectory would mean. Once completed, it realized what was going to happen and decided to comply as well since it would fulfill its objective.

[ARGH!] The Krudzu cried, causing a stray thought to echo through Sonic's head.

'There's something familiar about this,' He spared a brief glance to Metal Sonic as they both continued to follow Tails through this abandoned city. Whatever it was, Sonic couldn't afford to speculate too much about it to maintain his concentration. Even then, as he, Metal Sonic, Tails, and the Krudzu got close to the Oil Ocean, something particular soon entered his field of vision.

It was a pair of bi-planes–the former red and white while the latter was purple and light blue; they were familiar sights since they were the Tornado and the Twister and respectively piloted by Antoine D'Coolette and Amy Rose (as far as Sonic could tell).

'So that's what Tails had in mind…' Sonic realized with a small smile. He then glanced at Metal once more. "You ready knock-off!?"

[MY EFFECTIVENESS IS SUPERIOR TO YOUR OWN, INFERIOR COPY.] Metal Sonic retorted, though it was clear he was prepared.

Acting in unison, with Tails breaking off, the two Hedgehogs proceeded to begin running around in circles together with tight grips on their respective vines. With their joint momentum building, and the Kruzdu finding itself starting to lift up into the air, eventually both Hedgehogs let go at the proper moment to send the creature flying.

Before the Kruzdu could even think a single reassuring thought over how it was no longer being dragged through the city or being spun, it took notice of the Tornado and the Twister, how it was clearly in their sights, and had no time to even try and respond.

All the Kruzdu could do is say one last thing.

[OH MULCH, NOT AGAIN-]

Before both bi-plans opened fire on it with a flurry of bullets and missiles, reducing the Titan Metal Sonic frame into nothing but broken bits of scrap metal and itself into little more than a tattered mass of green. If that wasn't enough, due to the bits of fire on its remains, the minute the Kruzdu landed into an open oil vat-

*BOOM*

The whole thing went off like a missile strike, destroying the vat and apparently all remains of the Kruzdu from its metal parts to its vines.

"Ha! Try regenerating from that!" Sonic cheered as took a moment to catch his breath.

[TARGET DESTROYED.] Metal Sonic exclaimed, right before turning his attention to his biological counterpart and flexing his claws. [RESUMING PREVIOUS MISSION OBJECTIVE.]

"Here comes the vile, yet inevitable, betrayal." Sonic scoffed before getting into a fighting stance just as the Egg Flapper hovered right over the duo.

"Metal Sonic, retreat immediately!" Dr. Eggman shouted, much to the Blue Blur's confusion.

[NEGATIVE!] The robot hedgehog protested, clenching his fists in anger as sparks erupted from his hand. [MY PRIMARY TARGET STILL LIVES-]

"And the rest of his pea-brained posse is already on their way here! Not to mention two of them are already circling the area." The mad Doctor interrupted him, prompting the robot to glance up at the two planes that were still airborne. "I'm in no mood to put you back together after last time. And besides, we've already gotten what we needed…"

Sonic blinked upon hearing this. "What the heck does that mean-"

"Now hurry back to the Death Egg, that's an order!"

Before the Blue Blur could finish, Metal Sonic immediately took off into the sky, zooming past the Tornado and off the island. Narrowing his eyes, Sonic turned his attention to the lone Egg Flapper. "What are you up to this time, Egghead?"

"Oh, just setting a few minor plans for the future, rodent." The Doctor replied in a condescending tone. "Anyway, I believe our time is up. I'll be seeing you."

On that final statement, the Egg Flapper suddenly started shorting out before falling to the ground, completely inactive, just as the rest of Team Freedom arrived on the scene.

"I honestly can't tell which is worse, when Eggman's boasting about his latest plan or when he's being unnervingly cryptic." Sonic grumbled as he kicked over the Egg flapper in frustration.

"Y'all alright, sugar hog?" Bunnie asked as she landed before Sonic, the thrusters in her metallic legs deactivating just as she landed. "Last thing we need is for ya ta go feral, again."

"I'm okay, Bunnie." Sonic mumbled while giving the Egg Flapper a final glare before turning to his longtime friends. "It's just been a long day."

"Ya wanna talk about it?" She asked, placing her mechanical arm on his shoulder.

"Maybe later." He sighed, watching as the Tornado and Twister flew back towards the Sky Patrol. "It's not every day a plant-badnik monster comes from nowhere to take over a city."

"I'll say!" Rotor called out as he flew towards the two on his own Extreme Gear before skidding to a halt, tucking the board under an arm while also holding the remains, specifically the head, of a Moto Bug under the other. "The base gets assaulted by a Badnik Horde while this city gets infested by a plant monster?" Rotor sighed as he held up the Moto Bug's remains. "…and with these archaic looking Badniks, no less…"

Given how he didn't have to run and fight, Sonic was able to take notice of Rotor's point. Namely, the fact that the badniks the Kruzdu was using were different than the usual ones he and the Freedom Fighters normally encountered. It was a subtle difference though: the ones the Kruzdu was using had a more- antiquated quality to them, a rougher look as if they were made more than a decade ago compared to the almost simplistic yet refined look of Eggman's usual badniks.

Was this another factor regarding the Genesis Nexus?

'Maybe the old world is involved…' Sonic silently thought before replying. "Yeah, there were a lot of old looking Badniks running around, no idea where they came from though. Maybe the me with a 'Z' knows something."

However, before either of them could speculate further, there was a slight ringing sound coming from a pouch on Rotor's tool belt. The walrus dropped the Motorbug head and reached into the pouch to pull out a palm sized device. Upon clicking a button, a holographic project of Nicole and Sally appeared.

"Rotor, you—oh, you and Bunnie found Sonic, good." Sally said with slight relief. "That saves us some time."

"What's the update?" Bunnie asked, prompting Nicole to speak.

[Well, it took some effort, but without the Kruzdu, Zonic was able to stabilize the portal it was emerging through; he thinks we might be able to use it.] The Holo-Lynx explained with a smile.

"Might as well get this show on the road. We'll be right over." Rotor said before clicking another button on the device, causing the projection to cut off, before returning it to its proper pouch.

"I know where it is, just follow me and we'll be there in a second." Sonic said, moving into a dash followed by Bunnie activating her feet's thrusters and Rotor getting back on his Extreme Gear.

Yet, as the blue hedgehog ran towards the city, he didn't do so with an empty head.

'These portals make no sense. How do we go from a black, magic-using cat that has a score to settle with Knuckles to a plant monster mixed with old Badniks?' Sonic wondered as Bunnie and Rotor followed him. 'What else is gonna show up on the other side once we go through? More weird Badniks? Look alikes of us? Something trying to match Chaos on a bad day?'

Despite the speculation, there was one thought that Sonic had above all else. A single thought that deeply resonated with him after everything that's happened today - including everything he's seen.

'I've a bad feeling about all of this…'


The Death Egg Mk II:

[Uh, Boss? I can't exactly comprehend the logic in your 'strategy' here…] Orbot said as he hopped down the hallway alongside his master. [Why even bother sending Metal Sonic into the field if you weren't even going to let him fight Sonic this time?]

"Puh! You think too small, Orbot." Dr. Eggman replied as they entered the hanger, with several of his Egg SAWTs quickly moving out of his way. "This is all about the bigger picture in the grand scheme of things, and today was just a test run."

Orbit tilted his head in confusion. [I'm sorry Boss, but I don't follow.]

"It's simple, while Sonic was busy dealing with that Krudzu beast, I had the Egg Flapper scan the Genesis Portal for more data. I'll have to get some use out of those random occurrences anyway." Eggman began as they passed the remains of the Egg Dragoon. "Plus, that specialized EMP core I installed into Metal Sonic worked perfectly! Once I get the proper resources and make a few tweaks here and there, I'll be able to mass-produce them for the rest of my army." He added as the hanger doors opened, revealing the vast ocean and Metal Sonic flying towards them. "That alone will come in handy for when I take over the Lost Hex, and whenever Naugus decides to crawl out from whatever rock he is hiding under."

As he continued, Cubot hopped over to the two, carrying what looked like a circular capsule, the very same one Eggman had used to capture the Wisps. [Here ya go, Boss-Man!]

"And lastly…" He smirked as Metal Sonic landed before him and held out his claw, revealing a small vine thrashing about in his grasp. "I had Metal snatch a sample of the Krudzu right before he left! So while Sonic and his friends think it's been completely destroyed, I'll be able to work on a more advanced version they won't be prepared for!"

The mad Doctor then cackled as he snatched the vine, tossed it into the capsule, and sealed it shut. "So in conclusion, I'll let Sonic have this minor victory but in the end, it will just be a prelude to his destruction and the expansion of the Eggman Empire!"


AN:

Special thanks to my co-writers (VampDash & Storyteller222) and editors (OnyxCrimsonBlur & Seekingthesky) for helping me complete this chapter!

Chapter 3 will have our heroes finally entering the titular Nexus! But what will they find on the other side…?