Chapter 2 – The Heroes and Dr Eggman
The journey to the Death Egg felt like ages for Sonic and his team, but at last they have arrived at the hangar of the battle station. With another code Blaze gave them earlier on before their arrival at Brazil, they were able to gain access to the Death Egg as the security personnel temporarily deactivated the shield allowing them in.
"Almost there, guys," said Tails as he glanced carefully at the hangar. "Just let me find the right spot to park the shuttle."
"Take all the time you need, Tails," said Cynder. "Still, we have to be punctual about this as the space fighters will start their on the Death Egg any minute now."
Cautiously, Tails adjusted the shuttle forward at a slow pace and soon they parked it neatly. Several Egg Pawns stood as they waited for the shuttle's arrival, so the team knew they had to formulate a plan where they could be able to make their way around the Death Egg and reach Dr Eggman without any unwanted entanglements. Sonic, Shadow and Torden wished they could fight the robots that got in their way, but they understood that they needed to save their energy and could only engage in battle with them if it was necessary.
"Better be on our guard," warned Silver. "The robots are sure to inspect the ship, so get ready to attack before they do."
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" said Torden eagerly.
"Let's not do anythin' hasty, partner," said Jakkin. "We only need to take out the robots that will get in the way."
"I'd say we hide inside parts of the ship, then when the robots come searching around, we surprise them," suggested Draco.
"A sound plan, Draco," said Charonus.
The team hid all around the shuttle and waited for a single robot to come inside. Soon, they heard some footsteps, and a few of the Egg Pawns came running in scouting the interior of the shuttle. As soon as the robots walked into a certain spot, Sonic, Shadow and Torden leapt out of their hiding places and quickly incapacitated the bunch.
"Piece of cake!" laughed Sonic.
"Now that our path is clear, we can sneak around the Death Egg and locate Eggman's private quarters," said Tails. "Tread carefully, guys. We don't want any more robots to be alerted to our presence."
It did not take long for the team to reach the control room which contained a map displayed on screen, showing all the sectors of the Death Egg. Tails analysed the map thoroughly and soon pinpointed their next destination. They found that Eggman's private chamber was located on the thirty-eighth floor, so they searched for the elevators. To their delight, they saw that the elevator room was right around the corner. The team checked to make sure that they got what they needed for their imminent confrontation with Dr Eggman.
"Percival, do you have the Chaos Emeralds with you?" asked Sonic.
"Right here, Sonic," said Percival as he showed the sack to them containing the seven Chaos Emeralds. "What will we need them for?"
"Well, if you must know, Eggman usually has an extremely powerful mecha ready every time we reach his major hideouts," said Sonic. "I don't know what he has in store for us, but we must be well-prepared and make use of our full powers in order to defeat him."
"Could be that, or there may be a greater adversary in his private chamber," muttered Cynder.
"What did you say, Cynder?" asked Lily.
"Nothing," said Cynder quickly. "I was just saying that we also have our brooches ready for the upcoming big battle."
"Those will be important, of course," said Ash. "Now, shall we proceed?"
"Yes, we shall!" replied the team. "Away we go!"
The team left the control and explored the Death Egg in their search for the elevator room. They were careful to keep themselves from getting caught by Eggman's robots. Eventually after travelling through the network of hallways, they came to a room with several elevator shafts, and they realised that they were on the right track. Tails pressed the button of the middle elevator and soon the doors opened. The elevator was big and wide enough to fit a fairly large group. Everyone got in and then Tails pressed the button for the elevator to go up. The wait was somewhat long, but at last the elevator let off a dinging sound, letting the team know that they have reached the thirty-eighth floor. The doors opened revealing a large, sinister-looking room. From the distance, they could see a series of stairs leading to a throne in front of a large window overlooking the void of space. Resting on the top of the big throne is the Master Emerald. Slowly the team made their way across the room and up the stairs to an arena that spans between them and the throne. Just then, the throne spun around to reveal Dr Eggman sitting majestically on it.
"Well, well, you've managed to come this far, Sonic," said the doctor. "I have been expecting you and your friends."
"It's all over, doc!" declared Sonic. "Your reign of terror will soon be put to an end, and this time, you won't be getting away!"
Eggman grinned maliciously. "So brash of you, just as you were in your youth," he cackled as he stood up from the throne and approached the team. "You are grievously mistaken, for it is you who will soon meet your end!"
"No, I don't think so," said Sonic. "Soon we'll all be dead, and you will go along with us."
"Perhaps you are speaking of the imminent attack of the Anthro League fleet," said Eggman. "Yes, I know about them, and I regret to say that even they will be eliminated before they could even attempt to destroy the Death Egg, for you see, I was the one who tipped the Anthro League off about the location of the shield generator!"
"What are you talking about?" asked Sonic.
"Everything that has transpired up to this point is done so according to my plans, hedgehog," replied Eggman. "Your friends down there in Brazil are walking into a trap, and this includes your rebel fleet! Shortly after you destroyed Eggrobo, he let off the signal to my legion of the best and most powerful robots to arrive at the base!"
"Blaze… Bowser…" mumbled Draco worryingly.
"What's the matter?" asked Eggman as he noticed Draco's sudden change of mood. "Getting concerned about the well-being of your friends? Well, you better be, for I'm afraid they won't survive any longer! Reinforcements have been alerted and they are waiting for them at this very moment!"
"You demented, despicable, cruel, evil sadist…" hissed Cynder.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere," retorted Eggman. "Face it, I have won! Once I'm through with you, your friends, and your pitiful Anthro League, I'll be taking the Chaos Emeralds you have with you, and I shall finally realise my dream of dominating the world!"
Sonic gritted his teeth with swelling anger while Dr Eggman cackled maniacally. He and his team could only wonder what would become of Blaze and her group now.
Author's Note: Seems like trouble is afoot for everyone. Dr Eggman sure is one step ahead of them! How are our heroes going to handle the impending predicaments? Tense moments are coming in the next chapter! And don't you just love these Star Wars references and homages?